Chapter 37

Madeline watched Shianni read the list as she sipped her drink.

"I will have no difficulty finding hirelings for your brother's estate," Shianni smiled. "Your salary is generous and the fact you are giving people the chance to make their own decision to either live at the estate or go home everyday is wonderful."

"From what I read of my father; that's what he did for the servants at Highever," Madeline picked up her goblet. "Fergus and I wanted to continue his legacy. I've also seen to it that the servants' quarters will be comfortable for everybody. There are several sleeping areas, a bathing room, and a sitting area."

"Maddie I can guarantee you and your brother will have some extremely happy workers with what you are offering," Shianni folded the list and placed it in her purse. "I even know the perfect person to be your butler."

"You mean my brother's butler," Madeline corrected. "While he's in Highever, I'm helping him with the estate and any other dealings here for the time being."

"Until you marry Teagan," Shianni teased.

"Yes," Madeline blushed.

"Speaking of weddings, Natasha sent me an invitation. She invited several elves."

"That's wonderful Shianni," Madeline smiled. "Teagan and I are looking forward to it."

"So what are…human weddings like? I've never been to one."

"In Harpers Ford when someone got married, there usually was a big party in the square. There was music, dancing, drinking, and lots of food."

"That doesn't sound much different to what we have in the Alienage."

"Shianni," Madeline smiled reassuringly when seeing the anxiety on the elven woman's face. "Natasha likes you. Sighard also has a history with being good to the elves. You are a bann. It's normal that you will be invited to events."

"I know," Shianni sighed. "I'm just worried that I will make a fool of myself."

"You're not alone." Madeline laughed. "It constantly lingers in my mind that I could end up saying the wrong thing to an uptight noble but I reached a point where I don't care. If I do open my mouth where I shouldn't, I will apologize and move on. And if they refuse to accept it that's their problem."

"Well, well, well. Look what we have here!"

The arrogant voice and the look of disgust on Shianni's face told her it was Vaughan.

"Hello Vaughan," Madeline stood up and faced him.

"So did that pathetic, weepy brother of yours sign over the teynir to you?"

"My brother is fine Vaughan," Madeline folded her arms. "Your malicious attempt at trying to destroy him only made him stronger."

"Yet I've heard you gave up your bannorn for him," Vaughan laughed. "That does not seem so strong to me."

"Harpers Ford was not my bannorn. It was never my intention to rule there permanently. I offered to help my brother while he is in Highever and that's what I am doing."

"As if it was any of your business to begin with," Shianni grumbled.

"Well isn't that sweet," Vaughan scoffed. "That still doesn't take away from the fact that your brother is weak minded. There were even rumors before the Blight that your sister was going to get the teynir. Seems like your father did not have much faith in his son."

"My brother is proud to be continuing our father's legacy," Madeline growled. "He's getting stronger every day and training with his knights."

"I can't wait to put him in his place one of these days."

"And I live for the moment when I will see him knock you on your ass at the tournament!" Madeline hissed. "Get out of my way!"

Shianni got up from the booth and raced after Madeline.

"I'm sorry Shianni," Madeline leaned against the building and sighed. "He just infuriates me so much."

"Maddie, you forget who you are talking to," Shianni laughed softly.

"It's not just that," Madeline sighed. "I just opened my mouth when I shouldn't have. My brother had said he was thinking about competing. And now I have committed him to it."

"The tournament is a few months away though. If he is thinking about it maybe he really wants to compete."

"I hope you're right. Teagan was really encouraging him before we left. I may drop some more encouragement in the letter I plan to write."

"I will get to hiring everyone for you as soon as I get home," Shianni promised. "We'll come by your brother's estate the day after tomorrow."

"Thank you Shianni. I'll see you then."

Madeline watched as Shianni walked around the corner before turning to head back to the estate.

…

Teagan looked up from his papers and smiled when Madeline came in the study.

"How was your meeting with Shianni?"

"She said that she'll have no problem hiring everyone for me. They will be at my brother's estate the day after tomorrow."

"I knew she would be able to handle this for you," Teagan set his quill down and got up from his chair. "What's wrong."

"I had words…with Vaughan."

"What did he say?"

"He said my brother was weak and that he was surprised that I wasn't handed the teyrnir."
"Your brother isn't weak," Teagan put an arm around her.

"I know but he just makes me so mad," Madeline sighed. "I ended up saying something I should not have said. I sort of mentioned Fergus has been training two hours a day and that I was looking forward to seeing him beat Vaughan at the tournament."

