Maxwell had just exited from his chambers when Cassandra tapped him on the shoulder. She then gestured for him to follow her outside.

"I was hoping we could speak privately," she said when they got outside.

"Are you not?" Maxwell asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Right. Of course we are," Cassandra as they walked across the ramparts. She then came to a stop and looked at him. "The flirting."

Maxwell came to a stop, he had a strong feeling that this conversation would happen sooner or later.

"With me," Cassandra continued. "I've… noticed it. Unless it is my imagination, which is entirely possible…"

"No, it's not your imagination," Maxwell assured.

He could have sworn that Cassandra's face turned slightly pink, but she maintained her composure. "You cannot court me, if that's your intention. It is not possible."

"Did you just say that I can't court you?" Maxwell stared.

"Yes, what of it?"

"It's just a bit… formal."

Cassandra crossed her arms. "And that is a bad thing? I cannot be properly courted?"

"Is that what you want?" Maxwell asked with a raised eyebrow.

"No."

Maxwell then watches Cassandra went through a door and rubbed the back of his head in confusion. He never would have imagined that courting Cassandra would be so complicated and began to continue walking down the ramparts.

However, he hadn't taken more than five steps when the door open and Cassandra walked back outside.

"I take it back. That is what I want," she said as she followed him down the ramparts.

Maxwell came to a stop and the two of them looked at each other's eyes.

"I want the man… sweep me off my feet, who gives me flowers and readme poetry by candlelight. I want the ideal." Cassandra then took her eyes away from Maxwell. "You are the Inquisitor and the Herald of Andraste. You cannot be that man."

Maxwell smiled. "I didn't expect you to feel this way."

Cassandra sighed. "I know what you see. I am a warrior. I am blunt and difficult and self-righteous. But my heart lies beneath all that. It yearns for these things I cannot have. If you cannot see that, then desist. What an am as you is all but the surface."

Maxwell restrained himself from pulling Cassandra closer, for he didn't fancy himself being put in the infirmary. "I can be that man, Cassandra."

Cassandra shook her head. "The world hinges on our actions. We face death at every turn, Inquisitor."

"That doesn't change how I feel."

"It changes everything."

He then watches Cassandra walked away and then heard laughter behind him. He turned to discover that Dorian was standing there with his arms crossed as if he was enjoying the show.

"Thought I'd never see Cassandra blush," he said with mild amusement. "Yet the last time I saw her part ways with you…" He laughed. He then patted Maxwell on the shoulder. "Good on you, messere. Perhaps you can relax or that stiffness out that armour of hers."

"Here's hoping," said Maxwell.

Adaar found Iron Bull, unsurprisingly, in the tavern. She had to admit that ever since he became Tal-Vashoth he became more likeable.

"I'd like to talk about you and me," she said as she sat opposite him.

"Sure, boss. What's up?" he asked.

"Those times you talk about 'passing time' with the serving girls… is this what you do to them?" she said gesturing to herself.

Iron Bull laughed. "The serving girls spend most of their day following orders and feeling unimportant. They need someone who makes them feel special, lets 'em cut loose with no repercussions. I let 'em bounce on top and tell 'em their tits look nice. Everyone wins."

He then looked up at her. "I mean, I used to. Long as we're doing this, you've got my complete attention."

"You told me this is what I needed," she frowned. "What you mean by that?"

"You're a member of the Inquisitor's honour guard. You didn't ask for that position, but you've taken on the responsibility. You have to lead thousands of lives into battle. You bear that weight all day. You need a place where you can be safe, knowing someone else is in charge for a bit."

Adaar nodded in agreement. "I think that's exactly what I need."

"Good," Iron Bull smiled. "Figured you've kicked me out if you disagreed."

Adaar then looked at him. "What about what you need?"

Iron Bull chuckled. "Hey, I'm good. I am better than good." He then rubbed the back of his head slightly awkwardly. "You, uh, don't rub yourself on that front. Ol' Iron Bull is just fine."

"So what is this? What we are doing?"

"That's up to you, boss," Iron Bull shrugged. "If you want it light and casual, that's fine with me."

Adaar then looked at him curiously. "How do Qunari show that they're serious about their relationship?"

"They don't," said Iron Bull simply. "We don't have sex for love. But for someone we really care about, there is an old tradition. You find a dragon's tooth, break it in half, and you each with a piece. Then, no matter how far apart life takes you, you're always together."

