A/N: Thanks for reading. If you've been reading, please be sure to leave a comment or two to let me know what you think about the story.
Maxwell looked over the balcony to watch his sister as she sat by the small pool in the main courtyard of the chateau before going back inside his room. She had not spoken to him, Cullen or Dorian for nearly two weeks after the night she discovered that there had been a chance that they had been poisoned. He had told himself that it would have gone better if they had spoke to her earlier it would have gone well. That was before Cullen kissed her. After that there was no going back.
Rumors got around the mage tower that the Inquisitor was angry, but no one knew exactly why. All they knew was she had threatened to toss Dorian off the upper balcony of the rotunda to see if he would land on Solas's desk. Somehow, this bit of gossip did not spread like wildfire across Skyhold. He was not sure how it had been kept under control, but it had.
To add to her anger, she had committed herself to go to Starkhaven for the wedding as soon as she was done with the negotiations at the Winter Palace. The other part of her sour disposition was listening to Vivienne drone on and on as she informed everyone how to behave at the ball during their travel. Maxwell was a bit surprised that his sister had brought the other mage with them since he knew Evelyn barely tolerated her at times. Although, he was appreciative she did not bring Sera. The elven archer was in a tiff about something that he could not understand before they left Skyhold. Evelyn had sent Sera on a private mission along with Scout Harding.
During the ride from Skyhold, Maxwell caught a glimpse of the other person that was adding to his sister's disappointment. Cullen. The Commander was required to attend the ball as one of the Inquisitor's advisors. Josephine, Leliana and Cassandra had ridden up front with Cullen as they discussed what will need done at the negotiations. When they tried to get her up front, she politely declined and said that whatever was decided with them would be appropriate. That was his sister's diplomatic way of saying "Leave me alone". She wanted to stay in the back and squalor in her misery.
A noble that was trying to make nice with the Inquisition had offered his chateau for lodgings for the evening that was still several miles away from Halamshiral. Maxwell expected his sister to complain about spending the night somewhere considering they had not traveled much but she did not. Josephine had mentioned that it would be poor manners if they did not accept the offer. When Cassandra questioned it, Maxwell watched his sister nod quietly.
Once arriving, she had retired to her room and stayed there most of the day. When he had stepped outside, he was surprised to see her outside. He had expected her to make up some excuse to stay in her room and not leave. His only hope was that whatever was planned to end the marriage happens. The thought of his sister being caught in a loveless marriage did not sit well with him. Although returning to the Ostwick Circle weighed on his mind as well. If his father can have the last word, neither of them would have a happy life ahead.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Cullen could not rest. His body and mind would not allow him to relax enough to fall asleep. He had hoped that by turning in early he would be able to catch up on some wanted rest. Only when he laid down all he could do was stare at the ceiling. The bed was too comfortable, the sounds unfamiliar. He joked with himself about taking a bedroll out into the forest and try to sleep there. Josephine forbad him from doing so when he mentioned it to her. She promptly suggested for him to take a walk around the courtyard and enjoy the silence.
Silence he was not accustom to. Skyhold even in the late-night hours was still noisy. People moving in and out, guards on patrol around his office on the battlements. There was always something happening. Quiet usually meant something was wrong. Yet, a walk did sound like it would be helpful. Maybe if he got bored enough he would want to fall asleep.
Discarding his armor and shield, Cullen cleaned up and changed into a pair of dark leather pants, brown tunic, a dark leather vest and knee-high boots. Around his waist he had belted his sword. Even if the chateau were to be protected, he could not bring himself to be completely unarmed. Some habits were hard to break no matter where or what he was doing.
Cullen wandered around the chateau looking at the paintings, statues and tapestries. He paused to peruse the library hoping to find anything that might be of interest. The closest thing to a history book was The Legend of Calenhad by Brother Herren. Having read the book several times before, Cullen decided that he would not find anything of interest for himself.
Finding his way outside, Cullen closed his eyes and inhaled deeply the night air. The threat of rain hung around the chateau. He had always enjoyed the rain and how if felt it was the Maker's way of cleansing the world. Only he prayed that He would cleanse him of his stupidity. It had been over two weeks since the incident and the memory still lingered in his mind. He did not have the desire that he had once had for her, but he was disappointed that it had happened as it had.
