The Heart Remembers and Yearns

The peaceful quiet of the countryside was slowly broken as dozens of horses and several carriages gradually wound their way along the cobbled path. Summer birds fled their perches at the steady beat of hooves and the clatter of wheels on the uneven road. A glorious sun shone bright overhead, surely baking the poor soldiers, mounted in their heavy metal plate.

Aedan knew full well what that was like and silently commiserated with their plight.

For his part, the Prince-Consort of Ferelden was clad in fine, light travelling gear, certainly much more bearable than heavy plate in the heat of a hot summer day. He thought back to his time traipsing about the land clad in his own heavy armour during the Blight. Sweat would often build quickly without him exerting himself too much at all. He remembered well the irritable chaffing he suffered when part of his armour was warped by a heavy blow once, far beneath the surface in the Deep Roads, miles and miles away from the nearest blacksmith. He could almost still feel the agonising chafing at the mere thought. Still, a part of him almost missed those days, with the thrill of never knowing what the next day would bring. Not that he missed the possibility of certain death awaiting him around every corner, but sometimes he missed the excitement that the danger would invariably bring.

Aedan looked around at the caravan. It was practically a small army. Any man or beast that even looked at the riders in the wrong way would surely be cut to shreds in an instant. It was altogether a far safer way to travel than he could ever have hoped for during the Blight. He wasn't surprised though, how else could the Queen and Prince-Consort travel the land except under heavy guard at all times?

Aedan glanced over his shoulder as his horse meandered along in time with all the others around him – He didn't even need to think on riding, his horse simply followed the leisurely pace set by the other horses around him – The finely decorated carriage following along in his wake had the curtains drawn, as per usual.

Aedan scowled slightly as he returned his attention to the road ahead of him. He had hoped that this journey might allow for some time – even just a moment or two – where he might be able to get to know his wife and Queen a little better. The Queen and Prince-Consort had seemingly come to an amicable working arrangement, but there was still something of a wall there between them, a barrier comprised of often short, stiff exchanges and cool pleasantries.

There had been breakthroughs, occasionally. That Anora had eventually allowed Aedan into her world of work was a good sign. They also shared moments where the walls they'd both put up would falter and their taste and humour seemed to align in conversation, but these were tantalisingly fewer and farther between than he would like. Aedan couldn't help but feel that there must be some way of breaking down that barrier for good, that his marriage could be more than just political expediency. He wasn't sure that it could ever develop into a true, mutual love, but anything was surely better than the oft banal exchanges they shared.

The thought of being locked in a loveless marriage till the end of his days didn't fill him with any joy.

The horse carrying the Prince-Consort suddenly whinnied in agitation and jerked his head about. Aedan quickly put a calming hand to the beast's neck, feeling the agitation and urge to break free from the monotonous march. The greener fields beyond the path called to the steed, with the chance to run wild to its heart's content.

Aedan could well understand the poor beast's frustration.

xxx

The royal entourage wound their way up the path to the great walls and gates of Castle Cousland. Soldiers baring Highever's banner stood sharply to attention as they passed by, the gates opened expectantly before the first horses reached them.

As they gradually filed into the entry courtyard, Aedan found himself smiling warmly at pretty much everything. The uniforms the soldiers wore, the high, pale grey stone walls, the banners that flapped gently in the breeze, all of it was so comfortingly familiar. How long had it been since he'd last seen these streets? Too long for certain.

A flash crossed Aedan's mind's eye. Fire in the streets. Screams of voices he knew. Blood sprayed onto the stonework. Bodies still and sprawled throughout the streets.

Aedan shuddered himself free of such thoughts before he lost himself down them. He frowned. He had not thought of that night for a long time.

"Brother!" A warm, familiar call rang out into the courtyard above the clatter of hooves and wheel.

Aedan looked up with a wide smile to find the Teyrn of Highever approaching his horse with arms open wide.

"Fergus!" Aedan quickly dismounted his horse and strode over to embrace his brother in a strong hug.

"My, it's good to see you." Fergus leaned back from the hug to get a good look at his younger brother. "How long has it been?"

"Too long, brother, too long. I see you haven't brought the old keep to ruins yet."

"Hah! Not for the lack of trying, I promise you." Fergus reached up to rough up Aedan's hair. Aedan chuckled as he tried in vain to ward his brother off.

"Ahem."

The quiet but pointed cough snapped both Cousland's out of their reunion. Queen Anora had evidently dismounted her carriage, for she was stood before the two brothers with a sharp expression. It was a look Aedan was becoming all too familiar with. The Queen's entourage stood behind her as well, ladies in waiting, servants and Ser Cauthrien with her guard detail. All of their eyes regarding the two Cousland's decidedly informal reunion with interest.

"Oh- Your Grace, please forgive my manners." Fergus quickly bowed before the Queen, blushing in admonishment. By long standing protocol, the host should have attended to greeting his monarch before his brother.

