She walked back to the palace in a bad mood. She decided not to take part in any investigation about Frandlin Ivo's death unless her father directly orders her to do so. She returned to her quarters. They felt terribly empty without Gorim's presence but it was something she couldn't do anything about. At least not at that very moment.

She sat down and looked at the wall. Tiredness ambushed her and it was her soul, not her body that wanted to give in. She didn't even move to lay down her armor and weapons. Time passed without her noticing it.

So, she needed a new second. There would be many candidates once the word got out and it was something she wanted to avoid. The less fuss over the whole thing, the better. She decided therefore to choose someone fast; though it was a very important decision, she didn't believe for a minute that she could possibly choose anyone just half as good as Gorim. Thus, she did not really care who would aid her in her life, battles and everything. It would not be Gorim so it could be anybody.

Adal Helmi might be a good choice… Alternatively, should she look for one of her cousins? There were some fine warriors among them. She always thought that when Bhelen's time would come to have full rights, Trian would choose from them. Not that she was surprised about the heir's choice. Gorim was worth far more than any noble-born second.

Suddenly, someone knocked on the door. She opened it only to find an unknown casteless outside – she supposed he belonged to Bhelen's new family as well – who bent his knee the moment he saw her.

'I greet you, your royal highness' he began. 'My name is Beraht; I'm Prince Bhelen's second. My lord wishes to have a word with your ladyship, if you permit it.'

A second? Bhelen was surely quick to choose one. Sigra watched the man with disdain. He looked like a wealthy merchant, but there was a certain gleam in his eyes that gave Sigra the impression that she stands face to face with a crime lord. He didn't bear any resemblance to either Rica or Faren, though he had to be either a close relative or doing Bhelen's dirty work in Dust Town. Bhelen was no great friend of casteless, after all. Nobody was.

Beraht's way of speaking was unimpeachable; still there was something disturbing about it. Sigra felt the same way when she met Faren Brosca, however, this time her disapproval of the man was a thousand times stronger.

'I'm not sure I want to talk to my brother at all' she replied. She didn't want to have anything to do with Bhelen and she knew that if people saw her entering his quarters, or him hers, they would start talking at once. She was sure that the ever-paranoid Trian would believe they were plotting against him together now.

'I beg you, your royal highness.' It was hard for Beraht to speak in such a humble way. Though bowing his head, as he should have, his eyes still betrayed his true feelings. 'My lord doesn't want to chit-chat, I can assure you. He has a serious request in your benefit that he'd like to share with you.'

Any request coming from Bhelen must be a trap. Sigra still remembered the time she used to play together with her younger brother. Bhelen was quite an impostor back then and she had known better than to trust him ever since. Suddenly, she got very angry with him. He just came through with his betrayal and he's up to something at once. Maybe it's time I act like Trian did and slap him myself, too. She nodded to Beraht.

'Tell him to come alone.'

'At once, your highness.' The brand new second beat a retreat.

Sigra closed the door and leaned against it. She decided not to change her armor just yet. She didn't really believe that Bhelen would move against her so soon but she couldn't be cautious enough with him around.

It only took several minutes for Bhelen to arrive.

'Atrast vala, big sister. Pardon me if Beraht insisted too violently of you seeing me. I'd like to help you out so bad, that's all it is about.'

Sigra poured a glass of wine to herself and eyed her brother up and down.

'Bhelen, you must think I'm royally stupid. You just tried to have me killed today.'

'Not you. Trian? Yes, of course. But never you.'

'You are quick to admit it after denying everything in front of our father. What are you up to?'

Bhelen smiled sadly, just like someone who is used to being framed for everything despite his good will and noble heart.

'I did not make any false wows' he said. 'Honestly. I was hoping you'd kill Trian and be my queen, when time comes. I might have said certain things to assure it. But I know nothing about Ivo and the scout.'

'I don't believe you. Moreover, I won't kill Trian. He is our brother, lest you have forgotten.'

'He is a bully and would become a tyrant if permitted. A bad one. Don't you see it's in Orzammar's best interest to have him moved out of the way?'

Sigra shook her head.

'I'm not taking part in any plot against father's legitimate heir.'

'Stay calm then, for I'm not here to plot anything. As I said before, I'd like to help you out.'

'What do you mean?'

'Oh, so distrustful!' Bhelen laughed. 'I understand and accept it from you, though. The loss of the good ser Gorim must be very painful for you.'

'What do you know about pain?' She had to turn away. She didn't want to let Bhelen see the feelings written on her face.

'Remember Rica?' the prince asked quietly. 'My consort. I know exactly what you feel for Gorim. Actually, more people do than you'd think.'

Sigra opened her mouth in astonishment. Could it be? Could Bhelen really be in love with Rica? However, before she could have asked him, he continued talking.

'Anyway, this isn't what I wanted to talk about. I have a splendid idea for your new second. I'd be glad if you'd choose Faren.'

Well, this was quite the surprise. Sigra shook her head at once.

'I don't even know him.'

'Oh, he sure has his qualities. Learned to fight as a child, he did. He has a bit of a shady past, though. Nothing serious, some burglary, vandalism, theft and things like that. Life is hard in Dust Town, after all.'

He laughed seeing his sister's face.

'I know, I know! He is no knight like your precious ser Gorim. But he wants to leave his previous life behind. You could help him do that.'

It was a mad idea. Maybe even dangerous, concerning the dwarf's past and Bhelen's tendency to conspiracy. Sigra knew that she should refuse; her deepest instinct told her not to trust either Bhelen or his casteless lackey. However, she could only smile thinking about it.

All her life, she had been doing what was right. As a child, as a woman, as a princess and also as a commander. She tried her best to make the right decisions in the last two days as well, and she still lost everything she cherished, while the guilty got away. She was totally fed up with being the good girl, making clever choices and sacrificing what she held dear.

She looked at Bhelen again, and spoke in a clear, strong voice:

'Maybe I'm mad. Maybe losing Gorim drove me crazy. I don't trust you, little brother, nor will I any time in my life. I don't know what you are planning and I don't care either. But you might send this almost-brother-in-law of yours to me, if it pleases you. I'll have a talk with him and consider your offer.'

'Many thanks, big sister. You won't regret it, I promise.' Bhelen bowed with a hint of mixed taunt and love. 'And someday you'll come to trust me again. I'm looking forward to that day.'