A/N: Sorry for the lack of updates this week, but this chapter took some extra time to write! Since this story will end pretty soon, I want to finish it up as quickly as I can to move on to the next one XD

As always, thanks so much for your input and lovely compliments!

A Challenge and a Choice

"You…asking Elissa…to marry you?" Alistair repeated slowly, as if he had misheard the words.

"Yes." Nathaniel simply stood before the King, his face was stoic at his declaration.

Nathaniel felt honor-bound to let the King know his intentions. He was very well aware that Elissa still cared for him deeply, whether he was King or not. Nathaniel had no desire to go behind Alistair's back and steal Elissa away without any warning. After all, even though he was a King, he was still a man…a man who had to put Elissa aside for the sake of ruling Ferelden.

Alistair looked as if he were in deep thought. Nathaniel was half-expecting the King to go into a rage and order him to the dungeons. Or possibly drag him off to be hanged. Or, Nathaniel was hoping, the King would throw the first punch and give himself a valid excuse to get in a bloody fight with the man.

Instead, the King did something that took Nathaniel completely by surprise.

Alistair threw his head back and began to laugh loudly.

The study echoed with his laughter and almost shook the tomes off the shelves. Nathaniel began to feel awkward as the King was holding his sides and leaning against his desk to keep himself from falling over.

After several moments of what almost seemed like an eternity, Alistair's laughter died down and he tried to catch his breath. He wiped away the tears in his eyes as he chuckled. "So you are going to ask for Elissa's hand in marriage then?"

"Yes…" Nathaniel drew out his reply, eyeing the King in confusion. Of all reactions he had been expecting, he had no inkling that the King would laugh himself into a fit.

Alistair walked over behind his desk and sat down heavily into his chair. "And you believe Elissa would accept you?" He asked Nathaniel with a grin.

Nathaniel stiffened. "I do not know how she will respond, but I will love her and stand by her…regardless of her answer."

Alistair leaned back in his chair. "That is quite a bold statement, I must say. I guess you have declared it to me because you are aware that I am in love with Elissa as well?"

Nathaniel narrowed his eyes at the King. "You show your love quite unusually…considering you abandoned her to search for another woman to be your Queen."

Alistair looked up at Nathaniel with a sad smile on his lips. "Ah, so you know of the situation."

"I know enough that when you came to Vigil's Keep that night you have basically used her and tossed her to the side as if she were a toy you were done playing with." Nathaniel felt his voice rise with his anger.

"I had no intention of using Elissa as something for my amusement." He lifted his eyes to meet Nathaniel's gaze evenly. "I love her with all my soul. She is everything to me."

"Then why would you leave her in such a state?" Nathaniel demanded, recalling Elissa's anguish that night.

"I've never left her." Alistair stated. "It has always been the other way around."

"What?" Nathaniel asked incredulously.

Alistair shook his head slowly. "After Elissa had run off, I searched the Keep for her that entire night…but I couldn't find her anywhere. The guards did not know where she had gone off to. It was into the morning when I finally came back to my chambers. The Seneschal told me that Elissa had already left with her Wardens at dawn's light."

Nathaniel remained silent, unwilling to believe the King's story. Alistair scratched his head as he continued, "Before that, Elissa had left Denerim without so much of a goodbye. She was so rigid with me after the coronation…I was terrified that she would leave me if I told her I would renounce the crown for her. Elissa is much too honorable to allow me to do such a thing. I guess my effort was for nothing since she ended up leaving anyway.

"I am quite surprised that I am not yet used to having Elissa depart from me." Alistair laughed derisively at himself. "She did the same when we were children as well. That day she left me in Redcliffe was one of the saddest in my memories."

Nathaniel recalled what Elissa had told him before. "So you are the famed lonely boy from Redcliffe."

Alistair gave a pained grin at Nathaniel. "And you are the one Elissa has found solace in…after I've driven her away."

Nathaniel did not want to find the King likeable. He had come for a confrontation and a challenge…not a nostalgic amity. He relaxed his stance and crossed his arms. "You said you still love her. Are you not angry that I will be proposing to Elissa?"

Alistair chuckled. "You are welcome to try. I apologize for laughing so hard a moment ago. I laughed because it was as if I saw myself. That same determination…Maker help me, that must be what I look like to everyone else…"

Nathaniel frowned. "You seem to realize your position as King. She is obviously unable to be your Queen. Knowing that, why do you pine for her?"

Alistair smiled softly. "Because even if I cannot be by her side, I always yearn to be. Because even if I am forced to marry another, she will be the only one in my heart."

