AN - Okay, so I'm continuing with this story, whether people like it or not :) Hopefully I can keep others interested. It is an AU plot, so there's going to be a lot going on between numerous characters. So, please, Review, or constructive criticism, (no flames, that's just stupid), and thanks so much to those that had placed it on alerts! And yes, there are alerts on this story...yay!

Chapter 3

Kathryn sighed heavily, as she took the signet ring from Fergus, almost reluctantly. "He knew he would fall, Kate. He wished for me to give this to you," Fergus explained to his younger sister.

He sat at the table in the atrium, dressed in a clean pair of trousers and a white blouse. He had taken his sister's offer of room and board, taking advantage of a hot bath, while his companions did the same; it was the least Kathryn could do for them after the debacle in the throne room earlier. She too had bathed and changed her clothing into a layered blue dress, sewn with silver threading along her waistline. Alistair sat next to his friend, as he watched her take Cailan's signet ring from her brother. "Oh, Cailan." She breathed out, as she attempted to hide the sorrow she felt at Cailan's death.

"I know how dear of a friend he was to you, sister," Fergus told her, as he reached across the table, placing his hand gently on her arm.

"And Duncan as well?" Kathryn looked up at the two Wardens sitting across from her.

Alistair couldn't help but stare at the young noblewoman he had spent a few summers of his childhood tormenting. She had changed from the annoying little sister that followed Fergus and his friends about the castle grounds, into the independent, well educated, and beautiful woman who took to her courtly duties fairly well. Alistair had even thought she would have made a much better match for Cailan than Anora. He saw Kathryn's eyes move down to the ring in her hand as she smiled fondly at the memory of the King, "He was my best friend. Cailan knew how to make me laugh." Kathryn smiled, "Anora was a bit jealous of our relationship, but it was nothing more than just two children who grew up together, telling each other their secrets, helping each other through problems, normal adolescent emotions. He was such a wonderful man." She looked up at her brother, "And Duncan-" She then looked solemnly at Alistair, "He cared for you as if you were his own son, Alistair. Duncan spoke very highly of you," She told the young Warden.

Alistair nodded his head slightly, unable to bring himself to speak at the thought of losing his mentor. Kathryn sat up, "Loghain had abandoned Cailan to save his own skin," She told them. She pulled a parchment out of her pocket, handing it to Fergus, "Father was summoned to a Landsmeet. Loghain will want all the nobility to swear fealty and loyalty to him," She narrowed her eyes, gripping the ring in her hand, "I'd rather eat a pile of mabari shit."

Fergus grinned at his sister's statement, and Alistair nearly choked on a laugh. "Wow!" Alistair blurted out, "Such a lady, indeed."

Kathryn shrugged, "I may be nobility, Alistair, but I am still a Cousland. We're known for being outspoken and standing for those we steward." She stated defiantly. She then sobered, "Word is though, the Wardens have been declared as traitors to Ferelden."

"Kate, we wouldn't have placed you in such a situation if we didn't have such a desperate need," Fergus began to tell her.

Kathryn held up her hand to stop her brother, "Fergus, I know the Wardens would never have abandoned the King. I've never been fond of Loghain, and I would never have put it past him. You have the people of Highever to stand beside you, should you need us."

Fergus and Alistair looked at each other, and Alistair spoke up, "Thank you, Kathryn. But, remember, if Loghain were to find out you have given us aide, it puts you in danger."

"I'm not afraid of that pompous ass, or his nitwit of a daughter. If I were with you both at Ostagar, I would have run a blade through him myself." Kathryn sniped.

"I do believe that would have caused mother to have pulled out all of her hair if father had allowed you to ride off with us." Fergus smirked slightly at her.

"I should have tried harder. But, it doesn't mean I can't help now, Fergus." Kathryn told her brother. She finally stood, "I do have some duties to attend to, so please excuse me," She paused for a moment placing Cailan's signet ring into her dress pocket, as the two Wardens stood to say goodbye. "Make yourselves comfortable. The castle is at your disposal," She turned to walk away, but stopped as she turned to the two men, "But, just don't eat out the kitchen, Fergus. You know Nan, and how she is." She smiled at them both, before leaving them.

