Any hopes that Varian or Braelyn may have still held about the rumours surrounding them actually fading away were dashed. Jasper Hawke's ultimatum struck the first blow. Varian Wrynn running into Stormwind Keep with a half-dead Braelyn in his arms was the knock out punch.
When she woke, Braelyn found herself tucked up in a luxurious bed with a bandage wound around her head, feeling the after effects of some potent healing magic. She struggled to sit up, groaning as she did so.
"Darling! You're awake!" Ellysan Hawke cried, and a second later, Braelyn found herself wrapped in her mother's comforting embrace.
"Thank the light," Jasper added, sitting on the bed and stroking his daughter's hair.
"Dad, this is all your fault!" Braelyn croaked, remembering how she ended up in the pond. "What were you thinking challenging the king like that?"
"I was thinking of your wellbeing," he replied. He gave Braelyn a warning look when she looked like she wanted to start an argument.
She huffed. "Where am I? How did I get out of the pond?"
"The king jumped in after you. He pulled you out, then brought you here to the Keep," Ellysan said. "He actually carried you here in his arms. It was quite dramatic."
"He carried me?! To the keep?" Braelyn was horrified. "Please tell me this isn't his bedroom." She groaned when her parents gave her a 'sorry, can't do that' look. "What was he thinking?"
"I'm pretty sure he was thinking about saving your life, ungrateful girl," her mother scolded her. "Honestly, Braelyn, is the thought of being the king's wife really that repulsive?"
Braelyn was unable to answer as a knock sounded on the door. Jasper got up to answer it, stepping back with a bow as the king walked in.
"You're awake, thank the Light," King Varian said, as he took in Braelyn's form. He seemed relieved to see her alive, and she realised that it must have been quite alarming for him to have her life in his hands after what had happened to his wife. Her anger and anxiety receded slightly, and she gave him a small smile.
"I am fine, Your Majesty," she said. "Thank you for saving my life."
The King nodded, coming closer and looking her over for any sign of injury or distress. Braelyn looked down at herself. Her linen pants and shirt had been replaced with a soft green dress. She wondered who it belonged to, praying that it wasn't the late Queen Tiffin's.
"I thought it best not to let you drown, all things considered," he said, giving her father a pointed look. Jasper had the decency to look slightly ashamed. "Are you feeling well?"
"I am fine, thank you," Braelyn replied, suddenly awkward. She looked down at her hands as she twisted the blankets between her fingers.
"Jasper, Ellysan, will you excuse us? I need to speak with Braelyn in private."
"Of course, Your Majesty," Jasper said, taking his leave. Braelyn's head shot up and she gave her mother a pleading look. Ellysan just gave her an encouraging smile before curtsying to the king and following her husband out the door.
The king walked over to the bed and sat down. The was a quiet 'clink' as he dropped something on the bedside table. Braelyn took one look at it and shook her head in defiance.
"I am still not marrying you."
"The throne room is already full of people, common and noble alike, inquiring about the welfare of 'my Lady'," he said in a tired voice. "Do you really think you can keep going on like this, Miss Hawke?"
"Yes," Braelyn said stubbornly. "I'm younger than you. I can wait; they won't make me marry your corpse."
The king's patience was not infinite.
"Put the damn ring on your finger and agree to marry me already, light curse it!" he snapped. "Or do you want me to slaughter your father in a duel?"
Braelyn glared up at him and finally saw the king for the warrior he was, and the gladiator he'd once been. His sapphire eyes were blazing, and his face was all angry lines. She didn't enjoy being the cause, or the focus, of such fury.
But she didn't think she'd enjoy being queen, either.
"Would you really kill my father?" she asked him.
"I would dishonour him if I did not take the duel seriously," Varian replied, without a hint of regret. "Your father is a decent man, Braelyn, I would never do that to him willingly."
Braelyn knew the king's words should please her, even if they did refer to an event that could claim her father's life. They showed how much her father was valued by the king, and by the Alliance. She was far from happy, though.
Braelyn felt resentment flow through her. If her father managed to win, she would be expected to marry King Varian, as the king's life would be spared. If Varian won, not only would her father be dead, but the rumours would continue unabated, leading to the expectation that she would marry the king. If Braelyn did not meet those expectations... there would be no place far enough to hide from the fallout.
