snarky_tabris | AU: The Prince and the Pauper (for alistair

It had been several months now since Bianca Tabris had become involved with the King of Ferelden, Alistair Theirin, and they were some of the best months of her life. They'd been practically inseparable, with Alistair coming over for dinner practically every night, and Bianca visiting him just as frequently.

It was becoming very obvious that this was a serious relationship, and it was becoming a cause for concern among the nobility of Ferelden. Having a tryst with an elf was one thing, but an actual relationship...that was something very different.

Combine that with the number of changes that Alistair was trying to implement, to make lives better for all the people of Ferelden, which included his plans to give the elves representation in the Landsmeet...

Alistair was going away for a while. There were tensions with Orlais, and he needed to go deal with them personally. Bianca was staying behind, as her family needed her.

"When do you think you'll be back? Promise me you'll stay safe, and not let those Orlesians go to your head..."

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Bianca freezes as she hears something coming from one of the windows. Her captors must've heard it too, because as soon as they do, one of them comes back to her room, glaring at her.

"What did you do?"

"I didn't do anything! You've got me locked up, remember?"

Alistair tucks into a corner, behind some boxes. He's got a view of the room she's in, and watches silently. He doesn't want to risk getting caught...

"You're lying, you did something! We've got an intruder!"

"I told you, I didn't do anything!"

One of her captors swears, and she cries out in pain as they smack her again, slashing her with the knife...

It takes all the self-control in the world for Alistair to hold himself back. But he knows that barging in there at the wrong time will do no good.

"Look, I've told you, I don't know anything, and Alistair isn't stupid, he won't do anything you want just because you've got me!"

"We know you're lying, and until we get what we want from the king, you're not going anywhere!"

Alistair is getting impatient... he grabs a rock and chucks it to his left, down a very long hallway.

Her captor swears and stalks out of the room, going to find out where the sound came from.

"You even think of moving, we'll cut your throat."

Alistair rushes in, keeping his movements slow and his footsteps silent, and gets to work on untying her.

Bianca's eyes widen, seeing him, and she goes very quiet.

Her bonds undone, he hoists her over his shoulders and brings her over to the window, pushing her up towards it.

She's grabbing at the window when they hear a noise. Somebody's coming back, and from the sound of it, they're not along.

"We need to hurry...!"

He knows this might hurt but... he pushes her with a force and shoves her on through, pulling himself up through it next. He hoists her onto his shoulders again and runs like hell.

"Where is safe?" he whispers up to her.

"Anywhere away from here..."

She frowns, looking around.

"We just need to get away. Where's the closest place to hide?"

"The palace will be obvious, but guarded. The alienage will be obvious, but unguarded... shit, your family."

He runs for the palace, planning to send guards to fetch Bianca's family and bring them there as well.

She follows behind him, keeping up as best as possible. It's been at least a month since she's moved properly, and it shows.

Alistair grabs her and hoists her over his shoulders again, and runs as fast as he can. There's a lot that he wants to say, but he doesn't want to attract attention.

Once back at the palace, he sends his guards to bring Bianca's family in. He sent instructions for them to pack whatever they're going to use for the next few weeks, because he wants them protected under guard and the palace walls while this all gets sorted.

He brings Bianca to his bedroom, and places her down gently on the bed. Luckily Wynne was in town visiting, and he sent for her to be woken up and brought to them.

Bianca finally relaxes as he places her down on the bed, rubbing at her ropeburned wrists. Maker, it was good to be free.

She looked terrible, and she knew it. She didn't want him worrying, but...

Without saying a word, Alistair climbs into bed next to her and lays close. He doesn't want to touch her, he's afraid of hurting her since he doesn't know where her injuries are... and Maker, there are plenty of injuries. So he just lays there silently, being close and planting gentle kisses on her cheek.

Bianca just lies next to him, resting her head on his chest. She has to say something, has to make this feel less awkward...

"So...how was Orlais...?"

"Frustrating. But shh, there's plenty to talk about, and it can all be discussed later. Just be. Be safe... be comfortable... be loved..."

Wynne knocks, Alistair plants one more kiss on Bianca's cheek and gets up to let her in. While Wynne starts her healing, Alistair prepares a basin and washcloth.

Bianca winces as Wynne heals the worst of her injuries. There's a lot of bruising and rope burn, as well as several cuts and slashes across her body. Luckily, nothing is too terrible.

But she hates this. Hates feeling so weak.

Once Wynne finishes and leaves, Alistair comes back in and sets the basin and washcloth down next to the bed. At least now he can touch her without feeling like he'll break her with one finger...

He sits down on the bed next to her and leans over, kissing her gently on the lips. "I know," he whispers. "You're strong, you're independent, you're fiery, you don't let this. But let me care for you like you'd care for me if the tables were turned, okay?"

Bianca grumbles a bit, but she nods and gives him a small smile, kissing him back softly.

"Okay...only for you..."

He gives her a small smile, running his hands over her hair. "Is it okay if I remove your clothing...?"

Bianca laughs and nods.

"Course it is. I'm okay, Alistair, honest..."

Well, she's more or less okay.

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AU: The Prince and the Pauper (for alistair_theirin)

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