"Maddie!" Teagan shook his head but laughed. "You know your brother said he was considering it."

"But he still has a few months left to commit himself to it," Madeline said hopefully. "And it looks like he was leaning towards competing."

"You probably should have just walked away from Vaughan," Teagan continued to chuckle. "From what I recall, he's fought in most of the tournaments that have been held."

"You think Fergus will be mad?"

"Annoyed maybe but not mad," Teagan rubbed her shoulders.

"I'm going to tell him when I write to him. It just wouldn't be right to keep that from him until he arrives a month before the tournament."

"Its good you are not keeping this from him."

"Aunt Lydia instilled in me the importance of being honest and not keeping things from people. She always said secrets have a way of coming back."

"Your aunt was a wise woman," Teagan put his arms around her. "So what are your plans tomorrow since you're not meeting with Shianni until the next day?"

"The workers are putting some new flooring and will be using tar and since I can't stand the smell, I won't be going to the estate."

"And what of Fergus's men? How are they faring?"

"They've been taking turns cooking breakfast but Ser Mallory, the knight in charge at the estate has the men eating at various inns and a tavern in shifts until the cook has been hired. And their barracks is across from the estate so they won't be affected by the smell."

"So you'll be staying here all day tomorrow," Teagan smiled.

"I was thinking of going through my dresses to pick out something to wear for Sighard and Natasha's wedding. And I thought about looking for a wedding gift for them."

"They've requested no gifts but Sighard mentioned Natasha wanted you to sing."

"Well I certainly won't decline that request."

"You will look beautiful whatever you decide to wear," Teagan said as he kissed her. "Now let's head to supper. I bet you missed lunch today."

"I ate two apples I brought with me."

"You will have plenty of room for supper then," Teagan took her hand. "And next time you go to your brother's estate, I will come around noon with a lunch basket."

"It will be nice to have the company," Madeline smiled.

"You know you could have asked me to join you for lunch all these times you were there," Teagan said reproachfully.

"I just figured you were busy and I didn't want to bother you," Madeline blushed lightly.

"Madeline, I will always have time for you," Teagan pulled her closer. "You need to temper that independent streak of yours. There is nothing wrong with asking for help or…support."

"I just want to do a good job for Fergus and show people what I am capable of."

"And you are," Teagan brushed the hair out her face. "But you need to take care of yourself. Your brother would not want you to become sick over this."

"You're right," Madeline admitted.

"After we dine tonight and I'll make sure a bath is prepared for you afterwards. We'll have a quiet evening at home."

"Perhaps…you could even join me in the bath," Madeline said in a whisper as she traced his lips with a finger.

"Now how can I resist an invitation like that?" Teagan asked as he pressed his lips onto hers.

….

"Alistair, there is nothing wrong with you attending Sighard and Natasha's wedding," Wynne said exasperatedly as she watched him pace around the room. "Sighard is one of your trusted advisors and a friend. It would also help your reputation to see you get out and have fun."

"What if people start comparing me to my brother?" Alistair sat back down and picked up the invitation. "I heard Cailan really enjoyed parties."

"You are not your brother," Wynne laughed. "Cailan was a good man but he lacked your maturity and sense."

"That's true," Alistair chuckled. "At least wherever his spirit lingers, he can't complain about not being remembered."

"Yes but I don't think he ever envisioned being remembered as the Child King."

"That actually makes me like being referred to as the Warden King," Alistair slumped in his chair. "You know if I do decide to go, every nobleman will be dragging their daughters to me."

"Alistair, you just need to be firm with them," Wynne folded her arms and looked at him. "Simply to tell them, no thank you and leave it at that. And if you feel you must walk away, just say excuse me."

"And what if somebody wants to dance and I step on their feet?"

"I'll teach you," Wynne smiled. "But you must promise to save me a dance."

"Thank you," Alistair sighed. "Of course I'll save you a dance and do you think Teagan will let me have a dance with Madeline or is there some rule now that she is with him?"

"Alistair," Wynne laughed. "Teagan is a gentleman and you will be able to dance with Madeline. There is no rule saying she's not allowed to dance with anyone else. If she is dancing with Teagan or someone else you simply go up and ask if you could cut in."

"So I just say may I cut in?"

"Yes and considering you're king, you will never get denied."

"Maybe I will go then. It gets tiring being cooped up in this palace."