Aedan had to stifle a chuckle. He'd rarely seen his brother be cowed by anyone. It was a refreshing sight.

"That's quite alright, Teyrn Cousland." Anora smiled diplomatically, though her eyes were steely. "I'm sure we can forgive such a minor trespass, particularly where brothers are concerned."

Fergus rose back to full height with something of an awkward smile. "Your Grace is most kind."

Anora looked between the Teyrn and Prince-Consort. "I see you both have much catching up to do. Please, do not feel you need to stand on ceremony on my account. Go and talk, I'm sure your people can see to our needs well enough." The Queen pointedly turned to look at the small army of servants and soldiers unpacking the royal party's carriages and belongings.

Fergus let out a grateful chuckle. "As you command. Thank you, your Grace." He bowed once more.

Anora inclined her head slightly with a small smile. She beckoned her husband go walk with his brother. Then, the Queen turned and engaged Ser Cauthrien in quiet conversation. All eyes returned to their duties.

Once they were safely out of earshot, Fergus breathed a sigh of relief.

"Maker's breath, I think I watched my life flash before my eyes for a moment there."

Aedan chuckled at his brother's expense, patting him on the back. "You managed to survive at least. Walk it off."

"I might need a bit more than that, brother." Fergus eyed Aedan curiously. "How do you do it? How can you live with her all the time?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well …" Fergus cast his gaze about quickly, when happy that the two were alone he continued. "Far be it for me to speak ill of our fair queen, but you must be aware that she does have a certain reputation for being difficult and cold."

"It's easier than you think. Anora's not the monster you think she is."

"Hey now! I never said that she's a monster." Fergus chuckled.

"You didn't have to." Aedan eyed his brother with a knowing smirk.

"What's this? Getting too smart for me now, little brother?" Fergus reached up once more to assault the Prince-Consort's hair.

"Get off!" Aedan muttered irritably, doing his best to hold his attacker off and keep his attire looking smart. "I'm supposed to be Prince-Consort, remember."

"Then perhaps you should start acting like one."

"As soon as you start acting like a Teyrn, or even just an adult would be a start."

"Ho ho ho! Since when did my little brother ever start acting like a mature and responsible adult?" Fergus let Aedan free from his hand but eyed him suspiciously. "Who are you and what have you done with Aedan?"

"I simply grew up." Aedan shook his head with a smile. "Becoming a Grey Warden will do that to you." Faster than you'd think, he added in a silent aside.

"Maker." Fergus sighed suddenly. "I'd almost forgot that part. It's been so long since we've last met. It just seemed like old times for a moment there." He smiled warmly, his eyes staring off towards a view Aedan couldn't see. "I almost thought we were those young, rambunctious boys once more and not … not …"

"Not the Teyrn of Highever and Prince-Consort of Ferelden?"

Fergus blinked and turned to face his brother. Aedan saw a sheen of regret in those eyes. When did they start looking so old? "Yes, just so."

Aedan smiled and put a hand on his brother's shoulder.

Fergus frowned. "Wait a minute. That means you outrank me now."

"Just figuring that out now are you, brother?" Aedan smirked.

"Forgive me your lordship." Ferus bowed sarcastically. "It is simply too hard to keep track of all your titles and honours these days."

Aedan rolled his eyes. "You can't have forgotten that I'm married to the Queen can you?"

"Well, no, but- Well." Fergus sputtered ineloquently all of a sudden.

"Fergus?" Aedan asked with a raised brow and lowered voice, knowing an uncomfortable admission was struggling to come forth from his brother. Fergus had never been particularly adept with his dealings on delicate matters.

"Well, I mean, it does seem that you are … how do I put this? Anora being Queen and you being Prince-Consort and all …"

"Fergus." Aedan warned.

"It does appear – in the eyes of some at least – that Anora is the one, ahem, wearing the trousers in your relationship, as it were."

Aedan sighed. "I am aware of such rumours."

"I don't mean to speak out of line, brother." Fergus snapped his gaze around once more to ensure privacy. "But the Bannorn whispers these things behind closed doors. They say that the Hero of Ferelden has been cowed into submission."

"I'm not concerned with the opinions of idiots." Aedan waved off Fergus' concern.

"Even when those idiots hold considerable influence?"

"Fergus, I travelled to all corners of Ferelden during the Blight. The Bannorn were ineffectual then, they could barely protect themselves, never mind staging a coup. What makes you think they've suddenly become a dire threat?"

"The Blight took us all by surprise, you included, Aedan." Fergus eyed his brother with a serious look. "They were also keenly divided then, Loghain had seen to that. Now however …"

"Now they should be behind their Queen, not wasting their days gossiping like fishwives."

"A Queen who didn't fight the Blight first hand, whose own father was responsible for dividing the land against itself during said Blight."

"Careful, brother." Aedan warned with a heavy look. "You walk a dangerous line."

