As always, kudos and appreciation to my beta readers, razerathane and bluvixen (both on tumblr).

Chapter Summary: A month since Howe was captured in the Alienage and imprisoned; he has been questioned over and over, and Roselyn finds she is uneasy having the murderer of her family under the same roof. It's not clear if Howe's evidence alone will be enough to condemn Loghain, but an unexpected request on Roselyn may be the edge she and Alistair need.

Rating: Teen


Three weeks later
End of Guardian

The news of Arl Howe's arrest and incarceration spread through the palace and was common knowledge in a matter of days. Rumour and gossip accompanied every word with each iteration more outlandish than the next. No one, save for select few people, knew the true reason for the Arl's imprisonment and Alistair was content to allow rumours to fly and build. Arl Eamon arrived from Redcliffe barely a week after Howe was arrested. He, Duncan, and Teagan spent much time in the dungeon every day with Howe, questioning him over and over again.

Roselyn noticed Loghain looked uneasy when he first heard the news. It was Alistair's idea to tell the Teyrn himself so they could gauge his reaction. Loghain may have been a master of concealing his emotions and his feelings, but when he was told of Howe and the circumstances in which he was found Roselyn saw a flicker of... something flash across his face. Fear or unease. She noticed how he swallowed and how it took him a few moments to choke out a response of vague but polite interest.

She half expected Loghain to flee from the palace now his accomplice was slowly being broken down. It would only be a matter of time before the truth spilled out of him after all. Roselyn did not ask what methods of questioning Teagan and the others were using. The truth was, she did not want to know. She found the idea of torture barbaric but recognized that it might be the only way to get Howe to speak. Alistair told her he had scouts and noblemen loyal to him searching for Howe's family. He hoped they could be used at leverage for a full confession.

Roselyn felt uneasy with both Howe and Loghain in the palace. Given her delicate situation and the fact that the two men responsible for the death of her family under the same roof, she was filled with dread and worried that the two men would be able to meet and talk in secret. She was assured over and over by Alistair, Duncan, and Teagan that Howe was kept under heavy guard when he was not being questioned and they were under strict orders to not allow anyone but a select few people near Howe. The guards were ordered to detain Loghain should he try to reach out to Howe. They tried to tell her she was safe. Of course none of them mentioned the child she carried and how she worried for its safety. Only Alistair promised her when they were alone that she and the baby were not going to be harmed; that they were in no danger.

He sounded so sure and confident she wanted to believe him, and sometimes she could. But there was always that underlying sense of fear. Loghain knew. She was certain he did. Something about the way his gaze lingered on her when he thought she was not looking. It was unnerving and always made a cold shudder rush up Roselyn's spine. He must have known she was pregnant. She was beginning to display many of the signs Oriana had shown while pregnant with Frances. Roselyn's gowns were getting tighter as her belly grew. She retired to her and Alistair's room more often to rest. Her appetite was changing daily, and try and she might she could never stop her hands from going to lay over the growing bump whenever she felt worried.

Loghain must have known and that caused Roselyn to wonder if Anora knew. Anora disappeared from the public eye not long after Howe's arrest. Roselyn believed it was due to the baby. Anora was fit to burst the last time she saw her and she could only assume the baby was due to be born any day. No doubt that was a day Loghain was eagerly awaiting. When the child was born, he could crow and state that now Anora's claim for the throne was the stronger one. If that happened then she and Alistair would have no choice but to make her pregnancy public.

It was all such a mess and thinking of it only made Roselyn weary of the whole intrigue. She wanted the vying and competing for the throne to be done with. She wanted to be able to sleep without wondering if she would awaken to a shadow looming over her armed with a blade. She wanted to be able to celebrate and openly focus on herself and the baby. In the excitement of Howe's arrest, Alistair had neglected to tell Fiona the news as he had intended to. And his mind was so distracted in the weeks that followed he had yet to tell her, so Roselyn was still faced with all the changes she was experiencing alone.

And the changes were vast. She never expected pregnancy to be easy and she knew she would experience physical changes, but everything else was a shock and a new battlefield for her to carefully navigate. The changes in her emotions, how she could swing from happiness to anger in a few seconds, and the almost constant discomfort. When she was dressed her clothes were too tight and the fabric itched. When she was in bed she struggled to find a position where her body did not complain or ache; a task not helped by the growing swell of her belly. Her back caused her daily pain and occasionally she was hit with intense bouts of nausea which had her excusing herself and retching until her throat was sore.

She soldiered through it, complaining as little as possible. She knew Alistair was distracted and had enough on his mind without her complaints adding to his list of problems. Alistair still somehow knew when things weren't right though, as well as whenever she needed comfort and a sympathetic ear. Whenever Roselyn felt at her wits end, Alistair would take some time away from his other preoccupations to simply sit with her. He coaxed out the things that worried her and caused her pain. He soothed her when she cried for some stupid reason that really made no sense, and did not begrudge the times she got angry with him. Roselyn was certain she would have broken down long ago without Alistair offering a sturdy shoulder and support. She was grateful to him for his patience, and hoped he knew that through all the angry and tearful words spoken she was happy.

