"Good night."
Alistair shook his head as he leaned forward to capture her hand in his again. He pulled her back quickly to wrap his arms around her waist. If the first two kisses were soft and gentle, the third one was full of emotion and desire. Prying away, he rested his forehead to hers again.
"Don't leave."
"Huh…?" Her voice sounding strangely hoarse, and she shivered, feeling his breath dance across her mouth.
"I said, don't leave. Please," he whispered. "I have done nothing but think of you for days. "
Evelyn stared up into his hazel eyes, falling deep into them. "Really?"
She was close enough that he could slip forward just a little and taste her lips again if he dared. Her perfume was light, just sweet enough to tease his senses. She felt warm against him, her hand on his chin burning a path straight to places left unnamed. Alistair had thrown down the gauntlet, asking her to stay.
"Really," he answered. "I mean…if you want. I don't want you to feel pressured or anything. I mean – "
She stopped him, taking advantage of his parted lips. Kissing him softly at first, her reveling in his shocked gasp. He folded into her, wrapping his arms around her waist. His mind careened through a thousand thoughts, most of them prurient, and he brushed aside the hazy doubt of taking this woman into his room might be a bad idea.
Their tongues met, tentative, then braver as they crushed into each other. Feeling her body against his, he longed to touch more than her jacket with his bare hands. Somehow, they stumbled into his room, clumsily knocking into the dresser, the chairs as Alistair kicked the door shut and made their way to his bed. Alistair apologized with burning kisses when he pushed her down a little too hard, and she accepted by pulling his mouth hard against her own. She tasted rich, like too much sweet wine that they had been drinking.
Her soft hands slid across his bare chest, a vast expanse of muscular body begging for her to touch. He moaned softly when she drew a finger down his chest to his erection. Heart skipping, he stared into her warm, emerald eyes. All the while, he scrambled to divest her of her jacket, then the tunic. Delicacy was thrown by the wayside as he struggled with her belt around her waist, wanting desperately to feel her naked against him.
A glancing thought of her undressed across the bed made him moan with inexplicable pleasure. From the way she bit down on her lower lip, he wondered if he was doing the right thing. If this was truly what she wanted or if it was something else.
"Is this what you want?" he asked, staring down at her. "I know that things are complicated with you right now. I don't want to take advantage of you."
"Yes. I want this more than anything." She lifted her head from the bed to kiss him gently. "Be kind to me, my lord."
"Oh," he said softly. Seeing something different in her eyes as she stared up at him. Alistair's eyes widened with sudden realization what she meant. Pulling away, he shook his head. "Oh!"
"It's all right," she said, cupping his cheeks in her palms. "I want this. The Maker may strike me down but I want this."
She lifted herself to turn him around. Evelyn remained the drawstring from his pants and he helped her remove them, kicking his pants to the side. Sitting down on the bed, Alistair moved to sit against the headboard to allow her to straddle his waist to allow her the opportunity to run her fingers across his body. She sucked in her bottom lip as she stared down at him, sliding her palm down his stomach, carefully guiding her fingers down. He shuddered beneath her as she paid great attention to every dip and curve of his body. Taking her time to feel his skin against her touch.
His head fell back as she tentatively wrapped her fingers around his cock, taking hold of him gently in her hand and began to pump. His eyes closed tight as he breathed in her scent, placing his hand over hers as she continued to stroke his shaft.
"Evelyn," he whispered as he guided her motions.
He gasped loudly when he felt her shift and then her tongue began to swirl over the tip of him. His fingers dug into the sheets beneath him as she wrapped her lips around him, suckling, teasing with her tongue. His body bucked against her as he shook in tormented pleasure. Nowhere near climax, he coasted through aching waves of pleasure, clutching at her hand and head, urging her to continue.
She had not expected to find herself in this position when she came to talk to him. Words of advice, support but not finding herself where she was now. However, she was not going to complain at providence. The truth was she could not lie about not thinking about him as well. With all her fears of her first time pushed away, she knew this was want she wanted. Tasting his skin, listening to the chorus of his muffled pleasure, she wanted to explore every inch of him with studious detail. Thankful that Alistair was giving her this opportunity.
His hand gripped her hair, pulling her away. "Aren't you hot in all those clothes?"
With a grin, Evelyn slid off the bed and stood up. Alistair watched as she removed all her clothing, dropping it to the floor around her. Removing her tunic, Alistair stared at the beautiful body before him. Her skin flushed with embarrassment as she undressed. Raising a hand, he offered it to her and waited until she took it from him.
"Come here," he said as she moved across the bed once more to straddle his waist.
Catching her in a bruising kiss, he wrapped his hands around her waist and pulled her up to match their bodies more evenly. Trying to sit upright, he cupped her face in his hands, probing the delicious depths of her mouth. She responded eagerly, nipping at his lower lip. The feel of her bare skin against his sent thousands of shockwaves through him, his fingers dug into her waist and crushed her against him. She could feel his length straining underneath her. Holding her waist in his hands, he moved to position himself beneath her core.
