"I don't understand why I need a bath when I took one yesterday" Cole protested aloud to Dorian for what must've been the fifth time since they entered the large bathroom together as he begrudgingly scrubbed his skin with the rag the Mage had given him. It was black and full of soap smelling like elfroot and sandalwood just like the hot water he was sitting in. Dorian chuckled from the other side of the bath as he stripped out of his robes and stepped into the hot water.

"Humans sweat more than spirits, Cole. You know this. Now that you're human you have to bathe regularly or you'll start to stink and no one wants that. There's also the ball tonight and we both have to look and smell our best. I usually do but one can never be too careful when it comes to those Orlesians. You don't want Josephine to get angry, do you?" He explained while pouring some of the soap from the bottle. It was different than the product he normally used but it smelled fantastic and he made a mental note to ask her for the recipe once they had time to sit down and catch up over a few drinks.

Perhaps she'd be open to letting him read to her incredibly false information out of a history book to annoy Solas who usually studied below. It seemed like forever since the last time they had a night together. In the weeks leading up to the ball, Josephine and Vivienne had kept her busy with dress fittings, finding the perfect shoes, hair stylings, dancing lessons, instruction on proper etiquette, and many other things Dorian didn't want to think about.

"But I don't want to go," Cole replied simply while still working on his arms. At least the rag given to him was softer than the one he had to use last time. He thought of all the times Raven had excused herself and disappeared after camp had been set up to go take a bath, coming back with damp hair and clothes but claiming she felt much better. He couldn't understand how she found it so enjoyable. His skin was starting to hurt. Maybe she did it a different way, Cole thought to himself and wondered if it would be appropriate to ask.

Varric and Christopher had been teaching him about being proper and what were and were not appropriate questions but it was still hard to understand the rules when it came to his friendship with Raven. Lady Josephine had told him once that the things he and Raven often did were inappropriate and surely Raven knew that after all the training she'd received and nobles she'd been around. He found he didn't mind the things they weren't supposed to talk about but did anyway and the things that had become part of their everyday routine.

She sometimes changed clothes with him present even if he now had to turn around first. She allowed him into her room whenever he wanted, letting him rest in her bed, and even curling up next to him where she'd often fall asleep. What they did broke all the rules everyone else had been trying to teach him. Was it wrong that he didn't care? He liked being around her. He liked the way she would laugh and tell stories, the way she leaned her head on his shoulder when she was tired without a care of who seemed to be around, and he loved watching her laugh and spend time with others.

"Don't be like that. Raven will be there and you know how she gets when she's around those nobles for too long. Grumpy is an understatement. You'll be helping her," Dorian tried to reason while looking over to Cole who was still working on scrubbing his arms and he could see through the lather that the skin was becoming pink though the young man didn't seem to notice. "You don't have to scrub so hard that your skin comes off, just the dirt." The distant look didn't fade from Cole's light blue eyes, but Dorian could see the pressure lessen and soon he began to scrub other parts of his body all while ignoring the way the hot water likely stung the raw skin of his arms.

"She isn't excited about tonight but they won't know that. They won't see anything under her mask of green and silver. Will I get a mask, too?" Cole asked and Dorian could only shrug in response. He doubted it. As far as the mage knew the only member of the Inquisition that would be wearing a mask to the ball was Raven who would serve as a distraction while Christopher and the others, himself included, would try to make sure the Empress stayed safe.

"Probably not. I'm sure if you want one Josephine or Raven can take you to that shop in Val Royeaux." Dorian glanced over to see Cole washing his neck and chest and was truly surprised in the many physical changes that had occurred lately. His blond hair was past his shoulders and his skin no longer looked sickly pale. His complexion had smoothed out as well with some help from Josphine and himself but aesthetics were only the tip of the mountain. In the two months since Cole had made the conscious decision to grow as a person, Dorian knew the list of things Cole would learn must seem endless.

