Chapter Five
Best Served Cold
When we reached the docks, Hawke was there; he looked awkward and Isabela was smirking while Sebastian looked confused and Varric was amused. "I got a letter… we have to meet someone in the keep tomorrow morning…"
"Alistair, I know. He's not here in relation to our fight, so I can't be pissy and petty about it. He's here for his people; I can't begrudge that, because if I could, I would be helping every single Ferelden refugee get home and set back up."
Hawke looked relieved, "I'm glad he told you before sending me that message – I was worried you'd be upset."
"He didn't tell me. He's waiting at my place for me to get back to tell me in person. He doesn't realize I already know. It's rather difficult for people to keep things from a seer, you know? I can't block every single vision but I knew long ago that he would come this year for this reason… in fact, I knew before he was made king."
Hawke paled, "He didn't tell you, but you're… not mad?"
"Nope. When it comes to our people, he'll do anything he can for them. I'd do the same, regardless of if I thought he'd get mad about it or not… I can't be upset that he's doing what I would do in the same situation…"
"Kitten, of course you could. It's a woman's prerogative to get upset for no reason, let alone an unreasonable reason."
"Says the woman who would gladly see me in her bed again… do you think you have a higher chance if I'm mad at my mates?"
"Yes." She grinned. I rolled my eyes, "Hate to break it to you, but that's been Vetoed by two mates. Alistair and Cullen get far too jealous when I sleep with someone who isn't a mate. In theory, I could force the bond, but Hawke would get jealous that you married me but won't marry him."
Hawke was nodding, "Maker, yes I would! I've asked her already, you know?" I smirked and nodded. "Keep your mate off me if you don't want that to happen," I winked. He yanked her into him and gave me a small glare as Fenris coughed in amusement. "Can we stop by the Hanged Man? I've… reached out to my sister."
"I have to tell you… it's a trap. She was forced to set it by you-know-who and… it was comply and become a Magisters apprentice or die…"
"Fasta Vass!" Fenris hissed. "And today is the last day that she will be there. I was putting it off for just this reason. I didn't see any signs of…"
I put a hand on his arm, "I won't let him take you, and I'll save the last blow for you… unless you want him to die with humiliation and no dignity?" I asked with a wicked smirk.
"I'm… listening." Fenris looked much calmer now. Sebastian looked sick as I explained my plan, but he was the only one. "That is… Maker preserve us, that is horrible, Ara!"
I nodded, "It is, but you have no idea what he's done, Sebastian. I will not go into detail, as that is not my story to tell, but… that is actually the lesser of evils between my plans. It's this or I keep him tied up in my basement for a week of torture."
"Let us go with this plan then… torture does not sit right with me…" Alano and Sebastian were in agreement. "I agree with the plan. He will die humiliated and alone. I like it."
I took the lead, holding Fenris' hand in my own as I pulled him along behind me.
She sat at a table near the stage I had 'built' for my job here. She was only 5'4 with pale skin and wide green eyes. Her hair was a brighter red than mine – almost orange really – and tied back in a bun. She wore dark make-up that clashed with her appearance and her clothes were middle-class – in other words, she did not look like a servant from Tevinter, she looked like a member from a lesser family.
She looked up at our approach and the sad look in her eyes told us she was here against her will. "It really is you…"
"Varania?" Fenris asked, suddenly uncertain. "I… remember you. We played in our masters' courtyard while mother worked. You called me…"
"Leto; that's your name…" she sighed as she stood and moved away from us. I saw Denarius in my side eye before he spoke. "Ah, my little Fenris; predictable, as always."
The man who spoke was the only one who wore fine clothes; the others with him wore armor. Denarius looked to be about 60 years old with darkened grey hair covering his head and face. His face was covered in wrinkles and his eyes were a dull green. Varania spoke, "I'm sorry it came to this, Leto…"
I snorted and raised my hand, vines shooting up to wrap around her. Denarius swiveled his head to stare at me. "This is your new mistress then? A Champion of Kirkwall, Mistress to a King and it appears she is a mage… quite lovely."
"This is Denarius? Somehow I thought he'd be… more intimidating. I suppose now is the time to tell you that Fenris is literally soul-bound to me? He is my mate, and I'll not allow you to take him. I give you one chance to surrender," I smiled.
