Antiva, two weeks later...
The rain fell from the heavens, the clouds covered the sun on the sky, the wind blew almost mercilessly at the windows of her room. Marian sat on a chair near the windows of her room and looked outside, her baby cradled gently and carefully in her arms. She rocked them gently back and forth as the baby slowly but surely closed her eyes. Marian didn't gave the baby a name simply because she didn't want to name her without Sebastian. She knew he agreed on the names they once talked about, but she wanted his opinion. It was silly of her to wait for him for such a meaningless thing, but to her it meant much.
The rain didn't seem to stop as she tucked the baby closer to her in the white plush blanket, her head resting carefully on her mother's chest while she stroked her forehead. Marian smiled as she stared at the baby in her arms, already could she see the similarities she had to her father. She had his full lips and his eyes, that much she could tell, the other more noble lines of her face she had from her deceased mother, Leanndra. Or maybe, perhaps, Sebastian's mother Evelyn? She didn't know how his mother looked like and she made a mental note to ask Aleksandra if she had a portrait of his mother.
Marian sighed as the exhaustion crushed on her. She was still tired from giving birth, but slowly she regained her strength and soon she would be allowed to walk without anyone watching over her. The baby yawned and raised her hands as if she was stretching them, and Marian couldn't help but smile as she stroked the baby's chin with her forefinger.
"You're tired again. Aren't you my little angel?"She chuckled after she said that, and again she started to rock them gently back and forth. The babys eyes fell close and her breathing became steady and calm. Suddenly someone knocked on the door and she looked at Olga to open the door, only to reveal Anya, Aleksandra's servant walking in with a sealed scroll in her hands.
"Princess, I'm sorry to disturb you, but here is a letter for you." Marian motioned to Olga to bring the baby into her crib, which was in another attached room that had no door. The servant bowed and left with the baby, Marian waited for them to leave before she took the letter from the girl.
"Letter from who?" Marian had to ask because she couldn't trust anyone.
"From Starkhaven, Princess." As soon as she said that, Marian ripped the scroll open but before she read it she told the girl to leave. Seconds later she was alone and her eyes started to read the words, and a stone fell from her heart when she recognized Sebastian's handwriting.
My Marian, leannan...
My hope, my light...my reason to live.
I am writing this letter with the shaking hands of a man who found hope again. This will be my final letter to you, Marian...
Her eyes watered and she feared for the worst, still she took a deep breath to steel her mind for whatever she's about to read.
Fear not, leannan. This is my final letter only because I will have no need for them anymore. The letters and parchments are useless because soon I will have the greatest reward of my life standing before me and holding it in my arms.
She blinked rapidly as a wide smiled appeared on her face, the tears that she held back finally finding their way down her face as she continued to read, her heart beating like it hadn't in a long time.
I'm coming for you leannan. After month's of this ordeal that I had to face without you, I will have the chance to hold you again. My hands are shaking. Shaking because they ache for your skin, your hair, your hands. But my heart is at ease, knowing that soon you will be where you belong. In my arms, cradled carefully near my heart.
In love and forever yours...
Sebastian.
"Olga!" The servant ran back as she heard the Princess almost screaming for her. She saw the Princess crying and she thought that something bad happened.
"Olga, go and get the Sultana. Tell her it is urgent!" She walked towards the door but she was stopped as Aleksandra entered the room, her face also wet. Marian immediately stood up, the letter held tightly in her hands as she walked towards her, the tears still falling freely down her face.
"Aleksandra, Sebastian-"
"Is coming to get you, I know." She showed her the letter she got from her father, and both embraced each other, both happy and content now that they know Sebastian and her father are returning. After a long moment Aleksandra broke the hug to look at Marian, a wide smile on her face as she refused to let go of her hands.
"Now, we have to call for the tailor to make you a nice dress." Marian smiled but shook her head.
"There's no need to-"
"Marian, you are going to make a new dress, one that'll fit you perfectly for when he returns. They should arrive for about two weeks, they still have some things to clear in Starkhaven before they can start their journey." Marian eagerly nodded and both walked out of her room. They decided to go the tailor now so she could have the necessary time to make Marian a wonderful dress with the finest Antivan silk.
Both walked and smiled, giggled and laughed, they were acting like little girls but they had a very good reason to act that way. Before they went to the tailor though, they stopped at Bethany's room. Marian nodded eagerly and hurried the door open when she heard a 'come in'. Bethany watched them with confusion written on her face as both Marian and Aleksandra giggled again, and she couldn't hide her curiosity any longer.
"What happened?" Marian and Aleksandra stopped giggling and they became serious, but they failed as a smile appeared on their faces.