Between eating, trying to sleep more, etiquette, hygiene, fashion, and basic conversation, Dorian wasn't the only one to have his hands full or was often caught off guard by some of the questions to leave the pale lad's mouth. News of what happened to Cole spread fast among the inner circle and it seemed as if everyone wanted to give him some advice. Everyone but Raven anyway and that was probably for the best. From what Dorian had been told, she was the one Cole went to when he had questions about what someone had said to him.

"She looks better in them than I do. I'm not pretty enough," Cole replied as he continued to wash himself. He wasn't looking at Dorian as he spoke, his mind was back at Skyhold in Lady Josephine's office when Raven had tried on the mask she was to wear to the ball for the first time. She had turned to smile at him, not caring about anyone else's awe and praise, only wanting his; Cole had been left speechless. It wasn't that he knew the words and they just wouldn't come out. They were gone completely and he remembered only nodding and receiving a smile from her unlike any he'd ever seen. Had she always been so... It had been weeks and every time it came to his mind he still couldn't think of the words that would be right to describe her. So many came close but none were good enough.

"I don't doubt that, her cheekbones are fantastic. You're starting to turn into a handsome young man yourself, though," Dorian commented while trying to keep a straight face only to receive a look of pure skepticism from the newly turned human as he shook his head.

"The mask Raven had fit so well. Brilliant, dazzling, stunning as she looks at me, happy when I smile at her. It felt strange when she suggested I try it on." Stunned, Dorian caught on as he continued to look at Cole who was no longer paying attention.

"Those types of masks personally made for one person. They're going to feel strange if you try them on and you aren't the one it was made for. Don't forget to wash your hair." Cole nodded, though he didn't say anything and it was quiet as both continued to bathe.

Dorian glanced at the boy from time to time to make sure all was going smoothly but eventually finished and Cole didn't object to him leaving. In the silence of the room and with the absence of friends he had more time to focus on the task at hand; how clean did he have to be and why did fingers and toes become like prunes if he stayed in the water too long? Raven never went into much detail when baths were brought up in the beginning.

Eventually, Cole put the rag on the edge of the bath, brought water up to wet his hair, and picked up the bottle of shampoo. It wasn't like the type Raven had made for Dorian. He liked the one she made for herself that smelled of lavender and honey so much, she often made enough for them both now that he was to take baths regularly. The thought made him smile.

It was an hour later when Cole finally made it back to the room he and Dorian were to be staying in. Dorian was seated in a chair not far from the fireplace already dressed in the red formal clothes they were supposed to all wear. He looked up from his book for a moment and let his eyes meet Cole's before looking down again and turning the page while Cole made his way over to the large bed.

"Josephine requested that I help you get ready. With any luck we'll be able to find a place to hide your new daggers," the Mage explained and Cole stopped in his tracks to look at his friend. What did he mean new daggers, he wondered while his eyes glanced at the beautiful pair of daggers on his dresser. Raven had commissioned Harritt to make them for him the first time they traveled together to the Western Approach. They were the same as hers except for the color.

"But I already have daggers," Cole replied. His eyes went back to Dorian who had a wooden box on his lap that he hadn't noticed before. From where he stood, Cole could see the box had been stained a darker color than what the wood should be and it was glossy enough to reflect the flames of the fire.

"And now you have new daggers. Leliana dropped them off as a favor for Raven shortly after I arrived. I swear, if Bull gave me gifts as often as Raven gives them to you, I truly don't know what I would do with myself," Dorian exclaimed, only half-serious while marking his place in the book, setting it onto the table, and standing up with the box in hand. At the mention of her name Cole looked away from the box and up to Dorian's smiling face. Cole didn't understand why Raven would give him another pair. The ones she'd had made before were perfect, sharp, beautiful, and they always listened to him.

After a moment Cole stepped forward and took the box from Dorian. "Hurry up and open it. I want to see," he demanded and Cole complied though he was careful when doing so.