"Don't be stupid, Aedan!" Fergus swore quietly. "You know I don't mean treason, to you or Anora. I'm merely telling you what the Bannorn are feeling. Some feel that you should have taken the throne, that instead you've been whipped into submission by your wife, into nothing more than a loyal lapdog."

"Do they forget that Anora was Queen long before I entered the picture?" Aedan shook his head wearily. "It's common knowledge that she ran the kingdom when Cailan was King, isn't it?"

"Of course, and not everyone has forgotten that, but remember that Fereldens are proud, military loving people. We revere our war heroes far more than our politicians. Queen Moira, King Maric, Loghain himself, even you for Maker's sake! Ring any bells?"

Aedan sighed. "Since when did you become so wise, brother?"

Fergus shrugged with a wry smile. "About the same time you became the Queen's loyal bitch, brother."

Aedan narrowed his eyes into a glare, but couldn't help but chuckle as well. "Touché. So what are you saying? That the Bannorn are plotting to usurp Anora and I?"

"Some are surely, but no one worth giving a second thought to, for now at least." Fergus huffed dismissively.

"Names would be helpful." Aedan pressed. "No matter how small, if lords of the realm are plotting treason, you must tell me."

"I know nothing of any plots, but I do know that a Bann Galston has been particularly vocal about his … shall we say misgivings."

Aedan racked his memories before shaking his head. "I don't know the man."

"Few do." Fergus quipped. "He's of little importance really, just owns a minor holding in the South, near Gwaren I believe, but he's been rabble rousing. Trying to whip up a bit of a fervour against the Queen in particular." Fergus leaned in with a bit of a smirk. "I don't think he's ever been popular with the ladies."

"How do you even know about any of this?" Aedan asked. "Don't tell me you've been attending these illicit meetings?"

Fergus scoffed. "Hardly, you think they'd invite the Prince-Consort's own brother to their treasonous little tea parties? No, an old war friend of mine owns some land near our troublemaking Bann's holding. Apparently Galston attempted to recruit him. He's been trying to gather a core of likeminded idiots in the area, with very limited success so far."

"Well, thank you for telling me." Aedan narrowed his eyes. "This all sounds a bit more serious than just murmurs of discontent?"

"I'm certain it will all come to nothing as soon as Galston realises no one worth their salt will back him."

"Forgive me if I'm not reassured." Aedan drawled.

Fergus sighed and put an arm around his younger brother's shoulders. "I'm not saying that the Bannorn are about to raise an army and storm your palace in Denerim, I'd wager both my legs that won't happen anytime soon, but just be aware of their discontent. No one ever thought Loghain could turn against Maric's own son now did we? You may only be a Prince-Consort-"

"What do you mean, 'only a Prince-Consort', Teyrn?"

Fergus ignored him. "-But it would do no harm to show some leadership from time to time, like you did during the Blight. The people will respond to you in a way they never could with Anora. If you two can show that you can actually work together, you could well unite the nation behind the two of you."

"That was the original point of this marriage."

Fergus chuckled. "And here I thought you'd fallen for our Grace's demure charms."

Aedan glared slightly at his brother. "I'm starting to think your treasonous words have some weight to them, brother."

"Don't be daft." Fergus spat, amused more than annoyed. "Anora is our Queen and that's that as far as I'm concerned. I'm certainly not about to rebel."

"Well, that's a relief at least. Although, you do have the Queen and the Prince-Consort in your keep right now, surrounded by all your soldiers, you probably won't ever get a better chance than this." Aedan smirked. "Depose us before dinner, and you could be the very first King Cousland by breakfast."

Fergus snorted. "I've no interest in the throne, you know that. That's far too much responsibility for my liking. I'm just thankful that neither have you. Maker knows you don't need another title."

"On that, we can agree." Aedan chuckled.

"Your head would explode with the vanity." Fergus smirked before his face gave way to thought. "But loyalty aside, you can't deny our fair Queen doesn't exactly inspire her subjects, now does she?"

Aedan regarded his brother with another glare, but let him continue.

"I'm not trying to say that isn't capable, or caring for her people, or whatever other defence you no doubt have lined up for her, brother. But you can't deny though, that she doesn't have Cailan's easy charms. Whatever his failings, Cailan knew how to win people over with a smile."

Aedan sighed. "Perhaps." The Prince-Consort conceded.

"Added to that, the fact of the matter is that she is not a born military leader. She is a politician, and there are some who will never truly respect her for that. You on the other hand, could earn that respect for her, as a proxy of sorts."

"You make it sound so simple. There's a lot more to running a country than commanding an army, brother."

"Of course there is, but you try telling that to all the proud fools of this country. You and I both know that most people – including many of our esteemed lords – don't really know the difference. They just see the figure on the throne and wonder how well they could lead their soldiers into battle, and how hard they could swing a sword. Can you really imagine all the lords of the realm following Anora to war in the way they did for Maric, or Cailan even?"

