Author's notes: Only one chapter left! I will be working on it tomorrow, and it should be up by Monday night, just in time for Inquisition, which was my deadline ;) This chapter had no beta, so I hope it's alright!
Just a note, this chapter has some minor non consensual elements. I wanted to give a fair warning, as I would hate to cause anyone pain from reading my story.
Chapter theme: Pieces by Red.
The plan was to keep quiet until after supper, when most the staff would still be within earshot of the Prince. That would ensure enough ears would hear of Hawke's conscription into the Wardens, and would leave little room for Sebastian to fabricate some lie, as Hawke knew he was so very good at doing. His royal inventor, Elwin, had been asked to dine with them, had the King of Fereldan any questions about how his collar worked. The man, clearly out of place taking his supper with a Prince and a King, remained quiet unless he was directly addressed. The six of them sat at the grand table, Sebastian at the head with Hawke at his side. Every now and again, Sebastian would reach under the table to squeeze her hand and palm her knee, and every time her stomach would roll as she pushed him away. Despite her rejections, he kept his voice calm and collected, but subtly, he would switch his gaze to her, malice and frustration in his eyes. Hawke said nothing, silently praying that tonight would go smoothly. Maker knew, Sebastian would put up a fight. She was worried more for the safety of Anders and Gavin than for herself. They were so close to all being free from this nightmare. If Sebastian had any idea they were just at the dock on one of Isabela's ships, it could ruin everything.
Sebastian poured a glass of wine, sliding it over to Hawke. Without meeting his eyes, she said, "I won't be drinking this evening."
"No? Such a pity, it really is delectable wine, all the way from Antiva."
"I'm quite fine, thank you." she responded coldly.
"Ah, perhaps it is for the best anyways, my love. After the wedding, we will try for a child. It will be best for your body to be clear of all intoxicants for the months to come."
The room went silent a moment, and Hawke couldn't keep up with the charade any longer. "That won't be happening."
"I beg your pardon?" Anger rose in Sebastian's voice. "Have you forgotten just who are you speaking to?"
"No," Hawke seethed, standing to her feet, glaring down at the Prince. "I am speaking with the respect you deserve. You are a tyrant and a monster, Sebastian. I refuse to be your prisoner any longer!"
"Prisoner?" he scoffed. Sebastian took his serviette, and wiped his face before standing, as well. "I know not what you speak of, Hawke. You came to me willingly."
"Oh, enough of your damned charade! They all know what really happened!"
Sebastian glanced around the table. King Alistair looked uncomfortable, the Warden and Fenris both had stone cold look in their eyes, and Elwin refused to meet anyones gaze.
"Is that so? Well, perhaps you all know that I spared that abominations life. For year, years, I dreamed of his blood on my hands! Is this the thanks you give me, pet? For all I have done for you?"
"All that you've done? I'll tell you exactly what you've done, Sebastian. You tore a mother away from her child! You lied to your Kingdom. You murdered an innocent woman."
Sebastian's eyes met Fenris', anger seething from them. Fenris did not falter, his own narrowed glare settling on the Prince. "You. You of all, I had the highest of hopes for."
The room was silent for a few seconds. A shred of humanity was heard in the tyrants voice, a piece of who he once was. He genuinely sounded hurt and betrayed. That moment was soon forgotten, however, as the anger and malice returned. "You are to be my wife, Marian. Your days of denying me are at an end."
In an instant, Solona's chair screeched back, as she strode forward. Her blue eyes were fierce, as she glared at the Prince before turning her glance at Hawke.
"Marian Hawke, I hereby conscript you into the Wardens."
"You dare?!" Sebastian hollered, the small veins in his temples visibly throbbing with rage.
"She is a skilled mage. Her powers will be valued in the Wardens." Alistair interjected.
"Her powers are no more. She wears the collar," the Starkhaven Prince sneered.
"Your inventor will remove the collar. This isn't up for debate." Solona stared at Elwin, the meek man looking back and forth between his Prince and the stern Warden.
"Marian, go get your things. We will leave at once."
Hawke made a pass to move, when Sebastian grabbed her wrist, squeezing her flesh. "You bound yourself to me. I would have killed him had I known you would betray me." He hissed through his teeth.
"Life is full of disappointments, Sebastian. You were one of them." She pulled free of his grasp, and disappeared down the hall to retrieve a few spare changes of clothing.
Sebastian stood still, his lips pursed in a thin line. "You Wardens. You have no right…"
"We have every entitlement to chose who we wish in our ranks. You have kept her locked up as if she were a prisoner."