The lid slid off easily and both men's eyes widened at the sight; placed carefully among ring velvet were two new daggers. Cole wasn't familiar enough with crafting materials to know what they were made out of but that didn't matter. They were beautiful and smaller than the pair he'd been using. With sharp glossy blades that reminded him of some of the jewels he'd seen people wear and matching black hilts. He could feel the patience, care, and dedication put into them, see in his mind her meticulously inspecting each one before giving her approval like he'd seen her do before. Tucked in the corner was a small note and Cole was greeted with Raven's smooth and pretty flowing words as he opened it.

"Smaller daggers are easier to conceal. Please be safe tonight and save a dance for me.' Cole read aloud and looked at Dorian who was still staring at the beautifully crafted weapons.

They were made of dragon bone and though it was obvious Cole didn't know that. At least Dorian was able to see the meaning behind such a gesture. Of course, it wasn't a secret that those two cared for each other but such an exquisite gift like those beautifully crafted weapons had to mean something more than just Cole's safety. Was Raven aware of what others could say, he wondered and then decided that she probably wouldn't care.

Ever since he'd known her she'd never cared for romance and things becoming too personal with those who wanted her or perhaps she just didn't understand it. The girl was foolish enough to turn down the Commander, for Maker's sake and that was a fine specimen if he ever did see one. He supposed Cole wasn't bad considering the changes the young lad was still going through but what about him would catch Raven's attention? Had it been going on long?

"They are very beautiful, Cole," Dorian finally spoke while putting on a smile. Cole nodded and without closing the box, he put it down on the bed next to the clothes already laid out for him.

"I want to - What can I give her in return?" Cole stuttered while asking the question as he adjusted the towel around himself. He'd run it over his hair before leaving the bathroom but it was still damp and had yet to be brushed; not that he cared about its state. Dorian busied himself with the task of grabbing a brush off the nearby table and brushing the lad's damp blond hair while thinking of an answer to that question.

Raven never expected or asked for anything in return as far as gifts or favors were concerned, seeming only to care for others. If she wanted something she bought it or even made it herself. As her friend, he knew her well enough to know that she wouldn't want anything and if it was brought up she'd treat it like it wasn't important. Maybe it wasn't to her and he supposed that—as annoying as it could be—it was part of her charm.

"That's a good question. You know her better than I do." Dorian didn't stop what he was doing as he replied and Cole didn't move as Dorian worked some sort of product that smelled like cedar into his hair. He knew she wouldn't want anything but he wanted to give her something anyway; something to make her smile, something that showed how much he cared for her in return. He'd heard of that custom among the many others in the couple months after he'd made his choice to become more human. Cole didn't fully understand it at first and truthfully didn't care, but when it came to her and everything she'd done for him he found himself wanting to give her everything. The only problem was he didn't know-how.

"Dorian, how do you thank The Iron Bull?" Cole asked suddenly hoping it would help and the Mage felt his stomach flip. He did a lot of things to thank Bull for the small, subtle actions the large Qunari would make and none of them were appropriate to talk about, especially with Cole. Solas and Varric would have his beautiful head on a silver platter and that was only if they got to him before Raven did.

"In ways that are best left unsaid." His tone was clipped and as he worked to try and change the subject Cole caught glimpses of what was playing through his friends' mind. Most of it he'd already seen from his years in the Spire but unlike what he'd seen before from terrified mages, hushed whispers, and desperate attempts to grasp comfort before the Templars interrupted, Dorian's thoughts were different. They were full of long, drawn-out massages, lingering kisses, words spoken in native tongues, chests tightening, and pleasure that lasted for hours that left them both exhausted and satisfied. Cole's stomach started to turn at the idea.

Would she allow him to touch and kiss her like Cullen had once done or massage her the way The Iron Bull did to Dorian? Would she like it? Would he? His mind was all of a sudden eager and he felt restless. He wasn't a stranger to overhearing and seeing the lingering thoughts of others when it came to Raven, some had more vivid ideas than others and as of late he wasn't sure why he was starting to dislike them; he just knew he did. Wanting to hit people was a regular occurrence and it was one of the many things Varric was helping him understand and work through. He never told his friend the reason and was grateful that Varric never asked.

"What is it like to kiss someone?" Cole's question nearly caused Dorian to drop the crystal bottle he was holding. With a silent curse and grasping at ideas of what to say he moved around to face the pale young man who still looked ahead.

