They had returned to the palace in Ferelden, Elissa found Alistair on a balcony in one of their many large halls. They had not spoken since the night in her tent.

"I always found you to stood tall as a king," she said holding her place in the hall.

Drawn from his contemplation he looked over his shoulder before returning his gaze to the ruined kingdom he inherited.

"When I first saw Calien I couldn't help but think how much we resembled, for a brief moment i thought perhaps i had a brother. But he paid me no mind. I accepted the rejection and simply stayed away. It was not a new feeling for me but one quiet familiar, one i knew how to deal with. Perhaps he understood something about me that i didn't. Perhaps he knew i didn't matter.

I wish i never knew about my father, I wish they didn't know about me then maybe things could be different."

"I found it curious i never saw you two speak at Ostagar I had assumed perhaps you had accepted the lesser role as the younger sibling. Or perhaps you were busy with matters on behalf of the King. I only realized it with your grand confession. And when the mission was done, when we defeated the Archdemon and you were still standing, It had to be you Alistair."

"I never wanted this,"

"That's why it had to be you. I was always going to end up here, my family's enemies had revealed themselves. The only difference is that I would here with him."

"You're sure of that?"

"Your brother the King was not very good at hiding his interests. I know men like him, and I would have taken every advantage."

"Are you taking advantage of me?" approaching woman, pulling her in by the waist.

"No,"

"I don't believe you," he hissed into her ear.

"Your brother has no known children, yet his wife requested you be a more faithful husband than he. I would have given him many children." pulling out of reach she rested her back against the balcony wall.

"I would be favored over his own wife. She who only knows to show interest in ruling carrying no concern for the future of his throne. My children would have been left. I am of Noble blood if I bare your child he or she would be a legitimate heir"

"There are no reported children being born to those with tainted blood." the subject depressed him.

"Perhaps because none have had the chance we have been given." Standing before him her hand rested on his shoulder, as she silently requested his attention.

"Is that your plan, to give me children? Is that your role?"" A cynical tone laced his voice. Eyes on the ruin before him.

Alistair was never surprised that the city he was given to rule was in ruin. Of course he the bastard son of King Maric would rule over the ashes of a kingdom. He sighed heavily feeling sorry for himself.

"Look at the kingdom you have given me, my dear Warden. It is a land that is dead beyond repair. That is what you carry in your womb, a ruin which will produce nothing," his growled.

"I wish we could have met under different circumstances Alistair. I promise you would have loved me." listening to her words he continued on his way leaving the balcony.

Elissa returned to her office, back to work. She had to wonder if she wanted to be a mother, probably not, she enjoyed her freedoms it brought her great pleasure to be free of such responsibility But she had a future she needed to secure. Elissa would do whatever she needed to resort her status and keep her father's name alive.

Elissa was well educated and raised to be someone of value. She got to work reviewing the lands status reports, deciding how to best assist the people closest to them first, whose homes were in ruin. Attempting to come up with solutions to first take care offering them shelter and food before repairing the land.

Later that night a young male servant had been attending in her room. He was slightly younger. His beauty caught Elissa's eye.

"Would it make you uncomfortable if I told you how beautiful you are," she said to him, shifting she rested heavily on the arm of her chair.

"My lady," he straightened pushing back a loose hair that escaped it's tie, he was playing coy and she spotted it right away.

"Would it be to much to ask for a special service from someone so beautiful?" Taking in his form, Slender tall not so muscular, with a deep breathe her full breast swelled rising from her snug vest.

He smiled, " For someone as beautiful as you my lady anything."

"You think you are clever, don't you?" a wicked grin on her face.

A brow raised carefully.

"What is your name?"

"Eugene"

"Eugene, I will teach you the game," she rose from her chair, standing before him he was a foot taller,her hands roamed his slender form.

"And you will have everything, will you service me personally in turn."

He smiled wickedly.

"All but the King's seat is for the taking, do you understand?"

"Yes," he hissed alluringly.

"Undress and wait for me. I shall be but a moment."