Maxwell was now escorting Josephine with Blackwall, Dorian and Varric in order to meet with Comte Boisvert in Val Royeaux.

A servant was waiting for and he insisted that only he and Josephine could enter. They were completely unsurprised when they discovered that Comte Boisvert was sitting in a chair that overlooked the balcony, no doubt so that people could see them with him.

"Welcome, my friends," said the Comte.

"Thank you for seeing us, Comte Boisvert," said Josephine as they made their way over to him.

"The honour is mine. Please, sit," he said gesturing to a chair.

"It's not to assist to such distinguished guests," he said as they sat down chairs opposite him.

"I hope helping us doesn't endanger you," said Maxwell.

"Hardly. Even a brush with someone as well-known as yourselves can become a great asset in Val Royeaux. Given you the identity of those who murdered Lady Montilyet's messengers seemed the least I could do. Have you heard of the House of Repose?"

Maxwell shook his head, but Josephine eyes widened. "The assassins' league?"

"My contact obtained a copy of a document in their archives," he said as he pushed a piece of parchment awards Josephine. "A contract for a life."

Josephine, very gingerly, grabbed the parchment and began to read it. "'The House of Repose is hereby sworn to eliminate anyone attempting to overturn the Montilyets' trading exile in Orlais'."

Maxwell noticed that she wasn't entirely surprised. "Overcomplicated assassination plots are part of Orlesian politics, I take it?"

"They're all too common, I'm afraid."

"The contract was signed by a noble family. The Du Paraquettes," said the Comte.

"But the Du Paraquettes died out as a noble line over sixty years ago!"

"Indeed. But the contract was signed one hundred and nine years ago."

"How can a family try to kill you after they died out?" said Maxwell shaking his head in bewilderment.

"The Du Paraquettes were our rivals. They drove the Montilyets from Val Royeaux," Josephine explained. "This contract was drawn over a hundred years ago, but it wasn't invoked until I try to overturn my family's exile."

"Unpleasant though it may be, the House of Repose is merely for fulfilling its contract duties," said the Comte.

This was why he preferred the Free Marches, their politics were much more understandable and people wouldn't frown if you use the wrong fork during dinner.

"I assume you have a thought or two on this, Josephine?" said Maxwell looking at his ambassador.

"The Du Paraquettes still have to sentence under the common branch," said Josephine. "If we elevate them to mobility, a Du Paraquettes could annul the contract in my life."

"That would take time, Lady Montilyet," said Comte. "Time during which the House of Repose will be obligated to hunt you."

Something wasn't right and judging by the look on Josephine, she could sense it to.

"Will they now?" she asked suspiciously. "You are obscenely well-informed. Your note to us said you'd heard rumours at best?"

"A bit of subterfuge. This contract in your life is an ugly business, one the House of Repose deeply regrets." Maxwell and now his eyes at the assassin. "But this is Orlais. Even an assassin's word is his bond."

"Does 'Comte Boisvert' actually exist?" Maxwell questioned.

"Absolutely. The Comte's offer to reveal the killers of Lady Montilyet's messengers was genuine. So was it information, somehow. An end to be tied up later."

"I thought you were remarkably well-informed about a secret assassins' guild," said Maxwell narrowing his eyes.

"We are highly secret, my dear Inquisitor. Just normally more reclusive. The contract on Lady Montilyet's life is so unusual, without the courtesy of an explanation was in order."

"It is appreciated. Monsieur," said Josephine, though she looked very troubled.

"The idea to seek out the Du Paraquette to revoke our order is an interesting one. I wish you luck."

The assassin then stood up, but Maxwell blocked his path. He was not going to let an assassin, who have a mark on Josephine to walk away free.

Seeing this the assassin looked at him casually. "I did not come to shed blood today, Inquisitor—only to speak. Might I pass?"

"Why warn us about your contract and let us go?" Maxwell enquired.

"In Orlais, it is only decent to inform those involved in the contract with extraordinary circumstances conspire," the assassin explained.

"And the guild's reputation would suffer if you need ignored the contract," Josephine finished. "I understand."

"Thank you, my lady." He then looked back at Maxwell. "May we conclude with my departure?"

Against his better judgement, he moved out of his way. "Go, then."

"Good day, Your Worship," said the assassin bowing. He then looked back at Josephine. "My lady. I pray we never meet again."

He then walked off.

It took them a few seconds to find the real Comte. The Comte was tied up and gagged in a cabinet which, unfortunately, had its lock broken. They had offered to get in free by cutting their way through, but he just murmured indignantly and only calmed when they said they would look for locksmith.

