A Blessing and a Curse

Anora breathed a hot and heavy sigh as she flopped down onto the sheets and her husband beneath her. Strong, comforting arms enveloped her as the highs of carnal ecstasy gradually ebbed away. She felt Aedan press a loving kiss to her forehead as she rested on his chest.

"Perhaps this will be the time …" Anora mused quietly in a murmur, her lips turning into a sly smirk.

"I don't think we'll be able to pinpoint exactly when it happens, you know." Aedan chuckled softly.

"Oh?" Anora turned a knowing smirk to her husband. "And since when were you an expert on such things?"

Aedan glared slightly. "Since my loving wife gifted me a most helpful tome."

Anora chortled. She dropped her head back down to his chest. "At least you read it, dear."

"Of course I did." Aedan murmured with a hint of a growing smirk. "My Rose of Ferelden."

Anora scowled and swatted at his chest irritably, which only caused her husband to chuckle at her expense. "I wish I'd never told you that now."

Aedan only replied with a disbelieving murmur, gently stroking his fingers up and down her arm as he lay back into the sheets.

The Queen shook her head with a dollop of disdain but soon settled back down upon him. The comforting warmth of his presence far outweighed any annoyance. Anora breathed deep and content in the embrace, though her brow furrowed slightly in concern.

Though they had been trying for years now, as of yet no heir was forthcoming from their efforts. Anora wondered if they had missed their chance, or if perhaps it just wasn't meant to be. The rumours of her infertility had only grown throughout the kingdom of late. They didn't bother her anywhere near as much as the thought that they might actually be true.

The Queen blinked away unbidden tears and mentally shook herself free of such thoughts. There was naught to be done about it, nothing more at any rate. She'd even consulted with the palace healers – in private of course, away from even Aedan's ears – but there was nothing they could offer to improve their chances. If it didn't happen then Anora would have to reconsider the line of succession, who would take over the reins of the kingdom in her stead.

A little annoyingly, the first name that came to mind was Arl Eamon. The Arl was an experienced and well respected statesman and a natural choice to assume the crown in the event of Anora's passing. That was in spite of his personal opposition to the Queen herself. Anora didn't much like the idea of Eamon taking over the kingdom herself, but she wasn't petty enough to not acknowledge that he would be a most suitable candidate. His wisdom and intelligence were well respected across the land. That is, he would be a suitable candidate if he was still a candidate when Anora's reign came to an end. The Arl was old enough to be her father after all, perhaps her grandfather even.

There was also the potential succession after Eamon to consider as well. It was common knowledge that the Arl's only child, Connor, had been disinherited after being found to have magical talent. The next in Eamon's line would be his brother, Bann Teagan, though the Bann had not married himself and had no heir, which yet again posed the issue of securing the crown through future generations. While such a problem would be Eamon's to worry over, Anora didn't like the idea of leaving her homeland in such potential uncertainty.

Perhaps she should instead look to rank. Aside from herself and her husband, the traditionally highest ranking noble in the land was a Teyrn or Teyrna, with the only current one being Teyrn Fergus Cousland. On a personal level, Anora certainly preferred the idea of her brother in law taking over as opposed to Eamon, Fergus was a much more amenable sort after all.

However, that option posed its own set of issues. For one, Fergus was not as forceful a personality as Eamon was, and certainly not as Anora herself. While the Teyrn was hardly a wilting flower, it did pose a question as to how Fergus could cope when having to contend with more potent personalities at home and abroad. Fergus was also much less experienced in governing his lands than Eamon was and was still growing into his position. Also, given their relationship by marriage, such a selection would naturally generate complaints of favouritism. Another potential issue was that the eldest Cousland was unmarried, widowed in fact, but at least he still had many years ahead of him and natural charisma on his side. It would surely only be a matter of time before he found another wife.

Then if selecting a suitable heir wasn't bad enough, there was also the issue of how to go about it that troubled the Queen. There wasn't much precedent for this sort of thing after all. Should she simply declare her chosen heir to the court and trust that it be honoured after her death, or should she have it enshrined in law? Would either be respected after her passing? Then what if Anora made a public declaration too soon, could that prompt her chosen candidate to decide that they'd rather not wait and seek to take control before she'd even approached her deathbed? It might even enrage her choice's rivals and could stoke a rebellion against her or her successor.

