The King's Mistress

5

Dahlia stood at the library window, she could see the troops getting ready to leave, Hayden was leading them to Ostagar, the fear in her heart kept growing as she waited for him to come and say goodbye. Ever since she found out, he was going to battle, it kept her up all night, Hayden did his best to reassure her, but she couldn't help but worry about him.

Dahlia turned her head when the door to the library opened, Hayden walked through it, his gold armour, glinting brightly in the solace sunlight, "All ready to go?" She asked, the sadness in her voice still apparent.

"Yes, it makes me sad to see you so sad. I'll be ok, Lots," Hayden stroked her hair and cheek, trying to commit her to his memory, smelling her hair, she was the only thing that would get him through this battle, he needed reminders of her and what he had to return home to.

"I just cant shake that feeling, I just know something bad will happen to you. Wont you let me come with you, Hayden?" Dahlia knew that no amount of pleading could convince him to take her.

"Lots," Hayden sighed, cupping her face, "I can't have you walking into battle, as much as I would love to fight by your side, my mind would be focused on you and not the fight. Do you understand that?"

She did understand, more than he knew, he was right, if she was there, Hayden would be too concerned with her welfare, "I understand, I don't have to like it though."

Hayden rested his forehead against hers, his gloved hands in her hair, "These coming months will be agony for me, not seeing you everyday, waking up to your beautiful face, that will be torture, but I will fight hard until you are back my arms again."

Dahlia's fingers curled around his blonde hair, "Make sure you do come back, I'll be furious if you don't."

Hayden pulled out a roll of paper, handing it to Dahlia, "Here, I thought I should give you this before I leave."

Dahlia looked at Hayden confused, "What is it?"

Hayden smiled at her, "It's confirmation about my application to annul my marriage. I said I'd make you my Queen and I meant every word."

Dahlia felt tears well in her eyes, "Please come back and I'm not talking to the King, I'm talking to Hayden, my Hayden, I wouldn't survive if you didn't return."

Hayden pulled Dahlia to him, "I will return and not for my Queen, but for my Lots," Hayden kissed her lips, slowly, he wanted to remember as many details as he could about his Dahlia, "You are what will make me successful in this battle."

Dahlia felt her tears drip down to her clothes, "You better go, the troops are ready," Dahlia wiped his tears away with her thumbs, kissing his nose gently, "You don't want the troops thinking you've gone soft."

Hayden laughed, holding her one last time, "Until we meet again, my Queen," Hayden kissed her hand and painfully tore himself away from her, leaving the library with a prayer that he would see her again.

"Goodbye, my King," Dahlia whispered after he had left, she sat down on the leather chair, stroking her stomach, she knew she probably should have told him, but it was fear kept her from telling anyone, she just preyed he would return so she could tell him about their child, not the Heir, but a very much wanted baby.

Dahlia watched the fire dance in the fireplace, there were nights when Dahlia would snuggle up to Hayden, he would read to her, she liked the way he spoke, now she was just lonely. It had been 2 months since Hayden left for Ostagar, the days were bearable, she had Denerim to run and an evacuation plan to finish.

She spent time with the locals discussing were they would be evacuated too, Bann Sighard had kindly agreed to take in some refugees, Bann Alfstanna and Bann Reginalda had also agreed to take in refugees from the bigger towns.

In Hayden's absence, the Nobles had already begun to treat her as if she were already Queen, Anora had been quiet since Hayden left and had done nothing for the Kingdom, the Nobles had grown frustrated with her inaction and decided that someone needed to take over so they went to Dahlia. Dahlia had won over most of the Nobles with her quick action and intuitiveness, people listened to Dahlia, so it made things easier for the Nobles to protect their citizens.

She had visited the Alienage, at first they were resistant to her, but once they realised she genuinely cared about them, they accepted her help. She brought the Alienage and the Humans together, they made sure supplies were ready in case they had to leave at any time, everyone had a fair share of supplies and ways out of Denerim, Dahlia had grown to love her citizens, she would do what she had to, to protect them.

