CCBug had the brilliant idea of honoring the 100th reviewer for her story Redemption by giving that reviewer a guest appearance in the story. I thought this was a great way to honor a story's faithful readers/reviewers. So with her blessing I am borrowing her wonderful idea for my story A Girl In King Alistair's Court and have continued the tradition with all of my stories. The 100th reviewer for chapter 18 was Jinx1983, but since she is my beta she felt it was unfair to take the honor so I asked her to choose the guest appearance by who wrote the best review. Tess15216 won, but I personally thought that Bonkzy came in a close second so she too will be making a guest appearance. Thank you, Tess and Bonkzy, for reading and reviewing. I hope you ladies like your Dragon Age doppelgangers.
Chapter 21- Right Now
"It's been so long that I haven't seen your face I'm tryna to be strong
But the strength I have is washing away it won't be long before I get you by my side
And just hold you, tease you, squeeze you tell you what's been on my mind
I wanna make up right now, na na, I wanna make up right now, na na
Wish we never broke up right now, na na, we need to link up right now, na na
I can't lie, I miss you much, watching everyday that goes by, I miss you much
Until I get you back I'm gonna try, yes I miss you much
You are the apple of my eye, Girl, I miss you much"
Right Now by Akon
Anders stared up the high imposing walls of Château des Âmes Perdues. They had arrived here two weeks after Nate had returned to Vigil's Keep. Lillah needed to retrieve some information that she had once seen regarding the castle. Also, for the sake of spies moving in and around Amaranthine, the Commander wanted it to appear that she had not left the Keep, but had become gravely ill. That kind of deception took some time to implement, but it was brilliant on her part.
Anders looked at the dark grey brick walls with its fierce stone gargoyles on the corners that made the structure look as menacing as its name implied. "Castle of Lost Souls, what a nice uplifting name? Really draws a mental picture of what a cheery, uplifting place this is," Anders stated sarcastically.
"Well, Castle of Slit Your Wrist and Die was already taken," Nathaniel replied dryly.
"Hmmm, I wonder if they welcome you with a guillotine at the front door. It's been a while since I've had that kind of welcome," Varric chuckled.
"Those are some damn high walls," Anders noted.
"Well it's a good thing I wasn't planning on catapulting you over it," Lillah said.
"And just how were you planning on getting us in, Boss Lady?" Oghren asked.
"I've told you, it's Commander Boss Lady to you and as luck would have it, Teryn Cousland was able to provide a floor plan for the Castle from when his father and Loghain had captured this territory during the war. The rendering shows a side entrance near the dungeon. Nate was able to find out from a local merchant that the Castle receives supply deliveries each day at Four O' Clock. Anders if the two of us cast a cloaking spell, we should be able to get our group through the gates undetected," Lillah explained.
"Bloody brilliant! I knew there was a reason other than just your good looks for putting you in charge," Anders chuckled. Lillah smacked him.
Anders rubbed his arm, "Ouch! You certainly don't hit like a girl, must run in the family."
An image flashed across his mind, he was staring into an opening that led into the Deep Roads, he glanced over at Rylee, "Have you considered joining the Grey Wardens? They'd be happy to satisfy this inexplicable need you have to visit the Deep Roads every few years." Rylee punched him in the arm.
The scene changed, he and Rylee were sitting across from Isabela at a tavern. "Come on, Anders don't be such a party pooper. Show me one more time," Isabela cooed as she batted her eyes at him.
"Magic isn't for your amusement, Isabela! Why don't I just do a little dance while I'm at? Anders' Spicy Shimmy, maybe?" Rylee reached over and punched his arm.
New scene, he, Rylee, Varric and an elf he had recollection of, were standing in front of mage that looked like a First Enchanter.
"So I shouldn't slit my wrists and dance naked under the moonlight just to fit in," Rylee said dryly.
"Oooo, I'd pay to see that," Anders chuckled.
Once they left the room Rylee spun round and punched Anders in the arm. "Ouch! What was that for?"
"You're comment earlier," Rylee purred with a smile.
"Did you just have a flashback, Blondie?"
"Yes and I believe I was in abusive relationship," Anders pouted as he unconsciously rubbed his arm.