Such are the perils of leadership, Anora mused a little bitterly to herself.

Anora sighed and banished such thoughts from her mind. These were decisions that were looking increasingly like they had to be made, but she could put them off for now at least.

The Queen instead turned her attention back to the most welcoming sight of her naked husband beneath her. Anora moved her hand up and over strong muscles, her fingers twitched slightly as they came into contact with metal only slightly cooler than the skin beneath it. The Queen raised her gaze to lay upon the silver locket, scratched and worn with age. The Grey Warden's insignia that adorned the otherwise plain face still stood proud against the slightly battered metal.

"You've never told me what this is for." Anora mused as she idly played with the locket between slender fingers. Her lips slipped into a slight smirk. "Is this your Grey Warden membership token?"

Anora shook slightly as Aedan chuckled beneath her. "Something like that, you're not very far off. It's more of a reminder."

The teasing smirk fell from Anora's mouth but the curiosity stayed with her. "A reminder of what?"

"Of those who are no longer with us." Aedan murmured as he gently plucked the locket from her fingers. He gazed at it for a long moment in silence. "It was given to me shortly after my Joining."

Anora eyed the delicate clasp on the silver edge. "Should I ask what's inside, or is that too much?"

Aedan shook his head. He reached up to open the locket and gently eased it open, gazing at it for a moment before turning it in hand to allow Anora to see. A small glass vial sat in the back of the locket, safely wedged into the silver. A drop of dark red liquid sat inside the glass chamber. At least Anora assumed that it was liquid, it was so viscous it could have been rock.

"It's a drop of darkspawn blood, the same that was used for my Joining."

Anora nodded slowly as she examined the token. "Forgive me, but that seems very macabre."

Aedan let out a small smile. "That's generally the Grey Warden way."

Anora found herself transfixed by the small grisly relic. As she gazed at it intently, she realised that the glass vial was thicker than she first thought, which probably explained how it had survived the tremors of battle for so long around Aedan's neck. There couldn't be more than a couple of droplets of tainted blood inside. It was merely magnified by the protective glass encasing it. She wasn't an expert on the Blight or darkspawn, but Anora wouldn't be surprised to learn that even such a tiny amount of tainted blood could kill her.

It was almost chilling to know just how close she was to the darkspawn curse that had killed untold thousands, millions even, and had corrupted the land many times over across the ages. Perhaps it was an even stranger revelation to have just now. After all, the very same blood that was confined to the silver locket now ran through her husband's veins, just beneath the still hot skin she was pressed upon intimately.

A knot gathered itself in the Queen's stomach. She reached her fingers up and over Aedan's on the locket, easing it to close with a quiet click.

"Is there truly no cure?" Anora asked quietly, gaze still fixed on the locket underneath their clasped hands.

Aedan was silent for a few agonising moments, which answered everything really.

"There have been … isolated cases where the taint has been purged from a warden, but they've never been replicated."

"Of course." Anora made herself smile. She reached up to wipe that irritating moisture from her eyes. "How long?"

Another long pause.

"Anora, there's not really a definite-"

"How long?" The Queen pressed.

Aedan sighed. "I have perhaps … twenty, maybe twenty five years more? It's said to come quicker for those who joined during a Blight so it may … be even sooner than that."

Anora couldn't help but bite off a bitter bark of a laugh. She opened her mouth to let out a sharpened remark, a quip of sorts even, yet she was surprised to find that nothing would come freely, not a shout or even a wail. Instead she sighed heavily.

"I'm so sorry, Anora." Aedan's murmur was hollow.

"Why?" Anora looked up into her husband's forlorn eyes with a faint smirk that was a thousand miles away from her eyes. "Did you set the time limit yourself?"

Aedan shook his head. "I'm … I'm sorry that I had to. I'm sorry that I can't change this."

"Don't you dare apologise, Aedan Cousland." Anora snapped as she swallowed thickly, the fire in her eyes close to drowning. "You did what you had to do, to save Ferelden, to save all of us. If you hadn't, then we all might have been destroyed. Don't for one second think to regret it."

"If I hadn't have joined, someone else would have taken my place." Aedan's lips quirked into a slight smile for a brief moment. "You never know, they might have even been quicker about it."

