NSFW for about 4 sentences but it's there. Fair warning!
I was screaming.
There were darkspawn everywhere as I stood outside my estate, searching desperately for someone, anyone to help. Hurlocks and genlocks ran to and fro, laughing and growling as they passed me, dragging screaming victims along behind them. Some were devouring the dead, blood dripping from their jaws. I looked at them and around them, searching for something, someone, but frozen to the spot.
"Caden?" I begged, "Alistair please! HELP ME!" The darkspawn ignored me but continued their assault on the city, decimating it before my eyes. I tried to wipe my face but realized I couldn't move my arms. I looked down and saw I was wearing nothing but my skin. Shocked, I tried to bring my hands to cover myself to no avail
"HELP ME! SOMEONE PLEASE!" I screamed as loud as I could, writhing against the invisible force that held me. "HEEEEEELP!"
"KORA!"I finally heard a man's voice shout. I looked around frantically but found no one except the darkspawn. I clamped my eyes shut and prayed for them to stop.
"Kora, wake up!" My eyes flew open, a shock of bright light then pain making me shut them tight again as I struggled to free myself.
"Let me GO!" I shouted, thrashing against the unknown entity.
"Kora, please, it's Alistair," he whispered in my ear. I froze, the memory of last night slowly setting in as I realized where I was. That and I probably yelled so loud the entire palace knew I was there. I flinched, opening one eye slowly to focus on his face then the other. I almost wept with embarrassment.
"Oh no," I groaned. "I am so sorry." He smiled, brushing my hair from my face.
"Don't worry yourself, are you alright?" He asked as he released my hands he had pinned above my head. I nodded, feeling a blush creep up my face. "You scared the hell out of me thrashing around like that. What were you dreaming about?" Thinking back to my dream I thought I must have been sharing it with Caden.
"Sometimes Caden and I end up in each other's dreams," I said. "I think that's what that was. I remember standing on the estate steps and seeing the darkspawn destroying everything, eating people... It was awful." He looked puzzled.
"Here?" He asked. "In Denerim? Your estate." I nodded. "How is that possible…"
"We're twins," I replied. "We share dreams more often than not." He shook his head.
"That's not what I meant," he said. "I had the same dream but it was me on the steps of your estate. They were… burning everything, growling, tearing people apart…" he looked away, unable to continue. I ran a finger along his jaw and smiled.
"We shared a dream?" I asked. "You and I?" He finally looked at me and nodded, a small smile spreading across his lips. "Wow. I don't know what to say."
"Maybe we are connected," he said, brushing a stray lock away from my face, "I like the idea of that." I smiled and cupped his cheek, pulling his lips to mine.
He responded instantly, bringing his body above me as his tongue softly caressed mine. Unable and unwilling to stop myself I grabbed the back of his head and pulled him deeper into the kiss, my other hand on his hip, digging my nails into his flesh as I arched my back to push my hips into him. He broke the kiss and glared down at me, his hooded eyes a much darker brown than usual.
"I love you," he growled and he took my lips again roughly.
I moaned into his mouth as I was crushed between his body and the mattress. My nails dug into his back as I dragged them across it, his chest rumbling while his tongue became more invasive.
Suddenly I felt him inside me.
I wrapped my legs around him, pulling him into me over and over, trying desperately to get him closer to me. The scent of his skin, the warmth of his breath on my neck made the need I felt for him so real, so alive I couldn't take it. Every inch of me yearned for every inch of him and he obliged.
I felt his throaty growl before I heard it, making my insides clench as we both found our release. There we lay tangled in each others' limbs until a few minutes later I finally opened my eyes.
"Mmmm, now that is how I want to wake up every day," I purred with contentment. "I love you too." I smiled up at him as he raised his head from my shoulder to smile down at me and propped himself up on his elbow.
"Ya know, one good thing about the blight is how it brings people together." I laughed, remembering that line as he swooped down to nibble on my neck just below my ear. I let out a shriek, trying to push him away from my neck, unsuccessfully.
"Alistair," a voice from the other side of the door called out. "The morning meal is ready, are you feeling alright? You normally beat me to the study." I realized it was Cailan and clamped a hand over my mouth as I started to laugh uncontrollably at the thought of him catching us. A laugh bubbled up from Alistair's chest as well but he was able to stifle it.
