- Thanks to my beta readers, razerathane and bluvixen (both on tumblr).
- Chapter Summary: A week on from Roselyn's announcement to Alistair that she's pregnant, the two of them take some time from the chaos around them for themselves. Alistair wants to publicly celebrate his future child, while Roselyn has some reservations. As they come to a compromise, Alistair makes a rather hasty exit to visit the Alienage.
- Chapter rating: Teen
One week later
Beginning of Guardian
Roselyn felt as though telling Alistair she was pregnant threw her body into overdrive. She considered herself lucky that she was mercifully spared the terrible sickness Oriana had experienced while pregnant with Frances, but now she found she ballooned as if overnight. Her feet began to swell so she had servants loosen her shoes to making walking more comfortable. Foods she once enjoyed now turned her stomach, and she found she was almost always tired no matter how much slept.
She noticed one morning as she was dressing a subtle swell to her belly that had not been there before, as if the child growing inside her was now determined to make sure everyone knew about it, not just its parents. Roselyn discovered how easy it was to absently smooth her hand over the small bump when not thinking. While writing letters or walking around her hands automatically went to rest there, a protective barrier to the dangers of the world outside.
The growth was not so obvious to anyone else, nor was it so immense that she needed her dresses letting out or new ones to be ordered. She could still wear her clothes, just with the bodice tied a little looser to give her room to move and breathe more comfortably.
Once his initial shock had worn off, Alistair was a mixture of overjoyed and terrified. His first concern was whether they might have hurt the child in any way. If he knew of her condition, he would not have allowed things to go as far as they did. After Roselyn assured him the baby was fine, Alistair was more relaxed and hugged her as hard as possible without crushing her for some time.
The joy of their child helped relieve Roselyn's grief somewhat. She had something to focus her mind on, and knew she would need to take every care and precaution in the months to come. Knowing that something wonderful could still exist in a world full of turmoil and personal tragedy helped with the sudden waves of sadness that would sometimes wash over her. Walking in the garden or pouring over documents about Highever, she would feel tears beading at the corners of her eyes unbidden and be forced to swallow them back.
It was still hard, waking every day and believing for a brief second that everything was as it should be; that her family would come visit the palace before the baby was born, and that she would have her mother and sister-in-law there when the labour eventually started. That moment of bliss gave way to the harsh reality, and Roselyn was faced with the fear of going through what should have been a happy time quite alone.
She had Alistair of course, but it was not the same. For all her mother's faults, she was always a woman Roselyn could rely on. When she was a girl, Eleanor spoke endlessly to Roselyn about the children she would someday have, how they would be important, how they would have influence over much of Ferelden, and how it was Roselyn's duty to raise strong sons and clever daughters. Roselyn turned her nose up at such a thought back then, thinking she would never want children of her own. All she wanted to do then was follow in her brother's footsteps and learn how to fight and ride. As she got older and the idea became less abhorrent, she never doubted her mother would be there to hold her hand and guide her through the difficult months of her first pregnancy and the early weeks of her child's life.
Now she realised she would have to face those months and those weeks without the support she took for granted. If things were not so difficult between them and their relationship not quite so strained, she would have approached Anora. They could have been one another's support. But she burnt that bridge with her words and actions and did not see a way to repair it.
Roselyn tried not to dwell on what she did not have and instead turned her attention to what she did have and kept herself busy. Highever was still in disarray and every day there were new letters and messages arriving for her and Alistair reporting on its rebuilding and the people as they slowly returned. She had Alistair to support while he tried to run the Kingdom with Loghain breathing down his neck and trying to block him at every turn. At moments where her grief threatened to swallow her whole, Roselyn was able to remind herself of all she had to look forward to.
Alistair helped in that regard. He was more enthralled and excited at the prospect of being a parent than she was. In private he would take every opportunity to touch her with more tenderness and gentleness than she was already accustomed to. He marvelled at all the small changes her body started to exhibit and cursed that he was not by her side all the time. He complained about the possibility of missing things. He insisted that he wanted to be there to hold her hand when she went down the stairs and took great enjoyment in helping her undress at the end of the day - going so far as to dismiss her ladies-in-waiting early - if only so he could feel her belly unencumbered.