Aedan said nothing for a few moments, considering his brother's words. He remembered back to the Blight, how Anora ruled after Cailan's death, but with her father Loghain in command of the royal army. A royal army made up of those same proud men. He wondered how things might have been different if Anora had ruled alone.

"Ah." Fergus began quietly. Aedan blinked and looked towards his brother, then looked from his distracted expression to the building that stood in front of them. Aedan swallowed an uncomfortable lump in his throat as he realised that they stood in front of the kitchens. The old stones looked just the same as ever.

"This is where they … fell." Fergus spoke quietly.

"No brother, this is where they stood." Aedan murmured, voice tinged with emotion.

Fergus turned to face his brother and Aedan turned to face him. The Prince-Consort saw the pain but also resolve in the Teyrn's eyes. Fergus nodded with a smile.

Without a word, Fergus walked up and into the kitchen, Aedan following close behind. The cooks and servants that worked the ovens looked startled at first and bowed quickly, but none questioned the sudden appearance of the two men and quietly resumed their work. The Teyrn almost faltered when opening the door to the pantry, but his lapse was momentary at best. The two brothers stood silently in the simple room, long since cleaned of any battle scars or blood. Not a single marker of what had transpired that fateful night remained.

Aedan put an arm round his brother's shoulders, and Fergus put an arm round his. They stood there for a while, in quiet thought.

xxx

When the two brothers finally emerged from the kitchens, it was almost time for dinner. They went to their quarters to quickly change before heading for the banquet hall. More memories, pleasant and sorrowful chased Aedan's mind for every step of the way. As much as he missed his childhood home, he was glad he didn't live within these walls anymore. He had no idea whether similar thoughts plagued his brother and couldn't bring himself to raise the subject.

Entering the main hall, the two brothers were greeted by the sight of dozens of servants dashing about. Making sure everything was good and proper for the royal guests. Servants Aedan recognised from Denerim mingled in with those from Highever, seemingly working in harmony. He noticed with amusement that the native Highever servants were fractionally slower to greet the two lords with bows than the ones in the royal palace's employ. Fergus was no doubt a softer touch than Anora.

Teyrn and Prince-Consort drifted into the room, greeting the courtiers already gathered gracefully before taking their places at the long table at the top of the room. Each brother took a seat either side of the centre chair, deferring the space for the Queen herself. It didn't take long for Anora to appear.

The grand doors opened and revealed the Queen and her entourage. A general scraping of wood on stone as chairs and benches were pushed back in the clamour to stand. While not a full formal feast, the presence of royalty always demanded some form of formal procedure. Anora strode into the hall purposefully, an experienced practitioner of courtly traditions. She rounded the head table sharply and took her seat between the brothers Cousland and the assembled nobles and courtiers took their seats once more.

Anora raised her glass, already charged with wine as were the rest of them. "To friends old and new." She smiled.

The hall echoed her words and drank. Then, the moment of pageantry was over and a general clamour of conversation immediately built up amongst the old stones.

"Your Grace, I do hope your living arrangements are satisfactory?" Fergus began, adopting a far more formal tone than Aedan had ever heard him use before.

"They are perfect for our needs, Teyrn Cousland, thank you." Anora smiled.

"Splendid! I'm certain the staff will be delighted to hear it."

Fergus seemed to emulating the way their late father would speak at formal functions and dinners and the like. Aedan leaned forward slightly to stare at his brother with an amused look. Fergus ignored him.

"They have been nothing but helpful." Anora agreed, seemingly oblivious to Aedan's antics. "You run a fine household, my Lord."

"I assure you, your Grace, that is more by accident than by design." Fergus chuckled, sounding for a moment more like his normal self.

Anora smiled good naturedly.

"My brother is certainly more accustomed to the battlefield than the governance of his realm." Aedan quipped.

Fergus scowled his brother's way.

"You do your brother a disservice." Anora turned to her husband, smile diplomatic but eyes ever sharp. "The evidence is clear for all to see, Teyrn Fergus could hardly be neglecting of his lands or his people." She gestured to the hall, the castle and all the lands beyond.

"Thank you, your Grace. Please forgive my brother, he thinks himself more of a jester than a warden or a Prince-Consort." Fergus smirked at Aedan and put a slight emphasis on the latter title.

"Only when it comes to you, brother." Aedan smirked back, ignoring the jibe.

"I do hope you two won't be fighting over the top of me during dinner?" Anora quipped with an elegant rise of a blonde eyebrow as she cut into her steak.

"Fear not, your Grace, we haven't fought physically for many years now. We prefer to only attack each other with words now." Fergus said.

"Which is only because he knows that he would lose in a true duel." Aedan smirked.

"I will not rise to your obvious bait, little brother." Fergus shook his head with a knowing smile.

"Most wise." Anora agreed before turning a cutting look towards Aedan. "Brother or no, perhaps refrain from insulting our host, dear husband?"