Anora scoffed. "And just who would that have been? Some Orlesian warden? Alistair? Forgive me dear, I know he's your friend, but I doubt he could have achieved even a fraction of what you have done."

Aedan half shrugged. "Perhaps, or perhaps he would have surprised you."

Anora sighed with a vague shake of her head, her gaze falling to the locket on her Prince's chest once more. "If nothing else, I doubt we would have married. We probably would never have even met."

Fingers reached up to Anora's chin and lifted her gaze to look into Aedan's warm eyes. "In that case, I'm glad I did drink from that chalice. In spite of all that's happened, and everything that might come, I'd do it all again just to be with you."

Anora blinked. She breathed a chuckle. "Maker, you do say the most ludicrous things, Aedan."

"Love will do that to a man." Aedan winked at her.

"You do realise …" Anora began before pushing Aedan back down into the sheets, her hands planted on his shoulders and a glorious smirk plastered to her lips as she straddled him. "That love can also do crazy things to a woman?"

Aedan's silly smile was divine. "Oh? Like what?"

Anora didn't answer with words. Instead, she swooped in for a long, delicious kiss and answered her husband with fire and motion. The locket bounced and slid about the Prince-Consort's chest as they tumbled together, forgotten of in the dark of night.

xxx

Aedan woke to the sound of scuffling and muttering. When he turned in the sheets to throw and arm around his wife, he was more than a little disappointed to find that she wasn't there.

He begrudgingly opened his eyes to cast his gaze about, finding his wife sat at the desk in the corner of the room, clad in her dressing gown with her back to him. Evidently the Queen was source of the noise. Anora was working away on something at the desk.

"Anora?" The Prince-Consort asked croakily. "What are you doing?"

"Reading, dear." Anora replied coolly, not looking up from the desk.

Aedan craned his head to look out of the window above their bed. It was still dark. He eyed his wife dubiously. "It's too early … come back to bed."

Anora just ignored him, keeping her head hunched over whatever tome that had demanded her full attention.

With a great sigh, Aedan swung his legs out from under the sheets, immediately regretting the decision as the night cold bit into him immediately. He quickly retrieved his own dressing gown before padding over to his wife. Aedan threw his arms around his wife and pressed a loving kiss to her neck when he reached her. Still, she didn't move from her work.

"What book's so important that you have to read at, at …" A long belaboured yawn from the Prince-Consort. "At night?"

"Just one that might save your life." Anora replied a little sourly.

"What?" Aedan murmured. He rubbed at his eyes, still groggy with fatigue. They eventually focussed on the tome in front of the Queen. It only took him a moment to register that it was a book on the Grey Wardens. At a glance, the passages the book was open to seemed to pertain to the joining ritual. Anora was reading the dry words intently, her eyes glued to the pages.

Aedan sighed, his arms still wrapped around his Queen as he gave her a squeeze. "Anora …"

"Aedan?" Anora responded, more of a challenge than an invitation.

"Stop it. You're not going to find anything." Aedan murmured, voice tinged with a hint of regret.

"And how do you know that?"

Aedan looked to the book once more. "For one, that book was clearly written by someone who wasn't a warden themselves. They don't know anything about our practices."

"And how do you know that?" Anora muttered irritably.

"Well for one, the Joining doesn't demand an animal sacrifice."

Anora's head shifted slightly as she eyed the passage in question with a scowl.

A moment of silence passed.

Then, the Queen suddenly slammed the book shut with a grunt of annoyance and stood, breaking Aedan's hold on her. She breathed hard and ragged.

"Anora, it's alright." Aedan reached out to his beloved Queen as she paced in frustration.

"Alright?" Anora rounded her glare on her husband dangerously. "How is any of this alright? You're dying Aedan, do you not understand that?"

"Yes, Anora, I do." Aedan sighed. He was very much awake now. "Believe me, I'm not keen on the idea of dying, but I've come to terms with that."

"At least I'm looking for a way to cure you. Have you even tried searching for a cure yourself?" Anora accused, eyes narrowing dangerously.

"Of course I have. I think every warden has at some point."

"And?" Anora raised an expectant eyebrow. "You must have found something. Someone must have found something. Your order has been around for ages, literal ages. They can't have all just sat idly by and accepted their fates as casually as you have."

