Chapter 25
On the last day of the Landsmeet Alistair introduced the concept of having Dwarven, Dalish, and Alienage Elven ambassadors on the King's council. Bella had to smile to herself; they had discussed this so long ago on a night that would be etched in her memory forever. She smiled up at Alistair and he nodded briefly before he began his presentation. He made excellent arguments on why there is a need for such representation. Bella was extremely proud of him. He had become the king that she always knew he could be. After he was finished he opened the floor up for debate.
Bann Esmeralda was the first to speak up, "I do not see the need to have representatives for races that are below us. There is a reason that they are below us. It's because we conquered them. We are the superior race. "
"Esmeralda that is a very close minded and intolerant thing to say; no matter what your race is, we are all Fereldens. We all live in the same country and everyone has the right to have representation from the Government that rules over them," Arl Bryland said.
"Not everybody should have that right," Esmeralda retorted.
Bella stood up, looked at Esmeralda with disgust as she began to speak, "A man or woman's character is defined not by how they treat their superiors or their equals, but by how they treat those whose stations in life are below theirs. My father once said, 'Nobles have the responsibility not rule over their subjects, but to govern them in a way that will lead to a better life for them.' It is the views and prejudices of the nobles in this room that must change. All Fereldens are created equal in the Maker's eyes. They deserve the right to pursue a life filled with the same liberties that many nobles take for granted and the only way to ensure that they have those rights is by equal representation on the King's Council." Bella took her seat. Cheers of agreement went up and they were met by more than a few boos.
Fergus leaned over and said, "Well said Sister, Father would be so proud of you."
"Thank you, Fergus. That means a lot coming from you," she replied. The debate continued well into the afternoon. Finally Alistair had to table the discussion until the next Landsmeet; he then brought the meeting to a close. Thank the Maker, Bella thought. I need to go soak in a tub. The views of some of her fellow noblemen repulsed her and made her feel dirty.
"See you at the ball to night, Sister. Looks like Alistair has another interesting evening planned," Fergus replied.
"Yes, he does; a White Party, that's a very interesting idea – I think it was Leliana's idea. The fun part will be watching the nobles get turned away at the door because they didn't take their invitation seriously," Bella replied as she headed off for her long hot bath.
Bella's mouth gaped open as she stared at the dress that Leliana had picked out for her. "I can't wear that Leli, I am practically naked."
"Don't be ridiculous, Bella. The only thing that you are showing is your shoulders and your back."
"Fine, then you wear it and I will wear your dress," Bella replied.
"No, no my dear Bella, my dress is even more revealing. Anyways this is the latest Orlesian fashion and the Arlessa of Amaranthine needs to look her best for tonight's festivities. The King will be watching," she cooed.
Bella shot Leliana a dirty look as she huffed, "The King is always watching; part of his job is keeping an eye on the nobles."
"Oh, I'm sure he will have more than eye on you when you appear in that dress," Leliana purred.
Bella stared at the beautiful, but barely there dress. It was a white strapless dress. A thin piece of material that could barely be called a corset clung tightly to her frame and covered her breast; it was held in place by a thin strap that went around her back. The tiny corset gathered slightly in the middle forming a V that emphasized the shape of her breast. Just below the bust line the satin dress flowed freely down front. The sides the dress flowed down and cross the small of her back and the back up the other side completely exposing her back except for the strap that held the corset in place.
"My dear Bella, every man at the ball will not be able to take their eyes off," Leliana stated.
"That will be because I will be the most underdressed woman at the ball. Not to mention I am going to freeze," Bella retorted.
"Oh that reminds me here is your cape," Leli said and pulled a beautiful white velvet cape decorated with a silver brocade design and trimmed in white fur out of her closet. She slid the cape onto Bella's shoulders. The cape made the dress stand out even more as Bella looked at her image in the mirror, but she had to admit that the soft, flowing dress made her feel very feminine. She smiled and agreed to wear it.
"Good my work is done here. Nora will be in shortly to fix your hair. See you soon, Sister," Leli said as kissed her check good-bye.
Alistair stood at the door greeting all of his guests as they entered the Grand Hall; he also wanted to ensure that all the guests followed their invitation instructions and wore white attire. Arl Bryland's daughter, Habren, was currently falling to pieces because her dress was yellow and not white.
