Have a great weekend all, enjoy!
We had been standing in one of the back rooms off the Landsmeet chamber for half an hour and I was getting antsy to say the least. I kept shifting my weight from one foot to another, huffing every once in a while in frustration. Finally Cailan sighed and grabbed my shoulders, forcing me to face him. I stuck out my lower lip.
"I hate just standing here!" I insisted as loud as I dare, knowing there were guards right on the other side of the door who were not yet aware of our presence. He laughed, giving my braid a tug and admiring the barrette.
"You are ever so charming when you are being a brat," he said, bringing the tail of the braid up to brush my nose. Scrunching it up just made him laugh more.
"As always, I live to amuse Your Majesty," I said sarcastically and curtsied. Then I heard something that made me stand up straight. Eamon and Loghain were yelling.
And then a fight broke out.
I reached for the door handles and Cailan grabbed my wrists.
"No," he insisted harshly. "I haven't come this far to get both of us killed." He turned me to face him. "Kora, for the first time in your life, let someone else take the reins." He glared at me in a way that made me stop dead, taking me completely off guard. I'd been in charge of things for so long that it didn't occur to me that Cailan was the King. My King. My face must have shown it because Cailan's eyes suddenly softened and he raised his hand to cup cheek, brushing it with his thumb. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean…" I took his hand in mine, shaking my head.
"No apologies between us. You are my King and this is your show. Besides," I gave his hand a squeeze, "too much has happened for us to walk on egg shells around each other." I let go of his hand and took a step back. "In order for us to keep our sanity we need someone we can vent to and not feel guilty." I smiled and thumbed toward the door, noticing things had quieted down. "Is that our cue?"
"Let's find out," he said as we pressed our ears to the door.
"Your reign as regent is at an end," I heard Alistair say, venom dripping from every word. "Stand down!"
"Never!" Loghain shouted back. Cailan growled, pulled me away from the doors and kicked them open.
"You will stand down Loghain!" he roared as his chest heaved with anger. When I recovered from shock I schooled my face and glared at Loghain as Cailan turned to me, motioned for me to take his arm and we strutted into the Landsmeet chamber. The look on Loghain's face was priceless.
"Cailan?" he whispered. Hearing his name on Loghain's lips made my blood boil.
"He is your King Teryn Loghain," I said, barely reigning in my rage. "You will address him as such." I looked for Caden and, finding him in the front of the crowd standing next to Elissa, I nodded. He nodded back.
"Well?" Cailan stared daggers into Loghain, daring him to reply. Loghain just stared at Cailan, mouth agape until he realized he needed to take a few steps back. Cailan gave him one last piercing look before turning to face the room.
"Noble men and women of the Landsmeet, as you can see your King is still quite alive and well, ready to resume the responsibilities of the throne. Are there any objections?"
The room, probably still in shock as well, was so silent you could hear a small cough in the back echo like a drum. Having no idea where Cailan was going next, I looked down at Caden and he nodded, walking up the stairs to stand next to me. We both turned and knelt in front of Cailan but I kept an eye on Loghain in my peripheral. He was still standing there, about 15 feet away, but his dumbfounded look was replaced with that of calculation. I couldn't help but send him a scathing glance as I felt Elissa kneel on the other side of me.
"Your Majesty," I heard Alistair say, the clanking of his armor a few feet behind us signaling he was kneeling as well. The other nobles followed suit one by one. Then I saw Loghain grip something shiny in his right hand and slowly move toward Cailan. I jumped to my feet, drew my sword, gripped my shield and put myself between Loghain and Cailan.
"You will not touch him!" I growled, feeling rage pump through my veins as I held the sword level with Loghain's throat. "Drop your weapon and get down on your knees!" The heat and anger in my voice seemed to take him by surprise but he quickly recovered.
"Bitch," he growled and tried to side step then lunge at me. Anticipating his move I dropped back on my right foot, stiffened my arm and sunk my blade into his throat.