"Soul-bound? That isn't possible… regardless; I will be taking what belongs to me." He gave me a smile that said he was humoring a child. But in the next second, he paled when all of his men were killed by spikes of ice that appeared from no-where.
"Look, Danny… I can call you Danny, right? Dany, this is how things work here; when I speak, people listen. Why do they listen? Well because I'm more powerful than anything you've seen with the backing of a King and the Maker himself… at least that's what the Guardian of the Ashes told me before I told him to take the Ashes and go. I gave you a chance… it's such a shame you didn't take it. We Fairies must always keep our words, you know?" I was smirking as he found himself rooted to the spot he stood in, while vines tied his hands to his waist.
"What do you want? I'll give you anything… you want the slave? He's yours!" he tried to plead.
"That's just it, Danny boy, he's been my husband for 3 years and free from slavery for much longer. He's already mine, just as I am his. I may have two other mates, but I don't love him any less. You have nothing that I want. I promised Fenris your death and I love to dote on my husbands… this isn't a negotiation; this is dominance," I growled at the end as a spike of ice shot from the ground at his feet to pierce him in a very painful area. "One thing you can never truly protect while in battle – your ass is mine, Danny." There were tears streaming down his face as I slowly lengthened the icy spear. He was in a great deal of pain as he died.
"Varania, you are free to go. I know you were forced to set this trap, but with it you've lost all goodwill." I said, releasing her bonds. She was out like a shot.
That night, when we finally trudged home, Orana was delighted to see Alano moving in… after I told her that he wasn't actually there to keep an eye on me; that was just what we'd told the knight commander to allow Orana and Alano to be together.
Alistair was there, like I'd predicted, pacing and biting his nails. When he saw me, watching him with an amused smirk, he sighed in relief, "You're not mad… thank the Maker!"
"As I told Hawke when he told me about the note you sent him, I can't be mad that you're helping your people. You aren't here primarily for me, that's just a side benefit for you. The people of Ferelden need their King, no matter where they are. I should tell you about Lirene who's been helping the refugees for the last 7 years. She's a sweetheart and owns her own shop here; Lirenes Ferelden Imports. She provides food, jobs and aid to our people, love."
"Then I will see her rewarded. I really am glad you aren't angry. I brought Teagan too, but I was still… I agonized over whether to come or not…"
I chuckled, "You know better by now, my King. The needs of our people will always come first. Lirene doesn't know that the woman who's been helping her is actually the Queen, not the royal mistress, but she's amazing. She prioritizes those who are worse off – the ones who hadn't found lodging or jobs were first on her list. Women with children were the first to receive food. I was there every week donating enough to keep an army fed for a month… and helping with delivering babies and healing."
His eyes went glassy at the mention of babies and he sighed. "Vaala arrived last week. She's settling in, and didn't want to travel on a boat or I'd have brought her too. She's very well behaved for her situation. 7 years old next month and just so… understanding. I was hoping…" I smirked.
"You picked a good time, I'll admit. If we try tonight… it'd be a guarantee. Would you like that?" Fenris looked at me in confusion. "Am I missing something?"
"The king wishes for an Heir, love. I can give that, but I will say this now. Any child of mine is a child of all of you. It will usually be obvious who the father is, but in my eyes and in the eyes of our kids, you will all be the Father; am I understood? I'll tell Cullen when he comes over in a few days, but I stand firm in this. Just as your other son is also mine, this child will also be theirs," I directed the last sentence to Alistair.
"He has another son? Why is he not the heir?"
"Because Morrigan won't allow it and Kieran won't want that either. Kieran was conceived through a ritual, not… love. It's a long story, but I still consider that boy my son as well as theirs…"
Fenris actually took that in stride, and when I commented on it he just shrugged, "You are a good woman and a moral mage. If you say that the boy will turn out okay, then I believe you."
"Good. Now my question stands, will you both accept that your all a parent to any child I have?"
Fenris and Alistair both nodded. "Then… Alistair, I will have to relent and allow your protection for the rest of this mess. I may not be far along when things really get going, but I will not allow anything to risk our child." He smiled so brilliantly. "Teagan! Arrange for a guard detail for the Queen."
Teagan smiled as he came in, "He convinced you, did he?"
