AN: Just wanted to say thanks for all the reviews. I'm honored that you take your time to actually write. So yeh, thank you :) Also thanks to people that put the story in their alerts and favorites, I get so very happy when I see that you do. And oh, I think this is the longest chapter yet. Hope you will still enjoy!

Diana was surveying the crowd. The people were greeting the new king and she was satisfied just being in the back, leaning against the stone wall, with her Warden armor. She had even yelled at the servant that tried to convince her to put on the dress. It was good to be back in metal, it felt like it protected her mentally like it did physically. The past week passed by very quickly. Of course she had been mostly in her room, crying, or being with her brother, telling him stories about her journey. She left out Zevran and the experience she endured in Fort Drakon. Her brother had been pestering her every day, which she didn't mind since she missed her family horribly, she got annoyed though when he persisted about her relationship with the assassin. Andraste's flaming sword, that man has the eyes of an eagle. The people were happy at least. The city was almost fixed, looking better then it did before the onslaught. It was almost like the Blight had never happened.

She hadn't utter a word about him. Not talking about him made the pain in her heart ease a little, just a little though. Diana still didn't believe him, her mind was still in a denial. She hadn't seen him though after their fight, or how she wanted to call it, breaking-her-heart-into-pieces-and-step-on-it conversation. But she won't give up that easily. If he would say those things again and she would feel that he meant it then she would go away silently like pathetic child that can't get candy, and mourn for the loss of love.

That was not the only thing bothering her at the moment;

The back of her mind was still nagging at her about Morrigan's possible trick. She couldn't prove it but it must be...How else could Alistair seen her in his room that night, if he wasn't drunk and dreamed all that. She got word that the Orlesian Wardens should be arriving in two weeks. Should she mention what Morrigan proposed and also saying that she might have succeeded? Hopefully she will be in better shape when she meet them. Probably not since her hormonal level was getting worse.

The nausea had been increasing and she haven't been feeling well at all these past couple of days. She saw her brother having the time of his life, drinking with Alistair. The coronation had been over quickly and the formal festivities was taking place. The two men looked like they have really bonded. She was scouting the place, trying to look for the one person she shouldn't be wasting time on, at least not for now. But she found him, and felt her entire core was instantly filled with jealousy and anger. Zevran was standing on the other side, with a girl. Brunette and pretty. He was playing with her hair, and whispering in her ear which made the girl giggle. Diana grasped her glass and crushed it. How can he do this, publically even? He really had no feelings for her, did he? That hurt so much it felt like it impaled her heart. She just wanted to go away, run from this place. She saw his amber eyes piercing her.

The nerve! How dare he?!

So many emotions very going through her body. He took the girl by the hand and led her out of the palace. Diana thanked herself for the little dignity she had left, that she didn't run out after him. Images were flickering through her mind what he would be doing with that girl in the coming minutes. Her heart was pounding and nothing helped. She felt the sweet cover her body. She couldn't focus anymore, and felt herself swaying. Her heart crying in agony.
Stop it Diana, don't let the jealousy drive you mad! He's not worth it!
She fought back the tears and for the first time in many she won the battle. She took a few deep breaths and she could focus again. Trusting on the most reliable emotion, anger!
How can he do that? How dare he do that? Was she just a piece of shit for him? Didn't anything they did together mean anything to him...think of something else, which was now easy as she felt nauseous.

Diana clutched her still flat belly. She has at least accepted the fact that she was going to have a child. Maybe it will be good for her, at least the child won't reject her and dump her for the dirt to fill. Diana glanced at the father of her baby and was convinced that she would have good life with him as long as he didn't expect her to...love him. A life without love is horrifying, empty, but she will love her child, maybe it will be enough for her, and who says she won't maybe fall in love with Alistair? Diana always hoped that she would not settle down after this, but having the baby changed her perspective. If she was going to settle down, why not do it with the man that loves her, and who is the father. Someone that couldn't hurt her, because she wouldn't love him. She couldn't care less that he was king, that was not important but was not ready to tell him though. Not yet in any case.

