Chapter 2:

I looked towards the handsome man standing at the end of the Chantry aisle. My heart leaped right out of my chest and I instantly felt dizzy and nauseous. He gave me a smile that sent shockwaves from my head to my toes. Fergus linked his arm in mine and gave me a reassuring smile. As the music started to play, I slowly walked down the aisle as everyone stood to look at me. Alistair pressed his hand to his mouth and blushed. As I took my last step, Alistair took my hand pulled me up next to him on the altar. The Revered Mother started to recite her verses about holy matrimony and how we are blessed under the Maker and Andraste. I tried to listen but I was far too mesmerized by how handsome my love looked. He was dressed in a black jacket over his white flowing shirt, loose black pants, and boots that tied up to his knees. He was wearing a gold crown on his head, infused with diamonds and rubies, and on the top button of his jacket was the same ruby griffon.

"…and under the watchful eyes of the Maker and of Andraste, may they bless these two Grey Wardens, heroes of Ferelden, and the new king and queen forever," Mother Hannah bowed her head in prayer. "Whoever has the rings please bring them forward; it is time for the vows to be recited."

My Mabari war hound, Elaric, bound forward with a rose covered collar. The rings were resting on a little pillow attached to his collar and Mother Hannah reached down to grab them. She handed the golden ring to Alistair that was embellished with a large diamond. Alistair was first to recite his vows. He took my left hand in both of his.

"My dearest Isobel, from the moment fate brought us together; I've been crazy about you. Those blue eyes of yours bring me comfort even in the darkest of time. I love everything about you and I promise to hold you and keep you safe forever; through everything. Nothing will ever tear us apart. We will rebuild the order of the Wardens together. I will rule Ferelden with you at my side forever, my queen," Alistair's rough hands slid the ring onto my third finger and he kissed it. Mother Hannah handed the golden ring to me and I took Alistair's left hand.

"I never cared much about your bloodline after you told me. From the moment I met you, and you were arguing with that mage, I loved your spunk. The first words you spoke to me drove me crazy. The sound of your voice was like the love song of a beautiful bard. From the first time we kissed I've never wanted to let you go. You're my king and my warden in shining armour. Alistair, I love you forever and always, no matter what. You are mine," I slipped the ring on his finger and he held my hands tightly.

"With the Maker's blessing, Alistair Theirin and Isobel Cousland, I now pronounce you husband and wife, king and queen of Ferelden! You may kiss your queen," Mother Hannah gestured to us with her hand as Alistair pulled me tight against his body, his face less than an inch from mine.

"I love you, Isobel," He whispered and I felt his sweet breath against my lips, then he closed the distance. The kiss was more overwhelming than all the others. I blocked out the sounds of the applause and just let myself be drawn into his lips. His arms fell around my waist, mine around his neck, bouquet and all, as his tongue teased it's way over my lips. Our tongues were in a constant battle for dominance when I finally gave up and let him take over.

"Alistair…" I spoke quietly when his lips pulled from mine, longing to feel them against mine again. I was clinging to the collar of his shirt, causing it to wrinkle when Zevran and Leliana pulled us apart. I reached out to kiss him again and he winked at me.

"See you at the party, my love," He spoke as he left, leaving me with Leliana and my mabari.

"Come, my queen. We have a long way to go until we reach the castle," Natalia, the servant, spoke softly, opening the door the door the carriage.

"Please, call me Isobel," I smiled at her and rested my head on Leliana's shoulder as I fingered my bouquet. "So, when can I expect the invitation for you and Zevran," I nudged her and winked, questioning with a flirty tone.

"Ah, my queen, that is a question for another time. Tonight is your night to shine," Leliana kissed my forehead and we chatted about the wedding and I tried to get her to slip some details about this party, but she wouldn't slip a single word. "You're in for a wonder surprise. I promise."