'Dear husband' was it now?

"My apologies, dear wife." Aedan inclined his head respectfully, the barest hint of a smirk. "I mean no real offence towards Fergus."

"He simply causes it without thinking." Fergus quipped. "Almost like a darkspawn."

"I am a Grey Warden, remember?"

"Then perhaps you should slay yourself."

Anora rolled her eyes with a sigh. "Are all brothers so disagreeable or is it simply just you two boys?"

"It's not meant with any real malice your Majesty, if it was we'd have already drawn swords." Fergus smiled diplomatically.

"Still, perhaps we can be worse than most." Aedan tried to hide the smile that took over his lips, he really did. He turned to Fergus. "Truce?"

"For the Queen's sake, truce." Fergus agreed with a nod, though amusement still tinged his eyes.

"Thank you." Anora said, whether it was directed towards the brothers or the Maker himself was anyone's guess.

"I trust your journey from the capital was safe and well?" Fergus perhaps wisely choose to change the topic.

"Yes, thankfully, the roads appear to be much safer these days." Aedan replied.

"Indeed, it was pleasantly uneventful." Anora agreed.

"Glad to hear it, it wasn't that long ago that we seemed to be fighting off bandits near every day of the week."

"Oh?" Anora raised an eyebrow. "I was not aware of such troubles, my Lord."

"It's all dealt with now, your Grace." Fergus waved off Anora's concerned look before turning a slight smirk to Aedan. "In fact, your lord husband's Grey Wardens were most helpful in that endeavour."

"Is that so?" Anora turned back to her husband.

"They were in the area at the time and leant a hand is all." Aedan said. "Nathaniel's assured me it was nothing significant."

"Nathaniel." Anora tested the name, eyes narrowed slightly in thought. "He is the former Arl of Amaranthine's son, is he not? Howe's boy?"

"The very same." Aedan nodded. "Though thankfully he is nothing like his father."

"Still, that must be something of an awkward working relationship." Anora's eyes stayed narrow. "Given the recent history of your two families."

Aedan couldn't help but smile. "It was at first, certainly. He was caught trying to sneak into Vigil's Keep to kill me in fact. It made for an … interesting first impression."

Fergus ghosted a chuckle and shook his head, perhaps more in disbelief than in humour. "It's telling that that's not even the most farfetched story about you brother."

Anora however looked concerned. "And you are happy to work and fight alongside a man who would have been your assassin?"

Aedan turned a hard look of his own at his dear wife. "I'm sure you're fully aware that it is not the first time that has happened."

Anora, to her credit, held his gaze evenly, not showing even the slightest inclination of backing down.

"You have … a strange way with people, brother." Fergus input to the side.

"Indeed." Anora agreed, still holding Aedan's gaze. "I think perhaps you may be too trusting, Prince-Consort."

"You're not concerned for me now, are you, your Highness?" Aedan chuckled, perhaps more of a chortle.

Anora regarded Aedan as though the question was ludicrous. "Of course I am, you are my husband, the Prince-Consort of Ferelden and commander of her armies. I have every right to be concerned when you take a would be assassin into your employ."

Aedan didn't know what to say to that for a few long moments. He looked to Anora's face and found no mocking or deceit there. He idly saw Fergus' expression of mild surprise out of the corner of his eye.

"I trust Nathaniel with my life." Aedan answered eventually. "He's earned that ten times over, if not more."

Anora likewise didn't respond immediately, she pierced into Aedan's eyes with her forceful gaze as if trying to learn all the secrets of his soul. Then, she turned back to her meal with a nod. "Very well, I trust your judgement."

"You do have a habit of making strange bedfellows, brother. Present company excluded of course." Fergus added hastily with a grimace at his faux pas.

"I should hope so, Lord Cousland." Anora muttered without heat. In fact, there even seemed to be a glimmer of amusement in the Queen's eye.

Fergus' chuckle was very faint before he continued. "It's just that I've heard many tales of your exploits during the Blight, the people you travelled with, the dwarven berserker, the stone golem, the qunari. Tell me, did you really fight alongside a Chantry sister?"

Aedan silently wondered just how much of his friend's histories he'd be safe in sharing. "Yes in fact, Leliana, she … wasn't always a member of the clergy."

"Now that sounds like a story worth telling." Fergus smirked.

"I'm sure she'd be more than happy to regale it to you herself one day. I'm afraid I lack the skills of a bard to do it justice."

"Coward." Fergus chuckled. "What about these tales I hear of an apostate witch?"

"Err, yes, Morrigan, she helped us immeasurably during the Blight."

"Come now brother, you must tell us about the mysterious apostate at least."

Aedan fired off a warning glare that seemingly bounced off of Fergus' smirk. "I'm sure my wife does not wish to hear about my old war stories."

