I tossed my cloak over the chair and poked him. He grumbled and sat up. His face lit up when he saw it was me. I went to the armor stand and began to remove my gear.
"You know, you're lucky I'm not the nervous type, Alistair. You might have gotten a dagger to the throat otherwise." He grinned, unrepentant. "What are you doing here?"
His mother's amulet dangled on his bare chest, glinting in the candlelight. "Everyone else stopped in Amaranthine. I said I had Warden business to take care of. They'll be along tomorrow."
"Hm, Warden business," I said, as I slid in next to him. He wrapped his arms around me. "Seems like we'd best get that taken care of then."
It seemed that we had barely slept when Trini slid the curtains back. She had set a tray, with breakfast for two, on my table. I shook my head.
"Word from Amaranthine, my lady. Chancellor Eamon and the rest of the party will be here for the midday meal."
Alistair leaned over to me. "I think she spied on me. How did she know to bring breakfast for two?"
I laughed. "I'm sure you weren't quiet when you came in yesterday." I waited until Trini's back was turned to slip into a robe. I padded over to the table. "Is Varel taking care of arrangements for our guests?"
She nodded. "The midday meal will be as usual, though the guests will be served in their rooms. I believe Woolsey has arranged for a formal dinner, complete with musicians and dancing." Alistair snorted. I glared at him and he lost it, throwing his head back and howling with laughter.
"Thanks for the warning. Perhaps you could do my hair?" Alistair stopped mid guffaw to stare. I smirked at him. "Are the guest chambers prepared?"
She assured me that all preparations were in order and left. We ate in silence. He kept looking at me. Finally I blurted out, "Something wrong?"
"Well, I'm sure something is wrong somewhere."
"That's not what I meant and you know it. Has my face gone green?"
"No, love. Eamon will be here soon. With my bride-to-be in tow. I can't stay in your rooms." He sighed and ran his hands through his hair.
"I understand. This is going to be awkward, isn't it." He smiled ruefully. "I will be on my best behavior, Alistair. I promise."
"Warden's honor?"
"Yes. I promise. It will work out, one way or another."
Alistair reassured, I began to prepare for the day. It was nerve wracking. I found myself peering into any reflective surface. What did the Orlesian princess look like? I gave more thought in those few hours to my appearance than I normally did in a year. Just before it was time to meet the party, I sought Alistair out.
"No matter what happens today, I love you." I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him. My entire heart was in that kiss and possibly my soul, too. He held me tight, not saying a word.
We reluctantly let go when Varel told us the party had been spotted. We lined up in the courtyard. My guards looked magnificent, their silverite armor gleaming in the late morning sun. We were all wearing full armor, even Nathaniel. He used a cane, but he seemed to be getting around fine on his own.
The party entered and Varel stepped forward to greet them. He was officious without grovelling, and I wondered why I hadn't given him more to do before now. Greetings made, Eamon stepped forward to introduce the princess.
"Warden Commander Ethelfleda Cousland, this is Princess Amandine of Orlais." I had no idea of the protocol of foreign relations, and I didn't really care anyway. Regardless of how many times I told him not to, he insisted on using my full first name. I bowed to her, hoping it was the right thing to do and she curtsied to me.
She looked so delicate! Pale and fine boned, she had blonde hair the color of corn that curled around her shoulders. Large blue eyes stared out from her delicate face. Her smile was another matter. Gap toothed and wide, I was hard pressed not to return that smile.
"Oh! The Hero of Ferelden! I am so pleased to meet you!" Her accent was thick and hard to follow. As Varel herded the crowd into the Keep, she linked arms with me. "We shall be friends, yes? Oh, I am so happy to be here!"
I wondered how old she was. "The Wardens welcome you. My lady," I added. She looked around, wide eyed, at the throne room. "I'm sure you are all tired. Varel will show you to your rooms."
I watched them head to the guest quarters. She wasn't what I expected. I supposed it would be easier if she hadn't been friendly. Ah, well. Mistress Woolsey cleared her throat behind me.
"A moment, Commander. Our guests will be served the midday meal in their rooms. There will be a formal dinner tonight with dancing to follow."
"So I was warned. What on Thedas were you thinking?"
"Impressions, Commander. Edan has a formal dress ready for you." She pursed her lips and looked me up and down. I held up a hand to halt further scrutiny.
"Ug, ok. I get it." I fled to my office to avoid any further "instructions". I wrote to Fergus until Trini came to help me get ready.
It was the strangest thing, bathing with someone in attendance. Well, someone other than Alistair. I tried to be quick about it until she started washing my hair. It was the most luxurious thing I'd ever experienced. Between the hot water and the scalp massage, I nearly fell asleep.
She turned her back while I dried and put my robe on. I sat on a stool, trying to be patient, while she untangled my hair. Her fingers were deft as she hummed to herself. I couldn't see what she was doing, but I felt my hair being sectioned off. I kept my head still as she gently pulled my hair this way and that.
When she finished, she helped me into the dress. It was something else. Deep plum colored velvet with a high collar. Trini laced up the back. I stared into the mirror at the results. I didn't recognize my reflection. My hair was piled high on my head in loops and braids. The dress made my skin look like cream.
Trini's reflection hovered over my shoulder. "Mistress Woolsey ordered cosmetics for you, my lady, should you wish them."
"Um, no. Don't give me that look, I get it enough from her. This is as dressed up as I'll ever get, so it will have to suit." Cosmetics? Really, what was Woolsey thinking?
"Of course, my lady. You look beautiful."
"Thank you, Trini. It's a result of your work." On impulse, I hugged her before I left for dinner. I squared my shoulders and entered the fray.