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The Last of the Couslands	By : MistressofMagic Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 4401 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Bioware and EA own everything associated with the Dragon Age universe. I am making no money off of this fan fiction.

Chapter List
- 59
- 60
- 61
Chapter 59
A New King
The days that followed the end of the Blight were days of happiness…as well as sadness. Many had not lived through the battle and the majority of those that had were injured in some way or another. It took nearly a week for the dead to be collected and identified, but each of them was given a proper burial. The commanders that Bridget had rallied remained in Denerim, wanting to participate in Alistair's upcoming coronation. She and her friends were now lodged at the Royal Palace as Eamon frantically arranged for the ceremony to take place. Because of the impending arrangement, Bridget and Alistair hardly saw each other as both of them were being measured for finer clothes and shoes. Although their wedding would not take place until sometime after his coronation, it was all that was on both of their minds; Leliana's too as she offered to help plan the ceremony.
"I shall throw you an authentic Orlesian wedding!" she vowed over and over again.
Although neither Bridget nor Alistair openly refused her help…both of them were a little wary of what Leliana meant when she said 'authentic'. After all, the Olesians were known for boisterous and perhaps rather overly extravagant ceremonies. Alistair was sure that Eamon would probably have a say in the arrangement, so he tried not to think of it too much. The only thing that was occupying his thoughts was his beautiful betrothed. Until they got married, Eamon pleaded with them to sleep apart, to please the Grand Cleric as she would no doubt dislike the fact that neither of them were virgins, so Alistair had to get used to a cold bed. Because of all the activity, he hardly saw his love save for the time both of them could sneak away to a dark corner for a few kisses and light caresses. Beyond that though, nothing happened…and it was beginning to take a toll on Alistair's patience. Zevran frequently noted how 'cranky' Alistair had become, which didn't do anything for his mood…and Bridget's teasing only added salt to the wound. Fortunately today though, he would get to spend a little time with her as the Orlesian Warden Commander, Victus, arrived in the city and was to meet with both of them. Alistair checked himself in his mirror one last time and sighed, still getting used to seeing himself in nobleman's clothing. He slowly made his way down the halls and to his office, noting in passing all of the banners hanging from the ceiling beams that the servants were trying to fix for his coronation the next morning. He passed by a frazzled looking Eamon who was speaking frantically about the following morning with Teagan who noticed Alistair walking by and said,
"Bridget's already in your office ready to meet with Victus whenever he arrives."
Alistair nodded and quickened his step towards his office. He opened the door and smiled as he laid his eyes on his love. Bridget's back was turned to him as she was staring out the large window. Her hair was down for a change; some of the strands were pulled from the side of her head and met at the back. Her hair glowed in the sunlight that filtered in through the window. Upon hearing the door close as Alistair stepped inside, she turned and smiled at him. Alistair grinned back sheepishly noting that her sky blue dress hugged her curves sinfully.
"You look absolutely stunning." He whispered as he stepped towards her, taking her hands in his.
Bridget smiled up at him.
"You don't look half bad yourself in your finer threads."
Alistair chuckled and dipped his head to hers, claiming her mouth slowly in his. Bridget sighed against his lips and kissed him back, moving herself closer to him. Alistair broke the kiss after a moment and took a breath, breathing in her lovely lavender and cinnamon scent.
"How much longer must we wait? I'm so lonely at night without you." He breathed.
Bridget chuckled.
"Perhaps tomorrow after the celebrations…I'm sure most of everyone will get drunk…no one would notice if I slipped away with you…I am sure."
Alistair rested his forehead against hers and drew his brows together.
"Please tell me you aren't just saying that to tease me…everyone's beginning to notice my crankiness."
Bridget gave him a throaty laugh before shaking her head.
"No, this time I am not teasing you, I promise." She whispered softly against his ear before she flicked it with her tongue.
Alistair chuckled slightly and cleared his throat, pulling himself away from her.
"Okay no more…less I turn Victus away and carry you upstairs right now."
Bridget gave him a sultry smile and walked over to the desk, swaying her hips more than necessary.
"As you wish, my king."
Alistair followed her and sat at the chair as Bridget stood next to him. Just then a knock sounded against the door and upon Alistair's request, the servant revealed himself.
"A lord Victus Reignheart to see you, sir." He stated.
