Chapter 6 - Change in Plans

A/N: The third section of this chapter is NSFW. ;) This chapter is a bit longer than usual, but I just really didn't want to break it before the good stuffs. Of which the next few chapters will have plenty.

- 9:27 Dragon -

A cool autumn breeze mingled with Emilia's long chocolate locks. As she sat up in her favorite tree, the wind teased and tore through her tresses, pushing them across her face, distracting her from escaping into the world of her novel. She groaned, grabbed the locks, and tied them into a giant knot in an attempt to keep them more interrupting her further. That'll be the last time I leave my hair down, she decided. The twenty-year-old noble resumed her reading, only to have the knot fall out and her hair block her vision yet again.

Frustrated, Emilia looked up from her book, sweeping the locks back and tucking them behind her ear. The distraction became a grateful one, as it allowed her to spot a courier approaching Highever. She was expecting to hear news of Nathaniel's return plans any day now, and hoped the man was bringing her just that. Emilia snapped the book shut and deftly scaled down the tree. She intercepted the messenger, standing between him and one of Highever's guard.

The man holding the letter smiled as he handed it to Emilia. "From Ser Rodolphe's Estate in the Marches. For you, my lady."

For years now this courier had been delivering letters to Highever, and Emilia had become somewhat familiar with the middle-aged gentleman. She was so excited when he delivered what would likely be the last letter coming from the Free Marches that she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Thank you, Glenn!"

"The pleasure is all mine, Lady Cousland," the messenger responded with a chuckle.

Elated, Emilia dashed into the estate and sat in her favorite chair in the parlor. She hastily opened the letter, her nimble fingers able to do so without tearing it.

My Emilia,

I regret that I have unfortunate news. Because of the numerous interruptions to my training, Ser Rodolphe has decided that I need to stay here for another year, maybe two. I completely disagree, and wrote to my father, asking him to come and evaluate me himself. He turned me down flat, stated that he trusted Ser Rodolphe's judgement, and threatened to make Thomas heir if I were to leave prematurely. It's bullshit, Em. I doubt staying here any longer will be of any benefit. I explained to my father that at this point it would make more sense for me to learn more of the politics of Amaranthine, but he insists I stay here in the Free Marches for awhile longer. I really hope this isn't all a ploy to keep me away so he can make Thomas the heir anyways. I wouldn't put it past him, except that me being the future arl is part of the reason your parents agreed on the marriage arrangement. Still, it worries me that he's up to something.

I suppose we'll just have to settle on writing letters to each other for awhile longer, my love. I'm sorry.

Love,

Nathaniel

Her stomach became an aching pit. Tears brimmed in her emerald eyes, threatening to overflow. Disappointment and sadness quickly turned to rage. Her tiny hands crumpled the paper into a ball which she discarded onto the chair before storming off to her chambers. It was time to blow off some steam.

After changing into her armor and equipping her daggers, Emilia sought out her favorite sparring partner, Ser Gilmore. As the most skilled knight at Castle Highever, he always gave her the greatest challenge in a duel. She beat him almost as often as he defeated her, and Emilia preferred it that way. It kept things fun. Most of the other knights didn't dare to give Emilia their best in a duel, resulting in her always winning, which did nothing but bore her. Ser Gilmore knew her well enough to know she wasn't some delicate flower. Emilia was also positive that he had a crush on her, and though she never encouraged it, she had been known use his feelings as a means of manipulating her way into getting what she wanted from time to time.

Strangely, she found him mucking out the stables. Evidently he had done something to warrant this as punishment, but Emilia didn't care.

"I'll take care of it," she asserted. "I need you. Now."

Her provocative stance distracted the poor knight. "My lady?"

"To spar, of course!" Emilia batted her eyebrows. "Would you not rather do that than..." she gestured all around the stables. "This?"

Ser Gilmore agreed heartily and the two were off to the training grounds.

Emilia came at Ser Gilmore harder than ever before, focusing all her anger into her blades. She was pissed beyond belief - at Ser Rodolphe, at Rendon Howe, even at Nathaniel a bit, though she knew it wasn't his fault. He had been working his hardest these past few years so he could come home to her.

In a rare occurrence, Emilia managed to cause Ser Gilmore to fall to the ground.

He breathed heavily. "I think I need a holiday," he grumbled.