"Your Majesty, white washes my complexion out and makes me look pale. Can't you please make an exception?" She begged
"I'm sorry Habren, but if I made an exception for you I would have to make an exception for everyone. We have an Orlesian dressmaker on hand to sell dresses to anyone who needs one. She would be glad to help you out," Alistair replied. Habren went stomping off in the direction of the dressmaker.
Alistair was greeting another guest when the guards opened the outer doors and Ella walked in. She wore a white hooded cape; her long dark curls where accented by the white fur on her hood. Her green eyes sparkled as she looked around the room. Zev came in behind her and helped her remove the cape and Alistair's mouth nearly dropped open as he saw that the elegant dress that she wore completely exposed her creamy white shoulders and back.
Maker, have mercy, what was she trying to do to him? How in Andraste's knickers was he suppose to concentrate on his other guests if she was going to flit around all evening tempting him to take her into the nearest room and rip that damn dress right off of her?
After saying hello to several other guests, Ella and Zev made their way over to Alistair. They bowed as they approached him. "Lady Cousland, you are looking absolutely breathtaking this evening." Alistair said as his heart began to race. Why was he so flustered? This was Ella, his Ella. There was no reason for his heart to be pounding out of his chest.
"She looks like a succulent piece of fruit just waiting to be devoured, no?" Zev said.
Alistair couldn't take his eyes off of her and his tongue refused to work. What happen to him being the suave, debonair king that was going to sweep her off of her feet?
"I would go as far as to say a piece of forbidden succulent fruit," Leliana purred from behind.
"And forbidden fruit is the best kind of fruit, right my King?" Zev said again to Alistair.
"Huh, yes, I mean no…what did you ask me?" Alistair inquired.
"Ignore them, Alistair. They are just being silly. I think we should move into the Grand Hall. A line is starting to form behind us," Bella said as she pointed to several nobles waiting to greet their king. "I will see you inside later on."
"You most definitely will, Lady Cousland," Alistair replied as he watched her walk away; her exposed creamy back just begging for him to kiss her up and down and…
"Your Majesty, I would like to introduce to you my daughter, Malota," Bann Ceorlic said.
Alistair turned his attention back to the very plain girl standing in front of him. Alistair bowed to her and said, "Malota, it's a pleasure to meet you. I hope that you enjoy yourself this evening."
She curtsied and cooed, "Thank you, your Majesty. I hope that we may be we will be able to share a dance together."
Alistair groaned inwardly. The only woman he wanted his arms around tonight was Ella. "That would be lovely," he replied with a smile.
It was nearly an hour later when Alistair was able to make his way into the hall. The dance floor was already filled with guests spinning and twirling around. Alistair surveyed the room as he looked for Ella. He spotted her in a corner surrounded by at least a half a dozen men; with that dress he was surprised that a half a dozen more weren't vying for her attention.
He started to make his way over to her when one noble after another stopped him so that they could introduce him to their daughters and push him into dancing with them. At this rate he would never get to hold the woman he wanted in his arms.
Bella talked with all the men that came up to ask her to dance, but she turned them all down. There was only one man whose arms she wanted around her this evening and as she glanced around she saw that all the nobleman were cueing their daughters up to dance with Alistair.
"His wife has been gone for less than five months and they are already pushing their daughter's at him," Leli said as she sat down beside her.
"It's disgusting really," Bella replied sarcastically.
"I completely agree. Let the man have some peace," Leliana said.
"Were you not doing the exact same thing with me just a little while ago?" Leli gave her a questioning look so Bella expanded, "With all your talk of succulent and forbidden fruit."
"Oh that's different. For one, I wanted to have a little fun with Alistair. If you could have seen his face when Zev slipped your cape off; I thought for sure he was going to take you right there in front of all of Ferelden. Ha, that would have been something to see, no?"
"NO," Bella replied. "Succulent or forbidden, this fruit won't be on display for all of Ferelden to see," Bella chortled back.
"What a shame that will be for Ferelden?" Bann Teagan said.
"Teagan, how nice to see you, would you care to join us?" Bella asked as her cheeks redden and she shot Leli a dirty look.
"Actually, my Lady, I was hoping that you would join me on the dance floor."
"Of course, I would love too," Bella said as she extended her hand and Teagan lead her to the floor.
Okay enough was enough, couldn't these people leave him alone and let him enjoy his own party. Alistair couldn't even remember the name of the woman he was currently dancing with. He smiled and nodded at the appropriate times and he hoped that he looked like he was engaged in whatever it was she was droning on about it.