"You don't need to know that now let us switch the subject."

"But you thank The Iron Bull that way. 'Warm, safe, hearts beating, fingers gliding over skin, lips moving together, the ale tastes better this way, never thought I'd feel or deserve this and he should know, h needs to know even if I can't say the words at least I can show I care." Cole persisted, eyes peering into Dorian's. He had to know, had to understand if he had any chance of thanking her and showing her he cared too. "Do you think Raven would let me?"

"Friends don't kiss each other to say 'thank you'. I thank Bull that way because we're lovers and that's something you and Raven are not," Dorian explained through clenched teeth. The last thing he expected to be on his agenda for the night was to have such conversations with the young man facing him. Cole stared at Dorian while contemplating and slowly beginning to understand his words. They were lovers, which was why it was acceptable.

"Why not?" He found himself asking out of curiosity. "She loves me."

"It's not always just about love, Cole. You can love a person but that doesn't mean you want to be with them in the way you're seeing with Bull and myself. I know this is new to you but is pursuing that kind of relationship really something you want?" Dorian's voice no longer held an edge as he busied himself styling Cole's shaggy blond hair. The mage didn't look at him and Cole wasn't eager to learn what the man's eyes held.

Raven was just his friend. She wasn't his lover, she wasn't his anything and if he were to kiss her as a Thank You or for any other reason without knowing how she felt it would be wrong, inappropriate, and she would probably be angry with him like she used to be with Cullen. He didn't want that. He didn't want to lose her. Cole looked away when he felt his stomach drop. Why did that thought hurt so much? It hurt more than the others he'd had since becoming human.

"I don't care if you like the heels more," Raven argued while looking at Josephine in the large mirror. "If you want me to dance throughout the night without falling on my ass, then I'm not wearing them. Plain and simple. The flats are gorgeous and so much more comfortable." The Antivan let out an exasperated sigh and threw a pleading look to Cassandra who appeared not to be paying attention.

Unlike Josephine who was taking the ball way too seriously and Raven who was, at least, feigning some sort of interest, Cassandra was pissed at being forced to waste her time among people she despised when more important things could be done. After all the countless nonsense she'd been subjected to since they learned the masquerade was necessary, Raven could understand the Seeker a bit better.

"It would make a better impression if you wore the heels, Raven. The court has standards and expectations that -"

"Josie, I have met nearly every man and woman attending the ball tonight and they all expect me to be my usual short, adorable, and charming self. I'll gossip when needed, laugh when it's called for, and dance with any man or woman that requests me to do so but I can't do that if I can barely walk." Raven had come prepared for battle and had thought out valid arguments on the carriage ride from Skyhold. Josephine wanted to argue but a glance to Cassandra who was looking at the Antivan while shaking her head caused her to swallow any attempts at trying to get the stubborn redhead to do something she clearly didn't want to do. Josephine was lucky Raven even chose to attend at all despite all the invitations she'd received and the promise she made to the Duke. Pushing her over something such as shoes choice didn't seem like a winning battle.

She had to admit that Raven had come a long way and the transformation in the last four months made the word 'drastic' seem like an understatement. While she still maintained her genuine personality, eagerness to learn, and natural eloquence when it came to people, she'd also calmed down to the point where she no longer minded staying at Skyhold. It was that same calm and peaceful disposition that prompted multiple letters of proposal from many of the single noblemen of Orlais and Nevarra, including one from Duke Henry Durand, the handsome man Raven was to attend the ball with later that evening. Raven didn't know of the proposals though. Not yet.

The sound of the door opening caused Josephine to turn just in time to see Leliana enter the room and close the door behind her. Raven turned to smile and received a nod from the spymaster. The younger redhead let out a sigh of relief and finally stood up from the chair she'd been sitting in with little difficulty and such grace it was astounding to realize that she was already laced into a green satin corset the same color as her dress. Her hair and makeup had been done not long ago, it was something Raven insisted on doing herself and all the women were pleased that she'd kept her long hair down to fall around her shoulders and eventually land in soft curls at her waist and her makeup light and natural. All that was left was for her to step into the dress hanging across the room.