"Be there shortly," he shouted back. We listened as Cailan's footsteps echoed back down the hall. My hand still over my mouth Alistair and I stared at each other for a moment then erupted with laughter. He rested his forehead on mine and sighed. "I am a lucky man." My heart melted at the statement and I ran a finger along his jaw.
"I am the lucky one," I insisted. "I still can't quite believe… this." I pulled him to me and he wrapped his arms around me like a cocoon. Allowing myself to enjoy the moment I marveled at how wonderful his skin felt against mine. My hands glided up and down his back, brushing my fingers against him gently as his chest rumbled.
"Rrrr… I don't wanna get up," he mumbled, burying his head in my neck. I smiled, continuing to caress his back.
"We have to, dearest," I softly prodded, "We both have things to do. I have a city to evacuate and you have an army to prepare." He shook his head, keeping his face submerged in my hair.
"Nnnnno." I laughed, tickling his sides until he came up for air and grabbed my wrists. The lower part of his body was pushed up against mine and with my wrists restrained my mind went to the darkest and dirtiest corner it could find. I shook my head in an attempt to clear it.
"Get up!" I insisted as I wriggled my wrists free and shoved him in the chest. He kissed me deeply one last time and got up off the bed, his naked rear drawing my attention far too easily. I shook my head again and sat up, pulling the sheet across my chest.
"Evil woman," he grumbled as he picked up his breeches and shirt from last night, pulling them on. Laughing, I dropped the sheet and stood up, putting a hand on my bare hip.
"No," I said, making him turn to face me. His jaw dropped. "This would be evil." I smiled, slowly ran my fingers through my hair and walked over to my dress that was crumpled up on the floor. Making sure he had a full view of my ass I bent over to pick it up. As I pulled it on I looked over at Alistair who was glaring at me.
"Yep, very evil," he agreed as he crossed to room. I had just pulled my arms through the sleeves as he stood behind me to help me button it. I smiled at him over my shoulder.
"So," I said, trying to figure out how to ask the question, "what now?" He fastened the last button and turned me around to face him.
"Now… we… um… shit." He grabbed the back of his neck and looked down at the floor. "I'm not sure what we are supposed to do now. Are we…"
"Engaged?" I asked, smiling at him. He smiled back, nodding. "I think so but…" I looked down at my left hand, "not to sound materialistic… I have no ring." He took my hand and kissed it.
"That, my dearest, will be remedied today," he said. My heart jumped in my chest and I couldn't help but grin like a mad woman. He laughed. "Women and their jewelry." I slapped his arm.
"That is not jewelry," I insisted, "It's something to show off the fact that I am going to be married, that there is one and only one man in the world for me. Get it straight." Slapping his arm again I looked for my shoes. Finding them by the fire place, I walked over and slipped them on. "I suppose I should try to sneak out of here without being seen." Alistair laughed out loud at that.
"I would love to see that," he blurted out. I glared at him so he backed away a bit. "Or you could just come downstairs and have the morning meal with Cailan and I in the study. I know he would be pleased." His smile was infectious as I felt a blush cross my cheeks. He extended his hand to me and I took it, making my way over to the door.
"I love you," I said, sticking out my tongue at him. He smirked.
"Not as much as I love you," he replied, planting a kiss on the hand in his grasp. Grinning like children we made our way down to the study.
I walked in first, smiling at Cailan who stopped chewing whatever food was in his mouth to stare at me as Alistair pulled out my chair. I sat right next to him, giving him a demure smile. Alistair sat down on the other side of me and motioned for the servant to bring another plate. He then turned to Cailan who had started chewing again but was still staring at me.
"Good morning Your Grace," Cailan said with a devious smirk. "I did not expect to see you so early, you having such a late dinner and all." I felt a blush start to creep up my neck as I cleared my throat.
"Your Majesty," I replied, "good morning to you as well. Lovely day, don't you think?" I looked out the window at the sun shining and looked back at him. "Did you manage to get word to Eamon about Soldier's Peak?" He smiled and nodded.
