Chapter Thirty

God Save the Queen

Alistair and hadn't slept much – apparently, he was of a mind that practice made perfect when it came to child making… who was I to argue?

The next morning at breakfast, I was getting gentle ribbing from Leliana – I mean celeste.

She gave me a wide grin, "Teyrna Anderson, you are looking a bit disheveled this morning – this will not do… I will need to make you presentable before we can do anything today."

I chuckled, "I simply slept quite well last night, dear – what sleep I did get."

Alistair flushed but I could hear the proud rumble in his chest – his dragon traits reminded me of Werewolf stories from earth; he was possessive, had enhanced senses, his healing was increased, and he was much stronger. I also occasionally swore I could hear his thoughts as he thought about me…

Morrigan scoffed in disgust but didn't say anything.

Zevran spoke smoothly from behind me, "Ah to be Alistair… not a sentence I thought I would ever say, but if it would get me into your bed…"

Alistair shot him a glare, "Mine."

"Are you sure he will be able to share you?" Wynne asked. I wasn't the one to answer – Alistair was, "I won't have a problem with her other mates – for example, I feel no jealousy toward Cullen; the Templar from Kinlock Hold. I also can't conjure jealousy for Fenris, but I am unsure if it's because I've never met him or if he's her mate…"

"Honey – think about that sentence for a minute. You get jealous when I talk about people who don't exist… I'm beginning to think Fenris may be one of my mates off of that alone."

He chuckled, "You may have a point. I think that actually relaxes me – that such a person will be protecting you in Kirkwall…"

"After I earn his trust – and that isn't taking into account that I may not be his type."

Alistair shook his head at my words, "I'm sure you will be…"

"He hates mages and I have magic…"

"But you can't do Blood Magic and you're un-possessable to demons… that would surely help… right?"

I shrugged, "It's Fenris – who knows? I mean, he won't turn me in – you know that. I told you he won't turn in any of the mages in Hawkes' crew even with one being a Blood Mage and another being an abomination, so… and he is romanceable to mages if the mage isn't bad and into blood magic… but again – I may not be his type."

"Why do you keep saying that?" Leliana asked.

I chuckled, "Everyone has different types, Celeste – Some people like skinny, some like chubby; some people prefer blondes or red-heads. Some people prefer men –others prefer women."

"And Fenris…?" Zevran added.

"Oh Fenris is like you, Amico Mio – he has no gender preference and from what I can tell he's like me with no look preference. But then, when I played the game, the female characters were all thin and pretty and the men were… Garrett Hawke – tall, handsome with that fuck-me voice and bedroom eyes… he has a very sexy beard too."

Alistair growled, "You like him…"

"You do realize, I hope, that I don't plan to take him to my bed… He's not one of my mates. Sure, he's sexy and if this were Earth, I would do him in less time than it takes for panties to drop. But while I may tease, I respect my mates too much to consider sleeping with someone I'm not mated to… unless you say yes, of course."

Alistair snorted, "Why would I?"

I shrugged, "Stranger things have happened – look at you now, after all… holding my magic."

He opened his mouth to argue three times before finally conceding, "You have a point. I can't see myself agreeing to you being with Hawke – that man… but stranger things have happened…"

Of course that was when Eamon entered the room – with Erlina.

Erlina was 5'4 with short black hair, light brown eyes and pale skin. Her accent was thick and I looked at her. Surprised recognition flashed in her eyes, "L-Lady Anderson…"

'Celeste' stepped in, "She is the Temporary Teyrn of Gwaren, miss… on orders of the Regent."

Erlina dropped her jaw but shook herself nicely.

Eamon cleared his throat, "I hope you have all made yourselves comfortable?"

I nodded, "My room with Alistair is very nice, thank you Eamon – we have no complaints. I must thank you for allowing me to stay with you. I know Alistair invited me, but it is still your home, after all."

He blinked – I hadn't really thanked him before and he instantly straightened like a preening bird, "Of course – Loghain invited you to the Landsmeet after all and named you a temporary Teyrn after you pointed out his error in the Laws… I could do no less. This will likely be your last rest for a while however. I see you recognized Erlina – she is…"

"I am Queen Anoras' handmaiden. She sent me here to ask for your help."

