Chapter 16

Teagan watched as Marlena opened her eyes when he caressed her cheek.

"Good morning."

"Morning. We should be getting up soon." Marlena kissed him. "I want to do some wedding planning today."

"When we are married and settled, we will have days when we will get up when we want to."

"Good because this feels absolutely wonderful." Marlena snuggled against him.

"So aside from your brother and Sandra, is there anyone else you want to invite to our wedding?"

"Hopefully Leliana and Zevran will be able get here. Maker! It's a good thing I left Antiva before the political unrest started. I want them to celebrate with us. And Alfstanna and Sighard. Maybe a few of the Wardens. I just want the people who stood by me."

"Well I am certainly relieved you left Antiva when you did." Teagan hugged her close. "As for the wedding guests, I want Ser Perth and Ser Donnal standing beside me when we wed. They stood by me and they are more than just my knights. They are my friends."

"I agree and of course Britta will be there."

"And after we wed and celebrate with our loved ones, I shall whisk you away for a brief holiday where we will celebrate our union in bed until we cannot walk or stand."

"I can't wait."

He crushed her lips to hers for one last kiss.

Marlena got out of bed and Teagan playfully spanked her ass which made her laugh.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Marlena and Teagan laughed as they came down the stairs and found Fergus and Sandra looking grim.

"Good morning." Marlena said, concerned about the expression on their faces. "Is something wrong?"

"Yes what is it?" Teagan shared Marlena's concern. "We just visited with Rowann and Bryce so it's obviously not the children."

"Teagan." Fergus approached him and put a hand on his shoulder. "I am so sorry to have to be the one to tell you this but I just received a note from your brother's servants. He was found dead in his bed this morning."

Teagan's hand squeezed Marlena's and she saw all the color gone from his face.

"I need to get there."

"I'll arrange for a carriage." Fergus left the room.

"I'm coming as well." Marlena put her arm around Teagan and he pulled her close and hugged her.

"I need you there with me."

….

"What are you thinking about Alistair?" Wynne watched as he gazed out the window.

"I'm thinking about something Marlena said when we talked. She said that she bore the burden when we were on the road."

"Alistair, she was barely nineteen years old when Duncan rescued her. She left her parents knowing they were going to be killed. Marlena promised she would go on and fulfill her duty and that's what she did. The Couslands did not become the second most powerful family in Denerim by sitting around."

"No I suppose they didn't." Alistair sighed.

"Marlena told me at camp one night that she knelt in her father's blood the night she fled with Duncan. That is not something to easily forget."

"I did. She had to remind me a couple of times that her family was massacred. I suppose I didn't really see the extent of her grief until she killed Howe. And Marlena is right. I may have been her second, but she did everything. She handled the watch schedules, the money, everything. When you joined us, you helped ease the pressure but I could have done so much more."

"It's too late to dwell on the past Alistair. And you did you share."

"But I can't help it Wynne. We should be ruling together and our son should be alive." He choked. "You know when we arrived at Lothering for supplies we had sixty silver and we left the village with fifteen sovereign. We never went without when we were on the road."

"She made us loot every body." Wynne remembered. "We went through belongings left by fleeing refugees. We salvaged and repaired until we finally had to purchase. We sold and traded things. It was hard to believe this young woman was the daughter of the Teyrn of Highever."

"Marlee made Amaranthine a success because of what she learned on the road."

"Stop it Alistair." Wynne warned. "This is not helping you."

"I don't care Wynne." Alistair slammed his fist against the wall. "She should be married to me. Marlena should be queen. Now I am trapped, married to that cold bitch."

"I'm sorry. I wish I had been able to intervene when Eamon put that plan in motion. She is not very…. amiable as a figurehead."

"Anora knew full well when we brought her back she would not be ruling. All she has to do is look pretty, focus on her charity work, and produce an heir."

"I don't mean to pry into your personal affairs Alistair but you two… rarely share a bed and who are those people in her entourage? I only know Erlina and she rarely speaks. I know that one woman is a mage. I can feel her power but she is not from Ferelden."

