Chapter 26 - The Joys of a Mature Woman
*****
Let's start this rather simply. Natia was incredibly sore the next day. So sore that, even with a cushion, she couldn't sit down. No surprise whatsoever, considering I'd spent at least a couple of hours fucking her arse. I was fairly sure she wouldn't ask me to do that anytime soon. In fact, I think anything physical would probably be off the table for at least a few days. That didn't stop her from waking up beside me and cuddling into me, thanking me over and over against for the night before.
Her condition did lead to a few chuckles at breakfast, particularly as she had no problem explaining why. That led to plenty of glances in my direction. Morrigan simply smirked, complimenting Brosca on the fact she was willing to do it. Sereda shook her head in amazement. Solona just looked at me, mouth agape. Leliana giggled, readily agreeing with Brosca that it felt really good, though admitted a whole night of it would be too much for her. My final glance was at Lyna, and she could barely meet my eyes, though her cheeks were very red. I wondered if I should talk to her, particularly to assure her that I didn't expect that from her.
Meeting with Eamon a little later, he said we should leave in three days' times, so we'd have two full days to spend around Redcliffe. He seemed to have an idea of what I was like, making himself laugh as he suggested I could wear myself out in other ways instead of fighting darkspawn. My face must have been priceless as his laughter increased. "I was a young man once too, Ragnar. Granted, I didn't have a harem of women to satisfy, but I've had my own share of lovers before Isolde."
"It's exhausting at times!"
"But I can see all four of them love you very much, Ragnar. You're a lucky man. Even the elven girl..."
"Lyna."
"Yes, even she has the same look already."
"I think the gods must love me."
"As I've already said, this castle is open to you. Though I'm assuming I won't see much of you before we leave for Denerim." He left the room, laughing away to himself. Well, at least he wasn't judging me for it.
Heading out to the courtyard, I couldn't spend my entire day fucking one girl then another, so I sought out Alistair, offering the chance for a sparring session. He took me up on it, and we spent a good couple of hours practising sword and shield work, before we decided on some exercise, going for a run a good couple of miles away from Redcliffe before turning and heading back, eventually ending up by the shore of the lake, taking a moment to splash some cold water in our face.
"Ragnar, can I ask you a serious question?"
I did wonder what he was going to ask. "Sure."
"Do you think I'll make a good king?"
I'll admit to a sense of relief that it wasn't about my personal life. "You're a good man, Alistair. If you remain a good man when taking the throne, and continue with that sense of justice I know you have, then you will make a great king."
He glanced away, looking over the lake, the castle high on the hill in the distance. It was a surprisingly warm day, barely a cloud in the sky. One of the nicest days I could remember. Shame the country was falling apart around us. "Can I ask another serious question?"
"Alistair, you're my friend. Just ask. You don't have to ask permission first."
"You know I love Cerys. I was wondering... I was thinking about marriage. If I were to ask, what do you think she'd say?"
"Yes."
"Really?" he asked, apparently surprised by my immediate response.
"She loves you, and I know she's already thinking about it too."
He nodded, glancing away again. "I don't want to marry Anora. Can you imagine how awkward that would be? He's Cailan's widow for starters. And I don't want to marry for convenience. Call me old fashioned, maybe naïve, but I want to marry the woman I love."
"I think you need to speak to Cerys."
"If I become king, I'd do anything to make her my queen."
"You definitely need to speak to Cerys. So do I, I think."
He glanced at me. "I think I know why."
I nodded. "I'll say no. She has to give me up."
"I don't mind."
I shook my head, laying a hand on her shoulders. "I know she loves you. Me? Call it... infatuation I guess. She doesn't love me, but she sees my life and, I don't know, thinks I'll always agree. But I can't, not anymore. Not after what you just told me. Do you know what you need to do?" He shook his head. "Find a ring. Propose to her. Let me talk to her first. I will tell her no." I trailed off and laughed at myself. "I guess I found the will to finally say that word."
"Thank you," he said.
I held out my hand, Alistair grasping it immediately. "We're in this together, Alistair. And once you take that throne, my sword will be yours."
We walked back to the castle together. I'm not sure Alistair was saying he would take the throne, but I think with each day that passed, his mind was coming around to the idea. I think, at heart, he still didn't really want it. But like being a Warden, he felt a sense of responsibility, and I knew he would do it as a sense of duty to his country and his people.
Making it back in time for lunch, we all sat down in the courtyard, enjoying the warmth of the sunshine together. A cask of ale was also brought out for us to drink, though most of us were sensible, only taking the one, as it was still early in the day. Once lunch was over, I searched out Cerys and escorted her inside, finding some privacy in the study. Asking her to sit down, I sat on the opposite side of the table.
"I can't do it," I said.
"Do what?"