Things changed in the previous week, when Dahlia did her normal rounds, checking the businesses, Alienage, the elderly, taking the children to the Estate to pick the latest harvest from the gardens, she noticed people following her, in particular, a blonde haired elf with tattoos on his face, they followed her all around Denerim, when she got home, she whispered to Ser Gilmore, who summoned the guards, the stalkers left as soon as the realised they were outnumbered. Dahlia knew her fears were becoming true, someone had put out a price on her head and she knew exactly who did it.

But when the nights came, that's when it hurt, she felt the blooming of a life they had created and they couldn't share it, he wasnt there to soothe her when she felt sick or sit with her when she felt tired. She missed his voice, his warmth, his scent, the feel of his hair against her cheek, when he stroked her hair, cocooned her within his embrace at night, she need just to hear he was ok, even a letter, she just needed to know, he missed her just as much she missed him.

The door to the library opened, she looked around to see Teagan smiling sadly, "Hello, Teagan," She said, she was pleased to see him, he was the next best thing to her Father.

"Hello, Dahlia. I was getting worried about you, are you ok?" Teagan sat down next to her.

"I'm fine, I miss him so much," Dahlia sighed, "I think someone has put a price on my head."

Teagan turned to her in alarm, "Really, did something happen?"

"I was doing my rounds as usual and I realised I was being followed, luckily Ser Gilmore and the guards scared them away."

"Who do you think did it?" Teagan really didn't need an answer to that question, only 1 person had everything to lose to Dahlia.

Dahlia shifted her position, "I think we both know the answer to that Teagan. People are treating me like I'm already Queen."

"Because everyone knows how Hayden feels about you and how you feel about him."

Dahlia wrapped his robe tighter around her, "I'm scared, Teagan. I just cant shake the feeling Hayden will die at Ostagar," Dahlia touched her stomach gently, "I worry for her too."

"You're with child? How far? Does Hayden know?"

"4 months now, he doesn't know, I didn't want to add to his worries while he's battling darkspawn."

Teagan pulled out a sealed letter from his pocket, "Here, its from Hayden, it arrived earlier. Unfortunately, the carrier isn't returning for a month at least," Teagan handed her the letter, "I'll let you read it in peace."

Dahlia grabbed Teagan's arm as he stood up, "Thank you, thank you for being there and being my unfaltering ally."

"You are very welcome, your Majesty," Teagan smiled, leaving the library and Dahlia alone with Hayden's letter.

Dahlia opened the letter, her hands shaking, all sorts of emotions running around her head, she laid on the sofa, eyes on his words.

To my beautiful Lia,

It has been 2 months since I left Denerim and the pain still hurts now as it did when I left. Not having you here is a torture, I am without your beautiful presence and I honestly do not know how I am surviving.

My Brother, Alistair, is here, I haven't spent much time with him, do you think I should? I know you think I should and I will, it'd be nice to be close with him, like you are with Fergus. I know you'd tell me to spend time with him and because you are right most of time, I'm inclined to agree.

Your Father and Brother are here, they are faithful allies against Loghain, he treats me like an i***t, what was it you told me? You aren't your Father, you are Hayden, so just be him, you are right, I am Hayden, I will plan how I see fit.

We have had a number of small victories against the darkspawn, the troops are doing well. I had new troops coming from Denerim, one of them was singing the praises of the Arlessa, I wonder who that is? He said you had prepared Denerim for evacuation, even the Alienage. He also said that the Nobles were already treating you like the Queen, it pleases me to know I left my Kingdom in capable hands.

I hate being here without you, it is hard to sleep without you here, I'd give anything to have you next to me, in my arms, everything just feels wrong without you. I will keep going until we are together again, then we can marry and think about trying for children again. We have a future and I will fight hard until we get it.

Forever yours,

Your Hayden.

Dahlia got up from the sofa and crawled into bed, Hayden's letter still in her hand, she knew tomorrow a new set of troops were heading to Ostagar, Dahlia was going to make sure she was one of them.

Hayden sat on the bridge overlooking the gorge, he wondered what Dahlia was doing. He had updates on her welfare constantly, he bloomed with pride over her achievements in Denerim, Nobles had made her their de facto Queen, she had been accepted as their new ruler, which made it for Hayden when he married Dahlia.

Hayden looked around and saw Alistair crossing the bridge, he smiled, he could have a Brother, someone to be close to, make memories with, Alistair looked like him, they had similar personalities, he knew Dahlia would like him, "Alistair, come and sit down with me."