"Don't fool yourself, Blondie. You love a woman that can kick your arse and kiss it better all at the same time."
Anders grinned, but kept his comment and the image that floated across his mind to himself.
They waited in the woods near the delivery entrance until they heard a wagon approach. Lil paired Anders with Varric and Oghren while Nate went with her. The two of them quickly cast the concealment spell over their group and slid in beside the wagon as it went through the gate. From the floor plan, Lillah had pointed out the door that lead to the dungeons, once inside the castle, the two groups headed over to the door that had been indicated on the rendering. There was a rattling as someone tried the door, but it was locked and Lillah let out slight curse.
Anders was about to whisper about having an alternative plan when a guard approached the door and banged loudly. "Yo Baird, it's me. Lit me in."
"Me who? Oh Dalziel its ye. Its abit damn time," the first guard grunted as he unlocked the door and swung it open.
The moment that Dalziel stepped inside both Lillah and Anders cast a stunning spell at them as the group stepped in behind the two frozen guards. The group rematerialized as Lillah slid the lock back into place and they quietly made their way down the dark passageway. The tunnel came to T and the group paused as they silently debated which way to go when they heard a roar of laughter from the corridor to the left. Lillah and Anders recast the concealment spell and started toward the source of the merriment.
The passage lead into a torch lit open area that had numerous cells against the walls, but in the center of the room were several guards gathered around a table playing cards with Rylee, Isabela and Zev. As Anders eyes fell on Rylee, his heart skipped a beat. She looked incredible, more beautiful than he remembered and he desperately wanted to take her in his arms. He watched her, mesmerized by her graceful moves and easy manner. Rylee was at complete ease with her captors as she smiled and laughed at their jokes. He watched as she would casually rested her hand on their arms in a reassuring or friendly manner and he had a memory of her interacting with several Kirkwall city guards in a similar fashion. For some unexplained reason Anders was immediately drawn to her, not just because he missed her, but because he felt connected to her on a much deeper, intimate level. As he watched her, Anders knew without a doubt she was his one and only, the only woman he would ever truly love.
Rylee shifted in her seat and there was a loud clanging of chains. Anders' eyes shifted to her feet and for the first time noticed that Rylee's feet were shackled to the ground. Anders had to swallow hard to suppress the growl that threatened to escape his throat. Rylee was seated at the round table with Zev on her right and tall ruggedly handsome guard on her left. A pretty blond guard was on Zev's other side. The blonde leaned in toward the assassin, "Now Zev, you know the rules if you lose a hand you have to sing for us."
Zev sighed, "Why didn't we just play strip Diamondback? That is so much more entertaining."
"Because I'm sitting right beside you and the way you are playing today the last thing I need is for you to have the family jewels on display," Rylee stated nonchalantly.
"You never know. You might like the sight of my family jewels, they are quite impressive, if I may say so myself," Zev chortled.
"That's the problem, I don't want your critique. I need a second opinion. Isabela, what do you think?"
"Why do I need to put my two sovereigns in? It's much more fun watching the two of you bicker it out," Isabela chortled.
"Hmmm, I don't know Zev. Not actually a glowing recommendation. If you were built like a bronto she would have no problem encouraging you to put it on display," Rylee grinned.
"Well, I'm seated on his other side, Ry, maybe I want his twig and berries to come out and play," the pretty blond guard said.
"Well then the two of you along with his twigs and berries can get a room as soon as Zev sings his song," Isabela stated matter-of-factly.
"Fine," Zev sighed as he stood up, cleared his throat and began.
"It was the summer 89, my thoughts were short my hair was long,
Caught somewhere between a boy and man
She was seventeen and she was far from in-between
It was summertime in Northern Ferelden, Ahh ahh ahh ahh ahh ahh"
Then Rylee and Isabela stood up to join him in the chorus.
"And we were trying different things, we were smoking funny things
Making love out by the lake to our favorite song
Sipping whiskey out the bottle, not thinking 'bout tomorrow
Singing Sweet home Ferelden all summer long, singing Sweet home Ferelden all summer long"
Both of them had great voices and a memory of the rogues singing before a group of people flashed through his mind. It ended with Rylee in his lap telling him she would love him endlessly before she kissed him passionately. Anders couldn't help, but smile at the memory.
