The Warden & The Inquisitor

Chapter 3

Rhysa smoothed her dress restlessly. She and her advisors stood in front of the large doors to the Denerim Palace, and, though the entire trip there she had been completely confident, now that they were practically within earshot of the nobles she felt a sudden wave of nerves. She looked up and caught the eye of Cullen who couldn't help but give her a devilish smile. She assumed it was due to the form-fitting gown Lelinana had forced on her and while it made her slightly more self-conscious it also relieved her a bit to know she didn't look hideous in it.

"Inquisition," Josephine rallied her comrades. "We are at a monarch's place of residence. And while I have no doubt in your tact…" Her eyes rested on Rhysa and Cullen. "…please, let us all be on our best behavior."

Rhysa took a deep intake of breath before pushing open the doors. Once inside she was forced to wait while her companions were announced. Finally she was gestured forward and her title was called for her to approach the King and Queen of Fereldan. "Lady Trevelyan, The Herald of Andraste and Inquisitor…" Rhysa was surprised not to hear 'second cousin of the Hero of Fereldan.' She entered the ballroom with all the obligatory grandstanding needed of her, but this was Fereldan and not Orlais; titles were announced and then forgotten amongst the incessant stink of dogs. Before she knew it, Rhysa stood in front of Alistair and Rhyan Theirin and found she had nothing to say. She remained there, mouth agape and body wondering if she should curtsey to the girl she had once found enacting a pretend wedding to King Calenhad himself, when Josephine thankfully broke in.

"Your Majesties," the Antivan started and bowed diligently. "It is an honor. I am Josephine Montilyet, Ambassador to The Inquisition."

"A pleasure." Rhyan quickly replied. "I have known an Antivan, and they are most welcome company."

Josephine smiled politely. "And the Inquisition hopes it is among such welcome company."

"Of course," Rhyan responded and gave ever so slight a nod but it implored Josephine to move aside and Leliana stepped forward.

The spymaster sent one glance toward the King and he immediately shrieked, "Leliana!" to which she fell forward into his arms in an embrace. She then did the same with the Queen who looked at her and stated amidst a hearty laugh, "It appears the Inquisition has found your skills to good use."

Leliana responded with a slight chuckle and, "Yes, I am certainly kept busy," before breaking the hold and looking at the noblewoman from an arm's length. "And I'm sure you are as well?"

"Certainly, since I returned," was the Hero's only response and Leliana chose to accept this as she moved aside.

Cullen was the next of those who were to be acknowledged. "Commander," Alistair remarked authoritatively. The men shook hands for a moment, examining each other until the Hero interrupted in a soothing voice, "Hello, Commander. You're certainly looking… better than last we saw you."

Cullen's face turned red and his eyes darted away in embarrassment. "Th…thank you. I am better."

"You've met?" Rhysa asked from her place in line. Josephine couldn't help but scowl a bit at the Inquisitor's insistence on speaking before being properly greeted, but Rhysa's curiosity had to be sated.

Rhyan continued to look at Cullen, and he continued to look anywhere else, as she spoke, "Yes, at the Fereldan Circle Tower. That must have been…" she gazed off for a moment and then her eyes widened. "10 years ago!" Casting a furtive glance toward her husband, Rhyan moved her attention to the Inquisitor and Cullen exhaled. "Rhysa, I… it's good to see you."

Rhysa was inclined to bow and follow what bits of noble manners she had gleaned during her childhood, but the recent thought of her love having contact with Rhyan many years before their meeting caused her to forgo all of it. There was a surge of hot jealousy through her veins. Cullen did not speak of his experiences in the Fereldan Circle to anyone, and what little he had revealed to her she held as a precious example of his trust. To learn that Rhyan, of all people, was actually there made her blood boil. "It is a long way from the Frostbacks," she began, with no formal greeting or pleasantries. "So you understand we can't stay long."

Rhyan's face fell, giving the Inquisitor a shot of guilt (however brief). "Please… I'd love to speak with you further, but at the moment I'm forced to entertain our other guests. If you could only stay until later in the evening I'd appreciate the chance for us to talk. We have a full bar and plenty of food to entertain you until then…"

Rhysa didn't want to accept such a desperate plea, but her advisors were clearly eager to stay and once again she felt compelled to give in to what she knew were Rhyan's ulterior motives. She bowed her head ever so slightly and the Hero of Fereldan beamed.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Alistair wandered outside the ballroom and down the hall as if he wasn't aware of where he was headed, though he knowingly opened the second door on the right that lead to the kennels. Inside, he found Inquisitor Trevelyan sitting on the floor among a litter of Mabari pups and their cautiously watching mother. "I… I'm sorry," Rhysa realized she had been caught somewhere she shouldn't be and made to stand, but the king held up a hand to stop her.

"Please, don't get up on my account. I'm just surprised you found my hiding spot."

Rhysa relaxed into the pile of dogs and was caught a bit off guard when the king sit down beside her, a puppy running onto his lap and he returning the gesture with a loving scratch behind the ears. "So you wanted a reprieve of the social responsibilities of my birthday as well?" he absentmindedly asked.

Rhysa looked down and remained silent. She could think of a few reasons she didn't want to be at the party but all of them seemed rude to say directly to the birthday boy. But she didn't have to say anything for Alistair to read her mood.

"We're very happy the Inquisition could make it." Once again, Rhysa didn't respond, fully aware that her silence was just as rude as the comments running through her head. "Rhyan told me the two of you lost contact some time ago. She's really looking forward to talking to you."

"What does she want from me?" Rhysa finally blurted out. "She pretends I don't exist for 10 years and then, all of a sudden, invites me to a party? And isn't it enough that I even came? I played along with her little show and spoke to nobles whom I had no interest in ever meeting and she still wants to 'talk'. I know she wants something. What is it?" As soon as she finished she realized what a mistake she'd made. If Josephine had been there she'd have surely died from witnessing such impropriety, but Alistair didn't seem to mind. He didn't look angry or even amused like he so often was, instead there was a faint blanket of sorrow over his face, only making Rhysa feel guiltier.

"You're right," the king spoke softly. "She's definitely up to something, but I know about as much as you." A puppy licked his finger and he rubbed its soft belly in return as he thought. "But whatever it is, Rhyan is no villain. Of that I'm certain. It's worth it to at least see where she's leading us."

The word 'us' resonated in Rhysa's head as she wondered what connection Alistair felt he had to all of this. Did he know more of what his wife wanted than he let on? Or was he finding camaraderie in the only other person who didn't trust the Hero. "So just wait and see?"

Alistair looked and gave her a slight smile and nod. "Hopefully we won't have to wait too much longer."