There was no easy escape route for her.
With a sigh of resignation, Braelyn picked up the ring and slid it onto her finger. It fit perfectly, much to her annoyance.
"That was the most romantic proposal I've ever heard. You must have practised for days," she said sarcastically. "Seriously, though, even Jack put in more of an effort."
A vein in the king's temple twitched. "And look how well that worked out," he growled.
"Point taken," Braelyn said after a slight pause. She stared down at the ring. It was so beautiful, but she swore she heard a cage door swinging shut as she looked at it.
"I'll need to send the couriers out to make the announcement," the king... Varian, said. "I'll be back as soon as I can so we can make arrangements."
"If you must," Braelyn said, but the anger was gone from her voice. She looked up at her betrothed. "I'm going to make a horrible queen."
"Somehow, I doubt that," Varian said, giving her a small smile before he turned and walked away. Braelyn was surprised, and a little touched, by his confidence.
Braelyn wasn't left alone for long. Not five minutes after Varian left her, someone knocked on the door and asked permission to enter.
It was Prince Anduin.
"Your Highness!" Braelyn exclaimed, sitting up and attempting to tidy herself up. The young prince smiled at her as he took a seat by her bed.
"There is no need to be formal, Braelyn," Anduin said. "Not when my father has just told me the happy news."
"I, uh, don't know that 'happy' is the right way to describe it, Your... Anduin," she replied.
Braelyn studied the young man who was soon to be her stepson. He looked nothing like his father, with golden hair and wide blue eyes. He seemed so much more relaxed, and innocent, than Varian, and she found herself hoping that would never change. Anduin was a sweet child, and should be spared the cruelty inflicted on his parents.
"This is so awkward," Braelyn muttered, and Anduin looked at her quizzically.
"How so?"
"You're only ten years younger than me," she explained. "It seems bizarre that I'll be calling you my stepson soon." She paused as another awkward issue popped into her head. She disguised her discomfort by reaching for a drink, smiling when the prince handed it to her.
"I'm glad my father will no longer be alone," Anduin said, looking at Braelyn with respect. "He deserves someone to watch over him."
"He has you," Braelyn pointed out.
"It's not the same," the prince replied, and Braelyn knew that it was true. Having a child was not the same as having someone to lay by your side during the long, cold hours of the night.
"Your... Anduin, I don't know how to talk to you about this," she began, looking at him with a tight smile.
"You wish to discuss my mother," he said, smiling slightly at her surprised look. "It's all right," he assured her. "I would want to do the same thing, if I were in your position."
"I just want you to know," Braelyn said quickly, wishing to get the topic dealt with before she changed her mind, "that I am not going to try to replace your mother. I could never be Queen Tiffin, and I will not pretend otherwise."
"I'm glad," Anduin replied, laughing when Braelyn looked shocked. "From what people say, no one ever could replace her, and I'd pity anyone attempting to do so."
There was a long silence, but it was not an uncomfortable one. Braelyn was struck by how mature and poised Anduin was, how calm and steady of temper. There was no hint of the anger that Varian carried, no signs of the scars that covered his father's spirit.
It was the Prince who broke the silence. "I don't remember my mother," he said softly. "It is something that has always saddened me, especially when I hear my friends talking about theirs. I often dream about her, and wonder what life would have been like if she had lived. Would she have been proud of me?"
Braelyn looked at Anduin with pity. She forgot about her own troubles as she contemplated everything she had and took for granted. She had problems, yes, but she had two loving parents and a lifetime of memories. She felt ashamed. Her fate could have been a lot worse than to be the Queen of Stormwind.
"I'm sure she would have been the proudest mother in Azeroth," Braelyn said softly, reaching out to give Anduin's hand a gentle squeeze. "I know I'm pretty proud that I get to call you stepson."
Anduin grinned at that, looking like the youth that he was. "I may not have memories of my mother," he said, "but I look forward to making some with my stepmother."
Braelyn laughed. "I'm pretty sure I'll create plenty of memorable moments," she said. "And just wait until you meet my mum. She'll mother you right into next century!"