"I did, and sent word to Caden at your estate as well. I thought you may need him to get a jump on things for you." He smirked and kept looking back and forth between Alistair and I.
"Thank you, I greatly appreciate that." I looked down at the plate the servant had brought, trying to hold back my grin.
Cailan finally started laughing.
"Oh come on," he said, "you are horrible at small talk when there is an Ogre in the room, you know." He glanced at Alistair then looked me in the eye. "Can I assume you said yes?" His smile was hopeful yet knowing, arrogant almost so I made him wait. I took my napkin from the side of my plate and placed it across my lap then looked at Alistair who shrugged and leaned on the table to face Cailan and I.
"I'm sorry, to what are you referring?" I asked, batting my eye lashes. He laughed and pinched my nose.
"Brat, you did say yes! Congratulations you two!" He stood to pull me to my feet, wrapping his arms around me and swinging me around in circles. When he put me down he immediately embraced Alistair, slapping him on the back. "I am so happy for you both." He beamed as he released him and motioned for us to sit back down. "We will have a dinner for you, here at the palace tonight. What do you want served, anything you desire!" His enthusiasm touched my heart as I put my hand on his.
"Cailan, love, calm down," I smiled. "You do remember that nothing can be official as of yet. The nobility would be in an uproar. Then there's the fact that the army marches tomorrow…" His smile lingered as he looked at Alistair.
"Eat up brother," he said, taking his fork and digging into his plate again. "We have things to do."
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When I returned to the estate everyone was in over-drive. Servants were rushing here and there, guards were carrying larger items out the front and in the middle of it all was Elissa, parchment and quill in hand, shouting out commands. I smiled; seeing her like that, in complete control was comforting. She was her mother's daughter, after all, and she needed to use the talents she was given.
"Remember to leave enough food and supplies for the guards remaining for two weeks," she was advising the head cook, "you will not be staying on so be sure it is nothing extravagant, something a soldier can throw together. Stews mostly, and bake plenty of bread." The cook nodded as she waved him away and he marched down to the kitchen.
"I'm almost afraid to interrupt," I said, "I fear you may flog me." She looked up from her parchment and smiled wide.
"There you are!" she said as she threw an arm around me. "Cailan said you would probably be late but little more, what were you up to last night young lady?" She whispered as she poked me with the end of her quill and grabbed my arm, dragging me into my study. I made sure the door was shut tight and moved to sit at the fire, patting the chair next to me for her.
"I have a story to tell," I said as she sat, pulling her legs up to curl into the chair.
"Ooh, I love stories," she said with a devious grin. "Especially ones that involve kings and spankings." I laughed, shaking my head.
"No, not the king." I let the statement linger, waiting for it to register. She gave me a puzzled look then glanced up at the ceiling, tapping the quill against her head. As it came together in her mind a smile spread across her face and she grabbed my hand.
"Alistair!" She exclaimed. I nodded and she squealed, clapping her hands. "Yay! Oh Maker, I am so happy for you both! So are you getting married? When?" I sighed.
"Lissa, who said anything about marriage?" I asked, unable to contain my smirk. She laughed out loud and shook her head.
"Oh yes, like Alistair would spend the night with you and not beg you to marry him," she said dramatically as she leaned on the arm of her chair. "When?"
"When? Maker's sake, Liss, the army marches tomorrow!" I said, "When? After the blight is ended." Elissa shook her head and tapped my nose with the quill.
"No, you need to marry today," she insisted as she turned to another page with some scratches on it that could be called hand writing, scribbling some things down. I grabbed her hand.
"Elissa," I said firmly, "you cannot be serious. today?" I flashed a view of my left hand, sans ring. "This all just happened, can we absorb it first?"
"No!" She demanded, the Elissa Cousland persona coming out. I could tell this girl was denied nothing growing up. "You need to be married before he leaves, don't you want to?" I shrugged.
"I…" she put up her hand.
"Then it will be done." She continued to scribble things down.
"Elissa, love, please," I said as I took her hand. "There is plenty of time for that after all this mess is straightened out. I cannot have a celebration on the eve of the army marching off to war. It wouldn't be proper. Then there's the fact that he isn't nobility yet, please slow down." Assuming I had squashed that idea I stood and made my way over to my desk. "Where are we with the evacuation?"
