Well, no one has reviewed for the last chapter. Well, if you do after I post this then I thank you.

All direct quotes from the game belong to Bioware and EA.

Oh, if something is off, forgive me. I haven't played DA:O in awhile. So I had to do a good bit of the dialog from memory. I could not find a video on youtube that showed what I needed.

So here is the next chapter. Enjoy.

Chapter 5

The Palace was in an uproar. Servants were racing. In only a few more minutes, Ferelden would have a new king.

In the throne room, Alaina waited with Fergus and her friends. Today not only would Alistair be crowned king, finally, but all of Ferelden would know who their queen would be.

Alaina looked around her. It seemed all the nobility had come to pay homage to the new king. Of course, none of that mattered to Alistair. Hers would be one of the face he would look for as he walked towards his future.

"Relax, Alaina." Fergus smiled at her.

Alaina nudged him with her shoulder. "I'm worried about him. He's never seen me like this before." She gestured towards her outfit. Today she looked every bit the part of Lady Cousland and her brother looked like the Teyrn he now was.

Soon. Very soon Alistair would be king, and she would be introduced publicly as the betroth of the king. Also, she and Alistair had come up with a plan for Fergus to retake Highever. Of course, only the two of them knew of the plan.

Alaina glanced over at Bann Teagan, who stood with his sister-in-law and nephew, not to far way. Arl Eamon stood closer towards the throne. The Grand Cleric stood waiting for Alistair to arrive before her. Alaina took a deep breath. She was more nervous for him. He had not been raised for this. Well, she hadn't been either, but they could do it together. After all if they could fight a Blight alone as the only Grey Wardens in Ferelden together, then they could rule a kingdom.

Suddenly, the trumpets blasted. Alaina sighed as she glanced down towards the doors. She watched as Alistair slowly walked down the center of the room towards the throne awaiting him. Alaina watched as he came closer to her. When he stood in front of her, Alistair turned his head towards her and gave her a quick smile before walking up the stairs to face the Grand Cleric. Alaina watched in silence like all the others around her as Ferelden finally got a new king.

Once he was finally declared king, Alistair turned and waved to all those before him, but he had eyes only for the woman he loved. The Grand Cleric moved to the side.

Alaina took a deep breath. Now he had to make his speech as well as acknowledging her and the others who had fought by their sides for the last year. She glanced at Fergus, who smiled and took hold of her hand. Then he gave it a little squeeze. Alaina smiled a little and returned the squeeze. It almost felt like the years had melted away and once again they were trying to hide an adventure the two had shared from their parents.

XOXOX

Alistair took a deep breath and glanced down at Alaina. She nodded to him slightly. Now he had to make his speech and formal announce his engagement to Alaina. He didn't look at Arl Eamon or Bann Teagan. They may have raised him and he did respect them, but Alaina and Fergus would be his family soon.

Quickly, he ran though the short speech he and Alaina had written. Slowly he squared his shoulder and took one last glanced at Alaina.

"My fellow Fereldans, not too long ago, I was fighting to protect all of you. Now I stand before you as your king, as my brother and father before me." Alistair took a breath. "Today we also celebrate the victory over the Archdemon and recognize the one who lead the final charge against the Darkspawn, who remains with us still. He gestured towards Alaina.

Slowly, she released her brother's hand and made her way to him. As she stood slightly beside and yet before him, he gave her a quick half smile.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I present my betrothed, who will soon be your queen." Alistair looked into Alaina's eyes and saw her pride and love reflected in his own. "Lady Cousland, it is hard to imagine how you could have aided Ferelden more. I think it only appropriate that I return the favor. "As an award." Alistair then grinned as he whispered to her, "and as an engagement present." He spoke up again, "I offer a boon of your choice." Alistair looked out at Fergus and saw the understanding in his eyes, and then back at Alaina. She took a deep breath. To him she really was more beautiful in tunics and armour versus the gown she wore now. Of course, she would be beautiful in anything. After all he would think that because he had seen her without a snitch on.

Alaina looked into his eyes, and he had to stop himself of smiling like an idiot. "I ask that the Howes pay for what they did to my family."

Alistair nodded. "The Howes are hereby striped of their titles and lands. Highever is of course returned to your family, namely your brother Fergus." He then turned towards the crowd. "Let it be know the arling of Amaranthine is now granted to the Grey Wardens. There they can rebuild, following those who went before them." He glanced back at her. Now the only thing truly remaining was their wedding, which was coming fast upon them.

XOXOX

The throne room had emptied out for the most part. Almost everyone in the city was celebrating for once. They had their king and also a future queen. Some of their future was known, but they did not know how this new king would rule.

Alaina stood hidden from site on a balcony. She could hear the cheers and celebration outside the Palace. She would smile, but she was thinking about her parents. Highever now belonged to Fergus as it should have a year ago. All was as it should be, but it still hurt. She had not ever really mourned her lost and now well she was. Slowly, she placed her hand on her abdomen. Soon she would be a mother and hers was not here to see it. Even though she had ended Arl Howe's life and had taken things from his family, it would not bring back those that had been lost.

She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned into Alistair's opened arms.

"What's wrong?"

Alaina held onto him and buried her face into his shirt. "Just thinking."

"Alaina."

She raised her head slightly. "It doesn't matter what we do. I won't see my parents again."

"You already knew that. What's really wrong?"

"I wish my mother was here."

Alistair wrapped his arms around her. "I know."

"I always thought that she would be here to help me."

"That's why Wynne's still here. She knows you need someone. Also, I asked her to."

Alaina smiled a little. "So she agreed to be your adviser?"

"Yes as did Valendrian." Alistair took a step back. "Now come. I can't exactly celebrate without my betroth."

Alaina almost laughed. "I'm coming."

Alistair bent his face close to her ear as he slowly lead her back inside. "You look beautiful."

Alaina glanced at him. "You've told me that before."

"Well, I have seen you in absolutely noting. So I can always say it."

"Maybe."

"You were even beautiful covered in blood."

Alaina smiled. "All right, Alistair. That's enough."

"I had to do something to get you to smile."

"Well, you did."

Alistair smiled at her. "I do my best. Now we have to celebrate. Though I can't wait to be alone with you again."

"We'll be married soon. So relax."

"I can't wait to hold you while you sleep again. It's hurt me not to wake up with you beside me."

"Me, too, but you need to be quiet. We don't want everyone to know about that."

Alistair sighed. "I know."

Alaina raised her hand to his cheek. "You're doing fine."

"I'm learning."

The pair walked back into the private celebration to find Oghren drunk and singing some song that well no one could really understand. Their friends danced, well except for Sten, but he did not remain for long. He left not too long after the speech was finished to return home. Now the others celebrated and planned to remain until at least the wedding.

Well, there you go. So review if you please and let me know what you think.