Taking a sip of brandy Teagan watched his nephew closely, spending time with Rosslyn and Gawain was most certainly having a positive effect and it was more than obvious he adored his son, not least because he had spent the last hour talking about him.

"I will acknowledge Gawain of course." Cailan stated a warm smile tugging at his lips, imagining reading him to sleep each night, teaching his son to ride, presenting him with his first sword. He sighed happily, his heart aching with the love he felt for his son, eager to hold him in his arms again.

"And what of Rosslyn?"

Cailan flushed. "I could spend all day with her and not tire of her company. She is intelligent and funny and Maker help me she is so beautiful. If I were not married …" He stopped himself, there was no point in continuing that train of thought.

"But you are married. So I ask you again, what of Rosslyn?"

Cailan met his uncle's gaze. "I will ensure she has everything she needs."

"And what if she needs to return to the Free Marches and be with her family?"

The colour drained from his face as Cailan realised he could not bear the thought of her leaving, not just because she would take his son with her, but because she would no longer be there. "I … I have no idea Teagan. She said she wants me to know my son, but you are right, she may well decide to return to the Free Marches." He rubbed his forehead until it was red. "I cannot lose them uncle, either of them!"

"We will find a way Cailan, I just wanted to ensure you would give as much thought to Rosslyn's welfare as your son."

xXx

In an attempt to take his mind off his struggle to remember and his disturbing conversation with his uncle, Cailan had settled in the solar and turned his attention to drawing. He stared at the parchment and those he had already used; Rosslyn's face on each page. Sighing he took a calming breath. "Delilah is right, I need to remember Anora if I am to remember my past, no matter how painful." He closed his eyes and began to draw, letting his fingers move the charcoal where they chose. Finally he opened his eyes frowning at the drawing, it was a woman, beautiful, but with a cold steel look in her gaze. He swallowed painfully pushing back the chair and moving to the window gasping as pain tore through his temples. Blindly he reached out clutching a chair as his knees buckled, grunting in shock and pain as he collapsed to the floor, clutching his head trying to breathe through the pain. He heard a woman's voice, gentle hands gripping his shoulders, but the pain intensified, then a stream of memories burst into his consciousness. He gasped as he remembered the evening with Rosslyn, their meal together, drawing her as she played the harp, then desperate to speak to someone spilling out his belief that Anora was having an affair, explaining finding the herbs, his fear for his wife's health and then the brutality of the reality, that they were to prevent conception. He remembered the fury, shame and pain, flexing his fingers as he remembered the glass shattering in his hand; Rosslyn's tender care as she saw to the wound, remembering her gentle caution after he had kissed her and then the passion they had shared. He glanced up realising there was no pain and he was looking into Rosslyn's worried gaze. "I remember." He whispered. "I remember our night together."

Hesitating Rosslyn gently helped him to his feet leading him to a chair. "You do?"

"Enough to know you play the harp beautifully, that I trusted you with my shame and fury of Anora's betrayal of me and that I did not want you to leave."

Swallowing Rosslyn realised he was holding her hands.

"From the moment we met I felt an attraction to you. I know because I was thinking about it that night, but it wasn't just desire that night you need to know that. I thought you intelligent, accomplished and I was drawn to you. I do not know what I feel for Anora other than anger, but I know what I felt for you that night and I know what I feel for you now."

"Cailan I …" Her eyes closed as he slowly leaned towards her giving her a chance to back away before kissing her gently. "You are married." Rosslyn whispered as their lips parted.

"I know." Cailan stated miserably. "I feel no love for her, but you …" He gently cupped her cheek. "I wanted to stop your ship leaving the following day." He smiled at her surprise. "But I had no right to do that. I remember spending the day in a haze of wishful thinking. That you would change your mind and come back, that I had swept you off your feet, both impossible I know, but Maker I ached for you and now we have a son …" He hesitated. "Is it so terrible to think that perhaps we are meant to be together?"

Rosslyn sighed softly. "I wish it was so, but I doubt the Queen would be so accepting of us and I … well, being a mistress, even to a King, it is not what I expected from my life."

"I am being selfish, I know, but I love you Rosslyn and I love our son. I want us to be a family."

xXx

Slipping from the bed having woken as dawn light crept across the pillow; Rosslyn pulled on a dressing gown and moved over to the cradle smiling at Gawain who was peacefully sleeping. Turning as Cailan's arms wrapped around her she smiled. "I never imagined the intensity of the love I feel for him. I love my nephews but this love …"

"I know what you mean."