Aedan ignored the jibe. "I've learned enough to know that if there is a cure – and I mean if – then it may never be found, if it's even possible."

"So … that's it then?" Anora muttered with a disbelieving shake of her head. "You're just going to give up?"

Another sigh. "As you say, wardens have been searching for a cure for centuries, centuries, Anora, with no success. If the thousands of wardens before me haven't found anything since the very first wardens started the search, what makes you think that I could find anything?" Aedan half demanded, half pleaded.

"Do you want to die, is that it?" The Queen demanded with fire.

"No, of course not!" The Prince-Consort retorted with steel.

"Then why won't you even look at the possibility that there might be a cure?" Anora's eyes were pained, confused and furious all at once. "You say there have been isolated cases of warden's ridding themselves of the Blight, yes? Why would you not look into their works and see if a cure can be replicated from them?"

Aedan sighed wearily. "Anora, those wardens had … very particular circumstances. They had plenty of luck and time on their side, and dark magic at their disposal."

"And?" Anora demanded. "What of it? You think blood magic or- or necromancy frightens me?"

"Those wardens paid a heavy price, Anora." Aedan warned. "Those few wardens who've managed to remove the taint from their blood have sacrificed everything to do it, and that's not something I'm willing to do. There's good reason why those practices are outlawed."

"Fuck the laws!" Anora swore, a rare sight indeed, she was borderline furious now. "You are the Prince-Consort of Ferelden. You are the commander of her armies. Your life is more valuable to the realm – more valuable to me – than the antiquated fears of the Bannorn or the Chantry even!"

Aedan didn't respond with words. He gazed into his wife's eyes with a silent resoluteness, a resolve that wouldn't be moved.

"I don't understand you." Anora shook her head in incredulous dismay. "Why won't you even try? We could have so much more time together."

"Time is exactly why."

"What?" Anora blinked.

Aedan put his hands to his Queen's shoulders, gently but firmly folding her. "Anora, I refuse to waste away my years in a library at the furthest edges of Thedas, toiling over ancient tomes that have been read a thousand times before, not when I could be spending those years here, with you, my love."

There was clearly a part of Anora that couldn't help but be touched by his words. She blinked rapidly for a moment and took a sharp sniff as if to settle herself almost. "Is that supposed to make me feel better about this- this curse inside you?"

The Prince-Consort regarded his Queen both carefully and lovingly for a long moment. "I see it as much of a blessing as a curse." He murmured. "At least … I have a vague idea of when I'll come to pass, how many people can say that? If nothing else, it's helped to open my eyes. There was a time I didn't truly appreciate everything I had, or even the wonderful people I had around me." Aedan reached up to caress Anora's cheek with a warm smile. "Now, I can look upon my wonderful wife and see just how beautiful she is."

Anora swallowed thickly as she gazed back into his affectionate eyes. Before their tenderness, her resolve was crumbling to dust. "Damn you, Aedan." She muttered quietly, voice thick with emotion before she swept into him in a desperate embrace.

Aedan held her close, clinging to her for dear life as she clung to him.

"You're the Hero of Ferelden." Anora murmured into his shoulder. "You're supposed to achieve the impossible."

Aedan's lips quirked a little. "I wish I knew how."

"You're condemning me to widowhood again." Anora breathed a bitter chuckle. "And just when I'd finally fallen for you."

That more than anything brought a tear to Aedan's eyes. "I'm so sorry, Anora." He whispered, not trusting his voice to hold with anything more. "Maker, I wish this didn't have to happen."

"No, stop it." The Queen commanded, pulling back to glare at her husband, though her own eyes were watery. "None of that. We are royalty, Ferelden royalty. We don't succumb to despair."

"Of course we don't." Aedan's chuckle was shaky but heartfelt. He smiled at his wife oh so lovingly. "And how could I possibly despair with you by my side?"

Anora blinked a few times rapidly, her fine eyelashes fluttering prettily in the dim candlelight. "Stop- Stop saying such things you … you." The Queen growled, but her voice was tight with emotion.

Aedan chuckled softly. "As you command, my Queen."

Anora sniffed so tersely it was almost a scoff. "If only you listened to all my commands so readily."