"You are a party pooper," she mumbled as she flipped back to page one of her scratches. "All of the supplies are on the move, I've alerted Valendrian of our plans and he is getting his people ready who are not staying to fight. And I've ordered everything for mine and Caden's engagement dinner tonight." She bit her lip as the last sentence sunk in.
"Elissa Cousland," I stated, "what did you just say?"
"I believe you heard her correctly," I heard Caden say from the door way. I turned to glare at him as well.
"When that door is shut you knock first," I pointed a finger at my brother as he entered the room and shut the door behind him. "And when you get engaged you tell me first!" I looked back to Elissa. "I had best be the first one to know." She laughed and nodded.
"Yes, Kora, you are the first I slipped to." She winked and went back to her scribbles. I looked at Caden.
"I told no one," he insisted, "As if I would tell anyone before you." He beamed at me, so obviously happy I strode over to him and hugged him tight.
"I am so very happy for you both," I whispered. He gave me a squeeze and let go.
"Thank you," he said, winking, "and I am happy for you and Alistair, if that is what you two were discussing." I laughed and nodded. "Good, if you were marrying Wulff I'd have you dragged off to the deep roads." I glared at him.
"What the hell would make you say such a thing?" I asked, crossing my arms.
"He was here, this morning, asking to see you," he said, crossing his arms as well. "I had the servants send him away and ask him not to return." I frowned at Caden.
"I never told him he was unwelcome here," I said exasperated. "You are in no place to tell him otherwise, brother." He shrugged.
"Oh well, what's done is done. So double wedding?" He asked, trying to get off subject. I allowed it and glanced back at Elissa.
"Not if the two of you are going about this today," I answered. "It would be in poor taste for me to do so and you know it." Elissa tapped the quill against her temple.
"Quiet you two," she interjected, "I'm thinking. Red, blue or green for the colors?" she asked as she looked up at me. I put my hands up and slowly backed away from her and toward the door.
"I think she's gone wedding crazy," I said as I raised my eyebrows at Caden. Elissa tossed her quill at me so I ran for the door, slamming it shut behind me, giggling. Then I remembered where I had spent the night, fondly, so I went to my room to bathe and change.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Good, then everything from the estate is set," I said as we sat in the dining hall for lunch. It was only Caden, Elissa and I due to Eamon inviting the Wardens to lunch at his estate. It helped a great deal getting them out of the way to make preparations so I assumed that was his motivation. Regardless it didn't bother me, saved my poor cook from kicking his own ass trying to get everything ready and cooking for an army.
"Yes, all the supplies are out in the stables, on carts and ready to go when the people are," Elissa responded, sipping on a glass of wine. "Also Trudy has been indispensable in making sure the word got around to the people about our plans. She assures me everyone will be in the market at day break. Everyone who's left, that is," she took another, deeper sip of her wine then plunked down the glass, shaking off the ominous feel from that sentence and smiling. "Maker, I do good work." I laughed.
"Yes you do," I said as I raised my glass to hers. We clinked and sipped, laughing as Alistair walked in. I looked up and grinned. "Hello Commander, how goes the preparations for the army?" He gave me that magazine-cover smile and made his way over to me.
"I've left those duties to my lieutenants," he said as he reached into his pocket, as if to be sure something was still there. "I have far more important matters to attend to." I heard Elissa let out a squeak that startled me. Alistair, apparently also startled by the noise, raised an eyebrow at her. "Are you… feeling alright, Elissa?" All she could do was giggle and shake her head so Caden stood and escorted her from the room, smiling at Alistair and giving him a nod. Alistair smiled back then looked down at me.
"Sit, are you hungry?" I asked as I waved a servant over. He smiled and nodded at the woman who rushed off to the kitchen. "How has your day been so far?"
"Good," he replied as he sat down, "very good. You?" I laughed.
"Elissa had things well in hand by the time I got here," I said as I finished off my glass of wine. I watched his face as he glanced around the room. I could feel his pulse was elevated. Getting nervous I put a hand on his, making him look at me. "You ok?"
