Tag: so cute!

fatally-procrastinating:

The final goodbyes between King Alistair Theirin and his Queen. 

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“I don’t want you to go.” Alistair held his wife’s hands tight against his chest, their fingers entwined. “I know it’s selfish of me. I understand why, but…” He brought one of her hands up to kiss her knuckles. 

Being apart from her when he’d stopped in Kirkwall had been a torment, separated from her while she’d been in charge of Amaranthine had been agony itself. But this–there was no way of knowing when she’d come back. 

If she came back. 

“I don’t–” Alistair rested his head on her shoulder. “I can’t do this without you.” 

Aeryn’s hand slipped from his grasp. She cupped his cheek, her gentle tug turning him towards her. He kissed her before she could speak. He pressed in close, eyes clenched, fingers digging into the cloak she wore. She was smiling when she pulled away. She was the one walking into death and danger and yet he was the one who faltered. 

“Alistair.” Her tone was teasing and light. “My sweet, adorable, handsome, idiot husband. You know that’s not true.” 

“You think I’m handsome?” he asked with a smirk. 

Aeryn laughed even as she nuzzled up against him. The tickle of her breath on his skin made him shiver. How was he supposed to wake up every morning to an empty bed? How was he supposed to let her walk out those gates knowing he might never hold her like this again? 

“I love you,” he groaned, arms holding her tight. “Maker’s breath, Aeryn, I…” 

“You’ll be fine.” She squeezed him tight. The kisses she placed on his cheek did little to calm the fear mounting in his chest. “You don’t give yourself enough credit, Alistair. You may not see it yet, but you’ve been the ruler that Ferelden needed. Your people love you for a reason, King Theirin. You’re a good man and a good king. No one could’ve done better in your place.” 

Aeryn placed a hand on his cheek again and he leaned into her touch. His heart ached at the thought of sleeping alone that night. “I’m so proud of you, Alistair. Remember that. No matter what might happen, remember that I’m proud of what you’ve done.” 

“I’ll try,” he promised, arms tight around her waist. 

She kissed him. “I’m coming back, Alistair. Nothing is ever going to keep me apart from you.” 

“I believe you.” 

She was pulling away, mounting her horse. 

“I love you, Aeryn.” 

“I love you, too.” 

Alistair stared at her. Doubt and hesitation clouded her eyes. She’d stay if he asked again. 

“The sooner you go,” he said, “the sooner I get to hold you again.” 

Aeryn’s eyes shone with unshed tears when she smiled. “Keep the kingdom in one piece until then.” 

“I will.” 

“I love you, Alistair!” 

His hands clenched as he watched her ride off, his heart leaving with her. Maker protect her, he prayed over and over. Bring her back to me. Alistair stood at the gate, shadows moving across him as the sun shifted position in the sky. And still he watched as his wife became nothing more than a speck on the horizon. 

Come back to me.