"There is that nice hunting lodge you could go to," Wynne said encouragingly. "Fifteen rooms and close to a lake. Sounds like a nice place to enjoy a brief respite."

"I guess," Alistair closed his eyes. "It would be nice to get away."

"What's the matter Alistair?"

"Wynne it's been over a year now," Alistair got up from his chair and looked out the window. "Did I do the right thing by not having some sort… of Remembrance Day?"

"Alistair, I will never forget and neither will you. And I'm sure people remembered in their own way but its best to continue moving forward and concentrate on rebuilding Ferelden. That's what Elissa would have wanted. You could always issue a decree next year."

"You're right," Alistair let out a heavy sigh. "I will never forget."

"I know and I think she'd be amused as well as pleased about the tournament being held in her honor," Wynne smiled gently

"She did love the Provings," Alistair chuckled. "She said it was one of the few things she enjoyed about Orzammar. I'm looking forward to the tournament and showing Bhelen's representative's that we honor our own and I have to admit I am interested in seeing Madeline compete."

"I still remember her rushing Zevran to the ground the first day we met her."

"I would have loved to have seen her bringing Zevran down."

"It was quite the sight," Wynne remembered. "She possesses an amazing amount of will that borders to the point of stubbornness. Teagan and I had to remind her that she didn't need to overdo it while she is helping her brother. Madeline would never admit to this but I think she feels she has to step out of her sister's shadow to prove herself."

"Her past still haunts her," Alistair sighed.

"Madeline has let go a great amount of her anger and bitterness but her past is part of who she is. It's always going to be there."

"It's not easy to forget where you came from," Alistair agreed. "Maybe I will talk to her the next time I see her."

"I think she would appreciate that." Wynne smiled. "You also better let Sighard know you will be attending,"

"He's coming by today. I'll be able to tell him then."

"We'll start practicing dancing after supper tonight," Wynne got up from her chair. "And if I want to do that, I better catch up with my correspondence now. I'll see you later."

"Thank you Wynne," Alistair sat down. "I guess I better get to mine as well."

As she closed the door, Alistair let out a sigh and picked up the first letter from his desk and began to read.

…..

"Thank you Lady Madeline," Ser Mallory said as they walked down the corridor of her brother's estate. "Your quick response in hiring the servants is truly appreciated."

"You're quite welcome but some of that credit goes to Bann Shianni. I'm just sorry she had to leave quickly."

"I already said my thanks to her before your arrival. She told me to give you her regards and that she had to attend a funeral. A woman from the Alienage had died during childbirth last night and she had to attend to matters there."

"That's terrible," Madeline shook her head sadly. "I will send a note to her later."

"I also thought you'd like to see the main hall," Ser Mallory opened the doors and escorted her inside. "They put the portraits and paintings up."

The smell of the fireplace greeted her as she stepped inside and gazed upward at the high ceiling and wooden beams. The portraits of her parents were now hanging on each side of the room nestled between ornate tapestries that showcased the Cousland colors and were interwoven with silver thread which glinted from the sunlight that filtered through the high windows.

Madeline let out a small gasp when seeing the portrait Byron had painted of her and her brother hanging over the fireplace. For the first time she felt like she truly belonged.

"Your brother gave strict instructions on where he wanted that portrait placed my lady," Ser Mallory grinned.

"It looks wonderful," Madeline briefly looked away to wipe her eyes.

"It certainly does."

Madeline turned to see Teagan walking towards them.

"Arl Teagan," Ser Mallory bowed.

"This is Ser Mallory," Madeline smiled. "He's in charge of Fergus's men and has been a great help to me as well."

"It's been my pleasure to assist in any way I can," Ser Mallory shook Teagan's hand. "If you will excuse me, I'm going to discuss the meal schedule with the cook."

"Thank you Ser Mallory."

"This place looks absolutely incredible," Teagan kissed her cheek. "I can't believe this used to be Bann Franderel's place."

"Fergus mentioned when the rebuilding started, he wanted it to be less…. gloomy."

"Well you're certainly doing a wonderful job. I was also surprised when Soris answered the door, took the basket and said he would bring it to the courtyard and have everything ready for us."

"Soris is wonderful," Madeline agreed. "He's going to be a fabulous butler for my brother. I like everyone Shianni hired for me."

"So are you going to give me the grand tour before lunch?" Teagan held out his arm and she took it.

