Author's notes: Only a few chapters to go! Thank you Shink for editing this :)
Song inspiration for this chapter: Wish you were here by Blackmore's Night
Solona Amell eyed the unfamiliar halls with suspicion, walking next to the man she had once called her lover.
"I was most surprised to discover that the King of Ferelden wanted to visit Starkhaven," Prince Sebastian addressed Alistair. Solona had a fake smile on her face. She'd heard enough about this Prince from Anders to want to tear him apart. Being with Alistair once again, was no walk in the park either. Even though it had been years since he had set her aside after being named King, the bitterness was still present. She never moved on, not really, and while the King of Fereldan had yet to choose a Queen, it still hurt her to be near him. Many times had she ignored letters from him, only venturing Denerim if duty called her there. Solona knew it may have been immature, but she couldn't face him. This had been the first time in years they had seen one another, and she wouldn't have asked for his help unless she thought it was absolutely necessary, which in this case, it was.
"Well, this invention of yours has gotten quite the attention across Ferelden." Alistair replied, his voice not sounding as confident as Solona would have liked it to. Alistair to this day was still a terrible liar. She wondered how on earth he made it all these years as a ruler when he still doubted himself so much. He was often too nice for his own good, and while she thought that he was no doubt a better ruler than Anora had been, she saw that he still lacked the confidence she once hoped he would grow into.
"Ah, yes. Little ingenious invention, isn't it?" The cocky Prince remarked. "Unfortunately, I cannot take credit myself. Elwin really outdid himself. He's made us both a fortune, but what is riches compared to a safer land?"
Solona almost rolled her eyes, but decided against it. Play nice - she reminded herself.
"Pardon the change of subject," she interjected. "But, word travels fast. I have heard that the Champion of Kirkwall and you are to be married?"
Alistair shifted uncomfortably beside her, but Solona did not falter.
"Ah, yes. Your cousin. You needn't be concerned. I have made sure that she is safe here. No one would dare try to hurt her, not on my watch."
"I see," she responded, letting out a breath to regain her composure. "You can't blame me for asking. I may not have met her, but she is blood after all. I only wanted to make sure that you will protect her, your Highness."
"How thoughtful of you, Warden. This is no doubt your reason for accompanying the King? I can't imagine you would be interested in Starkhaven's little device?" He quirked an eyebrow at the Warden mage, and Solona could have sworn he was testing her. She simply smiled, and shook her head.
"No, we Wardens do need our magic in order to protect you."
"Ah, but the Blight has ended, has it not? Besides," he trailed off for the shortest of moments, looking at Alistair. "Rumour has it that the King was forced to put his lover aside due to the curse of magic that flows within her veins. An unfortunate incident. Were you to wear such a device, I am certain the people would gladly accept you as their Queen. There has been very little protest about my betrothed." He said with a sly smile. It was clear he was lying about the last part. As Solona and Alistair journeyed together through the streets of Starkhaven, the gossip was filled with protests over a mage on their throne. Solona shifted her gaze to Alistair, who looked more than a little uncomfortable.
"Completely unnecessary," Solona answered. "I do not wish to be Queen. But thank you for your concern."
Solona didn't miss the look of dejection on Alistair's face. She paused for a second. Was there a chance that he still remained unwed because he still had lingering feelings for her? She quietly let out a bated breath, trying to put those thoughts to the back of her mind. There was no use in second guessing events that happened so long ago. Not now.
"Could you point me in the direction of your bathing chambers, Your Highness? I would like to freshen up, it has been a long day."
"Why certainly, Warden. Just take those stairs, and head down the hall."
"Thank you kindly," she said, giving Alistair a knowing glance before she turned. He would have to survive the Prince's conversation a few minutes without her. She needed to find her cousin, and let her know of their plan.
"I can't believe it," Hawke said, releasing a deep sigh as she sat on her bed. Fenris stood before her, his eyes hopeful.
"We must not speak loudly." he responded. Hawke had heard the news that King Alistair and her cousin, the Hero of Fereldan were visiting with Sebastian. She had no idea why their travels had brought them here, but Fenris had just informed her that they had all met with Anders. They were going to find a way to free her. And even better, Anders knew that she had been forced to lie to him. He knew that she still loved him! She could feel her eyes begin to well up.
"What's the plan?" she asked.
"Originally, our friends had wanted to do something a little...dramatic. I advised them that storming the gates would not end well. However, the Warden Commander had a better idea."
"And what would that be?"
"To conscript you into the Wardens," an unfamiliar voice said, causing both of them to turn. A woman entered the room, quietly shutting the door behind her. "Hello, cousin," she smiled.
Hawke let out a laugh. "You must be Solona. I've heard much about you."
"And I, you," the woman strode forward, and embraced Hawke. "Anders sends his love."
"I am so relieved that you're here." Hawke replied. "But what's this about conscripting me into the Wardens?"
Solona glanced about the room. "If you were to be conscripted into the Wardens, Sebastian would have to let you go. I know this isn't an ideal rescue. But…" she trailed off a moment, the look in her face becoming reflective. "I won't force you to join our ranks. This is against all Warden protocol, but we can just stage this, for your benefit. No one will have to know."
"You'd really do that for me?"
