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The princess stood in silence for a while. Then she threw a side glance towards her faithful – no one could even guess how very faithful – second and sighed.

'What do you think, Gorim?' she asked.

'Permission to speak freely, my lady?'

Sigra Aeducan, second child and only daughter to King Endrin of Orzammar, nodded. She looked at her younger brother, who stood there with a watchful glance. Whether Bhelen knew that the question really meant "May I speak my mind in front of your brother?" or not, it could not be read from his face.

'Trian would be a terrible king' Gorim said. 'Everyone knows this, but none dare say so. You however are popular with the Assembly, my lady. If you'd decide to go for the crown, Trian wouldn't stand a chance.'

Sigra shook her head.

'But I don't want to rule. I never wanted to.'

'I'm afraid Trian will never believe it, big sister' Prince Bhelen said tenderly. His voice was full of worry and sorrow. 'He wants to see you dead.'

'I… I refuse to discuss this any further!' Sigra avoided the gaze of both men. His brother, not much more than a child, looked at her sympathetically. With his blond hair, long, clean beard and cruel blue eyes, Bhelen was considered a quite handsome man among his dwarven people and he always knew how to react to others' feelings. The good ser Gorim stood next to him, only a bit taller, armored as always, though he wasn't permitted to bring his weapons into a prince's quarters. He wasn't a politician, but he could keep his secrets. Oh yes, he could.

'As you wish, big sister. Just be careful. I'd hate to see something happen to you.'

The princess felt confused. Thoughts whirled in her mind. She bit her lip and turned to her second.

'I wish to retire for tonight, Gorim.'

'Atrast nal tunsha.' Bhelen smiled at both of them, seemingly not noticing being ignored by his sister. Gorim bowed to him and turned to his lady.

'Shall we?'

'Let's go. See you tomorrow, Bhelen.'

They didn't speak until they reached the princess's quarters because the royal guards posted on the corridor could have easily overheard them. Sigra tried to appear calm, in their eyes at least. His second's presence helped a lot in this case: Gorim wasn't only a worthy member of the warrior caste with unquestionable battle skills but also a sober, self-possessed man who rarely lost his temper about anything at all.

They entered Sigra's bedroom together. Gorim closed the door. Then he asked in a low voice, reminding the princess that there is always a chance of someone listening, especially now:

'My lady?'

'Why would Trian have me killed?' Sigra asked. 'He knows I'm no threat to his claim. Politics tire me. Being a commander of the army is everything I want.'

'And you'll be a splendid commander' Gorim nodded. 'One of the best, if not the very best he can have. He is no fool to sacrifice a gifted commander like you just to his paranoia. Which leads to the conclusion…'

'…that it's all Bhelen's idea.' Sigra wasn't surprised. His younger brother never ceased to show interest in politics and the art of ruling, though he served Trian without a word of complaint.

As heir to the throne, Trian was seconded by his brother just the same way their sister was by Gorim. Being bossy and autocratical not only to members of the lower castes but to the younger Aeducans as well, Trian was never liked by either Bhelen or Sigra. The younger prince still didn't ever look annoyed by his tempers. Of course, if he planned to get rid of him, it was the only wise attitude in order to avoid suspicion.

'It sure sounds possible, my lady. Bhelen would likely favor you instead of him. I still feel worried, though.'

'I'm afraid the one Bhelen would really favor is himself' she said with a small, bitter smile. 'And while I hate politics, I am no fool: this means he is trying to get rid of both Trian and me.'

Gorim took a step towards her, and then stopped. He opened his mouth and closed it without saying a word. He's been seconding her for seven years now, from the very day she was considered an adult. No one knew her better than him. Her smile told him everything he needed to know: her shock, her disgust, her whole world torn apart by politics which she always tried to evade.

Gorim hesitated for a moment. He felt an urge to hold her or at least her hand, to kiss her and say he'd protect her from any harm. Had he been from her caste as well he'd have done it, would have done much more. In fact he would have married her years before if not for the strict caste system of Orzammar that didn't allow any warrior to look upon someone in the standing of a princess – nor a princess to fall in love with a simple knight like him.

They still looked at each other the way they weren't permitted to; the way secret lovers do. They've been in love for years and though they have always been extra careful to hide it they suspected it wouldn't go unnoticed forever. There was always a possibility of someone spying on them, especially in the royal palace full of hidden corridors and secret rooms. Being caught together could result in Gorim's exile or death and this was a risk Sigra refused to take.

Once in a while they went out together to the Provings for some practice of battle skills. There, when no one could observe they could make love and assure each other that their feelings are unchanged, yet they didn't dare to do it often. They didn't want to risk that their loving glances become their traitors. It seemed best to keep their relationship as formal as possible and treasure the stolen minutes in the Proving grounds.

'My princess' Gorim said. He shook his head and started over. 'My lady, if this is indeed what your brother plans, we need to get evidence. Not that it will be easy. Prince Bhelen is a careful man.'

'What do you suggest we do?'

'Let me handle it, my lady. There are people who might talk if I ask good questions. It will take some time, though.'

'We don't have time' she said. 'We'll head to the Deep Roads tomorrow. Bhelen will have all the possibility he needs to make Trian and me kill each other.'

Gorim had to accept the truth of these words.

'There is another way' he said slowly. 'Let's stay here tomorrow. If you have a somewhat serious injury, they can't send you to the Deep Roads tomorrow.'

Sigra's face hardened.

'I just became commander. I can't allow myself to stay behind and I'm not willing to. I will handle the situation my way. We go to my father at once and ask him to send for Trian. If Bhelen plays a secret game, we'll bring it to publicity.'

'If you'll excuse me, my lady, it is a dangerous idea. Prince Bhelen will deny everything and you'll get in trouble for slandering him.'

Sigra threw a hurt glance towards him.

'I won't mention Bhelen's name' she said.

Gorim bowed his head.

'As my lady wishes.' He paused for a while, and then he added, barely louder than a whisper, 'May the ancestors look down upon us.'