"I have selective hearing, it runs in the family." Aedan quipped with a smile.

It made his world to hear Anora chuckle once more. "Don't you dare try passing that on to our children." Anora smiled weakly.

They stood there for a while, simply swaying slightly in each other's arms in the darkness of their room, only illuminated by the soft candlelight. The only sounds were the slight flickering of the candle and their deep breaths.

Anora leaned back a little and nodded stoutly at her husband. "Well, we still have twenty or so years, yes? That's plenty of time for us to get sick of each other." Anora's lips quirked into a smirk, though her eyes were still damp with emotion.

Aedan chuckled. "I'll look forward to it."

Anora gazed into his eyes for a long moment. "I love you, you stupid, valorous fool."

She didn't let him reply. Instead, the Queen reached a hand up to the back of his head to pull him towards her and she leaned in to take a desperate kiss from his lips, almost as if it would be their last.

When they parted their lips, they wordlessly returned to bed together. Anora held onto Aedan still and he held onto her. Each not letting the other go for fear they'd become lost in their dreams and nightmares.

xxx

Anora yawned lightly at her desk. She hadn't slept very well at all. It had taken so long for her to fall asleep again that she'd only just nodded off when it had become time to rise for the day. The Queen had reluctantly let her Prince-Consort leave her side that morning. It was stupid really, she'd always detested the very notion becoming overly attached to anything or anyone, but after the conversations of last night, every moment spent apart from her husband suddenly felt wasted.

The Queen shook her head free of such thoughts and endeavoured to refocus her mind on the work before her: Letters and missives and pleas and petitions and just generally more of the same daily work that she had long become accustomed to. She didn't really see the words on the pages as she normally did, which was only partly due to her fatigue. Now, her mind drifted to think of what another might make of these matters, how another would respond if they were to sit where she sat now.

Anora's mind was still plagued by the issue of an heir. It seemed to shadow her every step somehow. She'd discovered a couple of errant strands of grey in her hair that morning, as if to taunt her with the passing of time and the inevitability of her mortality. With any luck, she should still live to rule for a long many years yet, her mind knew this. Yet her mind also knew that life didn't always go to plan. Her attempted assassination several years back was a stark reminder for the Queen. One way or another, there would one day be another sat on her throne in her crown.

So the Queen sat at her desk and tried to imagine what her nobles would make of these matters splayed out before her. Would Arl Eamon think of the potential ramifications of settling a property dispute beyond what was in the letter of the law? Would Teyrn Fergus decide on prompt action to deter a noble from warring with his rival? These were near daily issues that often crowded Anora's desk. The thought alone of letting another deal with them seemed to make her feel a little physically sick even.

Anora sighed and leant back in her seat, reaching up to rub at her eyes with her free hand.

"Are you well, your Grace?" Ser Cauthrien asked cautiously from her position to the side of the room.

"As well as I can be." Anora muttered.

"Should I fetch a healer?" Cauthrien was already moving.

"No, no. No need." Anora waved her off. "It's nothing medical."

Cauthrien slowly relented. "If you are sure, your Grace."

Anora turned her eyes to regard her bodyguard and champion for a moment. The Queen trusted the knight with her life after all. "Ser Cauthrien, may I ask you something … somewhat personal?"

"Of course, your Grace." Cauthrien almost seemed bemused that her liege would ask for permission beforehand.

"What would you say – hypothetically, of course – to serving another King or Queen after I pass on?"

The Knight blinked. "Your Grace, I- I'm not sure I could. My loyalty is to you and you alone."

"And I'm grateful for that loyalty." Anora smiled. "But I won't rule forever, Cauthrien, especially not if some individuals have their say." She added a little bitterly as she thought back to the ill-fated assassination attempt against her.

"Your Majesty, I- I am sorry for failing you in the past. I should never have allowed that crow to get anywhere near you. Rest assured that any future attempts on your life will have to take mine first." Cauthrien almost blurted out, face flustered slightly but expression equal parts resolved and remorseful.

Anora regarded her knight with surprise for a moment. The Crow's attack had been such a long time ago now. Had Cauthrien been holding onto this guilt all this time? "That was not an admonishment, Cauthrien, and I've never doubted you for a second. You are my bodyguard because I trust your loyalty and your skill."

