Epilogue

It was evening and Michael had hid himself in his study all day. He knew he couldn't postpone facing Anora forever, but he was in no hurry either. Maker help him, what a mess this was.

He heard a light knock on the door.

"Who is it?" he said tiredly.

"It's me," Anora said and entered the room. She closed the door behind herself and watched him in silence for a while.

"You have very… capable friends Michael. Do you realize that?" she said.

Anora watched Michael intently. There was something predatory about her movements, and yet she didn't seem as angry anymore. Involontarily Michael stepped backwards until he felt the cold stone wall behind him.

"I… eh… I know." Michael answered carefully, trying to understand this strange mood she seemd to be in.

"Leliana have explained the... incident yesterday," she said.

"Oh!," he answered surprised.

"I am still mad at you, you know," Anora continued, stepping closer to him, eyes fixed on him.

"I understand," he answered. He couldn't meet her intense gaze and looked down at the floor instead. "I guess I deserve that."

"You do," she said tersely. "I don't think I'll ever forgive you for kissing that woman, no matter what excuses she has made for you."

Then her face softened and she took his hands in her.

"But I don't want to lose you, Michael," she said, her voice husky. "I couldn't bear to lose you."

She was so close to him now. He realized how much he ached to hold her and feel her again. He finally looked up and met her eyes.

"You'll never lose me, I swear," he whispered hoarsely, and took her in his arms.

He realized that he would probably never ever understand her. She was simply the most stubborn and impossible woman he had ever known.

"I love you, Anora," he whispered, his face buried in her hair. "I love you so much."

Then she silenced him with kiss full of hunger and desire.

"Do you think she'll forgive him?" Leliana wondered.

"Of course she will," Zevran answered her. "She will make him pay for it no doubt, but eventually she will forgive him."

Zevran smiled contentedly, sitting on the roof of the Royal Palace in Denerim, with Leliana's head on his lap, as they both watched the setting sun.

"That's good. They really do make a nice couple." Leliana sighed.

"Yes they do."

He is all yours now Queen, Leliana thought wistfully to herself. But he did kiss me back. I know he did.

"I just wish she could teach him to dress better," she said finally.

"Fashion is lost on Fereldans," Zevran replied.