"We received two letters a while ago, and.." Both silenced which drove Bethany almost mad.
"What letters?" Aleksandra and Marian watched each other before Marian spoke, her voice breaking because she was crying again.
"He's coming for me Bethany! Sebastian is coming for me! They've won the war!" Bethany jumped, clasped her hands together and squealed like a little girl before she threw herself into the arms of her sister. Aleksandra soon joined, until they were three squealing women tangled in each others hugs. After a while they broke the hug and Aleksandra took both Marian's and Bethany's hand into hers before she dragged them towards the door.
"Now Bethany, we have to get to the tailor to choose the perfect dress for your sister."
"Yay! I was thinking that purple suits her best." Aleksandra stopped and turned back to Bethany, her eyes shining like two stars on the night sky.
"Purple suits her wonderful, but what about...blue? Sky blue with a note of gold embroidery?" Marian was now dragged by Aleksandra and Bethany while they discussed the colors that fit her perfectly. She blinked at them because they were talking like she wasn't behind them at all.
"Hello? I'm right here you know. Don't I get a word in this?" Both Aleksandra and Bethany turned, a wide smile on their faces.
"No." Both said at the same time before they started to giggle and walk again. Marian shook her head but she couldn't be mad at them. Right now, her heart almost jumped out of her chest. She didn't remember when was the last time she felt that happy, then found out that the last time was during her childhood, when she went on a picnic with her family. It was one of the nicest memories she had from her life.
They walked around the last corner before they would reach the palace tailor, when suddenly they saw someone coming down the hall from the other end. All three ladies stopped and let out a frustrated breath when they saw Richard approaching them. He looked at his feet and at first he didn't see them, but when he lifted his head he looked blankly at them before he smiled wickedly. Richard approached them, his hands crossed behind his back while the three ladies stood next to each other, their heads lifted and a smile plastered on their faces. He stopped in front of them and bowed, the mocking smile never leaving his face.
"Sultana. Princess. My Lady." He greeted them with that mocking voice of his, but the girls didn't heed him. Instead they smiled even wider and Richard wondered if they were on some drugs.
"Lord Richard." Then all three burst into laughter, not caring about the deadly glare he send them. Aleksandra stopped laughing and saw the blank, angry look on his face and she couldn't help but feel amused of the fact that he maybe didn't know the news.
"Don't tell me you don't know?" She asked him, her eyebrows raised and the smile still resting on her face. She was mocking him with everything she got, and when she got his silence as answer she couldn't help but laugh again for a while, until she calmed down.
"Lord Richard will soon leave the palace." Now he was even more confused and he wondered if the Sultana wasn't drunk. She chuckled and took a deep breath before she spoke, her voice low and bearing a note of threat.
"We received a letter a few minutes ago, and I'm sure you won't like the news at all." All silenced for a while as Richard and Aleksandra shared deadly glances, Marian and Bethany standing right behind her. After a long silence Aleksandra took a deep breath, the mocking smile stretching even further as she spoke.
"My father is coming back. They have won the war, and Sebastian, well...he's coming with him." Even though Richard didn't fidget, everyone noticed his face going pale. His usual light blue eyes turned dark and his lip was tightly pursed together. Aleksandra crossed her hands before her chest as she looked at him, pity and anger written in her eyes and face. These were the last moments of Richard within these palace walls, and Aleksandra could start giggling again as she thought of it.
"Almighty Richard will have to leave soon." All of them giggled now, but they didn't wait for his reaction. Aleksandra took Marian's and Bethany's hand and they just walked past him. Richard stood there, frozen and staring at the floor, his heartbeat frantic since he heard that his uncle is coming back. But he would do anything to stay at this palace, even though it would require some drastic measures.
####
Starkhaven...
Sebastian ordered his men to get home and have a long rest. As soldiers, they surely wouldn't have that much rest, but Sebastian assured them that they could get a week free of work. The guards all cheered in happiness as they made their way back to their families and friends. Sebastian chuckled as he watched them leave, all singing very old Starkhaven songs about family, the love of their lives, it was nice to hear them again. He was walking through the battlefield helping with retrieving the corpses, he still couldn't believe that the war is over, that everything will be as it once was. He smiled before he came to the next victim, and the smile immediately left his face.
Sebastian knelt down, despite the presence of the Grand Cleric he would send a prayer for the fallen whenever he would spot one. Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder, and he turned only to see Varric. Sebastian finished his prayer before he turned to him, a weak smile on his face.
"Varric?"
"Choir Boy...what are you doing?" Sebastian didn't expect that kind of question, so he blinked at his friend.
"What do you mean?"
