Alistair was mad that he had been forced to wait for his guards.

No.

"Mad" was an understatement. He was royally pissed off.

He had raced towards Castle Gourn with his sword at his side, leaving most of the guardsmen trailing behind. He didn't care. "Who the hell would do this?" he thought as the Castle came into view. He could see all the dead bodies scattered. Beaten. Broken. Bleeding. He saw the women, the children, the men who had died defending their city. It sickened him.

However, as he kept riding he noticed that there seemed to be more mercenary bodies than villagers covered in fresh blood. "Someone beat me here? But who? Who even kne-" His heart sank as he remembered exactly who knew. Lady Cousland. But how could she beat him here? He didn't know anyone that could ride as fast as he could for as long as he could. "Damn it! I should have just left without my guards! It was time wasted."

He made his way into the main entrance of the castle. A dead, headless body of a qunari was splayed out in front of him. "Is it really her? Is she even capable of felling a qunari?"

He followed the trail of dead mercenaries up to the second floor. He saw drag marks in fresh blood. He hadn't noticed it before. Whoever left the trail had dragged their foot while walking. Alistair followed it into the last room of the hall...

xXxXxXxXxXxXx

Kailyn groggily opened her eyes. Her vision was blurred as she tried to take in her surroundings. She didn't recognize where she was. Scared, she tried to sit up with her elbows to take in more of her environment. As she tried to move, her body violently resisted. Pain wracked her body. Her head was pounding, swimming. Her vision left her and she thought she heard a nearby voice telling her to stay calm, that she was safe; and to not move. But it all seemed like a dream.

XxxXxXxXxXxXx

"Alistair.."

…

"...Alistair..."

…

"Alistair!"

The King's head snapped up from its resting position. He had apparently fallen asleep sitting up in his chair again. His neck ached, his back ached. How long had he slept in that position? It seemed his whole body ached.

"Alistair, you need to get some sleep."

"In a bed."

"I don't want to leave her. It's my fault she's here. I didn't get there fast enough. She beat me there. She nearly died because her King couldn't or didn't defend his lands."

"Alistair, there was nothing you could have done to prevent what happened. You left as soon as you heard the news. You got there as quickly as you could."

"No, I didn't! I waited for my guardsmen! I didn't have to. I could've left without them. I wasted precious minutes while this woman chased after the monsters who caused this mess. Alone. She did something that was my responsibility. I can never forgive myself, Wynne!"

"You did what you could with what you had. No one is expecting any more than that. You rode faster than anyone had ever seen. You made it to the castle in record time! Alistair, please don't blame yourself for this!"

He shook his head with finality thus ending the current conversation. Tears streamed down his already red, puffy face. How long had he been sitting here? He didn't even remember. "I won't leave her side. She's in this condition because I failed as her King. I will see to her."

"As I've told you before. I've done all the healing that I can. The rest is up to her," The old mage wearily looked at the man she viewed as a son. Nothing she had said made him feel any better and she was pretty sure nothing would until Kailyn finally opened her eyes. Maker, she hoped it was soon.

Wynne ran her hands over Kailyn's sleeping body for another exam. Alistair's head had already assumed its previous position and she thought she heard him snore a little.

The girl's body was absolutely fine. There was nothing more for the mage to heal. She would just have to wake up on her own.

Wynne turned around and was about to walk out of the room when she heard the ruffling of sheets. She spun around again and saw into Kailyn's green eyes. They were finally open! She stole a glance at Alistair to make sure he was still sleeping. She at least deserved to wake up without him in her face apologizing.

The mage bent down to her knee and took Lady Cousland's hand in her own. She could feel the apprehensiveness emanating of the woman she had nursed back to health.

"You do not need to fear child. I am Wynne, a healer from the Circle of Magi. King Alistair has brought you into my care. I have done all I can for you but I'm afraid you are still going to need some time to rest before you can get back on your feet."

Kailyn's head was swimming. It was a lot to take in during her first few conscious moments. "King Alistair?" she asked weakly, "He was with me? I don't remember him..."

"He found you. He said you were unconscious and bleeding profusely. He carried you out of Castle Gourn and brought you by horseback to the Royal Palace. That's where you are now."

"The Royal Palace?" she asked weakly.

"Yes. There was a healer here already, but he was just out of apprenticeship. The King sent for me as soon as he arrived with you."

"I don't remember..." Kailyn paused to think and then the memories came flooding back to her. The events of that terrible night played through her head. She remembered Eamon telling Alistair about the Gourns. She remembered stealing a sword and a horse. She remembered killing mercenaries, a blurry giant. She remembered seeing all the lifeless bodies of those who tried to protect His family. She saw herself running up the stairs, down the hall, into His room...