Just then a lovely couple twirled past them and he heard Ella's laugh. He caught a glimpse of her as Teagan lead her around the dance floor. Great that's just lovely, Teagan gets to dance with her while he was stuck dancing with this woman whose name he can't remember and who was bruising his toes with her two left feet.
Teagan guided Ella effortless over to where Alistair was trying to lead his partner while minimizing the bruises his feet were receiving. Teagan paused beside them, "Lady Margery, I have wanted to dance with you all night. Would you be willing to switch partners and dance with me?"
Lady Margery giggled as she replied, "I would be honored to dance with you, Bann Teagan."
Ella slipped out of Teagan's arms and slid into Alistair's embrace. When Lady Margery's back was to him, Alistair mouthed, 'Thank you' to Teagan.
As Teagan guided Lady Margery past Alistair, Teagan whispered, "Anytime, your Majesty."
Alistair looked down at the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on. She was everything he had ever wanted or needed and she was her in his arms once again. For the first time in a long time there was no guilt as he held her tightly to him. "From the moment you walked in this evening I have wanted you in my arms," Alistair whispered in her ear and he felt the tremor that coursed down her back.
Ella's eyes twinkled as she smiled up at him, "You could have had me in your arms anytime you wanted. All you had to do was ask."
"Well, that's good to know and if I want you in my arms later on tonight back in my room will I get the same response," Alistair asked.
Ella smiled her crooked little smile and said, "You'll never know if you don't ask."
Alistair nodded and smiled down at her and said, "This dress should be outlawed."
"Oh, why is that, your Majesty," Ella cooed softly.
"Because I think I have broke about a dozen Chantry rules imagining all the different ways of getting you out of it."
"Do tell, Sire," Ella mewed gently.
Alistair pulled her closer to him so that he could whisper softly in her ear. "Well, I would first start by kissing my way down your velvety soft back till I reached the spot just below the small of your back that drives you wild when I kiss you there."
She moaned quietly into his neck and Alistair had to pause in order to compose himself and then he continued, "And then I would slid your dress off and spend some time reacquainting myself with your luscious backside before I flipped you over. But before I did anything I would have to pause and admire your perfect succulent body."
He felt her quiver against his embrace. Again Alistair had to pause as the image of her body spread out on her bed at the Keep flashed through his mind and his body began to respond to the thought of her beautiful naked body displayed before him - ready and eager. Yes, she was always eager he thought as a smiled spread across his lips. "Then I would kiss and lick my up your thigh till I reached…"
"Your Majesty, you have been dancing with Commander Cousland for the past three songs," Habren whined. "When do the rest of us get a chance to dance with you?"
There was no way that he could dance with anyone else right now; not unless he wanted to start a national scandal. Ella saved him, "I am so sorry to be taking up so much of his Majesties' time, but we are discussing something very important regarding national security. As soon as I am done with him, he is all yours," Ella said coolly and Alistair guided her to the other end of the dance floor.
"National security?" Alistair asked.
"Yes," she said with a laugh, "His little Majesty wants to come to play, but he might frighten the young impressionable Lady Bryland."
"Hey, he isn't little."
Bella laughed, "He isn't now and that's the problem. No more dirty talk for you, Sire, at least not when you have room full young vulnerable Ladies."
Alistair put on his best pouting face and said, "And I was just getting to the good part about how yummy you taste…"
His thought was interrupted by a commotion at the Grand Hall's main entrance. Alistair and Bella looked up and saw Captain Kylon, Anders and Sigrun yelling, "We need to see the Commander now. It's an emergency you over grown moron."
Bella paused and reached out through the taint. Damn it. She looked at Alistair and they both said, "Darkspawn."
Bella ran for the door, followed by Alistair, Zev, Leli, and Fergus. Eamon saw the disturbance and joined the group in the hallway.
"What is it?" Eamon asked.
"Darkspawn," Bella and Alistair answered in unison.
Bella turned Anders and Sigrun and asked, "How long before they reach the city?"
"Not long, Commander, thirty minutes at most," Sigrun responded.
"With all this noise in here I can barely sense them, can you tell how many?" Bella asked
"Not a large group. I would say fewer than fifty. It's probably a scouting group," Anders replied.
Bella looked at Captain Kylon and asked, "The gates?"
"We have already closed the city gate and I have all of my guards on high alert," Captain Kylon said.