"You and I share the same blood. And Anders was a good friend. He helped me years ago, and now I am going to return the favor. Your friends are all waiting at the dock, aboard Isabela's ship. Anders and Gavin are there too."
Hawke let out a small cry, her breath heavy as she tried to hold back the tears. "How will I repay you?"
"Nonsense. You just take care of that beautiful boy of yours. Now, Alistair is buttering up the Prince. There have been… issues in the past with powerful men not taking the Wardens duties seriously. We are going to break the news this evening. It will give you a chance to prepare yourself."
"What about this collar?"
"Yes, I saw it on Anders as well. We can demand that you be released from it's confinements, but I am unsure that Sebastian will respond kindly. Removing Anders' is pretty much out of the question. We can't risk him or Gavin being seen by the locals."
"Well," Hawke sighed, "It's better than nothing."
Solona squeezed her hand gently. "Prepare yourself. You have quite the evening ahead of you. Not to mention a reunion awaiting with your family."
Hawke smiled widely, her cheeks flushing with joy. She had feared this day would never come. It had been far too long since she held Gavin in her arms, tucked him in his bed, embraced her husband, and told them both how much she loved them. The prospect of seeing them again felt surreal.
Solona excused herself, saying she shouldn't leave Alistair alone with Sebastian for too long. Once she and Fenris were alone again, Hawke let out a laugh.
"I can't believe this is happening."
Fenris smiled at his friend. "It will be good knowing you are safe." His smile faltered, worry replacing it.
"What's wrong?"
"Sebastian has done something terrible. I fear with your departure, he may lose what little resolve he has left." The elf walked over to the window, staring blankly ahead. "He killed a woman the other night. That man is no longer the friend I once knew. I cannot stay here, and allow this to continue." Hawke walked over to where he stood, placing a hand on his shoulder. Fenris' gaze met hers, pain filled in his eyes.
"Orana is with child."
"Oh, Fenris." Hawke took his hand in hers.
"I fear that he may use her to hurt me for disobeying his orders. He...he's become just like the Magisters!" he snarled, pacing across the room.
"Come with us. Let's all be rid of this terrible place."
"And what of the rest of the people here? We cannot allow him to continue his reign of terror. He needs to be exposed for the monster that he is."
"I'm not sure what we can do. The people here, they are blind to his ways. They see what he has done to keep Starkhaven safe, yet they don't realize that the biggest threat lies here within the castle walls." Hawke sighed, and sat at the edge of the bed. "I really don't know what we can do Fenris. All I know is that I can't stay. I'm...I'm sorry." She admitted in defeat.
"Do not worry for me, Hawke." Fenris said, sitting beside her. "For many years, you took care of those around you. It is well past due that we return the favour."
Hawke smiled, glad that she had Fenris at her side, as she always had back in Kirkwall. It was comforting to know that some things never changed.
Anders was struggling on Isabela's ship to calm Gavin down. They were at the Starkhaven docks, and the little boy had overheard that Hawke would be returning that evening. He began to shriek with excitement, but when Anders said they had to wait patiently, he began to bawl and scream for his mother. His eyes were bloodshot and his cheeks red from all of the tears that fell.
"Shh, Gavin please calm down." Anders said on his knees, trying to contain Gavin. The little boy flung his fists into his father's chest.
"I wanna see my Mama!" he screamed, coughing from all of his previous yelling.
"You will see her later." Anders let go of his son, as clearly trying to hold him was not working. Isabela entered the room, looking none too pleased. Her hair was a mess and her top was mostly undone.
"All right, Auntie Bela is not pleased. Do you know how difficult it is to keep a sailor entertained with that kind of ruckus going on?"
Anders sighed. "Not now, Isabela."
"Oh don't you 'Isabela' me! That man was the hottest thing I've had in months! Can't blame him for being unable to keep his mass stiff, when I'm not the loudest thing on board."
Anders let out a frustrated huff of air as Gavin still screamed. Carver appeared in the doorway.
"Is there anything I can do to help?"
"You can certainly try."
"Gavin," Carver said in a calm voice, bending at the knees. "Would you like to spend some time with me and Merrill?"
"No! I want my Mama, I want my Mama!" Gavin screamed even louder, his body shaking violently. Before they knew what was happening in the room, burning heat emitted from the boys hands, and the end table was on fire.
"Shit!" Isabela yelled, rushing over to the table, and covering it with a sheet. She and Carver both managed to get the flames out, leaving Anders with a hand over his mouth. His son, too, was a mage.
Gavin's screaming stopped, as he was now reduced to sniffling as he clung onto his father, afraid of what had just happened.
"Has...has he ever done that before?" Carver asked.
"No," Anders shook his head, rubbing his son's back trying to comfort him. "We've not seen any signs of magic before today. Not really. Gavin has always had dreams. Premonitions. We always thought it was coincidence, but after Hawke was taken, and I sobered up, I realized it was much more than that."
"What are you saying?" Isabela questioned.
"I don't know. I have no idea if it's even related. I just… I wish Hawke were here."
"She will be sweet thing. Don't you worry any longer. Alistair and the Warden will have everything taken care of by tonight. Just you wait and see."
Isabela spoke the words with utmost confidence. Little did she know, the night's events would not go according to plan. Not without blood being shed.