Elissa, took her pleasure from the young servant that night her full breast exposed to him and his cock pushed up her ass as she rode him. Hands on the bed frame, her neck exposed as her head fell back in pleasure. Elissa couldn't risk the seed of any other entering her womb. He was not but a tool for her pleasure, but in the days to come she would teach him many things. How to to play the game how to listen, when to speak and what to say or how to say it. She would help him raise in power over another house. With his help she would rebuild what was taken from her.

He would be known as a favored house servant. A golden bracelet from Orlais adorned his wrist. it was a mere months before he would begin testing his tricks in other Noble house, He accompanied the Lady and Alistair on their many trips outside the palace to appeal to Noble families that might give aid in resources and labored hands.

"Must he be joining us," Alistair grumbled.

"Yes," she smiled. Earning her a suspicious look.

Elissa and Alistair were seeking help from as many places that could afford to assist the survivors of Denerim the King's own city was in ruin and his it's people taking refuge where they could among the rubble.

They enjoyed meals by their hosts, Elissa spoke the intentions and requests of the King. They were in desperate need of food for their people, and shelter. She smiled sweetly and laughed at their silly jokes. Prompt by hosts' to tell of her tails as a Warden and she did so joyfully recalling tales of their journey as Warden's. Alistair told his own versions of the story or added details he had been pulled into the game she was playing. A grand manipulation.

The sparkle in her eyes when he joked or laughed was no game. It had always been there hidden under a blood stained face and cruel but necessary decisions. Elissa enjoyed when they were outside Ferelden's palace, it was easier for them to enjoy one another. Elissa was always surprised to find Alistair knocking on her door in the dead of night when the house was asleep. Entering without a word. He would cover her mouth with his and her response was all he needed to before he would have her.

Elissa took great pleasure in watching her student put his studies into play, whether it was a Lord or Lady he every opportunity to play when offered a chance to serve in the home of their host. He would take the greatest advantage of whichever Noble showed an interest in him. Eugene was careful when he touched sweeping his hand to close or flirting with his smile. Often a request was made for the servant to say behind a while. And Elissa would often pretend surprise at such a request. That always made Alistair suspicious.

Eugene would often return with gifts and more than what the King and his Warden counsellor asked for. Each time he returned he met Elissa, she was often alone when in the palace. Roughly pounding into her tight ass it excited her when they were together like this somewhere they might get caught, he did however understand he should take great care when to approach her and when or where to have her. She would have his head otherwise.

"What's going on between you," Alistair asked her quietly referring to the young man present in his private quarters during their discussion. He was always listening always practicing how to move to grab the attention of those around, he was doing so even now. But Alistair was sore as they were just returning from a visit in Orlasis, sharing many wonderful nights with his Lady Warden to return to their land of poverty.

"He's attending our refreshments," she answered as if it were that simple.

Alistair rose from his seat, walking around the desk to Elissa, Alistair took her by the wrist guiding her out of her seat. She watched him with uncertainty. Roughly he pushed her against the desk, her hands landing heavily causing a loud thud to sound.

"Do you think he'd like to watch. He seems to do that a lot, I've noticed him...,watching.."

"What are you doing?" she tried to push away, Alistair's hips pressed hard against her.

"You want him to watch," eyes never leaving the servant.

"Alistair."

"Can't you feel that," pressing his hard into her ass, he breathed in her sent a hand roughly pulling the loose hair gathered at the base of her neck.

"How I desired you, but never finding a moment in this damned place." His hands pulled at the length of her dress. Pushed down she rested against the desk and Alistair raised her leg so that she was exposed to him. He caressed her leg, ass his warm hand slid down between her legs he could feel her heat, Elissa guided him, and he felt her body twitch when he touched the places she had guided him too.

The servant tried to leave but Alistair glared at him holding him in place. Only the sound of Elissa calling his name tore his gaze away.

"Please, command him to be gone." she asked pressing her ass into his hard.

"No,"he growled.