"When do we get to hear Rylee sing all by herself," the guard who sat beside her asked as he looked at her with admiration.
"Hey what am chopped liver?" Isabela asked in feigned outrage.
"Well, that would require me to lose and since none of you have been able to beat me, I think I will go with never," Rylee stated.
"That's a bold faced lie," Varric whispered. "The only person I've seen worse than Rylee at Diamondback is you, Blondie. Isabela must be covering for her."
"But why?" Nate asked.
"I would say the stakes at the beginning of the game wasn't singing songs and Bells is trying to help Rylee out, but why they are playing Diamondback and not Wicked Grace is beyond me," Varric observed.
"When can we go back to playing Wicked Grace?" Rylee asked.
"When I've recouped my salary, my ring and the shirt you stole from me, Rylee," a pretty brunette guard said.
"Stole? That is an over exaggeration," Rylee cooed. "I'm just better at bluffing than you, Bonkzy."
"Bluffing, ha! More like cheated!" Bonkzy exclaimed.
"I just out maneuvered you," Rylee cooed.
"Manipulated would be a better word," the blond guard inserted.
"Now who asked you Tess?" Rylee questioned.
"Just trying to help out a friend," Tess said as she snuggled into Zev's side as he slid an arm around her shoulder.
"Yes, you are very generous that way, mi gattino erotico," Zev purred.
"Back to the subject at hand, Bonkzy, my dear, dear jailer, I prefer to say that I seductively finessed you to relinquish your possessions to me in order to pay off your financial obligations," Rylee charmingly sighed.
"And while she is finessing you out of things, she has some property in the Dark City she would like to sell you too," Isabela mused.
"No wonder Prince Vael is so fascinated with you. I do believe you could charm an Archdemon into doing your bidding," Tess chuckled as Zev nibbled at her ear.
"I do believe the Prince is interested in your other charms, La mia bellezza mortale," Zev chortled.
Anders felt his anger begin to rise at the thought of Vael being interested in her. Was that why he kidnapped her and held her here?
"Yes, those charms would go by the name Anders and as I have stated numerous times, Anders has no memory of me or the time that we spent together. He doesn't love me so I make a lousy ransom," Rylee said calmly.
"No mage on a shiny horse riding in to save your arse?" Tess asked.
"As I've said a thousand times, nope! Why would Anders risk his life for someone he has no memory of? For someone he doesn't love. He has made it clear that he loves Lillah not me so Sebastian is wasting his time if he hopes to trap Anders."
She was bluffing…she had to be bluffing. The letters that they had written each other…her letters… his letters…she had to know that he loved her. She had to know that he would come for her. This was part of her plan to keep the Prince off his guard. It had to be.
"Fucking bastard!" Isabela hissed.
Anders heart froze as the venom of her words stung and her anger sounded genuine.
Before anyone could reply there was the sound of boots hitting the floor in the passageway behind them. The group silently eased into the room to accommodate the two guards that entered.
"His Highness won't be pleased tae hear 'at ye disobeyed his orders an' waur ance again playin' cards with the prisoners," the guard grunted.
Bonkzy slid out of her seat, strolled over to the tall handsome guard, slid her hand down his chest and gripped his groin as she cooed, "Well husband dear, I do believe that if you want to get a little somethin' somethin' when I get home tonight, you will keep your mouth shut about what you saw here."
His eyes widened, "See whit! Ah, didn't see anythin', darlin'"
She grinned at the handsome guard, stroked his cheek and said, "That's what I thought, Rory."
Rory looked over at Rylee and tossed a dress to her. "His Highness wants ye tae wear this fur dinner tonight."
"Oh my, the Prince is becoming more and more demanding at these nightly dinners, Ry. Are you sure you aren't putting out in order to keep us alive?" Isabela asked slyly.
"If I was putting out we wouldn't be stuck sleeping in this hell hole of dungeon...well at least I wouldn't" Ry said with a wink as she headed into a cell and stepped behind a divider to change.
Anders waited anxiously for Rylee to emerge from behind the screen when he felt a tug at his sleeve and felt Lillah's hot breath against his ear, "You and Nate follow Rylee. The Dwarves and I will help the others escape. I will meet you at camp."
