Summer is a busy time for all of us and my betas are no exception. Please note that all grammar and typos are of my own volition and no fault of theirs. I hope you will still enjoy the chapter. Thanks!


Chapter 8 – Lady

"Lady, when you're with me I'm smiling, give me all your love

Your hands build me up when I'm sinking, touch me and my troubles all fade

Lady, from the moment I saw you, standing all alone

You gave all the love that I needed so shy, like a child who has grown

'Cause you're my lady of the morning, love shines in your eyes

Sparkling, clear, and lovely, you're my lady

Lady, turns me on when I'm lonely, give me all your charm

Evenings when she lays down beside me

She takes me gently into her arms"

Lady by Styx

Alistair sat in the tavern with Wynne waiting for Josie to return. He had an uneasy feeling when she had gone out tonight. He didn't think that she had outright lied to him, but he did get the distinct feeling that she hadn't been completely forthcoming either. She had this tendency of biting her lower lip when she wasn't beginning completely honest, or when she was second guessing herself. He really should let her know about it since it was an obvious tell, but he had yet to mention it because it was one of the earliest memories he had of her where he had been aware of how she completely had him coming undone and turned on. He wasn't ready to let the tantalizing habit go. He sipped his ale and glanced over at Wynne who was trying to stifle a yawn.

"Wynne, you don't have to wait with me. I'm sure its way past your bedtime for someone your age," Alistair stated.

"What do you mean someone my age?"

"Aaah…well someone who is no longer a spring chicken," Alistair muttered.

Wynne laughed as shook her head. "Well, I can't argue with that one, but no it isn't past my bedtime. I am normally up late reading so I don't mind waiting with you. You shouldn't drink alone. It's a bad habit to get into."

"I tried drinking with darkspawn, but they always stuck me with the tab," Alistair replied dryly.

"No need to get snippy. I was just giving you a bit of advice… So it would seem that you and our fearless leader have become quite inseparable."

"That's a bit of an overstatement, don't you think?"

"Yes I guess it is, but the two of you do seem to be joined at the hip most of the time…well, except for tonight," Wynne stated.

"Obviously."

"Well then, now that you're in an intimate relationship, you should learn about where babies really come from."

"E-excuse me?" Alistair choked out as he spat out his ale.

"I know the Chantry says you dream about your babies and the good Fade spirits take them out of the Fade and leave them in your arms...but that's not true. Actually what happens is that when a girl and a boy really love each other …"

"Andraste's flaming arse! I know where babies come from, Wynne!"

"Do you? Do you really?"

"Yes! Of course."

"Are you sure? I could draw diagrams if it would help."

"What! No…please, Maker no!"

"Aaaah, look you're all red…you look so handsome when you blush."

"You're wicked….a wicked, wicked woman. And that frail old lady act, I'm so not fooled by it. I'm on to you now."

"Seriously Alistair, isn't it a bit taboo to be involved with another Warden...I mean shouldn't you consider her your fellow sister, not your lover."

"Aaah...well that might be true if we weren't the only Wardens left in all of Ferelden and if we hadn't known each other since we were kids, but fraternization wasn't against the rules with the Wardens," Alistair replied.

"And if Josie has her way, which she tends to get, and she places you on the throne then what will you do?"

"Wynne, that is a possibility that is so far in the future with so many different outcomes that I can't give any real credence to that thought."

"Alistair, you and I both know that is Josie's ultimate goal. First and foremost she was raised as a noble. She may have given up her title, but her code of honor will dictate her actions. She believes, as do I, that you are the best choice for Ferelden. If she makes you King, she will still be a Warden..."

"And so will I!" Alistair exclaimed then sighed as he ran his hand through his hair in frustration. "I'm sorry Wynne...I don't know what will happen. I just know I can't...I won't live without her. She is the best part of my life. I don't care if I break every rule in the book, I don't care who condones our relationship, I will fight till I breathe my last breath to keep her in my life."

Wynne smiled an impish grin at him. "Then you do deserve her, my boy."

Alistair burst out laughing as he shook his head. "You are an evil old woman, you know..."

The words died on his lips as the door of the tavern burst open and Zevran and Leliana staggered in their arms slung around Josie holding her up as her head lolled from side to side. Maker was she even conscious? Morrigan was bringing up the rear…Morrigan! What the hell was she doing with them? All three of the conscious ones were singing…slurring at the top of their lungs.

