Chapter 2 : Castle Intrigues
Thirteen years after the coronation
Alistair stifled a yawn. He sat at the head of a huge table, flanked by a handful of generals and nobles. Arl Teagan sat just to his right. The Arl covered a smile with his hand as he noticed Alistair nodding off. Alistair tried to pay attention to the chattering of the nobles but he found his mind wandering. He glanced up to see Gildre coming in quietly toward him. Gildre grinned a little at Alistair, who immediately perked up at the sight of his Steward.
Alistair whispered furiously at Gildre, "Oh thank the Maker you're here. Please tell me the kitchen is on fire or something. I think it's quite possible Connor put a time reversal spell on this room to get back at me for switching his mages robes out for a dress."
Gildre stifled a laugh as he leaned in close to Alistair.
"Lyssa is waiting just outside. She would like to speak with you about her visit with Duncan the day after tomorrow," Gildre said.
"Oh... so she's going to stand outside the room?" Alistair asked confused.
"Well," Gildre said smiling a little, "I'm pretty sure she's just trying to avoid the Grand Cleric who has been trying to find out if she plans to continue Duncan's studies of the Chant. I think she's just using this as an excuse to look too busy to talk."
"Ah," Alistair said a grin spreading across his face, "Clever that. I wish I had thought of it first. Tell her I hope to join her shortly."
Gildre nodded and moved to the door. Alistair watched his good friend the Steward approach Lyssa who was standing just in the hallway in a gown of rich burgundy. He let his eyes stay for a moment on her. She was in as fine a form as she ever had been. The deep color of her gown set off the gold color of her hair. Alistair began to feel himself get restless again. After Gildre delivered the message, Lyssa's eyes met Alistair's. She winked at him.
Alistair felt the smile spreading across his face. How many times when they were younger had she managed to arrange for some emergency that called him away from his endless meetings? A blush crept up his face as he shuffled through some of those memories. It made him feel young and free again. At that moment he wanted more than anything to stand up and leave the table to join Lyssa. But he turned back to see Arl Teagan trying to catch his eye.
"What say you, your majesty? Should we be concerned about the number of Q'unari that have been seen in Ferelden?" Teagan asked.
Alistair cleared his throat to buy himself time to respond, "Yes actually. I have already sent scouts to keep an eye on the larger Q'unari parties that have been spotted. It is well known that the Q'unari have been on an extended reconnaissance mission into Ferelden to gage how well we might respond to an invasion."
"And what of the Q'unari Kennel Master you have here on the castle grounds. What of his allegiance to Seheron?" one of the generals asked.
"Sten has been with us for fourteen years now. He has had numerous chances to attack either of us. More than ten years ago he swore an oath to both the Queen and myself. He is an honorable man and I will remind you all that he played integral part in our defeat of the Blight. I would also remind you that the Q'unari are not stupid. They would be more likely to choose a spy less obvious than a bronze skinned giant who no one besides the queen and I seem to trust," Alistair said testily.
"Alright then," Teagan said putting his hand on Alistair's arm, "Let's move on. Henrick, you said there were some reports of a rather large group of bandits preying on travelers on the Imperial Highway?"
Alistair lost interest in the conversation again and looked back out at Lyssa who was still standing in the hallway. He watched curiously as she looked furtively around then wriggled in an odd way. He watched as a stiff petticoat dropped from beneath the skirt of her gown. Lyssa looked furtively around again before she stepped over the petticoat and kicked it under the huge thick velvet curtain that covered the window behind her. She turned and saw Alistair watching her with a bemused smile on his face. She flushed and looked away from him in the most nonchalant manner she could muster.
Teagan was watching the expression on Alistair's face with amusement. He turned to see what Alistair was looking at and saw Lyssa standing in the hallway. He smiled to himself and shook his head.
Even after all these years, he thought, the man cannot keep his eyes off of her.