Anders whispered back, "Okay."
He looked up just as Rylee stepped out from behind the screen and Anders felt the air sucked out of his lungs as Zev gave a low whistle then purred, "My, you are a delizioso trattare."
Rylee smiled at the assassin then scowled as she straightened the pleats on the pale blue silk skirt and ran her hand up the beautifully embroidered pale grey, blue and yellow corset that covered up a barely there blue chemise.
"Has that bloody Prince lost his mind? Where the hell is rest of the dress?" Rylee demanded.
"I believe the Prince believes that less is more…meaning a lot less time for him to undress you," Isabela chortled. An involuntary hiss escaped Anders lips and Lillah elbowed his ribs to be quiet.
"In his dreams," Rylee said.
"Oh if he isn't dreaming of you already, my sweet, he will be after he sees you in that," Zev chuckled.
Rory, the guard, handed Rylee a matching cape. "Me Lady, its chilly ootside."
Rylee slipped on the cape and then followed the guards out of the dungeon. Anders and Nate followed closely behind as she was led deep into the castle to Sebastian's private chambers. When they entered the Prince's room, a table for two was set with candles, wine and china as a warm fire burned next to it. Sebastian looked up from his desk as Rylee was escorted in. He quickly moved his papers into a drawer and locked it. Then stood up, walked over to her and assisted her as she removed the cape.
"What's the matter, Sebastian, don't you trust me?" Rylee asked.
"Darlin', you could pick that lock in a heartbeat if you wanted to. It's my servants I don't trust," Sebastian said.
"Then you need to pay for better servants," Rylee said dryly.
Sebastian laughed, "Yes, you are right there, Darlin'."
"I'm not your Darling, so stop calling me that," Rylee demanded.
"As you wish, Darlin' or I should change that to Honey?"
Rylee groaned as he held out a chair for her at the table and took a seat. "Only if I can call you asshole."
"Now, now, Honey. That's no way to start your new life here with me. I would prefer Sweetheart or at worst, My Prince."
Rylee shook her head in frustration. "Why must we play this game, Sebastian? If you're going to kill me then just do it, otherwise let me go. I told you that Anders doesn't love me. He isn't coming for me," Rylee stated.
"Just kill you…that doesn't sound like the Rylee Hawke I know. The Champion of Kirkwall would never lie down and just take it. I would sooner cut off my arm then harm a beauty such as yourself."
"I didn't realize you were looking for a sparring partner, Sebastian. I can arrange that arm amputation for you. How about you join me in the ring and let's make sure the blades aren't blunt?"
Sebastian grinned at her. "You know that swordplay isn't my specialty."
"Oh, yes, I've heard you come up a little short in that department. How in Maker's name did you please all those woman you bragged about to Isabela?" Rylee grinned wickedly back at him.
"Now that's hitting below the belt, Honey."
"Or the skirt, in your case."
"I always loved your quick witty retorts," Sebastian said as he handed her a glass of wine.
Rylee smelled the glass the Prince had just handed her. "You didn't drug this, did you? I'm not going to wake up naked in your bed, crying out Anders' name am I?"
Sebastian's grin quickly faded from his face. "If I did ever take you to bed I would quickly make you forget that apostate's name and that you had ever met him."
"IF? Is it true what they say then? That Chantry boys only get it up for other men. Maybe it's really Anders you want here and I'm just rouse to entice him to you."
Anders had to bite his tongue to keep from laughing.
Sebastian's face turned bright red as he growled back, "Oh, its Anders that I want here just so that I can gut him in front of you in order to get him out of your mind forever."
"And all this time I thought you wanted to gut him to avenge your beloved Elthina. Priorities Sebastian, where are your priorities?" Rylee asked tauntingly.
Before she could even react, Sebastian smacked her across the face. Anders felt Nate's strong hand grip his arm to hold him back. Blood trickled down her chin and Anders watched as she licked at it. "Is that the best you got?"
Why in Maker's name was she antagonizing him?
"Oh no, Honey. The best is yet to come. But I wouldn't advise it. You won't like me when I'm angry."
"Angry is an improvement to your personality. It actually gives you one and almost makes you interesting." Sebastian smacked her again causing her lip to bleed even more.