"And if she chooses me?" Nathaniel pursued.

"That would be her choice. It will not change how I feel for her."

Nathaniel conceded to the King's never-ending good nature. It was apparent that he would love Elissa, no matter what the circumstances held for her in the future. Even though Nathaniel had truly wanted a fight, he could not find much fault in the man. The King loved Elissa just as deeply as he did. Nathaniel sighed walked towards the door to leave.

"Your Majesty, I also cannot help to feel as if I'm looking at myself when I look at you." Nathaniel turned to give the King a hard stare. "However…just because I empathize with you does not mean I will give Elissa up."

Alistair nonchalantly tilted his head. "I have no doubt in my mind that she will lead you on a merry little chase."

"I will be the one to catch her." Nathaniel warned.

Alistair evenly returned the gaze. "We will see, shall we?"

Elissa treaded slowly through the snow covered fields, with her bow and arrow strapped to her back. She loved winter time in Highever. On the fields outside the city walls, a thick layer of white covered the landscape. She reveled in the quiet that came along with the snow…peace has been so rare to her as of late.

Her faithful mabari hound was frolicking in the cold, a trail of his prints marred the otherwise perfect blanket of snow. She was wearing a heavy fur-lined cloak that also covered her protruding belly. She smiled as she rested her hand upon her unborn child. Her carrying has been getting along quite well. When she first arrived at Highever, she had the same fits of nausea and feverish swooning that she experienced before she had left Vigil's Keep. Luckily, Fergus had experience as an expectant father and had encouraged her through it all, assuring her that it was normal.

Another season has already passed and she was now experiencing the thrill of having her baby lightly kick at her stomach. To keep herself from feeling like a fat sow, she went out to go hunting every afternoon. From what Fergus had told her, she will soon be arriving to the time when she will no longer be able to walk around so easily.

Ser Gilmore was alongside her, making sure she did not exert herself. The soldier was one of the very few people in Highever who were aware of Elissa's situation. "You know…" He spoke as he followed behind her. "From the other expectant mothers I have seen, I know none that actually go out into the snow to catch their dinner."

Elissa laughed as she continued forward. "What do you expect me to do, Ser Gilmore? Sit by a fireplace and knit socks for the baby?"

"Well…yes, actually." He huffed, watching his breath form a small cloud from the cold air.

Dog suddenly stopped in his tracks and pointed his nose towards the trees. Elissa quickly grabbed her bow and notched an arrow quickly. The arrow shot off to the distance and landed with a light thump. She praised the mabari and began walking towards her catch. "I can't bear to allow myself to waddle around indoors all the time. I remember watching Fergus' wife do that when she was carrying Oren. It drove everyone in the castle daft!"

Ser Gilmore chuckled. "Yes, I remember that as well. In one minute, the soldiers were being ordered to bring in loads of firewood to her chambers because she was cold, and the next we were ordered to bring buckets of cold water because she was hot."

Elissa reached down and retrieved a rabbit she had skillfully struck. "I refuse to be a burden upon anyone while I carry my child. Besides, I believe my baby likes it better when I am moving about. Tends to kick me much less."

"I guess if the little one is happy, we can't really complain." Ser Gilmore took the rabbit from Elissa to tie it with the others she had caught. "Have you given any thought to what you would name the child?"

Elissa shook her head and looked down at her stomach. "Nothing set in stone, as of yet. I think I will think of a name once they are born…"

Ser Gilmore almost smacked himself for asking such a question. In Ferelden, it was customary that the father be the one to name the child. He coughed awkwardly. "I'm sure your child will cherish whichever name you come up with. Perhaps the Teyrn may have a suggestion."

Elissa's brother was currently in Denerim due to a meet with the bannorn. The Grey Warden celebration was over and Ferelden went back to business as usual. Fergus avoided telling Elissa what the meet would be about, which led her to believe it must be more news concerning the King's upcoming engagement. A feeling of sorrow washed over her as she thought about Alistair marrying another woman. The idea did not set well with her at all.

Dog caught Elissa's frown and gave a small whine. She broke out of her reverie and gently scratched her hound behind the ears. "Let's head back, shall we? I need to finish up a letter to Varel back in Amaranthine. Even when I'm in Highever, an Arlessa's work is never done." She sighed.

Ser Gilmore stifled a sigh as well. Keeping such news was proving to be quite difficult. Elissa had been corresponding with the Seneschal almost every day. She had been using the guise that her pro-longed illness has been keeping her at Highever.