Resting his forehead against hers, he whispered, "There's still time to stop. You can still go back to your room and it will end here."
Evelyn lifted her hands to his broad shoulders and inhaled deeply. "No, my king. I am your faithful servant."
He pulled away to kiss her. "You are my equal, Madame Herald."
Kissing her again, he felt her reach down between their bodies and move the tip of his cock against her,
then with excruciating precision, eased down onto him. They moaned in tandem as her slick heat enveloped him. She moved across him slowly, kissing him lushly each time she pulled up. He allowed her to set the rhythm, letting her set the pace she needed until he felt her hesitate. Moving faster, she drug her nails into his shoulders until suddenly, she released a loud gasp as she drove him deeper inside her body with full force. His body shook when he felt her body tremble around him entirely.
He placed soft kisses across her chin, her cheeks as she trembled around him. Holding her in place, he allowed her body to calm from the intrusion. Wiping tears from her cheeks, he ran his thumbs across her as he whispered to her.
"Shhh…relax…"
She nodded, trying to regain her breath. Evelyn knew that this would be painful, everyone she knew told her it would be. Yet, no one told her how pleasurable that pain would be. She wanted more from him. Needed more from him. She needed to feel that release that the stories told of.
Catching her breath, she nodded. "You are too kind," she said.
Alistair was in pain as she held herself still. Her inner walls squeezing him painfully in its embrace. When she began to move, his head lowered to rest his forehead against her chest. She was driving him crazy with the teasingly short strokes this position that she needed to adjust herself around him. The position they were in was not helping his desire for her.
"Evelyn, I need to feel you more," he said, unable to take it anymore.
Wrapping an arm tightly around her waist, he rolled over, lowering her to the bed. Propped above her, he paused long enough to drink in the details of her shapely figure before sliding back. Grasping the base of his length, he teased her, rubbing it over her moist folds. He loved the way she moaned, the way she gasped and cursed under her breath. Reaching up, she slid her hands over his shoulders and pulled him back into her. Evelyn wanted him, all of him, hard inside of her and on top of her.
Taking a few shallow strokes, he waited until her face spasmed with longing before plunging in her, her body shuddering underneath his, her fingers digging into his shoulders. He was sure she was drawing blood as he nails stabbed into him. Pressing his cheek against hers, he moved faster, more forcefully, moaning and sighing into her ear. Gasping, she raised her hips, rotating with his erection, moving closer and closer to her orgasm.
"Maker…Alistair!" she cried out, holding onto him for dear life. The first shivers of climax begging to radiate through her body.
She pleaded him to go faster, harder, deeper, and with each request, he complied. Sliding a hand under her hips to increase their friction. The sound of her voice was driving him mad, he wanted to hear her scream his name again, and he knew just how to do it. He slowed his pace down, watching her face as he licked the pad of his thumb then slipped it down, rolling it across her clitoris. Once he found the right rhythm, he pulled almost all the way out, shivering as she squeezed around his organ. He felt the sensation ripple throughout his body. He found himself unable to resist his own yearning.
Pushing into her, he pounded faster and faster, teasing the beginnings of an orgasm out of her with his thumb. Silver beads of sweat formed on his upper lip and she leaned up to kiss him, tasting the salt mixing with the sweetness of his mouth. Her whole body tensed under him, the shudder of climax making her twist and jerk with each swipe of his thumb, each delicious stroke of his cock. She pushed frantically at his hand, unable to take the searing manipulation anymore. Throwing her head back, she screamed his name with each shuddering stroke.
Wrapping his arms around her shoulders, he leaned down into her, kissing her throat, wrenching his fingers through her hair. Letting himself forget everything else and concentrate on his own pleasure.
"If I die tonight, please know that you are the reason for it," he whispered against her ear.
A pleased smile washing over her features as he continued to enter her over and over, clenching his teeth. He felt as though he were exploding within her as he felt his release, every nerve alive with ecstasy. With a shudder he slid down onto his elbows, gasping for breath as he pressed his forehead into her shoulder.
Rolling onto his side, he pulled her close to him, kissing her brow and running his fingers softly along her sweat-slick skin. She leaned up to taste his mouth, still shuddering from time to time with the aftereffects. He smiled at her, then closed his eyes, leaning his head back to rest a moment. With a final, gentle kiss.
"Are you all right?" he asked, looking at her. "I didn't hurt you, did I?"
Shaking her head, she moved to look up at him. "I will survive, my king."
Alistair shifted as he watched her slide out of the bed to walk to the basin to clean herself up. Sitting up on his elbows, he watched her move to gather her clothes. "Don't go," he said. "Please, spend the night with me."