"Don't you have to prepare for the journey to Antiva? I mean, we all missed our Champion, you know." Sebastian chuckled as he stood up and looked around. Somehow Varric knew what was going on in his mind so he had to divert his attention from it somehow.
"Look, Choir boy, you don't have any obligations here. You have people doing this job and taking care of the bodies." Sebastian's smile died and he lowered his head as Varric's words rang in his head.
"I know Varric. But...I feel guilty, you know." Varric sighed, clearly annoyed by his way of thinking.
"No body forced them to fight Sebastian. They could've left the battlefield whenever they wanted."
"Yet they stayed and died because of-" He couldn't finish the sentence, it just pained him too much. Varric leaned his hands on his hips as he stared at Sebastian, his eyes narrowed and face stiff with annoyance.
"It's not your fault for their deaths. It's Justinia's fault, and she will be sentenced." Sebastian's head snapped back to him.
"Varric-"
"No Choir boy, listen to me! I've watched you this entire week walking through the fields looking for corpses. You look like a corpse yourself. I thought you wanted to get Hawke back as soon as possible?" That was true. He wanted to get his Marian back as soon as possible, but...
"I don't want to bring her back." Varric's eyebrows shot up, his mouth dropped open and his eyes widened in shock.
"What?" Sebastian fell on his rear and looked at Varric, he saw the shocked expression on his friends face and knew he didn't get him.
"Don't you see this Varric? She will see all of this if I get her back now. All the corpses, the wounded...I don't want her to see this." Varric shook his head and sat down next to him. He took out a small, ivory bottle and took a large sip from it. He handed the bottle to Sebastian, he watched it for a while but still took it. Sebastian brought the bottle to his lips and took a large sip, then the cool and sour substance hit his throat and he coughed, hard, as he recognized what the drink is.
"Maker's breath Varric! Do you want to make a fool of myself, here?!" It was the whiskey Varric smuggled in from Antiva. Varric only chuckled loudly as he took the bottle from Sebastian, tugging it close to his belt again before he spoke.
"Well, at least you're a lot funnier and relaxed when you're drunk." Even Sebastian chuckled at that as he stared at the ground, his arms leaned on his spread knees. The silence stretched between them until Varric took a deep breath.
"Choir boy, look..." He slightly turned to him, Sebastian turned his head to Varric to show him that he got his attention.
"You can't hide or lock away from Hawke everything bad that ever happened. She's the Champion of Kirkwall, she's used to see dead people. As sick as it sounds but it's true." Sebastian looked at the distance again, thinking about the words Varric just said.
"I know, but...I'm afraid she'll blame herself Varric. That she'll fall into depression."
"She won't fall into depression, nor will she blame herself."
"How do you know?" Sebastian looked back at Varric, a slightly annoyed expression on his face. Varric sighed and looked up at Sebastian, a small grin on his face.
"You may be our Hawke's husband, but I know her through and through. And when I say she won't feel guilty...then she won't. And do you know why?" Sebastian was silent and he hated himself because he wasn't the one who had the answer to this question.
"Because she has a family now. And she probably has a babe to take care of by now." Sebastian chuckled at that as he thought that he may be already father, but he doesn't know it. Varric patted his shoulder hard before he stood up, he didn't walk away though.
"Get your ass back into the castle and let the people do their job. Don't you see you're disturbing them?" He jested and Sebastian couldn't help but laugh as he stood up as well.
"I suppose they're too tense when their leader is around." Both laughed then as they walked towards the great city gates, both silent during the entire walk. They stopped next to a horse and Varric looked up at him.
"Now, you get that ass back into the castle and prepare everything for the journey. I have a lot of stories to tell her when she gets back." Sebastian mounted his horse and looked down on Varric.
"I'll need two days to prepare everything. Then I can start the journey with the Sultan and his men." Varric nodded to that before Sebastian trotted off, he watched him until he disappeared behind the houses of Starkhaven's people. Varric shook his head and walked towards his tavern as he let out a long breath. He couldn't wait to see Hawke again, and tell her the amazing things he told the Empress to convince her that she's innocent.
####
Fifteen minutes later Sebastian arrived at the castle, he dismounted his horse and walked up the large entry stairs before the castle guards opened the entry door for him. He hasn't been here since the war started and Sebastian felt relieved when he saw that absolutely nothing changed. The decorations were the same, the flowers were new but they were the same ones as before. He stepped further in and inhaled a deep breath, he closed his eyes when a certain word crossed his mind.
Home.
He was home again, and soon his Marian would be here with him, maybe even with their child. He let out the long breath he was holding to memorize the scent when suddenly someone stopped before him. Sebastian opened his eyes only to see his loyal servant, Henry, standing before him.