A light went off in Emlia's mind. "Ser Gilmore, you're brilliant!"

Footsteps approached behind her. Gilmore, propped up by his forearms, darted his eyes past Emilia. They widened when he saw he who was coming.

Emilia immediately recognized her father's voice. "Ser Gilmore, why are my stables - " The teryn paused mid-sentence. "Ah, now I see. Please return to your duties."

The knight scrambled to his feet. "Yes, your lordship! Sorry, your lordship!" The young man bowed and scurried off.

Before his daughter turned around, Bryce addressed her. "Conscripting Ser Gilmore again to deal with your temper, Pup?"

Emilia, putting on an act, scowled and turned towards her father, arms folded across her chest. "How would - "

Bryce held up a the parchment she had left crumpled on the chair, though it had now been smoothed as much as possible. "I must say I'm disappointed as well, especially considering Rendon has yet to say anything to me about it. I'm afraid there isn't much we can do, Pup."

He held out his arms, offering his daughter an embrace which she of course accepted. She looked up at her father, her big green eyes finding his, a slight smirk drawing across her face. He chuckled, still holding his girl. "Oh dear, I know that face. Just what are you plotting now, Emilia?"

She took her father's arm and walked with him back into the castle. "Well, Father, since you asked..."

Perhaps the most smug and satisfied visage in all of Thedas covered Emilia's face as she laid eyes on Ser Rodolphe's estate for the first time. Her plan had worked, and soon she would be enjoying Nathaniel's company for an entire week.

Emilia had proposed that her father write Ser Rodolphe requesting that they visit. The pretense for said journey would be business in Starkhaven, but Bryce noted his disappointment in Nathaniel's extended stay in his letter. He stated that his daughter would be accompanying him, and proposed a break for Nathaniel as a means of appeasing them for having to wait at least another year for the wedding. Rodolphe would have been mad to have turned such a proposition down - a few houseguests was nothing in exchange for earning favor with the Teryn of Highever. Emilia also pointed out that this journey would give Fergus a chance to run things at home without their father around. Eleanor would keep a close eye on how Fergus handled things, but would let him do so on his own. She would evaluate how her son did and let Bryce know her conclusions upon his return. Bryce knew he was long overdue to visit Starkhaven, that his son needed an opportunity to practice and learn, and that Emilia would never let it go if he didn't do anything about Nathaniel's extension in his training. Her plan was clever, and so he indulged her. Given that she was not needed for the business in Starkhaven, Emilia would stay at Ser Rodolphe's estate while Bryce attended his business in the city, which was only half a day's journey away.

After six long days of travel on horseback, across the Waking Sea, and through the Vimmark Mountains, Emilia finally laid eyes on the sizeable estate of Ser Rodolphe. The sun was setting on her left, the stables to her right already cast in a shadow of night. A stable hand approached the Cousland travel party, expecting their arrival. Emilia ignored the servant's offer of assistance and hopped off her horse skillfully. Her muscles ached from the journey, but she was stubborn and wouldn't be perceived as a weak girl around new faces. Another man, tall and sinewy, leaned against a pillar. The clasps on his leather armor twinkled in the low light of dusk. The man came out from the shadows as she came down from her steed, a grin a mile wide strewn across his face. His silver eyes quickly glanced across her entire form, appreciating the view of her in leather adventuring armor.

"Nathaniel!" Emilia exclaimed as the pair quickly closed the distance, folding into his embrace.

"I can't believe you're actually here." Nathaniel squeezed her tightly before releasing her and turning to greet her father. "Your Lordship," Nathaniel greeted the teryn properly, bowing his head.

Bryce chuckled and grinned. "Such wonderful manners, but you don't need to be so formal around me, Nathaniel. You'll be my son-in-law soon enough, after all." The teryn gave Nathaniel a friendly pat on the back, a casual gesture punctuating his casual words and demeanor.

Servants gathered Bryce and Emilia's luggage and followed behind the group as Nathaniel led them into the estate, his hand wrapped around Emilia's as they walked together. Bryce smiled warmly; it comforted him to know the marriage they had arranged all those years ago would be a happy one.