"Yes," he replied all too fast, "Yes, of course. Why wouldn't I be?" My anxiety increased as I retracted my hand.
"What's wrong?" I asked, worry taking over my face. He blinked a few times then sighed.
"Nothing, nothing is wrong," he said as the servant brought him a plate. "Thank you. Please Kora, nothing is wrong I swear it. I'm just… " He looked at the plate then back at me. "Wow, why is this so difficult? You already said yes."
My whole body relaxed as I realized where his anxiety was coming from. No bad news, just jitters. He was nervous about repeating the proposal. My smile reappeared as I reached back over to his hand, squeezing it slightly then stroking his palm with my finger tips. I looked into his eyes, moving to stroke the inside of his wrist.
"Is there a certain way you wanted this to go? What do you want to do?" I asked. He leaned on the edge of the table.
"You have to ask?" Again with the magazine-cover smile and he almost had me. I laughed, shaking my head.
"We do not have that kind of time on our hands," I said, "so do not tease me." I released his hand and motioned to the food in front of him so he placed his napkin across his lap. "Eat. You need to keep up your strength, especially if Elissa comes back." He looked at me sideways, paused in mid bite.
"I really hope that does not mean what I think it means," he said and took the food into his mouth. I smirked.
"You couldn't get that lucky," I retorted. "She was trying to convince me that our wedding should be today." I stifled a laugh and he almost spit his food back onto the plate, forcing himself to swallow.
"Today?" His look of shock made me instantly reach out to take his hand again.
"Don't worry, I called her off," I said, "I just wanted to give you a heads up in case she starts harassing you about it." He stared at me, appearing to try to figure out what I was thinking. I squeezed his hand and smiled. "I explained to her that it would be in poor taste considering the circumstances. We can't have a celebration on the eve of a country-wide battle of the fifth blight. Alistair?" He appeared to be staring into my eyes, not really paying attention to what I was saying. "What is going on in that handsome head of yours?" He put down his fork and shook his head, taking my hands into his.
"I was just thinking about you being my wife," he said resolutely, "but that all starts with this." His eyes glistened as he freed a hand to reach into the same pocket he had earlier. Out of it came a small box with a red bow on it. I released his other hand so he could open the box, revealing the most beautiful emerald ring, small diamonds surrounding the oval-shaped gem. I gasped.
"It's beautiful," I whispered as he took my left hand and placed it on my finger. He looked down at it and smiled.
"Kora Kendalls," he whispered as he knelt at my feet, "will you marry me?"
"Yes." I exhaled.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The day went by like a whirlwind. There were tastings, decorations and servants everywhere trying to make the estate presentable as I tried to make sure the refugees were prepared and ready to go in the morning. They would be marching with the army on the north road to avoid the darkspawn coming up from the south. The army would stop at the keep, assure they are settled in, then continue on to Redcliffe. Sending off the last message to Shianni and Valendrian in the Alienage I sighed and sat back in my chair.
"Maker," I whispered, "I think I have it all covered." I wiped my eyes and looked around the room. "Elissa? What time is it?" I looked out the window to see the rosy sky of dusk setting in. I panicked. "Elissa?"
"Here!" Elissa shouted as she breezed into the room followed by two elven girls carrying emerald green gowns. "Let's get dressed, can't be late to our own dinner party!" I laughed, my stomach knotting with the thought. I rubbed it lightly as I made my way over to the mass which was my dress.
"I'm still not sure this is a good idea," I said, "he isn't nobility and being named the Commander of Ferelden doesn't change that. How will it be perceived? Like I'm saying I will do as I please and screw tradition?" Elissa laughed.
"You never struck me as the type to care much about tradition," she said as she examined her gown. "However, if you are that concerned we can stick to the original plan of it being for Caden and I. The invitations just say engagement celebration." She winked as she lifted up her arms, the elven girl lifting up the dress and pulling it down over her head. I considered it and nodded with a smile.
"He can simply be my escort," I replied, "and I the gracious host." I smiled at the young elven girl holding my dress.
The overly shy blonde haired elf helped me get into the gown. I stared down at it as she buttoned up the back and adjusted it. It was strapless and all satin, no lace or frilly extras, and it had a warm glow to it in the candle light. I felt my chest tighten as I thought about all the things I had dreamed about as a girl when it came to my wedding.