After locating a locksmith, Maxwell looked at Blackwall.

"Can I trust you to escort Josephine back to Skyhold," said Maxwell. "I have a few things to do here."

"By a few things you mean trying to court the Lady Seeker," he said with a raised eyebrow. "I can see why, she's definitely… striking. A little stern, though."

"You're experienced, I assume," said Maxwell crossing his arms. "Got any tips?"

"If I say the wrong thing, she'll probably have my head," said Blackwall and Maxwell nodded in agreement. "Cassandra is a warrior. That's all she's ever known, but that's not all there is to life. Show her that."

Maxwell soon returned to Skyhold, he had just ordered a bunch of flowers and bought several scented candles now all he needed was a poetry book and he could set the romantic scene. He was making his way over to Josephine and saw Adaar.

"Adaar, I heard you heading to the Hinterlands," said Maxwell.

"Yes, I've heard that there is a High Dragon in the vicinity and taken a few of our forces to deal with it, plus I need a dragon's tooth," she said.

"While you're there I'm hoping that you can do something for me."

"That depends what it is," said Adaar.

"Nothing much, but I was hoping that you could stop by at Redclifff and get me a book on poetry for me."

"Still trying to court Cassandra," she said.

Maxwell sighed. "Does everyone know?"

"Cassandra is not usually one for tact," Adaar pointed out.

"Point taken," said Maxwell. "Well?"

"I'll see if I can't find something, but you know poetry is not my strong suit," Adaar pointed out.

"Just do your best," said Maxwell.

He then continued to Josephine's office and found her sitting there looking quite frantic.

"I'm so sorry, Inquisitor. I never thought my family's trading status would trap us in an assassin's plot," she said the moment she saw him.

Maxwell smiled reassuringly. "Between our soldiers and spies, Skyhold's save anywhere in Thedas."

"Yet the problem persists. It still shouldn't have slipped past me. I've tracked down the last Du Paraquettes. If they become gentry, they can annul the contract on my life." She began writing. "We'll require a noble from Val Royeaux to sponsor them, a judge to provide documents, a minister to ratify them…"

"It's so like you to take the longest course of action, even when your life is at stake." Leliana's voice was heard.

Josephine sighed. "I assume you already know everything about this mess."

"There is a faster way, Josephine: the original contract on your life is in the vaults of the House of Repose. If my agents infiltrate it and destroy the original, the assassins will have no obligation to chase you."

"Leliana, please. I want no more blood shed over a personal affair."

"Don't be so stubborn, Josie. How long will it take you to gather these favours in Val Royeaux?"

The last thing they need right now was their spymasters killing more people. "We can solve this without more deaths on either side."

Leliana sighed. "My people are ready, should you change your mind." She glanced at Ruya. "I'll post a watch on our ambassador, in case the House of Repose visits."

"I appreciate it, but I still believe elevating the Du Paraquettes will solve this." Josephine smiled at Leliana. The other woman smiled back fondly before walking away. Josephine turned back to Maxwell. "First, we'd need to perform some favours in Val Royeaux. I'd be happy to discuss where we could begin."

Maxwell nodded, and sat down across from Josephine.

Adaar had just returned from Redcliff with a few worn out soldiers and a dragon's tooth in a hand. She had also managed to locate a poetry book, though she had to admit retrieving it was a lot more complicated then she originally thought.

"Adaar," said a voice. She turned and saw Theron making his way towards them.

"Theron, I was expecting to see the Inquisitor," she said.

"I'm afraid he's at Val Royeaux to arrange a few things to protect our ambassador," said Theron. "Ellana is also way trying to get our hands on a judge." He then noticed her blank look. "It's a long story."

"Well, I've got a few things I have to sort out myself," said Adaar and handed him the poetry book. "You mind giving this to Maxwell when he returns."

"Still trying to court Cassandra is he?" said Theron.

Adaar smiled and nodded.

Maxwell soon returned preparing to spread good news that the Dionnes had agreed to sponsor the Du Paraquttes, but when he returned he found several dead servants laying on the floor of Josephine's office.

"What happened here?" he said looking around.

"The House of Repose decided to pay a visit," Josephine explained. She looked as if she'd aged an extra ten years. "The guard arrived in time, but I should have guessed the assassins would infiltrate the servants."

"Are you sure they didn't hurt you?"