Alistair looked a little shocked and tentatively sat down next to Hayden, "Can I you, your Majesty?" Alistair fiddle with his hands, he was nervous.

Hayden laughed lightly, "You can call me, Hayden, we are Brothers," Hayden paused thinking about their Father, "I wish things were different, Father was a fool for denying you."

Alistair was a little shocked, Hayden had never really shown an interest in Alistair before, "Why? You've never shown an interest in me."

Hayden grimaced, "That's not true, I've always had updates about your life," Hayden stopped, Dahlia would tell him to be honest, so he was going to be, "I was scared to approach you, What if you weren't interested? Or you just wanted to claim your titles and be done with me?"

Alistair felt his nerves fade away, Hayden had wanted to have a relationship with him, he was just too scared to try, "So why try now?"

Hayden smiled bright at the thought of Dahlia's words, "My...betrothed, she said that I should try and if you were anything like me, you'd want to be close to me. She has a Brother, Fergus, you were talking to him earlier. They are very close and have lots of in jokes, it made me feel quite jealous, we don't have that and never had the chance as children. I sometimes wish Father was still alive so I could tell him, how much of a fool he really is."

Alistair almost felt like crying, hearing Hayden be so honest and caring, made him feel emotional, then he just felt confused, "Betrothed? But aren't you married?"

"That is complicated, but if you have the time, I'll explain it," Hayden looked hopefully at Alistair.

"I have all the time in the world right now, so fire away."

Hayden nudged Alistair playfully, "I have been married to Anora for over 5 years, nearly 6 actually. The Nobles were unhappy that Anora and I hadn't yet had a child, so they basically forced me to take a mistress, a Noble girl, they picked Dahlia Cousland, Teyrn Cousland's Daughter."

"isn't Lady Cousland meant to be mind numbingly stunning?" Alistair had heard of Dahlia Cousland, her beauty was well know throughout Devon,

"You have no idea, Brother. She is beautiful inside and out, she'd like you."

Fergus and Anders approached the pair, "Some Ale, your Majesty, Do you want some Alistair?"

Alistair nodded, taking the tankard that Anders handed him, Hayden patted the ground next to him, "Join us."

As the two sat down, Alistair asked Hayden to continue, "So, you fell in love with Dahlia?"

Hayden looked at Fergus and smirked, Fergus laughed and shook his head, "Talk about her if you must, but for the love of Andraste, keep it clean."

All the men laughed and Hayden continued, "Yes, I fell in love with her. It was easy, she was not and still isn't afraid to tell me when I'm being an arse. So I plan to make Dahlia my Queen. This time, I'm marrying for love and our children will be born out of that love.

Fergus sniggered, "She must tell you on a daily basis then," Fergus looked at Anders, who was trying to not laugh.

Hayden turned to Fergus, "Hold your tongue, otherwise I'll set Dahlia on you," Hayden laughed and nudged Fergus on the back with his elbow. Hayden had always liked Fergus, he wasnt afraid to tease Hayden and they got on very well, he was pleased that Fergus would be his Brother.

Fergus turned to Hayden, mocking shock, "You wouldn't dare."

"No, I'm not that cruel," Hayden hadn't realised before, but her never really had this, banter with people who he considered friends, real friends, not just people who liked his title, but people who liked him.

"You miss her?" Fergus asked.

Hayden sighed, "Yes, it hate being away from her, knowing she's alone, ugh I hate it. Teagan said he would look out for her and I left Ser Gilmore there on purpose, I know he would protect Dahlia."

An elf messenger approached the men, "Excuse me, your Majesty, I have word from Denerim about Arlessa Dahlia Cousland."

Hayden looked at Fergus, his face panic stricken, "What is it?" He heard his voice falter.

"Bann Teagan has sent word of a price put on the Arlessa's head, he reported that a blonde haired elf was following her around Denerim," The messenger nodded and walked away."

Hayden chucked some rubble into the gorge, "That b***h, Anora," Hayden stood up and stormed back to the camp, into Loghain's tent, "If anything happens to Dahlia, I have Anora's head and I place it on a spike in the Markets for all to see!" Hayden roared.