Alistair cleared his throat loudly, "I'm sorry, ladies, gentleman. I... I am suddenly not feeling particularly well. Perhaps we can pick this up tomorrow?"
Arl Teagan took pity on Alistair. He rose, and bowing said, "Tomorrow then your majesty. Get some rest."
Alistair stood and the rest of the nobles followed suit, standing and bowing. As they filed out of the room, Lyssa nodded to them politely. Teagan stopped and bowed briefly smiling at her.
"I hear you're visiting Duncan the day after tomorrow. Tell him his Great Uncle has a gift befitting something as momentous as his twelfth birthday. It should be arriving soon," Teagan said.
Lyssa reached up and touched the splash of gray at Teagan's temples. The color stood out brightly in his thick reddish hair.
"I hear you'll be celebrating a birthday soon as well, Teagan. You're too young to have this much gray. Is Alistair really giving you that much trouble?" Lyssa teased.
"Like you wouldn't believe. But I think you are going to have to take credit for more than a few of these white hairs. Out here causing mischief again I see. It's hard enough as it is keeping him involved without you standing here distracting him," Teagan teased back.
Lyssa laughed and Teagan blushed at the sound.
Fool man, he thought, even after all these years, and a wife to boot, this woman can still bring a blush to your face.
"You tell Kaitlyn that she should come round more. Bevin misses her. Ever since his knighting, he has been a little homesick I think. I miss her too. She's the only noble woman I can stand of late," Lyssa said.
"I'll tell her. She wants to come, but it can be difficult with the children and all. Maybe we'll all ride down for a holiday during the next Landsmeet, stay a little while. Redcliffe can do without us for a week or two I should think," Teagan said watching as Gildre went back into the council chambers where Alistair seemed to be waiting patiently for Teagan to be on his way.
Gildre handed Alistair a parchment which Alistair proceeded to sign. Gildre looked down at Alistair appreciatively. Lyssa watched with little interest and Teagan furrowed his brow.
"That... does not bother you then?" he asked tentatively.
"Hmmm," Lyssa said turning back to Teagan.
"Come on, Lyssa. You are no fool. You have been on the battlefield with enough men to know when a man is... more interested in his fellow soldiers that the wenches at the local pub," Teagan said. "In fact, I do believe Alistair is the only one who could honestly say he doesn't know how that young man feels about him."
Lyssa smiled ruefully, "Teagan, there is a reason Alistair is clueless of such affections, if they do exist. I wouldn't presume if I were you. It is unseemly. But... if they did exist, and Alistair entertained any such notions, he would have noticed by now. I do believe Gildre knows this. Why should I punish him for feeling the same way as me? I love Gildre well. He is like... he reminds me of Fergus. And Alistair loves him in much the same way. I should not take away his surrogate brother, Teagan. And it is hard to be jealous of a man who longs for something that will never be. Besides, he is honorable, and would never hurt me either. I trust in this, and you should trust that I know of what I speak."
Teagan sighed, "I have to say, you are perhaps the most magnanimous queen in the history of Ferelden. It is no wonder the people love you. But you should find Gildre someone more suitable to fancy. The castle is beginning to talk."
"Oh let them talk. What would a castle be without its intrigues. Boring, that's what. But... you are right, if for the wrong reasons. He needs to find someone to share his life with. Of that I am sure. He was visiting with a handsome young porter a while back, but it didn't last. I hesitate to play matchmaker though. I remember how well I liked it when potential suitors were placed in my path by well meaning friends and relatives. But perhaps if we send him out more, he'll meet someone. But again, this is a discussion not best had in the hallways of the castle. Thank you for your concern Teagan, I know you mean well," Lyssa said finally.
"I'm sorry if I upset you. I just thought you might wish to know. In any case, I never believed the rumors. Anyone can see Alistair only has eyes for one person," Teagan said. "I shall see you tomorrow. Hopefully Alistair will be up for making a few more decisions before he nods off."