Eamon sighed, "Or perhaps the lady prefers to speak for herself."

Erlina looked a little uncomfortable – thankfully Eamon decided to conceal the news of Alistair being named heir until the Landsmeet so only Loghain and us knew. Erlina – and by extension, Anora – wouldn't know. "The Queen, she is in a difficult position. She loved her husband, no? And trusted her father to protect him. When he returns with no king and only dark rumors, what is she to think? She worries, no? But when she tries to speak with him, he does not answer. He tells her 'not to trouble herself'."

Alistair spoke up, "Are you saying the Queen finally believes that Loghain killed Cailan?"

Erlina shrugged delicately, "My Queen suspects she can no longer trust her father. And Loghain, he is very subtle, no? But Rendon Howe is privy to all the secrets and… not so subtle." I heard Alistair groan softly as he caught the meaning.

Erlina continued, "So she goes to Howe. A visit from the Queen to the new Arl of Denerim is only a matter of courtesy; and she demands answers. He calls her every sort of name, 'traitor' being the kindest, and locks her in a guest room."

Aedan said, "She has her own soldiers; let them free her."

I stood up, pretending to look fierce, "If the palace guards besiege Howes' estate, the Queen will certainly be killed before they can reach her. Her life could be in danger, Warden. We met Howe yesterday – he would certainly be the type to think her a better ally dead than Alive… and make no mistake, Arl Howe would certainly attempt to place the blame on you and Eamon – why not if it gets rid of his political enemies?"

Alistair gave a long suffering sigh, "We should save the Queen then…"

Erlina now firmly believed I was on the side of Queen Anora – whether I was on her fathers' side or not, I was encouraging her fathers' enemies to save her. Erlina gave me a grateful smile, "I did hear Howe say that she would be a better ally dead than alive…"

Aedan 'argued' with me, "I doubt very much that Loghain would kill his own daughter to achieve this."

I argued back, "Howe has his own agenda. I heard Lady Sophie is helping him embezzle from the crown. I dare say his schemes would be easier if Loghain was in a state of grief. I thought you wanted Blood Rights anyway – this would be your chance to kill Howe!"

My words caused a commotion. Erlina gasped, "He is… so zat is how he 'as gotten so rich…"

Aedan snorted, "It didn't come from my estate. There's no way he found the hidden treasury. The public one was just for show and the family arms. Alright, Teyrna… we'll save the queen for you. I know you support her over the man you're sleeping with."

Alistair coughed and looked amused, "I never wanted the crown before anyway."

Erlina looked startled at that but smiled at me. I nodded, "In that case, you should come with me – I can give you a layout of where to go and other information you will need to rescue the queen."

"I'll meet you in the Arls' study – it appears the Ladies Maid wishes to speak with you alone."

I nodded and pulled Erlina along with me – Leli followed.

Erlina spoke once the three of us were alone, "Do you truly believe that her Father would not condone this?"

I sighed, "To be blunt… I do not think so, but who truly knows?"

Leliana spoke, "The reason my Lady is here is for the Queen – she supports Anora and has even told this much to the regent. He has set her to be a spy in Eamons' estate on behalf of her Majesty. It is why she sleeps with the Bastard Heir – to gain the secrets needed for the Landsmeet to keep Anora on the throne."

I shrugged with a look of amusement, "It does not hurt that he is good in bed – and being with an elf would hurt his chances too. Though Regent Loghain naming me a Teyrna – even though it is temporary – may actually increase his chances… perhaps it would better for Anora to marry the bastard… this way it would stabilize the throne after the Landsmeet and keep both sides happy. A Theirin on the throne and married to the Queen would make things easiest for all."

Erlina nodded, "My lady has already considered this, to be fair – she was unsure how to approach him for such a union however. Perhaps you could smooth the way?"

"I will do what I can for the good of Ferelden. For better or for worse, this land has become somewhat of a home to me since the loss of my husband and son. Now, if we are going to save the Queen, I must go talk to the Wardens – your aid will be needed in getting them into the estate… how do you propose we do that?"

"I can get them guard uniforms – there have been so many new guards lately that a few more won't be noticed. But that means that only four people can go in; that is the grouping number that Lord Howe uses."