"Of course," Madeline smiled. "I'll take you through the dining room and we'll make our way to the other rooms before heading to the courtyard. I'm also finished for the day here so we can go home afterwards."

"Wonderful. Lead the way."

They left the room, stopping briefly to exchange pleasantries with one of the guardsmen before continuing on.

…..

Teagan grinned with pride as he listened to Madeline singing to Sighard and Natasha. Their wedding was simple but joyous and Teagan savored the moment when Madeline took his hand and leaned against him when Natasha and Sighard kissed.

The music stopped and everybody and Madeline blushed as she gave a polite bow to acknowledge the applause before hugging Natasha and Sighard. As she walked back towards him one of Bann Crowley's sons came up to her and by the way he extended his arm, it was obvious he asked her to chance.

Madeline glanced towards him and he gave her a weary smile. It had been the fourth time she had been asked to dance this evening and while he was pleased to see the nobility accept her, there was a part of him that did not want to share her with anybody.

"You know Teagan if your smile got any tighter, your lips would disappear."

Teagan turned to see Wynne smiling at him and went over to her, "You look lovely Wynne."

"And you look very handsome yourself," Wynne gave him a grin. "If I was thirty years younger…"

"Thank…you," Teagan gave her an embarrassed chuckle.

"Madeline certainly has come a long way since that Landsmeet," Wynne remarked as she watched her dance. "She's much more sure of herself."

"It appears a lot of the men have seemed to take a liking to her as well," Teagan gruffed as he glanced over to where Alistair was standing. He was surrounded by several noblewomen yet he looked as if he wished were somewhere else. "What's the matter with Alistair?"

"He was fine earlier," Wynne sighed. "I thought it would be good for him to attend the wedding. This is the first outside function he's attended since becoming king but I think the ceremony brought his grief back to the surface. He misses Elissa and its not helping that those young noblewomen are pouncing on him."

"Those women fawning over him have no idea they are competing with a ghost."

"Yes," Wynne agreed. "I've tried to tell him to not look for Elissa in any of these women but it hasn't been easy."

"At least my brother has been away from him."

"Alistair has grown so much since Eamon's been gone."

"Sighard told me Alistair has been wonderful to deal without my brother… hovering about," Teagan watched as another man cut in and began to dance with Madeline. "I know this is going to sound terrible but a part of me wishes Eamon would stay in Gwaren. We'd all be better off."

"Have you thought about what you are going to say to him?'

"Wynne lets not taint this is a lovely occasion with thoughts about my brother," Teagan said as he kissed her hand. "Now will you please dance with me?"

"Alright," Wynne smiled. "No more Eamon talk. And I would love to dance with you."
"Good," Teagan grinned as she took his arm.

…

"Excuse me ladies," Alistair said as he walked past them and towards Madeline who was sitting in a chair at the corner.

"Hello Madeline," Alistair smiled.

"Alistair…I mean your Majesty," Madeline started to stand up to bow but he motioned for her to sit down.

"To the Void with formality," Alistair declared as he sat down. "I don't care if this is a public setting, please just call me Alistair."

"Are you alright? Would you like to go somewhere more private to talk?"

"I'd like that very much," Alistair smiled. "Let's go to that sitting room over there. My guard can watch the door so we don't get interrupted."

Alistair got up from his chair and led Madeline to the sitting room.

After instructing his guard to watch the door, Alistair closed it then sat down.

"Thank you. It's nice to be able to talk to somebody who doesn't want anything from me for a change."

"I saw those women earlier," Madeline chuckled and shook her head. "Its like they're in some sort of competition."

"Yes," Alistair groaned. "And the winner gets me as a prize as well as the title of queen."

"I take it you didn't like any of them," Madeline chuckled

"I like them alright but…"

"They are not my sister," Madeline briefly looked away.

"I hope I am not making you uncomfortable."

"I was about to ask you the same thing."

Seeing the anxiety on Madeline's face Alistair took her hand, "No not at all, but I do have to admit one thing. I never saw your sister in a dress. We were always in our armor as we traveled and at camp, she wore a leather breeches and a blouse. So when I see you looking so… beautiful, it makes me think of what she would have looked like."

"Thank you Alistair," Madeline smiled. "And I am not offended. I've come to accept the realization that my resemblance to my sister is going to affect people."

"Well," Alistair sighed and grinned. "We've certainly come a long way since that awkward first meeting."

"Yes we have," Madeline smiled. "I'm happy we're friends."

