Alistair: leans forward D-do you think... I-I could ever be like t-them?
sighs The nobles. The people who were born with everything they'll ever need. The ones who are destined to rule. I can't help but feel like I'm not good enough...
I look away embarrassed for you. You can see the pity in my eyes.
Alistair notices the pity in your eyes and looks at you in disbelief. W-why do you look at me like that? Do you pity me?
"love your family may not have been perfect but they loved you. that what counts" I hold his hand
sighs I know... But it would mean so much to me to be recognized as the son of a king. Not just some bastard.
looks at you You think I should keep trying?
I kiss your cheek it doesn't matter if you're "like them." You're perfect just as you are.
blushes and leans into your kiss
You... You really mean that?
You have them beat on so many levels!
laughs softly I don't know about that. They've got titles, wealth, power... I'm just some bastard who washed up on the shores of Kirkwall and became a mercenary.
she turns to face him, concern etched on her face. Them who darling?
Alistair sighs, gesturing toward the opulent rooms of Versailles. The nobles. They're so confident, refined. Everyone knows their names and titles. I want that for myself, to be respected and accepted as a proper member of the royal family.
I looked down at my hands. I wasn't as fancy as the others. I didn't have the same breeding. "No."
Alistair sighs, leaning back in his chair and looking dejected.
He stares at the floor for a moment before looking up at you.
Then what am I supposed to do? Live as an outcast forever?
she smiles softly, taking your hand in hers
Alistair glances down at your intertwined hands. His grip tightens slightly as he gazes into your eyes.
It's hard to feel like I belong here, surrounded by royalty. I've always been on the outside looking in.
she looks over at him what do you mean darling
sighs The nobles. I... I want them to see me as one of them. But they all look at me with such disdain, such disgust. I can never be like them, can I?
I look at you confused what do you mean my love?
sighs I-I mean... I've always felt like an outsider here. Like they all think I'm not good enough because I'm an illegitimate child. I just... I wish they could see me as a member of the royal family, y'know?
I smile lovingly at him. Well, if anyone can do it, you can.
he glances at you, his eyes filled with hope and insecurity
R-really? You... you think so?
Alistair leans back, taking your hand in his as he gazes at the grand chateau before them
I'm trying to hide my limp. I have been out for a walk
notices your limp What happened, my dear?
What do you mean darling? You already have so much going for you. I smile at him.
looks at you, then sighs I mean... accepted by them. The nobles, the courtiers... They all come from such old, respected bloodlines. My parents were not even married when I was born. I don't know if they'll ever truly accept me as royalty.
takes his hand you already are darling
looks at your hand intertwined with his You really think so, my love?
what do you mean "be like them"
sighs I mean... accepted. Like one of the royal bloodlines. They have everything. Power, status, wealth, respect... And I have none of that.
I place my hand on yours. You're better than them.
looks down at your hand, then back up at you R-really? But they have everything: wealth, power, status...
he sighs I'm just a bastard son, the product of a king's one night of weakness.
I take your hand in mine darling, no one can replace you. You were made for a purpose.
looks down at our hands
Purpose...
laughs bitterly
I'm a bastard. A bastard with no real place in the world.
pulls my hand away and stands up, pacing back and forth