"'Cause I've got friends in low places, where the whiskey drowns and the beer chases my blues away…"

Alistair flew to his feet and Wynne was right beside him.

"Zev, what the bloody hell is the meaning of this?"

"Aaah…w-well here's the thing…Josie can't hold her liquor…"

"L-lick her…I h-hardly even know her," Leliana slurred.

"Ha, g-good one Lel," Zevran chortled.

"T-that's dis-gu-sting," Morrigan spat out.

Sergeant Kylon pushed past all three of them. He looked at Alistair and then Josie. "I'm sorry, Warden, but I need to place Josie under arrest."

"Why? What in Thedas for? She looks too drunk to be disorderly," Alistair protested.

Wynne shrewdly surveyed the situation. "Thank you, Zev for bringing our fearless leader back in one piece. Now, why don't you take her up to her room…that is if you can manage to walk up the stairs by yourself."

"You're not taking her anywhere. She is under arrest," Sergeant Kylon ordered.

Zevran threw his arm around the Sergeant, "What do you want to arrest her for? I've seen her drunker…I've seen you drunker, Kylon and we all know that you've seen me…"

"Enough, Zev!" The guard captain ordered as he pushed the assassin's arm off of his shoulder. "Recently there has been a series of robberies and break-in throughout Denerim. The only victims have been very wealthy nobles. Tonight someone broke into Bann Franderel's Manor to steal a priceless piece of art. Due to the recent thefts the Bann had moved the artwork to a more secure location and set a trap for the would-be robbers. One of Franderel's guards gave a description of the thieves' ringleader and it was an exact match for our lovely Warden here."

"W-well there you have it K-kylon it's a case of mistaken identity. It couldn't be Josie because she was with me all night and we were too busy getting shitfaced to rob a b-beggar let alone pull off some elaborate heist," Zevran explained.

"Zev, you know I like you, but you really aren't much of an alibi. Everyone knows you are one of Josie's companions. Now hand her over to me. I'm taking her in," Sergeant Kylon commanded.

"L-look Ky, she has another alibi, one that I believe you can trust, but now really isn't the time…"

"If you don't want me to arrest her you better tell me who else she was with."

Zevran glanced nervously at Alistair than back at the Sergeant. "Okay, but you are going to get her in a lot of hot water with her boyfriend and I'm sending her to you when she wants to use someone as a punching bag."

"I'll take my chances," Sergeant Kylon replied.

"Fine, we were at the Pearl all night…"

"That really isn't an alibi either, Zev."

"When I mean we were at the Pearl, I mean we were at the Pearl," Zevran stated.

Kylon's eyes went wide and he nervously glanced at Alistair who felt his blood beginning to boil. "Aaah, well...hmmm...will Madame Sanga verify that?"

"Yes, she will," Zevran replied.

"Damn...I'm sorry Warden, I didn't mean to cause trouble between the two of you. I was just doing my job," Kylon replied.

"Are you through? Is she free to go?" Alistair growled.

"Yes, she is free to go. Again, I'm sorry Warden," Kylon said as he backed out the door and closed it behind him.

"Zev, Leli get her up to my room immediately," Wynne ordered.

"What? No! Give her to me," Alistair said as he scooped her into his arms.

"Watch…"

Josie cried out in pain before her head once against lolled against his shoulder and she moaned unconsciously.

"…out for the wound in her side," Zevran finished.

"What wound in her side?"

"The one she received during the heist," Zevran stated matter-of-factly as they swiftly moved up the stairs to Wynne's room.

"Y-you weren't the Pearl?"

"Idiot," Morrigan sneered as she rushed past him toward her own room.

"Wynne, I have extra vials of lyrium in my room. I have a feeling you're going to need them."

They burst into Wynne's room and Alistair tenderly laid her down on the mage's bed. Wynne knelt beside her, gently lifted her shirt and removed the bandages. The minute the gauze was removed blood began to pour down her side, onto the bed and soaking through the sheets in a matter of seconds.

"What the fuck happened? Someone better tell me what the hell is going on," Alistair demanded.

"We will, but saving her life at the moment seems a bit more of a priority than bringing you up to speed, don't you think," Zevran replied tersely.