"I- Thank you, your Grace." Cauthrien bowed her head low, face near crimson.

"Think nothing of it." Anora offered. "In fact, that trust is why I'm asking you what you would do when I pass on. I trust you not to give me some vapid response you think would please me."

"I … I have not given it any thought, your Grace. I hope that day never comes."

"As do I, but no one can protect me from old age unfortunately." Anora's lips quirked a little. "And, as I'm sure it won't have escaped your notice, I am without an heir. So in truth, my question is more than just a fleeting thought. There may well come a day when it is inevitable that I must pass the crown on to someone unrelated to me, by blood at least. That's not a decision I can make lightly, so I'd appreciate your input. Therefore, if you were to serve another as ruler of Ferelden, who would you have sitting on the throne?"

Cauthrien's jaw worked silently as she considered for a long moment. "Your Grace, I wouldn't dare presume to-"

"Cauthrien." Anora cut across her bodyguard's meandering sharply. "This is not some test of your character or your political leanings even. I would not banish you if you were to give me an answer I disapprove of, the Empress of Orlais for example – Though admittedly I would likely think less of you if you did say her – No, I am merely asking you for your opinion, and rest assured I will not base any such decision entirely upon your answer."

The Knight swallowed thickly. "Apologies, your Grace." She considered for a long moment more. "If I … If I had to make such a decision, I would have to be sure of their own character, what they stood for, what their principles were. I can't truthfully say with any certainty that anyone else could earn my loyalty, without witnessing how they would rule."

Anora chuckled a little ruefully. "That was almost a politician's answer … but not an unwise one. You have been spending too much time around me I fear. You're picking up my habits."

The Knight half shrugged. "I can only answer as I feel is best, your Majesty."

"That only makes me more curious though." Anora leaned forward, resting her chin in the cradle formed by her crossed hands. "Presumably you've applied this test of yours to me?"

Cauthrien considered silently for a moment before nodding slowly. "Yes, your Grace."

"Dare I say you found me worthy?" Anora raised a coy eyebrow. "That I am Loghain's daughter never had any bearing on your loyalty?"

Cauthrien swallowed a little uncomfortably. "I … owed your father everything. He raised me up from a mere farmer's daughter to become a knight of the realm. When your father … when he was gone, I was imprisoned, and I presumed that would be the end. I thought the Maker had cursed me for my misplaced loyalty. But then … you stepped in to stop my execution."

Anora remembered the episode well. It was shortly after the Blight had been defeated, when there was so much work to do, what with tending to the wounded and destitute and starting to rebuild. Many of Anora's court had thought her mad for sparing the time to pardon the traitor Loghain's most trusted lieutenant. Anora had thought it mad not to. It still seemed absurd to her to lose such a talented and valuable knight whose only crime was following her lord's orders. How could she have done anything else?

"Then you granted me this position." Cauthrien continued. "I won't lie, a bit of plain old gratitude played into it at first, but I also felt it was my duty to protect you. If for nothing else, than for your father, but then I …" The Knight stopped, chewing her tongue.

"Please, continue." Anora prodded gently.

"Then I came to see how you ruled, and I thought of how you'd ruled from the kingdom when Cailan had the crown. Your father had always said that you were the true brains behind the crown – In private, of course." The Knight added hastily. "But, more than that, I've seen for myself how deeply you care for this country, and her people. You are Ferelden's rightful Queen, your Grace, if not by blood, then most certainly by action. I know you'll do right by us all, whatever comes."

Anora was quiet for a few moments as she regarded her knight. "Thank you, Ser Cauthrien, that was … you honour me."

"No more than is due, your Grace." Cauthrien bowed her head once more.

"Well, I'll certainly try to live up to your … your …" Anora trailed off as an uncomfortable feeling of nausea suddenly sprouted within her.

"Your Grace?" Cauthrien approached her liege with a look for concern on her face. "Are you sure you're feeling well?"

Anora opened her mouth to respond then quickly thought better of it. Her insides were churning unpleasantly. She felt bile rise up her oesophagus. She put a hand to her mouth as if to halt the sensation. Quickly, Anora reached for her waste bin, reaching it just in time to pull it to her mouth before vomiting hot slurry.

"Your Grace!" Cauthrien was at her side immediately in alarm.