"That's Arlessa bitch to you," I whispered, watching the blood bubble from his mouth. Smirking, I turned the blade slightly and watched his eyes widen. Amidst the shocked screams and shouts from the gathered nobles he dropped to his knees with a thud. I felt Cailan's hand on my sword arm and I nodded, yanking the blade out and watching his body fall to the floor.
"Father!" Anora ran over to Loghain's body, kneeling next to it and sobbing. I hadn't even noticed her standing there. She looked up at me, tears streaming down her face. "You monster!"
"Silence!" Cailan demanded, making her jump and turn her gaze on him. "Anora Mac Tir, you are guilty of conspiring with Loghain Mac Tir to usurp me as the rightful King of Ferelden and are therefore equally guilty of his crimes, among them being attempted regicide and treason. Guards!" Four armed men came to Cailan's side. "Take her to Fort Drakon to await sentencing." They nodded as two of them lifted her to her feet awkwardly.
"What? Cailan!" she screeched as they dragged her toward the exit. "I don't understand, why are you doing this? I am your wife!" she shouted as the door shut behind her. I heard Cailan sigh as he turned to face the Landsmeet.
"I formally turn aside Anora Mac Tir, daughter of Loghain Mac Tir as my wife and Queen of Ferelden. Any objections?" he asked as he scanned the crowd. You could have heard a pin drop. "Good. Are there any other matters anyone would like to bring to the Landsmeet's attention?" Caden cleared his throat and turned to face the room.
"I formally address the Landsmeet," he said as he turned to me, a look of distress on his face. "I hereby relinquish the Arling of Denerim to my elder sister, Kora Kendalls. Let it be known!" There were hums of shock and agreement from all around as people came out of their stupor, realizing that the Landsmeet was indeed still going on. I knelt before my brother and took his hand.
"I humbly accept, Your Grace." I stood, giving him a questioning look. He bowed his head, unable or unwilling to meet my eyes so I decided to ask later and turned back to Cailan, bowing my head.
"Your Majesty," I said, keeping my head down, "given what just transpired who will lead our armies?" I looked up at him to see the small smile spread across his face.
"As King of Ferelden, I hereby appoint my brother, Grey Warden Alistair Theirin as General of Ferelden's armies. Alistair, do you accept?" I moved into the crowd to stand next to Elissa, grabbing her hand in excitement. We smiled at each other then turned to watch Alistair walk up to his brother and kneel before him.
"I could do no less, my King," he said, bowing his head. Cailan nodded and Alistair stood, turning to face the crowd by his brother's side. I couldn't help but grin as Cailan addressed the room.
"We will deal with the Teyrnir of Gwaren once the blight is over. For now, let us focus our attention to the protection of our people." As he spoke the crowd began shouting and cheering their approval. "Everyone, gather up your soldiers. We will march on the darkspawn horde in three days time. Ready yourselves, for the battle that awaits us will be long and hard won!" Cailan raised his arms as the crowd roared. As he lowered them people were still shouting their praises as some started to make their way out of the chamber, chatting away.
"Your Majesty," I heard Eamon say as he crossed the room with Teagan, "well done." Cailan sighed.
"I took no joy in that show, Eamon," he said as he looked past him, seeing me and smiling. "But my accomplice gave me strength." He held out his hand toward me so I walked over and took it.
"Accomplice is it, Your Majesty?" I smiled. "Well, I have been called worse." I looked at Eamon who was just beaming from the victory.
"Your bravery rivals that of Cailan's grandmother, Your Grace," Teagan said. I laughed.
"I don't think 'brave' is the word I would use," I said with a grin, "I jumped to the defense of a man in full armor wearing a satin dress." I rolled my eyes at myself and the men laughed. "So where are we now? What's next?"
"I think you have some unfinished business, Your Grace," Cailan said as he nodded toward the door. I looked to find Garrett standing there eyeing us. I sighed and looked back to Teagan.
"What details can you provide?" I asked. He gave me a sympathetic look.