Alistair stared at her, as she left. "I heard of Cailan's proposal to her," Alistair said. "Why did she deny him if they were friends?"

"That's the exact reason she did deny him. She never loved Cailan the way a woman should in a marriage, but she loved him as if he were her brother. They had gotten close over the years growing up," Fergus then sighed heavily, "And along came Anora." Fergus crossed his arms across his chest, noticing his friend watching Kathryn walk away. He then shook his head, patting his friend on the shoulder, as he then turned to leave. "If you need anything, Alistair, there are servants about the Castle that will help you. Try to stay out of trouble."

Kathryn walked towards the honor guard that escorted their King into Highever. She smiled broadly as she watched the young Cailan walk to her father, greeting him with a hearty handshake. "Bryce, it's great to see you!" Cailan smiled at the Teyrn.

"And you, your majesty! To what do we have the honor of your visit?" Bryce asked.

Kathryn stopped just behind her father, hesitant on how to approach Cailan, now that he had been crowned King of Ferelden. It was strange hearing her father address him in such a way; she and Cailan grew up together, spending summers together in Denerim, causing their Nannies headaches as they continued to get their clothing dirty with their not-so-noble activities. Now, Cailan was crowned King, after news of his father, Maric, had come that he had perished at sea. Kathryn bit her lower lip, as she awkwardly bowed to her friend, "Your majesty." She greeted.

"Oh, Kate, don't be so formal!" Cailan grinned, gathering her up into a hug.

Kathryn laughed, as she gave her friend their familiar greeting of him gathering her up into a hug, swinging her around before placing her onto her feet. She looked up at him, brushing a few strands of her brown hair out of her eyes. "You've moved up in the world now," She smiled.

Cailan stared at her for a moment, his smile slowly fading, as he glanced to Bryce. He nodded at her father, who in turn nodded in acknowledgement to him. Kathryn noticed this, and lifted a brow in suspicion. "What is it?" She asked.

Cailan grabbed her hand, and waved his honor guard back. "Come, Kate. We have much to talk about." He smiled.

For a quick moment, Kathryn saw the familiar roguish boy in Cailan's blue eyes. He had a smile that melted the hearts of women all over Ferelden, but the effect was different for Kathryn. She adored Cailan, and trusted him with her secrets. She began to get slightly confused as he led her towards the castle gardens. They casually held hands as they walked onto the bridge that overlooked a man-made stream to run through the gardens. "So, I bet the parties have become quite a bore!" Kathryn grinned, as they stopped to lean on the railing.

Cailan rolled his eyes, "You have no idea. I'm almost angry that I have to go through it while you get to relax here!" He smirked slightly, looking at her through the corner of his eye.

Kathryn let out a laugh, "Oh please, Cailan. I'm sure every eligible, and some possibly still married noblewomen are falling at your feet. You love the attention." She smiled.

Cailan turned to face her, his face becoming serious, as he stared at her. Kathryn looked at him, suddenly her expression dropping in slight fear that she had offended him, "Did I say something wrong?" She pushed herself off of the bridge railing, "I'm truly sorry if I'd offended you, Cailan."

Cailan shook his head, "You said nothing wrong, Kate," He grabbed her hand, his fingers beginning to stroke the back of her hand. Cailan sighed, as he looked up at Kathryn, "Women have been offering proposals to me, Eamon has been breaking his beard trying to set a match."

Kathryn's eyes widened as she noticed Cailan's breathing begin to deepen, and his intent stare as he spoke to her. "But, there's only one that I've ever wanted, Kate," He continued.

"Oh," Kathryn began shaking her head, backing into the bridge railing, realizing that she had nowhere else to go, and that Cailan had cornered her. "Cailan, don't-" She was stopped, as Cailan pressed his lips to her own.

Cailan inhaled her scent heavily through his nostrils as he deepened the kiss, heavily satisfied as she accepted him, and his hands traveled to cup her face. He felt her hands move up his chest, and wrapped around his neck, pulling him to her. He groaned slightly as he pressed his body against her's, but the aura of desire flowing between them had come to an abrupt halt as she pushed him back away from her, breaking the kiss. "Cailan, please, don't do this." She begged, her voice breaking, as she attempted to catch her breath.