I nodded, "I will make it so, thank you Erlina – meet them at the Estate and they will be there as soon as they are able. You need time to get those uniforms, after all."

She nodded and headed out.

I got to the study and relayed what was said in that little meeting. Alistair frowned, "She wants to marry me; Andrastes' Flaming Sword; why would she want that?"

I grinned, "I hear Cailan was a famed lover too – it's the dragon blood, you see; it increases prowess. Top that with you having Grey Warden Stamina and you're the ideal bed partner. Having Marics' blood also means she could stabilize the throne. You not wanting the throne is also an ideal notion, because she would stay in charge. All in all, you are the perfect puppet king to her."

Aedan cut in, "What do we need to know?"

"You'll be going in through the kitchens dressed as new guards. After finding the Queens' room, you will learn that it's been warded by a mage. Go down the hall to the Arls' bedroom – grab the documents in the chest near the bed – and there will be a door. That door… leads to the dungeons. Yes, it's as bad as it sounds. Your arrival will startle the guard and give the Grey Warden Riorden a chance to escape – yes, Alistair that Riorden. Free all the prisoners except Vaughn Kendells. He may be the Heir to the Arling, but that rapist… either keep him there or… don't… please just don't free him. We can do without his support in the Landsmeet… you'll kill Howe in the Dungeons – he was always meant to die there so I will see to it someone buries him. After that, you will free Anora and be caught by Ser Cauthrien."

Aedan groaned, "Any way to avoid that?"

"You shouldn't avoid it. Surrender to her – when asked if you're sure, say that killing her only reinforces Loghains lies about the Wardens. You will be arrested and taken to Fort Drakon – but only you. Whoever you take with you will be released since Loghain only wants the Wardens. Alistair and I will come to save you from the Fort with the two hounds. If it's only you in the fort, it's easier to escape…"

Aedan sighed, "I had planned on taking Alistair, but knowing that… Zevran, Wynne and Morrigan will come with me."

"Why can't we just tell the Warrior that we are rescuing the Queen?" Sten asked stoically.

"You'll end up fighting the Warrior when Anora turns around and says that the Warden is kidnapping her," I replied drily.

Eamon blanked, "You're joking – why would she…"

I rubbed my temples, "Because Cauthrien is her Fathers' right-hand; so naturally, she'd be aware that Cauthrien would take her home. With Howe already dead, there'd no longer be any danger from coming out of hiding and throwing the Wardens to the wolves. She is her fathers' daughter after all."

Alistair sighed, "That's why you suggested that I marry Anora to Erlina – she'd turn on us in the Landsmeet so that people would think she was the better ruler and we were brutes if she thought we wouldn't let her keep the crown."

I nodded, "Good deduction, Alistair – that is exactly what she would do…"

"It wasn't a 'deduction', Love – this brace told me," he held up his arm with a sigh. Eamon looked confused at that, "What?"

"The brace gives Alistair the ability to see the future for now – he won't have it too much longer… even the best toys break," I said. He assumed that meant that the brace would break soon. But I never said it would.

Magma told me his informants were getting close to uncovering more about the Brace – very close. They had found a book; they just needed to find the information in the book.

Aedan sighed, "You had planned on turning Anora down completely then?"

"I wanted to tell her – in no uncertain terms – that back-stabbers just weren't my type. A vision flashed and… well, I suppose I could play along until the Landsmeet is over."

I kissed his cheek and said, "I'd prefer if you did – no one will make you marry her once Loghain is a Warden and…"

Aedan coughed, "What? I thought the plan was to kill Loghain in the Landsmeet!"

Alistair shook his head, "If he lives through the Blight he one day saves Aras' life. I'll let him live if it means that Ara is safe and protected – Duncan was recruited from the Gallows after killing a man, so why not. The Wardens take help where they can get it – apostates, traitors, murderers and thieves have all been welcomed into the Wardens. Once you take the Joining, your past no longer matters – we are all brothers and sisters in grey and blue."

Eamon sighed, "You plan to let him live… to save her life one day in the future?"