"Gallagher has been in constant contact with his son. He has been fed information regarding the Wardens as well as your movements in the city. We have reason to believe Gallagher then contacted Loghain's people and that was how they learned of your presence in the city." He shook his head and looked at me apologetically. "Word has spread of his family's deeds which could bring into question your ability to lead if you choose to maintain your relationship. I am sorry My Lady." I shook my head.
"Not your folly to apologize for, My Lord," I said quietly as I placed a hand on Cailan's arm and looked at him. "Your Majesty, would you please keep me posted on our plans?" Cailan put his hand over mine and smiled.
"Come to the palace for lunch tomorrow," he said, giving my hand a squeeze. "I plan to have everyone there to discuss strategy. If you have time for dinner this evening…" I smiled.
"As much as I would love to catch up, maybe another evening. I have much to do at the estate, I am sure."
"Tomorrow night then, just the two of us. I won't take no for an answer." He kissed my cheek scandalously close to my lips and smiled. I shot him a playful glare and, releasing his arm, walked toward Garrett swiftly.
"Ho there, you feisty little… whatever ya are," Oghren slurred slightly as he stepped into my path. I stopped abruptly and smiled.
"Oghren I presume?" I asked. He belched and wiped something that may have been ale from his bright red beard, making me giggle.
"Just wanted to say you'd make a hell of a beserker, jabbing the blighted traitor in the throat like you did. I'd be happy to teach ya since I'll be stuck here a few days…" He wiggled his eye brows and I smirked.
"I'll tell you what, Oghren. If you could teach both myself and Alistair I would be eternally grateful. Are you available tomorrow morning?" He grumbled something then nodded.
"Sure, sure, I'll stop by your place after breakfast. Where do ya live?" He closed one eye as if to focus on me and I had to hold back my laughter.
"Actually I planned to invite you and the wardens to stay at my estate," I said as I pointed to Rafe standing close by. "Stick with Rafe, he can show you. Once we have breakfast we can go out to the training yard. Sound good?" He grumbled something else then nodded and walked toward Rafe who gave him a good slap on the back, laughing. I can just imagine what that was all about, I thought as I turned to see Garrett. My face went blank.
"Greetings, Your Grace," Garrett said as he bowed. I nodded, keeping my face stoic.
"Ser Wulff," I said formally. "I understand that there are some things we need to discuss. Please come by my estate after the evening meal and we will discuss my issues with your… discrepancies and omissions." I nodded and walked past him, out the door.
I could have sworn I heard my heart crack.
"Shit," I groaned.
A few hours after the Landsmeet had ended I got the staff started on readying the guest rooms and took a tour through what was once my family's home. Caden walked next to me, his hands clasped behind him as we made our way through the private wing and toward the master bedroom.
"Sorry to leave it in such disarray," he said, "but Howe's men didn't leave us much choice." I nodded, thinking about the dungeon.
"Did you… find anyone in the basement?" I asked, holding my breath. I hoped he would have told me if he found Vaughan but given the circumstances I wasn't sure.
"We found an elf, a templar and a nobleman strapped to a table," he said, looking away. I sensed his tension rise and knew that my fears were realized. I waited for him to speak but when he didn't I knew the only way I would find out was to ask.
"Please tell me he did not die by your hand," I begged, feeling tears sting my eyes but refusing to let them free. He turned to face me, taking my hands in his.
"Kora," he whispered as he held his head high, "he was a rabid mabari and needed to be put down." Shocked, I ripped my hands away and slapped him across the face.
"How could you?" I hissed. "Your own brother! Your own flesh and blood!" My temper poured over. "With everything that's gone on, everything that will happen in the coming weeks, how could you do that?" Hurt ghosted across his face but he regained his composure and sighed.
"I love you Kora, but I will not apologize for what I did," he stated firmly, rubbing his reddening cheek. "He was not the man you remember from our childhood. He did horrible things that would disgrace our family and I would not allow him to sully your good name." Letting that sink in, he brushed a stray strand away from my face. "Please understand that what I did was for the good of everyone, Vaughan included. He couldn't have been proud of his actions and Mother would not have approved of the man he'd become." I sighed, the mention of our mother stifling the rage that threatened to erupt.