"The only time I've shared a bed with Anora is when I am either drunk or when she agrees to it Wynne, and both ways I don't have to remember it. As for the people she's with, Adelle is a mage from Nevarra. And the man is Bruno and he's from there too. She insisted they come with her when she was brought back. I don't ask questions. As long as she stays out of my way and plays her role I don't care."

"Alistair, perhaps you should ask questions and care."

"Excuse me your Majesty."

Alistair and Wynne turned to see Sighard at the doorway.

"We just received word that Eamon passed away last night." Sighard looked down when he said that.

"Thank you Sighard." Alistair sat down and slumped in his chair.

"Despite what Eamon has done you have to go pay your respects it's your responsibility as king, Alistair."

"Sighard we're expecting a new mage today. Will you please give her my apologies?" Alistair looked at Wynne. "What was her name?"

"Fiona." Wynne smiled.

"When Fiona arrives, please make her comfortable and tell her I will see her when she gets back. Let her have access to the gardens and library. If she is hungry, have the cooks whip her up something."

"Yes your Majesty." Sighard bowed and left the room.

"Let's head over there." Alistair sighed. "Will you please come with me Wynne?"

"Of course I am." Wynne smiled. "It will be one of my last official duties for the crown."

"Thank you Wynne." He stood up and took her arm.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fergus, Teagan, & Marlena stood outside the hall as servants moved Eamon's casket there.

Marlena looked at Teagan and could see his pain. Despite Eamon's actions, he was his brother and now he and Rowann were the last Guerrins in Ferelden.

The servants left the room and Teagan looked at Fergus and Marlena.

"I just can't believe…"

"We'll wait out here if you want some time alone." Marlena said as she held Teagan's hand.

"No." Teagan looked at her. "I…need you with me Lena."

"Of course I'll come with you Teagan."

"Fergus if anyone comes by to pay their respects would please handle it?"

"You don't even have to ask, we're going to be brothers soon. And families support each other"

"Indeed they do." Teagan said gratefully. "Thank you Fergus."

Fergus touched Marlena's shoulder and gave her an approving nod as she went with Teagan. He shut the doors and headed for the entrance with one of the servants when he heard a knock.

… . . . . . . . . . … . . . . . . …

Marlena watched as Teagan put his hands on the casket.

"I wish I could hate him Lena but…I can't."

Marlena put her arm around him. "He was your brother and despite everything that has happened, I know he was once a good man. Mourn that man, the one he used to be Teagan and pray for the man he became."

"How did I get so lucky to have you?" Teagan pulled her close. "After what he did to you, how can you be so forgiving?"

"I love you Teagan and I can feel your pain. I'll never forget what Eamon did but I know he was once a good man. I know he did a lot of good for Ferelden before his ambition corrupted him."

"Just when I thought I could not love you any more than I already did." Teagan caressed her cheek as she brushed the few tears from his face.

Teagan wrapped his arm around Marlena as they looked at the casket.

"I still don't feel like I should be mourning him."

"Teagan, it will come to you when you are ready. I did not mourn when I fled the castle with Duncan, though the memory of kneeling in my father's blood as he lay dying was seared into me. It took weeks to get to Ostagar and the images of my father and leaving my mother behind were always with me. I also had nightmares of seeing Orianna and Oren's bodies where I found them. One day we encountered some bandits and after we dealt with them, the realization of what I had lost hit me. I ran off and Duncan went after me. Eventually he found me and didn't let me go."

"And what happened after that?"

"He held me and I cried until I had no more tears to shed."

"The Commander of the Grey let you cry on him?" Teagan looked amazed.

"I never forgot it either. I only knew Duncan for several weeks and I never knew why he believed in me. He was… an incredible man and I don't think I would have accomplished the things I did had it not been for him believing in me. He saw the strength in me that I could not see in myself."

"I saw that strength Lena. I saw it the minute you walked in the chantry all those years ago. And I see it now as you stand by me."

"Will we be having a service for him?"

