Chapter 15
"I've dealt with my ghosts and I've faced all my demons, finally content with a past I regret
I've found you find strength in your moments of weakness, for once I'm at peace with myself
I've been burdened with blame, trapped in the past for too long, I'm movin' on
At last I can see life has been patiently waiting for me, and I know there's no guarantees,
But I'm not alone, there comes a time in everyone's life
When all you can see are the years passing by, and I have made up my mind
That those days are gone"
I'm Moving On by Rascal Flatts
Alistair had hoped to enter the city of Denerim without any fanfare, but as he approached the city gates he realized that wasn't going to happen. The people were lined up outside the city walls and as he rode through the gates into the city, the streets were overflowing as the citizens waved, cheered and sent him their get well wishes. The love and affection that he felt from his people was incredibly moving and humbling. He dismounted and was followed closely by four Highever Knights as he walked the streets of Denerim. He greeted the citizens, and shook hands with them as he made his way to the Palace.
When he finally arrived, there was an even larger group awaiting him and standing at the top of the steps was Anora. He took a deep breath and began to ascend the stairs. As he made his way up to his wife he shook hands with several nobles who offered him their well-wishes.
He approached Anora who curtsied, "Welcome home, my Lord."
Alistair bowed to her, "It's good to be home, my Lady. I was hoping to make a much quieter entrance."
"Well Sire, when your people found out that you had been gravely injured, but that you had made a full recovery, they wanted to show you their admiration. It's obvious that your people love you," Anora said warmly, surprising Alistair a little.
"And it makes for great public relations," Alistair chortled.
Anora chuckled, "Yes it does."
Alistair hugged her and kissed her on the cheek. Again Alistair was shocked by the amount of affection she showed him. The crowd was delighted to see the tenderness between the royal couple and they cheered enthusiastically. They both turned and waved to their people before heading inside.
Once they stepped inside the main hall Eamon greeted both of them, "Welcome home, your Majesty. I am glad to see you are back in good health."
"Thank you Eamon, it's good to be back," Alistair replied.
"You will be happy to know that we received word from Varel at Vigil's Keep that the Commander is recovering nicely. She will be weak for some time, but is expected to make a full recovery," Eamon informed him.
"Thank you, Eamon. There is a lot that we need to get caught up on, but right now I want to get out of these dusty clothes and take a hot bath," Alistair replied.
"I thought you might be exhausted so I took the liberty to have a hot bath with a cheese tray sent to your room," Anora responded.
Alistair smiled at her, trying to hide his suspicions. "Thank you, Anora that was thoughtful of you and I appreciate it. After I get cleaned up could the two of you join me in my study. There are some things I need to discuss with you both."
A few hours later Eamon and Anora were seated in his office and he told them all about Tristen and Fiona, however he left out the fact that Fiona was an elven mage. He would have time to break that news at a later date. Anora seemed stunned, but Eamon was less disturbed by the news.
Alistair turned to Eamon, "You don't seem too surprised by this."
"Well, there were rumors that you had a twin brother that died at birth so no I'm not surprised that Maric had your twin sent away and kept you here since you were the oldest," Eamon replied.
"Well, there needs to be an announcement made to the nobles and to the rest of Ferelden about the fact that I have a twin brother. He is a Warden and will be seen throughout the land. We don't want to cause any unrest in the country," Alistair said.
Both Eamon and Anora agreed. "He will need to be introduced to the nobles," Eamon said.
"Yes, I was thinking we could do that at the next Landsmeet and since he is of Theirin blood he needs to be added into the line of succession as an heir to the throne." Alistair added.
"Yes, you are quite right," Eamon agreed.
They spent the rest of the meal asking him about Tristen and Alistair found that he rather enjoyed describing his brother to them.
xxXxx
It had been over two months since his return to Denerim and Alistair had once again fallen into a comfortable routine of running the country, meeting with nobles and listening to citizens' disputes. He was grateful that Anora was there to help with these mundane tasks and she was eager to educate him in the areas where he lacked the knowledge to make a well informed decision.
Although his days were hectic and demanding with the everyday activities of court life, most evenings he quietly relaxed in his study and reflected on the decisions that he had made that had changed the course of his life forever. Most nights he would become very melancholy. He knew that it was because of his anger and his rash decision that he was not at Vigil's Keep rebuilding the Wardens with Sabrina. As he came to terms with the choices that he had made, he vowed to never allow himself to make a rash judgment in anger ever again. It had cost him his freedom and a life with the woman that he loved and now he had to somehow find a way to live with the consequences.
In the short time that he had spent with Tristen, Alistair felt like he'd really bonded with his brother. He had really enjoyed his company, had come to love him even, but if he was honest with himself he was still very resentful that Tristen had stepped into the life that should have been his, with the only woman he would ever love and it was a constant battle that waged within him.