"I… I'm sorry." I sighed, regretting my words and actions of a moment ago. "It's been so much, all of it. These last few months have…" I hesitated, swallowing my tears, "I'm worried about everything. I'm worried about the blight, the troops, worried about everyone and everything... then there is my meeting with Garrett this evening."
"What does that fool want?" he asked gruffly. I shook my head.
"I invited him, I wanted to clear a few things up," I said as I played with the barrette at the end of my braid. "I know I don't deserve your support but can you please be there? You will be staying here with the others, correct? I was going to ask Cailan but he will have more pressing issues to deal with, Eamon being firmly implanted in his ass and all." Caden smiled, taking my hands in his.
"Sister, I would not leave you to ward off Garrett Wulff on your own," he said as he kissed my forehead. "By the way, there's something I should tell you." I sighed.
"Please let it be something good," I said. He smiled.
"I think you will be happy about it. It's about Elissa. She… I… we…" In that moment he reminded me of when we were 12 and he met Alfstanna for the first time. I laughed.
"You're together?" I finished for him. He smiled and nodded. I took his face in both my hands. "You're right, I am happy, for both of you." I kissed his cheek and sighed, looking down at myself. "I know you did not take your actions lightly, Caden. I am sorry that I doubted that, even for a moment."
"Given the circumstances, you are forgiven. As long as I am?" He asked. I nodded. "Good, I will see you at dinner," he said with a grin. "Oh, and Alistair said he will be staying at the palace so one less mouth to feed." I laughed.
"You mean three less, have you seen the way that man eats?" We laughed. "If you happen by the palace please ask him to break his fast with us? We have a date with Oghren." Caden gave me a puzzled look and I smiled. "Just tell him!" I insisted, waving him off. He bowed and walked away as I turned to face the doorway leading to the master suite and sighed, looking at the two guards at the door.
"Gentlemen, with me please," I said and entered the room.
Everything seemed in order; books on the shelves, bed linens neat and pressed until my eyes made it to the floor by the entrance to the dungeon. Whose blood could that be, I shuddered, knowing what had gone on down there.
"Your Grace," one of the guards stepped in front of me and brought his arm across his chest with a nod. "We can make sure all is clear and cleaned up down there. No need for you to trouble yourself." I smiled up at the handsome young man, maybe 20 years old, with jet black hair and stunning blue eyes.
"I was there to witness the aftermath of Ostagar," I said. "I can't imagine Howe's treatment of people would be worse than that of the Darkspawn horde." He glanced at the door.
"Did you ever meet him, Your Grace?" he asked. I laughed and relented.
"Understood. Please see to it personally ser…?"
"Lyle, Your Grace." He gave me a deep bow. I nodded and motioned to the dungeon door as they crossed the room. When the door closed behind them I looked around and shook my head.
"I can't sleep in here alone," I said as I hugged my arms to my sides. I turned to the doorway and walked out, deciding to make my way down to the kitchen to notify the staff of our guests for the coming days then head to my office.
Something told me I had a lot to catch up on.
"So then the werewolves surrounded us and that elf Zathrian is throwing the threats around. Finally Cailan tells him that we're not helping him kill the werewolves and he attacks us!" Rafe said as everyone in the room watched. We had just finished dinner and were having drinks, relaxing in one of the sitting rooms off the library. I sat back in my chair next to the fire and gripped my glass of bourbon with both hands, my meeting with Garrett weighing heavily on my mind.
"We know, Rafe," Jaden laughed, "how many times must you tell this story?" Rafe rolled his eyes.
"Lady Kora has not heard it, I was simply trying to entertain our host." He took a swig of his whiskey and sat down. I laughed.
"Thank you Rafe, you know how I love your stories," I said as a black haired elven servant girl entered the room. "Yes?"
"Your Grace," she curtsied. "Ser Wulff is here to see you." My heart skipped a beat but I kept my exterior cool as I nodded and stood.