Tears began streaming down her bruised face as her memory of seeing his dead body came to light. She tried to scream but hardly any sound came out of her mouth.

"No!" her voice was so hoarse her yell came out a whisper.

"He can't be..." she sobbed uncontrollably.

Wynne leaned over her and took the young Cousland into her arms. "Hush now, child. It will be alright. You just need some time. Your wounds will heal and you can move on past this nightmare."

"You're awake!" Kailyn's sobs had woken Alistair. "I'm so glad that you've finally opened your eyes!" he was flooded with relief but then immediately felt guilty. "This is all my fault and I promise I will never fail you again, Lady Cousland. You have my word. I will go to the ends of Thedas to make it up to you—to gain your forgiveness."

She looked up at her King utterly confused.

"How is this your fault?" she squeaked out. "You didn't know what was happening. I never told you that Aiden Gourn and I were to be married. Wynne told me you saved my life. I should be thanking you."

Both Alistair's and Wynne's jaws dropped.

"You...What?" cried Alistair.

Wynne held the Cousland girl even tighter. "Oh child! We didn't know! You heart must be broken into pieces! I am so sorry..." the mage was at a loss for words.

All the crying and sobbing was making her head hurt worse. She could hear her heartbeat in her ears. Everything was beginning to echo in her ears. She gently pushed Wynne away and attempted to smile at her.

"Thanks for helping me Wynne. But I must ask that you all stop talking. My head is killing me!" again she attempted a smile trying to lighten the mood.

"Of course, dear," Wynne placed her cool hands on Kailyn's forehead and she could feel relief washing over her like cool, refreshing water.

"Thank you."

"I will leave you to rest. I'm sure you need some time to absorb all this," Wynne glanced at Alistair but he shook his head in answer to her unspoken question.

"It's okay, Wynne. I don't mind if he stays with me."

The old woman gently nodded and left the room.

Kailyn turned and looked at her King, "How long have I been asleep?"

"More than a week. About 9 days. We were all so worried about you!"

She turned to stare at the ceiling. Absorbing how much time had gone by.

"My family? Do they know?"

"Yes. Your brother and father had to return to Highever two days ago; much to their dismay. Neither wanted to leave you here but I assured them that you were in the best care. Wynne said you shouldn't be moved anyway."

She sighed and suddenly felt guilty for leaving her family without warning.

"The young Howe came to visit you too. He's very worried and is still staying in my Castle here."

Howe.

The name sent sparks off in her head. It was his fault His family was dead. She wasn't sure Nathaniel had anything to do with it but there was only one way to find out.

Seeing Kailyn's face scrunched up and the sudden darkening of her eyes (when did he notice her eyes?) Alistair asked her what she was thinking.

"Howe," she spat; voice still hoarse.

"You didn't want him to come see you? I apologize. I didn't know," again he was apologizing for something he didn't know. He couldn't help but feel he kept messing things up because he didn't know how to handle the situation. He scooted his chair closer to the bed and laid his head on her arm. "I'm so sorry Lady Cousland. Andraste herself couldn't keep me from trying to make it up to you."

She turned her head to look at the King crying on her arm. "Just Kailyn," she breathed.

He picked up his head and she saw the newly formed tear stains on his cheeks. One corner of his mouth curved in amusement, "Okay, 'just Kailyn.'"

"To answer your question though, no. The mercenaries were hired by Arl Renden Howe," she explained with her temper rising again. "I don't know if Nathaniel had anything to do with it; but I trust he won't lie to me. Not to my face. I need to see him."

Alistair's face turned a deep red in anger.

"I swear by the holy flame that swallowed Andraste herself, if that man had anything to do with what happened, he will suffer a fate far worse than death. He has been staying in my guest quarters, eating my food, using my servants..."

"It's okay, Alistair. I don't think he did have anything to do with it. He's always been a bit naïve about his father; but I still need to talk to him. Just in case."

"I know how important this is to you, but I need to ask that you wait to speak with him. You are still recovering. You had so many broken bones it was a miracle you were even standing, much less fighting. Then, in the middle of your recovery you suddenly developed a terrible fever. You lost a lot of blood from the cut in your leg too. Do you remember how you got that?"

She thought hard and Alistair saw her scrunch up her face, "What is it about that face that makes it so damn cute?" he thought to himself.

"After the faceless mercenaries I cut through; the last person I remember fighting was some sort of...giant. He lunged at me right before I cut off his head. I think I remember feeling something then but I was just so focused on finding Him. Nothing else mattered," she swallowed fighting back more tears.