"Let's head to the study and see if he left any specific instructions."

. . . …. . . . … . . .

Alistair and Wynne stood awkwardly with Fergus.

"Teagan will appreciate the visit."

"Despite….Eamon's… recent actions I am well aware of his past service to the crown and Ferelden." Alistair managed to get out.

"He has our sympathy." Wynne added.

"They should be out soon." Fergus said, looking as if he wanted to be somewhere else.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Marlena stumbled back and shook her head lightly as they reached the door.

"Lena, are you alright?" Teagan wrapped his arms around her.

"I'm alright." Marlena said. "I probably should have eaten something before we came here."

"We will go back to your brother's as soon as…"

Marlena went limp in his arms.

"Lena!" Teagan tapped her face and was relieved to see she was breathing. He picked her up and opened the door.

"Fergus! You sister fainted." Teagan suddenly noticed Wynne and Alistair.

"Is there anything we can do?" They rushed to Teagan.

"Before she fainted, Lena stumbled back before fainting and mentioned that she should have eaten. Let's get her to one of the empty rooms."

"Let me help her Teagan." Wynne said. "Please. Until you get a physician."

"Yes… of course."

"I'll have one of the guards bring back the palace physician." Alistair said.

"Thank you your Majesty."
He watched Fergus and Teagan carry her up the stairs with Wynne following behind.

"I'm alright." Marlena opened her eyes.

"No." Teagan said firmly. "This is more than not eating. Something is wrong and we are going to find out."

"I'm just a little tired and need some food." Marlena protested.

"Stop being stubborn Sister." Fergus said.

"Nigella!" Teagan yelled. "Will you please help us?"

"Yes your Grace!" Nigella ran to the nearest door and opened it for them and shut it as soon as they carried Marlena inside.

Teagan and Fergus placed her on the bed.

"Please Lena." Teagan looked at her pleadingly. "A physician is being sent for; please let him and Wynne care for you."

"Alright…Teagan." Marlena glanced at Wynne before looking back at him.

"Thank you." He kissed her. "I'll wait downstairs with your brother."

Fergus reached down and gave her a kiss on cheek. "I love you Sister."

Wynne shut the door after they left the room.

"Alistair and I came here to pay our respects Marlena. I certainly didn't expect…"

"To be coming to my aid." Marlena said.

"No. And I know this awkward for you but please believe that I do want to help you. I need to know how you have been feeling lately. Have you noticed anything different? As your appetite changed?"

"No." Marlena sighed. "I have been more tired lately."

Marlena sat up and reluctantly let Wynne unbutton her dress.

"Do you still get your cycles?"

"Only three to four times a year. It's never been the same since the Joining."

Wynne placed a hand on her belly and Marlena shook slightly when feeling the waves of gentle warmth coming from Wynne's hands.

"I feel something but we will have to get verification from the physician."

"What do you feel Wynne?" Marlena looked concerned. "Is it something with the taint?"

"Wynne looked up at Marlena and gave her a gentle smile. "I feel another life growing within you Marlee. I do believe you are with child."

"No. It can't be. I was told I would likely never have any more children after…." Marlena put her hand on her belly and started to cry.

Wynne heard a knock on the door and she opened it.

Marlena watched as a man looking to be in his late fifties come in, holding a bag.

"This is Liam, the palace physician."

"Good day my lady." The man bowed. "The king sent for me. Now what seems to be ailing you?"

"I'm fairly certain she is with child Liam." Wynne said.

"Excellent Wynne, it will be very easy to verify that. Will you make sure the door is locked?" Marlena watched as he opened his bag.

…. ….. ….. ….. ….. … … … … …

Teagan paced around his study unable to look at the papers and letter his brother had left him.

Fergus and Alistair sat with him. Alistair felt out of place and like he was intruding, and wanted to leave but his concern for Marlena was far too great for him to go.

"I could not bear it if I lost her Fergus."

"You're not going to lose her Teagan." Fergus tried to reassure him. "I'm fairly certain it's nothing serious."

