Chapter Five

The non-descript carriage made its way past the gates and into the city. The journey from Redcliffe had been long with an overnight stop in South Reach. Even with an early morning start, it was nearly sunset when they entered Denerim. At this time of day, the city was still bustling and there was excitement all around. She peered out the window, leaning as far out as she dared, and smiled when she saw the activity of the city. The dwindling rays of the sun shone on her chestnut-colored hair. Although Redcliffe was no small village, it wasn't the same as the Capitol. The sights, sounds and smells were completely foreign to her. She hadn't visited Denerim in several years. This felt like an adventure.

The carriage drove past the Chantry and the marketplace towards the palace. It was stopped and the driver showed papers to the guards before being let into the courtyard. The carriage made its final stop at the steps of the palace. There was a steward ready to meet her. He opened the door and helped her alight, then ordered servants to take her bags. He then bade her to follow him into the palace.

Once through the large, grand doors her eyes needed to adjust to the dimness of the castle. Although every candle was lit, the palace was still dark. She heard footsteps approach before actually seeing their owner. When she could see, she smiled at the person coming to greet her.

"Bree!" Eleanor exclaimed as she nearly ran down the hall to see her friend.

Brianna Guerrin waited for Eleanor to approach then gave a deep curtsy.

"Your Highness" she replied, bowing her head. She rose and then was given a bear hug by Eleanor. She returned the gesture.

"Bree, it is so good to see you. It has been far too long," Eleanor told her.

"Nearly three years I think, maybe longer," Bree replied. "How are you?"

"The same as always. You know things never really change around here."

"You look well. I daresay royalty agrees with you," Bree smiled.

"Oh, it's not all that grand. Terribly limiting in one's social life. But now that you're here, I have my dear friend back to keep me company. I have missed you."

"And I have missed you."

Eleanor slipped her arm through Bree's and began walking her through the palace. "Tell me all the news from Redcliffe."

Bree laughed, "There's not much to tell. The town is doing well, but I am sure your parents know that."

"Then tell me what is new with you."

Bree shook her head, making her long, chestnut-colored hair dance slightly. "Oh, nothing is ever new with me. I work alongside Ren and Father, helping to manage Castle Redcliffe."

Eleanor gave a small frown. "We were sorry to hear about your mother. We had been planning to attend the funeral but it happened so quickly."

"Yes," Bree said somberly. "Father wanted an intimate and quiet service. I think with Uncle Eamon passing a year earlier, it was too much for him."

"Eamon's funeral was a grand state affair here in Denerim."

"I remember. Father was so broken-up about it. He invited Aunt Isolde and Connor to live at Castle Redcliffe, but neither one of them could think of coming back after…everything."

"I thought Connor had gone to live with you."

Bree nodded, "After the Mage Rebellion when the Circle Tower was dissolved. But with what had happened during the Blight, he made his way to Denerim as soon as he could. And Uncle Eamon's health was starting to deteriorate by then. Connor wanted to be with his mother and father."

"Well, you're back in Denerim now under happier circumstances I hope," Eleanor smiled and gave her friend's arm a squeeze.

"Indeed," Bree smiled. "There is an upcoming ball, I understand."

Eleanor laughed, "Yes, Mother and Father's Wedding Anniversary ball where they are determined to marry off both Bryce and myself."

"No!"

"Well, maybe not that night," Eleanor smiled. "But they are intent on us finding partners."

Bree laughed, "It must be going around. Father is thinking the same for Ren."

"But not you?"

"I think he wants to keep me around as long as possible. The thought of me being married terrifies him. But surely the King must think the same about you."

"He may, but affairs of state may take precedence."

"He wouldn't marry you off to some foreign head of state, would he?"

Eleanor paused, then smiled. "No, he wouldn't. I'm not so sure about Bryce though. Maybe he should marry you. Next to the Couslands, the Guerrins are the most powerful family in Ferelden. And the Guerrins were in the royal bloodline."

"Through Aunt Rowan, but that line died out years ago."

"We could revive it," Eleanor winked.

Bree laughed. "Your brother has never looked twice at me, except to pull my pigtails."

"Maybe it's time to change that," Eleanor replied with a twinkle in her eyes.

"Ohhhh, Eleanor, I know that look. You are plotting. I haven't been away for so long not to recognize that look."