Their rooms remained their private sanctuary where the two of them were the most relaxed and at home. They still worked, Alistair often sitting and writing letters at his desk or reading newly arrived ones to Roselyn, but there was no pressure on them to maintain a dignified and proper air. In the days following her announcement, Alistair's desire to work in the evenings grew less and less. Roselyn found herself scolding him more often than not for ignoring his duties to smother her with affection and to lie with her on their bed, his hand placed softly over her belly.
A week on from telling him of her pregnancy, that was where she found herself. Comfortably lying on her back winding her hands through Alistair's hair as he lay with his chin on her thigh reading from a missive delivered that afternoon.
"Thus far there have been only vague rumours of Arl Howe's appearances here on the Storm Coast," Alistair read, his eyebrows drawn low over his eyes. "Scouts are investigating every possibility, no matter how ambiguous or implausible. If the Arl means to flee Ferelden from this location we will find him first and bring him to face swift justice in the capital."
Putting the letter to one side, Alistair rubbed his eyes with his thumb and forefinger. He pressed a soft kiss to Roselyn's hip bone and sighed through his nose. "Not the best news," he mumbled.
"It could worse..." Roselyn trailed her fingers around the shell of his ear. "The letter could have said he had escaped."
"True."
"If he does escape Ferelden, will we still be able to apprehend him?"
Alistair hummed thoughtfully and pursed his lips. "I'm not sure," he admitted leaning up to look at her. "I think we can, given that he is a native of Ferelden, but I don't want to accidently cause insult by stepping on anyone's toes. I'll have Teagan check."
"Good idea," nodded Roselyn. She leaned back into her pillows and stared up at the canopy of their bed. It felt like months since the events of Highever, when in reality it was only a few weeks. She felt older and weary. She longed for nothing more than her family to be avenged and those responsible to be punished for their part. Then, perhaps, life would settle down once more and she and Alistair could focus wholly on the future. Their future and that of Ferelden. The rustle of papers caught her attention and she glanced down to see Alistair opening the seal on another letter. His eyes scanned the words written inside. She watched his mouth draw to one side and an eyebrow quirk on his face and asked, "What is it?"
"Your Highness, after extensive examination of the bodies exhumed from the remains of Highever castle, I can report the following discoveries:
- Bodies of those men who fought and died for Highever and Teyrn Cousland were given their last rites and burnt, sent to the Maker's side. Any of their belongings that could be salvaged were sent to their next-of-kin where possible.
- Six of the bodies found which bore no sigil or heraldry on their weapons, shields or armor were examined at length by our surgeons.
- Close inspection revealed each man had a coin similar to that the Princess found in the tavern sewn into the collars of their jerkin. Each coin bore the symbol of a great bear backed against a shield. This heraldry, as I am sure you well know, belongs to the Howe family of Amaranthine.
With this information, it appears irrefutable that Arl Howe was responsible for the massacre of Highever and of the Cousland family.
If any more details come to light I will write again.
Your humble servant,
Aveline Vallen of West Hills."
Roselyn jerked to sit up and Alistair handed her the letter. She held her breath as she read Aveline's carefully written words. Here was the proof that Arl Howe was involved. He was responsible for the death and carnage. He must have been. Roselyn never doubted he was, not since finding the coin the assassin dropped, but when he was finally found and brought before his peers to be judged, no one would doubt his guilt. It was the proof they needed and the best they had without a man to give them a confession.
"I knew it," she breathed meeting Alistair's gaze. The space behind her nose prickled uncomfortably and her chin quaked. Relief flooded through her veins making her extremities feel cold. Pinching the bridge of her nose she buried her face in the palm of her hand and choked back a small sob. "I mean, I knew... but to have it confirmed in writing. To have the proof..."
Alistair moved up the bed to sit beside her and wrapped his arms around her, bringing her into his chest. He kissed the crown of her head and rocked her slowly, letting her cry while she crumbled the letter in her fingers. Her vision blurred the words as she tried to read them again wanting to imprint them to her mind and never forget them. Arl Howe was the blade that had cut her family down. Arl Howe was why her niece would never see her first name day and why Oren would never partake in his first tourney. Arl Howe was why her mother would not be at her side as she lay in her childbed. It was Arl Howe.
"What do you think Howe's reason was?" Alistair smoothed her hair back from her face and kissed her brow.
"I don't know," Roselyn gave a weak shrug of her shoulders. "He was always our ally. Even when Fergus broke the contract to marry his daughter. Once Maric commanded reparations to be made, he and his family were still friendly with mine. If... a little distant."