Turning Rosslyn worried at her lip. "Last night was wonderful Cailan, but we both know it should not have happened."

"I do not love Anora; I will have our marriage ended."

"Cailan you cannot say that to me, once you have all of your memories you may think very differently and it is not so easy to have a marriage ended."

"I will persuade the Grand Cleric. Rosslyn I feel happier in your presence that I have ever felt."

"How can you know that?"

"I do not know, but I know I speak the truth."

Sighing Rosslyn glanced down at her son realising he was watching them, gently picking him up, her heart thudding as Cailan's arms wrapped around them both.

"This is all I want." Cailan whispered. "And I will do whatever it takes to keep us together if you want that too."

"I do Cailan, with all of my heart."

xXx

Glancing across the room Warin studied Thomas who was pacing yet again. The young man was pale, dark circles beneath his eyes. He had barely slept or eaten since Delilah had gone into the Deep Roads and had spent a great deal of his free time in prayer at the Chantry. Warin suspected the contact via runestone was the only reason Thomas hadn't gone after her. "We should get down to the training yard before it gets crowded." Smiling at Thomas's relieved expression they headed outside seeing Arl Eamon and his men arriving. He saw the look the Arl shot at Thomas and tensed, but Eamon said nothing as he strode passed and headed inside.

"Relax Warin." Thomas stated softly. "If a distrustful glance is all that I have to face from my father's actions it will be little enough."

"You are not your father, nor responsible for his actions."

Smiling slightly Thomas picked up a practice sword, his own sword still in the care of Fergus. He suspected Oriana had demanded he be without a weapon and he couldn't blame her, though he would rather fall on his own sword then bring harm to the Cousland's. "I have only myself to blame that I face such suspicion; just as Delilah is facing her own Maker sent trials I will have my own to face."

Warin cast him a worried glance, fearing that in his need to prove himself he would put himself into danger that he might not be able to get him out of. "Then let us make sure you are ready for whatever trial the Maker would have you face."

xXx

Leaning back in the chair Eamon glanced to Cailan who appeared distracted, but happy too, a sparkle in his eyes that had not been there the last time he had seen him. His gaze moved to Teagan and then Fergus, getting the distinct impression the three men were keeping something from him. Clearing his throat he pushed his irritation to one side for the moment, more refugees appeared by the day in Redcliffe and by the time he left he needed a course of action that would get them to safety and lift their increasing burden from his Arling.

xXx

Heading out to the training yard Ellowyn picked up a practice sword and went for the dummy with all the fury she was holding inside.

"Perhaps a moving target would help." Thomas suggested approaching cautiously after a few moments.

"Only if it was your father, or that damn blood mage." Ellowyn hissed before flushing. "I'm sorry I …"

"I understand."

"I just … I feel so useless here. Fergus won't let me attend meetings because he thinks I am fragile after what happened and he won't let me leave in case your father finds out where we are." Ellowyn sighed. "I do not wish to fight with him, but neither can I continue like this."

"Talk to him, tell him how you feel or how is he to know?"

Glancing to the study window, Ellowyn saw Eamon move passed, yet another meeting she was not invited too, despite it likely that they were discussing the increasing rumours about her parents being traitors feeling her rage boil. Knowing she couldn't speak to Fergus in this state of mind she glanced back to Thomas. "Perhaps a moving target would help."

xXx

Barely an hour after her husband's brother's arrival, Loretta hurried to the gates to welcome Brother Genitivi a far more pleasant guest as far as she was concerned; delighted to welcome his assistant and ushering in their guards arranging for all to be fed. "Come Brother Genitivi and Weylon, you must rest after your journey and then I hope you will indulge me with some tales of your adventures."

"Of course my Lady." Genitivi stated with a broad smile. "However might I first speak with William?"

"You could of course if he was here, but he has yet to return from Orzammar and I believe he may not return for some time."

"I see. I will head to the Chantry then and speak to Sister Leliana."

"I am afraid she went with them as escort to Lady Delilah." She sighed at his surprise. "Nothing would dissuade her."

"Perhaps I could speak to your good husband; I have urgent news from the Queen we must discuss."