"Thank you," I said, "please show him to the study. Caden?" I looked at my brother and he stood, motioning to the side door to the study just off the room we were in.
"Little one," Roman said as he stood, "you will not meet with this traitor without me." I smiled and nodded.
"Alright, but no breaking bones, understand?" I said half-kidding as we entered the study. Truth be told I was eager for the support, even if he did grab Garrett by his throat.
I stood behind my desk, resting my hands on it and sighing. I knew the conversation would not be pleasant and I didn't want to confront him like this but I had no choice.
My life was no longer my own, my people and their welfare were my priority and the stability of their leadership was key. I knew the information Teagan gathered was accurate and there wasn't much that could be gained from this meeting but I wanted to at least give him the opportunity to explain; whether it be to put my mind at ease or to piss me off more was yet to be seen.
Caden and Roman took seats flanking where Garrett would sit and we all looked toward the door when it opened. Garrett walked through followed by the servant.
"That will be all, thank you," I said. The elf curtsied and left, closing the door behind her. I motioned to the chair between the two Wardens and Garrett slowly moved to sit. I clasped my hands in front of me.
"You wanted to see me, Your Grace?" he asked, glancing at each Warden in turn. I nodded.
"I wanted to give you the opportunity to disclose any information you may have kept from me up to this point," I said. He raised an eyebrow at me.
"I'm not sure what you mean," he said, shifting uncomfortably in his chair. I struggled to keep my composure.
"Anything you may have left out about your arrival here," I stated, "anything you may have said that lead me to believe something that was not true." He schooled his face and smiled.
"Are you accusing me of something, Your Grace?" he asked as his eyes hardened. My chest tightened as the anger rose in my gut.
"Last chance," I said, crossing my arms. "Tell me the truth and I may be able to forgive you. Continue this evasion and I guarantee I will not." He sat back in his chair and smiled, crossing his arms as well.
"If I had known I was going to be interrogated, I would have worn more comfortable clothes." His grin made my blood boil but I kept my façade in check. I placed a hand on the desk.
"Alright," I snapped, "I will tell you how things actually went and spare us all a very long and uncomfortable evening." I stepped around the desk and stood in front of him. Uncrossing his arms he sat up, a look of fear passing over his face for just a moment then it went stoic.
"What do you want to know?" he asked. He appeared to be relenting so I leaned toward him, meeting his gaze at eye level.
"Everything."
"There's not much to tell." He held my gaze and kept his tone even. I shook my head.
"Not what I heard."
"You think I lied to you?" His tone went higher as his eyes softened. I laughed, knowing he was trying to play me.
"You forget yourself, Wulff," I stood up straight and leaned my backside against the desk. "Just as you know me…" I left that sentence to linger, uncrossing my arms and resting my hands on the edge of the desk next to me.
"Kora," he said as he stood to face me. Caden and Roman stood as well, glaring at Garrett like mabari waiting for the order to charge. Garrett visibly tensed then swallowed, looking from the two large men to me. "I can explain."
"Here in lies the dilemma, Garrett," I said, "you've already lied to me several times over, how could you possibly expect me to believe you now?" He held out his hands to me, palms up in surrender.
"You said it yourself," he said barely above a whisper, "just as I know you, you know me. You will know if I am lying."
The anger bubbled over as I stepped toward him and slapped him clean across his face. The crack echoed so loudly across the room it made Caden and Roman jump.
"I didn't know the first time!" I roared in his face.
My chest was heaving, my mind completely losing control of my body. Anger had always been my weakness, always my undoing. It was the only emotion I couldn't reign in until it was too late. Caden had seen a glimpse of it earlier but Garrett saw all of it in that moment, in all its glory and its destruction. He looked at me, shock and horror in his eyes as the red hand print slowly darkened across his cheek.
"Kora," Caden moved to my side, placing a hand on my arm, "perhaps…" I shrugged his hand off and continued to glare at Garrett.