"I assume Dorian was with him?" She asked and Leliana shook her head in reply.

"He was the only one there. Cole was still in the bath," she explained and Raven nodded. Dorian would most likely look at the daggers before giving them to Cole which she didn't mind. He might appreciate the craftsmanship and the finish on the dragon bone but it was Cole's opinion she cared about.

A month and a half ago she'd commissioned the daggers specifically for the ball knowing the smaller size would be easier to conceal and easier to use in tight spaces if the situation arose. He wasn't a spirit anymore. His skin no longer healed as fast if he was hurt. Raven and Cole had both found that out at the same time while sparring together and, although it was an accident and he didn't scar, she still felt terrible.

"That's fine. Thank you, Leliana. Everything else is going according to plan?" Again Leliana nodded. The Inquisition had some guards brought in, Christopher was with the Grand Duke Gaspard, and the few nobles she'd met along the way we're all in good spirits and eager to see Raven and the other members of the Inquisition. Some were concerned that Christopher was a Mage but she had no worries that he wouldn't win at least most of them over by the end of the night.

"Duke Durand is excited to see you, Raven. Since you will be attending the ball as his guest you will be riding to the Winter Palace with him and should be there before us. I hope you don't mind." Josephine ran over the plan hoping Raven wouldn't object to being alone for so long. She'd been disinterested in the man as of late with no reason why. With a handful of others in a familiar setting such as Val Royeaux or Skyhold was one thing but there were to be at least two hundred on the guestlist for the masquerade and Josephine wasn't sure how familiar Raven was with the Winter Palace. She almost had to do a double-take when Raven simply shrugged.

"Sounds good. I know my way around and Henry will be with me. When is he scheduled to be here?" Despite her nonchalance, for the women in the room who had been around her and knew her, it was easy to tell that at least a small part of her was nervous. She wouldn't be so serious otherwise.

Henry Durand knew he was a good man. Born into a wealthy family of Ferelden thirty-four years ago, at the age of twelve he was sent to live with his aunt in Orlais when his parents died. Throughout his short life, he'd joined the Orlesian army to become a General, invested in the right businesses, and earned the title of Duke by the age of twenty-six. Like every noble in Orlais, he mastered The Game but despised the deceit and politics around it. Making the choice to become involved with the Inquisition had been something he'd done months ago on a whim to spite all the fellow nobles he couldn't stand. It was a heretical movement, after all. Still, he had yet to regret a single part of it.

In the beginning, he was sure The Inquisition would fail but, surprisingly, the group of misfits and that circle mage from the Free Marches were gaining power and influence all across Thedas for one deed or another. Putting all that aside, at least one good thing seemed to come out of it and it wasn't the reputation he'd received as an Inquisition ally. Even if it were a bad reputation Henry wouldn't deny that the beautiful young redhead that sat across from him looking out her window, dressed in silver and emerald lace and satin was definitely worth any public backlash he could face from his fellow noblemen. Especially when she wore the dove he'd gifted her around her pale slender neck.

Then again, all of Orlais seemed as captivated with the young woman as he was and he couldn't blame them. Raven was the epitome of loveliness with the grace, skill, and intelligence to rival anyone he'd ever met. It didn't matter if it was chess, battle strategy, or even politics, she always had something worthwhile to contribute. He'd also learned since meeting her that she had a strong side, speaking her mind and putting those in their correct place when they were wrong or needed to be taken down a couple of levels. With any luck, she would be his before the end of the season.

She wouldn't be forced to wake before sunset to train soldiers that their Templar Commander couldn't be bothered with or be forced to associate with Qunari, the Vint Mage he'd heard much about, or demons any longer. He would never understand why the Inquisitor would keep a demon in his inner circle. Perhaps it was a pet? He'd met the mage once and couldn't see any scarring or tells of blood magic, so that was a point in the apostate's favor.