For the next several hours, Alistair paced the room nervously as he watched both Wynne and Morrigan work on Josie. Zevran and Leliana ran and got supplies as the mages needed them, but Alistair refused to go. He couldn't leave...if she didn't make it...if she died, he needed to be here with her. His chest tightened at the very thought of losing her...permanently. He fully expected her to wake-up one day, come to her senses and realize that she was an idiot for being with him when she could be with any man she wanted, but even if she did walk away from him she would be alive. She would still be in this world and that thought alone would get him through the pain of losing her to another, but for her to leave this world and pass into the Void...sickened him.

Wynne finally sat back on her heels looking exhausted. "I think I repaired all of the internal damage that the sword did, but she has lost a lot of blood. It will be a while before she wakes up."

"B-but she will live," Alistair asked hesitantly.

"Yes, she will live."

Alistair pulled Wynne into his arms and hugged her tightly. "Thank you. Thank you so much."

Wynne patted his back. "You're welcome."

Alistair released her and then spun towards the assassin and the bard. "Explain."

Leliana stepped forward. "Alistair, you have to realize how expensive it is to fund this mission that both you and Josie are on. The cost of armor repairs, weapons upgrades, basic supplies, and feeding everyone is a costly venture and those costs only increase with each new ally you take one. Josie was feeling an enormous financial burden..."

"Yes, I know we have discussed it and were trying to come up with some solutions," Alistair interjected.

"Well, a solution presented itself. A man with insider information offered Josie an opportunity to make some quick money and a lot of it," Zevran stated.

"By robbing the nobles," Alistair said.

"Si, the first few jobs were relatively easy and everything went according to plan, but as Kylon stated the last one was a set-up. Josie unknowingly walked into a trap. To get out of there we had to fight our way through at least two dozen men. We were nearly free when a guard bashed her to the ground and drove his sword into her. As we emerged, Slim Couldry, our informant, met us at the tunnel entrance and told us that the city guards were hunting for her, that they knew she was the one involved in the burglary attempt. I took her to the one place...the one person I knew would help. Madame Sanga got her out of her armor and gave her fresh clothes so that it didn't look like she had come from a fight. Then she helped bandage her up as best as she could and offered her an alibi," Zevran explained.

"I owe Madame Sanga my gratitude and much more. I will find a way to repay her for risking so much. But I don't understand why didn't Josie tell me? I wouldn't have be happy with the idea of working with a thieves ring, but I would have understood. I am intelligent enough to grasp the concept of finances," Alistair said sarcastically.

"Alistair, Josie wanted to tell you, it's our fault that she didn't. We convinced her that morally you would have issues with how the money was obtained, but more importantly that if you became King it would be in your best interest not to have any knowledge of this endeavor."

"So let me get this straight, she didn't tell me and placed her life in danger because the two of you convinced her that in order to protect me from a possible future that may not even happen that it was best that she didn't tell me what the three of you were up to," Alistair stated dryly.

"Yes, that about sums it up," Leliana replied solemnly.

Alistair drew in a deep breath as he tried to calm his anger. "Let me make something perfectly clear to the two of you, Josie and I are in this together, we are partners and we have agreed to make all of the important decisions together. The next time the two of you decide to interfere and come between us with regards to that, I will personally make it my mission to have Josie ask you to leave her side. Do I make myself clear?"

A sly smile spread across Zevran's face. "Ladies and Gentleman, I believe we finally have ourselves a King."

Alistair ignored the comment and turned to Wynne. "Is it okay to move her? I would like to take her back to my room."

"Yes, that will be fine," Wynne replied.

Alistair scooped her into his arms, as he carried her out the door to his room, he heard Wynne's scolding voice, "Really? For the love of the Maker, what were the two of you thinking? I would expect this kind of behavior from Zevran, but not from you, Leliana..."

Alistair had to chuckle as Wynne went on to lecture them about how irresponsible they were. He gently laid Josie on his bed, lovingly undressed her than undressed himself before sliding in beside her. He pulled her into his arms and cried. He had come so close to losing her; to losing the one person that had always believed in him, the one person that loved him for who he was not because of who his father was or who he might one day become. He had only truly been with her for a short period of time, but he felt as if he had known her his whole life and he couldn't imagine his life without her in it.

It also angered him that she had willingly, once again, risked so much for him. He pressed his lips against her forehead and then he began to softly sing to her as he rocked her back and forth in his arms.

"I'll be seeing you in all the old familiar places that this heart of mine embraces, all day and through.
I'll find you in the morning sun and when the night is new, I'll be looking at the moon, but I'll be seeing you."

