If I had to sum this chapter up in a few words I would call it fluff-n-Stuff. Although, I don't believe that sounds like an appropriate title. I could feel my heart begin to constrict as I thought of their relationship's demise. Hopefully, you can too as you read it.

I would like to send a special appreciation to those who have been following this story since the beginning: Ladyamesindy, zevgirl, aftiel, Linette33 and moemie. Most sincerely – Thank you!

There are others that have put me on their ff favs and alerts (you know who you are). I just want you all to know how appreciative I am of you all. Every time I get frustrated, I click on you guys and I get empowered. Sometimes it by reading your stories and sometimes just knowing you're there.

Thank you so very much! Galesong1234

P.S. I changed the rating to "M" for just incase. Hopefully, I have not offended anybody.

Chapter 12

Awake

How does one negotiate with love, for fear of breaking apart? Simply put – you don't. That did not mean I wasn't going to try.

"Don't go to sleep," Alistair whispered into my ear, "Stay awake with me – tonight."

"Hmm," I stretched out beside him, "Just for a little while," I curled my hands under my cheek and began to doze.

"This feels like a dream," he nuzzled my neck, "I-I don't want it to end."

I looked over my shoulder and studied him through my lashes. He was propped up on one elbow and watching me. I pushed myself up against him and wiggled, "What would it take for it to feel real?"

He wound his free arm around me and dragged me closer, "(Sigh)…for you to never leave."

I turned to face him. I let my hands travel across the plains and valleys of his upper body. His physique was lean and firm from years sparring and fighting. I splayed my fingers across his taunt belly. There was a deep intake of breath.

I pushed him down and let my lips follow the same path my hands had taken. I let them tarry just above the hard length of him. He wound his hands in my hair and urged my forward. I obliged.

"Stop! Hold the action," my mind warned, "What did my mind know anyway? Shut up, I want this."

Okay, maybe my body wanted this. Maybe, it even needed this. I wasn't about to let my heart give everything to him. After all, I was still in control.

"Liar," my heart screamed.

"Treacherous creature, my heart…one not to be taken lightly," I thought.

"Chandra," he moaned. The urging became more of a tugging.

"Whew," I snapped my jaw back into place. I let my body slide across him in a seductive caress, "I want you."

With a growl, he flipped me over and I was once more in his possession. He captured my mouth with his. Long and sweet, nipping and caressing, his lips burned a trail across my body until he stopped to feast upon my breasts. I was on fire and all I wanted was for him to put it out. I arched against him. He needed no further encouragement as he plunged deep inside me. I wrapped myself around him and we soared, a final crescendo of two hearts enraptured.

"We can now go to our graves, fighting the Archdemon, knowing that we did not die a virgin."

"This is not some one-night stand for me, you know," he brushed his thumb across my lower lip, "You mean more to me than that," he kissed me.

"I was only teasing, silly," I reached down between us, "Why so serious?"

He grabbed my hands and held them at my side. I arched wantonly against him and tried to kiss him.

"Do you regret…this?" I heard the fluctuation in is voice.

I stopped my fidgeting, "No, of course not."

"You're the first woman I've ever spent the night with, and…," His voice conveyed that deep ragged emotion that made my heart want to believe, "If I have it my way you'll be the last."

"Just shut up and kiss me, already."

"You sure we can't stop at the tavern? Just one drink," we stood just outside the main gate of Redcliffe castle, "Better yet, why don't you go?"

Alistair rested his hands on my shoulders and leaned his forehead against mine, "You will be fine. Just wait and see."

"Easy for you to say," I furrowed my brow and made a face.

"I'll be there," he kissed my forehead, "Right beside you," and then my lips.

I could hear the shouts of men and the clanging of metal ahead of us. We passed under the raised gate. They had cleared away the corrupted flesh of the walking dead. We walked through the bailey where the knights practiced and up the stairs to heal Alistair's uncle.

"I can't do this, Alistair," I gave one final protest, "I killed his son."

"You did what was best," he encouraged, "I see that now."