With him, Raven would be treated better than royalty and the idea of allowing him to take that lovely fertile body of hers as payment for all he'd done for her caused Henry to shiver. She would be his. He'd take her, break her in, and fill her again and again until she grew plump and round with his children. It was about time he settled down with a wife and Raven was the one he wanted.

"Raven are you excited to see the Winter Palace?" Henry asked and Raven looked at him. He was handsome with his brown hair, tanned skin, and tailored black suit with green accents to match her dress.

"I'm very excited to see it. Have you been there before?" She asked and continued to keep her attention on the man sitting across from her. He was kind, she supposed, if not a bit controlling and overbearing at times. Handsome, too, for those who preferred the tall and dark variety.

"The Empress has a ball at least once a year and not because of peace talks. I've gone every year since being given my title. If tonight goes well perhaps you might accompany me to her next one." He suggested with a smile.

"Perhaps. Who knows what the future holds." She doubted it would be him. Raven knew better, of course, but it wasn't like she would tell that to Henry. She hadn't even brought it up to Christopher or anyone else in the Inquisition though there was that possibility that Cole knew. She wondered how he was and what he was doing. Did he like his daggers and was he able to conceal them under his formal attire like she had been able to with the lazurite pair strapped to her thighs?

Henry continued to stare at her in silence, wondering if she was playing coy or if she hadn't been told about his proposal. He was aware that other nobles had sent letters of a similar nature; was she informed? With all she was forced to do within the Inquisition it wouldn't surprise him if she was kept in the dark. They didn't seem to care for her much.

"We can only hope. Is there anything, in particular, you're hoping to do tonight?" His question seemed normal enough but Raven caught the tightness in his tone.

"I'd love to view the gardens and perhaps mingle with our friends." And keep you all distracted while Christopher gets to have fun, she thought only somewhat bitterly. She'd told Christopher and his selected party of Florianne's plan. In the Winter Palace, approval was everything so, of course, he would have to go through the process of gathering evidence and proving fault on all three parties. She was glad it wasn't her doing the detective work.

Henry seemed to be satisfied with the nonsense suggestions she gave and didn't say anything else so she returned her attention to the view outside the carriage window in time to see the gates of the Palace pass them by signaling their arrival.

The Winter Palace was quite possibly the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen; a fortress within itself made up of glass, white marble, many gold and blue embellishments, and more secrets hidden inside than the ancient tombs of Egypt. Through the small carriage window, Raven approximated thirty guests had arrived so far and were enjoying their time in the palace courtyard.

All eyes were on them as Henry was the first to get out of the carriage and turn to escort Raven. She remembered to smile, thanked him softly, and then gazed at the Palace and all its beauty as he took her hand in his. He led her to a couple that Raven knew all too well as the Viscount and Viscountess De Chamberline. She had only met them a handful of times, but they were always very gracious and hospitable. The Viscount thoroughly enjoyed his wine and his wife and, in return, his wife enjoyed the elven servants after her husband was asleep. During her last trip to Skyhold to visit Raven she'd taken a momentary interest in Solas which was something Raven watched with much amusement as he did his best to avoid the older woman and her advances during her stay. A girl needed to have her fun.

The elderly couple greeted her with kind words once she and Henry were only a few feet away; the Viscount kissing her hand and his wife kissing her cheek before their attentions turned to Henry. It turned into a type of routine with the twenty-eight other nobles they approached. From the corner of her eye, she saw Christopher come in through the gates with Cassandra, Cole, and Dorian in tow. With a small smile, she politely excused herself and made her way over to the small bunch. Christopher was the first to notice and she knew if it weren't for her long bright red hair he wouldn't have recognized her in the flowing green and silver gown and matching mask.

"Inquisitor," Raven greeted Christopher with his official title and a smile out of respect for him. Then, because others were watching, "It feels like forever since I have seen you. I trust your trip went smoothly?" He regarded her for a moment before noticing the eyes on him and put on his most charming smile.