Cailan moved her chin up, so she could face him. He saw her hazel eyes rimmed with tears that threatened to fall. He smiled slightly, "I have loved you, since we were children. What other reason would I need to marry you?"

Kathryn's eyes widened with surprise, and her face fell as she frowned up at him, "I'd make such a terrible wife!" She told him.

"You wouldn't need to worry, Kate. You have all knowledge of court already." Cailan stood back proudly, smiling at her, "I've asked your father for his permission, which he had granted." He cupped her face, gently lifting it to face him, as she began to shake her head, "I want you." He told her.

Kathryn stared up at her dear friend, closing her eyes for a brief moment, realizing how much she had cared for him, however she could not bring herself to marry him. She opened her eyes, staring up into his blue hopeful orbs, and sighed heavily, "Cailan, please don't ask me." She breathed out to him.

Hope had washed out of Cailan's face in an instant. He backed away from her slightly, turning away. "Cailan, I love you dearly, but," She tried to place her hand onto his arm, but he brushed her off, turning his back to her, and she continued, "I can't be your wife."

Cailan turned to her, his eyes watering from the rejection of the woman he had hoped to make his wife. "You say that, but," His breath shook as he inhaled deeply, "One day, you'll meet someone that will make you so happy." He stepped backwards to leave, "And I cannot just stand by and watch."

Cailan hurried away from her, walking off of the bridge, to make his way out of the gardens, "Cailan, please, wait!" Kathryn called after him.

She watched him continue off without her, or answering. Kathryn glanced around her, ensuring no one had been around to watch, and she finally sat onto the wooden bridge, letting her face fall into her hands. She had realized how much hurt she had seen in Cailan's face; hurt that she didn't even see when he received news of his father's death. Kathryn was now terrified, that she had lost her best friend forever.

Kathryn's eyes moved up from the ring in her hand, to look at herself in the mirror of her vanity, as she recalled the memory of Cailan's proposal in her mind. She never said a word to anyone exactly how it had happened, only that Cailan had proposed, and she had declined. It was almost immediately afterwards, Cailan had married Anora, in which Kathryn refused to attend the wedding, traveling to Orlais for a few weeks. Kathryn had only seen Cailan once more, during a chance in Denerim. His eyes lit up when he saw her, his smile widening, however Kathryn kept her formal greetings to him, in respect of his title, in which Kathryn was sure that he would mistaken as a cold reception, but that was not the case. He had received her in just the same matter, and that was it. A few months afterwards, Ostagar happened, and now, she had only memories and his signet ring in her hand that he had begged Fergus to give to her, in secret, when he saw Fergus at Ostagar. Kathryn ran her hands through her hair, as she thread a piece of leather tie through the ring, and finally tied it around her neck, hiding the ring itself inside the neckline of her dress. She knew Cailan had still loved her; more than she could ever bring herself to love him, but she still cared for him. And now, he was gone. She realized the severity of the threat coming to Ferelden; a threat of civil war over the throne, and the Blight.

Kathryn knew that she was not going to just allow herself to do nothing from the comforts of her Castle. She was going to find a way to join Fergus in the battle, one way or another. It was the least she could do for the people of Ferelden. Soon, she heard the commotion in the courtyard below as she walked down the steps towards the courtyard. She saw two men get off of their horses, flanked by a small company of guards. "Arl Howe!" She smiled, bowing her head in acknowledgement.

Arl Rendon Howe, who had sworn loyalty to her father, reached her, and smiled, gently taking her hand and pressing it to his lips, "My lady, you look stunning!" He smiled.

Kathryn smiled and glanced at the younger man next to him, "Thomas, how are you?" She smiled at Rendon's son.

Thomas had such a wicked grin, in Kathryn's eyes, and especially so, as he took her hand, pressing it to his lips when his father let her hand go. "My lady, I am well, and yourself?"

"I'm good, Thomas." Kathryn smiled taking her hand back. She then looked at the older man in front of her, "What brings you here?"

"I've come to discuss some...issues." Rendon told her.

AN - I know, short chapter, but more to come :) Thanks everyone!