Eventually he drifted off to sleep. He wasn't sure how long he had been in the Fade when he felt the warmth of her tender touch against his cheek. His eyes flew open and he looked into her beautiful blue eyes. She smiled at him, her fingers still tracing the outline of his face.

"Josie," he breathed out in a sigh of relief.

"Alistair...I'm so sorry..."

"Sssh, it's okay Love. You're okay and right now that is all that matters."

"No...it isn't okay. I-I almost left you because I did something stupid. When I was lying there slowly losing consciousness the only thing I could think of was how desperately I didn't want to leave you and how unfair it was that you would once again be all alone."

Alistair laughed.

"It isn't funny!"

"Yes, it is. You do realize that when you're on death's doors, it's okay to think of yourself for once."

"I-It didn't occur to me that I should be thinking of myself."

Alistair tenderly kissed her lips. "I know and that is just one of the many reasons that I love you."

"I truly am sorry..."

"Do you promise to never do it again?"

She grinned at him. "Which bit? The not telling you part or the almost dying part?"

He smiled back at her then kissed her again. "Both!"

"Yes, I promise."

"And do you promise not to listen to Zev and Leli the next time they try to offer advice."

She raised an eyebrow at him.

"Oh they told me all about it."

"Yes, I promise.

"Than all is forgiven, Love. However, there is price to be paid for your little fabrication."

"Oh and what is that?" She asked with a grin.

"Well, it would appear that you cheated on me with Zev, Leli and a hooker from the Pearl."

"I did what!"

Alistair chuckled. "The city guard was looking to arrest you. Madame Sanga took you in, changed your clothes, bandaged your wound and provided you with an alibi, but it is a brothel so there is only one kind of alibi that Sergeant Kylon was going to believe."

"Maker's hairy balls...I'm sure Zev is loving this."

"I do see a good bit of harassment coming up in your near future," Alistair chuckled.

She sat up on her elbow and turned to him, "Ali...you know that I would never..."

Alistair pulled her to him, his lips claiming hers, instantly silencing her. When he drew back he whispered, "There was never a doubt in my mind."

xxXxx

Alistair watched Josie as she paced back and forth around Arl Eamon's throne room as they waited for the miraculously recovered Arl to appear. Alistair had noticed the change in her demeanor the moment that the messenger had arrived at camp with a personal letter from Eamon requesting an audience with his savior.Now he watched her as she wore a groove in the floorboards from her striding to and fro. It was obvious to anyone watching that she was nervous. He knew she would have to answer to the Arl for her decision to allow Isolde to sacrifice herself; a decision that Josie would have no problem defending and one that if needed he would support to the Arl, but that wasn't the source of her anxiety. There was an unpleasant history between Eamon and Josie that he had picked up on through the few clues that she had allowed to let slip and he knew he was the reason for their poor relationship.

"So my Brat Prince, it's hard to believe that the pretty kitty we see nervously prancing before us is the same one that thought taking down a high dragon would be a fun way to break up the monotony. Any idea why an audience with the recently resurrected Arl would have our luscious Warden so worked up," Zevran cooed in Alistair's ear pulling him out of his thoughts.

"I thought Josie asked you not to call me that," Alistair hissed.

"Only public, my Royal Little Terror," Zevran reminded him.

"No, I don't know why she is so nervous," Alistair replied hoping that his lack of information would send the assassin on his way.

"Maybe it has to do with the revolt she nearly incited amongst the villagers that has her as anxious as whore waiting for the results of a pregnancy test," Zevran stated with satisfaction.

Alistair spun to face him, "What!" He demanded.

A gratifying smile spread across the elf's face. "You mean to tell me that our delicious Warden shares her bed with you, but not her secrets. It's hard to believe that it just slipped her mind. I mean, she did almost start a revolt against your guardian…in your name none the less. I'm truly surprised she has brought it it. It would have made for some very interesting pillow talk, no? Where is the trust now-a-days amongst lovers? So hard to come by," Zevran replied sardonically.

Alistair's mind went blank for a moment, feeling nothing but complete astonishment by this information about Josie's history with Eamon; information that she hadn't bothered to share with him, but had no problem telling the assassin about it. Once the shock had worn off his mind focused its rage and confusion on the source of his ire; he lunged for the elf, but Zevran had expected this type of reaction and swiftly dodged the assault. Alistair spun in the direction that he had moved and was about to charge him again when the trumpet blew announcing the arrival of the Arl.

