I'd just like to apologise for the delay posting this chapter. An abominable cold and a greatly unwanted mountain of coursework had kept me from writing. However, I hope to be posting more regularly for the foreseeable future :)

Following the end of her dance with Cullen, the Comtesse collected Seren, offering little in the way of an explanation other than the wish for her presence. Reluctantly, Seren allowed herself to be led away, muttering that if he wanted saving again any time soon it would involve a raise.

"Saviours need incentives." Grinning, she shrugged at Cullen's sceptical expression. Cullen managed a smile in return.

Over the course of the next hour, Seren was introduced to a seemingly unending number of assumedly eligible bachelors, all with impressive titles and infinite compliments for the Comtesse's granddaughter, all of which Seren suspected had been pulled swiftly from their arses with slight variation between women. She was allowed respite only when the Inquisitor danced with the Grand Duchess, as the whole room became engrossed in the performance. Mercifully, that included her overly enthusiastic grandmother.

As Maegan entertained her captive audience, Seren started edging away very, very slowly in Cullen's direction, telling herself that it was purely because she wanted to find out if the Inquisitor had discovered anything more; knowing deep down, that was not the reason at all.

"Magnificent, wouldn't you agree?" Seren stopped dead, hesitantly turning at the unfamiliar deep voice, a pair of unusual blue-grey eyes watching her from behind a golden mask. The man was several inches taller than Seren but roughly her age from what she could tell. His brunette hair was short and styled, slicked back from his face. "The Inquisitor is a far better dancer than I'd imagined."

"Quite so."

"Jefferson Lefroy." The man bowed without removing his gaze from Seren's. From proper inspection, he was indisputably handsome, his eyes deep, almost other-worldly even as they drew you in, but he held himself like all the rest.

Seren stifled a groan.

Maker's balls, not another one.

"A pleasure. But I'm sure it is all yours." Jefferson's brow creased in confusion, although unseen beneath his mask.

He straightened with an uneasy laugh, watching her closely. "I do not often admit this, but I think I am missing something."

"You are?" Seren feigned ignorance with a smile of her lips, wondering how long it would take to get rid of him; especially seeing as she had no chaperone to uphold appearances for nor to censor any social blunders, intentional or otherwise.

"Indeed, I am at a complete loss."

"Oh, so you weren't going to say 'but the pleasure is all mine'." He looked surprised, if a little stunned by her bluntness, which Seren took as encouragement to continue. "Nor offer a ridiculous number of rehearsed compliments regarding my beauty which, might I add, your view of is impaired by this mask I wear. Or note perhaps, how well my dress suits me, which I am fully aware is a euphemism for the corset's exaggeration of my chest. Would you like me to continue?"

During her rant, Lefroy's expression had steadily changed to one of bemusement, which only served to irritate Seren further. "What is so funny?"

"Bravo." Lefroy began a slow clap, a smile playing on his lips. "You saw right through me, through all of us I fear. All that you have mentioned, are tactics employed religiously by every male here in the hope of ensnaring a young woman such as yourself. But you are the first to realise it as anything other than genuine feeling. I must congratulate you on that."

Seren narrowed her eyes. "You, are teasing me."

"I am hurt by the accusation." Jefferson smirked, a mischievous look in his intense eyes. "Perhaps, now I have been suitably put in my place, I can persuade you to a dance? I promise to keep my 'rehearsed' compliments to myself."

"You still want to dance with me?"

"I do indeed. I am, as yet, undeterred, and find myself extremely fascinated by your attempts. I am anxious to know what you will try next. Plus it seems deeply unfair that only the Inquisition's men have so far coaxed you onto the floor. What is their secret I wonder?"

"I guess there is something rather enchanting about a man in uniform." Seren refused to let herself smile.

"Ahhh indeed. But that definitely places me at a loss, as I am a mere Duke's son with no uniform to enchant you. I have only my wit and charm to rely on, as it appears fortune will not suffice." Jefferson winked as he offered Seren his arm. "Shall we?"

After a further moment's hesitation, Seren begrudgingly took his arm.