"Don't make me hurt you, Ry. Don't you realize that I love you?"
"Love hurts, so how about I give you a black eye to match that split lip. You can't even comprehend the meaning of true love," Rylee spat at him.
"Oh, you think know what true love is? Living with your apostate lover in sin for three years and then sparing the murder's life is not the definition of love."
Rylee slowly shook her head in frustration. "I could verbally spar with you all night, especially when you make it so easy, but it isn't going to change anything. Why are you keeping me here Sebastian? I told you Anders isn't coming for me," Rylee stated again.
Sebastian just grinned at her and refilled her glass of wine.
"What makes you think he isn't coming for you?" Sebastian asked.
Rylee turned her head away from Sebastian and towards where Anders stood under the concealment charm. He knew from what everyone had told him that Rylee was good at playing the political game, and that she was an excellent actress, but he would swear on the Chant of Light that the pain he saw ripple across her face was real as tears shimmered in her eyes.
"B-because," her voice cracked. She cleared her throat, turned back to Sebastian as she continued. "Because he told me he has no memory of me and that he doesn't think that his memories will ever come back to him. H-he said that he still loves Lillah and that I should move on with my life."
"Well so much for bonded souls recognizing each other," Sebastian said dryly.
"Fuck you, Sebastian!"
The Prince just chuckled at her. "How can you continue to love a man that has broken your heart not once, but too many times to count? Are you some kind of masochist? Do you like the pain?"
Rylee quickly wiped the tears that had slid down her face as she glared at the Prince. "No, but I will enjoy inflicting pain on you, so that must make me a sadist. Bend over, Sebby and beg me for another," Rylee hissed through clenched teeth as her eyes scanned the table.
Sebastian grinned at her, "You won't find anything sharp on the table to stab me with, Ry." The Prince paused for a moment before he continued. "I can almost hear Anders' letter to you. Sorrowful, yet firm."
Rylee remained quiet so the Prince continued, "Dear Rylee," Sebastian said in mocked tone of regret. "I want you to know that I am grateful for all have done for me. If it weren't for your love and compassion I would have lost myself years ago. It is with knowledge that with a heavy heart I regretfully must inform you that I don't love you…"
"You fucking bastard!" She screamed as she lunged for his throat, but before Anders could react, the door swung open as four royal guards rushed in. Anders was still ready to take them all on when Nate grabbed him and hissed, "Not yet. You will alert the entire castle to our presence. If we can get out of here undetected that would be best."
"Restrain her!" Sebastian ordered. The royal guards quickly began to tie her wrists to the arms of the chair.
"Role reversal, why didn't you just say so," Rylee sneered.
"Now, now Darlin', not in front of the hired help," Sebastian said sarcastically.
Nate leaned over and whispered, "When the guards leave I am going to remain in the shadows and leave with them. They need to be dealt with before we take down Sebastian. Can I trust you to remain calm and in control?"
"Yes," Anders replied.
"I need to wait until the servants clear the salads and serve the main meal before I dispose of them. That could take a while, are you sure you can remain in control?"
"I said yes, Dad. I promise I'm wearing my big boy pants today."
Anders heard the rogue sigh as he felt the air move around him as Nate eased for the door. Once the guards had Rylee secure in the chair, Sebastian dismissed them. They swiftly left the room and closed the door behind them.
"I must be seeing the asshole you use to be before you joined the Chantry. You don't even resemble the man I knew in Kirkwall. A man I respected and called friend."
"Well Love, this is the new and improved Sebastian. I owe it all to you. You didn't have to love me, Ry. I could have learned to live without you and your love. It would have been hard, but I could have done it. What I couldn't learn to live with was you letting that murderous abomination live. That I just couldn't do as much as I tried. Her blood called out to me and I had to avenge her unjustified death."
"So in the process of seeking vengeance, you decided to break my heart for shits and giggles? Or was ripping my heart out of my chest part of your revenge plan?"
"Oh no Darlin', that was just an added bonus. See, my spies intercepted Anders' reply letter to yours. It was so sweet, so loving that I couldn't let you continue with that type of correspondence. You see, I needed you to believe it was over so that you didn't continue to write him and I needed to give him hope that the two of you could work it out. I had a master forger write both letters so that you recognized his handwriting and he would be able to identify yours if he compared it to something else you had written. The plan worked beautifully and who knew Anders had the heart of a poet in him. The things he wrote you could stir the soul."