"Kind of… but I suppose we can start telling people I'm the future queen… the Divine is already sending out invitations for my wedding. Mia Rutherford received one and I know a few others who have said they'll be there – including a Qunari contingent. New has spread to Orzammar and Par Vollen. We're getting married in Val Royeaux in 4 months, so…"
Teagan nodded and said he'd take care of it. I called after him, "Don't tell your brother who is going to be Queen, okay? Just hand him an invite and call it a day." Teagan was laughing as he continued to walk away.
I'd gotten my wish. Fenris and Alistair both shared my bed last night. All that was missing… was Cullen. And like I told him, one day I'd have a very large tub big enough for us all.
But now… "Ara! They've taken Bela. I don't know why, but… I was following a lead this morning and… and Keran told me they took her. They tried for Bethany and Carver, but the Vigil was too fortified… why would they?" he had burst into my room where Fenris, Alistair and I were all naked in bed; the sheets only covering to our waists.
I chuckled as both men moved to cover me. We had spent the last two days practically naked the whole time. This made day three.
"Hawke… you remember the Apostates from Starkhaven? Grace and them? Yeah their pissy that they were given to the Circle. They'd do this if we'd let them go ad they got caught too so, it was already a problem. I'm more surprised they didn't try to kidnap Cullen since they couldn't get in here and take Fenris or Alistair to get to me. Don't worry, Bela is safe. She's bait, they won't harm her. Let me get dressed and we'll go, okay?"
He nodded, worry still etching his face. Fenris and Alistair both relaxed when Hawke never once 'peaked' at me in interest.
I was wearing a steel boned leather corset that looked like a vest with 'coattails', except it was more like a duster in the back, vest in the front. It was black and matched my jeans in color. I put on knee high circus master boots with a two inch heel that was thick and flat to make for easier walking. I put my hair in a ponytail then pinned it up with a claw clip.
Fenris and Alistair were both armored up, but I had to remind Alistair that he was leaving the City tomorrow so he needed to get things ready. He pouted.
"But… in your condition…"
I snorted, "I'm three days in, Alistair; but I promise to stay at the back of the group and rely on magic rather than blades, okay?"
"And we will take two of her guards with us," Fenris growled and I rolled my eyes. Hawke looked at me, "What's going on?"
"Oh I'm pregnant with the Heir to the throne of Ferelden as of two days ago and my mates are already over-protective without that, so…"
"You're staying here." Hawke said and turned toward the door. I snorted again, "No I'm not. You'll need me this time, if you want Bela to wake without resorting to Blood Magic. They've got her in a stasis – a blood sleep."
Hawke and Fenris both growled at that.
"Fine… but you better stay clear of the fights. I will not be responsible for…" I rolled my eyes at Hawke and we walked out just as Cullen reached us.
He leaned in a kissed me. "I'm pregnant, let's go fight Blood Mages," was how I told him. He paled, "What? You want to… you're…"
"Coming with us to protect the pregnant fairy or staying to worry about me with the King?" I asked as I walked along behind Hawke. I saw Varric and Sebastian looking at me in shock.
I had to explain what I was saying twice on the walk to the wounded coast… once for clarity, you see. Varric couldn't actually believe that I'd told Cullen I was pregnant in the same breath as 'let's go kill mages'… and he'd been there! I told Cullen about the whole, one mates' kid is everyones' kid. He'd nodded and said that he'd sort of figured that that was how it would work. I was happy at that.
We encountered Samson on the way, as in the game. "Well, here you are. You've been sticking your nose in every problem in Kirkwall since each of you got off the boats. I still have to thank you, Miss… for your kindness." I had been giving him Lyrium since we met him the first time… no one else knew.
Cullen looked at me sharply, "What kindness?"
"Lyrium. I know the truth, Cullen… that you Templars are addicted to it. I know for a fact that you can kick the habit, but I don't know about Samson…"
"I… I could do that?" Cullen asked. "Not without severe pain. When Kinlock fell, you were in Withdrawal, and when you go to kick the habit again… the withdrawal will kick your memories into overdrive. I could help you, if you wish it, but Samson needed help and accepted what I offered."