Apparently Nathaniel Howe, Ser Gilmore still had to fight the urge to spit when he heard the Howe name, was assisting Elissa in running Amaranthine in her absence. With the most recent darkspawn threat taken care of, the Ferelden Wardens have slowly begun to recruit more people into their orders to replenish their numbers.

Even though she had been receiving many letters from the Seneschal, she could only bring herself to write back short responses, fearing that he may figure out her condition if she divulged too much.

However, it did not stop Nathaniel from trying to visit her every chance he could get.

As they approached the back gates, one of the guards waved them over after spotting them. Elissa expertly adjusted her cloak so it would hide her widening stomach.

"My Lady, Ser Gilmore." The soldier called to them. "Howe is at the front gates, yet again."

"For the love of Andraste." Ser Gilmore angrily sighed. "You think the man would have gotten the hint and given up by now."

Elissa smiled sadly in response. Nathaniel had been coming to Highever every few days in attempts to see her. And each time, the guards cursed him and turned him away. Nathaniel was obviously trying to take the high road by heeding their jeers each time he came by…if it was his prerogative, he would have easily scaled the city walls and snuck in.

The soldier shook his head. "The Grey Warden mage has arrived with him. We have allowed Warden Anders entry into the city, but Howe remains outside the walls."

"Good. Let's keep it that way." Ser Gilmore nodded in approval.

"Is Anders inside the castle?" Elissa asked the soldier.

"Indeed he is, My Lady."

Elissa turned to Ser Gilmore. "I will hurry back to the castle then. Will you do me a favor and give those rabbits to Cook and take Dog with you?"

Ser Gilmore inclined his head obediently. "Yes, I will. Please bid the Grey Warden mage a good day for me as well."

Anders was waiting for Elissa in the main hall, huddled by the fireplace for warmth. As she approached him, Elissa could not help grinning in amusement. "You know, if you are so cold…why can't you do a simple fire spell to keep yourself warm?"

"Very funny." Anders muttered, rubbing his hands together at the fire. "Maybe you should try going out in the ghastly cold wearing a bloody robe and see how long it takes for your toes to freeze off."

Elissa laughed softly and took off her thick cloak. Anders let out a low whistle at her belly. "My word, you've grown quite large since the last time I saw you."

"That was only a few weeks ago. I haven't gotten that big, have I?" Elissa asked self-consciously.

"There's absolutely nothing wrong with a growing baby." Anders replied and gently held his hands to her stomach. Both he and Elissa gave a slight jump when they felt a small kick.

"It's been kicking quite a lot lately." Elissa murmured, rubbing her stomach.

"That just means the child is healthy." Anders nodded in conclusion and took a step back to observe Elissa. It looked like she had been eating well and taking care of herself. Her cheeks were rosy, which added to her glow. "I was getting a bit concerned because I haven't seen you in a while, but I'm glad to see you are okay. I will make sure to send a letter to Wynne."

"Please do." Elissa slowly sat down on a nearby cushioned chair. "Unfortunately, I'm unable to send any letters to anyone. It seems that people keep intercepting my correspondences."

"It's just Nathaniel and the King being overly nosy." Anders waved it off. "Can't really blame them though. Everyone believes you are simply ill."

"It is the best we can do for now." Elissa sat back in the chair.

"I don't know how we were able to keep this secret for as long as we have. Nathaniel is getting irritating beyond belief. Thank Andraste's flaming pantaloons that he believes the soldiers are not letting him in because he is simply a Howe."

Elissa laughed. "Actually, that is quite the truth."

"Speaking of which…" Anders gave Elissa an inquisitive look. "Have you decided to go through the spell of birthright yet for your child?"

Elissa turned her gaze to the floor. "I…no…I haven't decided yet."

Anders knelt down before Elissa to meet her eyes. "Commander, I know it is quite an uncomfortable situation you are in. But we cannot do this spell without the blood from all the…ahem…parties involved. You will need to inform them soon."

"Isn't there a way we can do the spell without resorting to…the blood?" Elissa asked softly.

Anders shook his head. "No, there is not. And before you ask…no, there is absolutely no way I can retrieve blood from either man without them being aware."

Elissa smiled at Ander's off-handed joke. "Are you sure? You can be pretty quick on your feet when you want to be. You can just knock them out with a quick spell and take it, can you not?"

Anders snorted. "Knocking out the King is difficult enough as it is…and that is before the templars storm in and send me to the gallows. As for Nathaniel, there's no way I can sneak up on him so we can give that idea up."

Elissa understood Anders' concern. She knew she was being nothing more than a coward by avoiding the inevitable. She just wanted some time…a little more time…to pretend that the fate of Ferelden didn't rest upon the unborn child in her womb.