Alistair sighed and she felt him press his lips to her temple. He stroked his hands up and down her arm. She could almost hear him thinking, considering whether or not to talk. She waited, knowing Alistair would speak when he was ready. That he would say whatever it was that weighed on his mind.
"I overheard Anora and Loghain arguing," he told her very slowly, measuring his words as he said them. "A week ago, before you told me about the baby. I was going to tell you, but I suppose in all the excitement it slipped my mind. I was coming here from the council chamber and used the servant's passages. I heard them in Anora's rooms, I think."
Roselyn wiped her eyes and tilted her head to look at her husband. "Oh?"
"I only caught the tail end of things. But..." He ruffled a hand through his hair. "Anora mentioned something about Loghain making Howe a promise. And Duncan is of the opinion that Howe doesn't have it in him to do something like attack Highever without the backing of someone more powerful."
"You think Howe and Loghain are working together?"
"I do," Alistair nodded. "I don't know for certain, or why. And there's no proof as yet but... with the assassin in Highever's words, Howe's involvement, and what I overheard, it seems likely."
"Unfortunately overhearing words isn't going to be enough to convince a Landsmeet of Loghain's guilt." Roselyn offered a weak smile and leaned her forehead against Alistair's shoulder. "We would need a written confession from him. Or at the very least someone to speak against him. I doubt he would confess unless forced."
"What about Anora?"
Roselyn shook her head, "I don't think she would speak out against her own father." Raking her fingers through her hair she tilted her head back and closed her eyes. "He is one of the few allies she has at court. I don't think she would want to risk his potential execution and her own potential exile. Not while the throne is still at stake."
"Good point," Alistair huffed. After a moment Roselyn felt his palm slide over the soft swell of her belly beneath the shirt she wore. "You know..." She lowered her head to look at him, placing her own hand over his. "With this little one, my claim is stronger than hers."
"I know," she smiled sweetly and dropped slowly onto her back at Alistair's guidance. He pressed a kiss to her mouth and smiled against her lips before shifting down the covers to lie with his head perched on her abdomen.
"Do you think it can hear us?" he wound his fingers over her skin, stroking over her navel and belly button, along the hem of her small clothes and over her hips. He inched her shirt up until her stomach was bare and the minor growth of her belly more obvious. The whiskers of his beard tickled her skin when he kissed over her flesh, grinning up at her with shining honey-brown eyes. Roselyn bit back her laughter and nibbled her bottom lip, watching Alistair continue to kiss and nuzzle her. "Will it know our voices when it's born?"
"I don't know," she answered him, curling his hair around her fingers. "Perhaps."
"Who do you think it will look like? You or me?"
"I don't mind," she tapped the end of his nose with her finger. "I hope it has your nose. I love your nose."
Alistair grinned, "I do have a very handsome nose." He pursed his lips against Roselyn's skin and blew hard creating a trumpeting sound with the air he expelled and his lips. Raucous laughter fell from Roselyn's mouth as she wriggled and fought to get away from him. She braced her hands on his shoulders as he held her fast with a grip around her waist. He did it again and her laughing became wilder. She kicked her legs trying to dislodge his hands and escape. Alistair's laughter joined hers and he started to litter kisses over her belly, the end of his nose sweeping over her skin in the wake of his mouth. "I am so excited to meet you," he spoke directly to the baby as his laughter subsided, his voice soft and husky. "You are going to be so loved. You will never, ever have need to doubt how adored and precious you are."
Roselyn watched him through half-lidded eyes, the weight and sentiment behind his words ringing louder than the words themselves. She had known the unconditional love of her parents. Growing up she never doubted or needed to question how much they loved and cared about her. Even when they fought and disagreed, she was always sure of their love for her.
Alistair grew up never knowing that same sentiment. His early years as a bastard, without mother or father and spurned by those charged with his care, he knew only neglect and coldness. Even after coming to the palace his father was never warm to him and Cailan only saw him as an annoyance, a reminder of Maric's infidelity. He was forever the bastard - the spare - in case something happened to Cailan.
She was always amazed at Alistair's kindness despite the harsh difficulty of his life. He was never cruel or unfair. He was not cynical or unfeeling, though he had every right to be bitter and angry at the world. Hardness was thrown at him yet he remained warm and hopeful and good. He never allowed it to change him and for that she was grateful.
Alistair would be a parent like her own were. He would never allow their child to feel neglected or unloved. They would want for nothing from the moment of their birth and she knew Alistair would be there to hold their hand and pick them up when they fell. He would spoil them and adore them, the way he never was.