She felt a lot of eyes set on her, well they had been calling her 'The hero of Ferelden', bah she hated having that title. Alistair was the one started to call her that, she would punish him later for that one! Diana felt like she really didn't deserve it, the people that did, was gone to dust...The only time she had been outside the city was for the funeral and now people could get a good look at her. They were not shy with their eyes, but afraid to actually go near her.

Diana decided to take a walk, trying to sneak out. But of course her brother stopped her.

"And where do you think you are going my sweet sister?" He smiled, pulling her towards him.

"I'm going for a walk."

"Tsk, here I thought I could spend some more time with you."

"You have been on my arse the entire week, you know," she said smirking at him.

"Well, is it so strange? You are the only bloody family I have left." Sadness filling his voice.

"I know. I will be back shortly. I just need to get some air, clear my head a bit."
"That could be good," he agreed, "I hear pregnant ladies are horrifying to be near if you don't let proceed with their wishes. Ow!" she punched him on the shoulder. "Haha, very funny! At any rate, I will be back soon."
"Don't be gone to long."
"Well, go enjoy your drinks with our king then." She waved and sneaked out of the palace.

Standing in the gardens, she sighed. The cool night breeze was going through her hair, as she wandered to to sit on the side of the fountain. While playing with the water like a five-year old, she realized that she hadn't gotten a good night sleep since the archdemon's defeat. Though she did have problems before with the demon talking in her head, but somehow the nightmares were increasing and getting worse. Something she couldn't understand, shouldn't it be less dreams now when the Old God was dead? She could ask the Orlesians about that to when they get here. Maybe she is just easily affected, or it was Morrigan...if she was right. She couldn't get that out of her head.

Her mind went back to Zevran, and unconsciously her hand was caressing her earlobe were his earring used to be. Wondering what he was doing with that whore? Making sweet love? Playing with her mind like he did with Diana's. She closed her eyes and laid herself on the side of the fountain, and before she knew it, tiredness engulfed her and overwhelmed the jealousy that ignited once more.

Diana woke up by being carried by someone. She recognized where they were headed. To her room, she mumbled something unaudible, and couldn't see who was carrying her.

The man opened her room and laid her down on the bed. She opened her eyes and saw it was Alistair, he was wearing his noble clothing this time. He unbuckled her armor, being in her dazed state, she didn't protest. And she wasn't stupid enough to not wear anything underneath her armor, also Alistair would never take advantage of her.

"Alistair.." she cracked.

He had taken away all of her armor pieces and put it on the stand in the far corner of the room. He stood still for a moment, with his back turned against her, pondering what to do next. She was lying on top of the ruby cover, and started to shiver. It was pretty cold in the night, and the fire place was not lit. She tried to yell, but didn't have the strength to, even less to actually move. Alistair turned and his face was in shock when he saw her trembling.

"Oh my goodness, I'm sorry Diana." he rushed to her side, and helped tucking her under the covers. He then hurried outside and brought in a servant that lit the fire in less then one minute.
"Wow, that's the fastest one I've ever seen that wasn't lit by magic." he chuckled as the servant left.

He was poking in the fire with the metal fork for a little while to get it going.

Diana started to feel warm, and made herself comfortable. She turned slowly on her side. Alistair sat next to her, thankfully he was not touching her. She longed for company, she missed one in particular, a body belonging to a certain elf.

Suddenly his hand was caressing her through her long, blonde hair. Alistair smiled at her.

"What are you doing Alistair?" She asked in a weak tone, he just hushed her. He was very tender with his movements, and Diana started to feel uncomfortable.
"Ali-" he crashed his lips upon hers in a hard kiss. She managed to shove him away with the little force she mustered.

"I'm sorry," he said hoarsely.

"It's fine." She whispered in response.

He got up and walked towards the door, just when he was about to open it, he looked back at her;

"You know what? I'm not sorry!"

Diana raised her eyebrows.

"He treats you like dirt, and what do you do? You cry like a little girl! You're going to be a mother and you should be with me! I would never hurt you like that, ever!" He said lividly.

"I don't love you..." she whispered.

"You can in time," he went back to the side of the bed.

"I promised I could make you the happiest bride alive, didn't I? Let me go through with that vow!"

"Alistair-" He cut across her, "I know you don't love me," grabbing her hands, "I just don't want you to get hurt anymore. I want to be your shelter, if not for me. Think about our child. Don't you want him or her to be with both the parents together?"
Diana remained silent, hating him for making good points. He leaned closer to her and stared in her green eyes. "I do not expect you to love me. At least not right away. Give it time, and you might. I can wait. I will not put up any boundaries for you. You can still do whatever you wish, go on trips and what ever girls do."
"We are still Grey Wardens, I can't travel for the excitement any longer and don't forget the child, our child."

He sighed, "I know. Can you at least consider it, being my wife and queen?"

Her heart was pounding, just seeing, remembering Zevran. Well, Alistair won't go away, and she did honestly want to think about it. It would be the best choice...

His caring eyes were still fixed upon hers, she felt heat creeping up her cheeks. Diana gave him a little nod. He smiled and kissed her again, with more care. This time she didn't push him away.

He rolled on top of her in the bed, continuing kissing her with so much warmth, it was nothing like Zevran's kisses but it will do. Diana traced his fingers on his chest, feeling his heart pumping with excitement. He groaned in her neck, and nibbled in her ear, making her gasp, she heard the door open and they stopped. She saw the assassin standing in the door way. His expression was puzzled and hurt. Diana just blinked her eyes once, and saw it replaced by his cocky, arrogant smile. Great, now she was seeing visions. He smirked at both of them.

"I'm glad you found someone to your liking, my dear. I was just wondering if I could borrow one of your cloaks? My lady friend is rather cold and the covers can't suffice her."
"You can't keep her warm yourself?" Alistair grunted. He was still lying on top of Diana.

"Of course I can. But alas, I've had my fun, and she wished to stay. I won't deny the pleasure of having the woman in my bed. But I won't grant her the satisfaction of my body heat." he let out a little hearty laugh.

"I will return this to you in the morning my dear. You seem to have all the heat you need." He took the cloak from her chair, and before she could protest, he slammed the door shut.

Alistair chuckled, "well that was unexpected," he turned to kiss Diana again, she pushed him away. He looked at her with a confused expression.

"Get out," she said in low voice, filled with anger and sadness.
"But-"
"GET OUT!" She yelled with all the force she could muster. Alistair cursed under his breath and left the room.

Panting, Diana was just lying the bed. She couldn't hold it back this time, and the tears came and wet her pillow. The emotions rushing through her was suffocating. What was she thinking? Obviously she wasn't in her right state of mind when Alistair came on to her. And, and, and...Zevran, with another woman was to much. Diana couldn't breathe. She pushed herself so hard in the pillow, and soon, she fell asleep.

*^*

Two weeks had passed and Diana hadn't seen Zevran since he was in her room that night. She heard that he was mostly in the city and come back to his room late in the night. That's at least what the guard said whom was posted at the castle gates. He hadn't tried to go to her, neither she to him. She knows that he wouldn't approve her rushing at him, so she was just waiting for the appropriate time to talk with him. She was now feeling more angry and nauseous then before, well that was a given since she was soon in the middle of her second month pregnancy. And her hormones were lashing out on anyone having the misfortune being near her at those times. Her brother took most of the blows but he only laughed in her face and was taking it lightly. Diana was heading to the throne room, wearing her red silk dress, where Alistair and the Orlesians were waiting for her.

There were four men standing over the big wooden table in the middle of the room. They all reacted to the sound she made when closing the door. She noticed a raven on the window shelf, singing.

"Ah, Diana." Alistair smiled and gesturing her to come closer. The three others men backed a little and looked at her with confusion.

"Is that-?" The elder one asked.
"Yes, that's Diana. She was the one that killed the archdemon." Alistair interrupted.

The elder man came towards Diana. He was very handsome, tall and has tanned skin. Dark short hair, like a corp. Blue eyes like the sea. He took Diana's hand, and kissed it tenderly.

"Charmed, I'm sure." he said, giving her a little smile. Diana saw Alistair frowning and she giggled.

"I'm David, the Grey Warden Commander from Orlais. I brought with me two newly joined members." he waved at the two men to come closer.

"This is Gareth, he joined our ranks one year ago," he said and the man who was Gareth came close, and bowed. "It's a pleasure meeting you, m'lady." He looked to be about Diana's age. Very childish look, with his blond hair, white skin and bright blue eyes, "and this is Joris. He joined around two years back." The man just crossed his arms, looking at Diana with a boastful expression.

"You look a bit short to have been slaying dragons, M'lady. We heard stories about your beauty and courage. I was expecting something more spectacular." His piercing brown eyes seemed to have the ability to see through her dress. Diana involuntarily shivered, she hated that look.

"Well, I am who I am – your approval is not needed!" she hissed back at him. He started to laugh.

"Oh, feisty. I'm going to have fun with you." She frowned at him.

"That's enough!" David sneered at him.

"I'm sorry sir." Joris bowed, eyeing her like a fox.

Alistair put his hands on Diana's shoulders, and stood behind her.

"Anyway, we've been talking a bit about-"
"Get to the point!" She was in no mood for long discussions.
Apparently the Commander was not used to get pushed around. He cleared his throat.

"Show some more respect." Alistair whispered in her ear.

"I'm sorry, sir. I've not been feeling well lately."
He waved her apology away. "Yes, we've been informed of your...state." he gave her the typical disapproving look.

"Let me get to the point. You survived the killing blow of the dragon, which should have ended your life! How?"

"I actually don't know."

The man named Joris sniggered at this.

"I do wish to inform you that it would be in your wisest choice to tell us. We otherwise have means to get the truth if you do not wish to comply to civilized manners."
"And you should remember where you are, Commander." Alistair said firmly, while he tightened the grip around her shoulders.
"I'm not afraid of a little child. She's a Grey Warden and with no Commander in Ferelden, I'm the leader over this until such a time a new one is decided. Which means you have no say in this, my king." he bowed politely.

"So let me ask you this once again. How did you survive?" His eyes piercing hers. She stood her ground.

"I do not know, sir!" She said a little more forceful this time.

"You leave us no choice do you?" He eyed her.

"I'm telling the truth!" She almost yelled. Diana did not wish to know what these means he talked about meant.

"Bring in the mages." The Commander told Gareth. He nodded and left the room.

Diana's pulse was rising. Sure, her self-esteem have diminished these past few weeks, but she was not gonna let herself be played like a doll!

"You leave me no choice. My king, do you wish to stay? I would prefer if you should chose to retire since you seem to have personal bounds with this lady."

"I'm not going anywhere." Alistair responded, trying to hide his anger. Diana felt grateful to the man behind her. She had been horrible towards him and still he remained loyal to her.

"Very well." David sighed. "You will have to step away from her and stand back."
Alistair let go of her, at the same time the door opened and four mages came back accompanied by Gareth. They took out some potions of different color. Diana felt very nervous, she would have chosen the archdemon any day over this. The familiar clogging feeling in her throat was back.

No, don't be a whimpering girl!

She took a few breaths and became pretty surprised at herself. She felt strong again, standing on her two feet, that was a feeling she thought was lost since that day with Vaughan.

Her protective templar stood next to the mages. He gave Diana the look I'll-kill-them-before-I-let-anything-happen-to-you. She smiled at him in response.

"So what are you planning to do?" Alistair asked.

"Well we need first of all perform a ritual to see that she is cleaned."
"Cleaned?"
"That she has nothing of the archdemon in her. Since she refuses to tell us, we need to find out if she's a risk or not."

"Will this hurt my child?" Diana asked.

"It shouldn't."

"It shouldn't?" Alistair hissed.

"We have never performed this on a pregnant woman. It should not have any effect on it though."
"I'm not letting you put my child through danger, if you can't know!" She cried.

"We are done here, Commander. We are ready to proceed."

"Very well. Tie her up."
"WHAT?" Alistair's voice bellowed.

The Commander sighed, "IF she does have the demon inside we have no idea how violent she might get, even under the ritual. It can provoke basic instincts, it is a safety precaution!"

"I'm not letting you do any of the sort to her!" He took Diana's arm, whispering in her ear. "Go!"

She didn't need to be told twice and rushed out of the room. She heard Alistair voice screaming over the Commander angry yelling.

Diana didn't like the Orlesians one bit and feared this was just the beginning. At least she was happy that she kept her moth shut about her suspicions about the apostate mage for now.