That happiness only increased when Roselyn felt what she believed to be the first signs of movement from the infant she carried. Lounging back in a warm bath, the sensation was like a fluttering in her belly that came from nowhere but had her jerking up in the water, her hands clasped to her abdomen in surprise. She knew from Oriana's pregnancy that she might feel the child move, but nothing could have prepared her for it. A movement so subtle and strange that Roselyn was not sure what she felt at first. If it was just her imagination or if she truly had felt something. But the possibility excited her.

After waiting a few moments for something else to happen, she relaxed back in the tub peering down at her hands underneath the water. She breathed slowly, dangling her head back over the edge of the bath and willing her body to relax. She felt it a second time a few seconds later, although it was something less like a fluttering and more like a jab or a poke in the side, like a stitch after running. Water sloshed over the side of the bath when Roselyn sat up clasping her hands over her belly.

"Alistair!" she called for him, getting to her feet and grabbing a robe that hung over the top of a sliding screen. She slipped the garment on over her wet skin, dripping small puddles around her feet. "Alistair!" She tied the robe around her waist and moved from where the bath was out into their sleeping quarters. She expected to find him there, poring over documents on their bed, a sight she was growing used to. It was empty, no sign of her husband except for a single candle left on a small table on his side on the bed.

She crossed to the door into the presence chamber, pausing with her hand around the handle when she heard voices speaking softly from beyond. She held her breath, her features scrunching in concentration and she tried to over hear the words being spoken as she opened the door a crack.

"How long has it been?" Alistair's voice was low. He sound weary, but then he always sounded weary at the moment.

"Hours." A second voice, Roselyn recognized it as belonging to Teagan. "It's anyone's guess how long it will take. What would you like me to do?"

"There's nothing we can do." Alistair sighed and Roselyn could see him rub his hands over his face. "We'll wait until the morning... Maybe then we'll have an answer."

Teagan dropped into a bow. "Very good, Your Maj - Highness."

Roselyn waited until Teagan left and the main door closed with an audible click before opening the door from the bedroom to the presence chamber wide. She stood in the threshold, nibbling at her bottom lip. Alistair seemed oblivious to her standing there and she watched him all but slide into his chair at his desk, rubbing his thumb and forefinger across his eyebrows. She pursed her lips, moving silently across the floor to stand behind him. Roo watched from the window seat, wagging her stubby tail.

"What's wrong?" Alistair jumped a little when Roselyn spoke and to the touch of her fingers gliding through his hair. She kissed the crown of his head before beginning to rotate her fingers at his temples. He gave an audible groan and leaned into her touch.

"Nothing." His eyes flickered closed and he stretched his legs out underneath the table. "Teagan just updating me on something."

"Important?"

"It has the potential to be." Lifting his hands, they came to cover Roselyn's and his fingers slipped between hers. "I thought I heard you calling." Alistair arched his head back. "Is everything alright?"

"Mhm-hm." Roselyn followed Alistair's guidance when he led her around to come and sit in his lap. Apparently the wetness of her body seeping through her robe did not bother him in the slightest. "Everything is fine. It's you I'm worried about."

Alistair snorted, his hand working in small circles on Roselyn's upper back. "I'll be fine once all this mess is done and over with." He perched his chin on her head as she curled into his chest. "Once Loghain is out of my hair and I can breathe without him announcing how unfit I am to be King."

"When will that be?" Roselyn had not asked much about Howe's interrogation. She did not want to know the methods being used to extract information from him, or what that information was.

"Teagan and Duncan think we could call a Landsmeet tomorrow, given all the information Howe has given them..." He paused and Roselyn could practically hear his mind turning over. "It didn't take him long to crack apparently. The mere suggestion of threat to his family and he lost all loyalty to Loghain. A villain Howe might be - a coward, and easily bought - but he loves his family."

"I suppose everyone must have one redeeming feature," Roselyn's words were colder than she anticipated. She moved out of Alistair's lap and pushed her fingers back through her hair while retreating back into the bed chamber. "If you have all you need, why not call a Landsmeet and confront Loghain?"

Alistair followed her into their room. Roo padded in after him and tucked herself beneath the bed. Roselyn grabbed a hair brush from her vanity. She held it in her hand, running her thumb over the bristles rather than pulling it through her hair. Alistair sat at the end of their bed and watched her move from one spot to another, pacing slowly. Talking about Howe always caused a certain sense of anxiety to surface. Even though he was locked away in the dungeon and had no idea where their rooms were in the palace, she could not shake the knowledge that they were under the same roof. She did not feel safe with him in the palace.

"There are other things to contend with," Alistair shrugged his shoulders. "Eamon thinks it best we wait for Anora to have the baby. Knowing the sex will either weaken or strengthen her claim."

"So, a Landsmeet will be called when her child is born?"

"Probably." He groaned and rubbed his hands over his face while lying back. "It'll only be a matter of time."

"Hm." Roselyn bit her lips into her mouth but said nothing. She put her brush back on her vanity and went about changing for bed.