"S-Sire?" His voice was breaking and as soon as he said that tears fell down his old face. Sebastian laughed and pulled the old man into a hug, patting his shoulder hard as he spoke to him.
"Good to see you again, Henry." The old man cried and patted back Sebastian's shoulder. Both broke the friendly hug and he washed his face clean with his sleeve, knowing he was acting rudely in front of the prince.
"I'm sorry Your Highness-" He referred to his crying but Sebastian placed his hands on his shoulder as he wanted to bow to him.
"No Henry, please. No bowing now, my friend." Henry blinked rapidly at that, completely surprised by the prince's behavior. He nodded weakly as Sebastian looked around, only to see that Henry took great care of the castle. He turned back to him and Henry smiled, and Sebastian had to smile too.
"You kept the castle together Henry, and for that I'm grateful."
"That's the least I could do, Sire. So that means the war is over?" Sebastian let out a sigh of relief, still he couldn't believe that this ordeal is over even when he heard it from other people.
"Yes Henry. The war is over."
"So Princess Marian will join us soon?" Henry asked him with a bright smile on his face, Sebastian couldn't help but smile and laugh weakly as he spoke.
"Yes Henry, Maker knows I missed her so much." Henry nodded to that, a wide smile on his face. He snapped with his fingers and two servants approached him and bowed towards the prince.
"Go and prepare the prince a bath in his master bedroom." The servants bowed and left to heat up the water for the prince. Sebastian watched them leave before he turned to Henry, he bowed as he spoke to him.
"Your room is prepared, sire. You can retreat whenever you wish." Sebastian blinked, confused to his statement.
"How?"
"Because I ordered it so. I thought you could appear any minute so I thought to prepare your bedroom." Henry smiled shyly and Sebastian patted his shoulder again.
"Thank you Henry...thank you." He walked past him as Henry bowed to him. Everything was so familiar to him, as if he was here only yesterday, as if Marian would run down the stairs any minute to greet him. He took the large, marble stairs that led to the second floor where his bedroom would be. Seven months has passed since he'd seen his bedroom and lied down on the bed he shared with her, if only for a short time. He smiled all the way up, and when his eyes spotted the door he felt like he would start giggling and laughing like a little boy. He stood before the door now and took a deep breath as his hand rested on the door knob, he closed his eyes for a second before he opened the door.
Shining white sheets paired with dark red sheets were neatly placed on the bed, flowers decorated a few tables and windows, dark blue curtains swung down from the large windows. Nothing has changed at all, except that she wasn't here. He stepped in and walked to the large bouquet of flowers placed on his desk, it was lavender, he took a deep breath to inhale the scent and his mind immediately flew to Marian. He closed his eyes and heard her laughter in the background which summoned a smile on his face. He browsed the wardrobes then, seeing that his clothes were neatly folded and clean, her dresses were neatly folded next to his clothes. He walked out on the balcony of his room and looked at the garden, and dear Maker even though it was almost autumn, the lavender still bloomed in the most intense purple color he had ever seen. He smiled before he turned back into his room when he heard the servants preparing his bathtub and water for him. After a while they bowed and left the prince alone to clean himself.
He stripped of his light armor slowly, his every muscle still sore from months of fighting and too little rest. His body still hurt him, but now that this war was over and that he is home again, he felt like he could move all the mountains that separated him from her. Finally he was naked and he stepped into the bath, the hot water burning and easing his tense muscles. He took his time with the bath because he couldn't relax these past months, but now he would take his time and relax. He leaned his head on the edge and closed his eyes as the water seemed to wash every bit of worry and weariness from him. He sighed, happy and content, knowing that it wouldn't take long until he holds her in his arms again.
At least an hour must have passed because the water was cold now so Sebastian took the nearby towel and stepped out. He took another towel to dry his hair and body, before he walked towards his mirror to shave and cut his hair. After a while he was clean, shaved and he looked like his old self again. He wondered if Marian would still see the same man in him, or will she see that he changed during the time he was here alone. He sighed and took some fresh clothes to change, after months of wearing his armor every day, he felt like he wore feathers instead of his garments.
Sebastian looked at the large bed for a while, thinking if there was something else that required his attention. When he found he was free he walked over to the bed and just fell down on it, face first. His face fell on the soft pillow and he immediately recognized the scent. It reminded him of Marian, there was a slight note of lavender combined with roses. He smiled when he took a deep breath, his eyes closed as he cherished the moment. His heart and mind were calm like they hadn't been in a long time, and without the strength to think, he slowly fell asleep. The soft bed, his tiredness, the sweet scent that invaded his mind...a while later he slept, soundly like he hasn't slept in months.