"All right, Anders. I will inform both Nathaniel and Ali…I mean, the King about the child." Elissa stood up from her seat. "But allow me to wait a bit longer before I do."

Anders let out a heavy sigh and got on his feet as well. "I guess that means I will be dragging Nathaniel back to Vigil's Keep yet again."

"I will tell him when he comes by with you the next time you come for a visit." Elissa promised. "Just…give me a bit to prepare what I will need to say to them both."

Anders couldn't help to notice that Elissa's usual confident and strong expression had suddenly turned unsure and frightened. He was not used to seeing such a look on his Commander's face. Anders hesitantly reached over and put his hands on her shoulders. "Commander, tell me the truth. Which man do you want the father of the child to be?"

Elissa closed her eyes and shook her head sullenly. "You might as well ask me if I could either live without the sun or the moon. I cannot answer that because I…cannot bear to lose either. Perhaps the Maker gave me this child as to lead me to the one whom I should choose."

"Perhaps…" Anders gripped her shoulders lightly. "But in the end, even the Maker would want you to decide your own fate, Commander."

Fergus Cousland left the meeting hall in a rush. He simply nodded his acknowledgements to several nobles of the bann who called out to him. There were many things about being the new Teyrn of Highever that he immensely enjoyed, but as always, there cannot be any happiness without an equal amount of aggravation. Debating amongst the bannorn was definitely on top of his list of annoyances.

Fergus learned from a young age about the importance of politics and governance, but it did not mean he had to enjoy it. Arguing over whom the King should take as the Queen was not a pleasant chore by any means. Fergus had to hold his tongue and pray that everyone would not notice is discomfort about the topic. After all, his sister could be carrying the King's child.

As he strode down towards the corridors of the palace, one of his Highever soldiers quickly caught up to the Teyrn and walked alongside him. "Is the meet over for today, Teyrn Cousland?"

"Yes, it is." Fergus rubbed the stiffness from his neck. "Without the darkspawn threat to discuss, these conferences have become even longer and, dare I say, duller than ever before."

The soldier chuckled in response. "I'm sure Lady Elissa would appreciate your gratitude. Shall I begin to preparations?"

Fergus nodded. "Please do. I would like to leave for Highever tonight. Gather up the rest of the men and let them aware we will be departing as soon as we can. I will go to the stables and retrieve my steed."

The soldier bowed low and quickly ran off towards the soldier's quarters to inform the rest of the Teyrn's guards.

Fergus wanted to leave before the King found him. For the past several months, the King has pummeled him with questions about Elissa whenever he came to Denerim. It wasn't that the young Teyrn disliked the King, on the contrary, he considered the ruler to be a friend of some sorts…which made it all the more unnerving to lie to him about Elissa's condition.

Although for this meet, the King hasn't approached him at all. Perhaps Chancellor Eamon's constant prying has finally taken effect into the King's mind and he has decided to take this Queen business seriously. Best not to press my luck by staying here too long, Fergus thought as he exited from the palace.

Fergus noticed two heavily armored Denerim soldiers leaning casually against the stable gates. As Fergus approached the stables, they both quickly got off the posts and stood attention. "Teyrn Cousland?" One of the soldiers inquired, his voice was muffled through his steel helmet.

"Yes?" Fergus replied, pausing his gait to face them.

"Will you be leaving for Highever tonight?" The other soldier asked.

"We are. My men are preparing for our departure as we speak." Fergus answered and continued into the stables to ready his horse.

The soldiers followed the Teyrn. "We have orders from the King that we will be accompanying you to Highever."

"What?" Fergus turned around to face them. "Why would the King need to send you with me?"

"We simply follow orders, Teyrn Cousland." One of the soldiers inclined his head. "We believe that the King may be concerned about the recent bandit attacks on the roads. He has given us strict orders to make sure we act as your personal guards and ensure you get to Highever safely."

Fergus furrowed his brow. "I assure you that my men are all perfectly suitable to protect me from harm. Please go back and inform the King that extra guards are not necessary."

The soldiers did not budge. "Teyrn Cousland, this is upon the King's insistence. We apologize for the inconvenience, but we cannot disobey orders. We promise that we will not be a burden, we just need to serve the duty that we were instructed to do."

Fergus sighed in frustration. Apparently he could not escape the palace quickly enough to avoid the King's interference after all. He nodded in acquiescence to the two men. "Very well. We will be leaving shortly. Retrieve whatever items you will need and prepare to leave with the rest of the Highever soldiers."

The soldiers both bowed low. "As you command, Teyrn Cousland."