Teagan bowed again and left as Lyssa waved good bye to him. As soon as Teagan left Alistair strode out to Lyssa looking around. Lyssa smiled blushing as Alistair approached.
"You know, I think there are rules against that," Alistair said getting closer to Lyssa.
"Whatever are you talking about," Lyssa said.
Alistair looked around quickly before gathering Lyssa up in his arms and sweeping the thick velvet curtain around them and pressing her against the wall.
"Why look here! I think this is a petticoat! However did it get here?" Alistair asked as he bent down to pick up Lyssa's petticoat.
"It itches. You try wearing one. They're dreadful. My handmaiden refused to let me out of the room without wearing one. Something about it not being proper," Lyssa said defensively.
"How would you have explained its new location to whoever found it?" Alistair asked with a twinkle in his eye.
"Well that would be easy enough. I would just act coy and say nothing. They could assume the rest. It's not as if they haven't found my undergarments in other... indiscreet places. I'll have you know those times were not my fault. Someone got overly excited and threw them, not caring where they landed. As a matter of fact, I do believe the whole reason we had to have Connor study the Chant was because a certain Grand Cleric found a certain something in a certain castle chantry," Lyssa said.
"Now, you have to admit. You had as much fun doing that as I did. I think we made more than a few templars rethink their vows," Alistair said wrapping his arms around Lyssa and pulling her toward him.
"And I thought I was wicked," Lyssa said putting her arms around Alistair.
"You are wicked. You are a wicked temptress who disrobes just outside the door of the council chambers distracting me from my kingly duties. I think you did it on purpose," Alistair said leaning in to kiss Lyssa.
"Well, I didn't. But now that I know it works...," Lyssa said grinning.
"So that's how it's going to be is it?" Alistair said as he began hiking up Lyssa's gown, "Well then, I am not to be blamed for my actions."
Lyssa shrieked and laughed as she warded off Alistair's advances.
Two ladies in waiting walked by the velvet curtain giggling at the antics of their King and Queen.
**
Gildre knocked softly on the royal chamber's door, an awkward feat to perform, since he was standing with his back to the door. He had picked up this habit within a few weeks of becoming the King's Steward, after having stumbled upon them in a state of undress one time too many.
The door opened and Alistair peered out. Gildre tried not to smile at the familiar sight; Alistair, a sheet barely concealing him, his hair disheveled. Alistair looked at a window across the way and saw the light was fading.
"What time is it?" Alistair asked as he motioned for Gildre to come into the chambers.
Gildre took a hesitant step forward. Alistair grabbed his arm and pulled him in, closing the door behind him.
"I don't want the whole castle to see me dressed in a sheet. I'm supposed to be sick," Alistair said grinning.
Gildre tried not to smile but it didn't work. He looked at the ground, scratching his neck. "I don't think there is a single person in the castle that really thinks you are ill, Alistair. As a matter of fact, the story of the curtain escapade has now reached the Grand Cleric, and she is more than a little irate."
Lyssa's laugh came from behind the mostly drawn curtains of the huge royal bed. "I told you!" she said, stepping from behind the curtains, also clothed only in a sheet. She gave Alistair an exaggerated scowl, and then turned to Gildre. "Do you think they'd believe nothing happened? That I forced him to wait until we made it to the bedchamber?"
Gildre simply smiled at Lyssa in answer. She motioned for him to sit down at their small bedroom table. The table was set with a small selection of petite pastries and hors d'oeuvres.
"I fear if the Grand Cleric ever discovered you two had me in here when you were in this state of undress, she would drop dead. Before long, they'd be singing about it in the local taverns, complete with four bawdy verses and a boisterous tune," Gildre said, grabbing a fancy little delicacy from the tray Lyssa offered him.
He leaned back into his chair and popped the morsel whole into his mouth. He chewed slowly, pleasantly surprised by the complexity of its flavor.
"It's good, isn't it? Lyssa told the chef to try some old Antivan recipes she found in a book. I can't get enough of them," Alistair said popping another piece of food into his mouth. "So... what time is it? Did I stay in here all day?"