Smoothing her hand over his cheek, she stroked her thumb beneath his eye and smiled when he kissed the palm of her hand. He moved up the bed to lie beside her and she welcomed the warm kiss he pressed to her lips with a murmur of contentment.
He brushed his nose over hers when he broke away. "I had a thought," he said after a brief silence.
"Did you?" Roselyn turned onto her side to give him her undivided attention. She smoothed her fingers back through his hair and ran her nails over his scalp. Alistair's eyes flickered closed and a low moan rumbled deep within his chest. "What was this thought?" She kissed the end of his nose.
She relished these moments of privacy and closeness. They could not be so affectionate in public. It was not seen as proper. In their own sanctuary they could be as loving and tender towards each other as they wanted. Roselyn loved it. She loved how all of their intimate and personal affection was kept so private and away from prying eyes. It was just for them and no one else. It made the moments they were more openly affectionate towards each other in court all the more shocking and scandalous.
"We should make an announcement," Alistair explained with a broad smile. "Arrange a celebration, a festival or a fete, something like that, to celebrate the baby." He brushed his nose against Roselyn's. "We shouldn't keep the good news just to ourselves, after all." He bit his bottom lip impishly, and Roselyn was struck by how boyish and mischievous he looked. His enthusiasm and happiness was infectious. Alistair was so excited and enamoured at the prospect of the baby and fatherhood, the only reason the whole of Ferelden did not know yet was because Roselyn made him promise to stay quiet.
She wanted to agree. A baby of any kind was something to be celebrated after all. And in normal circumstances, at any other time, she would be on board with whatever plans Alistair had. Whether it was a tourney in the baby's honour, a masque, or just a day of feasting and revelry for the Kingdom's subjects. But it was not any normal time, and the circumstances in the world around them were not normal. The widow of the crown Prince was vying for the throne and pregnant herself. Her father was a madman, bent on ruling from behind the throne if it went to his daughter and her child. And now her family were dead and an assassin already made an attempt on Roselyn's own life. The Kingdom was in turmoil. To add the announcement of a new child to an already stewing pot - Roselyn feared for herself, for Alistair, and for their child.
"I..." Roselyn sighed, dragging the sound out as she searched for the words to explain herself. She frowned and chewed the corner of her lip thoughtfully. Alistair looked at her expectantly and waited. "I don't know if... making an announcement would be particularly... uhm... sensible. Given the current political climate."
Alistair quirked a brow. "Oh?"
Sitting up, Roselyn cleared her hair over one shoulder and peered down at Alistair. "I'll speak plainly."
"Please do." Alistair sat. He stroked his hands over Roselyn's crossed legs. "Why don't you want people to know?"
"It's not that I don't want people to know," Roselyn rubbed her forehead. "I don't want Loghain or Anora to know. Or anyone close to them."
"Ah..." He nodded slowly.
"If things were different between Anora and I, then maybe I would tell her. But with Loghain around... If what you say is the truth, and Howe is working alongside Loghain or under Loghain's misguiding orders, then it would make sense that the assassin in Highever who tried to poison me was an extension of Loghain himself," said Roselyn, winding her fingers through Alistair's. "It also stands to reason that the order to attack Highever and my family came from Loghain too."
"That makes sense." Alistair agreed. "Although, except for their connection to you, I struggle to see what killing the Cousland family would get Loghain or Howe, if anything."
Roselyn's mouth quirked to one side. "The Cousland family are a - were very close claimants to the throne. That was why my father was put forward as a possible candidate for the throne at the Landsmeet after Maric died. Our family predates even your own."
"But your father rejected the offer."
"In favour of you. And many of his loyal friends and lords followed him in supporting of your claim over that of Anora. Taking away a stalwart pillar of support like that, I imagine Loghain wanted to both send a message and hoped it would weaken your resolve for the throne."
Alistair ran a hand through his hair and huffed, "Makes sense."
Roselyn continued, her brow furrowing in thought, "I don't think he would ever go after your uncle Eamon, despite his own support for you. He is the late Queen's brother after all, and she is still well loved by the people and remembered fondly. If Loghain attacked her kin and was found out, he would lose any love the people still held."
"The Loghain the people remember is a hero. If they saw him as he is now, a paranoid, delusional lunatic I doubt they would hold any affection for him," Alistair's voice grew harsh.