"Of course I will speak to my husband immediately."

xXx

Rubbing his forehead Eamon sighed deeply, they had yet to find a workable solution to the problem of refugees. "The Darkspawn will take the south in a matter of months at this rate; we must get the people out of their reach." He glanced to Fergus. "It does not help matters that the rumours of your father continue to spread. Many still dismiss Howe's claims of his betrayal, but there are those who do believe them. If we are not careful we will find ourselves in the middle of a civil war. We must take back control." Eamon turned to Cailan. "Ready or not we must declare you live."

"What use would I be without my memories?" Cailan protested; the look on his uncle's face making his guts churn.

"As always I am here to guide you." Eamon stated soothingly.

Digging his nails into the palm of his hand beneath the table to restrain himself, Teagan glanced to the door at the knock smiling as his wife peered around the door.

"My apologies gentlemen, but Brother Genitivi has arrived. He wanted to speak to you Teagan, he has an important message from the Queen."

Eamon frowned. "Why would the Queen be contacting you brother?"

"I suspect the message will be for Cailan, but he would not want to state that openly in case there were people here who did not know of his presence. Would you please show him in darling?"

"Of course."

Cailan glanced to Eamon as they waited, noting he was still watching his brother with distrust that he quickly hid when he realised he was being watched. He sighed inwardly desperate for all of his memories, unsure of the ground with his own family.

"Welcome back Brother Genitivi." Teagan stated standing and clasping his arm as Loretta showed him in before slipping back out. "Come sit."

"Thank you, it was not my intention to interrupt your meeting."

"Nonsense." Eamon stated. "Any message from the Queen must be attended to immediately."

"Well actually the messages are for Captain William and Sister Leliana, however I understand they may not be back for some time."

Teagan struggled to hide his amusement as his brother turned a rather alarming shade of red. "They went to Orzammar with the Warden Commander. Due to circumstances there, they may not be back for several months."

"This creates a difficult situation." Genitivi stated, fearing the Grand Cleric would already be putting her plans in motion. "I must send this information to Denerim."

"Can you tell us what this is about at least?" Fergus asked his curiosity getting the better of him.

"Of course I had simply hoped to speak to William first, this primarily concerns him, but you all need to know."

Fergus glanced to Teagan and Cailan, all three wondering if his identity was to be revealed.

"Come now Brother Genitivi." Eaman stated barely able to hold onto his impatience. "What is this about?"

"The Grand Cleric and Queen Anora believe that Ferelden has need of a Champion in these dark times to give the people hope. Due to events at Haven they have declared William to be Andraste's Champion." He glanced around the table at the stunned silence, noting the astonished fury in Eamon's eyes. "I was to be given time to get here and speak to William before it was made public, which is why I must send a message swiftly to the Grand Cleric and Queen Anora."

"We have no need of a common soldier to give the people hope." Eamon growled.

"I disagree brother." Teagon ignored Eamon's less than happy look. "What the people need is someone representing more than politics; someone they can get behind without doubt or reservation."

"And you believe they would not do that for Cailan." Eamon snapped. "He is the King!"

"Yes he is brother." Teagan stated quickly. "But without his memories many will wonder at his fitness to rule, we would be playing right into Howe's hands!"

"As Regent I could …"

"Is that what this is about?" Cailan interrupted. "You wanting more power?"

Eamon glared at his nephew. "Why must you always think the worst of me?"

"I did not realise I did, but saying things like that seems to answer itself."

Fergus cleared his throat. "Gentlemen I do not believe this is a suggestion from the Grand Cleric and Queen. You seem worried Brother Genitivi."

"Forgive me my Lord, but I am deeply concerned about William's reaction when he discovers he has no choice in this."

"It is an honour surely to be Andraste's Champion." Cailan stated.

Shifting slightly Genitivi licked his lips nervously. "I suppose that will depend on what will be expected of him and he is a private young man, I suspect he will not thank anyone for the attention this will bring."

"The Chantry will surely ensure he comes to no harm." Fergus stated out loud, thinking this must by why Anora and Loghain would have agreed to it.

Eamon reined in his temper and let out a slow breath. "The young man is wilful and insolent and he disobeys his seniors and betters." He felt the growing tension in the room realising all four men had fallen to the so called charms of the Captain. "All I am suggesting is that he will need supervision. Any man given the title of Andraste's Champion might use that to his own advantage. He will need to be controlled."

"I am sure he will do nothing to disgrace himself or Ferelden." Fergus stated coldly.

"The Grand Cleric has already decided that Sister Leliana will be his spiritual advisor for the moment." Genitivi supplied.