Everyone in the room immediately came to attention as Arl Eamon entered the room and walked up to the dais. His eyes studied Alistair briefly before they settled on Josie. He closely scrutinized her, taking her in completely before he spoke.

"Lady Cousland…" he began, but was quickly interrupted.

"It's Warden Cousland, my Lord. I gave up all titles when I joined the Wardens," Josie stated.

Arl Eamon's eyes narrowed on her as he continued to study her, trying to formulate an opinion of the woman that now stood before him. "Yes, I see. It is my understanding that the Wardens carry no titles no matter what the circumstances of their birth maybe. That could be both good and bad depending on the station of your birth."

"Titles, my Lord, mean very little to me. A man or woman should only be judged by their actions and what they contribute to society," Josie replied.

Eamon snickered. "Yes, I am well aware of your viewpoints on nobility. Ironic really, considering that you were born a noble."

"I was born into a noble house, but my father and family earned the privilege of that title every day by serving the people of Highever," Josie countered.

A solemn look fell over the Arl's face. "On that count we agree, Warden. Your father was the best of us. His death and betrayal was a sad day for the people of Highever and Ferelden."

"So you are aware of my family's murder?" Josie inquired.

"Yes, Teagan has brought me up to date on current events. He has also informed me that I owe my life to the girl that once sought to bring me down," Eamon replied unemotionally.

"My Lord, I hope that you can forgive my grievous past actions as those of a strong-willed, stubborn child who only sought to right what she viewed as a heinous error in judgment. Even if this nation wasn't facing a civil war and a Blight, I still would have sought out the ashes to save your life because my father believed, at heart, you were a good man. A man that cared about the people that he ruled and the people of this fair nation. I hope that you will prove my father correct in his belief and be a big enough man to put aside past differences so that together we can save Ferelden," Josie appealed.

Alistair watched as a sly smirk teased the corners of the Arl's mouth. He slowly shook his head as he stared at Josie. "Lady Josie Cousland, you do the nobility of Ferelden and the memory of your Father proud. For a moment I almost forgot that it was you that I was speaking to and not Bryce himself, once again standing before me appealing to me to have mercy on his rebellious, misguided daughter. I will tell you what I told him, I will always put the needs of Ferelden ahead of my own needs, desires and wants. It is in the best interest of this country for me to not let our past disagreements come between us and for us to work together to save this great nation. However, be warned, Warden, I can forgive, but I never forget."

A hardened look replaced the humbled one as she lifted her eyes to face the Arl. "Those are wise words, my Lord, words that I too vow to take to heart."

Eamon continued to smirk at her. "It is Ferelden's loss that you can no longer hold a title, you would have made a fine politician."

"Thank you for the back-handed-compliment," Josie replied.

Eamon burst into laughter. "Only you, my dear Josie, would take it that way, but considering your views on court politics I can understand why. Now, onto more pressing matters, first there is this business with you going to heroic lengths to not only save my village, but my own life. Even if it did cost me the life of my wife…"

Josie stepped forward, knelt on one knee before the Arl and with her head bowed she begged, "Arl Eamon, please know that my past differences with you and with the Arlessa, in no way played a role in that decision. It was an agonizing decision for me to allow Isolde to sacrifice her life, but it was the only solution I could find that didn't jeopardize the entire village. Even though I believe it the right decision considering the circumstance, please forgive me for taking your wife's life."

"Again, Lady Cousland, you continue to impress," Eamon stated dryly using her title more as jab then out of respect. The sentiment was not lost on Josie as she visibly flinched and Alistair watched her clench her fists.

"I cannot say I was pleased to learn of Isolde's decision regarding Connor or your willingness to go along with the plan, but after long consideration I do believe unlike some of your past decisions you acted in what you considered the best interest of Redcliff so I will not hold this against you."

Josie rose to her feet. "Thank you, my Lord, for your understanding and forgiveness," Josie replied.

"Now, as I was saying, Redcliff and I owe you a great deal. Teagan has spoken highly of your valor and bravery during this troubling time. We would like to honor you and your companions this evening with a ceremony and small celebration to pay tribute to you for your courageous actions."

"My Lord, that is not necessary, we did what needed to be done to save the village and you. There is no need for any special recognition. Just the promise that the Wardens will have the aid of Redcliff when the time comes," Josie appealed.