Alistair nodded and stood as the servant hurried away as a large man entered the room. His hair was long and as black as night, but carried a few greying strands. He carried his helmet with him and Bridget noted the scars on his face. Victus had a large scar that stretched from the top of his lip completely to his chin, Bridget guessed, though the scruffle on his face made her question that. His left eye was covered with a patch that, when looked at closely, had the Grey Warden symbol embroidered on it. His armor was very ornate and looked to be made completely of steel. A few other, younger men followed in behind him and stood behind their leader. Victus bowed graciously as did the other members of the order.
"Sir Alistair, it is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance. I am Victus Reignheart, Warden Commander for the Orlesian forces."
Bridget curtsied as Alistair bowed.
Victus looked over his shoulder and stepped to the side to introduce his men.
"This is Albert Bastien, a junior member."
A young man with copper colored hair stepped forward and bowed.
"Greetings." He said his accent thick.
Victus nodded and pointed to his other companion.
"And this is Damien Constantine, my second in command."
The also younger, chestnut colored haired man stepped forward.
"It is an honor." He stated.
Alistair grinned as he walked around his desk and towards them.
"It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Victus. Duncan used to tell me many stories of yours and his younger days." He said as he shook the commander's hand.
Victus grinned.
"Yes I remember those quite well, as if only yesterday."
He then set his kind brown eye on Bridget.
"You must be Lady Cousland." He noted.
Bridget walked forward.
"Indeed, newest of the new to the Order." She stated.
Victus chuckled.
"I'd hardly call you a new member seeing as how you stopped the Blight…and lived to tell about it. You have accomplished something that no Grey Warden has ever done…to slay the Arch Demon and live to tell the tale is truly remarkable." He stated.
Bridget smiled and nodded, hoping he wouldn't pry too much into how she survived. Considering Alistair had not mentioned anything about Morrigan's ritual…Bridget honestly didn't want to bring it up.
Victus turned his attention back to Alistair.
"So your coronation will take place tomorrow?" he asked.
Alistair nodded.
"Yes, finally. Arl Eamon has been tugging his beard trying to get it planned as quickly as possible. You are welcomed to stay if you so wish."
Victus nodded.
"Indeed I believe we will stay…and when will your wedding be?"
Alistair and Bridget looked at each other briefly wondering why Victus would want to know that.
"We are not yet sure…since Alistair's coronation is the main priority…we haven't given it much thought." Bridget replied.
Victus looked at her.
"I see…well I wanted to offer you a position as a commanding officer with the Wardens but I believe you would most likely want to remain here."
Bridget raised her eyebrows.
"You would offer me a position? But why?" she asked.
Victus chuckled.
"I believe the question is 'why not'? You killed an Arch Demon and lived to brag about it! Why wouldn't we offer you the chance to lead other armies against those creatures?"
Alistair looked at Bridget and studied her face. He thought for a mad moment that with her becoming queen once they married…he was taking away from her the lifestyle that she wanted, yearned for as a child. What if she grew bored sitting around the castle and helping him run a country when instead she could be enjoying herself in the heat of battle?
"I would love to, Victus…but as you said, I would rather remain here. After all…I don't plan on being one of those queens who just sits about to look pretty."
Victus nodded.
"I understand, my lady. May we retire for now, Alistair? It has been a long journey and I wish to rest for the celebrations tomorrow."
Alistair pulled himself out of his thoughts and turned his attention back to Victus.
"Yes of course, ask any servant and they will show you and your men to some rooms." He stated.
Victus nodded and bid farewell. Once he and the others left, Alistair turned to Bridget.
"Are you sure you don't want to become Warden Commander? I know how much you enjoy the thrill of battle…I don't want to deprive you of that…"
Bridget touched the side of his face and shook her head.
"My place is with you, Alistair. By your side as your friend, your wife, and your queen." She stated.
Alistair drew his brows together.
"But will you really be happy here? Wearing dresses all the time and meeting diplomats?"
Bridget tipped her head to the side.
"Just because I'm going to be your queen doesn't mean I can't still practice in the knight's quarter with my sword and shield. I intend for us to spar with each other from time to time, my dear." She replied.
Alistair grinned.
"You know what usually happens when we spar with each other…" he whispered as he rested his hands against her hips.
Bridget smiled back at him and wrapped her arms loosely around his neck.