There would be bridesmaids galore, all family of my groom and I, who would be rushing about to my every whim. We would all spend the day laughing and getting ready then finally be carted off to the chantry in a beautiful white carriage to greet my handsome groom. He would be standing at the end of the aisle, dressed in his family's colors with white gloves, all dapper and eyes for only me. Reality may not be exactly like that but I would be sure it would be damned close when the time came.
"Kora! Lift your foot, woman!" Elissa demanded, laughing as the elf trying to dress me was struggling to get my shoes on my feet. I shook my head and lifted one foot then another, trying to get back into the moment. "Maker, where did you go?"
"Not sure," I replied dreamily. I lifted the hem of my dress to look at the shoes. They were simple and matched my dress with small jewels on the back that sparkled. I smiled, willing the tears away as I thought of Alistair. "I just miss him."
"Then let's go," she said as she grabbed my arm and tried to drag me from the room. Leliana blocked the doorway dressed in a remarkable emerald green gown of her own, her short red hair elaborately styled in ringlets and braids, shaking her head.
"Oh no," she insisted, pointing back into the room, "neither of you will be seen with hair like that. SIT!" Her demand was heeded as we both went back into the room and sat at the vanities that had been brought in for us.
Once she was satisfied we made our way down to the main hall. The many guests Elissa had invited, most nobles from the kingdom were already here due to their participation in the upcoming battle, were already in the dining hall waiting for their hostess and the guests of honor. May ran up behind us and shoved flowers into our hair as we were nearing the entrance. I grabbed her by the arms and pulled her in to kiss her cheeks.
"Thank you," I whispered, "please thank all the staff profusely for their efforts today, they have done an amazing job on this place and…" I swallowed my tears, not wanting to mess up my make up, "everything." She smiled and nodded, rushing away probably before she started to cry.
I looked around for Caden and Alistair but neither had made an appearance. I looked at Elissa who was chatting away with Leliana about shoes and pinched her arm.
"Think we are missing a few key people?" I asked as I waved my hands around. She laughed.
"Patience," she whispered, "the boys will be along. They are probably on their way here as we speak." I rolled my eyes and tapped my foot impatiently. The longer I stood there the more time I had to think. The more time I had to think the more anxiety was creeping in. I avoided their eyes but I knew they could feel the tension pouring off of me. I looked at Elissa, my heart in my throat, and swallowed hard. She looked concerned as she took my arm.
"For someone who seems to have no fear," she said, "you certainly look petrified to me." Leliana took my other hand and smiled warmly.
"What is wrong?" she asked. I shook my head, looking at the floor.
"Just… everything," I whispered. Then I realized what tonight was supposed to be about and I swallowed the lump in my throat, pulled up my chin and took a deep breath. "But tonight is about you," I said as I looked into Elissa's eyes, "and my brother, and your life together." I took her hands in mine. "Tonight I will let it all go and focus on that. The future." Elissa smiled and kissed my cheek as Caden made his appearance. Once they wandered off Leliana squeezed my hand.
"Kora, do you remember the one wish I had for you when we were on our way to Denerim?" She waited for me to answer as she stroked my hand. I thought back to the conversation as we had walked, how I spoke of Alistair and Cailan. Her words echoed in the back of my mind…
"You are a woman, a woman who has had a difficult life and has overcome many obstacles to get where she is now. A woman who deserves love, to BE loved, in the same way that you are capable of loving another. And yet you find any reason NOT to be happy. Just once I wish you would stop thinking and just DO. Take action, live in the moment. Only then can you truly say what can and cannot be possible."
I smiled and nodded.
"Yes Lel, " I whispered as I fought back the tears, "and I am marrying him. You win."
Once Alistair arrived we were announced and entered the dining hall. There was one long table set with two chairs at the head for the happy couple. We made our way over to our places and the procession began.
Everyone was offering congratulations to Caden and Elissa on their happy news, kissing cheeks and shaking hands, until I thought I would pass out from boredom and starvation. It must have shown because Alistair took my arm and pulled me closer to him.