To Alistair's dismay he watched as Eamon's smirk was replaced with a gratifying sneer and for the first time in his life he saw the ambitious politician emerge. "I see you are still resistant to the attention that comes with being a noble. However, Teagan has gone to great lengths for this evening's festivities. I would hate to disappoint him or the villagers that have been invited to the celebration. Wouldn't you, Warden?"

Josie's eyes filled with anger as her eyes narrowed on the Arl, but Alistair had to admire her self-control as she gritted her teeth and remained civil. "You are correct, my Lord. I would not want to do anything that would disappoint Bann Teagan and I certainly do not want dishearten the villagers who most certainly need a reason to celebrate. Now, if we can discuss the matter of the Blight."

"Well, before that can be discussed we must first address the issue of the civil unrest that Loghain had brought to this nation. As you are aware Lady Cousland without solid proof of Loghain's treason there is little we can do to usurp his power or the control he has over the throne," Eamon stated matter-of-factly as his eyes for the first time met Alistair's and a grin spread across his face. "That is, of course, unless we can offer up a replacement that has Theirin blood in his veins."

Alistair stared hard at the man that had casually discarded him, but now intended to use him for his own ambitions. "It was made very clear to me from a very early age that I was not worthy of the throne and to never set my sights on it. Ferelden has a Queen. Anora, by all accounts, ran this country, not Cailan and she has done a smashing job. Let her keep the crown. I'm a Warden, not a King!"

"Alistair, I am sorry if you were led to believe that you weren't worth of the throne…"

"Led to believe! That's rich, coming from the man that told me that my blood was muddled with the blood of a common serving girl and that I would never see the inside of the throne room let alone ever sit on it," Alistair exclaimed.

"Alistair, I was only trying to protect you from wanting something that you could never have," Eamon stated defensively.

"Well, you did a great job of it, Eamon. I don't want your crown. Keep Anora on the throne," Alistair retorted.

"Then you are willing to let Loghain's traitorous actions go unanswered. There is to be no justice for the treason and death of your King, your brother, the betrayal of the Wardens and your mentor, Duncan, the murders of your fellow Warden's family? Because that is what will happen as long as Anora sits on the throne. There will be no recompense and you and Josie will be considered outlaws and traitors for the rest of your lives. Is that what you want, Alistair?"

"No! Of course not," Alistair shot back.

"Then there is only one answer, call a Landsmeet, make Loghain face the nobles, bring these charges against him and give the nobles a feasible replacement to Anora. They will accept you Alistair because you are Maric's son even if you are a bastard."

"Still working on your subtlety, I see Eamon," Josie muttered.

"The time for subtlety is over. As the sole surviving member of the second oldest family in Ferelden, you of all people should know that, Josie. We must prevent civil war at all costs in order to stop the Blight. The one thing that Ferelden nobility believes in is the power and strength in the royal bloodline. Alistair, must be willing to take the throne."

"Alistair is willing…"

"So you are now speaking on his behalf?" Eamon questioned.

"Alistair and I have talked at great length about this. He understands what his duty is to Ferelden and to the throne. There is no need to bully him into this, Eamon and a little sensitivity on your side might have prevented this little battle of wills," Josie replied.

Eamon's brow furrowed as he scrutinized both him and Josie. "So the childhood bond that the two of you shared is still intact. Is it just friendship or something of a more romantic nature?"

Alistair felt the heat burn in his cheeks, but before he could reply he felt Josie's cool hand rest on his arm trying to calm him as stepped in front of him. In a slow steady voice she said, "Eamon, my relationship with my fellow Warden is none of your business and you will not use it in one of your political schemes. We have agreed to put our past disagreements aside, but if I so much as smell a hint of you trying to manipulate the connection that we share to further your ambition our arrangement will be dissolved and you and I will have words in the form of our swords being formally introduced. Am I clear on this point?"

Eamon smiled at her. "Yes you are, my dear and thank you for answering my question."

Josie drew in a deep breath. "I believe this meeting is over. I will see you this evening."

"Yes, we can finish our discussion than. By the way, I took the liberty of having your companions brought to the castle to stay. I thought after the ordeal they have been through they would appreciate a few nights in a warm, dry bed with three solid meals a day. I made sure that both Alistair and your rooms were next to each…just in case you had any Warden business to discuss in private," Eamon replied smugly as Josie spun on her heels and strode out of the throne room.


A/N - A huge thank you to those of you, who have favored, alerted and reviewed. You make my day so much brighter. I always look forward to hearing your thoughts.