Quickly he unbuckled his leather trousers as he did Elissa continued grinding her rear against him. When he was free he tore her smalls causing a yelp to escape her lips.

Alistair push in slowly, a shutter of a moan escaped Elissa mouth.

"undo your vest," Alistair whispered to her breathlessly into her ear, an arm wrapped across her shoulder holding her against his body.

She could barely do as he asked, a hand continually falling to level herself as he thrusted behind her. Pulling at the strings, she guided his hand over her sensitive breast.

Alistair buried his face into thick waves of strawberry blonde hair, body pressed tightly against her. His eyes raised and he watch the servant, a smug look on the younger man's face as he watched Elissa.

The woman fell forward, resting her forehead against the table. Her cries muffled,

"Fuck, shit, fuck," she chanted at the rising of her pleasure. Attempting to grab onto something she clawed at the desk.

Alistair's pace quickened, his moans were deep and his breath heavy. His head lolled forward hands roughly gripping her hips. A shiver accompanied his moan and his thrusts became shorter and deeper.

"Maker," he moaned.

"Ali," she struggled to say his name through clenched teeth and broken cries.

The sound of her peak and the feel of her wrapped around him, drove Alistair to his end, Elissa hands pulled at him with a reaching hand. She wanted his seed, wanted to give him an heir. She believed a child would bring him joy and restore the man he had been. His body rested heavily on her back and for a moment he forgot about the servant watching Remembering only when Elissa lips sought his mouth her fingers scratching through his hair. Alistair spotted the younger man staring, annoyed he pulled away.

Adjusting himself, he eyed the male servant ordering him to leave.

"Go lay down," Alistair gestured Elissa to his bed.

She had been resting against the desk trying to lace up her vest. Walking over Alistair could tell her legs were weak, and a smile creeped over his lips. Clearing his throat he picked up scattered documents they were previously discussing. With a heavy sigh he began to study them.

After a long nap Elissa left Alistair's bed. The King cuddled up, back facing her she quietly rose and left. The male servant awaiting her. She touched her belly prayerfully.

"You seem to be losing this game my lady," startled Elissa glared at him.

"Should I have step in?"

"This is not the seat we are after, I told you."

"Wouldn't you prefer to be queen my lady? Never mind restoring your family's good name. You could have so much more."

"I don't want to be queen,"

"What is your game with him? I don't think it's going how one might anticipate."

"If you don't think so then you don't understand all the rules." Elissa's mind wandered. "He's not a bad man, just a broken one. His seat is not our goal, do you understand? Be sure you are not reminded again."

Alistair delivered the plans Elissa had laid out for him, every word he said spoke of her capabilities as his counselor, and right hand. They all knew it, but respected both Marics memory and the Lady Elissa who had spoken Alistair's every indecision as if it were a matter that had been dealt with. Often putting him in a better looking light with her words.

"We should have a ball, or a dinner," Elissa suggested one night staring out of the balcony in Alistair's chamber. His view was terrible, she thought when she saw that hideous prison tower. But it's the room he choose when rooms were rearranged for the sake of creating shelter.

"We can't afford to," he rubbed his face. "What will the people think of us festing while they are on the verge of starvation.",

"Is it extremely wrong if we ask them to bring a dish, their best dish, we will offer what remains to the hungry." she paused for a moment seeming stressed,

"I need to find you a wife someone you would get along with, someone…. with a sense of humour. A celebration would please the people. Marriage means alliance and that means money. They have been in better spirits of late but winter is near I fear what that we will be forced to halt our efforts."

Alistair listen to her ramble, he had become used to her presence and her voice.

"Wife?" He mumbled when all she said registered in his mind. "Have you not already claimed that role for yourself."

"i have nothing to offer you. Nothing to value to your Kingdom. I have no power to restore anything." she sighed and now it was her turn to rub her fingers over her tired eyes.

"As for our efforts we will continue until snow begins to fall. We just need to do something about keeping them warm and feed." he watched as she pressed her fingertips into her eyes.