"He could have gone after my family for a completely different reason, of course," Roselyn mused. "Maric himself said he never expected our marriage to create a formidable pair. Perhaps... Loghain thought disposing of my family would weaken me, and therefore us." She grew quieter, realising that if that was the case the reason her family was dead was because of her. They were cut down to get to her.
As if recognising where her thoughts were going, Alistair slipped his hands around her face and coaxed her to look at him. His expression was severe, earnest, his eyes on hers. "It's not your fault," he told her ardently. "Your family. Highever. It wasn't your fault."
A weak smile flickered across her lips, "Keep telling me that and I might believe you one day."
"Rose..." He curled a tuft of hair around her ear, leaned forward and kissed the space between her brows. "I will keep telling you if I have to."
She chuckled, enjoying the roughness of his lips on her skin, "I don't doubt it."
"It's a good thing Loghain doesn't know you very well," Alistair's voice grew lower.
"How so?"
"Thinking something so heinous would weaken you."
"It almost did," Roselyn murmured. "It almost destroyed me." She knew Alistair was trying to keep her spirits up and take her mind off the thoughts of her family. She appreciated the gesture and his effort, and swallowed hard on the pit in her stomach. "But I'm lucky enough to have you."
"What did I do?"
"You didn't rush me," Roselyn straightened up. "I know I grew distant and that I started to push you away. But you didn't force me to talk or become angry with me. You waited until I was ready. You have no idea how much your patience meant."
"I was only trying to give you the same respect you gave me after Cailan and my father."
Roselyn smiled, pressed a brief kiss to his lips, and reached to the bedside table to get her brush. "My point with Loghain," she continued, "is that I imagine he is trying to get to you. Maybe he thinks if the support for you weakens enough you'll give in. Or he might believe if enough bad things happen people will see it as an omen of some sort. I don't know." She gave a small shrug. "But I think he would do anything to see Anora on the throne."
Alistair climbed off the bed and began to move around the room. Roselyn watched him to go a dresser a pull out a clean shirt. "We have to tell someone about the baby." He shook out the shirt and pulled it on over his head. "If just to see their reaction."
"Who can we trust?" Roselyn looked at him and placed her brush in her lap. "Loghain, Howe, or maybe both conspired to kill me. They sent an assassin to poison me in Highever. The last member of the Cousland family. Do you think Loghain would rest a moment if news spread of me being pregnant?"
Alistair leaned on the dresser, "Probably not."
"I think he would double his efforts. Turn to more drastic and desperate measures. He could call on a another assassin, or a guild of them. He could corner me in the palace and attack me himself." Roselyn tried to keep her voice calm but could feel the rising panic seeping into her words and making her voice crack. Alistair returned to the bed. He took her hands and sat with her, rubbing his thumbs over her knuckles. "I want to celebrate and I wish we could. It isn't fair that we have to hide this like its some terrible secret..." She breathed hard, feeling her cheeks flush.
"But with Loghain behaving the way he is..."
"I don't want to risk the baby, just to hear people cheering and celebrating for us."
Alistair sucked his teeth for a moment. He tilted his head back, rolling it from side to side as if working out an ache. When he relaxed, he dropped his gaze to Roselyn and sighed, "What about Fiona?"
"Alistair -"
"Hear me out," he interjected. "Fiona has hardly spoken to Loghain. I don't even think he knows who she is. I trust her. She's a mage and a skilled healer. At least if we tell her she can be on hand to help if you need it or there's something worrying you."
Roselyn pulled her mouth to one side. Fiona did seem a trustworthy sort, though the two of them did not speak very often. She was also knowledgeable, and not having her mother to help her, Roselyn knew she needed at least one other woman to tell her what to expect and what was normal. Books could only do so much, if there were any books written on pregnancy; and it was not as if she could venture into the city alone and see the local midwife without alerting the capital to her pregnancy.
"You trust her?" Roselyn queried, slowly lifting a brow.
"I do," Alistair nodded once. He placed one hand over Roselyn's belly. "I would prefer having someone we both know looking after you and the baby in the months to come. Not some stranger."
"I would prefer that, too," she agreed. She placed her own hand over Alistair's. "If you trust Fiona, then so do I."