"Indeed I do…"
Just as Alistair leaned forward to kiss her, there was another knock at the door. Alistair sighed and rested his forehead on Bridget's shoulder in defeat as his shoulders slumped forward.
"Yes?" he asked in a tight voice.
"Another visitor, sir…only this man would not give his name."
Bridget furrowed her brow.
"Were you meeting with anyone else today?" she asked.
Alistair shook his head.
"Not that I know of…"
Bridget looked at him and then back at the door.
"Send them in." she stated.
Alistair pouted.
"But…but…I'm not supposed to meet with anyone else." He stated.
Alistair's eyes then widened. Unknown to Bridget, he had commissioned a jeweler to craft an intricate ring for her, to signify their engagement. He intended to give it to her as a wedding present and thought briefly if he set up an appointment with him today to discuss the design of the ring.
"Oh! I remember who it is now! Um…do you think you could go somewhere else for a little while?"
Bridget gaped at him.
"What? A moment ago you were about to ravish me senseless and now you want me to go elsewhere? Just who is coming to visit you, pray tell?"
"Is this a bad time?"
Bridget immediately froze in place. That voice…
Alistair looked over his shoulder. Standing in the doorway was a tall man with chocolate brown hair. His face was worn and he carried deep, dark bags under his eyes, bust still wore a kind smile against his lips. He was dressed in a traveling cloak and simple attire.
"Oh wait you're not the man I…"
Alistair furrowed his brow as he stared into the man's eyes. They were a piercing blue…
"Fergus!"
Bridget nearly knocked Alistair over as she ran past him and threw her arms around her older brother. Fergus hugged her back tightly and spun around in place.
"Oh my dear sister…thank the Maker you're alright."
He pulled away and smiled as he wiped away Bridget's tears.
"The stories I've heard of you…a Grey Warden? Uniting Fereldan? Slaying the Arch Demon? I would expect nothing less."
Bridget hiccupped and buried her face in his chest.
"Oh Fergus…I thought I lost you too. You must hate me…Oriana, Orhen, mother and father…I couldn't save anyone!"
Fergus shook his head.
"No…I will never hate you, Bridget, never. I know the details of what happened that night…please don't blame yourself. No one could have predicted Howe's treachery. I take comfort in knowing that he died at your hands."
Bridget nodded.
"I stabbed him right in his chest; it would've been in his heart if he had one to begin with." She stated.
Fergus hugged her tightly again before remembering Alistair was in the room. He released Bridget and stepped forward.
"So…I take it you are Alistair?" he asked.
Alistair nodded and held out his hand.
"It's so nice to finally,"
Before he could finish his sentence, Fergus punched him square in the jaw, making Alistair stumble backwards.
"That's for breaking my sister's heart at the Landsmeet, you jackass!" he shouted.
Alistair swallowed, a little afraid of what else Fergus was going to do, but instead the eldest Cousland laughed and patted him on the shoulder.
"Sorry about that…just had to get it out of my system. I hear you're marrying her now, right? Or is that the false bit of gossip?" he asked.
Alistair shook his head.
"Oh no we're definitely getting married…we're just not sure when yet."
Fergus nodded.
"That's good to know…you do realize if you ever hurt her again I'll kill you, king or no, right?"
Alistair gulped and rubbed the back of his neck.
"Maker…Bridget threatened to cut off my dangly bits and now you're threatening to kill me! You lot are a violent bunch." He stated.
Fergus grinned as Bridget chuckled, still wiping her tears of happiness away. Her brother cleared his throat and became serious for a moment, turning his attention back to his sister.
"You know they burned our castle. I travelled back there…it's not pretty." He stated.
Bridget drew her brows together.
"Was it completely burnt to the ground?" she asked softly.
Fergus shook his head.
"No…part of the castle was still standing, though I am not sure how stable it is. Someone also buried…"
He looked down and swallowed. Bridget walked up to him and hugged him.
"That was kind of them…I wonder who did it?"
Fergus shook his head.
"I do not know…but flowers were also placed outside the castle as well…I suppose the villagers may have placed them there, perhaps they even buried the bodies…it's difficult to say."
Bridget nodded and smiled at him.
"I'm so glad you're alright, Fergus. Do you think when Alistair and I do marry…you could escort me down the aisle?"
Fergus grinned.