Anora attempted to straighten up as dignified as she could, expression dour as the unpleasant acidic reflux still clung to her mouth.

"I … do apologise." Anora managed to strain out, more embarrassed than anything. Where had that come from?

"I'll get the healer!" Cauthrien declared before running for the door.

Anora clung to the bin for fear of a repeat offence. Thankfully her stomach felt calmer now, though there was still an undercurrent of nausea. She cautiously eyed the bin's contents. At least there was nothing of import she had just defiled, merely wasted paper and old messages and notes.

The sudden turn had her shaken however, so much so that Anora didn't so much as complain when the healer came and led her away.

xxx

Aedan smiled softly as he brushed his horse's flank, the noble beast neighed gently as the Prince-Consort saw to his grooming. It was a task that was normally left to the stable attendants, but Aedan liked to do it himself every now and then. He felt it helped him keep up the rapport he had with his steed. History had taught him that he never knew when that relationship might save his life. Plus he liked his horse.

The steed bayed a little, seemingly impatient.

"Alright, alright." Aedan murmured. He put the brush down to the side and went to retrieve the saddle.

The staff who minded the horses let the Prince-Consort work, with only a handful of glances and murmurs to each other. Though Aedan was a common enough sight in and around his Queen's palace, there were still plenty who viewed him in a sense of awe. It had been several years since the Blight had been defeated, but the Hero of Ferelden still drew the eye it seemed.

Aedan paid them no mind, having long ago gotten used to such attention. He fastened up the saddle, and soon enough was mounted.

"Ready for a ride?" Aedan asked his steed with a pat on the side.

The horse whinnied back expectantly.

Aedan smiled. "Me too."

With that, the Prince-Consort began to make his way out of the stables. It really was a nice day for a ride. Not too hot, not too windy. The sun was shining. There was nary a cloud in the sky. Everything was just so pleasant.

"Aedan!"

The sudden call stopped the Prince-Consort in his tracks. He looked around to find the familiar armoured form of Ser Cauthrien jogging towards him. He blinked at the expression on the Knight's face. Immediately he knew something was wrong.

"What's happened?" Aedan demanded in a calm but direct tone.

"The Queen, she …" Cauthrien seemed to struggle to find the words. "She's taken ill."

Aedan blinked once more before swiftly dismounting his horse. He took off from the stables, making a beeline towards the palace, the irritated whinnying of a horse not even registering in the Prince-Consort's ears. He climbed the stairs up to the front doors three at a time.

"The Queen's quarters." Cauthrien supplied by way of direction.

The Prince-Consort practically ran through the palace at a brisk pace, Ser Cauthrien following quickly behind.

Aedan couldn't understand it, Anora had been fine earlier. She'd not displayed any symptoms of illness. His mind was a flurry of worry. Had she been poisoned? Had she been cursed? Was a demon at play here? As increasingly ridiculous as each idea sounded, they all terrified the Prince all the same.

It wasn't long before they reached the palace's solar. When Aedan hurriedly opened the door to the bedroom he shared with the Queen, he found Anora sat on the side of the bed. At a glance she appeared to be well, she was conscious and smiling even as she conversed with a mage who was sat across from the Queen on a chair. The scene didn't look at all like one of doctor and patient, which only raised Aedan's worries somehow.

The mage, a kindly faced woman, looked up as the Prince-Consort entered the room. She smiled and turned to the Queen. "I'll leave you to break the news, shall I?"

"I'd like that, thank you." Anora smiled back gratefully.

The mage nodded and stood, placing her hand on Anora's shoulder for a moment and giving another warm smile, before turning to leave the room.

"Is everything alright?" Aedan asked hurriedly before the mage could leave. The question aimed at both healer and Queen.

"Everything's fine, my Lord." The mage replied. She glanced back at the Queen, perhaps for permission of some sort.

"Aedan, let her leave." Anora admonished her husband without her usual sharpness. "Come and sit down."

"Not until someone tells me what's going on." Aedan frowned, he bit his lip. "Are you really alright?" He asked his Queen.

Anora sighed then stood. She paced up to her husband and took both of his hands in hers. She looked up into his eyes with a warm, genuine smile, one that was almost nervous, but also far more joyful.

"Aedan … I'm pregnant."