Alistair was surprised that even though he had been back for a few months that Anora was still friendly and affectionate towards him, and at times she was downright flirtatious. She had asked him to spend several evenings with him playing cards or reading together and Alistair found her company enjoyable. Their time together helped relieve some of the pain that he felt since losing Sabrina, and her companionship eased his loneliness and melancholy moods. However, as much as he wanted to take her attentions at face value she was still the daughter of Loghain and he couldn't help but have qualms about her intentions.
This evening she had invited him to her chamber for a private dinner and as he checked himself in the mirror one last time he realized he was a little nervous even though he had no idea why. He adjusted his doublet and then headed across the hall to the Queens rooms.
He knocked and a few seconds later Anora opened the door. He had to suppress his shock. She looked amazing. She wore a formfitting silver and blue brocade dress that highlighted her deep blue eyes and porcelain skin. She wore her blond hair down and the waves tumbled past her shoulders. Alistair knew that she was an attractive woman some might even say beautiful, but he had never thought of her that way because when Sabrina was in the room, she was the only woman he had eyes for.
Now as Anora stood in the warm glow of the candle and firelight, Alistair realized for the first time that she was a very striking woman. She smiled at him as she stepped aside and welcomed him in. They made their way over to the fireplace and her hand maiden served both of them with a glass of wine.
"I'm so glad you could join me this evening, Alistair," Anora said sincerely.
"I was a little surprised by the invitation, but I must say I found myself looking forward to this all day," Alistair replied truthfully.
"Well, since you have been back I know we have had numerous dinners to attend together, but we really haven't dined together alone and I thought it was about time we remedied that."
Before Alistair could reply the door opened and two servants carried in the first course. Anora gestured toward the table near the fire; Alistair held out her chair for her as she took a seat and then sat across from her. They spent most of the meal making idle chit chat, but once dessert had been served and they were alone, Anora reached over to rest her hand on top of Alistair's. She looked a little nervous as her gaze went from his eyes to their hands and then back to his eyes again.
"Alistair, I know that I am not the woman you envisioned as your wife or as your Queen. I know that your true love is at Vigil's Keep and is the Warden Commander. I would never try to replace her in your heart, but circumstances have brought us together. We can either fight against our current situation and against each other, or we can accept it and work together. I think you have the potential to be a great King. You are as loved by the people as Maric and Cailan, but you have a strategic and diplomatic mind that will make you an excellent ruler," Anora said.
Alistair looked at her questioningly, "What exactly are you saying?"
"I want to make this…make us work," Anora replied.
Alistair raised an eye brow, "Why the sudden change of heart"
Anora looked down again a little uneasy. She contemplated her words before she spoke. "After Sabrina left and you came to my rooms, I wasn't lying to you when I asked you for time because I was mourning. You may not believe me, but I loved Cailan. I had been in love with him since I was a young girl. His death crushed me and then the death of my father broke my h-heart even more." Her voice wavered and she paused to collect herself.
"So what has changed?" Alistair asked again respectfully.
She looked up at him and he saw compassion in her eyes. "When I received word that you had been kidnapped I realized that I didn't want to bury another husband and I prayed everyday that the Maker would spare your life."
Alistair must have had a look of absolute shock on his face because when Anora looked up at him she began to giggle. "Don't look so shocked, contrary to popular belief I do have a heart."
Alistair couldn't help but laugh. She laughed with him as she continued. "I don't believe that we are going to have a love story the bards sing about - I believe you've already had that. However, I do like you Alistair, and if we gave each other a chance I believe that with time we could grow to care about each other deeply. I also believe that together we can rebuild Ferelden and make it a great nation. What do you say, Alistair? Are you willing to give us a chance?"
"I appreciate everything you just said Anora, and I want to believe that your words are heartfelt, but I have to ask if this sudden change of heart has anything to do with the fact that there is another Theirin heir to take my place if anything were to happen to me," Alistair said.
Anora looked directly into his eyes as she spoke, "I would be lying if I said the thought hadn't crossed my mind and yes an heir with you would help secure my throne, but that is not why I asked for you to give us a chance. Both Cailan and my father died young and I realized life is too short to spend in a constant struggle for power with you when in reality our personalities complement each other. It will be better for Ferelden and in the long run more enjoyable and pleasant for us."
Alistair had resigned himself to the fact that this was the life he had chosen for himself. He could be miserable for the rest of it or he could try to make the best of it and hopefully find some happiness along the way. He knew that he would never love another the way he loved Sabrina, but in time he might be able care for the woman in front of him who had just completely opened herself up to him.
He looked into her hopeful eyes and he couldn't help, but smile. He nodded, "Yes, I am willing to give us a chance. I too believe that together we can accomplish great things for Ferelden and if along the way we can find comfort and security in each other it will make the journey even sweeter."
Now it was Anora's turn to look utterly shocked and Alistair chuckled. "Don't look so shocked, contrary to popular belief I can speak elegantly when I want to."