"You're not just saying that?" I wanted to believe.

"A long time ago, my love. If anything…it is the Arlessa's fault."

I had forgotten about her, so focused on our mission and Alistair. We had immediately departed, after the death of Connor, leaving her alone to pick up the pieces and grieve the loss of her son. No parent should have to contend with that. Eamon would, if the ashes worked.

"Alistair, he is your uncle. He will…."

"He will understand," he gave me a reassuring hug, "Ready?"

"Do I have a choice," I rolled my eyes and frowned.

"This is most troubling," Arl Eamon finally turned and regarded us, "there is much to be done, that is true. But I should be thankful to those who have done so much," he pulled on his beard thoughtfully.

I had failed to come up with any spell that would allow me to dissolve into the walls and disappear. So I settled on hiding behind Alistair. He did tell me that he would be there at my side.

"Grey Warden," I sucked in my breath and looked skyward, "I know you did what you had to. I grieve for my son," I gnawed on my lower lip letting the air slowly expel, "…but I believe that had you not acted as you did, it might have been worse. I am in your debt." I arched my brows quite surprised, "Will you permit me to offer you a reward for your service?" I peered around Alistair arm.

"I need your help against the blight," I felt rather small and inconsequential, "That will do."

"I understand but regardless of your motivation," he insisted, "I feel you are worthy of a reward."

"That is not necessary," my voice sounded high, even to me.

"There is much else to do now," Teagan interrupted.

I smiled gratefully at the Arl's brother for the distraction. Ban Teagan was a fine man, worthy of much. For a moment I remembered our minor flirtation, after killing the walking dead. Perhaps under different circumstances, things could have been different between us. As it was, my heart and life were twisted around a certain Grey Warden.

"I will call a Landsmeet, a gathering of all of Ferelden's nobility in the city of Denerim," Eamon eyed his nephew thoughtfully, "There…Ferelden can decide who shall rule; one way or another."

"I don't want to be king. I never did," Alistair sounded off, "Even when Cailan died I—I guess I hoped that something else would present itself."

"You have a responsibility, Alistair. Without you, Loghain wins," I almost felt bad for Alistair as I watched him shift uncomfortably under his uncle's perusal, "I would have to support him, for the sake of Ferelden. Is that what you want?"

"I…but I…No, my Lord," Alistair snapped his mouth shut. Whatever Alistair thought of this man, I did not like his Uncle's effect on him.

"What do you say, my friend?" here it came, "I do not wish to proceed without your blessing," more salt on the wound.

"My blessing?" I smiled ineffectively, "Why do you need my blessings?"

"None of this would be possible without you," his eyes never left mine, "I am a credible enough figure to call a landsmeet, but I hold not illusions that I could face Loghain alone. Truly, you see that."

Alistair was lost in his own thoughts to be of any support, "What are my options?"

"We could attempt to wage a military campaign against Loghain," Eamon argued, "But even if we win…would we have enough forces to defeat the darkspawn?"

"No," Teagan interjected, "But neither would Loghain."

"It seems we have little choice," I answered for all of us.

"Very well, I will send out the word…We'll set out for Denerim immediately," Eamon gave the final marching orders.

(Alistair)

"I'm going to need a bridge to get to your tent, love….You've just about paced yourself a mote." Chandra stopped long enough to glare at me.

"K-i-n-g," she mouthed slowly as if I didn't know already, "You're going to be king."

"That is the initial plan," even as I tried not to dwell too much on it.

"What now?" I watched as she walked herself into a frenzy, "Do I call you…My Lord?"

"Of course not," I gave into my own frustration, "(Sigh)…I never thought I'd find someone like you. I love you. You know that, right? I never wanted to be king, but I won't refuse if it's in the best interest of the nation."

"Hold me, Alistair. I feel like our world is about to end," She threw herself into my arms.

"I'll tell you one thing," I lifted her chin to look into her eyes, "I don't intend to let you get away, if that's what you're thinking. King or no king, I'll find a way to make it work." I said for her benefit as much as mine.