After leaving Solas's office, the bleeding of his nose had stopped shortly later. It was a strange sense the first time he had been near her afterwards. The feelings he felt for her could have been either created by the poison from the thorns that they both were injured with back in Haven, or they could be genuine. There was no way to tell for sure unless he was able to speak with her again. And after two weeks of being ignored he was afraid that was not going to happen.
Walking further into the courtyard, Cullen found himself by several well-manicured bushes that were cut into odd shapes. Narrowing his eyes, he tilted his head to the side as he tried to make sense of the design.
"I wouldn't stare at it too long. You'll regret it when you figure it out," he heard from behind.
Startled, he turned around to find the Inquisitor several feet away from him. She was sitting on the ledge around the pool. Breath caught in his lungs as his amber eyes met with her emerald for the first time in what felt like an eternity. She too had removed all her armor, shield and even sword. Dressed in a white surcoat with a dark blue pelican lined with white fur. Her brunette hair hung down loosely around her face. Cullen had come to admire her when she was in armor because she was the strongest then, more determined. Yet when she was dressed as such, he wanted to protect her from everything and everyone.
Clearing his throat, he nodded his head. "I will assume it is probably for the best."
Evelyn nodded as she placed a thin ribbon between the pages of the book she was reading and closed it. "Trust me. I wanted to stab my eyes when I figured out what it was." Her head lowered briefly as she laughed. "The look on Cassandra's face although was priceless when she got full sight of it. Orlesians really are not right."
Tentatively, Cullen approached her. This was the closest they had been in weeks. It felt different to him. He did not feel that sudden rush of desire that he had felt previously. Admiration, respect, loyalty to her but not the desire to hold her in his arms and kiss her.
"Some say that about Fereldens as well," he said. "I remember being in the Marches and people consistently making reference to being a barbarian or a dog."
She looked up at him, her expression was hard to read. Cullen could not tell what she was feeling, what she was thinking. His first assumption was she wanted to find something very sharp and stab him from betraying her trust.
"Marchers are no better; we just hide it better. Orlesians are self-absorbed, driven by the damn game that they play. Fereldens are honest people. They live their lives working hard for what they have." She stood up and wrapped her arms around her book to hold it close to her chest. "I admire Fereldens for what they do, how they live."
"We are a simple lot," Cullen said, lifting his hand to rub the back of his neck. His eyes moved to look at the book she was reading. "Did you find that in the library?"
Evelyn nodded as she looked down at it. The Legend of Luthias Dwarfson was held in her arms. Sighing, she lifted her eyes to meet his once again. "It's tragic, I know. There's a lot to be learned from it actually."
"Size doesn't matter?" Cullen said, then quickly held up his hand to stop her from saying anything when he saw the disappointed expression on her face. "Truthfully, the lesson I learned from the story is to stay true to the one you love. He was in love with Scaea, but he traded it for a one-night with Morrighan'nan. From there his life became a never-ending battle. One that eventually cost him his life."
Her eyes widened slightly as her expression softened. He had read the story before. Biting down on her lower lip, she was second guessing herself what to say to the man whom she had been enamored with for several months. Saying she did not feel something for Cullen before their sparring that day in Haven would have been a lie. There was something there that she had felt but kept it repressed because she knew that she was betrothed to Sebastian and if not to him she was to the Chantry or the Order. She was destined for a loveless life.
"Good evening, Inquisitor. I have interrupted your time too long," Cullen said as he prepared to leave.
"Cullen, wait!" she called out before realizing she had done it herself. When his eyes met hers was when she knew that she was not imagining it.
He turned to face her as she took several slow steps in his direction until she was just inches from him. Looking up, she ran her fingers across her hair to push it back behind her ear.
"I can't keep running away and ignoring you. We have to work together."
Mixed thoughts running through his mind as he remained silent, looking down at her. Nodding slowly, he said, "I agree, Inquisitor. At least to make an appearance for those who serve you."
Shaking her head, Evelyn did not approve of his offer. "Not an appearance, Cullen. I want to be friends. Like it was before."
"Can we be friends after what happened?" he asked.
"I don't know," she said, lowering her eyes to look at the ground. "I would like to think we could be." Returning to his gaze, she continued. "I hope we can again eventually."
"Friends? Yes, you can do that, can't you?" he thought. "I would like that, Inquisitor."