"Well, that 'giant' was a qunari warrior. I knew one once. He was a great aid during the Blight."

Kailyn nodded her head. She had heard of these warriors and was proud of herself for felling one.

"Well, I should leave you to rest. I will send word to Highever immediately informing your family of your condition. I will also have an assassin friend of mine track down Howe," the King stated assuredly.

She turned her head to look at him. Maker he looked like hell. The deep circles under his eyes indicated his lack of sleep. "When was the last time he slept?" His golden honey brown eyes were swollen and puffy. His skin had paled and his cheeks hollowed. "When was the last time he ate? Has he been sitting with me night and day?" she thought. His hair was disheveled and she painfully giggled when she realized how "unkingly" this was.

He looked up at her laughter, "What?" he asked innocently.

"You look like you've been trampled by a hundred horses."

He laughed."I feel like I've been trampled by a hundred horses. I haven't left your side since I brought you in here. I wanted to make sure you were okay. After all, this is all my fault. I was really worried about you too. If it weren't for Wynne's abilities I'm sure you would've..."

"It's okay 'just Alistair'" she smiled. A full, real smile. But Maker, did it hurt to smile like that!

He saw her wince and put a hand on her shoulder.

"I'll let you rest. I will arrange everything for you. You can stay here as long as you want. I insist."

She wasn't sure if he left the room after that. She had drifted off back to sleep.

The next few days Kailyn spent in and out of consciousness. She had no knowledge of night and day, her body didn't seem to care. Every time she woke up, though, her King was there. Her eyes would flutter open and she could make out his form sitting next to her. He would ask her some question and she would groggily respond. Whenever a servant would come into the room with her meal Alistair would always insist on feeding her himself. She could remember he would gingerly help her sit up enough to swallow the soup. Almost always, though, she would fall asleep after two or three bites. She thought she could hear Wynne come in a few times to check on her progress. Her body had been so badly beaten but still she fought on. She had been fighting for her life. And now she was still fighting. How long did she need to keep going? Fighting back the tears, the emotion. Fighting for her consciousness. Alistair was dumbstruck by the bravery of this woman. She fought to try and save him. She wanted to destroy the people responsible for the destruction of her fiance's home and family no matter how much they would fight her back. She was amazingly stubborn and selfless...Maybe even to a fault. But that didn't matter while he was taking care of her. He almost enjoyed not having to deal with nobles, politics, arguments with Eamon, and signing the endless papers on his desk. It was a welcomed distraction to him.

XxxXxXxXxXx

Alistair had sent word to Highever two days ago and received news today that the Couslands were coming to the palace to see their daughter. He was expecting them for supper.

It had been a few days since he last spoke to Zevran as well. He has asked to assassin to track down Howe so he could answer for his crimes. If anyone could find him, it would be Zevran. The King sat down at his study since Kailyn was in her room bathing. He was trying to come up with a way to contact the elf for a status report when a felt a sudden rush of air. Quickly, he turned around and faced the elf.

"Maker Zev! Can't you at least knock?"

"Ahh. But that would be against my character," he said smiling.

"Were able to find him?"

"Believe it or not, my friend, I have word that he has been in contact with The Crows. Recently. I am almost certain he'll be staying in Antiva. I don't know what he's planning, but obviously its big."

Alistair frowned, "What could he want with them? Hasn't he already proven that he can slaughter hundreds?"

"I have word that he is in negotiations of a contract with them. I'm uncertain of whom he might want to dispose of now but I am aware that he learned of Aiden Gourn's engagement with the lovely Lady Cousland at the ball."

Alistair's eyes widened in realization. "Why wouldn't he want her around?"

"I have confirmed that they grew up together and were best friends. Perhaps he thinks she will figure out it was him and wants to be rid of her before she can exact her revenge. If this is the case, he has not given the Lady enough credit. Apparently she is quite skilled at interrogations."

"Do you have any proof that this is the case, Zev?"

"I do not."

"Then we can't be sure of it," he wasn't willing to accept that anyone would want to hurt her.

"My dear friend, I don't need proof. My instincts are telling me that this is what Howe is planning. They have never been wrong before and have proven very useful to you in the past. In fact, I think you even came to rely on my instincts," the assassin winked at him. He knew Alistair would give in if he was sure this is what was happening.

The King started pacing the room.

"We have to come up with a plan. How are we going to handle this? We're going to need your expertise and talents on this one, Zev."

"Of course. I am here when you need me. However, can I make a suggestion?"

"Anything."

"Have you spoken to Valorn about this? It is always good to have another trusted friend examine the pieces we've put together."

"You know he's in Amaranthine. He's been busy dealing with The Mother and The Architect. I don't want to put Ferelden in danger by pulling him away from his post."