She stood beside the bed, holding her clothes against her body. Staring at him, she bit down on her lower lip as she thought about the offer. "Alistair…I…"
Swinging his legs off the bed, he stood up and took her clothes from her. Setting them down on the bed before turning back to her to cup his hands over her cheeks. "If you wish for it to end here, then I will abide your wishes and never speak of it again." He straightened himself as he looked down at her. "However, I promise to you, that whatever you want of this to continue I will be gracious, Madame Herald."
Evelyn lifted her hands to cover his, removing them from her cheeks. Holding his hands tightly, she looked up at him. "You wish to continue this?"
He nodded. "This. Spending time with you. Sharing my passion of fine wines and cheeses," he said, smiling. "I know it's sudden like, but I'd be lying to say I haven't thought about you since Redcliffe when you told me to shove a pike up my ass."
Lowering her head, she rested it against his chest. "You are never going to let that go, are you?"
Kissing the top of her head, he chuckled. "Not when I have such a pretty ass." He released her hand to cup her chin to tilt her head back so he could stare down into her eyes. "I am requesting the opportunity to court you, Madame Herald."
She did not know if the shiver she felt was from the cold against her heated flesh or if it was that he was requesting to court her. The King of Ferelden was asking him if he could court the upstart leader of the Inquisition.
"I have been removed from the Chantry's graces. Looked upon by many as trying to start a rebellion against all of Thedas. And most recently relinquished my title to my homeland." She shook her head. "And you wish to court me?"
He shrugged one shoulder. "I'm the bastard raised by dogs. Grey Warden. Heir to a throne that I didn't want." He squeezed her hands that he held. "So, yes. I want to court you."
Taking a deep breath, she found herself nodding her head. His smile grew as he wrapped his arms around her and lift her up to kiss her.
"Then spend the night with me, please?" he asked again.
She barely got the word "Yes" out before he scooped her into his arms and carried her to bed. She giggled when he jumped on top of the bed beside her, causing her body to lift from the bed as he bounced. Pulling the heavy blankets up over their bodies, he blew out the candles beside his bed and pulled her up close against his body.
Kissing her on the forehead, he smiled as he felt her body relax against his and fell asleep in his arms. Staring up at the ceiling, he smiled. It had been a long time since he had felt this good. Although there was still that nagging feeling tugging at the back of his mind. He wanted to begin a relationship with her when he had heard that she and Cullen were no longer together, but he knew he should have waited at least until returning to Ferelden to do it. Not that he regretted what had just happened.
"Grumpy is going to be pissed," he thought as he tilted his head to rest his cheek against the top of her head as his eyes closed. "Then again, he had his chance and chose Solona…again."
Letting sleep slowly take him, he pushed the thoughts of Cullen out of his mind. Wanting to enjoy the feel of the woman beside him that he had quickly grown to admire and respect. Having her in his arms just felt right. And after of life of chaos it was nice for something to feel this good.
Cullen looked around the stable at the other members of the Inquisition as they prepared for their journey back to Ostwick to meet up with Isabela's vessel to travel back to Ferelden. He frowned when he noticed that one person was still missing, Evelyn.
"Where is your sister?" he asked Maxwell as he walked towards the younger man. "She is not here."
Looking around, Maxwell shrugged. "Last time I saw her was last night when she was speaking with the king."
Frowning, Cullen looked at him. "She was speaking to Alistair? Last night?"
The mage nodded his head as he turned to Lysette. "That is who she was talking to, right?"
Lysette nodded as she clasped her cloak. "Yes. I don't know about what, but they were laughing."
Tossing his bags over the horse, Iron Bull chuckled. "She'll be here soon. She was talking to the prince and the king when I passed through on my way out."
Nodding, Cullen went back to preparing his horse. Lost in thought he barely noticed the woman stepping up behind him until she spoke.
"You wasn't leaving without saying goodbye were you?" Solona asked as she moved up closer.
Cullen turned to face her, releasing a heavy breath. "My apologies."
"I had a good time last night," she said, keeping her voice low as she stepped closer to him. "I'm sorry that we can't continue this reunion."
"Then you're continuing to Kirkwall?" he asked as he looked down at her. "You won't consider joining to help our cause?"
"I can't," she answered, moving even closer to him. "This is too important, Cullen."
He nodded. "We will welcome you if you change your mind. We can always use someone with your skills and talents."
She ran her hands up beneath his cloak to his shoulders, moving her body closer against his. "Or do you just want to use my other skills and talents?"
His head lowered, smiling. "It has been pleasurable to be near you again."
"Oh, I'd say more than that, Templar," she said. Taking a long breath, she slowly blew it out and nodded. "If I get what I need in Kirkwall, I'll try to make my way to Adamant and bring some help along with me."
"That would be appreciated, Solona."
"And there she is!" Dorian called out.