"I'm glad too and you know it just dawned on me that you haven't met Marco. You will have to meet him one day. He was an important part of Elissa's life and it's only right that he meets her sister."

"Marco?" Madeline questioned.

"Marco was Elissa's Mabari. When she died…he imprinted on me."

"Alistair, I'd love to meet him," Madeline said excitedly. "He's never been with you when I have visited."

"That's because he spends most of his time at the kennels doing his…duty," Alistair blushed as he chuckled.

"I see," Madeline laughed. "He's siring puppies."

"Yes," Alistair nodded.

"Well you just send me a note one day whenever you're not busy. We can arrange to have lunch and you can introduce me to him."

"Wonderful. I can't wait to get back to the palace to check my schedule," Alistair smiled. "I have one thing to ask you before we go back to the party."

"What's that?"

"Would you dance with me?" Alistair looked at her hopefully. "Just once I would like to dance with somebody this evening that does not want something from me."

"Of course I'll dance with you Alistair," Madeline took his arm as she got up.

"Thank you," Alistair smiled. "I appreciate you talking with me. I was feeling a bit down earlier and those women preying down upon me just became too much."

"I'm glad I could help," Madeline gave his arm a squeeze as they headed back to the party. "And Alistair, I know you'll never forget my sister but I have no doubt you will find somebody again. It will happen when you least expect it."

"Just like with you and Teagan?"

"Yes," Madeline smiled.

"Well I hope you're right," Alistair chuckled. "I'd be happy if I can just find somebody that doesn't look at me with hungry eyes."

"You and my brother should get together one day; he's having the same…issue."

"That's a good idea. We can swap horror stories."

"Oh stop," Madeline laughed.

Alistair noticed the crowd glancing their way as they made their way to the floor but he ignored it as he did before and smiled at Madeline as they started to dance.

…

Wynne smiled as she watched Alistair and Madeline dancing. Her teaching had paid off and she couldn't help but noticed how more at ease he was with Madeline than the two other women he had danced with.

She looked across the room and saw Teagan smiling as he folded his arms. His insecurity was showing and she couldn't help but laugh. Wynne caught the figure of a man coming towards him from behind and she gasped when he came into view.

"Eamon."

Wynne watched as he stopped beside Teagan and watched the dancing.

"Maker help us all," Wynne silently prayed.

…

Teagan smiled when Madeline gave him a wave as she danced with Alistair. By that time he knew his brother was standing beside him. He recognized the familiar sound his footsteps and the scent of tobacco that lingered on his clothes due to years of smoking a pipe. Eamon's silence made Teagan realize that he knew. Feeling his heart beat against his chest, he continued to watch Alistair and Madeline and waited for his brother to speak.

"Alistair and Madeline look wonderful," Eamon nodded his approval as he watched them dance. "I suppose I can presume your little dalliance with her was for the purpose of her getting closer to him."

"Welcome back," Teagan turned to face his brother. "How was Gwaren?"

"Uncivilized, dirty, as well as some other things that would not be appropriate to mention at this joyous event," Eamon said as he grabbed a drink from the servant's tray and watched Teagan look around. "Don't worry, Isolde is not here. Sighard left a note with the wedding invitation that specifically said she was not welcomed. I'm just glad I made back in time to attend the reception."

"Eamon lets go in one of the rooms and get this over with," Teagan turned away from him and headed to towards the nearest room.

Standing by the fireplace, he heard the door shut and looked and saw Eamon making himself comfortable in a chair.

"So what did that vapid harpy of a wife tell you?"

"Isolde told me you were courting Madeline," Eamon set his glass down on the table and looked at Teagan. "At first I assumed she was mistaken and then it came to me. You decided to use that charm of yours to have a brief…dalliance with Madeline that would guarantee her running to Alistair's waiting arms. I must say that was a brilliant move on your part little brother. They looked very happy together."

"I can't believe you actually think I would do something that vile to further your plan!" Teagan fumed.

"Madeline is a very beautiful woman. Its very understandable you would find her attractive but its time to end your fun and give her up," Eamon said firmly. "A marriage between Alistair and the long lost twin sister of the Hero of Ferelden makes for a romantic story which will solidify his rule."

"Madeline is not Elissa and you only want this to make him more pliable in your hands," Teagan glared. "I am not giving her up. I love her and she loves me. We're going to have a future together."

"Teagan what in the Maker has gotten into you? You've never acted this way before."