"Templars are addicted?" Sebastian looked horrified. "Yes, Prince Vael, they are. Without the Order… technically they're free to leave whenever, but they don't get their fix. Lyrium Withdrawal is fiercely painful and nothing to joke about. Go get the Templars, Samson, and we'll see about getting you back into the Order," I said. Samson looked relieved and nodded before heading off. But before we could move forward, Cullen grasped me gently by either arm and looked into my eyes. "I want your help. I need to kick this, and you said when not if, so obviously I'll be stopping…"
I nodded, "When Cassandra – Right Hand of the Divine – recruits you to the second Inquisition, in the midst of the Mage-Templar war, you will find yourself stopping."
Everyone around me paled. "War… Inquisition… that doesn't sound good, love…"
"I can help you right now – you will never again need Lyrium, yet your abilities as a Templar will not only stay with you, but be more powerful."
"I… yes. Do it."
I summoned a syringe and drew my blood, "Last chance to back out, my love."
He took off his gauntlet and held out his arm, "I'm not backing out." I injected him and he grunted as he felt the Dragon Blood ignite in his veins, burning any trace of Lyrium and working to strengthen him.
We walked on as Cullen fought the pain. "It's actually less painful for you than it would be for someone else. Not only are you already quite strong, but you're my mate. Alistair didn't feel any pain, but only because he already has the… special component that's causing the pain."
"What component?" Varric asked.
"You'll finally give him a nickname if I tell you, and I so want to see his face when you say it the first time!" I giggled. "Fine, I'll wait… but only until we get back to the city. Good thing the boat doesn't leave until morning."
Thrask stepped forward as we approached, and we all saw Bela lying on the sand, 'asleep'.
"I suppose it was too much to hope that you wouldn't come here. Though I can't understand why you side with Meredith now…" he was looking to Cullen. I spoke, "Come off it, Thrask. We don't support her, but this is wrong! Blood Magic is wrong!"
"Yet you injected the Knight-Captain with your blood?" Grace sneered.
"I can't use blood magic. What I did will give him greater control of his abilities as a Templar; make him stronger. My blood is special – it can strengthen Magic or Templars, it can even do more miraculous things than that. But blood Magic? Not possible, I'm afraid. Demons also have a hard time fucking with me. Darkspawn fear me. It's a shame you decided to do this, Grace…"
"Impossible! Blood can't do that…" I allowed my wings out, causing them all to pale. "My blood is special. I realize Meredith is psycho, I know she's dangerous… if you had waited a month or two, you'd have been free. Now?"
"Let the hostage go," Thrask sighed. Grace snarled, "No, the bitch dies; then the champions do."
"We will not kill an innocent to achieve our goals. It gains us nothing to become Meredith." Thrask reasoned.
"Meredith? What care have I for Meredith? I'm here for her," she sneered, pointing at me. The entire group, including the 'Queens Guard' stepped in front of me.
"I'm afraid we cannot allow you to harm the Queen." One of them said. Everyone that wasn't part of our group stilled. "Queen?" Thrask asked, pale.
"Yes… did I forget to mention that I've been Married to Alistair since Justinian of 9:30 Dragon? And that our Andrastian wedding is in 4 months?" I asked sweetly. Thrask stepped back, "No one has to die here…"
Grace gave a menacing laugh, "That's where your wrong." She stabbed her hand and used her blood magic to kill him before shouting, "Forget the hostage… kill the Queen!"
And the fight started. I had shielded Alain during the battle, much to the surprise of my people. When it was over, he gave a small whimper and said, "I'm sorry… Grace used blood magic to hold her… There's no other way…" I stopped him. "You forget, I am not as you are. I need no blood magic to wake my friend, Alain. Do not mark yourself as one of them, or Meredith will kill you. Hawke when the Knight-Commander shows up, tell her that Alain was also kidnapped by Grace. Tell her that he was also knocked out when we arrived, because he refused to help… Cullen, I need you to back up this lie… because I cannot. I can tell you what to say, but I cannot say it myself…" the two men nodded as I folded away my wings and knelt by Bela.
As I knelt by her, I sent my magic within her, looking for the source of the block that kept her asleep. When I found it, it crumbled at the mere touch of my magic… I didn't need to do anything. Meredith came up to us just as I opened my eyes and handed Bela a flask of water.