As she and the young prince settled into easy conversation, Braelyn decided that while she might not be happy as a wife, she'd be very content as a mother.
Word of the royal engagement spread quickly. Braelyn was given two days of bedrest, during which she was besieged with messages of congratulations. Most were from complete strangers, but several came from people she'd helped over the years. Even the Horde leaders sent their well wishes.
Braelyn dreaded reading Lor'themar Theron's letter, but found it full of warmth. Halduron had added a postscript about her now being able to afford paying him back. When she had explained the comment to Varian, the king simply asked how much was owed.
"Is that all?" Varian drawled when Braelyn told him. He then ordered his steward to write a cheque, joking about not wanting the blood elves to repossess his wife.
There was no word from Rommath, something that left Braelyn both relieved and upset.
After the two days were over, Braelyn was expected to make her first public appearance as Varian's betrothed; a trip to the Cathedral of Light to receive a blessing for the upcoming nuptials. She was exceedingly nervous. The only thing calming her nerves was the presence of her parents.
Jasper Hawke was in the throne room with his future son-in-law and King Genn, looking every inch the proud father that he was. Ellysan was with her daughter, helping Braelyn dress. She was happy that the situation with her daughter and the king was resolved, but sad that Braelyn couldn't see the potential for happiness in the match.
Braelyn's eyes widened as her mother pulled out the dress she was to wear. It was the same blue dress she'd worn the night of Jack's proposal. "Are you sure that's a wise choice, Mum?"
"His Majesty requested you wear it," Ellysan said. "He said you looked beautiful in it, and that he enjoys seeing you in his colours."
"Oh," Braelyn said. She looked at her reflection. Did he really think she was beautiful, or was he just saying what he thought people wanted to hear? She sighed when she realised it didn't really matter.
She slipped into the dress, put on her jewelry and let her mother brush out her hair. Her mother paused, staring at her intently.
"Braelyn," Ellysan said, squeezing her shoulder, "The king is a good man."
"I know, Mum. If he wasn't, he wouldn't have cared so much about saving my reputation."
"I'm glad you recognise that. I want you to promise me something, though."
"Of course," Braelyn replied, looking at her mother. "What it is?"
"The king has had a very hard life, and the mantle of leadership is not one he finds easy to bear. Because of this, he is not an easy man to get close to, despite the loneliness he feels. People often perceive him as being cold, aloof, and unfeeling. Underneath all that, though, is a warm and loyal man who cares deeply about his people," her mother said, giving her daughter a warm smile. "Promise me that you will not close yourself off to him, or let him push you away. Get to know him, my daughter, and try to be happy. You are both worth the effort."
"I'll try, Mum," Braelyn said, "but I'm scared. I'm going to be queen!" She couldn't help the tremor that ran through her body.
"I know, dear," her mother replied, stroking her hair just like she did was Braelyn was a child. "I know. Just remember; you're always stronger than you think you are."
Varian did his best not to snap at his steward as he waited for Braelyn to make an appearance. He was anxious, Dominic telling him that half the city's population had gathered along the route to the Cathedral. The people were desperate for a glimpse of their future queen.
After what had happened with Tiffin, Varian was worried about taking Braelyn out into such a crowd. Not all of those gathered would be benevolent. He shook his head in frustration. He was the king, damn it! He should be able to keep his own lady safe.
But he'd failed his first wife. What if he also failed Braelyn? He couldn't bear the thought.
There was a commotion by the inner door, and Varian turned around to see Braelyn walk in with her mother. She was wearing the dress he'd asked her to, and except for the missing curls, looked just as she had the night she'd frolicked in the courtyard. She was beautiful to his eyes, bright as a star, and, in that moment he forgot about how much he had wanted to avoid marrying her. He felt a glimmer of the comfort he'd experienced when she'd kissed him.
Varian walked towards the two women and, after bowing to Ellysan, took his fiancée's arm in his. He placed her left hand where her engagement ring would be most visible, the sapphire catching the light. He could tell Braelyn was nervous; her gaze was restless, and she was chewing her bottom lip in a manner he found most distracting.
"You look beautiful, Braelyn," he said, and was rewarded with a lovely smile.