Ser Rodolphe was waiting for the group just inside the door. As soon as they entered, Nathaniel made proper introductions. Emilia curtseyed even though she wore armor, causing the older knight to grin and let out a laugh - the first Nathaniel had ever heard from him. Ser Rodolphe then offered Emilia his arm, which she took, giving him a bright wide smile. The host then led his guests into the dining hall for dinner. Nathaniel wasn't quite sure what to think - but if Emilia's infectious personality caused his knight to lighten up a bit, it certainly wouldn't bother him.

The conversation over dinner largely pertained to Bryce's plans and schedule for the week. The teryn would take a day of rest tomorrow and stay at Rodolphe's estate, and the following morning would depart for Starkhaven and stay there for five nights. One more night would then be spent at Rodolphe's estate before the teryn and Emilia headed back to Ferelden. Rodolphe gave Bryce advice on the best places to eat and visit within the city of Starkhaven, and also filled Emilia in on Nathaniel's relaxed schedule for the week. He would still have some regular conditioning exercises to do, but would have considerably more free time than usual.

Emilia was charming as always. Mere minutes later and she already had Ser Rodolphe laughing, smiling, and telling old stories - some of which Nathaniel hadn't even heard yet. The Howe wondered why he had even worried about how Rodolphe would act around Emilia; she tended to have this effect on people, and it shouldn't surprise him that it was also true now. Nathaniel's eyes met Emilia's from across the table, her lips already strewn into a smile from laughing at one of the old knight's stories. Light danced in her emerald orbs, reflecting the joy filling them. Nathaniel had to focus on her joy to spark a twinkle in his eye, for he was having to suppress a much different emotion - a wantonness he didn't want her father to see.

Nathaniel simply couldn't wait for the teryn to leave for Starkhaven.

This is impossible, Emilia paced around the guest quarters in her nightgown, attempting to turn in for the night. She should be exhausted from all the travelling, but she was wide awake, full of energy. Nathaniel is just down the hall - how can I possibly sleep now? She twisted the end of her braid in her fingers, debating if she should let it out, brush her hair, and climb into bed - or sneak out.

Before she had the chance to decide, the door to her room suddenly opened. Her heart skipped a beat, her breath hitched, and her mouth dropped agape. In another rare moment Emilia was left speechless - yet again by Nathaniel Howe. He smirked as he entered the room, skillfully closing the door behind him silently.

Emilia's heart began to race as he sauntered towards her, clad simply in breeches and a white undershirt. Hunger filled his silver eyes, which he kept trained on Emilia as he approached. Heat crawled up her neck and cheeks as he neared, but she dismissed whatever nerves were attempting to build inside of her. Nothing made her nervous, after all.

Without hesitation, word or warning, Nathaniel's mouth crashed against Emilia's and he pulled her in towards his tall, sinewy body. She melted in his embrace, her mouth moving with his. Unwittingly, she let out a soft moan into him.

"Shh," he urged her. "We wouldn't want to wake anyone, would we, my love?" Nathaniel was clearly referring to the fact that though the walls were fairly thick, her father's room was just next door.

My love. Him calling her thatcaused the heat to spread to lower parts of Emilia's body. "Most certainly not," she whispered back.

Calloused hands gently caressed the crown of her head, but the sweet gesture didn't last long before it suddenly transformed into a sensuous one. His long fingers gripped and tugged her chocolate locks, pulling her closer. Following his lead, Emilia moved to her toes to close the gap between their heights. Nathaniel remained still, his lips curling up into a smirk yet again. He refrained from meeting her the rest of the way, his delay a torturous moment. Emilia's breath hitched as Nathaniel unexpectedly slid his hands down the length of her torso, cupped her ass and lifted her petite frame from the ground. Her feet were in the air, free from solid ground, and so she reflexively wrapped her slender legs around his toned waist. Nathaniel pressed his full lips against Emilia's, kissing her deeply as he stepped closer to the back wall of the room. Her spine pressed against the cold stone, a striking contrast to her lips against his warm mouth. Nathaniel dared to take one hand away from her bottom, finding her hair yet again. Tendrils fell from her formerly neat braid as he tugged, the slight painful pleasure making it a struggle to remain silent.