"Are you telling me you don't find Bryce attractive?" Eleanor grinned.

"The last time I saw him, he and Ren were teasing me mercilessly. He wasn't all that attractive then."

"Things change."

"Besides, it must be a two-way street and I don't think Bryce…"

"Let's find out." Eleanor replied as she nodded towards the direction where Bryce had just exited their father's study. Eleanor pulled away from Bree and walked towards Bryce.

"Wait," Bree begged, attempting to stop her by grabbing her arm. All she grasped was air.

He was heading towards the staircase to the private apartments, when Eleanor called to him.

"Bryce, look who's arrived," Eleanor said with a smile.

"Eleanor!" Bree scolded her friend under her breath.

Bryce stopped and looked at the visitor walking up to his sister. His gaze wandered up and down the lovely young woman with the sparkling blue eyes, the long, red hair and comely figure.

Bree's heart began to beat faster and her breathing increased. She could feel the blush creeping into her cheeks. As much as she had claimed to Eleanor that she cared nothing for Bryce, she did remember how handsome he always looked and how charming he could be when he wanted.

"Your Highness," she said with a voice calmer than she felt and curtsied.

Bryce smiled his most charming smile. "My Lady," he replied with a slight bow. He walked towards them, and took Bree's hand in his, kissing the back of it. Bree gazed at him quizzically.

Eleanor began to laugh. "Maker's Breath, Bryce, you don't know who this is!"

Bryce stared at his sister then remembered that she had told him Brianna was coming for a visit. He turned to look at the woman again, a slight surprise on his face.

"Bree?"

"Yes, Highness," she replied with a shy grin.

"You are…it has been a few years. You are looking…quite well."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

"I understand that you are staying with us for a while."

"As long as Eleanor will have me," she replied.

"Oh, I'd keep you here for years. With Bryce now being groomed for the throne by Father, I won't have my partner in crime with me as much as before. But now that you're here, we can have some fun."

"I am sure I am a poor substitute but I shall try to fill his shoes," Bree replied with a smile.

"You are probably a better shopping companion than me."

"Very true," Bree replied.

"Well, I need to take Bree upstairs so she can settle in," Eleanor remarked.

"I shall see you later then," Bryce smiled.

"I look forward to it," Bree replied.

"Until then, Lady Brianna," he said with a smile, giving her a slight bow. He watched them walk upstairs, hearing them giggle before making his way to his own chamber to prepare for dinner.

Dinner was only a slightly formal affair and was held in the private dining room. Bryce, Eleanor and Bree were at the table when Alistair and Brianna appeared. All three young people bowed or curtsied as the King and Queen of Ferelden entered the room and waited for them to take their seats before joining them.

"Bree, welcome to the Palace. I hope you plan to stay with us for a while," Alistair said as he put a slab of ham on his plate.

"Long enough not to wear out my welcome, Majesty," Bree replied with a smile.

"Then you're never leaving," Eleanor remarked, "for you are always welcome here."

"I think we all second Eleanor's remarks," Brianna stated and smiled at her namesake.

"Thank you, Majesty."

"Tell me how your father is doing?" Alistair asked as the plates of hot food were passed among them.

"He is well, thank you. And busy, as always. But he has Ren to help him, as well as myself. His goal is to make Redcliffe as economically important as Denerim."

"And he is succeeding, by all accounts," Alistair remarked. "If he continues, we may need to move the Capitol to Redcliffe," he joked.

"I don't think any town could surpass Denerim, Majesty."

"Perhaps not, but there is something rather charming about Redcliffe, in spite of its recent history. I enjoyed playing in its environs as a young boy."

"You spent part of your youth in Redcliffe. I always forget that. You just seem to be so much a part of Denerim as if you've always been here."

"That's been true for your lifetime, but I have not always lived in Denerim," Alistair smiled.

"How is that red-headed rogue of a brother doing?" Bryce asked Bree.

Bree laughed, a joyful and infectious sound. "He is well. In between hunting and fishing, he is learning to run Redcliffe and become as fine an Arl as Father."

"And your tasks are?" Bryce inquired.

"Running Castle Redcliffe, although Father has taught both Ren and myself how to fight and defend the town."

"We shall have to see what new moves you've learned. I am in need of a good sparring partner," Eleanor remarked. "Now that Bryce is learning to become King."

"And he shall make an excellent one. He has a fine example to follow," Bree replied.