Josephine shook her head. "The only frightened me. It was all so sudden." She then gestured towards the sergeant her men. "Leliana assigned people to shadow me. They appear to have saved my life." She then looked at the sergeant with gratitude. "I owe you everything, Sergeant."

"Only my duty, Ambassador," said the sergeant humbly. "I'll talk with the spymaster about these murderous louts. She'll find how they got in."

Maxwell then guided Josephine to a chair and told her of his success with getting a sponsor. She then told them about Ellana's success to get the judge on their side. She then explained that they need to get the Minister to agree to the paperwork.

Maxwell soon returned to Val Royeaux and went to the estate where he was supposed to meet Minister Bellise. The moment he saw the Minister, he knew that convincing her to sign the paperwork would not be easy.

"Thank you for seeing me in private, Minister Bellise," he said bowing.

"I'd chastised you for taking me away from the party, Inquisitor, but the marquis throws such dull affairs, it's hardly worth it," she said in a very bored voice. "I assume you wish to discuss your petition to elevate these Du Parauettes to a minor lordship."

Maxwell noted the displeasure in her voice. "Tell me: why should I allow you to pollute the Orlesian nobility any further than it's already been muddled?"

"The Du Parauettes used to being nobility," Maxwell pointed out. "You'd be restoring an old house of Orlais."

"Restoring it far too late," she said dismissively. "What are the Du Parauettes now, traders? Farmers?" The minister shook her head in disapprovement. "Really, it's too much. The very thought causes me pain. What could you possibly provide that will make your petition worth my effort?"

Maxwell had a feeling that he had to make a deal. "Information… unless you believe your sources better than the agents of the Inquisition."

The minister pondered for a while. "Normally I wouldn't trust your discretion, but the Left Hand of the Divine is working for you, is she not?" Maxwell nodded. "Sister Leliana is a resourceful woman. I could certainly make use of her talents."

She then looked back at Maxwell. "Very well, Inquisitor. Should you fulfil the bargain, I shall—" she sighed as if the very words caused her pain, "—rise the Du Parauettes into lordship."

A few days later after arranging everything Maxwell met Josephine at the harbour in Val Royeaux.

"I received a letter from the House of Repose, your worship." Josephine leaned out over the railing. "They acknowledge their contract is null and void. There's no longer a price on my life."

"I'm glad you don't have to live your life looking over your shoulder anymore," said Maxwell as he stood next to Josephine, admiring the view.

"I regret we were forced to deal with them. That you were endangered by my part in the Game." Josephine was quiet for a moment. "Did I ever mention I used to be a bard?"

She had a very hard time picturing Josephine doing the kinds of things Theron and Leliana did. "You were a singer?"

"Bards entertain the Orlesian courts. They sing, play music, make charming conversation, and spy. Many young nobles put on a mask and practice playing the game in such a fashion."

"You seem a bit…" Maxwell shrugged. "Steady for such an outgoing lifestyle."

Josephine laughed. "The life of an entertainer didn't suit me at all." She folded her arms. "During one particular intrigue, I encountered a bard sent to kill my patron. We fought. Or perhaps 'scrapped' is the better word. Both of us terrified. We were at the top of a steep flight of stairs. The other bard drew a knife, and I pushed him away from me…" She swallowed. "You can imagine the result."

"You were only defending yourself," Maxwell pointed out, he was after all a Chantry brother and he had killed many people himself even before the Mage-Templar War.

"But it was such a waste, Inquisitor. When I took off his mask, I knew him. We'd attended parties together. If I'd stopped to reason, if I'd used my voice instead of scuffling like a common thug…" Josephine leaned on the railings. "I'll always wonder who that young man would have grown into."

"He seemed willing enough to murder you for the game."

"Perhaps. I feel I'm the last to judge whether or not he would have actually used the blade." Josephine sighed. "In all the commotion…" She stepped back a little. "Forgive me, I don't believe I ever thanked you for helping me with this."

"Hold on to it. Don't lose sight of why you came here."

"I will never forget you helped saved the House of Montilyet, Inquisitor." She gestured grandly. "And should you ever visit Antiva, stories of the welcome we'll give you will be told for years."

When Maxwell returned to Skyhold he want to the courtyard to meet up with Cassandra, who looked slightly uneasy as he approached her.

"I… cannot stop thinking our earlier discussion," she said awkwardly. "You don't… actually intend to go through with courting me, do you?"

"I said I would, and I will," said Maxwell.

"I believe you, yet…"

"Don't sound like you believe me."