"Yes. Teagan has been holding off the nobles for hours now. You do know nobody really thinks you're ill, right? They want a decision on what to do about the bandits. I guess that's their major issue," Gildre said.
"Oh fine," Alistair said getting up grumpily.
He leaned over and kissed Lyssa on top of her head. "Don't you dare go anywhere. I'll be back in a few minutes, I promise. Gildre, you keep her here. If she tries to leave, take her sheet."
Lyssa shook her head and picked up another pastry. Alistair came out of the dressing room in a frumpy set of silken clothes. The clothes looked like they had been left in a heap overnight.
"You're going down there like that?" Lyssa asked.
"I'm supposed to be sick remember? Maybe they'll show me some pity after seeing me in this state and they'll excuse me without rehashing the old property line argument. Bandits is what they say now, but just you wait. I'll get down there and they'll jump right back into who owns what farm. 'But this one has apple trees. Everyone knows I sell most of the apples in Ferelden.' blah blah blah," Alistair said exasperated as he left the room.
Lyssa laughed and put her legs up on her chair. She turned to look at Gildre who was surveying the spread of food.
"Gildre," Lyssa asked carefully, "I was wondering, that porter who came round for a while, whatever happened to him?"
Gildre's hand stopped midway to a tray, hesitating to answer. Then he continued plucking a small bunch of grapes from the plate.
"He and I... we had a difference of opinion. I wanted to meet his family. He didn't want anyone to know he was seeing an elf. I thought there was nothing wrong with seeing an elf. He didn't agree," Gildre said sourly.
"Oh... Oh Gildre. I'm so sorry. I was just curious... and foolish to bring it up," Lyssa said flushing.
"No, no, no. Please, I don't mind. I like it actually. Nobody talks to me about this stuff. They are all too afraid to. They don't want to upset the King's Steward. You always tell me nothing is off limits. You should know the same is true for you," Gildre said grabbing Lyssa's hand.
Lyssa smiled and squeezed his hand back.
"Nothing is off limits?" Lyssa asked coyly.
Gildre blushed. He looked down, pretending to concentrate on selecting a grape from the bunch. He delicately twisted one off and popped it into his mouth.
"Not that I mind," Lyssa broke the silence of the small pause, "but... it was brought to my attention again yesterday that you might... perhaps be harboring a not so secret interest in my husband," Lyssa finished, watching Gildre.
Gildre's face blushed even brighter.
"I'm... yes," Gildre paused. "I'm surprised you took ten years to notice." Gildre returned the grapes to their tray and leaned back in his chair. He looked away from Lyssa embarrassed.
"Ten years... not thirteen? How curious," Lyssa said.
"No, ten. I disliked Alistair for a while. I guess I still blamed him for Arsan's death. It took me a while to get over that. I don't know why, but it was easier to forgive you," Gildre said.
"Because I remind you of Amaaro," Lyssa said softly.
"Yes. Probably," Gildre said.
"I knew you liked Alistair more than you let on... I don't know exactly when I knew, but I have known for some time. But... it has become a bit more apparent of late. People are talking it seems," Lyssa trailed off.
"I'm so sorry Lyssa. You know I would never do anything to hurt you. The way I feel... it will pass, I'm sure of it. It started out as a kind of, well, an intense admiration really. I wouldn't have called it anything else. It got much worse after... after the conversation with the porter. Alistair, he doesn't care that I'm an elf. It... it is hard to explain. I loved the porter. And when that ended... Alistair was just there.
"I was so depressed, and Alistair came in and dragged me out to some function, telling everyone how great I was. You could see that some of the people were shocked that Alistair would speak so highly of me. He didn't care. He defended me even; when one of the nobles made some snide comment about elves he ejected them from the function. And then he made the announcement that the Alienage was going to be fixed up. That the elves were going to become equal members of society... It was everything I wanted to hear the porter say.