"A Sister!" Eamon spluttered.

"She was with us at Haven and the Grand Cleric has I believe given explicit and lengthy directives in her letter."

"He will not just answer to the Chantry; he is a Captain in the army after all."

"Of course Arl Eamon, I believe as always he will also answer to the King and Queen."

"Do we get word to him about this before he returns?" Cailan asked being careful not to mention the runestone, suddenly feeling uneasy about revealing it to Eamon.

"I think this is something that must be broached face to face." Fergus stated. "Wait until he returns would be my suggestion. Perhaps Brother Genitivi in your message to the Grand Cleric you can suggest she put off this announcement until his return."

"I will." Genitivi stated with a relieved smile.

"I suspect you are tired from your journey." Eamon stated.

Realising he was being dismissed Genitivi nodded and stood. "Thank you for your time my Lords, Your Majesty." As he closed the door behind him, he leaned against the wall and sighed deeply.

"You look like you just had fun." Welyon stated softly, pushing himself away from where he had been leaning against the banister.

"Indeed. Come, I must get a message sent to Denerim immediately."

Eamon slowly rubbed his forehead. "I find this deeply troubling; raising this soldier as such a public figure would go against my better judgement."

"Just because he refused you the Ashes of Holy Andraste does not make him disobedient or insolent. You know he had already offered them to another and a man's word is his honour." Teagan stated firmly.

"That may be, but I do not trust him."

"Well I do." Cailan snapped, already irritated by his uncle's clear intention to grab at power. "He risked his life to save me and I believe he would do it again. Now I may not remember him from before, but the little I know of him now he is a good man so I suggest you back off Uncle."

Eamon stared at him startled. "I will not deny that he helped in saving your life, but come Cailan ..." He sighed at his nephew's dark expression. "Very well Cailan, but mark my words, keep him on a short leash or you will come to regret it, he has a particular sympathy for mages and we cannot afford another mage rebellion."

xXx

As the meeting ended Ellowyn caught her brother in the corridor as he was heading towards the stairs presumably going to see Oriana and Oren. "Fergus we need to talk."

Hesitating at her serious expression he nodded and led the way back into the study.

Closing the door behind her Ellowyn turned to her brother who had moved to the fire. He looked exhausted and pale, perhaps this was not the right time, but for her own sanity things needed to be said. "Fergus I am tired of being sheltered from things. You never let me attend meetings, I cannot leave here, I am a prisoner, just as much as I was with Howe." She ignored his horrified look. "I must feel useful before this grief, hate and anger consume me. I know you think you are keeping me safe, that it is your duty, but I am not a child and neither am I fragile. I survived a blood mage, a dragon cult, the Gauntlet and I retrieved the Ashes that saved your son. I am not going to sit and embroider all day or whatever it is you think I should be doing. If you do not start involving me I will go mad!" She was startled as she realised Fergus was in front of her as he gently gripped her arms.

"I am sorry Ell I just … with Aedan as a Warden I cannot protect him and with Oren's poisoning … I suppose I have been a little overzealous in trying to protect you from everything. Maker I know you are fiercer than me, you are so much like mother, but you are my sister and I could not bear to lose you too. However you are right, you do have a right to know what is going on and I will not keep you from future meetings."

Relaxing slightly Ellowyn gave a slight smile. "So what had Eamon looking so annoyed when he left?"

"Ah, well now that is where things yet again become complicated." Drawing her over to the seats next to the fire he explained all Genitivi had told them.

Ellowyn shook her head. "Will is going to be furious."

"Surely he will see it as an honour." Fergus stated hopefully.

"Of course he won't." Ellowyn stated in irritation. "He will see it for what it is, manipulation by the Chantry and the Queen."

"Ell …"

"That is what it is Fergus!"

"Why are you so angry about this?"

"Because he never gets a choice! He was forced to leave, forced to become someone else and now you are all expecting him to be something else; everything but himself!"

Fergus sighed softly. "Ell him being named Champion makes sense after what happened at Haven, surely you see that."

Ellowyn stood pacing in front of the fire. "What I see is the Grand Cleric and Anora conspiring to control him. You think once the Blight is over they will take their claws out of him? No, this Champion title will be used by the Chantry for whatever course they wish to set and he will be given no choice in it!" Her fists clenched. "I am not going to let them use him." She muttered, scowling at Fergus's smile. "What?"