"On the contrary." Anora provided helpfully, face neutral but eyes alight with intrigue. "Your wife is very much interested. Tell us about these strange, exotic women you've travelled with."

Aedan sent a death glare Fergus' way that promised all the pain an Archdemon could muster.

Fergus merely smiled innocently.

"Very well." Aedan sighed. "Leliana was formerly a bard before joining the Chantry. Forgive me for not going into details, but a spot of trouble forced her into hiding. With my help, she, ah, managed to tie up that loose end."

"Intriguing." Fergus drawled, seemingly oblivious to his impending demise. "She then helped you end the Blight in payment?"

"Not exactly, I was simply helping a friend. She was already helping us fight the Blight, she felt it was her calling to do so."

Fergus shook his head with a quiet chortle. "Maker, I've never heard of a Chantry sister with an interest in war before."

"And what of your apostate?" Anora asked innocently.

Aedan noted the use of 'your'. "Morrigan is a Witch of the Wilds. She joined Alistair and I right at the start. As … disagreeable as she could be at times, I'm honestly not sure we could have survived those early days without her. Despite her often vocal discontent – with Alistair especially – she stayed with us right till the very end."

"It sounds like she's important to you." Anora murmured, busying herself with her wine glass.

"We were never an item, if that's what you're implying. I was never involved with either of them." Aedan said carefully.

"I wasn't implying anything, dear husband." Anora smiled, steely eyed. "And I have no wish to shame you for any of your past relationships. I myself have been married before after all, as you are well aware, to a man who wished to toss me aside for the Empress of Orlais of all people."

That took Aedan by surprise, he had long known of Cailan's plans for a divorce, courtesy of secret letters discovered at Ostagar. He had no idea how Anora had learned of this. Looking into her eyes now, it appeared that she had known for some time and had long since come to peace with the fact. For his part, Fergus sat there wide eyed and stunned at the revelation but said nothing.

Anora continued unperturbed. "I was simply pointing out the way in which you speak about this Morrigan with such care."

Aedan opened his mouth to only close it again. This happened a couple more times before he finally said. "Morrigan saved my life. She is important to me, as are all the rest of my old companions from that time. I certainly wouldn't be sat here today without any of them, and I doubt Ferelden would be either."

Anora nodded softly. "Well said. I'm glad you have people you can rely on."

Aedan didn't know how to reply. There was something in the Queen's eyes that rang sincere. There was a moment of silence from all, before Anora turned back to Fergus and started up the conversation anew about Highever and her important role in the kingdom. Fergus had finally recovered from his shock and responded aptly.

Aedan blinked a couple of times before leaning back in to respond to a question from Fergus. The rest of the meal passed by quite pleasantly.

xxx

After a long day of talking with Fergus and other dignitaries and being shown around Highever Castle, it eventually came time to retire for the night. As was customary on royal visits, Aedan expected that Fergus allow use of the master bedroom to the royal couple. Anora however, appeared to have other ideas.

"Are- Are you certain, your Grace?" Fergus stuttered out, clearly thrown by the sudden turn of events. Like Aedan, he'd clearly expected Anora to rigidly stick to age old protocols. "I assure you, It's no bother at all for-"

"I am quite sure it is no bother at all, Teyrn Cousland." Anora raised a hand, subtly but assuredly putting an end to Fergus' forthcoming argument. "However, this is my husband's old home, it would be more fitting for him to retire to his old room, a place he'd find more familiar, wouldn't you agree?"

Fergus looked between the Queen and Prince-Consort, mouth slightly agape in his confusion. The older Cousland was probably thinking that he'd done something wrong to offend the Queen. For his part, Aedan half shrugged, half smiled at his brother. He had no particularly strong attachment to his old bedroom to warrant Anora's decision, but he didn't like to kick his brother out of his rightful room any more than they had done to any of the other lords and ladies of the realm, so he wasn't about to openly complain.

Fergus recovered his senses and bowed his head to Anora. "As you wish, your Grace. I'll have some servants see about moving your belongings into Aedan's- your room presently."

"Thank you, that is most kind." Anora smiled.

In short order, a small army of servants were summoned and set about moving the royal couple's particulars from one room to another. Aedan felt sorry for their plight, it was only a short trip down the hall and seemed wholly excessive for just one night's worth of sleep. The smaller room wasn't even larger enough to properly hold everything, not without having to require a lot of clambering to reach the bed. The less critical luggage was housed away in a nearby storeroom at Anora's leave. It was all finished in quick time however and the servants were let free to enjoy the rest of their night.

Bidding Fergus a good night, Anora and Aedan finally went to the younger Cousland's old room. Aside from the small mountain of Anora's luggage, it looked almost exactly like Aedan remembered. The sheets were new, the wardrobe at the back wall looked to have been refurnished at some point, but otherwise it could have been a perfect recreation of an old memory.

The faint twang of a crossbow, the squelch of a piercing bolt and the moan of a falling body shot through Aedan's mind. He blinked rapidly, quickly banishing the images to the ether.