Alistair watched her, lying on his side with his head perched on his fist while she went about pulling on clean underclothes and one of his shirts after drying her body thoroughly. She caught his eye in the mirror while she pulled his shirt on over her head. Alistair smiled broadly and in the time it took her to pull his shirt on he was off the bed and behind her. His arms came to encircle her loose around the waist and he nuzzled her hair while swaying them on the spot. His hands lay over the swell of her belly and Roselyn tilted her head far enough back that Alistair kissed her forehead.

"What?" she asked him, enjoying the intimacy and the warmth he provided.

"You're showing," Alistair told her, eyes on the image of them reflected back in the mirror. "Did you know? You look lovely."

"You're my husband, you have to say that." Roselyn rolled her eyes, trying to ignore the heat rising to her cheeks at the sincerity of his compliment.

He shook his head. "No I don't." He kissed her forehead again and exhaled heavily through his nose. "I can't wait until we don't have to hide it anymore."

"It's a necessary precaution."

"I want everyone to know."

"Have you had a chance to tell Fiona like you wanted to?"

"Not yet." A slight grimace marred Alistair's features. "It's slipped my mind every time I've seen her. I'm sorry."

"That's all right." Roselyn placed her hands on his forearms. "There are more important things to think on right now."

"Not true. You and the baby are the most importan—" Alistair stopped abruptly and his gaze fell squarely on where his hands rest. "What was that?" He hardly breathed. Roselyn felt it too, a subtle movement beneath his palms, so personal and secretive it made her chest flutter.

"What was what?" She smiled.

"That... that ..." Alistair blinked hard and she could see his eyes watering as he searched for the right words. "It was like... I don't know... I can't explain-" He choked and swallowed thickly as a droplet trickled from the corner of his eye. Roselyn felt the strange squirming sensation again, her skin pulling tighter for a moment under Alistair's hands and then returning into place. Alistair gasped, his breaths growing a little quicker with excitement. He turned Roselyn to face him. "Was that the baby?" He asked, positively beaming looking between her face and her belly. "Did the baby just move? Did I feel it move?"

"Mhm-hm." Roselyn dabbed the corner of his eye, her own beginning to sting with happy tears. "How does it feel?"

"Amazing!" Alistair pressed a fierce kiss to Roselyn lips before he dropped to his knees before her, like a pilgrim before an alter, and began to smother her skin in kisses. "It's really real," he gushed. "I mean, it was always real but now it's really real. To feel it moving is so different to just talking about it!"

"It was a little shocking," Roselyn agreed while brushing her fingers back through his hair. Alistair practically leapt to his feet.

"You shouldn't be standing up." He began fussing and ushering her to their bed. "You should lie down. Is that right? Is lying down better? You shouldn't put any strain on yourself. Right? Is that right? I mean - being on your feet that can't be good for you. Or the baby. Mostly you."

Laughing, Roselyn wrapped her fingers around Alistair's while he babbled in an increasingly excited panic. She kissed the heel of his hand when she lay back and gave a gentle pull, tempting him to lie down with her. He needed no coaxing coming to rest beside her, crumbling his fine clothes to be closer. He gingerly placed one hand flat over her skin and bit his bottom lip in concentration as he tried to focus on any light movement. They lay in secluded quiet, exchanging soft words and affectionate murmurs while waiting to see if the baby would move again.

At some point Roselyn fell asleep, not wholly uncommon given how tired she found herself most of the time. She was unsure how long or how deeply she had slept when Alistair jerked in bed beside her, causing her to wake abruptly. The reason for his sudden awakening became clear in moment: the sound of frantic knocking on their bedchamber door.

Roo was already growling softly at the door. Aside from a few candles burning low, the room was swamped in darkness and the depth of night outside gave Roselyn the impression it was late, at least beyond midnight. Alistair was still dressed in his clothes from earlier and wiped sleep from his eyes while climbing off the bed. Roselyn pulled a blanket around her to protect from the elements and to conceal her body.

"Who is it?" Alistair demanded on reaching the door.

"It is Erlina, Your Highness." The female voice came from the other side of the door, as panicked as her knocking. "Please, I must speak to Princess Roselyn. Please. Is she there?"

Roselyn got to her feet, her skin growing cold. The tone and desperation in Erlina's voice filled her with a dread that crept up her spine and made the hairs on her arms stand straight. She pulled on a robe and glanced at Alistair who did not look happy to have been rudely awakened. Ushering Roo to one side, Roselyn opened the door a little. Alistair loomed behind her, a protective and intimidating presence.

"What is it?" Roselyn asked. She could see in the candles still alight in the presence chamber the pale colour of Erlina's skin. Her eyes were wide, dark circles beneath them and her black hair an untidy mess. There was a thin film of sweat covering her face and neck, she looked sickly and apprehensive. Her eyes darted around as if searching for something in the shadows and she wrung her hands together.

"Please, you must come to My Lady. Now," Erlina reached for Roselyn's hand on the door. "Please!"