"But of course. Maker, if mother could see you now, soon to be queen of Fereldan, I believe she may have had a fit, she always had big plans for you in the marriage department, you know."
Bridget chuckled.
"Indeed."
Alistair smiled. He was grateful that Fergus was safe and that Bridget was able to reunite with him. He followed them out into the main hall where she introduced him to the rest of their friends, who greeted Fergus as if he were with them for their entire journey. In a matter of minutes he and Oghren had already placed a bet on who could drink the most ale, and Zevran and he were cracking naughty jokes left and right. Bridget sighed happily, sending a silent prayer to the Maker thanking him for keeping Fergus alive.
While Bridget and Fergus began to chat, Alistair noticed Victus signaling to him in the far corner. He walked over to the commander, now dressed in simpler attire, and nodded towards him.
"Is your room to your liking, Victus?"
The older man nodded.
"Indeed it is. I was wondering…may we have a word? There are some other things that I would like to discuss."
Alistair drew his brows together.
"Well, Bridget has just been reunited with her brother…I'm not sure if I can ask her to come away when he has only just returned."
Victus shook his head.
"That is fine, I would prefer to speak to you privately anyhow."
Alistair looked at Victus quizzically before he nodded slowly and led him back to his office. Once there, Alistair settled himself behind the large ornate desk whilst Victus took the seat sitting in front of the desk. The two were quiet for a moment before Alistair sighed.
"You must forgive my hesitance, Victus. I am not sure how this whole 'meeting' thing actually goes. While trying to stop the Blight, Bridget was the one who always took care of that…I'm afraid I'm not sure how to go about this, exactly."
Victus nodded and sat forward in his chair.
"Allow me to start then, if you will."
Alistair nodded. Victus laid his one good eye on Alistair, and he noticed it looked rather…worried.
"I wish to speak more of how Lady Cousland managed to survive killing the Arch Demon. Do you have any idea how this impossible feat was accomplished?"
Alistair furrowed his brow.
"What are you trying to say…Victus?" he asked slowly.
Victus frowned slightly and stood, placing his hands behind his back and took to pacing around the room.
"We heard that you had an apostate traveling with you, a mage who had somehow evaded the Templars and the Circle of Magi all together. What I am trying to say is…for Bridget to have survived the killing blow of the Arch Demon…magic must have played a part. And when I say magic…I am not talking about it in general…I am speaking of dark magic…Blood Magic." He explained.
Alistair kept his quizzical eyes on Victus, and had a chill run through his body as a flash of a memory appeared before his eyes, one of a cold hand against his chest, cold lips against his own.
He shook his head.
"Are you trying to say that my fiancée partook in blood magic?" he asked, his voice rising slightly.
Victus turned sharply on his heel and bore his eye into him.
"I am not making accusations here, sir. All I am saying is that it is rather odd that your betrothed survived something that should have killed her instantly. No one in the history of the Grey Wardens has ever survived such a feat! Do you know how far back our history stretches?"
Alistair narrowed his eyes.
"I am well aware of that, sir." He replied, his patience beginning to thin.
Victus sighed and shook his head.
"I seek no quarrel, Alistair. I am just merely curious as to how she survived. Do you not find anything about this strange at all?"
Alistair swallowed, another flash erupting in front of his eyes of Morrigan speaking to him of…something, something he didn't like the sound of…
Before Victus could say anything else, Eamon barged into the room, carrying with him an armful of scrolls.
"Alistair I need to go over tomorrow with…"
Eamon looked from Victus to Alistair and raised an eyebrow.
"Am I interrupting something?" he asked.
Alistair shook his head.
"No. Victus was just leaving, weren't you?" he asked, turning his gaze back to the commander.
Victus sighed and bowed before leaving the room, closing the door behind him. Eamon looked at Alistair and furrowed his brow.
"Everything alright? You could cut the tension in this room with a blade."
Alistair nodded.
"Nothing to worry about…" he said, trying to convince himself in the process.
Although he did not want to believe the words Victus had said, Alistair thought of nothing else as he and Eamon went over the plans for the next morning. As they continued to go over the plans, flashes from either a dream or perhaps reality kept appearing before Alistair, ones of him storming off after Morrigan suggested something nothing less than sinister…
What if…what if that dream he had was not a dream after all? What if Morrigan had tricked him? Disguised herself as Bridget and he conceived a child with her unwillingly? Alistair let out a shaky breath…
What would Bridget do if she ever found out that he and Morrigan possibly…
"Be sure to rest well tonight, Alistair. You will have to speak with nearly all the nobility in Fereldan come tomorrow."