Maker, how could I forget?

"Well, this makes quite a nice change, doesn't it?" Anora was saying, casting her gaze about the room. "Cosier than our usual fare, isn't it?" She spun around to regard Aedan with a raised eyebrow when he didn't answer straight away.

"Yes." Aedan answered belatedly, swallowing the uncomfortable lump in his throat. "It's strange being back in here."

Anora padded over towards him softly, concern settling on her striking features. "Bad memories?"

"One." Aedan looked down to the floor. Just like in the pantry, there was no mark of what had happened. "Just the one. It's no bother."

Anora sighed. "Of course. I'm sorry. I'll get Fergus to change us." She made for the door.

"Wait, what do you mean?" Aedan quirked his head in confusion.

"You're not comfortable here, I should have anticipated this."

Aedan caught her hand just as it reached the door handle. "Anora, please, it's alright." He really had no appetite to disturb the servants just to move all their many things yet again.

"It's not, Aedan." Anora scowled up at him, not relinquishing her grip. "You think I can't see that pain in your eyes?"

Aedan struggled to find an appropriate response for a moment before smiling. "It's not all bad memories."

Anora rolled her eyes with a tut. "Men. You're all the same."

"No, I didn't mean it like-"

"Then what did you mean, hmm?"

Aedan opened his mouth to respond. Unfortunately, his mind could only offer up images that would only support Anora's belief. Anora took his silence as acceptance with a look that left Aedan in no doubt of her scepticism. She turned her attention back to the door that the Prince-Consort held with her.

"Just let me fix this."

"Anora, I'm touched, but you don't need to worry."

"I do, this is my fault." Anora shook her head ruefully.

"What do you mean?"

Anora scowled, looking displeased, perhaps more with herself than her husband. "I thought this would help. I know what you went through the last time you were here. I thought if you were in a familiar space, sleeping in a familiar bed, it might make things easier for you."

Aedan's gaze softened instantly. "You did this for me?"

Anora now looked annoyed. Her cheeks tinted slightly pink. "Well, yes! I didn't give up the master bedroom to a lesser nobleman for my sake."

Aedan chuckled and reached up to cup Anora's face in both hands.

Though now she had free access to the door, the Queen stood frozen at the contact. She seemed to swallow a little stiffly.

"Thank you." Aedan whispered and laid a soft kiss against Anora's forehead. "I really appreciate the thought."

Anora seemed uncertain on what to say, her gaze flittered between Aedan, the door and anywhere else for a moment.

"You're welcome." She muttered quietly before the steel returned to her eyes, though Aedan thought it had been tempered somewhat. "Are you sure you're happy to stay in here? I can have us moved in an instant."

"Yes, it's fine, Anora." Aedan said before chuckling to himself, lowering his hands from her face to cover his own.

"What's so funny?" Anora demanded.

"I'm sorry, I just realised. I'm developing something of a bad habit of losing my composure after hours, aren't I? You must be getting tired of seeing me like this."

Anora actually cracked a small smile at that, Aedan was certain of it. "Well, it is the safest time to do it, away from the prying eyes of the world."

"No more, I promise." The Prince-Consort swore.

"You don't need to promise such a thing." Anora shook her head a little sadly.

"Well, I can't be much of a Prince-Consort if I'm always breaking down, can I? I need to be there for you when you have a break down."

Anora narrowed her gaze slightly, dangerously. Some of that steely edge returned.

Aedan licked his lips awkwardly, suddenly feeling tension in the air between them. "If … if you should ever happen to have a break down." He amended. "Maker forbid."

"Better." Anora nodded ever so slightly. "Still not particularly eloquent, but the … gesture is appreciated."

"I … I'll just shut up now."

Anora chuckled. "That might be wise." She turned to glance out of the window. "Well, it's getting late. We'd better …" She gestured vaguely to the bed.

Aedan nodded in agreement. The royal couple took to dressing for bed. Though still a decently sized room, Aedan's childhood bedroom did not have all the features they were used to at the palace in Denerim. The most notable absence at this moment in time was a dressing screen. Though Aedan offered to vacate the room while Anora changed, the Queen waved him off irritably and suggested he merely turn around instead if he was so skittish. Duly reprimanded, Aedan kept his gaze solely fixed on the wall in front of him, even as his attention was being called by the soft rustle of clothing several feet behind him.

The Prince-Consort only turned around when he was sure it was safe to do so. He somehow managed to time it so perfectly that he just caught sight of Anora letting her long blonde locks down from her usual dual buns. The shimmering golden curtains danced beautifully in the moonlight streaming in from the window as they fell over her shoulders. Aedan quickly swallowed the sudden lump in his throat and quickly focused his attention on getting into bed.