Anora laughed as she stood up, walked over to him and took his hand. She led him to her bed chamber and once the door was closed he pulled her into his arms, drew her to him and leaned down to kiss her. She returned the kiss and slid her arms around his neck. The kiss started out chaste and slow, but as she entwined her fingers in his hair, his body began to respond and he deepened the kiss.
They proceeded to undress each other slowly and then Alistair laid her back on the bed. He took his time as explored her body. Anora was only the second woman he had ever been with and it made him a little nervous, but as he licked, sucked and kissed her in all the right places her body responded as she came on his fingers, on his mouth and around his swollen member. He enjoyed being a generous lover and it delighted him that Anora seemed extremely pleased as she curled up beside him completely sated. "You were incredible. Who knew a chantry boy could be so talented?" She cooed.
"Well, the pleasure was all mine," Alistair murmured as he pulled her onto his chest.
It wasn't the best sex of his life, but it was still very enjoyable and the areas that Anora lacked could easily be taught. He had to smile, he was grateful that Sabrina had been so sexually uninhabited and that she had taught him how to truly pleasure a woman. Just as skillfully and lovingly as Sabrina had educated him in the art of making love he would instruct Anora and as he drifted off to sleep he realized he was actually looking forward to it.
Alistair was walking in the courtyard at Vigil's Keep. It was a quiet morning and hardly anyone was up yet. He heard the clashing of metal coming from the sparring ring and he headed in that direction. As he approached the ring he saw Tristen and himself sparring, Alistair stood in the shadows and watched.
Alistair smiled devilishly at his sparring partner, "Oh come on Tristen, don't be such a gentleman, it's just me. We are both in love with the same woman we can at least be honest with each."
Tristen circled Alistair and as Alistair charged, he blocked him with his shield and pushed him back. "Yeah, there is such a thing as too much honesty."
They circled each other again, "Oh just give me a ballpark," Alistair taunted.
Tristen remained silent as he charged Alistair swinging his sword up in an arch, Alistair raised his blade and the swords crossed between them and the distinct sound of metal being scraped together echoed throughout the courtyard.
Tristen withdrew his blade and the two brothers began to circle again. Alistair grinned at his twin, "Please Brother, tell me that you have at least once had her reach that glorious moment of sexual bliss," Alistair said teasingly.
Slightly stunned Tristen defensively replied, "Of course!"
"Well, at least you accomplished it at least once," Alistair jokingly mocked.
Still feeling like he was defending his manhood Tristen retorted, "OH, no need to worry Brother, Brin reaches complete satisfaction numerous times when we are together," Tristen said smugly.
Alistair grinned again at his brother as they circled one another. "Numerous times, huh? So more than two?"
"Yes Alistair, if you most know it's more than two," Tristen grunted.
Alistair continued to grin, "Huh, is it three? Is that the most number of times you have been able to have her reach climax? If so, three is not bad, it's a good number, but not very ambitious of you."
Tristen glared at Alistair and through gritted teeth said, "It's more than three, okay!"
"So it's four…five?'
"FIVE! Are you happy now, it was five times in one night!"
Alistair continued to grin, "Huh, not bad, not bad at all little Brother."
"LITTLE brother, only by seconds and what do you mean not bad? Five is a great number, not easily achieved, but it did make for a remarkable night," Tristen said as he winked at his brother goading him on.
Alistair snickered at his brother, "No your right, five is not easily achieved, but I still think you are underachieving."
"Oh and what is your number?'
Alistair broke out into a huge grin, "Well, you have to understand I am a very generous lover. My partner's pleasure comes before mine and…"
"Hey wait a minute, I am not a selfish lover and Brin's pleasure always comes before mine," Tristen interjected.
"I did not mean to insinuate that you were a self-centered, self-gratifying lover. I just mentioned my own style so that you had a point of reference when I told you that in one glorious, passion filled night I had Bree climax seven times."
Tristen's jaw dropped in astonishment. "Seven times?...You're her number one on her top five."
Alistair grinned, "Yep!"
Tristen leveled his eyes at Alistair and smirked. "Well Brother, thanks for giving me a new goal."
Alistair's expression changed and become more somber. He looked sadly into Tristen's eyes, "Promise me you will take care of her and never cause her the kind of pain that I've caused her."
"You have my word, Alistair, until my last breath I will take care of her and love her."
Alistair turned away from the dueling brothers as the scene changed to that splendid night at Eamon's estate, when he had asked her to be his wife. She had enthusiastically agreed to spend the rest of her life with him and then he'd proceeded to explore every inch of her body until they were both sated and fell into a deep sleep as the sun began to rise.
Author's note - Thank you to all of my faithful readers and reviewers. It's wonderful hearing your thoughts and comments.
*A big shout out to my beta peeps, RandomWittering and Jinx1983, you ladies are the best! Thank you for all of your help, advise, support and most of all your friendship.