"You think she deserves to walk free? She aided that monster in the destruction of Fereldan! The blood of hundreds of innocents are on her hands just as much as they are Anders!"
"Hawke is a good woman. You know this just as well as I," Fenris' voice came out rough and low.
"Your Highness," came a voice, as two of Sebastian's guards entered. "Do you wish us to escort your visitor's out of the palace?"
"No," his answer came. "The Wardens will be leaving shortly."
"Very well, your Highness." The guards bowed, and without another word, left the dining hall, their heavy armour clanking with their movements. A few of the kitchen staff had peeked around the corner, their interest in the heated conversation mounting. Sebastian took note of this.
"If you will excuse me. It seems my servants' curiosity has been roused. I have some things to address. Do not move. This conversation is far from over."
Sebastian exited the dining hall, leaving his guests. The staff had provided a perfect distraction, one he needed. He stomped through to the kitchen, glaring at the two elven workers who had just previously left their post to listen in.
"Get back to work," Sebastian almost growled. "You are paid to keep the kitchens clean. Not to gossip amongst yourselves."
All in the kitchen made pace to busy themselves, afraid of Sebastian's temper. The Prince left the kitchen through a different exit, and without hesitation made his way to Hawke's quarters. He would have her, one way or the other.
Marian rummaged through her drawers, gathering what little belongings she thought she would need. There would be no going back to the farmhouse. Sebastian knew where they lived. She would be starting a new life, once more. The prospect brought a smile to her face. She was going to be with Anders and Gavin once more. The nightmare was finally over.
With a few garments of clothing in her hand, Hawke turned, only to see Sebastian standing in the door, his eyes set in a tight, thin line.
"It was I who bought you those," he gestured towards the clothing in her hands. "Are you going to take them from me, as well?"
Hawke threw the pile of clothing at his feet. "Keep them, then. I don't care. All that matters to me is that I will finally be free of you."
Never taking his eyes off of her, he pushed the door closed behind him. There was something in his eyes that caused a panic to flutter in Hawke's stomach. His eyes, they looked almost sad, and yet, menacing.
"You don't know what it's been like, Hawke. I am aware that I am not the man you met back in Kirkwall. I used to be decent, good even. I dedicated my life to the Chantry. Even then, seeing you walking through the Hightown streets, first as a refugee, then as a noble woman and Champion… it stirred something in me. Something I had repressed for years. I prayed every night for my mind to be rid of the lustful thoughts I was having of you, and only you. But as hard as I prayed, you were never far from my mind." His words were softly spoken, and something about his face reminded Hawke of their time spent together in Kirkwall.
"You've not known the pain I have suffered since Kirkwall. For years, I swore retribution on that mage. I thought that making him think you didn't love him would be sufficient enough." His eyes met hers, the gentle tone in his voice suddenly gone. "I realise now, that I was wrong. I am no fool. I know he must have found the Warden and told her of what I've done. You will be united with your precious Anders once more. But, he will know you have lain with me. That memory will haunt him every time he touches you," he stalked forward, confident strides until he had Hawke's knees pressed against the bed. Panic jolted her system when he took her wrists in his hands and squeezed. By instinct, she tried to call upon her mana to defend herself, forgetting about the collar around her neck. Marian let out a scream, as the skin beneath it burned and bubbled, the scent of burning flesh filling the air. Sebastian used her distraction as an advantage, and attacked.
Using the strength he had honed from years of archery, he lifted her and tossed her onto the bed, directly climbing on top of her. She was stunned for a moment, her panicked eyes searching his face. All emotion was void on his features, a cold callous look etched on the Prince's face. One of his strong hands wrapped just below where her collar lay, pressing down as he felt the quickening beat of her heart. It was then, he smiled.
"You have never looked more beautiful," he responded, his other hand beginning to grope one of her breasts. Hawke fought against him, but as she did, he pressed down on her throat, causing her to cough and gasp.
Hawke's mind began to flood as she struggled to breathe. For months now, she had been a victim, reduced to nothing more than a trophy. Her family was torn from her. There was no choice for her than to submit, Sebastian always threatening to harm her family. But her family was safe now, they all would be. She didn't have to take the abuse a minute longer. She had a choice. She would no longer be his victim, his souvenir, his "pet".
Hawke waited a moment, as Sebastian was distracted with the buckle on his belt. He let out a breath, keeping one hand on her neck. Without hesitation, Hawke reached under her pillow, her hand searching for the dagger she had kept hidden there in case this very scenario were to play out. Her palm wrapped around the hilt. Just as Sebastian pulled his belt away from his body with confidence, Hawke connected the blade with his throat.