"You," I seethed, "You were the one I trusted. The one I never questioned. The one I truly believed I belonged with. Even after I told you I loved another you stood by me. And yet here we are." I extended my arms out toward the room then let them fall to my sides. "I have to 'interrogate' you to get you to even admit to the possibility that you lied to me!" I slammed my fist down on the desk. The pain from it snapped me out of my fury for a moment but it was enough. I started to regain control, slow my breathing and my body began to relax but the sadness of the situation hit me as I looked down at the floor.
"I remember the first day we met," I said, feeling as if I was in a fog, "I was seven. It was your tenth name day celebration at your family's estate in West Hills. It was spring and all the flowers were in bloom. My mother had me wearing this ridiculous yellow dress as bright as the sun and Caden and Vaughan were teasing me relentlessly. I remember I finally kicked Vaughan in the knee and pushed Caden to the ground then ran to the stables to hide.
"I was almost asleep when I heard you climbing the ladder to the hay loft. I stayed still with my eyes cracked open, hoping you wouldn't see me but you did. And you just stood there and stared at me," I smiled to myself, "I thought you were staring at the dress so I got mad and jumped up, yelling at you. I remember I threatened to kick your ass just like I did my brothers." I laughed and shook my head at the memory. A hand pulled my chin up as I came to gaze into Garrett's soft brown eyes.
"It wasn't your dress I was staring at, Kora," he whispered. "It was your face. Your beautiful, sweet, angelic face and I couldn't tear my eyes from it, not even when you were cursing me out." I heard a door shut and realized Roman and Caden had left. Garrett sighed. "I will tell you everything, from beginning to end, if you'll hear me out." I swallowed and nodded as he motioned for me to sit in the chair next to his. I sat down and crossed my legs.
"I make no promises as to how this night will pan out." I kept my tone even and calm. He visibly swallowed then nodded.
"It started as I said, Ostagar was a failure and I went to investigate. What I didn't tell you was it was my father who sent me; he thought that if you knew he was involved it would scare you off. It was a mess so we considered it a loss and started back. Then I noticed the trail you and the wardens had left. My curiosity got the best of me and we followed it. Everything played out as I told you before," he patted his chest where the scar was, "but I didn't go to Denerim on my own. I went home, told my father what we had found and he ordered me to Denerim. He said he knew you would return as it was your home and when you did I would be there waiting.
"I was to gain your trust and find out what your group was planning. Father likes to know what is going on all across the board so he can decide whose side he will be on. And once I did that…" he hesitated then shook his head. "I was to court you." My heart clenched.
"We'll talk about that later. My first question is why would your father report my presence to the regent?" I asked. He shook his head and hardened his eyes.
"Probably to gain favor," he growled, "why else does my father do anything?" I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose.
"Why do I feel like I'm the one that got slapped," I murmured then scrubbed my face with my hands. "Courting me, huh? To what end?" He gave me a look that told me I already knew so I shook my head. "He still wants revenge for the deeds of a dead man. Lovely."
"He is a man of honor, Kora," he tried to reason, more so with himself. "It wasn't just disrespectful to him, it may as well have been a declaration of war. Since your mother passed he's been a different man." He shook his head as a memory came to the front of my mind, a memory of Gallagher and my mother I had written off as nothing but in that moment it made all the sense in the world.
I was wandering the halls of the estate when I happened upon my mother's office. The door was cracked open and I could hear voices inside so, being a nosy child, I crouched down to sneak up and listen.
When I peeked through the crack in the door I saw my mother standing by the window, looking out into the pouring rain that had set in that day. Then I saw Gallagher walk up behind her, putting his arms around her waist and pulling her close.
"They will be beautiful together," my mother said sadly. It sounded as if she had been crying. Gallagher bowed his head to rest against hers.
"They will love as we were meant to," he said.
"Kora!" Caden whispered harshly, scaring me half to death. "Mother will be angry if she catches you, come on!" He grabbed my arm and dragged me back to our rooms.
"I can't believe I didn't see this before," I said, shaking my head to clear it. "He loved her."
"What?" Garrett asked, obviously lost in his own thoughts as well. I laughed.