"9 or 10 years give or take," I shrugged, "The choices were Alistair, Hawke, Stroud, or Loghain – and since Alistair will be king, he's out of the running. If Loghain died, then he'd be out of the running. Stroud is a damn good man – and a fine warden – but I'd have left him behind to save Hawke in less time that a heart takes to beat. Loghain… he didn't abandon Cailan maliciously… there is evidence that suggests that the beacon was lit too late – so when it was lit, it became a retreat. Maric once told Loghain that forfeiting an army for one man was not something his general was allowed to do. Cailan – despite being king – was just one man. Loghain made a hard call and he truly blamed the Wardens… he doesn't know what happened up there. The ogre and the Darkspawn… and then the pressure of ruling got to him – he can't handle being the Regent any more than he could handle losing his best friends' son when he couldn't figure out why they waited so long to light the Beacon. Pressure can change people – I didn't realize that was why Loghain retreated until we went back to Ostagar to bury Cailan."

Alistair gaped at me, "That was why he retreated?"

I nodded, "It appears so – recall where we fought the risen Ogre? That was the Ogre that Killed Cailan. The Ogre had just gotten to Cailan as the beacon was lit so… it was already too late. Duncan killed that Ogre and then… a Hurlock with a double-axe killed Duncan. Duncan died knowing that Loghain had retreated because Duncan saw the beacon after avenging the king…"

Aedan stood, "Let's go kill Howe – we can discuss this more later. And make no mistake; we will be discussing it later."

I shrugged, "Leliana and I will go see Loghain and tell him that the Wardens will be caring for his daughter."

Eamon sighed, "That is a good idea – make him think we did kidnap her… he'll look like a fool in the Landsmeet if he accuses us and Anora defends us."

I nodded, "I'll leave now so that I can be back in time to go save Aedan."

Leliana and I made our way to the palace with Alistair in full armor as our 'guard'.

Loghain saw us at once, "Teyrna – you have news?"

"I'm afraid it's urgent… I wouldn't dare allow my lady to come herself if she didn't insist that it was so…"

Loghain eyed Alistair, "Who is this?"

"Alistair has taken quite the liking to me – he plans to make me his mistress once he sits the throne so… protection was given when I said I needed to go out."

Loghains' jaw dropped, "That is… more than I could have expected. What is the news?"

"Howe had plans to kill your daughter and pin it on Arl Eamon and the Wardens. Erlina showed up this morning asking for a rescue because your guards or hers would make a fuss and she'd die. But the Wardens don't plan to let her go once she is safe – she will 'protected' by them in an undisclosed location."

Loghains' face darkened, "They mean to keep my daughter hostage? Don't get me wrong – I am glad they are saving her from Howe if he really meant to kill her, but to keep her hostage?"

"They will likely marry her to Alistair to stabilize the throne and keep both sides happy. We all know that if it announced in the Landsmeet then there is no going back…" Leliana sighed pitifully.

"They will have to win over the Landsmeet first. I won't allow it – that bastard will not take my daughter from me… please, attempt to discover where she will be held… I've failed her enough by allowing Rendon to get close to her with plans of her death…"

"About Howe… he has been embezzling from the Crown with the aid of Lady Sophie. She will know where all those funds went so you should put pressure on her. Getting those funds back is a priority in war…"

Loghain roared and threw a vase at the wall, "And here I am trying to do what I can to make money and that… he's been stealing it! I will lean on the Lady to get that coin back – thank you for the information. Was there anything else?"

"I will make sure Anora is well cared for – as it is, the wardens did not want to save her. I knew that if I came to you, she would die before your men could reach her so… I pushed for them to do it. It seems that it is my fault that they will be holding her."

"No – if the options were death or kidnapping… I can save her from kidnapping – but not from death. You have my thanks in swaying their choice in that manner. And more thanks for seeing she is cared for; please… if possible also pass along word that I… I love her?"

I nodded, "A fathers' love – of course I will pass that on."

He smiled, "I am grateful – the pressure of the throne… I do not know how Maric stood it… or how my daughter does. Alistair certainly wouldn't be able to from what I know of him. Unless he's changed much… my daughter would do all the ruling again."

I nodded sympathetically, "I must go – if they return and I am not there…"

"Yes, of course – and for what it's worth, there are two others of my people in that house… I know just how well you managed last night. I apologize for putting you in such a position though."