Anders felt anger course through his body. His heart ached with the revelation that she hadn't written any of those things and that he had poured out his soul to her, only for her to never read a word of it because she had been deceived into believing that he loved Lillah. He threw his hand over his mouth to stifle a moan as pain ripped through him.
"Here, let me read his tender words to you," Sebastian said.
Rylee violently shook her head, "No,no, no don't you dare. I don't want to hear his words on your lips."
"Oh well, too bad. This is just too good to pass up. The first one is short, but still sweet." Sebastian cleared his throat and began to read in a mocked tone of love and admiration.
"My dearest Rylee,
I am glad to hear that despite Sebastian's sudden appearance that you are enjoying your stay in Denerim. I hope that the trip has helped you find the peace and comfort that I know you were seeking.
The Keep hasn't been the same since you left. It lacks the warmth and cheer that your presence brought. I understand the reason to delay your return, but please know, Ry, that I truly miss you and I long to see your smiling face once again.
With all of my heart,
Anders"
Anders looked at the pained expression on Rylee's face, he wanted to pull her into his arms and make all of this disappear.
"Now isn't that just so sweet. You have to admit the mage has a way with words. Tell me, Ry would his underlying meaning of love and devotion been enough to warm your heart?"
"Fuck you!"
"Yes, I didn't think so either, which is why I made your reply offer him hope, but it was with caution. We didn't want him to get suspicious if you were over the top right away." Sebastian said dryly. "I do have to admit that his reply to your uncommitted response was exactly what I was looking for, and after reading it, I knew I had him. I knew that no one could write such poetic words and not risk everything to save you."
Sebastian strolled over to his desk, pulled a letter out of the locked drawer and began to read as he made his way back to the table.
"My dear beautiful Rylee,
If I were given three wishes, I would first ask to wake up in your arms every day for the rest of my life. I want to breathe in the same air you breathe, I want to see your smiling face and feel your warmth next to me. My second wish would be that I never harm you, disappoint you, or break your heart again. I only want to love you like no one ever has before. I want to cherish you the way you deserved to be. I want to spend the rest of my days bringing you only joy. My third wish - it really is very simple – it's that you would tell me that you want these things too. I know I've hurt you, I don't deserve your forgiveness…I definitely don't deserve you, but if you could possibly find it in your heart to forgive me for all the pain that I have caused you and that you still love me and want me with you, I will be the happiest man alive.
One word from you, Love, and I am sure this can be done, because I love you, Rylee, more today than I did before and it only gets stronger with time; it doesn't fade. I will always love you; this much I'm sure of. I don't want diamonds, gold or a million sovereigns. None of that could make me as happy as I would be to just have you in my life once again!
You are my life, my heart and my soul!
Anders"
Anders watched as the tears freely flowed down Rylee's cheeks as her shoulders lifted with each of her sobs. He was going to fucking kill Sebastian slowly and painfully for doing this to her…to them.
"Yes, I thought his words would have that effect on you. What a waste?" Sebastian set a letter down in front of Rylee. "This was your reply to Anders' declaration of love. Read if for me Darlin'."
Rylee's eyes went wide with horror as she skimmed the letter. "You fucking pig, you stole my journal."
Sebastian grinned at her, "Well, I needed to capture the real you. Personally, I wanted to tell the bastard to sod off that you had seen the light, you realized he was an abomination and were running away with me to Starkhaven, but to be honest, even if Anders couldn't remember his name, none of your friends would believe that you would do such a thing. So I crafted this," Sebastian tapped the letter in front of her. "With the help of your journal, I do believe it's a thing of beauty. It's what I hope to hear you say to me one day."
"You're delusional. You will never hear me utter these words to you," Rylee spat at him.
"Read it for me, Rylee," Sebastian said.
"No, I refuse to feed into your fantasy," Rylee said.
For once Anders was wishing that Rylee wouldn't be so stubborn and just give into Prince Prick's request. He wanted to hear her say the words that he thought she had written. Before she could reply, the door opened and two servants walked in, carrying their dinner entrées. Anders mouth gapped open when he realized one of the servants was Zev in disguise. At least he hoped it was Zev, if not that was a very ugly woman.