Bella paused for a moment and then started issuing orders, "Anders, Eli and Ella are in Fergus' room. Go back to the Compound and get Rhylyn. I want the two of you to come up with any concealment spell you can cast on them."
Anders started to head out the door when Bella called out, "Anders!"
He turned, looked at her, smiled and said, "With my life, Commander." Bella smiled back.
"Zev, Sigrun, you're with me. We will be heading out to meet them before they make it to the city. Captain I will need twenty five of your best men."
"Of course, Commander, I will have them meet you at the gate in fifteen minutes," Captain Kylon said as he rushed out the door.
"I'm going with you," Alistair said.
"No you're not your Majesty," Bella retorted.
"Ella, I am a Grey Warden and I am King of Ferelden. My city is under attack and I will fight to defend it."
"Alistair, I need you to defend Eli and Ella. If I fail, I need to know that they still have to get through you before they get to him. He must be defended no matter what the cost. They can't reach him."
Alistair knew she was right, but he hated the thought of her out there fighting them without him. "Fergus and Leli can stay and defend the Palace, but I will defend my city. If they break through the gate I will leave the battle and come back to Palace."
Bella pulled Alistair aside, "As a Grey Warden you do realize that I am your Commanding Officer and I could order you to stay?"
Alistair looked at her stubbornly, "You wouldn't dare?"
She thought about it a moment and said, "You can go, Alistair, but the moment the gate is breeched you head immediately to the Palace. That's an order." Alistair nodded and Bella turned towards the Arl. "Eamon, you need to make an announcement that no one can leave the palace until this had been resolved."
"Do you really think it's wise to make that announcement? It could start a panic," Eamon said.
Bella glared at him, "I don't have time to argue with you. If you don't panic, they won't panic. Be their leader and they will follow your example," She turned to the others and said, "Now, I am going to go get into my armor; meet me at the gate in fifteen minutes."
By the time Bella, Zev and Sigrun approached the gate on horseback, Alistair and Kylon's men were already there. Bella had brought six additional horses with her.
Bella reached out into the taint to sense them. It would take them about another fifteen minutes to reach the city gate if she couldn't get them to turn.
Bella slid off her horse and approached Kylon. "Here's the plan, I want you to position twenty of your men on the east side of the forest. I am going to take my Wardens and five of your best riders and we are going to flank the darkspawn on the west side of forest in order to drive them into you before they ever reach the city walls, but have your archers on the battlements in case any get by us."
"Yes, Commander," Kylon said.
Bella and her group rode out to the western forest. She could sense them; they were about five minutes away. She shouted down the line, "Okay, men I want you ride in a tight formation allowing only enough room in between each horse for you to swing your sword. We will ride on an angle so as to cut them off from running towards the city, but still driving them towards the east. Wait for my order before you charge," Bella commanded.
Bella reached out in the taint and when the darkspawn were two minutes away she yelled out, "Charge!"
The horses charged through the forest and as they neared the darkspawn Alistair let out a blood curdling scream. The horses charged through the darkspawn crashing any that stood in their way. Swords were swinging, cutting down darkspawn on either side. The first twenty darkspawn were either killed in the stampede or by one of the rider's blades. The remaining darkspawn were driven back in the direction that Bella had intended for them to go where Kylon's men eagerly waited for them.
As Bella approached the fray she slid off her horse, withdrew her swords, and joined the battle. She cut through at least a half a dozen darkspawn as she made her way toward the Embassy. Just as she approached it she felt the blade slip into her side. She glanced down as the Hurlock behind her withdrew the blade. She swung around bringing both of her swords up and swept the blades together across the Hurlock's neck decapitating the bastard. Zev reached the Embassy before he could cast another spell at her and dealt two deadly strikes in rapid succession to the Embassy's chest.
The battle was over and the men were letting out victory cries all around them.
"Woo-who," Alistair said as he ran up to Zev and Bella. "And you wanted me to stay at the Palace and miss out on all this fun."
"Alistair," Bella garbled as she grabbed her side and stumbled. Zev caught her in his arms. "Bella, your injured," Zev said in shock as he looked down at her side.
"Thanks for stating the obvious," Bella said through gritted teeth. She looked down at her side and said, "That's going to leave a mark.
Alistair rushed over to Zev, took her from him and cradled her in his arms. "We need to get back to the Palace. I need Eli," Bella whispered in Alistair's ear just before she passed out from the loss of blood.