There and Back Again Ch. 169

"Yeah, yeah, let's go stop your idiot brother from committing fratricide." His smile was still worried, but his love blazed out through his eyes for anyone to see. I hope he can see mine in return.

Alistair opened the door for me and let me precede him into the hallway where I'd fainted; my brothers didn't notice, so engrossed in arguing with each other, they weren't paying attention to anything around them. Both men were red-faced, furious, and only inches apart as they squared off directly in front of the door. Avanna stood to one side with Alistair's guard, alert but avoiding looking directly at the spectacle.

"How could you?" Aedan was shouting, one hand rifling through his shaggy hair in frustration. "How dare you drag her - and me! - here? Did you even listen—"

"No!" roared Fergus, arms crossed obstinately over his chest. "You listen, little brother. She's not what you think she is! She—"

"It doesn't fucking matter who she is, Fergus!" Everyone paused at the profanity; I thought it was probably the first time I'd heard it used as a curse since coming to Thedas, never mind at the thunderous volume that could probably be heard in the barracks next door. "It doesn't matter what you believe or if I'm right. It would make no difference if she was a sodding street walker before and it's all a lie! She matters to me, and you just shit all over that. She's the wife of the Maker-damned Prince of Ferelden, and you just—"

My heart was in my throat, watching two people I cared about - and I did care, even about Fergus, despite the way he treated me - eviscerate each other outside my bedroom door. My heart was beating erratically in my chest, my pulse pounding in my ears, and I must have gone pale again, because Alistair pulled me into his arms, turning to shield me from them both.

He turned his head to look at them over his shoulder and bellowed, making my ears ring. "Enough!"

They both stopped, clearly embarrassed. Aedan had the grace to at least turn and try to apologise, but Fergus didn't look sorry - just irritated and chagrined to have been caught behaving badly. I pulled away from Alistair with a slow, deep breath and held my hand up to silence Aedan before he could say anything else.

"Gentlemen. Thank you for waiting for me - the travel must have taken more out of me than I'd thought. I appreciate the moment to rest. I'm ready for that lunch now, though, if you don't mind." I was determined to act like nothing had happened. "Oh, and thank you for the beautiful room! Your hospitality is truly appreciated. I know I'll sleep well tonight." There. I refuse to let Fergus see how much he hurt me - if it kills me. And the sarcasm is just the icing on the cake.

Aedan gaped. It was hard not to laugh, but I was grateful for the improvement in my mood that granted. Zevran smirked, his customary response to anythingodd that I did; Alistair, seeming to guess what I was up to, squeezed my shoulders gently. And Fergus just narrowed his eyes, examining me like I was some sort of bug under a microscope.

"You're sure, your Highness? If you are unwell—"

"Nonsense!" I stepped forward and wrapped my hand around his arm as though he'd gallantly offered it. He twitched, and I struggled not to crow maliciously. "I suspect I was just lightheaded from such a long morning. It's been forever since breakfast!" I looked back over my shoulder where our bodyguards and the three most important people in my life watched me incredulously. I winked, and while it was still strained, it was a lot more genuine than I had even expected. I'm not going to let Fergus win, no matter the cost. "You guys coming? Don't think I'll save you anything if you dawdle for too long."