After they had set down their meals, Zev looked at Sebastian, "Farebbe lei ama più vino, il mio signore?"
There was a long pause and Sebastian looked at the servant with a questioning look.
"Really Sebastian, I would have thought with all that education you received that someone would have taught you Antivan. She asked if you would like more wine," Rylee explained.
Sebastian nodded and Zev filled his glass. He turned to Rylee and she nodded. As Zev poured her wine he said, "I nostri amici sono qui per salvare noi. Non guardare in giro, ma il tuo amore è qui con voi. Siate pazienti e aspettare il momento giusto di ricorrere a questo pomposo, culo auto giusti."
"What did she say?' Sebastian asked.
What Zev had told her was, "Our friends are here to rescue us. Don't look around, but your love is in here with you. Be patient and wait for the right moment to take out this pompous, self righteous ass."
However, Rylee smiled at Sebastian and replied, "She said it was wonderful to hear her native language spoken so beautifully by someone outside of her country."
Anders had watched Sebastian's reaction closely at Zev's slanderous statement, but the man remained as unreadable as a pillar of stone.
Rylee looked up at Zev and smiled, "E 'difficile non essere paziente quando sei legato ad una sedia cazzo."
Anders had bit the inside of his mouth to keep from laughing. Zev chuckled as he placed the wine bottle back down.
"What did you say?" Sebastian asked.
"I told her I am glad that I can do her beautiful language justice." However what she had actually said was, ""It's hard not to be patient when you're tied to a fucking chair."
"La pazienza è una virtù, la mia dea mortale," Zev chortled as he headed out of the room.
Rylee snorted, but then tried to cover it by sneezing.
"Are you okay, my dear?" Sebastian asked.
"I'll live...for now," Rylee retorted as she causally glanced around the room.
"Are you looking for something?" Sebastian asked.
"Just admiring what you've done with the place. You must be going for gothic meets nouveau with a dash of macabre."
Sebastian laughed, "You definitely have a unique way of looking at things, Love."
"Stop that!"
"Stop what?"
"Stop using terms of endearment with me. I am not your darlin' or your honey and I will never be your love and just because you say them won't make it so!"
"Once Anders is dead..."
"Even if Anders were dead, I will never love you, Sebastian. I will never ever be with you. You could physically force your self on me..."
"I would never do that," Sebastian said defensively.
"I honestly don't believe you would, but even if you did take my body, you would never have my heart. I will only love one person until I breathe my last breath and it will never be you."
Sebastian's face reddened with anger, but he slowly drew in a deep breath. "It's a shame you feel that way, Darlin'. I had hoped to spare you the same fate as Anders, but if you insist on sharing his destiny, then so be it."
In a flash, Sebastian was on his feet and standing behind Rylee with a dagger pressed to her throat. "Come on out, Anders. I know your in here," Sebastian purred with a malicious grin.
A/N – Italian lesson for the day – mi gattino erotico - my sexy kitten, La mia bellezza mortale - my deadly beauty, delizioso trattare – delicious treat and La pazienza è una virtù, la mia dea mortale – patience is a virtue, my deadly goddess.
*The song that Zev and the girls sang was All Summer Long by Kid Rock
*A special thanks to Morlanwen for the correct French translation for Castle of Lost Souls. I appreciate you helping me make the story as accurate as possible.
*Cookies and milk for your awesometastic reviews and for adding this story to your alert and favs list. Your support is amazing.
*To my betalicious friend, Jinxy, you are the cat's pajamas, the bee's knees, the dog's smoking jacket and the real McCoy all wrapped up into one. Thank you for your help and support. You rock!
*I also wanted to bring to your attention a wonderful AU that I recently started to read. It's called The Order by AresxBellona. I absolutely love the premise of this story because it's so different and unique. Here is her summary: The Descendents of the DAO/Awakenings and DA2 have lived on; living in our world and present day and age. They are now simply known as "The Order", protecting mankind from the Darkspawn threat; but is that the only threat continuing? ht tp:/ / www .fanfiction .net /s/7337696/1/ The_Order (Remove the spaces)