####
A week later, Antiva...
Aleksandra ran through the castle, excited, tired and happy. She had to order the servants and workers that are supposed to decorate the palace for the party she thought to have when her father and Sebastian return. She was happier with every passing day, she knew they would arrive in the next two to three days, and she couldn't wait to see them again. Richard was awfully silent the entire week, whenever they would meet she would lift her head and smile in victory, he would just try to ignore her and walk past her. But she knew Richard. Whenever he was that calm he surely planned something, and that thought made a part of her mind at unease. She didn't know what to expect from him, but she knew nothing good can come out of it.
She placed her own Royal guards around Marian's room, they guarded her in case Richard would try and do something to harm her or the baby. Marian was at edge because of other obvious reasons. She ran through the castle like a mad woman, seeking the tailors to fix her already perfect dresses because she thought they didn't look good on her. Every day she had several different hairstyles because she tried to decide what hairstyle to wear when Sebastian arrives. Aleksandra and Bethany told her to curl her now waist long hair, but she always had some 'better' ideas that drove the servants insane. So they stopped suggesting and just laughed when she would walk past them with a different hairstyle. The baby still didn't have a name, and Marian always waves them off and tells them that she will name her when Sebastian arrives.
Aleksandra shook her head and wondered if she would ever meet someone like Sebastian met Marian. Her thoughts were interrupted though when a servant came running towards her clearly frustrated and annoyed. She bowed in front of the Sultana and crossed her arms as she spoke.
"Sultana, may I speak freely?" Aleksandra lifted her eyebrows at the girl but nodded.
"Of course." The girl let out a long breath and looked the Sultana straight in her eyes. Normally she wasn't allowed to do that, but Aleksandra was far too happy to scold her now.
"I mean no disrespect Sultana, honestly. But Princess Marian is driving me insane!" The young, tempered girl shook her head as she continues.
"I have made her hair for three times this day, yet she always says it's not good enough so I have to start anew! Please Sultana..." Aleksandra raised her hand to assure the girl.
"I will talk to her."
"Thank you, Sultana. She's in her room." The girl bowed again and left, leaving a smiling Aleksandra behind. She shook her head and made her way towards Marian's room, smiling and wondering why Marian is acting so tense and...well, even bitchy sometimes. It wasn't long until she reached her room, she politely knocked and entered when Marian's servants opened the door for her. Aleksandra saw her standing in front of her mirror, three other servants standing around her, their heads bowed to the princess. One held a jewelry box, the other a small pile of dresses and the third rearranged Marian's long, flat hair on her shoulders. Aleksandra stopped behind her and Marian smiled at her reflection, but she didn't turn. Instead she just greeted her with a smile before she turned to one of the servants.
"Go and get the hairstylist, this hairstyle won't do it." The girl bowed and left, then Marian turned to the other two.
"You're dismissed for now. I will call for you." The girls bowed and left the room. Marian walked towards her couch and sat down, Aleksandra sat down next to her with a bright smile on her face.
"Aleksandra, did something happened?" She chuckled and Marian wondered why she did that.
"Marian, what's happening?" Marian narrowed her eyes but still she smiled, Aleksandra chuckled louder as she saw Marian's confusion clearly written on her face.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, why are you acting like this, ordering the girls around and changing several dresses a day?" Marian looked away from her, her cheeks blushing slightly when she answered her.
"I...I have to look pretty." Then she understood why Marian freaked out. She took her hand in hers and cupped it, causing Marian to look back at her.
"Marian you are pretty."
"No I'm not..." She stood up and walked towards the mirror, her hands resting on her belly as her face saddened.
"Look at my belly. I still look like I'm pregnant." Her belly was still round, smaller yes, but it annoyed her a lot. She couldn't do anything against it and that freaked her out.
"I have all these pregnancy stripes, they're ugly to look at." Then she turned to Aleksandra, she almost started to cry as she spoke.
"I was pretty when I left Starkhaven seven months ago, but now...I changed and I don't think that Sebastian will like the change." Aleksandra smiled sadly and titled her head slightly aside as she watched Marian's head hanging down in sadness.
"Marian..." She stood up and sighed, she stopped in front of her and took her hands in hers, hoping she would lift her head. Marian took a deep, shaky breath and lifted her head to see Aleksandra staring at her as she spoke.
"...don't you remember your wedding day?" Of course she remembered it, she immediately smiled at the mention of it. She lowered her head slightly and looked at their hands, and Aleksandra took the silence to continue.