"Calm down," Roselyn said trying to remain as composed as possible and control her voice in the hopes it would settle Erlina. "Tell me what's wrong."

"Is it Anora?" asked Alistair. He held the door and opened it a little wider. His shadow swallowed Erlina and she peered up at him, almost fearful of him.

Roselyn glanced between the elf handmaid and her husband, once, twice, trying to read the unspoken conversation between them. Her stomach coiled and felt heavy. She instinctively clasped her hands over her belly. "Is it the baby?" Roselyn inquired.

Erlina's sharp eyes snapped to her. "It is." She nodded and wrapped her fingers around Roselyn's wrist before she could retract her hand. "Please, my Lady is fearful. She has asked for you. You must come!" Erlina pulled.

"Just a moment." Roselyn pulled back. She looked at Alistair. "What's going on?"

Alistair was stone faced, his skin having turned practically grey. His eyes were quiet, almost unfeeling when he met her gaze. "According to one of Teagan's people, she went into labour earlier today. It's been hours."

"Why didn't you say anything?"

"Not a lot to say," Alistair shrugged his shoulders. "I'm more concerned as to why you're here." He looked at Erlina. "Why is Anora asking for Roselyn?"

"She is afraid!" Erlina practically wailed. "According to the midwives the baby is in a strange position. The physicians speak about cutting her open! My Lady is exhausted and fears not just for her life, but for that of her child. She wishes to see the Princess. To repair the only friendship she valued before it is too late! Please come!"

"Is her father there?" Roselyn asked.

"N-no," Erlina shook her head. "In truth, My Lady has become fearful of her father in recent weeks. I-it is hard to explain."

Roselyn nodded once, "Give me a moment to dress." Erlina released her wrist and stepped away from the door. Closing it, Roselyn passed beneath Alistair's arm, crossing towards one of the armoires. She shed the thin robe she wore and pulled open the doors to find something thick to conceal her own condition yet quick to put on. She could feel a tension crackling between herself and Alistair. Unspoken, bristling anger.

"Why didn't you say something?!" Roselyn snapped pulling dress after dress from the cupboard and tossing them to the floor. "Why would you not tell me she was having the child now?! Didn't you think I would want to know?!" She found a gown of lamb's wool with long, draping sleeves lined in fur. It was a dress meant for riding and parades in cold weather, but it would have to do.

"What good would it have done to tell you?" Alistair bit back at her. "You can't do anything and you should focus on yourself."

"Whatever has happened between Anora and myself, I would not wish anyone to be alone or friendless at such a terrifying and uncertain time," Roselyn's tone grew sharp as she spoke. "Help me with this." She held the gown up and despite the irritation marring his features, Alistair went to her and took it from her hands. Roselyn stripped out of the shirt she wore to bed, gathered the skirts and stepped into the gown placing one hand on Alistair's shoulder to keep steady. She pulled it up to her hips and the sleeves onto her arms before turning her back to Alistair and waiting expectantly. A moment later she felt the familiar graze of his fingers on the skin of her back and the laces tightening.

"I didn't know if Loghain would be there," muttered Alistair after a few moments. "This could be a trap."

"I doubt that," Roselyn replied. "I do not believe Erlina is acting."

"What will you do when you see her?"

"I do not know." Roselyn ruffled her hair and exhaled as Alistair finished tying her into her gown. "But she has asked me to go, and I will. I will try to assist if I can. Perhaps simply having a friendly face will do something."

Alistair took hold of her shoulders gently and turned her towards him. "If anyone mentions Loghain coming, or summoning him -"

"I will leave," Roselyn slipped her hands around his jaw, what anger they had felt towards each other fizzling away. "Try not to worry. Once the child is born, then steps can be made to put this all behind us." Grasping one of Alistair's hands from her shoulders she guided it down to press against the swell of her belly almost completely swamped by the weight of her dress. The corners of Alistair's lips tickled into a smile and he bent, pressing his forehead to hers. "Then we can focus on us. Our family. Our future."

He chuckled shortly through his nose, "You're a better person than I am, Rosie."

"I don't believe that," she kissed him briefly. "And neither do you."

"Your Highness?!" Erlina's voice came through the door making Roselyn jump. "Time is of the essence!"

"Don't worry." Roselyn kissed Alistair again before leaving the safety of his embrace. "And don't wait up." She crossed the room to the door, opened it, commanded Roo to remain, and followed after Erlina.

The halls of the palace were shrouded in darkness, and the few guards on patrol nodded politely as Roselyn hurried through the corridors behind Erlina. They walked quickly, while trying to present a façade of calmness and composure as neither of them wanting to draw unnecessary attention. Down one passage then another, Roselyn could hear Anora's agonized cries muffled by the thick walls and heavy doors even before they reached where her rooms were situated. The sound made Roselyn blanche and balk, making her stumble a little and catch herself on the wall. She was young when Oriana gave birth to Oren and was kept away from the pandemonium which ensued. Since then she had witnessed no births and hearing the pain in Anora's shouts made a trickle of fear run down her spine for the first time since discovering her own pregnancy.