I gave a light laugh, "As I said, bedding him is no trouble – it's rather enjoyable. Besides – if he did become king, and upheld his promise to make his mistress then I win no matter which side I am on, no?"

He blinked, "Ah – that is true, I suppose. He won't win – he can't – but you would be in a grander position if he never finds you out and somehow did win…"

"Yes – but the Queen deserves a marriage where her husband isn't sleeping around. I hear that Cailan did such a thing?"

"He never took an official mistress – things might have been better if he had. No, he slept around with the servants instead. At least if Alistair and Anora did have to marry, you being the official mistress might keep him from sleeping with every woman in a skirt to bat their eyes like his brother. Having a woman on Anoras' side in that position may actually have great benefit too – you could convince him to go to her more often than Cailan ever did. He… I shouldn't be keeping you like this – I apologize. We can speak more later," he stood and kissed my hand before having people lead me out."

Back at Eamons' estate, Alistair said, "Cailan was a cad? Was Anora every really barren or did Cailan just not sleep with her enough?"

Eamon choked – he was in the room with me, Alistair, and the 'group'. Anora and the others had yet to return though.

I sighed, "From what I know, Anora was never barren – in fact, if you did marry her, she could have a daughter. You'd only get the one kid from her though. I asked around before – I know that Cailan had a type that Anora didn't fit. I hear that Anora is blonde with green eyes and lovely pale skin, right?"

Leliana nodded, "She is, yes – why?"

"Cailan was a lot like his brother, it seems – he liked women with more color. Red hair, brown hair, black hair – but Cailan never bedded blondes. He was considering Celene for that alliance, yes – and Celene is white haired with blue eyes – but she also does not care who he beds because she would never really be in Ferelden like he would. They would rarely get together, and Celene prefers women in her bed anyway. Orlesians have a way to track their fertility cycles, right?"

Leliana nodded, "They do…"

"Then Celene would also never push to bed him if she wasn't fertile at the time of the visits. It'd all be for show. This is the reason Celene would never marry Alistair – even for the same 'prize'. Alistair would push for kids and she would know that after one meeting."

Sten spoke, "If Ferelden and Orlais became one again then the Qun would invade anyway."

I nodded, "There is that too – an alliance is okay, but if Cailan had married Celene then the Qun would halt all attacks on Tevinter for a time – like they do every once in a while – and take care of the south. Tevinter thinks that the Qun has been attacking them all this time, but really… the Qunari do take breaks."

Sten gave a feral grin, "That is good information – that they believe we are always attacking. It means they never let down their guard, even when we do nothing."

I saw a few people shudder at Stens' attempt at a smile. Eamon said, "You told me you could get proof of Cailans' intention to…"

I handed him the letters and Eamon froze while he read them. His eyes slipped closed, "Knowing what I do now – that the fault was with my nephew, not the Queen… I harbor regret for encouraging Cailan to put her aside. It is too late now but…"

That was when Anora burst in, "Eamon we have a problem…"

I looked to Alistair, "Get the dogs ready, I'll pack up some war paints and Mabari armor."

He nodded and whistled while I got things ready.

Anora looked confused, but I just pulled her aside after I finished. "Your father sends his love, my Queen."

She relaxed, "Erlina tells me you are my ally here?"

I smiled at her, "I went to see Loghain while you were being rescued. He was unaware that Howe had plans to kill you."

Anora said, "Thank you, Teyrna Anderson."

"I told him that I would make sure you were cared for. I have to go rescue Aedan though…"

"Wait – do you think the Wardens would support me for the throne as you are?"

I cleared my throat, "Alistair is the one they support… if you married him…"

She nodded, "I had considered that before, to be honest. You think he would agree to that?"

"You could ask him – though he is already saying he will make me his mistress when he takes the throne."

She looked surprised, "An official mistress? Then perhaps he would not seek to sleep with everyone else if I married him – and even better, a mistress on my side…"

What was wrong with Ferelden? Did no one expect faithful marriages anymore? Wasn't it a bit too soon to be like that?

Alistair came up behind me and said, "Let's go save Aedan, Ara."

Anora spoke, "When you get back, Alistair – I would speak with you about something…"

He nodded firmly and we left.