"More like a hard example to follow," Bryce remarked.

"That's funny. Ren thinks the same thing. But I believe you both will admirably follow in your fathers' footsteps."

"Let us hope," Bryce remarked and lifted his wine glass in acknowledgement.

"We were sadden to hear about the passing of your Mother," Brianna said. "It was so sudden. We wanted to attend her funeral."

"Thank you, Majesty. I think she was sick longer than she let anyone know. She never wanted to worry us. When she did pass, Father wanted something quiet and private. But we appreciated the note and flowers you sent, my Father most particularly. Your words brought the first smile to his face since Mother passed."

"I hope your father and Ren will be attending the ball?" Brianna asked.

"Both of them are looking forward to it," Bree smiled, "especially Ren. I think he misses his best friend," she said, looking at Bryce.

"Oh, how I wished he had come with you. A good hunting partner is what I need, as well as the humor from your brother's stories. I'm sure he has new tales to tell since we last met."

"You can count on that," Bree laughed. "I know of no one, save professional bards, that can spin a tale as intriguing as Ren."

"I will drink to that," Bryce remarked with a grin.

Dinner continued in a familial and jovial manner, Bree being considered almost a part of the family, having been playmates to the royal twins since childhood. Only affairs of state were not discussed in front of her.

Once dinner concluded and their Majesties departed, Eleanor took Bree outdoors for a walk in the garden. Bryce took respite in the library. He had plans for later in the evening but needed his parents in their chambers first before initiating them. He passed the hours by reading the family history.

All was finally silent when Bryce made his way from the library. He quietly moved down the hallway towards the throne room. Seeing no one about, he entered the empty room and paused. It was always odd to be in the throne room when not in use. He stared at the two thrones at the end of the room carved with the Theirin crest and images of griffons. He always thought those seats of power looked intimidating because of the imposing figures he had seen occupying them, but gazing upon the empty seats he saw that was only partially true. The thrones were chairs, nothing more; except that they were everything more. Those two seats represented the ultimate power in Ferelden. And one day that power would be his.

Bryce approached the thrones and hesitantly touched the throne of the King; his father's seat of power. He caressed the family crest carved into the top of the throne, then traced the carvings of the griffons. His father had these thrones created, alike in every detail except size, at his mother's insistence he was told. The throne not only represented Ferelden power but his own father; King and Grey Warden, a joining of two distinct traits into one. It was said that when one became a Grey Warden, who they were became a thing of the past. But his father had not only not left his former life behind but embraced it and merged it into his duties as a Grey Warden. Granted, that he spent much more of his life as King, but he would always also be a Grey Warden. The die was cast for the merging of the line of Calenhad with the Grey Wardens. The tie between the two was now inseparable.

Bryce gazed around, expecting to find someone spying on him. There was no one. He nervously sat on the throne, placing his hands between the raised wings of the griffons. If he thought the Maker was going to strike him for such a move, he was gratefully disappointed. He sat and gazed about the room from his perch, then relaxed and leaned back. There was something so wrong and yet so right sitting in that chair; wrong that it was still his father's throne and right that it felt entirely natural to be there.

He turned his gaze to the smaller throne next to him; the throne of his mother, The Queen. For some reason that throne was more intimidating than the one he was sitting in now. It represented more than just a ruler; it represented a partner; a mate; someone with whom he was supposed to spend the rest of his life with and rule the kingdom. Someone with whom he would continue the line of Calenhad. His Queen. And although that throne was smaller it was the larger one to fill. What if it could never be filled? What if there never was another Queen of Ferelden? Whoever would claim it, she had to claim it for all the right reasons, the most important one being loving him for himself and not his title, wealth and power. Where was such a woman?

"Eleanor, I found him. He's in here," Bree called to her friend.

Bryce scrambled to his feet as two cloaked figures came forward. It was Eleanor and Bree.

"There you are. We thought you had left without us," Eleanor remarked.

"What?" Bryce asked somewhat confused.

"You are planning on sneaking out to the tavern tonight, right? We're coming with you," Eleanor exclaimed.

At that Bryce smiled, "What makes you think that's my plan for the evening?"

"Why else would you be in this room? One of the secret passages out of the castle is in here."

"I never can keep secrets from you Elle," he grinned.

"As I can't keep them from you, dear Brother. That twin bond thing, remember?"