"I love you dearly, Lyssa. You have been a true friend all these years. I would never... what the people are saying, you know I would never, even if Alistair were interested... The people of the castle..." Gildre trailed off angrily.
"Oh don't let it bother you so. I understand and it does not bother me. I only mention it because Alistair is sure to find out sooner or later. If people are making comments to me, he'll be next. I imagine it will come as a bit of a shock to him," Lyssa said smiling.
Gildre laughed, "Yes... at first I thought he was just tolerant, but now I know he just doesn't even see it. I think he knows about the porter. And about what I fancy. But I don't think he sees what everyone else sees. I... I think I just need to get out more. Meet some people. I hate to say this, since it makes me feel so wretched, but, maybe I should stick to elves."
Lyssa leaned forward and held Gildre's hand, "Don't do that. Not everyone will be like that porter. I wouldn't be. It would not have mattered to me. Alistair wouldn't have cared if I were an elf. When you meet someone who loves you, really loves you—be they elf, human, dwarf whatever—it won't matter to them."
Gildre nodded. Just then Alistair came back into the room looking grumpier than when he left.
"You know, if they actually stuck to the important stuff, I wouldn't have to pretend to be sick. I gave up. I coughed a whole lot and told them Teagan was my regent so he could decide. They weren't very happy with me. But I don't care. I haven't seen my son in months and I won't get to see my wife for the next two days," Alistair said. He tossed himself onto the couch next to Lyssa. He lifted her legs and gently twisted her, so that her legs were resting across his own. He absentmindedly stroked her calf as he leaned his head back and let out a long, slow sigh. His face relaxed into a small smile.
"You aren't going to see Duncan together?" Gildre asked.
"No," Lyssa said sourly. "The generals have decided it's too risky. After the attempt on Duncan's life, they don't want a large party traveling to see him. We have to travel in small quiet parties to get to him. The castle will be secured soon enough. Teagan is overseeing the staff interrogations and some of the men from abroad have been called back, and will be here soon. A few Grey Wardens will come in from Amaranthine as well. Duncan will be able to come home then. But until then if we want to see him we have this complicated schedule that we have to follow."
"It's for the best," Alistair said gently.
Alistair had been terrified for both his wife and son after the assassination attempt. If not for Lyssa, Alistair was certain that Duncan would have died in the attack. She had been training Duncan since he could walk. Alistair had loved watching them train in the courtyard. Sometimes he would just sit in a high window seat, watching them for hours, hiding from Teagan and the nobles. After the attempt on Duncan's life, Alistair didn't let them leave the royal bedchamber for two weeks. It wasn't until his generals and Connor, the castle mage, worked out a plan to get Duncan to safety that he started to feel better. Under the cover of night they'd smuggled Duncan out to a secret location. Alistair hated that Duncan had to stay there, without either of them, but there was no other choice until the castle could be secured again. And it wasn't just Duncan Alistair was worried about. If Lyssa was late to any social function, Alistair worried fretfully. Lyssa wasn't aware of it, but Alistair had tasked Gildre with keeping an eye on her.
"Yes well, I'll be glad when it is all over. I still don't agree with the generals. The assassination attempt was too amateur. I really think there is something else going on. I don't know what it is yet, but...," Lyssa said trailing off.
Lyssa didn't want to tell Alistair yet that she suspected the assassination attempt was only the first feint for something more sinister. Alistair was already nervous enough as it was...
"You still don't know who hired the assassin?" Gildre asked.
"No," Alistair said angrily. He unconsciously put his arms protectively around Lyssa. "But when I find out..."
"I'm sorry," Gildre said standing. "I didn't mean to fowl your mood. You two relax and enjoy the rest of your evening. I'll make sure no one bothers you for the rest of the night. Not even the Divine herself could get past me."
Lyssa smiled up at Gildre as he took her hand. "Ride safe tomorrow Lyssa. I suspect I'll be busy all day running bets for Alistair, what with all the large wagers the nobles will be placing during the tournament. I probably won't be here to see you off."