Loghain sneered, "What are you on about?"

"Someone has put a price on Dahlia's head, a blonde haired elf was following her around," Hayden struggled to contain his anger, his heart was racing.

Loghain tried to hide his annoyance, Anora was supposed to have had Dahlia killed discreetly, now they were aware of the person, she had hired, "Anora has no reason to kill, Lady Cousland," Loghain tried to remain dignified.

"Oh, I think that cold hearted b***h has every reason to kill, Dahlia. Just remember, it was Anora choice not to have an Heir, she only has herself to blame."

Loghain narrowed his eyes in confusion, "Excuse me, you have been trying and have been unsuccessful," Loghain sneered at the thought of Lady Cousland, "Hence the need for the Cousland girl."

Hayden laughed hard, "Is that what she told you? It seems even you don't know the real reason. Me and Anora haven't tried since our wedding night, 5 years ago, she wont let me touch her. Oh By the way, she wont be Queen much longer."

Loghain's eyes widened in shock, "What!"

"I've applied for an annulment of the marriage, since Anora is not fulfilling one of her basic duties, they are more inclined to agree and since the Nobles have be going to Dahlia for help, I think it shows who they would prefer as Queen. If you just wanted to get the crown you should have just killed my Father and took it, it would have be quicker, although you'd have to live with the treachery, somehow I don't think that would bother you," Hayden stormed out of the tent.

Loghain felt the crown slip away, it was time to step up the plan to get rid of Hayden, it was for the good of Devon, it didn't need Hayden and his new w***e Queen to ruin it.

Dahlia sat around the fire at the camp, they were near Ostagar, which meant Dahlia was near Hayden. Her tummy rumbled in hunger or it could have been the baby, she wasnt really sure. Her tummy rumbled again, it was definitely hunger.

A red haired woman sat next to her, handing her a bowl of stew, "Here, I can hear your stomach from over there, I'm Hawke by the way, Scarlett Hawke.

Dahlia smiled, grateful for the offering, "I'm Dahlia Cousland, Arlessa of Denerim."

"Oh, a Noble, you ok with talking to a commoner?"

Dahlia laughed, "Yeah, I'm not as uptight as some of the other Nobles."

"So, are you originally from Denerim?" Scarlett asked as she took a bite of the stew.

"No, I'm originally from Highever. Where are you from?" Dahlia finished off her stew in record time.

"I'm from Lothering, a real country girl. So since you are here, you aren't betrothed or married?"

Dahlia took a sip of water, "I am betrothed, on my way to see him at Ostagar, he's been gone 2 months, I miss him."

"That's sweet, Is he a Noble?"

Dahlia smirked, "No, he's the King."

"King Hayden, wow! I'm actually talking to the future Queen of Devon. isn't he already married though?"

"Not much longer. Noble's want an Heir, I can provide one."

"But it's more than that. It's love isn't it?"

"Yeah, it is, both sides. What about you, is there a man bragging about his gorgeous red headed woman?"

Scarlett laughed, "No, totally single. Does the King have a Brother?" Scarlett nudged Dahlia playfully.

Dahlia nudged her back, "He does actually, his name is Alistair, he's at Ostagar too."

"You want to share a tent with me and my sister? You seem like your alone?"

"I am, having some company would be nice."

"My sister is a mage, that's not an issue is it?"

Dahlia smiled, "No. Is she gifted at spells to do with health?"

"Yes, quite gifted, protection spells too," Dahlia followed Scarlett to a tent, a brunette girl was already inside reading, "Bethany, this is Dahlia, Dahlia this is my sister, Bethany."

"It's a pleasure, Bethany," Dahlia bowed slightly to Bethany.

"And you too, Dahlia."

"Dahlia asked wants to know if you are good at Health spells," Scarlett sat down on her bed.

Bethany got up, walking over to Dahlia, "What kinda of spells?"

Dahlia shifted nervously, "Well...um...I'm pregnant and I want to know if all is well in there."

Scarlett and Bethany squealed slightly in excitement, "Oh, lie down and we can find out," Bethany said.

Dahlia laid down, Scarlett shift to be next to her, "Does the King know?"

Dahlia shook her head, Bethany looked to them in confusion, "Is it the King's baby?"