"He loves you Marian. It doesn't matter to him what kind of dress you wear, or how your hair is styled. You matter to him, and in two or three days you will see that I'm right." Marian's smile widened as her eyes watered at the thought of finally embracing him again. To finally feel his strong, protective arms wrapped around her...to finally feel his touch again. Marian chased that thought away because, well, she wasn't alone in the room. Her cheeks flushed and she took another deep breath to calm her excitement.
"I missed him so much." She sad as she let out a sigh of relief. Aleksandra squeezed her hands slightly as she watched the happiness on Marian's face.
"I know. Now, where is our little princess?" Marian smiled again.
"She's sleeping." Then her face and eyes became distant, her gaze fixed on something behind Aleksandra's shoulder as she spoke silently.
"I wonder how he will react when he sees her. He doesn't even know that he's father yet." She gave out a small laugh and Aleksandra placed both her hands on Marian's upper arms.
"I bet he will start to laugh." Both of them giggled and Aleksandra retrieved her hands from Marian's as she took a deep breath.
"Now, Marian, stop acting so childish. Everything will be fine. And for Maker's sake, stop torturing my servants." She said the last with a laugh and Marian laughed too.
"I'm sorry, I'll stop with my insane behavior." Both of them laughed for a while before Aleksandra excused herself, leaving Marian alone in her room. Marian walked towards the lovely decorated crib and looked down at the baby. She slept soundly, even snored a little, but Marian found she was adorable. Immediately she thought of Sebastian again, her heartbeat quickened, her eyes blinked rapidly, her breathing sped up. Every memory she had with him played crazy, especially the passionate and romantic ones. Sebastian was a hopeless romantic, always giving her the feeling of being the most precious thing in the world. Always making her feel loved, protected and strong, even though she wasn't the mighty Champion anymore.
So much in her life has changed since she came to Starkhaven, but the funny and most true part was, she didn't regret a thing. She never regretted saying yes to him, never regretted staying at his side. She didn't regret a thing that brought her closer to him. She looked down on her little angel and gently stroked her forehead as her eyes watered again, but not with sadness. They watered because she couldn't believe that this nightmare is finally over and that he's returning to her, safe and victorious.
"Soon you'll have your father, my little angel. And you'll have the best father in the world." She said, the smile never leaving her face. She looked outside the window and saw it was raining again, as if the heavens shared her sorrows. The only thing she thought about was him and nothing but him, his name chanted from her lips like a prayer.
"Sebastian..."
####
The outskirts of Antiva, night...
The camp fire was lighted, the many tents placed around it and the guards warming their bodies. It was indeed autumn, the cold wind whistled from time to time, it even rained today and they had to find shelter in the nearby forest. Sebastian though, wanted nothing else but to gallop off to the castle and seek her out. He was so eager to embrace her, so eager to feel her soft skin and warmth. He couldn't stop thinking about her and now, when he sat so close to reach her, he couldn't figure out how he managed to live through the months without her.
Many things ran through his mind, but mostly he wondered if she was still pregnant. That thought haunted him day and night, making him more and more nervous with every step he took towards her. If she was still pregnant, is she okay? He wondered what the babe was; would it be a strong, healthy boy that would look similar to his father, or would it be a girl just as he dreamt once? He didn't know, and the unknown drove him more and more crazy.
He sat near the fire staring at the dancing flames before him, thinking and nothing but thinking. If the weather served them well, he would hold her tomorrow night. Tomorrow night he would kiss her, cherish her and tell her and show her how much he missed her. Tell her how much he loves her, show her how much she mean to him. Maker but being so close, yet so far away from her drove him insane.
He nervously poked the fire with a large twig, scattering the wood a little so the fire could burn properly. He didn't even realized he was playing with the twig in the fire, letting it catch fire then he hastily took it out only so the cool wind could cool it off. He sat there what felt like hours, playing with the fire and unable to sleep. The Sultan was already sleeping, and he hadn't any other friends here. Varric, Isabella and Fenris stayed at the castle in Starkhaven, telling him they would take care of the city and preparations. He would be eternally grateful for that because if he stayed, he wouldn't get to see her for at least another month. That thought sent cold shivers down his spine and raised goose bumps all over his skin. He chased that thought away, luckily, he had such wonderful friends that are always willing to help him out.
He sighed as the cold wind blew again, this time more violently. He tucked the blanket around his shoulders more tighter to him as he stared at the flames. The fire and blanket warmed him, and for a brief moment he closed his eyes to let the memories he had with her wander free. He remembered their wedding day.