"It wasn't a challenge, my lord," said Cassandra rubbing her arms awkwardly. "You needn't do it simply because I suggested you could not."

Maxwell chuckled. "I happen to like a challenge."

Cassandra sighed. "You enjoy making things complicated, don't you?"

It was now or never. "I like to speak with you—in private."

"Oh?" said Cassandra curiously. "How private?"

"There's a grove just outside of Skyhold. Meet me there."

Cassandra looked very uneasy. "If… you're certain…"

"I am. Trust me."

Later that night, Cassandra wandered into the grove that Maxwell had mentioned. She noticed that there were lit candles that lit the path towards the grove, making her very suspicious, then she saw a blanket on the ground with flowers surrounding it.

"'On aching branches to blossoms grow, the wind a hallowed breath'," said a voice behind her, making her jump.

She turned and saw Maxwell emerging from behind a tree with a poetry book in his hand. Just stared at him as he walked around her reciting poetry in the book he was holding.

"'It carries the secret of honeysuckles, sweet as the lover's kiss.'" He leaned in closer towards and she shoved him away shaking her head, she had no idea he was going to take it so seriously. "'It brings the promise of more tomorrows, offside and whispered bliss.'"

She practically laughed when he went down on one knee in front of her.

"You can't be serious," she said.

Maxwell laughed. "As I recall, your list was very specific."

"And that's the poem you chose?"

"Oh, so the list was more detailed than I thought."

He then stood up and handed her the book, which she took and she looked at the title. "'Carmenum di Amatus.' I thought this one was banned." She then leaned against a tree and she began to read from the book. 'His lips on mine speak words not voiced, a prayer. Which travels down my spine like flame that shatter night. His eyes reflect the heaven's stars, the Maker's light'." Shivers went down her spine as Maxwell placed himself behind leaning over her shoulder. "'My body opens, filled and blessed, my spirit there.'"

Maxwell then leaned in closer to her and she felt his breath pressing against her skin. "'Not merely housed in fresh, but brought to life.'" He then leaned towards her ear. "Should we read another?"

Cassandra answered, by pulling him into a kiss and the two of them fell down on top the blanket he had placed on the ground.

In no time at all the removed each other's clothes and began to roll across the blanket in the starry night. Her hands ran across his back as he placed one of the back of the head and the other at the small of her back.

He then gently inserted his length into her and began to pull in and out. She moaned as they kissed as the tongues fought for dominance and as she did so, he gently removed the hand on the small of her back in place of one of her breasts and began to massage it gently.

He then broke away from the kiss only to nibble at her neck and she closed her eyes she took in the pleasure. She then forced them to roll so that she was now on top and she carefully began to move her hips in time taking in deep breaths with every movement.

Her hands traced across his chest and then down towards her hips giving her ass a good squeeze. He then leaned upwards and began to nibble at her breasts, his tongue when across her tits and her hand automatically went around his neck.

He began to move his hips in time with hers and right now they could not hear anything apart from each other's moans and they do not care if anyone else could hear them for all that mattered was that they were with each other.

When he broke away from her he then pulled into another passionate kiss as the two of them move their hips in time with one another. It was far too much Cassandra as she lost the battle with tongues and nearly closed her eyes and allowed Maxwell to take control.

Eventually neither of them could take any more and they unleashed their liquids into one another almost in sync. With a deep breath the two of them then laid across the blanket and then looked up into the night sky.

"They will say two things about me," said Cassandra as she panted. "That I stood at the Inquisitor's side, his protector and his lover. That it was meant to be. All they'll say I was led from the path of faith by the whims of a madman."

Maxwell moved over so that he was looking down on. "I don't care what 'they' say. What do you believe?"

She looked deeply into his deep blue eyes. "I believe you are faithful man. I believe you are the Herald of Andraste, even if you do not. Beyond that, I believe only that you are capable of anything, and it frightens me. I have never known anything like it."

She then lifted herself up and looked at him eyelevel. "I've been with only one other man in my life. A mage, with whom I adventured when I was still very young. He died at the Conclave."

Maxwell had no idea of this now suddenly wished that he was not so insensitive about her past. Cassandra then bought herself closer to him and placed a hand on his chest. "I will not let Corypheus win. I will not let him take you from me."

"I love you," said Maxwell.

"Here, tonight… I believe you."

She then pulled him into a kiss and then place herself on top of him and once again they began to make love under the stars as if there was no worries in the world.