The bed posed another challenge of sorts, in that while still spacious enough for two, it was noticeably smaller than their shared bed in Denerim. Aedan did his best to respect his wife's personal space and kept himself scooted over towards the edges of the bed. That is, until Anora noticed his somewhat precarious position and demanded he sleep like a normal human being.

They ended up only inches apart, back to back in a somewhat awkward silence deep in the dark. Then, Aedan heard soft rustling and felt the bed shift behind him.

"Aedan?" Anora's quiet call for him pierced the silence.

"Hmm?" Aedan picked his head up to respond.

"I'm sorry for prying at dinner today, into your past relationships, I mean."

The Prince-Consort turned over fully so he could face his wife. Her hair framed her beautiful face appealingly. Anora's eyes were on her fingers as they lightly toyed with the sheets, but he could feel her full attention on him.

"There's no need to apologise."

"No, there is." Anora stressed the word. "I'm well aware that this marriage of ours is one of political convenience. If you do have feelings for another, that's no concern of mine. I'm not about to stand in the way of happiness. As long as you're discreet, and it doesn't get in the way of your responsibilities, then feel free to take whichever lover you choose. As long as you treat her with all due respect, that is." She added with a quick glare. "I will not have my husband be a bastard who just uses women for cheap thrills."

Aedan couldn't help but smile. "Anora, political or not, you're still my wife. I'm not planning to taker a lover behind your back. Call me old fashioned, but that just isn't right in my book."

"Oh, how very noble of you." Anora smiled, slightly more condescending than sarcastic.

Aedan sighed with a grimace. "Ok, that did come out a bit … self-aggrandising."

"Just a little."

"Sorry, I'll work on that." Aedan quirked a smile.

Anora chuckled softly as she shook her head, a nice, unfamiliar sound.

"What about you?" Aedan asked, a slight smile. "Would you take a lover? I could hardly hold it against you if you did."

"I'd certainly hope not, not after I just gave you permission." Anora shook her head. "But no. I am Queen. I don't have time for such idle fancies."

"Never say never." Aedan half smirked. "Maybe a strapping guard or some handsome young stable hand may just catch your eye one day?"

Anora scoffed derisively. "You've been reading too many of those dreadful romances."

"Not a one, I swear."

"No, illicit encounters with stable boys are definitely not on my to do list." Anora muttered, putting an end to any form of doubt.

"Fair enough."

"Sorry to disappoint you." Anora's small smile twinkled in the dark.

Aedan laughed a little under his breath before chewing a thought over in his mind for a few long moments. "Anora, I know this marriage of ours is political, as you've said, but … but it doesn't have to be distant."

Anora regarded him fully now. Even in the dark of night, Aedan could see her piercing gaze clearly, fully fixed on him.

Aedan swallowed a little stiffly. "I'm not trying to proposition you or anything, I just- I genuinely enjoy your company. Your intelligence and … even your sharpness. Maker, please stop me if I'm speaking out of turn, but- but you are a remarkably attractive woman and … and-"

"Aedan." The Queen's voice snapped like a whip through the Prince-Consort's faltering.

Aedan stopped fumbling for words immediately.

Anora shuffled her position so she was propped up on one arm. With the other, she reached up and caressed Aedan's cheek, probing his cheek gently with a thumb. The Prince-Consort's heart leapt and bounded in his chest.

"Don't talk." Anora instructed. "Just … Let me try something."

Then slowly, almost glacier like, she leaned in. Aedan could see her eyes so clearly, they were focused, but uncertain, as though she were unsure of what she was even doing. It the most vulnerable he'd ever seen her. There was a slight tremor to her bottom lip, almost imperceptible. Aedan made a snap decision. He leaned up slowly, as to not scare her off, and met her half way.

Their first kiss had been a brief and strangely humble affair, one simply used to seal their marriage in front of the lords and ladies of the realm. Back then, that kiss had been one between walls they'd both put up.

Their second kiss however, was all them. It was inelegant, a bit hesitant and somewhat nervy from both of them, but honest.

It ended as soon as it began, Anora pulled back slowly to end the contact. Her lips still a little pursed and she swallowed quietly in the silence.

"You are sweet." Anora began quietly. "And … strangely flattering." She ghosted a chuckle that seemed to shake as though long held tension was leaving her body. "But you need to know when to shut up."

Aedan chuckled himself and raised a hand to mime sealing his mouth.

Anora shook her head softly, though Aedan could see a genuine smile grow on those plush lips. "Let's … just see how it develops, how we develop." She raked a hand through her golden hair. "But … know that I am not opposed to the idea."

Aedan nodded, rubbing at the skin around his mouth, somewhat distracted. "Right, yes- I mean, good to know."

One last smile. "Goodnight, Aedan."

Aedan smiled in return. "Goodnight, Anora."

Anora settled back down into bed, her back to him. Aedan followed suit, not trusting his expressions not to betray him should his wife turn back around. Though there was still a bit of a physical gap between them, Aedan felt closer to his Queen than ever before.