"Where are we? I was so sure I was going to end up in the hole of a slavers ship…" She groaned as she sat up.
"Honestly, I thought you were better than this. A couple of lousy Templars and your down?" Hawke asked, both relieved and amused. Meredith glared at him.
"They took me by surprise. I'd say thank you but I think my way of talking is better done in private…" I chuckled and she turned to me, "Will you take me up on my tanks?" she asked with a smirk.
"No can do, lover. You see, it appears I'm with child, so my mates will be even more protective and jealous…"
Meredith and the Templars with her stiffened. "Child? That's no fun…"
"A Queen must provide her husband with Heirs, Bel… since the Divine is hosting a wedding for me, Alistair, Fenris and Cullen if he agrees… it's only proper that we secure the future of the throne."
Meredith glared, "And how sure are you that the babe is Alistairs? I believe he only got into town three days ago… he hasn't been here since last year before that."
"Isn't it obvious? I'm only 3 days along, Meredith. My people have such an advanced method of telling when conception happens… but don't take my word for it. When the baby is born, he will have his fathers' eyes, and that will be proof enough."
One of the Templars with her moved forward as her hand twitched. Cullen, Fenris and the guards Alistair sent with me all stepped between us. "What do you think you're doing?" one of the guards asked.
"Any child borne of a Mage belongs to the Chantry!" Meredith snarled. I pulled out a sending stone.
"Aedan… tell me Sister Nightingale is with you…" I whimpered. I had forgotten this part or 'Chantry Law'.
"Ara, dearest, what is wrong?" Leliannas soothing voice came across clearly. Meredith froze as she recognized the name of the Left Hand of the Divine.
"Leli, sweetie… I'm pregnant and the Knight-Commander is attempting to take me… tell me I have the support of the Divine here, babe…" I was shaking with fear. I wouldn't allow anyone to take my child; regardless. But if I had to fight… I would be terrified of them targeting my belly.
"Most Holy, your ward is with Child…" I didn't hear the rest of the words; my brain was turning. If the Most Holy was there, then he wasn't in Gwaren, he was in Orlais. Also what was with Leli calling me the Divines Ward?
"Child? I am Divine Justinia. I am sending Sister Nightingale to safe-guard you at this time. I know you have not yet been told, but I have taken you as a Ward due to the… circumstances of Haven and the Temple. You will not have to give up your child to the Chantry. Lelianna has told me of what you are, and I promise you that your child is safe."
The connection cut; Meredith snarled and glared at Cullen for stepping between us, but she huffed and turned to the knocked out and dead mages and Templars around us. Her eyes settled on Alain.
Her eyes narrowed, "Why is this one the only one still… awake?"
Hawke spoke up, "He was a Hostage along with my… along with Isabela, here. Both were unconscious when we arrived. He used to be part of Graces group, but apparently when she approached him for help in this… farce, he refused. She said that she couldn't have anyone telling you of her plans so she brought him…"
"She told you all that did she?" Meredith sneered. "Well, I asked why he was a hostage… since no one in our group could really claim him as special to them; there was no point in him being here." Hawke looked unconcerned at Merediths' disbelief.
"Samson… thank you for going to get the Templars. I know it must have been awkward for you…" I said. "Oh… well… I figured I was tired of seeing any mage that got a taste of freedom turn to blood magic. Realized I was wrong all those years ago…"
Meredith nodded at him and they began gathering bodies as we made our escape.
"So, Feathers, what's the special component that had Curly in so much pain but didn't affect his Majesty here?" Varric asked as we all entered my place. Alistair looked confused.
"My blood carries the blood of Dragons. Alistairs father, Maric, was empowered by the blood of a Great Dragon. That blood was passed to both Alistair and his brother. It's almost as strong as the blood of an Old God, so it didn't really affect him when I gave him a vial of my blood to cure the… yeah."
"King of Ferelden, Former Templar, Grey Warden, and now Dragon Blooded? Your Majesty is quite the Special Snowflake," Varric commented in exasperation.
"Er… thanks?" I was giggling at the dialogue from Varric that was supposed to occur in a year or two when Bela, Varric and Alistair were looking for Maric.
"That's his nickname, right?" I asked with glee. "Snowflake, it is," Varric chuckled.
I high fived Varric, making Alistair pout.