"Evelyn, please."
Cullen chuckled, shaking his head. "You have not bested me to have earned that, Inquisitor."
A smile curled her lips, as her head dropped. "And we're right back to where this all started, Commander."
"So it seems," he said. He turned away from her to see the sun setting in the horizon. "I hope you have a pleasant evening, Inquisitor."
Evelyn placed her left hand on his forearm to stop him. Just the faintest touch on his covered arm sent a spark through him. He had noticed that since the day he had seek out Solas regarding the sudden nosebleed that she was wearing a glove over her hand whenever she was in public. She was hiding the mark since the Western Approach.
"You, too, Commander." Her hand dropped to wrap it back around herself.
Nodding slightly, Cullen turned and walked away. She remained there by the pool as she watched him leave. Two weeks was not long enough to sort out what she may or may not feel for the commander. She knew whatever it was that she felt she could never act on. Not while her marriage to Sebastian was approaching quickly.
"I know you do not agree with this arrangement," Leliana said from behind her. "But I do feel this is for the best."
Evelyn turned to face the spymaster, shaking her head. "I hope you're right about this, Leliana. This is tearing me apart. I have never been so unsure about anything before like I do now."
The rogue stepped up to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You can not act on any feelings that you think you may or not have for Cullen. Not now."
"Why not?" Evelyn asked. "Why can't I be happy for once?"
"Because it will ruin everything," Leliana said, her fingers squeezing into her shoulder. "Because if you try to be happy then you will be a selfish woman thinking nothing but of yourself. What about Sebastian and Elissa's happiness? Would you be that cold hearted to deny them the chance to be with the one they love?"
"I know she's your friend but –"
"Yes, she is, and I will see that Elissa is happy."
Evelyn pushed the other woman off her and took a step back. She had been struggling keeping her temper under control since the Western Approach, trying to keep the mark on her hand calm. It had been difficult and separating herself from everyone as much as possible had been her only way to do it.
"You know what, fine. I'll do it." Evelyn pointed at her. "And when that bitch and Sebastian are happy then get off my back and leave me alone."
She did not give Leliana another opportunity to speak before she turned around and walked away. What Sebastian saw in Elissa Cousland was beyond her. In letters that he had sent her after the fall of Kirkwall he told her of how he had met the teryna. How she had saved him on the road when he was traveling to Denerim from bandits. What Evelyn knew of Elissa was not pleasant especially since they both discovered the terms of Evelyn's father's contract with the prince for Ostwick soldiers. It had almost come down to the rogue and warrior in a fight in the main hall on the Highever castle.
Evelyn knew that Leliana and Elissa had been friends during the Blight, having traveled with Alistair and Solana. Cousland's family had been brutally murdered by Arl Rendon Howe while the Warden Duncan was traveling through on his way to Kinloch Hold. Her parents had been able to convince Duncan to take her along to save her life. Yet when they reached Ostagar only Solona became a Warden, Duncan had spared that Elissa that fate. He had freed her to do as she wished but she remained with Solana and Alistair to help fight. She stayed with them until she was able to kill Howe. After that she remained in Denerim with her brother Fergus after she discovered he was still alive.
Fergus and Elissa regained Highever from those that stole it from them. With Alistair's help, they were rewarded all of Howe's properties and wealth. Highever became the city that it once was when Bryce and Eleanor Cousland ruled it. Their children had built it back to its former glory.
Evelyn reached her room and pushed the door shut. Walking over to the large bed, she dropped the book to the bedside table and sat down on the over plush bed.
"I'm tired of taking everyone's orders," she thought to herself. Pulling the glove off her hand, she stared at the mark as it tingled across her forearm. The eerie glow was there, teasing her as it did. "I'm done playing the victim. It's my turn to do something for me."
o-o-o-o-o-o-o
"The political situation in Halamshiral hangs by a thread. The Empress fears our presence could sever it," Josephine said as she walked alongside Evelyn as they followed Inquisition guards through the front gates. "The Grand Duke is only too happy to have us at the ball as his guests, so our invitation comes from him. Whether we act as his allies, or upset the balance of power, he gains an opportunity…if not a clear advantage.
Evelyn nodded as she tried her best to look comfortable in the Inquisition uniform that Josephine made her wear. The ambassador as well as her other advisors were all wearing similar attire for the evening. One saving grace was Evelyn would not need to wear the awful dress that Josephine had originally picked out for her to wear. The plum and silver dress made her think of a spoiled grape.