Bryce laughed, "Well, then, ladies," he said and offered each of them an arm. Eleanor took her brother's arm. Bree hesitated. Bryce turned slightly to gaze at her.

"I am no Ferelden Prince tonight. Just Bryce, brother of your best friend." He gave her a warm, encouraging smile.

Bree smiled shyly and blushed in spite of herself. She gave a small nod, her gaze focused downward and took Bryce's right arm. Bryce hadn't realized that Eleanor released him and went to the secret passage. He brought his left hand over and covered Bree's, giving it a gentle squeeze. Bree looked up into Bryce's smiling face.

"There; that's not so bad, is it?" he asked.

Her face broke into a beautiful smile. "Not bad at all," she replied.

Bryce stared into her sapphire blue eyes and something deep stirred within him; something foreign but not unpleasant. Eleanor watched the exchange by the door to the secret passage and inwardly smiled.

"Come on. Before Cade catches us and tells Mother and Father," Eleanor remarked.

That brought Bryce out of his reverie. "Shall we?" he asked Bree.

She nodded and the three of them went down the passageway towards the Denerim marketplace.

The passageway dumped them into a building behind the Gnawed Noble Tavern. It was the home of a secret cache of Grey Warden materials and supplies. The three of them slipped out the door, hearing it lock behind them. They would return to the palace through another secret passage.

Bryce, Eleanor and Bree entered the Gnawed Noble Tavern. At this time of night, the place was bustling so no one would take notice of them, except the few nobles of their own age. Bryce saw them in a corner of the back room and steered Eleanor and Bree towards them.

"Hello, lads," he greeted them.

They responded with a chorus of cheers and made room for the three of them to sit. A serving girl was called over and mead was ordered for the new arrivals. They were soon engaged in much storytelling, revelry and merriment, drawing the attention of no one. Well, almost no one.

Earlier in the day, as Bree's carriage entered the gates of Denerim, it moved passed a young mage and her Grey Warden companion. Neither party gave the other notice. Keera and Larius walked towards the marketplace and stopped, taking the city all in.

"So, this is Denerim," Keera remarked. "Quite the backwater town," she sneered, "hardly the place one imagines as the birthplace of the Cult of the Maker."

Throughout her childhood, Keera had traveled all over Thedas; from the Grand Cathedral in Val Royeaux to the fertile vineyards outside Antiva City. She had seen glorious riches and those places mundane but nothing had ever prepared her for the…quaintness…of Ferelden. She had always imagined her mother was not a true Fereldan but someone who had been kidnapped and forced to grow-up in the Kocari Wilds. But perhaps because she had been raised in Ferelden was the reason she left as soon as it was possible and never returned. She could always ask her, now that her mother was in a more secure place, but she was having too much fun plotting her own coming out party. She couldn't wait to share it with all of Ferelden.

"We should find rooms," Larius said.

Keera nodded and made her way through the bustling marketplace. She walked past the businesses towards a large arch. Although there was no gate, she could tell this section was still segregated from the rest of the city; an alienage. This one seemed nicer than others and didn't attempt to keep elves in or humans out. But there were still far more elves behind the arch than in front of it. It seemed Ferelden tolerated the elves better than other cities in Thedas.

Keera and Larius made their way to the Gnawed Noble Tavern and secured two separate but adjoining rooms. They then walked the entire city, getting a lay of the land so they knew exactly where everything was and the fastest escape routes from the city. As they walked, they saw many statues and monuments to Andraste, Calenhad, Moira, Maric, the Grey Wardens and the Hero of Ferelden. This last monument drew her attention. It depicted a warrior in Grey Warden armor fighting an other-worldly dragon; the warrior's hair blowing in some unseen wind, a sword thrust upwards as the dragon appeared to be cowering away. Blue rune stones were set in the sword while red ones shone in the dragon's eyes. Carved into the base a simple phrase, "The Hero of Ferelden defeating the Archdemon and ending the Fifth Blight." It didn't even mention the warrior's name, but Keera knew exactly who she was.

"Mother considered her a friend; a sister. Without her, I would never have been," Keera said softly. "I wonder why she agreed. No one is that selfless."

"Do you plan on asking her?" Larius said flippantly. "Remember why you are here."

Keera turned cold eyes to her companion. "I know. Let's finish our tour and head back. I'll need to send a note to "Duncan" and let him know I've arrived."