He had been watching the scene between Cullen and Solona, unsure what to expect when Evelyn did appear. Seeing her approaching from the other side of the stable, he warned Cullen by making an announcement of her arrival to try and spare the woman.
"Sorry I'm late. I had to speak with Sebastian one last time before we departed. He sends his regards," Evelyn said as she approached. "I hope everyone slept well last night and ready to return home."
Cullen turned to see her walking closer to them. She greeted her brother with a hug and a kiss on his cheek before taking the reins of her horse that the stable hand had brought to her. She thanked the younger boy and patted him on the shoulder before he ran off. Something was different about her that he could not place. Her smile, her eyes, something had changed.
She must have noticed that he was watching her. She turned around and looked at him, nodding slightly. "Commander. I'm assuming all is ready and prepared for our journey home?"
"Umm…yes," he said, looking at her.
Evelyn turned to the woman standing closely beside him and nodded her head. "Warden-Commander. I bid you a safe journey as you travel to Kirkwall."
The mage cocked an eyebrow as she nodded her head ever so slightly. "You as well to Ostwick. I certainly hope that Isabela gets you through the storms."
"What storms, you twat?" Isabela shouted as she turned to look at the Warden. "You have never known anything about the sea."
Solona rolled her eyes. The pirate had never been a fan of hers from the first meeting. If it was not for Zevran wanting to go to The Pearl she never would have wasted her time on the duelist. She waved a dismissive hand at the other woman. "Go soak your head."
Holding out an arm, Varric stopped Isabela. Shaking his head, he said, "We don't have time, Rivani. Hawke's waiting."
She released a snort before turning back to her horse. "She's lucky I'm in a rush."
"I'm sure she is," the dwarf responded as he continued to look between Evelyn and Cullen and Solona.
But what caught his attention was when King Alistair approached and stepped up behind Evelyn. The rogue's curiosity grew as he watched the king's fingers brushed against her hand before he continued past her to speak with his entourage that was on the other side of the stable from them, also preparing for their journey home.
"The king has graciously asked to travel with us during our journey back to Ferelden," Evelyn informed everyone as she turned to face her companions. "And I agreed that there is strength in numbers." She turned to Isabela. "I hope that there is plenty of space on your vessel for all of us, Captain."
Isabela shrugged. "I guess," she said, winking at the other woman.
"Thank you," Evelyn said, smiling. She turned to look at Alistair as he returned to her side. "Are you ready, my lord?"
"Very, Madame Herald," Alistair said, grinning as he looked down at her. "I say we get on the road now so we can try to make it down the mountain before nightfall."
Cullen's frown grew as he watched the interactions between Evelyn and Alistair. Something did not set right with him as they talked privately between themselves. Solona took his hand, pulling his attention away as she lifted on her toes to place her hands on his cheeks and brought him closer to her for a long, deep kiss.
"I'll see you soon," she said before turning away and leaving. "Goodbye, Alistair."
Cupping his hands around his mouth, Alistair called out, "Farewell, Solona! Hope you have good luck!" He turned to look down at Evelyn, smiling. "I'll tell you about it later. I promise."
She nodded, smiling up at him. "I look forward to that." Turning, she looked at everyone. "Let's go home."
Climbing up on her horse, she waited until everyone was mounted. Moving her horse beside Cullen, she brushed her hair back behind her ear. "Please take lead with the king's captain. I will be in the middle with the king. Bull and several of the king's guard will be in the rear." Seeing the disappointment on his face, she frowned. "Is there an issue, Commander?"
Clearing his throat, he stared at her. "Can we talk?" he asked, keeping his voice low.
Shaking her head, she said, "No. We've said all that should be said, Cullen. There will be no further discussion."
He tried to speak to her but she turned her horse and moved closer to the king, positioning her horse beside his. Taking a heavy breath, he turned his horse around and nudged it forward. "Inquisition, let's go home."
As they began to move out, Dorian moved his horse up closer to Evelyn's. "Cousin, I missed you this morning,"
Evelyn nodded. "I was up early."
"Was you now?" Keeping his voice low, he looked at her and the king who wore a smile on his face. "You were up so early that your bed wasn't slept in?"
"The Inquisitor and I were both up early. We were discussing the journey home over breakfast," Alistair said before Evelyn could respond. "Much to discuss."
Dorian looked between the two, cocking an eyebrow as he watched them both smile as they looked at each other. "Oh…my dear, cousin. We have so much to talk about when we return home." He leaned forward to look over at the king. "It is a pleasure to have you join us for this journey."
"Thank you, Master Pavus," Alistair said.
Slowing his horse, Dorian moved back to ride alongside Bull. The Qunari turned to look at the man beside him.
"They did it, didn't they?" Bull asked, his voice kept low so no one could hear.
"Oh…most definitely." Dorian chuckled. "Our little girl has grown up."