Her pause caught the attention of Erlina and the elven woman turned briskly to her. "Please." Her eyes seemed to glow in the darkness. "We must hurry."

"Of course." Roselyn took a long breath and steeled herself. "I'm sorry." A brief glimmer of relief appeared on Erlina's face and she carried on leading the way.

Roselyn followed Erlina into Anora's rooms once they came to them. The heavy doors were pulled open from one side by another of Anora's maids and Erlina bustled in. The first thing that hit Roselyn was the warmth of the rooms. It was stuffy and uncomfortable, she could barely breathe on walking in and the heat almost stung her eyes. Then there was a smell. Something herbal, rosemary and something else. Something stronger and more harsh that made her nose prickle and her eyes water. There was very little light in the presence chamber beyond a few candles, most light came from Anora's bedchamber, the doors to which were open.

She had not seen or spoken to Anora much since she and Alistair returned from Highever; she was too angry and hurt, possibly to blinded to see beyond her own sense of betrayal. She regretted her words and actions now. How she had not been the friend to Anora that Anora had been to her? Uneasy as Roselyn felt at seeing her in such a vulnerable state, she pushed beyond her own concerns. Anora had asked for her and she would not let her down.

Anora's room was a hive of movement and people. In one corner were several of the palace physicians. Roselyn recognized Bart among them from the tourney so many months before. Several of Anora's ladies-in-waiting bustled around her carrying cloths and sheets which were damp or bloodied. There were two midwives, discernible by the stiff white hats they wore to cover their hair. One was a plump human woman with a worn face and small eyes. The other was elven, middle-aged and drenched in sweat, filling a basin with water from a jug. There was a Chantry sister too, swinging back and forth on a brass chain an incense burner while singing verses of the Chant softly. It was from that the smell was coming from.

In the centre of the room was Anora's canopy bed, the sheets and covers all pushed or pulled to the foot. Beside it a small wooden crib, ready for when the child was delivered. Anora lay in the middle, propped up on dozens of pillows, her hands clasped into white-knuckled fists clinging to the soaked fabric underneath her. Her whole body was trembling, her skin shining with sweat and her hair sticking to her face, neck, and her shoulders. She wore a night gown which Roselyn could see had red stains on it.

As she lingered by the door taking in the scene around her, Roselyn gaze found Anora's and for a split second there was a glimmer of happiness in the other woman's face. The expression crumbled into one of pain and Anora groaned while pushing her head back into the pillows.

"Why is the room like this?" Roselyn demanded, entering the room. Several people bobbed into curtsies automatically. Roselyn crossed to Anora's side without hesitation, all her previous unease gone at the sight of her friend.

"Roselyn..." Anora reached for one of her hands. Roselyn could feel her palm was sticky with sweat, but her skin was cold to the touch. Up close she could see deep, dark circles of exhaustion around Anora's eyes. Her skin was mostly pale aside from a flush across her cheeks and her neck. Much of her face was sunken as if she was malnourished. Roselyn pressed the back of her free hand to Anora's cheeks and forehead - a gesture her mother had done to her as a child. Anora's eyes closed and she sighed softly, "I didn't think you'd come."

"Shh," Roselyn stroked Anora's blonde hair back from her face. "Of course I came."

Anora's hold on tightened on her hand and she struggled to sit up. "I need to tell you - My father – Highever -" Her words came to an abrupt stop and Roselyn had to grit her teeth to stop from wincing as Anora's grip grew tighter. She pushed her head back into the pillows again, a low moan ripping from deep inside her chest. The human midwife peered up from the foot of the bed.

"Keep pushing, Your Highness," she urged, her accent not of Ferelden. To Roselyn it sounded more from the Free Marches. "Bear down."

After several moments Anora's grip loosened and she relaxed a little, breathing hard. She looked up at Roselyn after taking several sharp breaths. "I'm so sorry for everything that's happened," Anora almost sobbed. "I had no idea. I never knew -"

"Hush, Anora," Roselyn took a cloth from a basin of fresh water which was offered to her and began to smooth it over Anora's face and neck. "Later, tell me later." She sat. "I asked why the room is like this!" She looked at Erlina and at the other ladies-in-waiting who hung back, confused as to why Roselyn was there.

"Teyrn Loghain's orders, Your Highness." One of the ladies explained. "Necessary for the health of the Que... of My Lady, and the child."

"How is keeping her closed up in a stuffy room helping?" Roselyn barked at her. "Open the windows and remove whatever is making that awful smell." She heard the Chantry sister stop mid-verse. "Get something for her to drink." Several woman moved around the room doing as Roselyn demanded. "You." She nodded at another lady. "Go to the guest quarters and wake Fiona. Explain what is happening and ask her to come here."

"The elven mage, Your Highness?"

"Yes!" Roselyn replied shortly. "The elven mage. Go. Now."

"We do not need the help of a mage, My Lady." The plumper of the two midwives interjected, causing the woman Roselyn had told to go to pause in her steps. "We have delivered many children and this is not an issue that a mage need to interfere with."

