Chapter 15

Fergus stared in awe at the transformation that had taken place in the royal garden. Leliana had turned the garden into enchanted forest. Thousands of tiny lights had been hung from every tree in the garden. There were at least fifty crystal candle chandlers suspended from tree branches above clusters of green and purple velvet sofas and longue chairs that overflowed with soft pillows. Even the servants were a part of the illusion as they were dressed as woodland fairies.

He had been sitting in front of the fire in Alistair's study when Leliana had presented the invitation to him. He thought that she had lost her mind.

His Royal Majesty requests your presence

for a night of enchantment at the Fairies Midsummer's Night ball,

the woodland fairies will make you believe in magic,

this fairy-tale celebration is set to take place on Summer Solstice Eve

"Well, this will ensure that Alistair will never ask me to fill in for him again," Fergus groaned.

Leliana rested her hand on the upper part of his thigh and he felt a fiery flame of desire course through his veins. "Fergus, I would never do anything to embarrass you or Alistair. This party will only endear both of you to the nobles' hearts. This Ball will give them a chance to put aside their normal, mundane lives for a night and to participate in something that will delight and enthrall them. The Orlais courts have theme parties all the time. It's a practice that I want to start here in Ferelden."

Fergus ran his hand through his hair, "Oh Leli, I don't know. I don't want to over step the authority that Alistair has given me."

Leliana casually stroked his thigh with her hand and he imagined her hand moving higher up his leg so that she could stroke his…STOP it! Stop thinking of her like that. I'm a bad, bad man!

"Fergus, Alistair and I had started to make these plans before he left and he was fine with the idea so I think we should proceed with his wishes; besides the nobles will be so captivated by the party that they won't have time to ask too many questions about Alistair's where-a-bouts," Leliana cooed.

"Okay Leli, I trust you. Go ahead with the preparations," Fergus conceded. That was two weeks ago and since then the two them had worked very closely together to finalize all of the details for the celebration. They had spent many long hours going over guests lists and planning timelines and the more time that he spent with her, the more he realized that his attraction to her was not just physical, but he enjoyed her company. She was charming and funny, but at the same time very kind and considerate. When he was with her he couldn't get enough of her and when they were apart he couldn't stop thinking about her.

Last night he had finally worked up the nerve to finally kiss her; they had been leaning over her sketches for the garden design when she looked up and smiled at him with her bone-melting smile. Her blue eyes were so hypnotizing that it drew him in and his pulse picked up.

She leaned forward and whispered, "Do you like what you see?"

Being this close to her he was overwhelmed by the raw eroticism of her hot mouth so near to him…as her breath tantalized his flesh. He sighed, "You have no idea how much I like what I see."

"Tell me how much…"

He didn't let her finish her sentence as his hands went around her waist and he pulled her to him. The kiss was sensual from the first - not rough, not aggressive, but hot; smoldering hot, entirely sexual - warm, soft lips meet his -open, inviting, offering. He traced his tongue slowly around the inner edge of her lips, and then slipped his tongue deeper, as he probed and explored her velvety soft mouth.

Heat flowed down over him as her hands roamed over his arms and across his back. Desire swelled inside him as it pushed aside sanity and blazed a trail for a more primal response. Leliana arched against him as she tangled her hands in the strands of his hair; she pulled him into a deeper kiss and desires that had lain dormant for a very long time emerged with a fury as he pressed his need and want against her. His hands slid down her back and underneath her bottom as he stroked and massaged her perfect behind. He felt on the verge of spiraling out of control as her body quaked with as much need and desire as his.

She pulled away him and panted his name, "Fergus."

He looked into her beautiful face, "That wasn't supposed to happen," he murmured against her soft swollen lips.

"But I am glad that it did," she purred into his ear.

They had regained control of themselves and continued to work on the final preparations for the celebration. To be honest he couldn't concentrate on anything but feel of her body pressed against his and the taste of her lips.

Now he watched as she glided toward him; she was an enchanting vision in her lilac silk gown. A bewitching smile crossed her face, "Your Grace, are you pleased with what you see?"

He stepped forward, leaned into her as he whispered, "I thought we established that last night…I am more than pleased with what I see."

She sighed against his neck and he felt the flame of desire lick at his insides. "I was referring to the garden," she murmured.

"Oh it's lovely, but not as lovely as the vision that is in my arms now," he moaned into her throat as he drank in her sweet scent.

Leliana giggled as she purred, "Your Grace, you really need to control yourself. Your guests are due to arrive any minute."

He cupped her face in his hand, "For the first time in a long time I don't want to control myself. You have awoken something in me, Leli that I thought I would never feel again."