"Enjoy yourself," Lyssa said as Gildre let go of her hand and left the room.
As soon as the door closed Alistair leaned up against Lyssa and closed his eyes.
"I do not like this. I do not like you traveling without me," he said wrapping his arms around her while laying his head on her chest.
Lyssa ran her fingers through his hair absently. "Nor I you. Remember, you must also travel alone on that road. We could send him a message instead if you wish. In four weeks time he'll be returning."
"No. The last letter he sent disturbs me. He is worried we aren't alive, that people are lying to him. I can't let him continue to think that," Alistair said.
Lyssa resisted the urge to tell Alistair that Duncan was more mature than that and that he would get over it. Four weeks was not that long to wait to see them. But she knew this would only upset Alistair. Alistair wanted to be different from his father. He wanted to see Duncan grow up happy.
Lyssa knew Duncan was being pushed into adulthood at an alarming rate. In two years time he would start making decisions that would affect all of Ferelden. In four years time he would be crowned Heir Apparent. And in six short years, he would ascend to the throne.
It was a deal they had struck at the Landsmeet when Duncan was four. Lyssa could hide the truth from the nobles no longer. Duncan spoke of the dreams. He somehow remembered having them from his time in the womb. Duncan was born a Grey Warden. Lyssa and Alistair strongly suspected that meant Duncan would only live thirty years or so before he would start having the dreams again and head for the Deep Roads. For the Theirin line to continue, Duncan was to be married at the age of sixteen. It was the noble's hope that Duncan could bear an heir of his own, one free of the taint. When Duncan was six years old, much to Lyssa's dismay, several wives were already chosen for him to pick from. Lyssa never dreamed that having a child would be so complicated. She was grateful at how quickly Duncan seemed to mature. She was sure he would be ready to be king when the time came, but it didn't make things easier for her.
Because of this deal with the Landsmeet, Alistair had tried even harder to make a good life for Duncan. He argued against the proposal at the Landsmeet, but the nobles reminded him that he was chosen because of his blood, not because of his skills as a king. They offered him a different option, an out they said. But Alistair refused. He didn't even want to consider the other choice he had. Even after Lyssa had talked with him about it, he still resisted. So Alistair reluctantly agreed to everything the Landsmeet demanded of Duncan. As the days grew closer to the time when Duncan would start taking over certain royal functions, Alistair felt a mix of confusing emotions. The idea of being able to leave the castle and travel about Ferelden with Lyssa again was more than appealing to Alistair. But he felt the cost to his own son was too high. It sometimes disturbed Alistair how at ease Duncan seemed about the entire process and the deal in particular, which he had no voice in.
When Alistair had asked Duncan how he felt about his future, Duncan replied, "My personal future is meaningless, isn't it? I was born to preserve Ferelden. I do not begrudge you that father. I will make of my life what I can while I can, much as you are with mother. Did your life not truly begin until you met her?"
Alistair held Lyssa close trying not to remember the eerie feeling that had come over him when Duncan had said those things. The boy was only twelve, but he carried himself with a calm, imperturbable nature that didn't befit a child. Alistair loved his son, and had generally grown accustomed to his demeanor. But that conversation, for some reason, haunted him. He had never heard of a child born a Grey Warden before. It frightened him sometimes to think of it. As much as he loved his son, he also feared him a little. So when times like these arose, when he could be a father and comfort his son the way fathers do, he jumped at the opportunity. Lyssa did not need to voice her concerns for Alistair to know she did not think visiting Duncan at this time was prudent. But Alistair could not pass up this chance to feel like a normal father with a normal son.
Lyssa sensed the unease in Alistair and she gently touched his face, turning his gaze to her.
"Now this is truly unfair. You are still dressed, while I must wear this sheet. This is a situation that must be remedied immediately," Lyssa said playfully while running her hands under Alistair's tunic.