Her gorgeous, long blonde hair, her white dress, the slight notes of make up on her face...the moment the sisters opened the door to reveal her was the most magnificent moment in his life. He thought he saw an angel when she walked slowly and graciously towards him. He remembered her meadow green eyes staring at him through the veil, the slight note of her perfume and her lavender soap invading his nose. The moment her smile lit up her face when he said 'I do'. Maker how he missed her. But then he remembered their wedding night.
He remembered how they made love, how she moaned and screamed his name over and over, just like a prayer while her walls clamped him. He remembered her sweet, feminine scent that always sent him in a state of trance and that drives him mad with desire. He wanted to drink her again, wanted to feel and taste her coming around his mouth again and again. Sebastian swallowed hard, hoping his brain would stop. But it became worse.
He remembered the positions she liked. She loved to ride him while his fingers dug into her hips, and she loved even more when he took her while she's on her knees. That way I can't stop you, he remembers her saying to him. He remembered all the things she liked, all the touches that set her on fire, all the things that made her shatter. He shook his head and opened his eyes only to feel his breeches becoming really uncomfortable. He looked down and he was right. His erection was clearly visible, and he was thankful that it is night. He diverted his mind by playing with the twig and fire again. No, he wouldn't touch himself, not when soon he will hold her again.
Sebastian stood up and walked towards his tent after he calmed down. He entered, snug his tired body into the bag and not soon after he fell asleep, thinking about her and nothing but her, her name chanted from his lips like a prayer.
"Marian..."
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Two days later, Antiva city gates...
The grand gates of Antiva opened by the guards, the citizens of Antiva greeted their rightful leader and his armies. The guards all bowed to their leader and the people waved their hands and send him warm, welcoming smiles. Sebastian looked around the city and realized nothing much has changed since he was last here, which was quite a long time ago. All the way he smiled and looked at the houses, the people and shops. The Sultan saw his smile when he walked on his horse next to him, both enjoying the view.
"It's been a long time since you were here, Sebastian." Sebastian looked back at him but still smiled at the memory when he came here as a child.
"Eighteen years, if I remember correctly. It's...been quite a long time." He said chuckling and he looked around again, his eyes immediately spotting the large palace. His heart and mind raced, his breathing fast and his knuckles turning white from the tight grip on the saddle. He was beyond excited and nervous to see the palace so close. He let out a sigh of relief as so many emotions swirled through him, but his mind only showed him his Marian. He chuckled when they reached the final hill before the palace, and Sebastian's heart raced even faster when the Sultan called for the scout.
"Go and tell Sultana Aleksandra that we're arriving shortly." The man nodded and galloped off. With his speed he would reach the palace in less then half an hour. Sebastian smiled again, unable to remove the smile and grin from his face as they slowly reached the palace. He was beyond happy and eager.
"Soon, we'll reach the palace Sebastian. Be patient." Sebastian nodded to that and looked back at the palace.
"I will."
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"Attention! The Sultan's Royal Scout arrives!" Aleksandra heard the guard announcing him and her heart jumped in her throat. She ran towards the scout and he bowed respectfully to her.
"Sultana, the Sultan and Prince Vael will arrive shortly." She just managed to nod as tears started to seep down her face. She turned and walked to her other destination, she crossed the distance fast. She didn't even bother to knock, she just burst into the room only to see Marian standing in front of a mirror, already dressed. She turned to Aleksandra and she eyed her dress; it was red silk with tiny golden details, shoulders covered and long, white silken sleeves covered her arms. Her hair was waving down her shoulders and it was curled. She wore slight notes of make-up, only a little to accentuate her lips and eyes.
They both stared at each other as Aleksandra tried to regain her normal breathing, but she failed.
"Hurry up Marian! They'll be here soon!" Excitement rang in her voice and she could see Marian swallowing hard. She shook, her hands started to sweat as she turned one last time to the mirror. This is it. She turned to Aleksandra and opened her mouth to speak, but the words wouldn't come out. She turned her head to Olga and saw her already carrying her daughter. She smiled and turned to Aleksandra with tears in her eyes before they made their way out of her room. Ibrahim and Bethany joined them on the way, and Marian felt like she was going to faint. Her heart beat so frantically against her chest she thought it would explode.
The walk through the castle seemed never ending, she could already see the servants all in a row at the entrance, ready to greet their leader. The guards opened the large entry door and they stepped out of the palace into the warm, autumn day. Richard was outside, but he didn't pay any attention to them. Marian and Aleksandra stopped on the opposite far end of the entrance, Bethany and Ibrahim behind them. Marian looked at Olga to check on her daughter, only to see her sleeping soundly in the arms of the servant.
She took a very deep breath and looked back at the large palace gates, then the gates opened and the guards announced them.