"Thank you," she said. "Do you think the people will approve?"
"If they don't, then they're idiots," he replied bluntly. Braelyn looked stunned for a moment, then let out a peal of laughter.
"My dear Braelyn," Genn Greymane said as he came over. "How marvelous you look! Let me say how thrilled I am to know you'll be joining us in the Keep."
"Thank you, Ki... Genn," Braelyn replied, and Varian noticed that she seemed to relax in the older man's company. He was pleased that she would not find everyone in the Keep to be objectionable. "Do you have any tips for me before the kin... my fiancé and I depart?"
"Oh, yes!" the Gilnean said with a twinkle in his eyes. "Just remember that as the future queen of Stormwind you do not have to put up with any guff. If anyone gives you any trouble, just call for a guard, or, better yet, stick your boot into them!"
Varian rolled his eyes, but Braelyn laughed. "Somehow I don't think Varian would appreciate me kicking the good people of Stormwind."
"On the contrary," Varian said, giving his lady a sly grin. "If people see my lady sticking her boot into the troublemakers of the kingdom, they may think twice about trying to assassinate me."
He was pleased beyond measure when Braelyn looked up at him and grinned, attempting to hide her giggles behind her hand.
Braelyn did her best to honour her promise to her mother and kept her mind open when judging the king. She had heard that Varian was a rather aloof leader, not having much to do with the common people of his Kingdom, but soon found that it was not the case. On their journey to the Cathedral, her fiancé stopped and talked to everyone, from merchants, to heroes, to dock hands. He entertained the children, and even bought Topper McNabb a hamburger.
And the orphans! They adored the king, climbing all over him, begging for stories. She began to realise that a lot of what she thought she knew about the king was wrong. That made it easier to be more open, allowing herself to smile and laugh in his company.
"The king is very good with children," the Matron said, staring at Braelyn pointedly. Braelyn blushed, and sat down to talk to a little black-haired girl. Only for the child to tell Braelyn that a lady should always give her lord lots of kisses.
Braelyn didn't know what to say to that, but Varian chimed in with a too-innocent-to-be-believed, "You haven't kissed me once today, my dear." She glared at him, but he just grinned that sly grin of his as the little girl began to scold Braelyn.
"You have to kiss him, my lady!" she said sternly. "You have to kiss him right now!"
To Braelyn's horror, the rest of the children joined in, as did the Matron. With an exasperated sigh, Braelyn stood up and walked up to Varian. "You paid her to say that," she accused him, but he just laughed.
"Guilty as charged," he said.
Braelyn narrowed her eyes at him as she cupped his face with her hands. She leant in, placing her lips against his, smiling as the kids starting squealing in the background.
"You're lucky there are children present," she said as she pulled back, allowing Varian to wrap an arm around her waist, "or your punishment would be brutal."
"Your Majesty, my lady," Dominic interrupted before Varian could reply, "it's time to move on to the Cathedral."
"Very well," Varian said, chuckling as the children began to complain. "It's all right, little ones. Miss Braelyn and I will visit you again soon."
The royal party walked towards the Cathedral, Varian's grip on Braelyn changing to a more socially acceptable one. She looked at him as they approached the holy building and asked, "Are all the nobles going to be there?"
"Those that are in the city, yes," Varian replied. He seemed to notice Braelyn's increased anxiety, because he gave her an encouraging look. "Lord Devereaux will be there, Braelyn, but do not let yourself be bothered by him. Remember who you are; a woman worth more to the city than most of the nobles combined."
So that's why so many people are prepared to sacrifice their lives for him, Braelyn thought. He was inspiring, making her feel like the queen she was to become.
"Thank you," Braelyn said, giving him a genuinely happy smile, "but I still wish you'd let me bring my bow."
"You do not need it, my lady," Varian replied, smiling back at her. "Remember what Genn said; just stick your boot into him!"
Braelyn's laughter echoed through the Square.
AN - I like exploring the softer side to Varian. He's a tricky bastard.
Next chapter: Braelyn returns to Goldshire to prepare for her wedding and finds that some of her fears are already coming true. The wedding takes place, but will things go smoothly?