Alistair acted as the Mabari trainer like in the game, with me as his Elven servant to carry the bags and such. I'd told Fen and Ash to heed Alistair here or we'd have to fight people who were just following orders… and indeed, Ash looked sad but Fen just nodded.

Both hounds flanked Alistair, looking proud and battle ready as I pretended to struggle while carrying two large packs. They were heavy sure – but I had noticed that I was a lot stronger these days than I had been before.

One of the two guards rushed forward to help me so… I let him.

The poor guard almost toppled from the weight but looked pleased that he could help the 'pretty elf'. I almost snorted. Obviously the standard of beauty was different here, but I knew I looked rather plain and I knew I was big in the gut… maybe it was my huge chest that made the guy call me pretty?

Regardless, the captain soon waved us through and I took the pack back from the guard once more, giving him a smile and a kiss on the cheek in thanks for his 'help'. He looked so pleased when he turned to his co-worker.

When we made it into the main chamber, I pitted the two guards against each other over the sergeant and managed to recruit said sergeant to our cause rather than make her feel bad about being stationed indoors for that last 6 months. I told her she could lead our human troops during the battle and she made her way to Arl Eamons estate.

Getting to Aedan was easy after that. I divested myself of the two bags in the Kennels and entered the dungeon on my own while Alistair distracted the Hound Master.

The guard looked at me. "You there… what are you doing here?"

"I… I was sent to… do you not need assistance, Ser? Someone thought you earned a reward…" I made my tone fearful, and my demeanor was timid. The guard sneered and gave me a once over.

"Well… guess it innit so bad watching over this traitor, then, if the Captains gonna send me gifts like this," the guard said, coming closer to me. I saw Aedans disgust through the bars of his Cell.

The moment the guard reached out and touched my right breast, I had the hilt of a dagger slamming into the back of his skull. He dropped like a sack of rocks. I sniffed and unlocked Aedans cell. He came out wearing only his small-clothes and I pointed to a chest near the door. "I do believe your affects are in there."

Aedan raised a single eyebrow before walking over to the chest. Once he was armored I made it look like he was wearing the guards' armor, helm and all.

Aedan said, "What will Alistair think when he learns that the ma touched you, sister?"

"We… won't be telling him. It was a single touch and it was to save your life."

"I think you should tell him."

"… Fine – when we get home, I will tell him… but not before."

Walking out we picked up Alistair and the hounds, the Kennel master had been knocked out and the Mabari in the room didn't even bark when they glanced at me. We left, telling the guards at the front that the Hound master didn't like the two hounds we brought but kept the equipment and Aedan said he was told to escort us out.

No deaths, no blood shed… we were in and out in less than an hour and half.

Getting back to Arl Eamons estate, I had filled in Aedan on everything that had happened. Anora agreeing to 'marry' Alistair had gone over about as well as I'd thought. Aedan had scolded me until he was informed of the full plan… then he laughed and told Alistair 'good luck'.

Indeed, I told Alistair how I had rescued Aedan and he got very possessive and bedded me that night rather roughly… I had no regrets in telling him after that.

The next day, my birthday, 14th Guardian 31 Dragon, Alistair had recruited Wynne and Lelianna to help make me a cake. When it came time for gifts I was stunned to even get anything; as I said, I had always been forgotten.

Aedan had given me a Ring with the Highever crest that was slipped onto my right ring finger, Leli gave me a Bow and Arrow charm for my new charm bracelet, Morrigan had given me earrings that looked like wings made of silver, Wynne gave me a book – yes, one of those books – Zev gave me a dagger made of White Steel telling me he'd gotten it from a contact here in Denerim, Oghren even gave me a flask full of his own 'home-brew'… and then there was Alistair.

He had given me a charm like Leli had, but the one he gave me was a heart made of Volcanic Aurum (meaning it was gold in color) with a small diamond embedded on it, that had a date etched into it: 28 Justinian, 9:30 Dragon… it was our wedding date. I had thrown myself into his arms so fast I had essentially tackled him. He told me that he'd had it made when Wade made the dragon Charm Bracelet and he'd held onto it for my birthday. I showed him my appreciation several ways that night.