"I just woke up one day and realized how much life I have wasted being your errand boy. I am tired of being in your shadow Brother. Its time I lead my own life. And after all these years, I've finally found happiness…with Madeline."

"All these years I've asked you to find a wife and you have to choose the one you can't have," Eamon folded his arms and looked at him. "Teagan, you can have any woman you want. You don't even have to marry from the nobility. There are several prominent merchant families with daughters as beautiful as Madeline."

"Eamon, if you think I want Madeline in my life just because of her beauty then you really don't know me at all."

"I know what its like to desire something so beautiful and end up not having the life you expected. I don't want that to happen to you."

"Don't you dare compare to Madeline to Isolde," Teagan slammed his fist against the wall. "She has a mind that goes beyond reading religious texts and meddling in other people's lives. She is an accomplished horticulturist, extremely well read in the majority of subjects, and a wonderful singer. I can actually talk with her. When was the last time you talked with your wife that didn't involve her gossiping about one of your rivals or you yelling at her? Aren't you even embarrassed that Sighard requested that she not attend his nuptials And doesn't it even bother you she ignores Connor?"

"It was easier when Isolde was at Redcliffe," Eamon admitted. "And she just needs to come to terms about Connor like we have."

"That's putting it mildly Brother," Teagan laughed. "Her attempt to hide Connor's ability caused the needless deaths of many people under your rule. And don't even get me started on cruelty she perpetrated on Alistair before you sent him away but this is not about Isolde so please don't try to act as if you're trying to save me from making your mistake. For the first time in my life I am truly happy. You're my brother. Why can't you support me for once? You didn't even tell me about Eleanor Cousland's letter about a possible marriage arrangement with Elissa."

"What?" Eamon furrowed his eyebrows.

"Oh please don't pretend like you don't know anything Eamon. I found the letter when you were poisoned and I saw it was dated a few months before the events of Ostagar. Eleanor Cousland wanted to arrange a meeting and you denied me."

"I was poisoned and unconscious. What did you expect me to do?"

"You were in fine health when you received that letter!" Teagan retorted.

"Is that the reason for this tantrum?" Eamon laughed. "You're holding a grudge because I never got around to showing you a letter? You appeared to be enjoying your bachelorhood and I didn't think you would be interested."

"You are my brother and you don't even know me," Teagan laughed and shook his head.

"I want you to be happy Teagan." Eamon said gently. "But Madeline belongs with Alistair. The Couslands are one of Ferelden's oldest and most regarded families. Uniting the Cousland –Theirin families will usher the country into a new era."

"A new era that you control," Teagan scoffed. "I suggest you start searching for another woman that will enable you to continue controlling Alistair like the puppet you want him to be because Madeline is mine. We are going to be married eventually so I suggest you get used to it!" Teagan turned and headed to the door.

"I bet you have never said anything to Madeline about this." Eamon chuckled and watched as Teagan stopped walking. "And you won't say anything because of your fear. It was probably even eating you to watch Alistair dancing with her earlier. Enjoy your time with Madeline dear Brother but do not consider this over with."

"But it is over with… for now. Goodnight Brother." Teagan said as he left the room, slamming the door so hard that it knocked a book off the shelf.

…

Teagan found Madeline standing across the room and went over to her, "Are you ready to go?"

"Where have you been?" She put his arms around him.

"My brother is back...He wanted to catch up and we lost track of the time."

"We can go but I was hoping for one final dance with you," Madeline smiled. "We've only danced five times tonight."

"That's because your dance card was filled," Teagan teased.

"So was yours," Madeline laughed as Teagan led her to the dance floor.

"One last dance," Teagan kissed her and noticed Eamon watching them as he stood by Alistair.

"Teagan, are you alright? Your heart is really beating fast," Madeline's looked at him with concern.

"I'm fine," Teagan laughed nervously. "My heart is racing because I am dancing with the most beautiful woman in the room."

"Stop," Madeline blushed.

"Its true," Teagan leaned over and whispered in her ear. "And I can't wait to take you home after this."

Seeing Eamon still casting his icy glare, he turned away and continued to dance with Madeline.

…..

"It was good you attended this function Alistair," Eamon said approvingly. "The people need to see you outside of the palace. It will make you look more approachable."

Alistair nodded as he continued to watch Teagan and Madeline dance.

Eamon smiled and noted his wistful expression and turned away to get a drink.

"It won't be long Alistair," Eamon said on his under his breath. "That I promise you."

…