Roselyn bristled and gave the midwife a hard stare. "Fiona is a skilled healer and knowledgeable. I do not doubt your abilities at delivering the child, but Anora's health is waning and Erlina mentioned talk of cutting her open." She glanced at the physicians who all seemed to shift uncomfortably. "If that happens and lives are put at risk then at least Fiona may be able to save one or both." She returned her eyes to the woman she spoke to initial. "Get Fiona and bring her here, now."

"Shall I fetch your father, My Lady?" the woman asked.

Anora's eyes went to her, a look of panic crossing her features. "No. No. Not my father. I don't want him here!" With a nod the woman hurried out of the room.

Roselyn shifted on Anora's bed and closer to her. She changed the hand Anora was holding so she could wrap her free arm around her shoulders. Anora's nightgown stuck to her, the fabric almost completely soaked with her sweat. Anora clenched down on Roselyn's hand and she could see muscles straining in her face and neck as she grit her teeth against the pain of another contraction. Anora shook furiously, sweat trickling down her forehead and her neck. Roselyn's fingers ached, she squeezed back into Anora's hand through the pain.

The elven midwife had her hands on Anora's belly, pressing and feeling around with a look of stern concentration. The other remained at the foot of the bed rubbing Anora's feet and her calves while offering words of encouragement which were mostly lost under Anora's yelling. Erlina was on the opposite side of Anora and held her other hand. Bart, the other physicians continued to talk quietly while Anora's other ladies were useless and lost for what to do in one corner of the room.

With the windows open and the smell slowly leaving, Roselyn had a cleared head. When the contraction finished and Anora slumped back in her pillows, Roselyn quickly started to wipe away sweat from Anora's forehead and move her hair off her face. After a minute or so of quiet, Fiona arrived with the lady-in-waiting who went to fetch her. She was dressed in her mage robes which looked hurriedly pulled on. Her short hair was a mess, as though she had only been able to ruffle her hands through it to make it neat.

It took her only a moment to assess the situation. Her pale green eyes and her features hardened and she grew closer to Anora. She examined her in silence, no one speaking - even the midwives kept their complaints about her presence to themselves. Fiona was more intent than Roselyn had ever seen her. She felt over Anora's belly, a soft green glow emanating from beneath her hands. Fiona moved around the bed to examine from the other side and then positioned herself at the end of the bed. The cool glow never stopped and it seemed it helped to calm Anora down somewhat.

"The baby is in an odd position," Fiona remarked.

"We thought as much," one midwife said. "We think the best course of action is to remove the child from Her Highness' belly by surgical means. It is a risk but less likely to result in the death of the infant."

Anora whimpered, her grip on Roselyn's hand tightened and she sat up off the pillows. Again, her face showed the strain and the agonizing pain. Roselyn squeezed her hand back as tight as she could and watched Fiona at the foot of the bed. Her feature's scrunched into one of momentary confusion. She grabbed a clean white blanket from a pile to her right and inched it beneath Anora's legs and backside.

"Cutting her open won't be necessary," Fiona said. "The child is almost ready to be born. But it will not be easy. The child has not turned fully into the correct position."

"Hear that?" Roselyn hugged Anora's shoulder, "You're almost there." She smiled supportively but felt lost for what to do or say. This was a whole new realm for her. She had no clue what was correct and what was not. She watched Fiona closely. Her thin hands massaging Anora's abdomen over the swell of the baby. Anora winced and hissed when Fiona pressed but did not complain beyond that.

"I need to tell you..." Anora squeezed Roselyn's hand. "There's so much to say."

"Later, Anora," Roselyn smoothed her hair back. "Later."

"There may not be a later." Even exhausted and drenched in sweat she retained a calmness and regality that Roselyn found impressive. She was a stalwart woman; even now nothing seemed to shake her. Her statement surprised Roselyn and it took her a moment to really understand what Anora said.

"You're not going to die," Roselyn replied with as much conviction as she could muster. "You heard what Fiona said..."

"My age… If this doesn't work..." Anora said. She leaned back in her pillows and looked at Roselyn. "If it is my life or the child's, then so be it. I would gladly go to the Maker for my son. But not until you know the truth."

"Anora -"

"Roselyn, please." Roselyn lost her will to argue and remained silent. She looked at Fiona who gave her a momentary glance before returning her attention to her task at hand. "You must know I never meant to hurt you. I knew nothing of Highever, of the massacre of your family. Had I known I would have put a stop to it!" Tears began to form in Anora's eyes. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry for what happened to them."

"It's not your fault." Roselyn managed not to choke on her words. The thought of her family and her home was still painful and she struggled to talk about it. "I don't blame you. There's nothing for you to apologize for."

"I never imagined this. I thought when Cailan returned... I don't know. But he didn't. I was lost. I wanted to make sure that for all the insults I suffered through, I would have something. I never imagined that it would impact you." Anora's breath shook. She shuddered and clasped one hand up to her face. "I never imagined my father would go to such drastic measures. He's a madman, he's not the man I looked up to and admired..."