Keera and Larius had just settled into their chairs at the Gnawed Noble Tavern, watching the locals and enjoying a tavern specialty when Bryce entered with two women. They watched as the trio joined a group of other young nobles. Keera studied the women. The one with dark hair she recognized as Bryce's sister; their features were unmistakable, as well as their interaction with each other. The other young woman with chestnut-colored hair was a mystery. Keera did catch her name, Bree, but nothing more. She needed to find out more about her. Keera and Larius watched the group for a couple of hours before retiring for the night.

It was nearly four in the morning when an inebriated Bryce, Eleanor and Brianna snuck back into the palace. They had taken the secret passage into the larder and kitchen, the escape path for the servants and were trying to be as quiet as they could, but there was too much giggling. Bryce opened the secret door and peered into the darkened larder. There was no one. He then crept towards the door and cracked it open to see if the staff were in the kitchen yet. There was no one. He turned and motioned for Eleanor and Brianna to follow. As the three of them entered the kitchen they took two steps and stopped. Cade was standing in front of them.

"Mak…Maker," Bryce began, "where…where did you come from? I shwear…I shwear…no one…" he said, waving his right hand, trying to indicate he looked around.

Cade said nothing. All three of them had the decency to look sheepish.

"Areyou…Cade…pleesh don't tell…don't tell…" Eleanor tried to say, "shhhhhhh…" she said bringing her fingers up to her lips, "our see…seecrit."

Cade just moved aside so the three of them could walk past him to their rooms. The merriment from the evening was gone. Cade watched them attempt to walk and made sure each of them was safely deposited in their rooms. Once that was done, he smiled and chuckled, then went to his own bed for some much needed sleep.

Four hours later, the three of them made their way slowly to the private dining hall to have breakfast with the King and Queen. Alistair and Brianna behaved as if there was nothing amiss. The children, however, were quieter than the evening before. Alistair and Brianna smiled knowingly at each other, trying hard not to laugh. After about a half-hour, Alistair nodded to one of the servants and small glasses of liquid were placed before Bryce, Eleanor and Bree. It was an alcoholic concoction of some sort.

"Drink it," Alistair commanded. "Your mother and I think you have suffered long enough."

Embarrassed, the three did as the King commanded and drank the brew.

"Let this be a lesson to you all," Alistair sternly said as he rose with Brianna following. The three young people rose.

"Sir, did Cade…" Bryce began, but Alistair stopped him in mid-sentence.

"He didn't have to," Alistair smiled. He presented his arm to his queen and they began to leave. "Oh, Bryce," he said, "let's start lessons in an hour."

"Yes, Sire," Bryce answered as they watched the King and Queen exit. All three of them then plopped back into their chairs.

"Well, that wasn't so bad," Bryce exclaimed.

Eleanor stared at her twin and threw her napkin in his face. The three of them then laughed. They had learned their lesson.

Bryce looked to one of the servants, "More tea all around, please," he gestured. "I know what activities my day shall entail," he said to Eleanor and Brianna. "What shall you ladies be doing today?"

"I think lots of fresh air is required today," Eleanor replied.

Bree nodded. "I have to say, your parents took our…condition…in stride. I don't think my father would have done the same."

"Oh, they saw how much we were suffering and I think took some odd pleasure in it. Mother and Father always had a strange sense of humor," Bryce responded with a smile.

They drank the tea served them, then Bryce said, "Well, ladies, I think I shall get some fresh air myself before sitting with Father all day. I have a feeling he will be extra demanding of me today."

"Oh, that's a guarantee," Eleanor replied with a chuckle.

Bryce drank the last of his tea and rose. Automatically, Bree rose as well. The twins stared at her. Bryce chuckled.

"I think we can give the formality a rest when it's just us. But I thank you for it," he smiled at her. "Bree, Elle," Bryce remarked, bowing slightly to them. He then turned and left for a quick walk before joining the King.

Bree stood there, flustered. Elle smiled and rose. "Operation Matchmaker is under way," she teased.

"Oh, Elle, please. After last night, I feel as if I should join the Chantry."

Eleanor laughed, "You did nothing wrong. You were quite charming. Let's get to the garden."

Bree nodded and the two women walked towards one of the gardens, chatting about anything other than Bryce Theirin.