"Inquisitor Trevelyan! It is an honor to meet you at last," Grand Duke Gaspard said as he approached her.
She knew by him calling out her title and name as he did was just for show. People that were wandering around in the courtyard that could hear him all turned to get a glimpse of the man taking her hand to kiss her knuckles. The urge to vomit hit her from the smell of his cologne or something. It smelled of soured apples.
"The rumors coming to us say you have battled armies of demons. Imagine what the Inquisition could accomplish with the full support of the rightful Emperor of Orlais!"
The man made her skin crawl. Even with his mask she knew he was looking her over from head to toe. Swallowing her dislike, she said, "I can see many benefits to such an alliance."
"Keep the image firmly in mind. We may see it materialize by the end of the evening," Gaspard said as continued to look her over. "I am not a man who forgets his friends, Inquisitor. You help me, I'll help you."
He turned away from her to walk through the courtyard. Evelyn was thankful to finally get upwind of him so she could not smell him any longer.
"Prepared to shock the assembly by appearing as the guest of a hateful usurper, my lady?" He paused to turn to look at her again. "They will be telling stories of this into the next age."
"Of me vomiting all over your gaudy boots? Yes, they will," she thought, forcing a smile on her face. "Aren't we exciting people? I can't imagine that crowd has seen anything better than us in their entire lives."
"I knew we would get along famously, Inquisitor," Gaspard said. His toothy smile being seen from underneath his mask. "As a friend, there is a matter you could undertake this evening." He lowered his head, shaking it. "This elven woman Briala – I suspect that she intends to disrupt the negotiations." Turning back to her. "My people have found these "ambassadors" all over the fortifications. Sabotage seems the least of their crimes.
"I hope there's more to go on," she said. Evelyn was a firm believer that all were created equally under the Maker's hand. Human, Elf, Qunari. It did not matter what they believed in; everyone was equal. "Tell me there's more to your suspicion than "The elves were acting dodgy"."
Gaspard did not look happy with her comment. "That "ambassador," Briala, used to be a servant of Celene's. This is, until my cousin had her arrested for crimes against the Empire to cover up a political mistake. If anyone in this room wishes Celene harm, Inquisitor, it's that elf. She certainly has reason." He sighed, shaking his head. "Be as discreet as possible. I detest the Game, but if we do not play it well, our enemies will make us look like villains."
She turned, hearing a bell chime. Turning back to Gaspard she found him smoothing out his burgundy sash across his chest.
"We're keeping the court waiting, Inquisitor," he said. "Shall we?"
Evelyn nodded. "I will be right with you, Grand Duke."
"I will wait for you at the main door."
She bit down on the inside of her cheek to prevent herself from saying something very inappropriate. With Josephine and Leliana nearby she was afraid one of them would stab her right there if she did anything that would jeopardize getting inside the ball.
Waiting until Josephine was at her side again, they began walking together towards the main entrance. She knew the ambassador would need to continue giving her orders of how to behave and what not to do. Evelyn was growing exhausted with everyone treating her like a little child. She had grown up in the royal court and knew how she should behave. Just because she chooses a life of a warrior did not make her an idiot.
"Inquisitor, a moment, if you please?" Josephine said as she stopped her from entering. "I must warn you before you go inside: how you speak to the court is a matter of life and death. It is no simple matter of etiquette and protocol. Every word, every gesture is measured and evaluated for weakness."
"I'll be careful. I'll keep my guard up, don't worry. I've dealt with nobility before, Josephine. This isn't anything new to me," Evelyn said, trying to reassure the other woman.
"Not like this you haven't," the Antivan said, shaking her head. Sighing she shook her head. "The Game is like Wicked Grace played to the death. You must never reveal your cards. When you meet the empress, the eyes of the entire court will be upon you."
"Warn the others as well. It might be a good idea for the others hear this warning. Especially Maxwell. I don't want him doing anything stupid," Evelyn said as she approached Josephine and patted her on the upper arm.
"I'll have a few…discreet words. Everything will be fine," Josephine said as she watched Evelyn walk past her to go inside. Turning to follow, she looked back over her shoulder for a moment before going inside. "Andraste watch over us all."