Excitement coursed through Emilia's veins, her heart pounding, full of life, wanting more. Her delicate hands explored his smooth face, muscular shoulders and chest, finally finding his shirt. Nimble fingers loosed the laces of its neckline in a hurried, impatient fashion. He hummed his approval against her neck - another new, pleasurable experience for her. Part of her wanted Nathaniel's lips to never leave that spot, and the other wanted to feel him kiss her everywhere. She wanted all of him, and she knew he wanted her, too. The bulge in his breeches rubbed against her center as he moved his mouth to the other side of her neck, giving it the same intoxicating treatment, careful not to leave any marks. Emilia rolled her hips against him slightly, craving but unable to do more given her restrained position against the wall. Her fingers traveled down his back, nails scraping slightly along the way down until she found the bottom of his shirt. Her fingers curled under, and abruptly, Nathaniel stepped back from the wall, releasing his hold on her and guiding her feet to the floor.

Emilia mourned the absence of his warm body when Nathaniel moved away. Without hesitation he removed his shirt, revealing his taut chest and core. Her heart skipped a beat at the spectacle, and anticipation ached between her legs as he leered at her, tossing the garment towards the door without a care, the white fabric making soft thump on impact. A smirk crawled across her face, excited for what she hoped came next, her center wet and ready. She moved her fingers to the back of her neck to loosen her gown, but Nathaniel interrupted her.

"Allow me," he softly purred. She nodded and turned around, her back facing him. Slowly, he untied the bow at the top and pushed the white fabric over her shoulders, the tips of his rough fingers brushing across her smooth skin. The gown then fell to the floor, revealing her bare backside, save the small clothes covering her ass. As she turned to face him, unwelcome heat returned to her cheeks. Emilia failed to cover up her nerves. Feeling completely vulnerable, her wide emerald eyes blinked more than usual, and her smirk was replaced with a shy smile.

Nathaniel took in the sight of her slim, fit body and flawless skin, his gaze scaling her from bottom to top. Everything he saw only fueled his desire: the curve of her hips, her toned abdomen, perfect, perky breasts. But then his silver eyes found her face - shy and embarrassed. Not his typical Emilia.

He brushed a lock of her hair behind her ear. "Are you alright?" he asked sincerely, his voice a low whisper.

She swallowed and nodded. "Just a little out of my element," she admitted. Exhaling, she rolled her eyes and smiled. "This isn't exactly something I've trained for."

His hand laid upon her cheek. "But is this something you want?"

"Oh Maker, yes, Nate," she replied without hesitation.

With a smirk and a soft growl, Nathaniel swept Emilia off her feet and walked over to the bed. Gently, he laid her down and climbed on top of her. His hips pressed against hers, pinning her to the bed. Eager and wanting more, Emilia ground her hips against his, creating a pleasurable friction despite the layers of fabric separating their skin. Their lips met again, and this time Nathaniel's velvet tongue entered and explored her mouth. His hands pulled and teased her hair, most certainly making a mess of it as they made out arduously.

Emilia whimpered when Nathaniel took his mouth away. "You're doing it again, my love." His breath was hot on her ear as he whispered and shushed her. She was so caught up in it all that she hadn't even realized the growing volume of her moaning. One of his rough hands gripped her side, fingers digging into her skin. The other in contrast delicately traced her neck, sending a shiver down her spine.

His calloused digits continued across her collarbone, her skin burning from his touch as it trailed further down her body. She whined softly as he squeezed her breast. Nathaniel teased one nipple slightly, making note of the rare freckle near to it. He found another as his hand traveled down her taut abdomen, the small brown spot adorning her hip bone. He pressed a kiss to it and whispered a promise against her skin. "I look forward to finding all of your little spots, Em."

She exhaled, his leathery voice and lascivious promise incited her desire, which was now completely unbearable. "Please," she begged, though she wasn't sure what for.

With fire in his eyes and a smirk tugging his full lips, Nathaniel's rough, long fingers finally slid under Emilia's small clothes, finding her wet center. She twitched, unfamiliar with the pleasurable sensation. He chuckled, amused and appreciating her readiness for him. He dipped a finger inside, filling her heated core. The feel of him, even just a single finger, was intoxicating and intriguing all at once. Emilia wondered how she could possibly fit more inside of her, but was pulled away from her thoughts as he removed the digit and circled her nub with it instead.

She made the softest moan, the sweet sound driving him crazy. But he was patient, and had specific intentions for this visit to her room. Emilia interrupted those plans when her hands found the laces of his breeches, and began to untie them.

Nathaniel sat up, out of her reach. "Not just yet, my love."

"And why not?" She protested. "We've waited far too long."

A husky chuckle escaped him. "Trust me, it will be worth it."