Alistair sighed…
There was no way he would sleep well on this night.
xXx
The next morning Alistair stood in his room in front of a large floor length mirror as his manservant dressed him in his finest clothes. His shirt was very ornate, having many swirls embroidered into tunic and sleeves with gold and silver thread. His breeches were silken and brown and, before he left the room, he would don a crimson colored, velvet cape that would trail behind him. In all honesty, Alistair was relieved he didn't have to dress like this every day, what with the cape and all. Thank the Maker that his coronation was taking place during Wintermarch, if not he would burn up in all of these furs and silks. Alistair took a deep breath and sighed. His nerves were all over the place, and his mind was racing…but it had nothing to do with his coronation. Well…perhaps partly…but the main thoughts in his mind were about Victus' words…and what he may have possibly done.
"There you are, sir. You still have some time left before the ceremony begins, I will come for you when Arl Eamon is ready."
Alistair, still too preoccupied with his thoughts, only nodded in reply. He heard the door close behind him as he settled himself on the foot of the bed. Alistair did not hear the door reopen as he was too deep in thought, and nearly jumped out of his skin when Bridget touched his shoulder.
"Maker Alistair! You nearly scared me out of my dress!" she exclaimed.
Alistair turned to her to reply, but found his response caught in his throat. His lips twitched up into a smile as he swept his eyes over her figure. Bridget wore a beautiful dress the color of a fresh red rose. Golden thread was embroidered in the bodice and at the dress's hem. Her hair was pulled back today, but this time it was not in a quickly thrown up bun, but a very elegant one. His eyes rested on her bosom where his mother's amulet rested against her skin.
"Would that be such a terrible thing?" he asked as she sat next to him.
Bridget chuckled.
"Wicked, wicked man, having such sinful thoughts with the Grand Cleric just a few halls away."
Alistair smirked and ran the tips of his fingers across the top of her breasts. Bridget lifted his chin and shook her head.
"Eyes up here, sir." She stated.
Alistair drew his brows together.
"I am a weak man, Bridget. You can't expect me to ignore the fact that your bosom is nearly pushed up to your nose."
Bridget rolled her eyes.
"Blame this blasted corset for that. You're going to have to do something about that later…you know. The strings are pulled so tight…you may just have to rip it off of me."
Alistair pouted.
"Now you're just being mean. You know what a long day we have ahead of us…now all I'm going to be thinking about while the Grand Cleric is blessing my reign is me ripping that corset off of you!"
Bridget tilted her head to the side and grinned.
"You provoked me, I had no choice. Anyway, to get back on topic, I've brought something for you."
Alistair raised his eyebrows.
"Oh? What would that be?" he asked.
Bridget pulled her ribbon into view and took Alistair's wrist in her hand.
"I had only just realized that I had not given this back to you." She said as she tied it around his wrist firmly.
Alistair smiled at the familiar ribbon…but his smile began to fade as his thoughts returned.
"Something wrong?" Bridget asked.
Alistair looked at her.
"You can read me like a book, can't you?" he asked.
Bridget smiled.
"Indeed I can. What's troubling you love?" she asked.
Alistair sighed and took her hand in his.
"Victus and I spoke again yesterday, later at night while you were off with Fergus. He…mentioned some troubling things and I…I think what he said may have some truth."
Bridget furrowed her brow.
"What kind of troubling things?" she asked slowly.
Alistair swallowed and looked into her questioning gaze.
"I may have unknowingly…lain with Morrigan. It's a little fuzzy but…I think she came to me and told me if I did that you would survive…but from this I…I…we…"
Bridget put a finger to Alistair's lips.
"I know." She whispered.
Alistair's eyes widened.
"So…I…we…"
Bridget nodded.
"Yes. Before the battle, Morrigan explained everything to me. I believe she felt guilty for not telling me in the first place. She said she couldn't allow me to die when she had a way to prevent it. She did not think that you would remember her offer…but it appears that you have. Morrigan saved me, Alistair. She saved us."
A long silence stretched between the two of them as they stared into each other's gaze. Alistair smiled and caressed the side of Bridget's cheek.
