The next morning I saw my brother off, he had important duties to attend and in addition to those the Inquisitor had recruited him to gather information for her. Or he convinced her that he could be useful, he is known for his silver tongue after all. However much I love my brother, I must admit that I am glad he is not staying. After too much time together my brother and I have a tendency to want to rip each other's throats out, but we do make a good team when it comes to gathering information. He charms it out of people and I barter for it.
Afterwards I proceed to do my normal training regime and then enter the food hall for a quick bite before our daily war meeting. I peruse the tables looking for a place to sit when I notice Varric sitting in the corner and once again blush at his teasing comment. I quickly search for a place to sit out of his view and am relieved to see Leliana at a table in the opposite corner. She is good company, and is good at knowing when to speak and when to let things lie.
"May I sit here?" I ask, coming up in front of her.
She nods, still nibbling on the piece of toast in her hand.
"Your brother seems like an interesting person," she observed.
"Yes, he means well, though it's sometimes hard to tell that through his snakelike exterior."
"He did seem a little too charming."
"Well, that's what being a prince is all about, making people like you. That is the part that I am not good at."
"I wouldn't say that, Princess," Varric remarked, sitting down beside me. I bristle and look quickly at the door before realizing it would do me no good to run.
"Not like he is," I answer, trying to act as normally as possible.
"No, you have more of an unapproachable air of mystery to you."
"And yet that has not stopped you," I glared at him, really looking at him for the first time since before my brother showed up in the tavern last night.
Leliana took this opportunity to excuse herself, leaving Varric and I to settle our differences alone. I cursed her for being so polite.
"You wouldn't be so upset if you hadn't been thinking about my remark so seriously."
"Perhaps not. I am just not used to people…"
"What, realizing you're a woman and not just a Princess?" he interrupted.
"I… yes, I suppose." I look at him again, stunned at his skills of observation, but I suppose I shouldn't be considering it is a valuable trait for storytellers.
We sat in silence for a few moments before he said, "Look, if I was too forward I apologize, but I meant what I said."
I nearly choked on the piece of biscuit I had in in my mouth. He was serious; he was interested in me, what sort of insanity was this!
Instead of replying I again used the run away method that had worked so well last night despite the little voice in my head that whispered: You can't run forever.
What could he possibly be thinking? I am not attractive and this is the middle of a goddamn war for pete sake! These thoughts keep fluttering through my head as I pace near the outskirts of Haven.
Just as I calm myself down enough begin towards the war meeting the Inquisitor rounds the corner. I internally groan, as I should have known word would get around so quickly.
"I suppose you know why I am here?" the Inquisitor questioned.
"Because I'm acting like a child, yes."
"I wouldn't quite go that far," the Inquisitor smiled.
I turn away from her, staring into the distance and say, "I don't want to deal with this. I came here to do what I do best, be a soldier and a spy, not deal with social relationships."
"Being a soldier is all well and good, but you cannot remain isolated, it will hurt you in the long run."
"You sound like Sky. We have a meeting to attend to," I say, turning to walk away.
"Are you sure you don't want to talk?"
"Yeah, I can work it out on my own and I promise to be more professional from now own."
"As long as you are sure," the Inquisitor acquiesced, but I detected a note of skepticism in her voice, which I chose to ignore.
I was awoken in the early hours of the morning by rustling in my room, my eyes flew wide open and I quickly grabbed the dagger under my pillow. I heard movement near where I keep my lantern so I moved quietly to the corner of the room. The intruder struck a match and the warm glow of the lantern saturated my room and revealed the intruder.
"Varric! What in the Makers name are you doing?" I yelled.
"Cornering you so you can't run away."
"Try me," I muttered as I placed the dagger on a nearby table.
Varric sighed, "All I want is a yes or a no."
"All I want is a why."
"Why?"
"Yes, why me, what is this about?"
"Because you're intelligent and beautiful," he offered.
"I don't believe you!"
"You don't… believe me?" a sad look crossed his face as he repeated what I had said. I stood there silently fidgeting with the sleeve of my nightshirt.
"I don't know," I finally said.
"You don't know if you believe me?" Varric angrily questioned.
"No. I don't know the answer to Iron Bulls question," I clarified, questioning why I was answering that now, but I was trying not to think too much about it.
Varric blinked a few times and then started to laugh, long and loud.
"Be quiet, it's the middle of the night and someone might hear you!" I hissed at him.
"Oh Princess, this is going to be far more fun than I thought."
"I am not here for you amusement!"
"No, it is becoming increasingly clear that I am here for yours," he sighed and walked over to me. I froze, not sure what he was going to do, but he only kissed my cheek.
"Goodnight, Princess," he said as he walked out the door.
What did I just do?