Sebastian's eyes went wide as his throat gurgled and sputtered, blood splashing across her face. She let out a loud hiss, pushing him off of her as she threw her legs over the bed and darted across the room. Ragged breaths left her lips as she watched as Sebastian stumbled out of bed staggering towards her. His eyes were on hers, as he fell to his knees. "Haw...Hawke…" he rasped, beckoning for her. "Ple..ase. Hea..heal me."
Hawke strode over, her eyes cold and empty. "If you hadn't collared me, I would have been able to. This is your doing Sebastian. I won't allow you to harm me, or another woman ever again."
The Prince gasped, his hand clutching around the gash in his throat. "E..Elwin. G..get Elwin." he rasped, but she didn't move an inch. Hawke stood over him, watching him draw his last breath. It was only then that she allowed the dagger to drop from her hand. It clunk against the stone floor, echoing in the now silent room.
Mere minutes went by, which felt like hours, before she heard Solona's voice at the door way. "We must make haste, Marian," she called out, before coming to a halt by her cousin's side. "Oh." came a breathy voice before Hawke felt a comforting squeeze on her shoulder.
"I did it. I finally did it," was all Hawke was able to manage, in an emotionless voice.
"The bastard had it coming."
"I was unable to locate him," rang Fenris' voice as he walked into the room, King Alistair behind him. There was an uncomfortable silence in the room, as everyone took in the sight before them. A pool of blood had gathered around Sebastian's head, and his eyes were still open. The brilliant blue than once glimmered was now pale and lifeless, just as the rest of him was.
"Everyone will know I did it," Hawke finally responded. "I was collared, and miserable. They all saw it. Starkhaven will want my blood."
"We'll hide you away from all of this," Solona assured her.
"Sebastian was able to find us. It will only be a matter of time before someone else does. My family will never truly be safe, will they?"
"With the state of the world, no one's really safe." Alistair said grimly.
"If I may be so bold, I have an idea." The group turned their heads towards the door, as Elwin meekly entered. In the months Hawke had been at the Castle, he'd barely said a word to her. The man was always quiet, and seemed to be afraid of the Prince.
"What do you suggest?" Fenris addressed him.
"The townsfolk have been whispering about the Prince ever since they brought you here. The people have been...disquiet. And there have been rumours, about women he's...hired. A young woman's gone missing. Last they saw of her, she said she had an appointment with the Prince."
Hawke quirked an eyebrow. "You have my attention. Continue."
"Everyone has seen that King Alistair's ship has docked. You Wardens came to conscript the Champion. I was standing right here when the Prince drew his blade. You...you had no choice but to strike him down."
Solona's eyes studied Elwin closely. "That's crazy enough it just might work." She inched closer to the man, who fidgeted in place. "And why would you betray your Prince?"
"I have seen much evil in my time. That man was crazed, every last part of him. I saw some of the girl's leave his chambers, bruised and bloodied and crying. No decent man would do an ounce of the things he's done. He was not a man. You were right about what you said at dinner. He really was a monster."
"So you'll help us." Marian stated, Elwin nodding in approval. "Would you be willing to remove my collar then?"
Elwin padded forward, his hands twisting and turning the notches in the clasps. There was a precise code and technique he seemed to know by heart, seconds later the latches opened and Marian was free. Her hands rubbed the skin there, which was still blistered from her earlier attempts to use her mana.
"Oh thank the Maker," she gasped. Hawke smiled, her attentions at Elwin. "And thank you."
Elwin blushed. "It was nothing, my lady."
"If you don't mind, I hear that my husband is at the docks. He still wears a collar, if you'll remember quickly. Would you be so kind as to remove his as well?"
"Of course. It's the least I can do...after all you've been through."
Hawke smiled once more. "You sure you'll be okay, dealing with the aftermath of all this?" she gestured towards Sebastian's body.
"I will be here to assist him. The guards here trust me, and will stand by my word." Fenris spoke with confidence.
"Wonderful. This...you have all been so wonderful." Hawke trembled, taking a moment to catch her breath. "Let's be off then. I can't wait a moment longer to see my family."
The few months she had been away from her loved ones felt like an entire eternity. Hawke had been in pieces, an empty shell of the woman she once was. She longed for the day where she would finally see Gavin and Anders' faces again, and tell them that she was theirs. She'd thought that she'd lost them, but now, she was going to be back where she belonged. There was no greater feeling in the world than walking through the Castle doors, and into the dark Starkhaven night, the wind blowing through her hair. For she knew, just a few minutes away, lay her salvation. Marian Hawke was free at last.