Alistair looked at Fergus and could swear he saw a small smirk on his face. Clearly he was not worried. It was almost like he knew something they didn't."

"Liam is an excellent physician Teagan." Alistair broke his silence. "He will help Marlee."

"Thank you Alistair for…your assistance. I know this must be extremely awkward for you." Teagan said gratefully.

"It's alright." Alistair managed a weak smiled. "It's the least I could do."

"Excuse me." Teagan turned to see Liam standing in the doorway.

"How is she?" Teagan rushed to him.

"She wants to see you and the Teyrn." Liam smiled.

"Excuse me Alistair." Teagan rushed out of the room and Fergus quickly followed.

"Thank you Liam." Alistair got up from his chair and Liam bowed as he brushed past him.

. …. .

Teagan and Fergus found Marlena dressed and sitting up in bed, eating some soup that Nigella had brought to her.

"Lena!" Teagan practically pounced upon her as she set the bowl down.

"You look better Sister." Fergus sat on the foot of the bed and took her hand.

"I am feeling much better." Marlena smiled.

Wynne glanced at Fergus who gave her a knowing grin.

"So what's wrong? Did the doctor find out? Will you be alright?" Teagan wrapped his arms around her.

"I'm going to be fine Teagan and in six and half to seven months Rowann is going to have a little brother or sister."

"Oh thank the Maker." Teagan sighed. "You had me so scared…I thought…."

"Wait." Teagan's eyes widened.

Teagan cupped her face and could feel the tears in his eyes. "Are you telling me…"

"I'm going to have a baby Teagan."

"Oh Maker! You don't know…my love." Teagan gently touched her belly. "Our baby."

"Another Guerrin." Marlena put her hand over his.

"I knew it!" Fergus beamed as kissed and embraced his sister. "Sandra fainted as well before she knew she was having Bryce. She's going to be so thrilled Sister!"

"Lena, you have given me so much and now…" Teagan kissed

"You don't know how much this means to be able to give you a child, to give Rowann a sibling, to be able to have a second chance." Marlena hugged him.

"Congratulations." Wynne smiled. "Both of you."

"Thank you Wynne." Marlena looked at her and smiled. Wynne let out a sigh. Marlena would never forget but that smile told her she was moving forward and that lifted some of the burden from her."

"Can we head back to the estate?" Marlena asked Teagan ad Fergus. "I want to tell Sandra and Rowann needs to know she is going to be a big sister."

"She's much better." Wynne said. "Just rest for a few days and make sure you eat young lady."

"Thank you Wynne and I'll make sure she eats." Teagan helped Marlena out of the bed.

"What have you decided about Eamon?" Marlena asked.

"We're going to have a small service for him and then his body will be returned to Redcliffe and interred in the family crypt."

Alistair was standing outside when they came out of the room.

"I couldn't help but overhear ." He smiled. "Congratulations. I am happy for you Marlena."

"Thank you Alistair." Marlena said. "And thank you for calling the physician for us."

"I am glad I was able to help." He said.

"Thank you Alistair." Fergus said.

"Thank you." Teagan said as he squeezed Marlena's hand." "If you will excuse us, we are heading back to the estate."

"Of course. Take care." Alistair nodded.

Alistair watched as they left the room and felt Wynne put his arm around him.

"I'm sorry Alistair."

"He calls her Lena Wynne." Alistair sighed. "And now she's having a baby."

"Lets head back to the palace. You still have to meet Fiona."

. .. .. .. .. . . . .. .. .. . . . .. .

Alistair found the woman sitting in the gardens. He did not want to meet her. All he wanted to do was lock himself in his bedchamber and drink but Wynne would not let him wallow in his pity. And he had to admit, he did want to meet the mage who saved Marlena's life."

"Hello."

The Elven woman stood up and turned to face him. The woman had to be in her late forties to early fifties, had silver hair she kept in her braid. She wore a robe similar to Wynne's but was wearing a Dalish pendant.

"Your Majesty." She bowed before him.