"Yes, it is, I haven't told him, he has enough to worry about without wondering about us too. I will tell him after the battle."

Bethany moved her hands over Dahlia's stomach, "Everything seems to be ok, baby is quite happy."

"Thank you," Dahlia laid down on the spare bed, she stripped to her shift as the other 2 did and got into bed.

"Are you comfortable?" Scarlett asked, concerned.

"Yeah, I'm fine, tired, this baby stuff is hard work," Dahlia let out a little laugh.

"Dahlia, why are really going to Ostagar?" Bethany asked.

Dahlia sighed deeply, they seemed like good people so she decided to be honest, "It's true that I do miss him, but ever since he said he had to go to Ostagar, I've had an unshakeable feeling he's going to die, I'm going to make sure it doesn't happen."

Scarlett sat up, looking over to her new friend, "We'll make sure that doesn't happen."

Dahlia smiled sadly, "Thank you."

Dahlia walked around the camp looking for Hayden's tent, she approached a guard standing by one of the tents, "Excuse me, is this the King's tent?"

"Yes it is, State your name and business."

"Arlessa Dahlia Cousland of Denerim and the King's betrothed?" Dahlia's hormones kicked in and annoyance was setting in.

"The King is already married, now run along."

"Get out of my way, i***t," Dahlia tried to walk past him, the guard grabbed her, trying to push her backwards, Dahlia drew her dagger, putting it to his throat, "Touch me again and it wont be the Darkspawn you have to worry about, it'll be the King," Dahlia walked past him to the tent.

She entered the tent and found Hayden napping with a book over his face, she smiled, removing the book, she kissed his lips gently, he murmured before opening his eyes.

"Dahlia!" He pulled Dahlia to him, her chest against his. Hayden held her there for a time, his hands roaming all over her, he smelt her hair, making up for 2 months of separation, "Dahlia, what are you doing here?"

Dahlia sat to look at him, "You said you wanted to make me Queen, well a Queen fights by her King."

"I've missed you so much," Hayden pulled her in for an adoring kiss, he never wanted to stop kissing her, but he had too when Loghain entered the tent, Hayden scowled at Loghain, "What do you want?"

"Its nearly time, you are needed by the planning map," Loghain looked at Dahlia with disdain, but Dahlia wasnt to be intimidated.

Hayden kissed Dahlia again before leaving the tent, Dahlia stared at Loghain, she knew what he was planning, "You didn't bring many troops, is it harder to retreat with high numbers?"

Loghain sneered, "Watch your tongue, whore."

Dahlia squared up to Loghain, chest to chest with him, "I know what you are planning Loghain and I will stopped it.

Loghain almost laughed, "Oh and how is that?"

Dahlia shoved him backwards so hard he almost fell out of the tent, "I tell you this once, Loghain mistake me for a fool and I will make you live to regret it. How much is your daughter's life worth?" Loghain stormed out of the tent, Dahlia was going to bring Loghain and Anora down and she was going to do it in the most public way possible.

Dahlia watched from her vantage point as she saw Loghain's troops retreat, hatred burned in her, but she couldn't dwell on it as she saw Hayden in the grasp of an Ogre, she jumped down from her vantage point onto the Ogre's back, she stuck her dagger in at the base of the spine, it released Hayden, who fell to the floor in a heap and staggered back before falling down dead.

Dahlia looked around, the troops were being over run and a new set of Darkspawn was approaching, she wanted to kiss Bethany for the explosive concoction she made. Dahlia lit the small bundle and fired it with her bow and arrow, she watched as a group of darkspawn exploded, she knew the remaining troops stood a better chance.

Duncan managed to regroup the rest of his wardens, "Go! Save the King!" He shouted at Dahlia, she just nodded and hoisted Hayden up to his feet, somehow managing to drag him away from the battle. She dragged him as far she could before collapsing, footsteps approached, at first she worried it was Darkspawn, until she heard the familiar voice of Scarlett Hawke.

"Anders, Alistair, get the King, we've got Dahlia," Hawke and Bethany lift Dahlia to her feet and helped her walk. They headed to Lothering, Hawke knew that Dahlia needed some proper rest and the King needed to heal from his injuries, at least they could do it under the caring of Hawke's Mother.