"Attention! The Sultan and Prince Vael are arriving!" Then two horses went through the gates, and Marian's world spun around. There was her Prince, her love, the other part of her heart, sitting on his horse in his dark brown leather armor. Her eyes watered and tears immediately fell down her face as she watched him. He hadn't changed at all.
He looked at the large palace doors, then he slowly turned his head towards hers. When their eyes locked, everything stopped around them. Nothing mattered for them any longer, nothing but their gaze. He stopped with the horse but didn't move. He feared that if he looked away he would lose her again, and that he wouldn't be able to bear. Instead, he sat on the horse and she stood there like frozen, tears seeping down her face when she finally found her voice again.
"Sebastian..." His heart leapt when he heard her voice, saw her smile and her lovely face. This is heaven, he thought when he found his voice as well.
"Marian..." Aleksandra broke the hug with her father and watched them, and it seems that all the eyes were directed at them. Sebastian was frozen and unable to move, but somehow, he willed himself off the horse, almost stumbling when his foot reached the ground. He turned and she was still there, so it isn't a dream, he thought as he swallowed the immense lump down his throat. Again, they stood, unable to move or look away, both trying to realize that this is reality and not a dream. He blinked and shook his head slightly, she's here, he thought when he finally took a step towards her, then another, and another...
Marian watched him coming closer and she too took a step towards him, then another faster, and another more father step until she was running towards him. Her hair and dress waved back, she looked heavenly.
"Sebastian!" She said aloud, as if not believing he was here. Part of her still found it hard to believe, but every doubt washed away when she finally leapt into his arms. She immediately cried out when he wrapped his arms around her waist, hugging her so hard to him that it left her almost breathless. Both shook violently, both hugging each other as if their lives depended on it. She cried when she nuzzled her face into his neck, her shaking hands wrapped around his neck. He breathed in her scent and found she was still using the lavender soap. He ran his hands through her hair, realizing it now reached her waist. Then he broke the hug and cupped her face, his thumbs washing away her tears as his eyes studied her face. She was the same as he remembered her, her meadow green eyes, her rosy lips, her pale face and the few freckles that decorated her skin. She was beautiful as ever, and he couldn't tear his eyes away from her.
Marian gazed deep into his eyes and studied his face as well. Small highlights of grey hair started on his forehead, but ended an inch later. He had wrinkles around his wonderful blue eyes, but his face and hair were the same. She could smell his scent and leather, and it immediately made her feel like home. She closed her eyes and leaned into his cares as she rested her hands on his. Both still shook and they never stopped smiling when Sebastian found his voice again.
"Leannan..." She sobbed aloud, how she missed hearing his voice calling her leannan. She opened her eyes and gazed deep into his again, none of them caring that all the others are watching.
"I missed you Sebastian. I missed you so much." Then she buried her face in his chest and he immediately wrapped his arms around her.
"I missed you too...Maker I missed you too." They stood like this for what felt like hours, none of them wanting to break the hug. Then Marian realized how rude she was for not greeting the Sultan. She broke the hug and wiped her tears away with shaking hands as she walked towards him.
"Sultan, I'm sorry, I-"
"It's okay Princess." She bowed courtly in front of him and he bowed his head to her. Marian turned back to Sebastian, only to see his wide eyes staring at Olga. She chuckled and he looked back at her, a confused expression on his face.
"Leannan-"
"Sebastian, I want you to meet someone." She walked towards her servant and took the baby from her arms. Slowly she walked back towards Sebastian and stopped in front of him, the baby cradled in a soft white blanket. She cried again, but she managed to keep her voice calm.
"Sebastian...this is your daughter. Our daughter." He thought his heart would explode. He watched the small being in her arms and he couldn't ignore the rush of happiness. He put his hand on his mouth as he watched the baby, pure shock written on his face as he started to shake again. Varric told him she could've delivered, but he never thought about coming back and see the love of his life holding their little daughter. He smiled then when Marian reached the baby out to him, his hands still shook but slowly he took the baby into his arms. When he cradled her into his arms he looked at Marian, only to see her crying again as she stared at the baby.
"I'm father." Then he turned to Aleksandra and her father with a wide smile on his face.
"I'm father!" He looked back at the baby when the Sultan approached them.
"Congratulations Sebastian, and Princess Marian." Sebastian handed the baby to the Sultan and he eagerly took it. He turned back to Marian and without the will to resist he dragged her back into his arms and kissed her passionately, not caring that everyone is watching them. Marian immediately melded into his mouth, and she almost moaned when the heat between her legs grew. Sebastian broke the kiss and cupped her face to stare deeply into her eyes. Now, his life had a purpose again. Now he lives for her, and their beautiful baby daughter.