"I never thought I would be grateful to Morrigan for something but…I find myself very grateful to her now."
Bridget smiled and placed her hand atop his. Alistair drew his brows together.
"But it does not bother you that she and I made a child?"
Bridget closed her eyes and sighed.
"There was no other way I could have survived, Alistair. It does not bother me because I know that I owe my life to Morrigan…and she truly wanted that child so…"
She trailed off and shook her head.
"Besides, I know that we will have our own children, eventually."
Alistair nodded and leaned closer to her.
"I cannot wait for that day." He whispered before claiming her mouth in a heated kiss.
Bridget kissed him back slowly, smiling as she felt his hand sneak up beneath her dress.
"Stocking's again?" he groaned.
Bridget chuckled and fished for his hand beneath her dress. She slid it up a little further until his hand spread itself against her bare thigh.
"Thigh highs, my dear. You like those if I recall correctly."
Alistair blushed and cleared his throat.
"Well…I said before I am a weak man!" he exclaimed.
Bridget grinned devilishly.
"You think you are weak now…just wait until tonight. I plan to use all of that extra stamina I have riding you senseless."
Alistair's blush grew deeper as he chuckled.
"Now who's the one thinking sinful thoughts?" he asked.
Bridget shrugged and stood, planting one last kiss on his lips as she did so.
"We will continue this conversation later…as I must go and take my seat in the main hall. I love you, Alistair."
Alistair stood and kissed her softly.
"I love you too."
Bridget smiled and left the room, swaying her hips as usual. Alistair grinned as he watched her disappear down the hall and took a deep breath. He let it out slowly and ran his hand along the side of his hair as he checked his clothes in the mirror one last time before a knock sounded at his door. His manservant, Byron appeared in the doorway and bowed.
"It is time, my lord." He stated.
Alistair nodded and turned back to the mirror as Byron placed the heavy cape atop his shoulders. Alistair hooked the buckle that would hold the cape together and briefly noted that it was shaped like a mabari's head.
Byron smiled.
"I believe you will make a fine king, my lord." He stated.
Alistair chuckled.
"Thank you for the vote of confidence…I'm a tad nervous about facing all of those nobles today. I have to give a speech that I haven't given any thought to…I hope I can come up with something under their scrutiny. I know that there are some who do not think I should be on the throne…"
Byron shook his head.
"To those who think that you must turn your cheek to. The number of nobles who do not favor you is nowhere near the numbers that do, my lord. Remember that." He said.
Alistair smiled and turned to the elderly man. He shook his hand.
"Thank you, Byron. I'll keep that in mind."
Byron bowed gracefully.
"You are most welcome, sir."
Alistair took a deep breath and exited the room, walking briskly down the hallway. At the doors to the main hall, the guards standing there stood to at attention and bowed their heads to him.
Alistair licked his lips nervously as he heard the horns blow from inside the main hall. His stomach twisted itself into a knot as the doors opened. Alistair swallowed and slowly began to walk forward. His eyes swept over the crowded room as he slowly made his way towards the dais where Eamon and Grand Cleric Alexandra stood. With each step he took, Alistair's stomach grew tighter. He searched frantically over all of the faces in the room…and finally caught Bridget's blue eyes in his. She smiled at him warmly…causing all of his nerves to slip away. Once Alistair reached the dais, he climbed the steps and knelt before Eamon and Alexandra.
"Today we bear witness to a new king, a new reign, and possibly a new age." Alexandra stated proudly. Eamon nodded and withdrew a long sword with an ornate handle. He held it above his head for all of the nobles to see.
"This sword has been passed down from king to king in the Therin bloodline. Maric wielded this sword against his enemies as Cailan wielded it against the forsaken Darkspawn. With this sword, I shall name the next king of Fereldan."
Eamon stepped forward to Alistair and touched each shoulder with the tip of the blade.
"Alistair Therin, son of Maric and brother to Cailan, do you accept the responsibility of your office and the consequences that may come with it?"
"Yes." Alistair replied.
Eamon took a step back as Alexandra stepped forward, carrying The Chant in her hands. Alistair reached up and placed his hand on the large book with the Chantry's symbol emblazoned on the leather cover.
"Alistair Therin, do you swear to rule this land with honesty, kindness, and all the rest of the Maker's virtues and commandments?" she asked.