She nodded in agreement, surrendering to his wishes.

The sight of her, strong and stubborn Emilia Cousland, bowing to his desires further fueled his need. He reminded himself that Bryce was just next door and resolved to do exactly what he set out to do when he came in here and no more. But the time for teasing and play was coming to an end - if he kept it up much longer, he would lose control.

Nathaniel curled his fingers under the fabric of Emilia's small clothes and carefully removed them. As much as he wanted to rip them off of her, doing so could end up requiring an explanation of sorts later.

She trembled in reaction to his touch, unfamiliar but certainly not unwelcome. She wondered what he was about to do to her, and what else he had planned. His hot mouth pressed a kiss against her ankle and he looked up at her with devilish steel eyes. His lips left a trail of soft bites, kisses and licks as he worked his way up to her center. He hovered over her nub, and likely sensing her impatience, held her down firmly with his grip. He chuckled lightly, the exhale of his breath teasing her. He backed away and she sighed in disapproval, causing him to remind her yet again to stay quiet.

"If you can't, I'll just have to leave you like this," he threatened coyly.

Emilia snapped her lips shut tightly and made a locking motion over them with her fingers, giving Nathaniel a wink and a smirk which promised she would stay quiet.

With a grin and a lustful leer, Nathaniel resumed his task, giving the other leg the same treatment as the one before. When his mouth finally reached her center, his hands gripped her hips, pressing her firmly down against the bed. His prominent nose brushed gently over her nub. She squirmed, feeling an intense buzz she never had before. He placed a soft kiss against her center and listened for her reaction. She exhaled sharply through her nose, but was doing very well indeed to keep quiet, and her discretion would be rewarded. Nathaniel's tongue found her folds, and she struggled to stay still beneath him. He kept her pinned down as he licked, nuzzled, and hummed against her pearl, occasionally looking up to check on her. Pale breasts heaved and she whimpered sweet high sounds as softly as possible.

He continued his ministrations with pride, skillfully pleasing her with both his tongue and his fingers. He pressed only one inside of her, and with her lack of experience, it was all that was needed. After a little exploration, he found her weak spot - her hips bucked towards him and he forced her down, focusing on that spot. With each pulse of his finger and swirl of his tongue she grew closer and closer to her release.

Her fingers pulled his hair, her entire body tensed, and she whispered his name like a prayer when she finally reached her climax. He expertly continued to please her throughout her orgasm, drawing it out as long as possible. Finally, her body calmed and stilled, and she relaxed her fingers, gliding them through his thin, dark hair lovingly.

Nathaniel crawled up the bed and laid next to her, cradling her naked and sweating form in his arms. Emilia turned a pressed a kiss to his lips, learning what he had just tasted.

She smiled as she wiped some of her wetness off from the side of his mouth. "I take it that's not the first time you've done that," she observed with a light, playful tone.

"That was the first time which wasn't simply practice," he clarified.

"Practice?" Emilia coyly reiterated.

"For you, of course." Nathaniel's admission rekindled Emilia's desire. She shivered, both with desire and from the cool evening air rolling over her dampened bare skin. Nathaniel chuckled and pulled her onto his warm chest. "Part of my training here, you could say."

He pressed a kiss to her forehead and got up from the bed, retrieving her nightgown and bringing it back over to her. "You should probably put this back on," his low leathery voice suggested. "I hadn't intended to remove it, but I suppose I got a bit carried away."

Emilia sat up in bed and pulled the soft fabric over her head. She wasn't ready for him to leave yet. Thinking quickly and manipulatively, she devised a way to get him back into the bed. "Would you tie the laces back? You did such a great job of untieing them earlier, it's only fair," she teased.

Nathaniel shook his head and grinned. "I know what you're doing, Emilia. But yes, I'll tie it for you." He sat next to her and spoke again as he did as she asked. "You know, if you want more of me, you simply have to ask."

Tiny, delicate fingers cupped his chin once he finished tying the knot, emerald eyes meeting his gaze.

As she parted her lips, he knew precisely what she was about to say.

A/N: I sincerely hope you all enjoyed this chapter! It's been awhile since I wrote smut, and I have to give a huge thanks to my beta Ms Sticha for the amazing suggestions she gave. :) Also, thanks to all of you who followed, favorited, and left reviews - it really does make my day! :)