Sereda entered the feast amidst reproving glances and whispered compliments. The noble's feelings were quite mixed toward her. Some preferred Trian to her and knew that she was a possible candidate for the throne due to her growing popularity. Still more disliked her way of treating the commoners as well, or sometimes better, the nobility. But there were some who saw her for the leader she was, a strong woman who could unite all of Orzammar and a woman whom the people loved.
Lord Dace approached her inquiring about her support for bringing surfacers back to the city and restoring their caste. Truth be told Sereda was all for it but she was concerned about his motives. This plea was new for Dace and interested Sereda.
"Well they are dwarves. They are our connection to the surface, they bring in gold and, and," Dace faltered. "Oh sod. Honestly I don't care a wit about them but my wife has a cousin who she is very fond of and he went to the surface to try to make a fortune. His expedition went bust and now he's trying to come home. I'm only doing this because I love my wife."
Sereda softly smiled, "That, Lord Dace, is the right answer. I much prefer seemingly unimportant honesty to a well thought out lie, remember that in the future and I will always deal fairly with you." After a moments thought Sereda nodded her head, "I will support your cause."
As politics would have it Sereda soon discovered that Lord Dace had played her. He had only wished to regain a great deal of lost coin. Sereda flew into a controlled temper and challenged Lord Dace's honor. Nothing was held in such high esteem as honor and nothing would be protected as fiercely. A Proving to the death was held.
The match was over in a matter of minutes. Sereda was a better fighter then Dace's son and was in one of her rages where nothing could stop her. She cut the man down as quickly as if he were an animal. Harromont and his second approached Sereda after and congratulated her on the victory.
"Thank you," Sereda said. "I only wish it wasn't always to the death. He was an excellent fighter and did not deserve to die for his father's pride."
"You have such interesting ideals young princess," Harrowmont said calling her by his pet name for her. "Still you've taught the Dace house a lesson they will not soon forget."
King Endrin presented her to the Deshyrs and they cheered. He announced her command and her first expedition. With that the ceremony was over.
"What do you think about what Bhelen had to say?" Gorim asked when they were finally alone in Sereda's quarters.
"I think it's about time Trian realized he is not the ancestors gift to Orzammar." Gorim laughed at her quip. Sereda continued, "My brother has no deep love for me. Still it does surprise me that he is willing to kill me. I would have thought his love for mother would hold him back from doing such a thing. I suppose one can never truly know a person."
"Are you worried my lady?" Gorim asked concern evident in his voice.
"No," Sereda stated. "The day will bring what the day will bring. Worrying about it will not change that."
"Very true my lady," Gorim sighed. "Still I can't help-"
"I'll be fine Gorim, don't worry."
"I always worry about you." Gorim said holding her gaze. Sereda's face fell, she knew where this was going and also knew it couldn't go there. Not tonight.
"Good night Gorim." Sereda said. She turned her back and headed into her chambers closing the door behind her.
"May the stone keep you... princess." Gorim said.