"Are you alright? You look a bit pale," he whispered as I nodded.
"I just realized I had more wine than lunch this afternoon." He raised an eyebrow at me and I shrugged a shoulder. "Elissa was stressing me out." He laughed and motioned to my chair, pulling it out for me to sit. I took it gratefully and held back my grin as the food made its way into the hall.
Everything tasted wonderful, from the fresh game birds to the harvest squashes, right down to the bread pudding and chocolate cake for dessert. I winked at Elissa when my cake plate was cleared, earning a snicker from her after she too had taken her last bite. Caden took a forkful of his bread pudding and grabbed the end as if to catapult it at me. I gave him a warning glare and he slowly put the fork's contents into his mouth, feigning a dirty look while doing so.
Once everyone was done eating the tables were pushed to the far walls, chairs lined up along them and the minstrels made their way into the hall. Setting up quickly they began with upbeat rhythms that got quite a few people onto the dance floor, save for Alistair and I who stood together just off to the side. We chatted with everyone who approached us, mostly Wardens and a few female nobles, and I smiled at anyone whose eye I happen to catch. After a few hours of that I pulled him to a secluded corner and smiled conspiratorially at him.
"I hate dancing," I whispered, "just so you know." He laughed, pulling me closer so our noses almost touched.
"I think you're a wonderful dancer," he whispered in a low, almost growling tone, letting his hand glide slowly from my upper back to the small of it. I felt my body respond and decided to do a bit of teasing as well.
"That, dearest," I said as I ran a finger along his jaw, feeling it tense slightly at my touch, "would not be appropriate for this crowd, I assure you." I winked, kissed the tip of his nose and walked away, finding Leliana and Cailan chatting away by the drink table. I gave them a big grin so Cailan glanced behind me and smirked, shaking his head.
"You are ever so mean to the poor man," he said as he put his arm around my waist, pulling me into a half-hug. "I hope you make up for it later." I laughed.
"He started it!" I insisted as he handed me a glass of a strange looking pink mixture that had steam rolling off it. I sniffed it and noted grapefruit overtones so I took a sip. "Besides, that would not be an appropriate topic of conversation, nor an appropriate action, Your Majesty." He laughed, his blue eyes dancing a bit the way they used to in his youth. I smiled at him warmly.
"Like that stopped you last night," he whispered just before sipping his own drink. I gave him a playful sneer and moved away from his embrace, taking Leliana by the waist and giving her a smooch on the cheek.
"At least someone here loves me," I said as I turned to face her. "Where is Solana, Lel? I'd thought to see her here tonight." Leliana gave a small smile and dropped her gaze to the floor.
"I'm not sure," she said into her glass. I looked at Cailan who shook his head, directing me not to press the issue. I nodded a bit and squeezed Leliana's waist, resting my fore head on hers.
"Why aren't you dancing?" I asked. I felt Cailan move to take her hand and twirl her away from me.
"That is an excellent question," he said as he led her to the dance floor, removing her glass from her hand and leaving it on a table along the way.
It warmed my heart to see them together, even though I knew it wasn't serious. He seemed to make her feel better and she seemed to make him… feel. I couldn't help the wistful smile that took over my face as I watched them move across the dance floor, both so graceful as they freed themselves from whatever bonded them to their stressful lives. I felt a strong arm wrap around my waist and pull me into a set of broad shoulders.
"Solana disappeared right after what happened with Neria," Alistair whispered, sadness creeping into his voice. "Another loss I am responsible for." I turned to face him, taking his face into my hands.
"You have such a big heart," I whispered back, "but I can't stress this enough. You have no control over other people's actions. You did not make Solana take off. Do not blame yourself." He smiled then smirked, pulling me close.
"Any way we can ditch this party and go somewhere more… private?" Alistair whispered heavily into my ear, making me shudder. I grit my teeth and swallowed hard as I grasped at any semblance of self control I had left.
"You don't think anyone would notice?" I asked innocently as I glanced around the room. It suddenly occurred to me my brother and his betrothed were missing already. "Those sneaky little…" I felt Alistair laugh more than heard him as he pulled me slowly toward the door leading to the main hall.
"Honestly, dearest, I don't give a damn."