Alistair positively beamed, the prospect of being able to tell someone their news making his face light up. He kissed Roselyn soundly, grinning against her lip before climbing off the bed again and continuing to change. Roselyn watched him pull on a treated leather vest over his undershirt and he pulled on a thick woollen doublet over that. He changed out of his comfortable cotton breeches into a black leather pair and tugged his boots on either foot.
"Why are you getting dressed? Where are you going at this hour?" asked Roselyn.
"To tell Fiona," Alistair's smiled faltered. "If she's around."
"Why do you need a scabbard if you're going to see Fiona?"
"I might get challenged to a duel," he teased as he fastened his belt.
Roselyn crossed her arms and stared at him in silence. When he ignored her, continuing to ready himself to leave, she coughed loudly to get his attention. "Where are you going?"
"To tell Fiona."
"Husband," she growled at him. "It's late. She's probably asleep."
"I'll go and check." He started for the door to their bed chamber. Roselyn scrambled off the bed and reached it before he did. She stood with her hands on her hips, lifting her chin to be as challenging and imposing as possible.
"What is going on?" she demanded. "I am pregnant, not stupid. I know when something is off and when you aren't telling me something."
"Me? Not tell you something?" Alistair feigned insult, clutching one hand to his chest and swooning dramatically. "Your words wound me."
"I really will wound you in a minute," Roselyn retorted, shaking her head. She poked him in the chest. "Where are you going?"
Alistair gave a deep sigh, "To the Alienage."
"Now?" Roselyn's brows shot up and she glanced at the window. "It's dark and it's late. Why, in the name of the Maker, are you going to the Alienage?"
"The elves are still going missing," he explained rubbing the back of his neck. "Shianni has decided to use herself as bait to try and find out where they're being taken. I'm to track her, with Duncan and Fiona. Hopefully we'll be able to get to the bottom of all the disappearances."
"Why didn't you say something?"
"I didn't want to worry you."
"I won't be worried. I'm coming with you."
"No, you're not," Alistair held Roselyn's shoulders. "No. On this I am putting my foot down. None of us know what to expect, there may be fighting. You are not going to put yourself in danger."
"How do you know there'll be danger? You just said you don't know what you'll find." Roselyn quipped back. "Besides, I can help. I can fire a bow. If I'm at a distance –"
"Roselyn," Alistair's voice was hard and cut her off mid-sentence. She relaxed her stance, dropping her arms to her sides and lowering her shoulders. "I'm sorry. I don't want you to endanger yourself. Or the baby."
"At least take Roo," Roselyn mumbled. "I know she's usually a lap dog, but in a fight she's a true mabari."
Alistair half-smiled, "I'll take her. Thank you." He leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Try not to worry. This could all be for nothing."
"Don't get hurt."
"I won't." He kissed her forehead again. "I'll try not to wake you when I get back." He stood, checked his sword was in his scabbard and went to the door.
"What if you're not back by the morning?" asked Roselyn, trying to keep the worry from her voice. Alistair turned with the door open.
"I will be."
"But if you're not? What if something happens? If you get hurt or-or-"
"Rosie," Alistair grasped her shoulders in firm but gentle hands.
"I don't like this..." Roselyn muttered dropping her gaze.
"I know you don't."
"Just the four of you. No guards. It's... I don't like it." She pouted a little.
"Try not to worry," Alistair spoke with his lips pressed to her forehead. "I'm not. We're just going to investigate what's happening with the elves disappearing. There's probably a logical explanation for it."
"What if something happens to you?" Roselyn's voice quivered. "I don't want to lose you, too."
Alistair smiled, "You won't." He hooked one hand under her chin and eased her head up until they were looking at each other. "I promise." He pressed a soft kiss to her lips, curling a lock of her hair around his fingers and tucking it behind her ear.
"Alistair..." sighed Roselyn, fingers holding to the front of his jerkin.
"I'll send word if I won't be back by the morning. Don't wait up." Another brief kiss, "I love you." He stepped out of her grip and towards the door.
Roselyn lingered by the door watching Alistair call Roo to his side as he left. "Be careful." She leaned against the lintel and winced when the door closed behind him. Winding and rubbing her hands together Roselyn paced back and forth a few times. She stroked her belly in the hopes of distracting herself from the knotting worry gnawing at her gut. Sitting on the bed she stared at the door like a forlorn pup waiting for its master to return. She knew she would not sleep until Alistair returned safely.
Thanks for the comments and nice thoughts on the last chapter. Hope you enjoy the first half of chapter 16. Please let me know what you think. All comments appreciated.