"It is always a joy to see you, Lady O'Hara. You look stunning tonight." Christopher replied using a voice just as fake and cheery and Raven had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing. A hand sliding around her waist caused her to tense and hold back her initial reaction to hit the offender but as she turned to see Henry beside her she only partially relaxed. He was smiling down at her but there was something in his eyes that she suddenly didn't like, though she couldn't tell what it was.

"You always look stunning, mon precieux," he said quietly and turned his attention to Christopher and the others. "Forgive me, Inquisitor, I know we've been introduced but I don't think I've had the pleasure of meeting your party. I am Duke Henry Durand." That snapped Raven out of her thoughts and she chuckled. She'd been caught up in the 'my precious' bit.

"Forgive me. Henry, this is Seeker Cassandra Pentaghast, Dorian Pavus of Minrathous, and Cole." Raven was quick in her introductions and glanced at each of her friends as she did so. When Cole's eyes met hers she felt much better about the night so far. There was no doubt he would disappear to the upstairs library once going inside and she couldn't blame him. At least she would be able to find him if it suddenly became too much.

Cole stared at Raven even though Dorian's words about not doing so were fresh in his mind. He couldn't help it. She was like a fairy in her flowing dress and red hair. When his eyes finally left her, only then did he notice the man she was with and Cole couldn't keep the anger from flowing through his body. He needed to protect her.

The man's thoughts were dark, jealous, hateful, and possessive. Full of illusions of taking her away and taking care of her. She would be his. She would belong to him and would never be allowed to see them again. Raven wouldn't like that if she knew and Cole desperately wanted to tell her, wanted to beg her to stay away from that man for good.

"It's an honor meeting all of you." Henry did his best to keep his smile, hating how the moment they arrived his future intended ran off to greet them without a care as to how it would appear to the others observing the Inquisitor. He let his eyes wander until they landed on the one she introduced as Cole. He was a skinny blond boy, no older than twenty-five, wearing the same Inquisition attire as the others and he had to wonder what position such a tiny excuse of a thing could ever have in such a large political movement. His pale blue eyes met Henry's and he saw the boy visibly stiffen and look back to Raven.

"Cole, is everything alright?" Henry looked down at Raven as she spoke. Her concern, he realized, was genuine and already he could tell she was ready to step out of his grasp and go to the boy if needed. How had he known her, talked to her, and spent time with her over the previous months and not known about the young man she seemed to care so deeply for?

"I'm sure he's just excited to see the palace. It's beautiful," Christopher said with a smile.

"It is," she agreed without looking at him. Her eyes remained on Cole even after Henry tightened his grip around her waist and the petty possessiveness was starting to annoy her. "Perhaps later we can take a walk around the gardens, I hear the flowers this time of year are breathtaking." Henry fought to appear passive. He hated them. Hated her, in that moment, as well, for inviting a boy to spend time with her in his presence. She was to be his and now she was offering to gallivant around the gardens with someone that wasn't him, who was beneath her and everything she was. It was unacceptable. His hand twitched but he hid it.

Cole noticed and it only increased his worry for her. How could Lady Josephine or Leliana let her spend time with a man so violent, dark, and possessive?

"I like flowers. I would love to." He replied as he finally looked away from Henry and over to Raven just in time to see a smile that he could only describe as joyous replace the worried expression on her face.

"Raven, why don't we head inside? I'm sure you're thirsty by now." Raven looked at Henry and silently nodded. She bid goodbye to her friends and followed Henry to the large double doors. Cole continued to watch, mind frantic at the things he'd just heard and seen from the man Raven so willingly went with. Would she have stayed if he asked, he wondered.

"He wants to take her," Cole murmured quietly enough so only Christopher and Dorian could hear. They both looked at him and Dorian even smiled, clearly not knowing what he meant.

"She's a beautiful young woman. I'm sure many men would like to take her," he replied and Cole shook his head.

"He wants to take her away from the Inquisition. He wants her to belong only to him. He wanted to hurt her, hit her just now when she asked me to walk around the garden." His words remained quick and quiet while he barely held himself together, wanting nothing more than to go after them. People would see him and he couldn't make them forget. Christopher and Dorian continued to stare at him.