"Anora," Roselyn smoothed her hair back again, lost for anything else to do.

"I never knew he could be so callous. So cruel." Anora turned her tearful gaze on Roselyn. Tears were streaming down her cheeks now. "When I found out about Highever I didn't want to believe it was my father's doing. I wanted to believe it was just a random attack. But it was him - I think deep down I knew. I sent a letter using his seal -"

She paused and pushed herself up off the pillows. Her expression drew into one of pain and she dropped her head back, groaning. The glow from Fiona's hands reappeared where she stroked Anora's legs and peered up from between them.

"A little more, My Lady," Fiona told her. "The child is in a better position now." She nodded to the two midwives who lingered close by. One took Fiona's place at the foot of the bed, blanket at the ready, the other stood nearby with a small selection of tools in a leather bound pouch. She started cleaning them thoroughly.

Anora dropped back into her pillows with a grunt. She drank from a silver goblet Erlina offered to her, sighed, and turned her gaze back to Roselyn. "I found out using his seal and his contacts that he was organizing a... a something. After ridding the throne of you and Alistair, he had plans to somehow round up anyone from Orlais or with Orlesian family and have them tried for treason. He's gone mad. He sees shadows and villains in every corner. You must believe me, this man is not the father I grew up with. He is not the Hero of River Dane. This man in the palace is a stranger to me. A stranger I am afraid of."

Roselyn heard the tremor in Anora's voice even as she tried to hide it. A cold chill ran over her arms beneath her thick dress and she swallowed, "Why?"

"I told him I wanted to give up the claim to the throne. After you and Alistair returned from Highever, I wanted to give up. He refused. He threatened me. He told me he would take the child away if I betrayed him," Anora's voice grew tearful and she wiped her eyes with the back of one hand. "I can't allow him to have anything to do with my son. If he gets his hands on him... I don't know what will happen."

"He won't get near you. Or the baby," Roselyn answered and hugged her closer. She waited a moment, slowly digesting everything Anora said. She knew that Loghain was responsible, but to hear it from Anora was more jarring and painful than she expected. The confirmation was sharp and stung her, a pain that she felt all the way down to her bones. What was more frightening were Loghain's growing delusions and his threats against his own blood. He was more dangerous that Roselyn first thought, but with Anora's word and a confession from Howe, then the Landsmeet would surely be convinced of Loghain's madness and those who still supported him would see the danger in doing so.

As Roselyn went to spoke further, Anora jerked up beside her and almost growled. Her brows furrowed, her cheeks flushed and the midwives started to bustle. Several of Anora's ladies-in-waiting came forward with cloths and to offer their support. Fiona stood to one side out of the way with the physicians and the Chantry sister. Anora gripped Roselyn's hand, and that of Erlina.

"That's it, Your Highness. Breathe through it." The plump midwife reached for some a tool in the leather scroll the other held. In the brief moment Roselyn saw it, it looked like some kind of small clamp. "Keep going. Almost there," the woman cooed, though her words were mostly covered by Anora's yelling.

Roselyn clenched her hand around Anora's. Her nails dug into the back of Roselyn's hand but the pain was minimal and Roselyn hardly noticed. Another loud groan, Anora seemed to pool what strength she had left. Noise and talking grew louder, orders being barked back and forth until there was nothing to hear but a baby's squalling.

The midwives worked quickly, doing what was necessary with their small tool set and cleaning the child up. Erlina practically sobbed into her hand and Anora fell back into her pillows, breathing hard. Fiona came closer, moving silently and laid her hands over Anora with that same green healing glow. The baby screamed, its cries loud and long. Roselyn pushed Anora's hair out of her face and left her to catch her breath. She approached the midwives, and the gang of ladies who were all crowded around the baby in the elven midwife's arms.

Even before Roselyn saw the child, she could feel from the atmosphere of the group that something was not quite right. Several of them exchanged uneasy looks, disappointment and worry marring their features. The group spread to allow Roselyn through. The baby stopped crying, swaddled up in white linens. Its small hands clasped into tight little fists while its face was scrunched up with apparent annoyance. It was a chubby little thing, two eyes, a nose, two ears, and a mouth. A thin layer of soft downy hair on its hair of no discernible colour.

"What's wrong?" Anora's voice came from her bed.

"May I?" Roselyn asked the midwife. She obliged gently placing the baby into Roselyn's arms. Rocking it back and forth, Roselyn went to Anora's bedside. "You have a little girl, Anora." She smiled at her, though she saw the momentary flicker of disappointment appear over Anora's face. "Healthy, and beautiful. Would you like to hold her?"

With Erlina's help, Anora managed to straighten in her pillows and sat up as much as she was able. She waited expectantly still partly under Fiona's healing hands. Roselyn carefully placed the baby in Anora's waiting arms and stepped back, her own hands clasping together over her abdomen. She watched Anora peer down at the now quiet bundle and was relieved to see a smile break over Anora's face.