Despite her intention to share a single dance with Lefroy, when the end came and he asked for another, Seren did not refuse. Nor did she the third dance, nor the fourth. Jefferson wasn't as she'd expected, a herring among a lap of cod, and he was surprisingly entertaining. Although Seren couldn't quite make out whether this was his genuine personality, or if he was trying harder to be charming because she had attempted to avoid his company. Whichever it were, Seren was without complaint and was actually enjoying herself as she spun across the floor in the arms of a man that made her smile; who thankfully stuck true to his word by yielding no more compliments. Well, not many more.

"So tell me, if I am prohibited from offering you any greatly deserved compliments, what are we supposed to talk of?"

"Politics, I should expect."

"Oh what a bore! Surely you can locate a more interesting topic in that pretty head of yours."

"Then what would you have us talk of?"

"Hmmm." Jefferson at once looked lost in thought, but his smile betrayed him. "We could play a game."

"A game?" Seren asked suspiciously.

"Yes indeed. We shall take it in turn to point people out and come up with stories for them. You can go first."

"Why?"

"Why? Because it's fun. You surely cannot have anything against a bit of harmless fun?"

Seren studied him, wondering what his motives were, before finally agreeing and pointing out a random stranger from the crowd. "Fine. What's her story?"

"Ah well, she's a lyrium smuggler. But she only does it to finance her own addiction." Jefferson paused for effect. "Carrots I believe."

"Carrots?"

"You'd be surprised what you can do with a good carrot."

"You're insane."

"She makes a phenomenal carrot cake."

"She's never baked in her life!" The corners of her mouth twitched regardless of her attempts to restrain them.

Lefroy grinned. "That's probably true. But not how we play the game, my Lady. Still, it made you smile."

"So that was your intention?"

"Is it not every man's intention to make his partner smile, especially when it is a smile such as yours?"

"That was a compliment." Unsuccessfully, Seren tried to hide her smile.

"But not a rehearsed one, so technically I have stayed within the bounds of our agreement. Now it is your turn. Him over there."

Seren studied the nobleman Jefferson had pointed out, a rather stout man with rosy cheeks and a particularly awful toupee, who was in the company of a much younger woman who did not look happy to be there. "Gambler. He eats, and drinks, excessively as comfort for the guilt he feels for squandering his son's inheritance. Plus he's got a thing for the younger woman." As the pair watched, a man walked past the selected nobleman and Seren didn't miss the wandering eye. "And the younger man apparently."

"You're actually close. He made his move on me early."

"You're joking." Jefferson winked.

"I think you are taking this game far too seriously, Lady Serenity."

"Is that code for 'you're winning'?" Her partner laughed.

"Competitive, as well as beautiful!"

"That's a second compliment."

"Still unrehearsed, I promise." The conversation lulled, as the third dance came to an end but they remained on the dancefloor, awaiting the fourth.

"Why did you ask me to dance?"

Jefferson momentarily was taken aback, still unused to her bluntness. But he recovered, offering her a kind smile. "You have perfected the art of not smiling with your eyes. I wondered if I could attain a real one."

"I am not sure that is an art-form."

"For you, it most certainly is."

"Was that another compliment or an insult I wonder?"

"A compliment my dear Serenity, for most would not realise it to be a false smile."

"But you, in all your great wisdom, could?"

Lefroy laughed. "Not quite. After witnessing a genuine smile, even a fool could tell the difference." He grew serious, his gaze locked in hers. "In truth, you have been the topic of much talk tonight. Second only in popularity to the Inquisition's presence for the peace talks."

"Oh?"

"All of it good I assure you. I think everyone was a little shocked that a Ferelden has fit so well into Orlesian society! You were expected to flounder like a fish out of water. But alas, you smile and act as you are expected, even amusing a large number with your refreshing conversation. But I have come to notice that your eyes betray you. You are caged and though, perhaps you are enjoying yourself currently, I doubt we shall have the delight of your company again. You seem too much of the adventurous sort, a free and independent woman with a mind of her own, one of the few I have had the pleasure of meeting. So that is why I asked you to dance, because I feared I would not get a chance otherwise."