"Hm", she turned to leave, Alistair was able to catch her by the hand as she walked by.

"Stay," his eyes locked with hers, shutting them tightly he considered the servant she'd spend so much time with.

"Is he waiting for you? Has he had you recently?", A hand swept over her cheek to cradle her face..

"No, there is nothing - "

"Don't lie to me, I see the way he watches you. How he is always by your side, how you whisper to him. I notice him listening to every word of every conversation. Is he a spy, have you betrayed me?" His breath heavy against her neck as he leaned into her.

"I have offered to teach him a trade for his services. We are not all born sons of a noble blood."

"what services?" a jealous tone laces Alistair voice.

"at first physical pleasures."

"does he offer these still?"

"Only when you refuse me."

"is it possible that what's growing in you could be his." Alistair placed an open palm over her small belly, his eyes dark his nose caressed her neck and he breathed her in. "tell me?" he whispered against her ear.

"why do you torture me so, touch me," He beings to kiss her, "kiss me and then abandon me?"

"I can't stop thinking about the way your mouth was on me those nights ago," ignoring her question. "When we were first together," kissing her his hand swept over her bottom, he squeezed firmly.

"Is she still there, In the tower? why haven't you taken her head?!" she asked when she caught sight of the prison tower from where she had been by his desk.

His hands roamed her body still as he placed open mouth kisses against her skin, turning her creamed colored skin rose pink.

Pulling away his agitation clear, "is that what you want of me? To kill everyone who wrongs me, the way you did to that family?"

Pushing him away,

"They killed my entire house, i was just returning the favor, It's not about you killing her, It's about you realizing your worth Alistair and your place." Sighing she told him, "Never touch me again." her words carried a finality and she stormed off. only to find Eugene in the hall, he was always close by. Eyes shut tightly she rose a hand to cover her face,

"Come along, my lady." He escorts her to her private chamber. He doesn't say a word about her mood and she's grateful.

Alistair is left fuming, passing his fingers roughly through his hair before slamming heavy fists onto his desk, letting out a cry of frustration. He can see the prison tower from his balcony, he doesn't need to take her head he decides, but he will have something more valuable.

A sentence is to be delivered within two days of his decision. Alistair declares the former Queen stripped of all titles and possessions for her family's betrayal towards the crown and her own husband. She is cast out of the land, and all will receive word of her betrayal that non would show mercy.

It is the toughest decisions he has ever made. It's probably a sentence worse than death and he feels worse for having spared her. Elissa is in court when the sentence is past, she watches him with all that he's learned from following her lead. His words eloquent he is standing tall and doesn't not waver.

Anora begs he reconsider, offering herself into his service, when he refused she curses his name and is forcibly removed. She is cast out of the city the very day of her sentencing, least she turn the people against him. She is never to return.

Eliissa watches as she is taken away. She feels eyes are on her and she looks towards the King. Her expression remains stoic,

Alistair watches as her personal servant gesture for them to take their leave. He is not pleased with the lad, she is not his but he can't help what he's feeling. Perhaps it is the taint in their blood that is binding, drawing them he can't be sure. Alistair had been a Warden for a only months longer than Elissa. His only experiences as a Warden consisted of fighting the darkspawn.

Alistair went to her room that night, a lit tap on the door Alistair was greeted by Eugene's familiar face how he longed to tear it apart.

"Leave," his tone endlessly annoyed.

Looking back, the young man only left when his mistress nodded.

"Aren't you happy? I did what you wanted."

"No you did what needed to be done. You can be kind while making hard choices Alistair, why don't you see that? It's not one or the other but a balance of both. You are the King betrayal should be punished. I know you don't think it's your place to decided that, but she betrayed your family. A family that didn't love you I know, but that crime could only be acknowledged by one whose blood she betrayed.,Though I must say your actions were crueler then if made by my hand."

"So I've realized."

"It was good of you to send her away. Smart. No one will question your actions. Now if you would please excuse me, I have much work to be done," she gestured for the door.

No sure what he was expecting, he left.