Alistair nodded.
"I do."
Alexandra stepped back as Eamon stepped forward, holding in his hands the golden crown that both Alistair's father and half-brother previously wore. The crown itself was not very large, but was made of pure gold. In it's center was the mabari's head again, signifying the proud nature a king should have for his country. Eamon gently placed the crown atop Alistair's head as Alexandra recited the Chant, blessing Alistair's reign. Once she was finished Eamon stepped back.
"Good people of Fereldan, I present to you your new king. All hail King Alistair!" he shouted.
Alistair stood and turned to look at all of the nobility in the room, now his subjects, bowing graciously in the presence of their new king. His friends cheered for him as they all dropped into bows and curtsies. Although he could not see Bridget's face since she kept her head bowed in respect, he had a feeling she was grinning ear to ear. Alistair smiled and held up his hands so that the cheering would quiet down.
Alistair swallowed and took a deep breath.
"Friends, I assure you that while I am king, I will try my best to bring Fereldan to a new age…perhaps even a golden age. I will try to improve as many things as I can…but...I cannot say that I will be doing this all by myself…for there is another who will help me bring Fereldan to a new height."
Everyone looked at each other quizzically. Alistair turned his gaze back to Bridget and held out his hand. She smiled and placed her hand in his gracefully, walking forward to stand beside him.
"This remarkable, amazing woman stopped the Blight. She saved all of our lives, our land, our home. And…she just so happens to be my fiancée. In this woman you will have the kindest, most honest, beautiful queen. My love…I think we should all be bowing to you." He stated.
Bridget swallowed the lump in her throat as Alistair knelt before her and the rest of the nobles in the room did the same. A moment later they rose and Alistair hooked Bridget's arm under his. The horns sounded again as they walked out of the main hall and towards the dining hall where a great feast would be held. Bridget smiled up at Alistair.
"I rather liked your speech." She whispered softly.
Alistair chuckled.
"I thought you might, does that get me some type of reward?"
Bridget threw her head back and laughed.
"Well…I am sure you won't find yourself disappointed later tonight, if that's what you mean."
The rest of the festivities were absolutely wonderful. Although Alistair spent most of the night speaking with other nobles, he did get to enjoy a few dances with Bridget, and got to watch as she danced with Zevran, Teagan, and even Eamon. Just as Bridget predicted, most of everyone enjoyed the wine that was distributed throughout the celebration, as Alistair noticed everyone seemed to have extra color to their cheeks. Victus and Leliana were so tipsy they sang an old Orlesian tune (terribly off key) cracking nearly everyone else up that was in the room. Zevran figured he should take Leliana away from the festivities then, and bid Alistair a good night, placing his arm around his love and guiding her towards the exit. The room soon began to thin of its occupants and Alistair noticed Bridget smiling at him from across the room. She winked at him before slowly walking out of the room as well, swaying those tantalizing hips. Alistair turned to Eamon, who clearly had had his share of wine for the evening and said,
"Is it alright if I retire now? I think I've spoken with just about everyone."
Eamon turned to him, rosy cheeks and all and nodded.
"Hmm…oh yes, yes m'boy, hic, I think you are free to, hic, sleep for now."
Alistair nodded and bid a goodnight to him and Isolde and walked as fast as he could without anyone noticing his quick step, out of the room and into the dark hallway. He saw Bridget in the distance, leaning up against the stone wall, pushing her chest forward a bit. Alistair grinned and hurried towards her, only to have her slip away before he made it there. He followed her once again down another hallway and witnessed her slip behind the door to his office. Alistair opened the door and stepped inside, closing it quickly behind him. Bridget stood in front of the same window she had the previous day and turned as he stepped forward. She curtsied politely.
"My king…" she purred.
Alistair smiled, anticipation tingling his entire body. He walked forward and touched the side of Bridget's face, trailing his fingers softly down towards her chin and lifting her head up to look at him.
"My queen." He replied.
Bridget smiled.
"Not yet, unfortunately, though I could get used to hearing you say that. No…for tonight I am but your humble, servant, my love."
Alistair shook his head as he pulled her to her feet.
"You are too a queen, my love. You are the queen of my heart." He whispered softly.
Bridget blushed and smiled.
"You say the most wonderful things to me, Alistair. I must reward you in some way." She replied.