"I was just thinking about when you were children, racing around getting into mischief, but you always had each other's backs. I am glad to see that has not changed despite events since." Shaking his head Fergus chuckled. "I remember as children you were rather determined to find the Maker. Finding Holy Andraste instead is rather amazing and I think if the Chantry try to make him do anything he believes is not for the good of the people, with you supporting him … well they have no idea what they are letting themselves in for."

Flopping onto a seat Ellowyn allowed a smile. Neither does Anora. "So … what are we going to do about Highever?"

"I was hoping we would have heard from Alfstanna by now, perhaps we missed her and she is in Denerim, though she should be returning home soon if she follows her usual pattern. We need to know what is going on there before we can plan anything."

"But you do intend to take it back?"

"Of course."

"Good, I want to be part of planning and executing the plan."

"Ell …"

"Neither of us were there that night Fergus; you have to let me help take our home back or I will never begin to let go of this guilt." Her fingers drifted to the amulet the spirit of her mother had given her.

"I wish I could have seen them just one more time." Fergus whispered. "I should never have left when I did, but I was too damn eager for battle. How was I supposed to know the battle I should have been fighting was in my own home? How did I not see Howe's treachery?"

"How could we when our own parents who have known Howe for years did not? You do not expect betrayal from your friends."

"It sometimes feels like a nightmare I cannot wake from. Why does he hate us so much he wants us all dead?"

Ellowyn gently clasped his hand. "We are going to get through this brother and we are going to stop him and bring him to justice for what he did to our family and to our home; because Maker knows what he has done to the people of Highever in our absence."

xXx

After Arl Eamon's abrupt departure Loretta headed out to the garden knowing Teagon would join her there reasoning he would need to blow off some steam about his brother, surprised as instead of her husband, a guard approached her.

"My Lady there is a gentleman at the gates. He said his name is Lord Edward Trevelyan. He has ten armed men he states are his escort and that he is here to see Lady Rosslyn."

"Maker there will be no-where for anyone to sleep at this rate." Thank the Maker Eamon chose not to stay. "I will attend to him at once."

"Lady Loretta." Edward stated with a warm smile as she approached. "Forgive me it was not my intention to alarm your guards, but I must see my sister."

"Of course Edward and it is wonderful to see you of course." She smiled as he pressed a kiss to her hand. "I'm afraid your men will have to bunk with the guards, we have a houseful at the moment."

"We can camp outside if the need arises my Lady; we are not here to cause problems."

"Nonsense, besides Rosslyn wrote to you of the Blight did she not?"

"Indeed, part of why I am here."

"Come then, she will be eager to see you I am sure."

xXx

Rosslyn stared at her brother in shock before returning his grin and running across the room, the pair hugging fiercely. "Edward, what are you doing here?"

"You think that letter was really going to keep me away?"

"Ferelden is dangerous right now."

"Exactly why I am here; mother and father are eager for your return."

Worrying at her lip Rosslyn searched his gaze. "How did they take the news?"

"Shocked as you might imagine; I have a letter for you from them, but Ros how could you imagine they would make you give up a baby, no matter the circumstances?"

"I just … after Genevin's last visit and everything she said, well no-one else but me disagreed, not that I ever expected to be an unwed mother."

"You know Genevin; since becoming a Sister she has become almost insufferable. No-one said anything so she would stop her tirade sooner. You just cannot help yourself sometimes."

"Does she know?"

"Not yet, father felt it better to find out the circumstances before telling her. Your nephews are eager to meet their cousin however."

Rosslyn smiled as she thought of Gavin and Torwin, both boys mischievous and utterly adorable, she imagined Gawain would be much the same and the cousins would get up to all sorts of mischief together.

"Do I get to meet my newest nephew?"

Smiling Rosslyn pulled her brother across the room to the crib where Gawain was sleeping.

Restraining himself from picking his nephew up and waking him, he contented himself with gently running a finger across his hand, grinning as Gawain gripped it in his sleep. "Maker he's beautiful. He has your nose, but I do not recognise anything else. Does he take after his father?"

"Very much so."

"So, do I get to know who his father is?"

"Only if you promise not to try and dual him for my honour, it was consensual and … well it is a very complicated situation. You should know however that we do love each other."

"Well that is something I suppose. I swear I won't dual him, Now who is he? Not Cordor, he would have done the right thing and married you." He chuckled softly as she rolled her eyes. "Well you know what a ladies man he is, Maker I dread to think how many children he may have."