She stroked his cheek as her soft lips brushed against his. "I'm glad Fergus and I want to explore that awakening with you in detail later on tonight and I will feel very put out if you do control yourself."

He cupped her breast and ran his thumb across the thin fabric that covered her nipple as he nibbled at her ear. He heard a quiet moan escape her lips. "I have no intention of controlling myself with later on tonight," he murmured.

She grinned, "Good, now let's get this party started so that it can end and we can move onto more delectable activities."

He chuckled, "I wholeheartedly agree."

xxXxx

Alistair and his traveling companions made their way into the throne room at Redcliff Castle. Eamon stood up as they approached him. He bowed and said, "I heard rumors that the King of Ferelden was on some grand adventure. I see those rumors are true."

Alistair ignored the comment. He walked forward and hugged the Arl. "Eamon, it's good to see you. I am glad to see that you are feeling better. You look much better than the last time I saw you."

Eamon stared at Alistair for a moment and then said, "It's good to see you too, your Majesty. I am feeling much better. So what brings you to Redcliff?"

"We were in Orzammar were I negotiated a trade agreement with Bhelen. I think you will be pleased. I would be happy to go it with you later on," Alistair replied.

"And what took you to Orzammar in the first place, Alistair?" Eamon inquired.

Alistair knew he would continue to probe until he received the answer that he wanted so Alistair said, "There was important Grey Warden business that needed to be attended too."

"What type of business would require the King of Ferelden to leave his throne and go trotting off on some fool-hardy escapade?" Eamon demanded as his voice began to rise.

Alistair's face became stern. In the months that he had been away from Eamon he had realized that he didn't need the man's constant condescending attitude. Alistair had come into his own as king, he needed Eamon as an advisor, but no longer needed Eamon to dictate his life to him.

"Eamon, I can not disclose to you the nature of the business. It needs to remain confidential among the Wardens," Alistair retorted.

"There are at least hundred Wardens now in Ferelden. Why did you have to accompany them on this excursion?"

"Again, I cannot divulge that information to you," Alistair said sternly.

"That's not good enough, Alistair. You deserted your throne and ran off with your Grey Warden pals for some reckless antics!" Eamon exclaimed.

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Alistair shouted and everyone in the room including Eamon took a step back. "I am a Grey Warden first, Eamon. If I feel there is a threat to my country that concerns the Wardens I will act upon it and I don't have to clear it with you. And from now on I will not have you second guessing my decisions anymore."

Eamon bowed his head as he spoke quietly, "Alistair, I meant no disrespect. I am only concerned for you and what the nobles will think. They need to know that their King is safe, that the throne is safe."

"The throne is perfectly good hands. Fergus Cousland has been handling my affairs since I have been gone and from all reports has been doing a wonderful job. What you and the nobles need to understand is that I am a Warden first and foremost. That is the price that you paid when you decided to put me on the throne," Alistair responded.

"But Alistair…"

"NO, Eamon there are no Buts. I will never be the type of king that sits on my arse in my throne room and sends others off to do battle for me. I will always be the type of king that will lead my armies into battle - just like my father. Maric traveled with the Grey Wardens for years and allowed his Chancellor to run the affairs of the country. I do not plan on leaving for years, but when there is a threat to my country that is a Grey Warden matter I will meet it head on. Now, I am through with this discussion. I did not stop at Redcliff to argue with you, Eamon. This is a social call. I wanted to see how you are doing."

Eamon eyed Alistair and had to admit that he was happy to see the young King fight for what he believed in. "Of course, your Majesty. How very rude of me? Let me get rooms ready for you and your companions. I hope that all of you will be able to join me for dinner."

Darrian stepped forward bowed to Eamon and said, "We would be delighted to Arl Eamon. Thank you for your hospitality."

Eamon smiled at Darrian, "Of course, Warden Commander. I am always happy to host you and your fellow Wardens. Darrian, I notice that you are carrying some extra weight on your back. Would you do me the honor of introducing me to your extra passenger?" Eamon asked.

Darrian removed Sienna from her papoose and held her against his chest. "Arl Eamon I would like to introduce you to my daughter, Sienna Morrigan Tabris."

Eamon smiled at Darrian, "Aaah, so you found Morrigan."

A sad smile spread across Darrian's face and he told Eamon the story that they had come up with to explain Sienna's sudden appearance. "Yes, but it was too late. To the best of our knowledge Morrigan died during child birth. Sienna was being cared for by several apostate mages who had tried to help Morrigan when she was heavy with child. Morrigan had told them that I might one day come looking for her and to give me Sienna if I did."

Eamon shook his head, "I am sorry for your loss, Darrian, but at least you have this beautiful child to help fill the void."

"Yes, she is everything to me now," Darrian said.

"I completely understand. I will send a maid up to help you with her," Eamon replied.

"That won't be necessary," Darrian protested.

"It's no trouble at all," Eamon insisted.

That night at dinner Alistair was pleased to see Connor and Teagan were staying at the castle to help Eamon recover. Eamon explained that the circle had given Connor permission to come to the castle and help Eamon with his healing. Alistair was surprised to learn that Connor had just passed his Harrowing which is why the circle had allowed him to come to Redcliff.

Eamon had seated Alex next to Teagan. Alistair did not like the way Teagan was staring at her or how every so often his glaze would fall to her chest. Teagan could be very charming and he was definitely using all of his charms on Alex. He heard her laugh several times at something he said and she saw him rest her hand on his arm while he enthusiastically narrated a story. Alistair pushed the jealousy down. Alex was just being polite. She loved him. She had told him that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him - breath deep.

After dinner they made their way into the library for brandy. Alistair watched as Alex worked her way around the room as she mingled and interacted with everyone there. There was a graceful, easiness about her as socialized with each person. She was a natural and would make an excellent Queen…his Queen. He watched as Eamon approached her. Eamon had always been suspicious of Alex so Alistair eased his way over in their direction.

He heard Eamon say, "I never had a chance to properly thank you for saving my life. I appreciate everything that you did for me."

Alex rested her hand on Eamon's arm, "There is no need to thank me. I was glad I came across you when I did and that I was able to help."

"How is that you know so much about the human anatomy?" Eamon asked.

"Aaah, the people of Nevarra find the study of the human body very interesting," Alex responded.

"You're not from Nevarra or any other place in Thedas. Where are you from, Alex Seymour?"

Alex let a nervous laugh escape her lips as she said, "Eamon, you wouldn't believe me if I told you. Have you ever heard the saying, 'Ignorance is bliss'?" Alex asked.

Eamon shook his head, "No I have not heard that saying, but I do get the gist of what you are saying." He paused for a moment and then continued. "Look, I see the way Alistair looks at you and it is obvious that he is love with you."

"I am in love with him too," Alex replied and hearing her say the words out loud to someone other than him made Alistair grin.

Eamon nodded thoughtfully, "Alistair hasn't always had an easy life and I am responsible for some of the pain that has been inflicted upon him. I don't want to cause him any more heartache. If he loves you and he asks you to be his wife he will have my blessing as long as you have all the proper paper work to back up your claim that you are a noble and that it can withstand the deepest scrutiny. Because I guarantee that the nobles of Ferelden will not be happy to hear that their King is marrying a foreigner. Is that understood?"

"Yes, I understand what you are saying. And I guarantee that you will find my pedigree spotless," Alex said coolly. Eamon walked away, Alex let out a long sigh, and grasped her shaking hand. Before Alistair could approach her Zevran was by her side.

"Has Alistair asked you to marry him, my pet?" Zev purred.

"No, he hasn't, but I guess Eamon wanted to make sure I understood what I was up against. Oh, Zev, what if he does ask…I don't have any documentation to back up my claim."

"Tisk, tisk, tisk, my dear, you doubt Alistair's love?" Zev said.

"What? No! Of course not!"

"My dear, the way that man looks at you it's not a matter of if Alistair asks you to be his Queen; it's a matter of when," Zev purred again.

Alex swallowed hard, "Okay, still I have no proof of my claim because it's not true."

A sly grin crossed his face, "That my dear is where I come in. I can help you provide the proper background, but not for a Nevarrian. I don't have enough connections there, but I can provide a background for you in Antiva."

"But we told everyone that I was from Nevarra. How is that going to work?" Alex said.

"That is the beauty of Antiva. There is always something unscrupulous happening there. We can say that you were the sole survivor of a noble house that was slaughtered for revenge. You escaped and headed to Ferelden in fear for your life. You told everyone that you were from Nevarra because you didn't want to alert the Crows that you had survived."

Alex raised an eye brow, "Did you just now make that up off the top of your head?" Zev grinned and nodded. "Very impressive!"

"Thank you, my pet. Just one of my many talents," Zev cooed.

Before Alex could reply Alistair joined them and said, "Seriously, Zev can you secure the proper paper work that would hold up to even the hardest investigation."

"For the right price I can secure you a background that would be flawless and would even include childhood friends that could recount stories about you."

"Do it!" Alistair commanded. "Whatever the cost it doesn't matter, but I want it perfect."

Zev grinned at Alistair, "Of course your Majesty. Her history will be flawless."

Alistair pulled Alex into his arms and kissed her forehead. He would do whatever it took to keep her safe and to make sure that the nobles would accept her as their Queen.