"Oh." For a moment neither spoke, as Seren tried to process what had been said. She'd done well in infiltrating the ball unbeknown, which apparently was as surprising for everyone else as it was for her. Seren glanced at Jefferson, wanting to speak, but her mouth just opened and closed with no sound escaping in between. After another few seconds, Lefroy leant in close to her ear.

"Now I have rendered you speechless, I'm going to smile at you."

He pulled back so Seren could see his face and grinned goofily with his eyes crossed. She dissolved into an unrestrainable fit of giggles, barely able to keep in time with the other dancers, while Jefferson laughed along with her.

As the music came to an end, the Inquisitor appeared seemingly stony faced in time for the Empress's speech. Still out on the dancefloor and unable to hear their conversation, Seren noted Cullen's shock as Maegan spoke, a sudden feeling of dread flooding her veins.

Something's wrong. Seren glanced around the room, searching for anyone who was out of place among the court. She couldn't spot anyone, but she was already running through scenarios in her mind. All of which, she realised, involved the sword and shield that were not on her person.

Maegan started down the steps, subtly acknowledging Seren as she strode past. Seren glanced at Cullen, finding his eyes searching for hers. He looked stricken, but he mouthed 'Don't get involved'.

Seren sighed but nodded once to accept his order, before returning her attention to the Inquisitor's advance towards the three assembled before the Empress.

The whole court gasped as Maegan addressed the Grand Duchess.

"We owe the court one more show, your Grace."

Regardless of Florianne's exposure and resulting disgrace, the ball continued; Empress Celene's position now indisputable with the backing of the Inquisition. The dancing recommenced at Celene's insistence, although many of her guests were too busy discussing the scandal they had just witnessed to even consider anything else.

Across the room, Seren spotted Cullen in conversation with her grandmother.

Not a good sign.

Seren immediately excused herself from Jefferson's company, which he seemed more than a little disappointed about. Nevertheless, he smiled and kissed her hand before saying, "I shall appropriate some more compliments for our next meeting."

Seren laughed. "And I will look forward to undermining them."

With so many guests just milling around, Seren's progress across the room was slow to say the least. By the time she reached where Cullen and the Comtesse had been, they had already parted ways and Seren couldn't locate either of them. She searched for many minutes, even checking the vestibule and guest gardens, before finally spotting a head of golden curls alone on a balcony.

"There you are! I've been looking for you everywhere. I was beginning to think you were hiding from me."

Cullen turned to her, crossing his arms and resting against the stone railing as he spoke. "Why would I do that?"

"I don't know. Maybe I stepped on your foot earlier."

"Not that I'm aware."

"Thank the Maker." Seren smiled but Cullen did not return it. Nor did he reply. Weird…Seren moved across the balcony, staring out across the gardens beyond. "Well, that was a turn up for the books. They'll be gossiping about it for years."

"Yes, the Inquisitor handled it well." He said flatly, his eyes occupied in avoiding hers.

"Are you alright?" Seren asked hesitantly, running through all that could be wrong and realising just how long that list of possibilities was.

Cullen sighed. "Yes. I'm just... tired."

"Are you not…"

"I'm fine, Seren. Don't worry."

"Telling me not to, is hardly going to stop me." Cullen looked at her then, his eyes studying her face intently. He was about to speak but Seren interrupted, not wanting to be scolded for her unwanted concern. "What did my dragon of a Grandmother want with you by the way?"

Cullen's brow creased. "Nothing."

"It looked rather intense for nothing?" The Commander fidgeted uncomfortably, again unable to meet her gaze.

"You thrived here tonight, you know that right?"

"I've heard rumours that I wasn't a complete social disaster." Seren said slowly, confused as to where he was heading with the conversation. "Cullen, what's this about?"

"You're enjoying this, being one of them." His tone was bitter and tinged with frustration. Seren didn't know how to respond, his allegation cutting deep.

What am I missing here?