"She is beautiful, isn't she?" Anora said, tearfully

Roselyn retreated from Anora's bedchamber to the presence chamber after a few minutes. She needed the air and to gather herself and Anora was busy being fussed over by her ladies-in-waiting to notice her absence for a few moments.

Once in the quieter atmosphere of the presence chamber, Roselyn leaned up against a wall with her head tilted back. She stifled a small sob, biting her bottom lip and quickly rubbed her cheeks and eyes with her hands. She examined the markings on the back of her hand that Anora's fingernails had left and then peered down at the subtle swell of her belly under her dress. It had not hit her until that moment just what pregnancy entailed. It wasn't just the carrying the child, but she would have to give birth to it too. And that was a frightening thought. Watching Anora and being with her as she went through it was harrowing enough. Anora was one of the strongest women she knew, and to see her so afraid... Roselyn found herself afraid for her life and that of her child for the second time that night.

As if on cue she felt the strange fluttering sensation of movement, then a subtle jab underneath her ribcage - the baby reminding her it was there. She laughed to herself and managed to smile, stroking her hands over where the baby had moved. "It's alright..." She told the baby and herself while leaning back against the wall and exhaling deeply. "We're alright."

"Are you speaking to me, Your Highness?" Fiona's soft, Orlesian tone broke through Roselyn's quietness, making her jump. She appeared from the threshold of Anora's bedchamber mopping her brow with the sleeve of her robe.

"No. I'm sorry, Fiona." Roselyn straightened up.

"That's quite all right." The two women looked at each other. "I am glad you sent for me. Had you not, I am not sure whether mother or child would have survived."

"Mhm."

"These Fereldens are too eager to cut into things, if you ask me."

"I'm sure it was a last resort." Roselyn pushed her hands through her hair. "Thank you for coming so promptly. And being so useful."

"I would not have abandoned her in her time of need. Just as you did not." Fiona smiled warmly, her eyes almost glowing. "Though, now you have the things she said to think on, do you not?"

"Yes..." Roselyn sighed and it shook as it passed her lips. "I'll tell Alistair first. See w-what he w-wants... w-what he w-wants t-to-" A sob spilled out of Roselyn's mouth. She covered her mouth with one hand and tears that were prickling behind her eyes began to spill down her cheeks. She held back another sob and doubled over as if in pain. Fiona was at her side in seconds, hands on her shoulders to keep her steady. "I-I'm sorry," Roselyn waved her off. "I'm s-so sorry. I d-don't know what's wrong with me."

"It has been a long, emotional night," Fiona's voice was kind and motherly when she spoke. "And I imagine this has been quite an ordeal for you to witness, given your condition."

Roselyn blinked and sniffled turning her head to look at Fiona. "M-my condition?"

"You are pregnant, aren't you?" Fiona gave her a knowing look. Roselyn's eyes widened. "I have dealt with more than my fair share of pregnant mages and apprentices. I know many of the signs. And I've noticed how Alistair has been so attentive to you. Even more so than usual." She chuckled.

"Y-yes..." Roselyn gave a breathless laugh. "I suppose he has been."

Gently, Fiona placed a hand upon Roselyn's belly and for a few moments the two women stood in silence. Roselyn found herself holding her breath and watching Fiona's expression. Fiona's pale eyes grew glassy and she heard the elven woman's breath shake on a slow exhale.

"You must be so happy," Fiona said after a few moments. "The both of you." She looked at Roselyn.

"Yes."

"I never imagined I would see Alistair have his own family," she smiled. "I'm sure his parents would have been proud." When Fiona looked at her, Roselyn said nothing. She tilted her head to one side feeling the air grow thick with words being unsaid. Fiona gently cleared her throat, "I assume there's a reason you haven't announced it."

Roselyn clutched Fiona's lower arm, "Alistair and I don't want anyone to know until this whole issue with the rite of succession is over."

"I understand." Fiona swept her hair back off her face and the brief tension dissipated. "You'll need to announce something soon, unless you want to begin shutting yourself away and hiding. Do you know many months you are?"

"I began to suspect in Firstfall... so four, I think. No more than five."

Fiona nodded. "Should you need anything, let me know. I would like to lend my assistance, if I can."

"Thank you, Fiona." Forcing a smile, Roselyn wiped her face with her hands. It took her a few minutes to compose herself and for the tears to stop. When she was ready, she released a long breath and dropped her shoulders, standing upright as much as she could. She turned back to Anora's room and re-entered. Several eyes turned to her when she paused a few steps into the room. The baby was still in Anora's arms and the midwives were beginning to clean up the soiled sheets while Anora's ladies-in-waiting helped. Anora caught Roselyn's eyes across the room.

"Roselyn?"

"Anora," Roselyn clasped her hands before her. "Perhaps this is a bad time to ask but I think it is necessary to do so, given how fresh everything is in your mind. The things you said... would you be willing to repeat them in a trial against your father?"


Hey guys! Hope you enjoyed this part of the chapter! It was a tricky part to write, make no mistake. But hopefully you liked it. Next part will be up soon! I'm going to go catch up on comments now.

Please let me know what you think in the comments. :D