Alistair rested his forehead against hers and held her hips firmly in his hands.
"I can certainly think of a few ways I'd like to be rewarded." He stated bashfully.
Bridget slipped her hand in his and grinned.
"Then come with me, my king." She whispered.
Alistair smiled and lifted her in his arms. Bridget rested her head against his shoulder as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Alistair left the room and began to walk down the dark hallway.
"You carry me as if I am your bride." Bridget noted.
Alistair chuckled.
"You will be soon enough, might as well get some practice at it!" he exclaimed.
Bridget laughed as Alistair continued down the hallway, not caring that the palace guards were still up and about and were chuckling and whispering behind their backs. At long last Alistair finally made it to his room…no…their room and opened the door soundlessly. Upon entering, Alistair noticed that a few candles were placed about the room, dimly lighting the surrounding area. He closed the door with his foot and walked inside, taking in the romantic glow of the candles.
"You sure nobody knew I was planning on spending the night with you tonight?" Bridget asked.
Alistair, wondering the very same thing, set Bridget gently to the floor and walked over to his dresser where a small piece of parchment lay. It read:
Someone told me you would be in need of some…romantic lighting this evening, sir. I hope I have not overstepped my boundaries as your manservant, but the elf was very persistent. Enjoy your evening, your Majesty.
-Byron
Alistair rolled his eyes and chuckled.
"Zevran is poisoning the minds of my staff, it appears." He said with a laugh.
Bridget raised her eyebrows as she swept her eyes over the room.
"That's a pretty big bed, Alistair." She noted.
Alistair removed the crown from his head and placed it on the nearby velvet pillow resting atop the dresser.
"A bed fit for a king…" He replied as he began to unfasten the hook to his cape. He did so and draped it over a nearby chair, then sat in said chair to remove his boots. He quickly took care of that and moved to stand behind her. Alistair wrapped his arms securely around Bridget's waist and bent down to her ear.
"And his queen…" he whispered.
Bridget turned around in his arm and grinned as Alistair lifted her once again. He gently lowered her to the large bed and smiled as he lowered himself to her and kissed her slowly…
xXx
Bridget nuzzled up next to Alistair, wearing a grin that reminded him of a very satisfied cat. She propped herself up on her arm and drew small circles on his chest with the tip of her finger. She glanced up at him to see that his face was still deeply flushed.
"Did you enjoy that, my love?"
Alistair looked at her and raised his eyebrows.
"Honestly, when I asked you if you had ever…'licked a lamppost', I wasn't trying to allude to anything but…um…to answer your question…I enjoyed it very much…perhaps a little too much." He replied bashfully.
Bridget threw her head back and laughed as she hooked her leg over his.
"I told you that you wouldn't find yourself disappointed this evening." She whispered against his ear before she flicked it with her tongue.
Alistair chuckled and turned his head to face her. She stared back at him, her face still flushed and her eyes halfway closed, but smiling none the less.
"It is a pity you actually did have to rip my corset…I happened to like that one…it was rather pretty."
Alistair's blush deepened.
"Well, those strings were really tight and…you know I tangled them all into one giant knot trying to remove it the proper way…I'm going to have to practice untying those laces." He stated.
Bridget giggled softly before she sighed happily and asked,
"How long do you think it will take to plan the wedding?"
Alistair grinned and held the side of her face in his hand.
"I really hope it doesn't take too long…I'm not sure if I can survive being alone in this large bed for very long…"
Bridget raised her eyebrows and moved herself over him, leaning in and kissing him slowly. She pulled back and smiled.
"Well…I suppose I'll just have to keep making love to you tonight to hold you over then, won't I?"
Alistair ran his hands down her sides and rested them at her hips.
"I think that is a marvelous idea." He stated.
Bridget lowered her mouth to his once more, and claimed Alistair's lips in a deep, loving kiss.
A/N: Another chapter done! I hope you all really enjoyed this chapter! We're nearing the end, folks…but we're not there just yet. Next chapter is the one that most of you have been waiting for a really long time, and it's one I've been itching to write since I started this fic! Yep, you guessed it…Alistair and Bridget's wedding is coming up next chapter! I'll try and have it posted as soon as I can! Thanks again to all of you for reading, reviewing, and adding this story to your favorites/alerts! I'll try and have the next chapter up as soon as possible! :)
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The Last of the Couslands