"For one night, yes! It's been a change, and not entirely a bad one. I admit I've enjoyed playing dress up. I've enjoyed dancing and I've even enjoyed that flowery shite they've been serving as wine all night." She paused in an attempt to compose herself. "But my favourite part of the whole evening? Dancing with my best friend, even if he was reluctant to do so."

"I'm sure your last partner wouldn't be so pleased to hear that."

"Lefroy? Are you kidding me? He was a laugh, I'll grant him that, but Cullen, why can't you see that I'm just playing my part? I'm doing my duty, like you told me to!" She sighed. "At the end of the day, I'm a soldier and I did as instructed. And yes, despite the fact I've always denied being that girl who wants to get all dressed up and go to a ball, secretly I dreamed of it. But it was a dream, and the reality wasn't quite as I'd imagined. It was an experience, but I prefer my life. My real life. Even if it involves fighting off every Maker-forsaken demon that comes charging out of the fucking fade. Or even, arguing with my Commander for being too bloody pig-headed to see that his Lieutenant is tired of playing dress up. Despite all that, I wouldn't change it for the world. Because…"You're there. Seren couldn't bring herself to say it. "Well, just because."

"Would you like to dance?" Cullen extended his hand.

"What?" Her voice was several decibels above the norm, suitably highlighting her confusion.

"Well, now you're done shouting at me, I thought I'd invite you to dance, instead of the other way around."

"Oh. Right. Okay. Sure." Completely bewildered, she took his hand as Cullen pulled her close. Unable to look at him, she mumbled "I wasn't shouting."

"You were a little."

"Only because you drive me insane!" Seren exclaimed, noting the bemused expression on Cullen's face. She frowned.

"So it's my fault." He said. Seren gave him a look. "Ah yes, it's always my fault, I remember now. I'm sorry Seren, it's just been a long night."

"It's okay. I'll forgive you eventually." She smiled, pleased to see his mouth curl in response. "Two dances in one night though. I thought you didn't like dancing?"

"I do, when it's with you." Seren blushed under his gaze, feeling her heart begin to race. When she didn't reply, Cullen nodded to an adjacent balcony lying just above, drawing Seren's attention to a pair of dancing figures. "Looks like Blackwall stole my idea."

"They seem happy." She watched as the Inquisitor spun beneath Blackwall's arm, Maegan beaming in her lover's embrace. "You know, I think it's going to be alright."

"What is?"

"This war. We're going to get through."

"How do you know?"

"Because she's fighting for love now. There's no greater motivation."

"When did you become such a romantic?" Cullen couldn't help smirking, desperately trying to suppress a laugh.

She smacked his chest. "You know what, Cullen? You are such a moment killer."

"I'm sorry. Please do carry on."

"Too late, moment's gone." Seren glanced away to hide her smile, noticing a figure heading in their direction. "Ah crap. Dragon inbound." The pair stepped apart, as a clearly displeased Comtesse reached them. "Lady Grandmother, I believe you have already met Commander Rutherford."

"I have. Commander." The Comtesse and Cullen nodded coldly at one another, not unnoticed by the Lieutenant, before Elisabeth turned her attention to Seren. "Come Serenity, our carriage is ready."

"We're leaving?"

"Indeed, my dear. And I do not like to be kept waiting." Elisabeth's eyes flickered in Cullen's direction, her nostrils flaring as if there were a bad smell.

"Of course, Lady Grandmother." The Comtesse stalked back into the ballroom, lingering just inside the door where Seren knew she would have been able to hear everything said outside. "Thank you Commander for a lovely evening. I guess I shall see you in a few days." Seren nodded and turned towards the ballroom. As she took her first step, Cullen grabbed her arm.

"Seren. I almost forgot. This arrived for you." He produced a crumpled envelope from his back pocket, placing it gently in her hands.

Seren turned the envelope over, surprised to find the seal unbroken. "Unopened?"

He shrugged. "I managed to intercept it before it reached Leliana."

"Thank you, Commander."

"You're welcome, Lieutenant."

Cullen watched as Seren walked away, receiving a lasting glare from the woman leading her.