"Your father loved my mother," I said, spelling it out for him, "and I think she loved him as well. Maybe they wanted to live vicariously through us." He looked away thoughtfully for a few moments then looked back at me.
"It would make sense as to why he was so devastated when she passed," he said. "That reminds me, how did she die? He would never speak of it and it was so long ago…"
"One day she fell ill and a few weeks later she was gone," I said, trying to pull up the memory. "I was never told what illness she had, I just assumed it was contagious. My father wouldn't let us see her." The gears in my mind started turning, putting the pieces of the puzzle together. Then it all clicked. "He blames my father for her death. And because my father is now dead he has no one to take his anger out on so…" I waited for him to catch up as realization came over his face.
"Now I see," he whispered. "But why take it out on you, why not Caden or Vaughan when he held this station?" I shrugged.
"Perhaps he has been involved with Loghain longer than we are aware and knew Loghain's plans for Vaughan," I said as I tapped my chin, "which would remove him from the equation. Caden is a Warden so as far as honor goes he is above reproach. I, however, am still a noble, not to mention a Templar deserter so his anger falls on me." I sighed, laughing a bit as everything fell into place. "Wow, he really hates me." Garrett reached over and took my hand.
"It doesn't matter what he thinks of you, Kora." I nodded.
"I know," I said, took my hand away from his and stood. "Thank you, I think I have all I need." Garrett stood as well.
"I… I'm sorry. For everything, truly," he stammered a bit, a look of desperation on his face. I nodded, maintaining the serene façade I had in place.
"I know," I whispered as I stepped behind my desk. Remembering Eamon's words after the Landsmeet I struggled to keep my emotions in check, knowing full well this night's end was decided before it began. I played with a small piece of paper on the desk then looked up at him, still standing in front of his chair. "Is there something else?"
"Kora," he said with that same look in his eyes he had when he told me about his nightmare. Trying to help him save face and distance myself I put a hand up to stop him.
"Before you go any further I think there is something that needs to be said." I steadied my gaze and relaxed my features, pulling what little training my mother had given me before her death to the front of my mind. "Please understand this has nothing to do with you or my feelings for you. This is about the people of Denerim and their leadership.
"I cannot be seen as weak so early in my appointment. Given the fact that my information came from officers of Redcliffe and Rainsfere that are now in Denerim, there is a good chance everyone in Denerim will be made aware of it by the time the week is out. Therefore…" I swallowed hard, "I cannot continue to see you as I have.
"There remains the fact that you protected me quite valiantly," I raised my tone and grasped my own hands tightly, "as well as Leliana. I will always be grateful for that and never deny my gratitude to anyone. After the blight I intend to honor that in some way." Garrett walked around the desk and took me into his arms.
"Kora," he whispered, his breath warming my hair as he combed his fingers into it. Inside I was breaking, every inch of my soul was in intense pain but outside I had to maintain control. Knowing I was right and not willing to allow him to believe there was a chance, I slowly but firmly pushed him away and held him at arm's length.
"I am sorry." I stated simply. I stared him straight in the eye, holding his gaze until I saw him relent. I released his arms and took a small step back, the lump in my throat threatening to explode at any moment. Switching gears, I used my anger to help swallow it down yet again. "One last thing.
"Please let your father know that I will not let this indiscretion cloud my judgment in the future. All is forgiven, however it will not be forgotten. He has interfered in my personal matters for the last time." I let a small flare of anger enter my eyes.
"If he crosses me again he will feel the burn of true vengeance."
"I understand," he whispered as he looked down at the top of the desk then rested his hand on it. "Do you know what I find funny? This time it was him," he said, "and I will bet he doesn't even see it."
"What do you mean?"
"Your father and his pride tore us apart the first time," he said as he looked me in the eye.
"This time it was MY father and HIS."
He shook his head, walked back around the desk and out the door…
Dragging my heart on the ground behind him.
"Hey," I heard a familiar voice whisper into my ear. I took a deep breath and opened my eyes to see Alistair kneeling beside me. I groaned and lifted my head, feeling a sharp pain in my neck and back.