"Ahh. But what if you don't have to? I could be in Amaranthine in less than a day. I could tell him about the situation and he can tell me what he thinks. I want him involved Alistair. I may need him to assist me with certain, skills."

He stopped and stared at the elf.

"But you're the one who trained him! It's not that I don't trust him Zev, I honestly fear for the security of the country. We have just begun recovering from the Blight!"

"Alistair, he is far superior than me with a bow. I need him to back me up."

"What did you do before you joined us? Didn't you always work alone using your skills?"

"That is not the point."

"Alright Zev. If you need him. Make sure he puts someone in his place before he leaves."

The blonde elf nodded and left the room just as quickly as he had entered.

Alistair was very worried. How was he going to protect this woman? He felt he had already failed her once, and was in no hurry to do it again. He was pacing again when there was a knock at the door.

He rolled his shoulders in attempt to release some of the tension and sat down in his chair. There was no need to show he was worried.

"Come in."

"My King, there are several things that need your attention. You have pushed aside your duty for two weeks now," Eamon said flatly.

Alistair's face flushed with anger.

"I'm sorry, Eamon. I was so busy protecting my people from the person or persons responsible for the slaughter of the Gourns that I simply haven't had the time to settle petty squabbles. Oh no, you're right. You obviously need me to do that instead of finding the murderer. I can see how that is so much more important than seeking justice for a great crime," the sarcasm rolled off his tongue.

Eamon stiffly straightened his posture trying to keep his cool.

"There are other matters to attend to as well. You have made no public appearances since the ball. People have been worried that something is wrong. Especially since you just 'disappeared' and left me to cover for you! There have been several ladies who have called on you too. I do not have to remind you that bearing an heir is of utmost importance and should be done within the first few years of kingship. I noticed that you still had time fro Grey Warden business though."

"You have no right to question what I do as a Grey Warden! It is confidential and you know it. Get out," he rebutted.

"Your Majesty-"

"I said get out Eamon. Now."

The older man hesitated for a second but after looking at Alistair's face he thought it wiser to do as the King wished.

As Eamon left the room Alistair thought he heard him mumble something about "not being intimidated in this manner."

Eamon would have to wait. He needed to focus on Howe and make sure Kailyn was recovering. Her family was due at the palace any second and he still needed to bathe.

XxxXxXxXxXxXx

Kailyn gingerly slipped out of the bath. Her bones may be mended but she was still sore. For a moment she regretted sending away the servant who was supposed to assist her. She stood up, wobbled a moment but then regained her balance. The robe was laid within an arm's reach and with one graceful movement she had it on.

Slowly the Cousland girl made it to the vanity and sat down. She remembered the last time she sat down in front of a vanity. To get ready for the Royal Ball. "Where I was supposed to see...Aiden," It was the first time she allowed herself to even think his name.

Pushing back her unshed tears she picked up the brush that was laid out for her and began running it through her just-washed hair. It made her feel good getting back to some form of normalcy. It was difficult for her to remember how long she had laid in that bed. It seemed ages.

After her hair was brushed she slid on the borrowed dress. It was a baby blue color and appeared very simple. "Good. I don't think I could bring myself to button any sort of clasps..." she thought. She had left her hair down mainly because she didn't have the energy to mess with it either. It seemed fatigue was beginning to consume her already.

To help motivate herself she thought of her family. "Fergus, father, and mother will be here soon. I am so anxious to see them. I miss them all terribly."

Kailyn's thoughts were interrupted by two short raps on the door. Quickly, she walked over and opened it.

An elf was standing in front of her.

"M'lady, the King has asked me to inform you that you're family has arrived. He is with them now in the throne room. It has been requested that you join them as soon as you are able."

"Thank you."

"It has also been requested that I escort you there."

"Oh? That would be nice. I'm afraid I actually have no idea how to get to the throne room," Kailyn nervously smiled.

The maid curtsied and took her place outside the door waiting patiently.

Before she left her room she took one last, quick look into the mirror on her vanity. She was determined to appear happy. She didn't want sympathy. After feeling that she appeared as best she could Kailyn met the elf outside the door and followed her down the stone hallway.

When they reached the tall wooden doors a handsome brunette page greeted them and rushed inside to announce her arrival.

"Everything is so formal here..." she thought as she shook her head.

Her elven escort stood by her until the page opened the doors. He extended his arm towards to room inviting Kailyn inside.

Okay, so I know this chapter isn't as well written as the last one, but I didn't want to leave you guys hanging after how I ended that last one. Thanks to everyone who has subscribed and commented! I truly appreciate it :)