"Dorian, take Cole to Josephine or Leliana. I'll see you soon," Christopher replied with one of the cheeriest fake smiles Dorian had ever seen as Gaspard chose that moment to make his entrance as if they hadn't spent most of the day together.

"A woman's ring in the front right planter that she placed there on purpose. Tell her you know when you give it to her. Caprice coins. A key in the flowers of the upper left side. Remember to find the keys within the halla statues and secrets. Even if she can't be with us she will help." Cole's voice was still quiet and Christopher nodded before approaching Gaspard. Dorian continued to regard Cole. If something were to happen to Raven, he knew there was no way to stop the young man from hunting down the Duke and killing him.

"Alright, Cole. Let's go find them while pretending to gawk and appreciate how pretty everything is." Dorian's tone was light and not how he truly felt at all. Raven was a good friend and not only because she had an unusually fantastic sense of style or was a wonderful conversationalist. He hadn't told her what happened in Redcliffe but she was there during a moment of weakness after the meeting with his father. For some reason, he expected that she'd be angry or even disgusted. And she was, only it wasn't he that invoked her anger. It was his father and seeing what wasn't sympathy or pity, but rage, for what had been done back in Tevinter and they had spent that entire night drinking. She listened to him speak of the history of Thedas, Tevinter, and Elves loudly and incorrectly knowing that Solas was below. She knew he was full of shit but continued to play along with such convincing enthusiasm. That night made him realize that he'd come to think of her as a friend as well. How could he not? And as her friend he had to help her.

"Everything is pretty," Cole said quietly liking the blues and golds and the masks they all wore. It didn't stop the thoughts they all had but certainly made them easier to hide. Was that their intention, he wondered, knowing Raven wore hers only because it was something she was expected to do and not because she liked it.

Cole and Dorian kept close through the courtyard and up the steps past Christopher who was still speaking with Gaspard while ignoring the gazes and hushed whispers of the nobles around them. As they entered through the doors, passing Palace guards as they did so, Josephine met them in the hallway.

She was dressed in the same attire as the two men and it was strange seeing her out of her gold ruffles but she looked beautiful all the same. She smiled when she first saw them but after noticing their faces it quickly vanished and Cole felt bad; she was under so much stress already that it seemed almost unfair to tell her but that horrible man's thoughts still played in his mind and Raven would be upset if he approached the man about them directly.

"What is it?" She asked quietly when Dorian and Cole approached her together. Both looked impeccable in their attire and Josephine knew she had made the right choice in asking Dorian to help Cole prepare for the night and, though she had little interest in Cole, she couldn't deny that his change a few months back had certainly brought out his more physically attractive qualities. Something was wrong though and Josephine really didn't need more on her plate than she already had.

"It's Raven," Dorian replied just as quietly and to the point, knowing she still had so much to do. "I know tonight is important and we have an Empress to protect, but if you can ask Leliana and Cullen to make sure she doesn't go anywhere alone with that man she's with, we would both appreciate it."

Josephine couldn't control her eyes as they went wide or her mouth as it opened slightly. What in Andraste's name were they talking about, she wanted to demand. Henry was a wonderful person and Raven seemed to enjoy his company as much as she seemed to enjoy everyone else's. "I beg your pardon," she finally spoke once she composed herself. "What are you talking about? Duke Durand is her date and he has treated Raven with nothing but the highest respect."

"He wants her." She looked to Cole as he spoke, his eyes wide and she was grateful no one else was entering. His words were nothing new; Josephine might not have been the most exuberant or experienced in the Inquisition, but she wasn't blind to the looks most men and even some women gave Raven on a regular basis or deaf to the whispers.

"I hardly think that you need to concern yourself with who wants her. If you don't mind I have other things to attend to. Tonight is very important so please try to remain on your best behavior. No lurking, no blatant disrespect, or answering people's thoughts." As harsh as she seemed Josephine felt a twinge of guilt as she walked away to greet the Viscount and Viscountess De Chanberline as they made their way, hand in hand, through the gate.