"Ow." I looked around, disoriented, and realized I was still sitting at my desk. "I must have drifted off." I scrubbed my face with my hands and wiped the sleep from my eyes, looking up at Alistair as he stood. I smiled. "What can I do for you, Commander?" He laughed.
"You are a sorry sight, my dear," He said as he tugged at my fraying braid. I looked down at it and gasped.
"How long have I been here?" I asked as I took out the barrette and started dismantling the braid. Alistair lifted my chin and smiled sweetly at me, making me blush.
"By the looks of it all night." He thumbed toward the window, the sun blazing through it. I groaned and covered my face in my hands. "Did you not go to bed at all?" I peeked through my fingers at him.
"Apparently not," I said as I dropped my hands into my lap. "No big loss, I hate that room anyway. I think I'll have the servants chop up the furniture for firewood. Seems fitting considering the last person to sleep in it should have been burned at the stake. Ick." I wrinkled my nose and waved to May, the black haired elf who led Garrett in the previous night. "May, could you please ask the stablemen to take care of that for me and get me some new furniture?"
"Yes Your Grace," she said with a bow and hurried off.
"So getting new furniture could take some time, you plan to sleep in your office until then?" Alistair asked, crossing his arms. I laughed.
"Yes, I thought I could bring a few blankets and a pillow in here and make a blanket fort under my desk. You could stay over too if Eamon will let you, won't it be fun!" I clapped my hands together, making him laugh. My heart jumped a little at that, making my smile softer. "I will figure something out in the mean time." I thought about where I could sleep but all the guest rooms were being taken up by the Wardens and Caden was in our old room. "Shit. Blanket fort it is then."
"You are too funny," he sighed as he took my hand and pulled me to my feet. "Your Grace, I will escort you to your room so you can get dressed and ready yourself for breakfast." He kissed my hand and gave it a playful yank as he made for the doorway.
When he closed the door to my room behind me it felt like the walls were closing in, every item in that room screaming negativity. I shook my head and made for the closet, throwing the doors open and grabbing the closest dress and matching shoes. I stripped, got dressed and grabbed a brush from my vanity, raking it through my hair. When I finished I looked at myself in the mirror.
Dark circles surrounded my eyes as well as a slowly fading red splotch on my cheek, probably from its connection to my desk all night. I sighed, knowing there wasn't a damned thing I could do about any of it so I opened the door to leave.
Alistair was in the hall with his back to me, admiring one of the paintings my mother had purchased in Orlais. I smiled and used his inattention as an opportunity to let my eyes wander over him. He was a beautiful man, from head to toe. The definition of his shoulders straining against his shirt as it was pulled tight by his arms being crossed was more than distracting. What made him more beautiful was that he had no idea. Feeling a bit predatory eyeing him the way I was I cleared my throat to let him know I was there. He turned to face me, his eyes starting at my feet and making their way up to meet mine. He smiled.
"You are beautiful," he whispered, extending out his arm to me. I blushed but shook my head.
"I have a mirror in my room, you know. I know better." He laughed as we made our way to the main dining hall.
"You will always be beautiful to me," he whispered as he opened the door for me.
I stared at him for a moment, wanting to make light of what he said but unable to as my heart swelled. I felt my hands reaching for him of their own accord, resting on his chest as I gazed into his eyes. Then suddenly my gut clenched as Garrett's face from the night before entered my mind. His desperation and his sorrow, it broke my heart all over again. It must have shown because Alistair pulled me into his arms, holding me tight.
"I know," he whispered into my hair. "Caden told me about last night and Kora, I am so sorry." I was tempted to let him hold me and cry my eyes out but things were different now. I was Arlessa and with servants everywhere I had a reputation to build with them as well as the people of Denerim. Making the decision not to dwell on the previous night's events I steeled myself and looked up at him.
"It's over and I will move on. I must," I said as I forced a smile. "We have an Archdemon to kill, don't we?" Alistair smiled down at me and brushed a few strands from my face, cupping my cheek.
"Yes WE do."