"I can assure you brother, Cordor and I are friends only and we have never been intimate."

"Fine, fine, so tell me."

"Gawain's father is Cailan Theirin."

Edward stared at her his jaw dropping. "As in King Cailan Theirin?" At her nod he stared at his nephew and slumped into a seat. "Maker, Ros how?" He flushed at her raised eyebrow. "You know what I mean."

"It … well it just happened." She smiled slightly at the memory.

"Ros he is married!"

"I am aware of that Edward."

"Maker the last thing you need is getting on the wrong side of a Queen! Does she know about Gawain?"

"Not yet. Cailan only recently found out. I decided not to tell him in case … well in case …" She shivered unable to bring herself to speak of her fears that she could have lost her baby; smiling as Edward gently squeezed her hand.

"I can understand now why this is so complicated."

"That is not the half of it. Cailan was badly injured at the battle of Ostagar and trauma to his head caused him to lose his memories." She flushed slightly. "Though when he saw me he knew my name and … well he knew he had feelings for me."

"I imagine he was surprised to find out he has a son."

"Very, but delighted to; Cailan has been desperate for children, you should see him with Gawain, he loves him so much."

Edward felt the anxiety churning his stomach ease a little, but the situation would only become more difficult over the months and years to come. "Ros …"

"Let me explain from the start brother, please." At his nod Rosslyn glanced to her son unable to help the smile that always appeared when she saw or thought of him.

Listening intently Edward realised that whatever else, Rosslyn had fallen in love with Ferelden's King and their son was a product of an unexpected, but wanted evening. "You always were something of a rebel Ros, but I still think it best that you return to the Free Marches and I do not just mean about the Blight. Gawain may not be safe from the Queen."

"Cailan has sworn our son will be protected."

"And I am sure he means that, but this would likely set any woman to fury, let alone one with power."

"I cannot take Cailan's son from him!"

Rubbing his forehead Edward stood and began to pace the room. "If you insist on staying, which I highly disapprove of, then I am staying."

"Edward …"

"This is non-negotiable, you either return with me, or I stay to protect you and Gawain. You may be stubborn, but so am I." He sat down next to her clasping her hands. "Speak to his Majesty, you might find he wants his son safely out of Ferelden too."

"Let us speak to him together."

xXx

Rosslyn watched Cailan and her brother size each other up feeling her amusement turn to irritation when after a few minutes they still had not spoken. "Makers sake will the pair of you stop behaving like boys." She almost smiled as both men flushed, but managed to keep her stern expression.

Cailan cleared his throat. "It is good to meet you Lord Edward."

"And you King Cailan, despite the circumstances." He winced as Rosslyn nipped his arm. "I meant the Blight!" Sighing Edward turned back to Cailan. "Your Majesty surely you can understand my concern regarding your relationship with my sister. You are married and from everything I have heard of Queen Anora I cannot see her stepping aside even if your intention was to marry my sister and there is of course Gawain to consider."

"I will acknowledge my son." Cailan stated firmly. "And I will ensure Rosslyn has everything she needs."

"What she needs is a husband!" Edward yelped at another vicious nip turning to his sister startled. "You cannot think to be his mistress!"

"I have no idea what will happen between Cailan and myself, but my priority is Gawain."

"I love Rosslyn and I love my son." Cailan stated firmly.

"Perhaps that is true, but what life can you give them? They deserve more than you part time."

"I know. I will find a way I swear."

Sighing Edward rubbed his neck. "Whatever happens between you both in the long term can be worked out later, we must discuss the short term. Gawain is not safe in Ferelden, you are obviously facing a Blight, but I also do not wish my nephew on the wrong side of an angry Queen. Therefore I suggest I do as my parents have requested and I escort Rosslyn and Gawain home." He watched the King turn pale, his gaze turning to Rosslyn, noting their hands clasping.

"I know you speak sense." Cailan stated softly, his gaze moving to Gawain who was still sleeping. "I would never forgive myself if anything happened to him, but the thought of not being able to see him every day …" His look was one of anguish.

Seeing his distress Edward leaned forward. "I wish only the safety of my sister and nephew; however Rosslyn has always gone her own way. Discuss it and let me know." He turned to Rosslyn. "Either way sister I will not abandon you and Gawain."

Cailan swallowed painfully unable to take his eyes from his son. Maker is sending you away the only way to keep you safe?

xXx

Author Note: Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed.