The Whispering Bells Inn was no different than any other tavern across the Free Marches. The only difference was the bells did not whisper when the Chantry began to ring them. The windows rattled every time the bells chimed to announce services. That was one thing Varric missed about The Hangman, he could hear the Chantry bells in the distance. He was Andrastian – not that he would admit it openly – but he enjoyed hearing the bells. Just not that close.

Luther done what he promised. He was able to get them to Starkhaven through the smuggler's path with no problems. No one spotted them while they traveled the back roads and was able to enter the city without difficulty. The hardest problem they had to deal with was having Bull with them. A Qunari was not easily to disguise. With the guardsman help, they were able to find shelter at one of the many inns in town and was able to get Iron Bull inside through the backdoor in the middle of the night.

Varric immediately reached out to contacts that he had in town to find out that the Ostwick party had not arrived when they had. His contacts told him that the prince had sent his royal guards out to meet them on the path to escort them to the city. When he inquired about the Inquisitor and Commander the woman just shrugged and said she did not hear anything about them. That did not make it easier for them to sit back and wait for more information.

Sitting around was getting tiresome for the four. Isabela was getting impatient. If she had her way, she would have walked right up the steps to the castle, bang on the front door as hard as she could and scream Sebastian's name until he came out. After telling her plan to the others, Dorian was proudly willing to join her.

The Tevinter mage was getting more irritating with each passing minute. It was taking Bull's distractions to keep Dorian from storming the gates by himself in a blaze. Varric was sure it would be a spectacular display knowing the mage's flamboyancy, but it could not happen. Not yet. They had to wait until the right time. Thankfully, Bull and Isabela were keeping the mage occupied by playing Wicked Grace.

Varric sat in the room, leaning back on the chair he sat on with his feet kicked up on the table. The candle burning beside him as he wrote in his journal, listening to his three companions as they played. His reading glasses perched precariously on the bridge of his nose as his quill ran across the parchment. He knew no one would believe the what was happening, he did not even believe it.

Yet here they were in Starkhaven – the most boring city-state of the Free Marches – trying to save the Herald of Andraste and the Commander of the Inquisition. "Definitely some weird shit going on here," Varric kept saying to himself.

It was nearly nightfall when the knock on the door had him reaching out for Bianca that sat on his lap. Years of making deals and acquisitions with the Merchant's Guild, he knew that most people did not knock. Most would kick the door open and shoot or stab first before asking questions. Nonetheless, Varric and the others were not taking any chances. Resting Bianca on his legs, he aimed the crossbow at the door before yelling for the person on the other side to come in.

The door opened to a pair of city guards. Their swords still sheathed as they stepped inside the room. Following them inside another person wearing a heavy cloak with the hood pulled over to hide their appearance stepped in. The four stood ready for action as they watched the hooded figure step around the two city guards.

"Can't turn your back for a year or two alone and all of Thedas begins to fall apart," the hooded person said. "I thought you knew better, dwarf."

Varric lowered Bianca and stood up. "Well, shit," the dwarf said. "Is that you, Elf?"

The hooded figure gently pulled back the hood and stared at the four. "You really do not understand the meaning of laying low, do you?"

Isabela ran over to wrap her arms around the elf, kissing him on the cheek. "Fenris! Oh, you sexy, broody elf you!"

Hugging the pirate, Fenris held her close to his side. "Isabela. I see you've done well."

"I'd do better if I was back on my ship," she said as she pulled away. "This is the farthest from the water I've been in ages."

Nodding, Fenris turned to Varric and looked down at the dwarf. "I hear you've been busy, dwarf."

Varric held out a hand to the elf, shaking it firmly. "That's more than I've heard about you, Elf. I heard you were chasing slavers up north."

"I was for a while. I tracked some back this way and had received a little help from Vael and his friend. Vael offered me a position as bodyguard and to assist in training his guards." Fenris unclasped the cloak fastened at his neck and draped it over the chair beside him. "I come and go as I please to do whatever the prince needs or when I hear anything disturbing." Folding his arms across his chest, Fenris look at the Qunari mercenary and Tevinter mage. "And imagine my surprise when I receive word that Varric Tethras was in town with a pirate, a mage and Qunari."

"Are you here to just run your mouth or are you here to help us," Dorian said, tired of standing in the back. He stepped forward and stood only a few feet away from Fenris. Looking at the elf, he surveyed him from head to toe and back again. "So, you're the elf Danarius talked about."

"And you must be the Tevinter kaffas I've heard about," Fenris retorted.

Dorian's head tilted back in wry laughter. "Oh…you are interesting." He turned back to the elf and smoothed his mustache. "Although, I must say when word got back to the Imperium that you killed Danarius it came to much pleasure of many that held positions. I myself did not care one way or another about him since I was too busy trying to rebel against my own family."

Fenris stared at the men, holding back his anger. Inquisition member or not he was still a Tevinter mage. The anger boiling inside him as he stood there until he felt someone tapping on his forearm. Turning, the elf found Varric at his side, shaking his head.

"Sparkler's one of the good guys. Trust me, I can vouch for him." Varric watched as the mage threw his hands in the air, curse something in Tevene, spin around and walk away. Pursing his lips, he shook his head and turned back to Fenris. "He's a little on edge. We all are."

Nodding, Fenris kept his eyes focused forward. Watching the Qunari talk quietly to the Tevinter in the corner of the room. There was an obvious dynamic between the two but Fenris observed that whatever it may be between then it was still in the early stages. "I've spoken with Sebastian. Your Inquisitor is currently sleeping in the palace. She does not look well."

"Shit," Varric said. "And Curly?"

Shaking his head, Fenris turned back to the dwarf. "I have been unable to get to him again since arriving. This Captain Malloy has him guarded. I wanted to speak with you before I speak with him tonight at the ball." Running a hand over his bangs, he pushed the hair out of the face. "We think there may be a problem."

"Define problem, Elf? Like, medium problem? Small problem?" Varric turned and went back to the table to pour himself a drink. "I'm not sure I can handle a big problem."

Fenris walked over to where Varric was pouring himself a glass of wine and took the bottle from the dwarf. Taking a long drink of it, he lowered the bottle. "Demons and Fade walking problem."

The dwarf's eyes widened as he watched the elf taking another drink of the wine. "Please tell me you're joking. I mean, I know her father is an asshole but you're saying he's a demon?"

"The templar thinks so."

"Demons?" Bull said as he stepped forward. "We're dealing with demons now?"

Isabela shrugged. "Wouldn't be the first time we've dealt with demons and crazed family members."

Shaking his head, Fenris released a heavy breath. "I'm hoping that the templar is wrong about demons. I've seen mages give up their bodies for demons to control, not someone that's not a mage."

Dorian shook his head as he moved forward. "I have seen this before in soporati." Seeing the curious looks, Dorian was about to speak but Fenris answered before he could.

"Non-mages," Fenris answered. "Abominations as well." He turned to Dorian. "Her father is a mage?"

Shaking his head, Dorian said, "No. Although her brother, Maxwell, is. So was her uncle and cousins. They were killed at the Conclave."

"But her father isn't a mage?" Fenris asked.

Varric shrugged. "Not that I'm aware of." His eyebrows furrowed as he lifted his hand to rub his chin. "This is really some messed up shit if I'm hearing this right."

"Let me get this right," Bull started. "You people are saying that the boss's father is possessed by a demon that's forcing her to marry this prince guy."

"Sounds about right," Fenris said. "I advised Sebastian not to go into a contract with Trevelyan. Something didn't set well."

"I'll bet my last sovereign that dear ol' daddy Trevelyan is a meat puppet for a pride demon. Or maybe a desire demon."

Walking back towards the door, Fenris lifted his hood. "I'm getting back to the castle to speak with Cullen. I'm getting to the bottom of this."

"Be careful, Elf," Varric said.

Pausing at the door, Fenris turned back to look over his shoulder at the four. "Stay here. As soon as I'm able to get you in the castle I'll send word." He pointed a finger at each one of them. "Stay here. I mean it. I don't need you misfits in there until I'm sure we can do anything."

"What?" Isabela said, placing a hand over her chest to feign shock. "Us? Misfits?"

"I mean it," Fenris warned, his voice demanding. "I don't need any of you doing anything stupid." Taking a deep breath, he sighed. "I'll have someone come get you after nightfall. We'll get you in the castle."

The elf turned and left, leaving the others behind. They stood in silence for a moment before Dorian finally spoke up.

"And we're just going to sit here and wait?"

Varric walked back over to the table and sat down. Kicking his feet up on the table, he picked up a bottle to take a drink. "If Elf tells me to wait, I'm going to wait."

The mage turned to look at the pirate. She nodded her head and sat at the table next to Varric.

"I'm not moving until Fenris says something."

Bull took his cues from the other two and sat down. Retrieving the cards from the table, the Qunari began to shuffle the cards. Dorian looked at the mercenary, expecting him to want to join him.

"You too?" Dorian asked, surprised.

Nodding his slowly, Bull turned to look at the mage. "If he says to stay and they are staying, I'm not moving. They know this guy and trust him. I'm not moving."

Blowing out a huff, Dorian sat down at the end of the table. Scooping the cards that Bull had dealt. He did not like this but deep down he knew they were right. They would just have to wait until nightfall to get in. He just prayed that Evelyn and Cullen would be fine until then.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Sebastian walked down the hallway humming to himself as he carried a small wooden tray. On the tray was a pot of hot tea, two cups, fruit, cheese and sweet bread. When he reached the room, he found the two Ostwick guards standing watch at the door.

"Your worship," one of the guards said as he approached.

"Good evening, gentleman," Sebastian said, stopping in front of the room. "I would like to speak with Commander Cullen. He and I have been friends for many years and would like to speak with him for a bit."

The other guard shook his head. "Afraid not, Prince Vael. Captain Malloy said no visitors."

Smiling, Sebastian held out the tray towards the two men. "Oh, come now. I promise I won't be long." He looked down both ends of the hallway before turning back to the two men. "How about, I leave this here for you two to enjoy while I speak with the commander. I promise not to be too long." He turned to set the tray on the table that sat on the other side of the hallway from where they stood. Turning back, he smiled. "I'll be in and out before anyone knows."

The two guards looked at each other. One licking his lips as his eyes moved to look at the tray that was sitting on the table across from them. His stomach grumbling as he turned back to look at the other guard. Both nodded to each other before turning back to the prince.

"You have a couple minutes, Prince Vael," the one on the left said.

The other opened the door and allowed Sebastian inside. As soon as the prince entered the room, he pulled the door shut.

Inside the room, he found Cullen pacing the room. The commander stopped and was visibly relieved to see the prince walk into the room.

"Maker, I'm glad to see you," Cullen said as he narrowed the distance between them. "Where is she?"

Holding up both hands, Sebastian stopped him from rushing towards the door. "She's well. I just left her room."

"To the Void with that. I want to see her," Cullen insisted. "I want to see her now."

Cullen pushed against Sebastian as he moved around him, knocking his shoulder against the prince's. Quickly reaching out, Sebastian grabbed the back of Cullen's vest and yanked him back with all the strength he had. Putting himself between the ex-templar and the door, Sebastian pushed both hands against the other man's chest to try to hold him back again.

"You can't. Not yet."

"I don't know what you and her father – "

"I am not in league with her father, Cullen," Sebastian said. He looked at the man direction in the eye. "You have to believe me. I am not party to what he is doing. If that is him."

Cullen's jaw slacked as he stared back at the other man. "What do you mean 'If that is him'?"

Taking a deep breath, Sebastian allowed his body to relax when he was certain that Cullen would not try to run out of the room. "Evelyn's message about her father's allure. The demon that corrupted Lady Harrimann, the woman that had my family murdered. The demon's name was Allure." Wiping the palm of his hand down his face, he exhaled heavily. "This desire demon took control over this woman, drove her insane to the point that she was using her own children, corrupting them."

Cullen's fingers twisted in his hair, pulling tightly as he let it all sink in. He could feel the sting from his hair being pulled on his head as he turned to walk towards the window to look out at the sun setting over the horizon. "That's why my skin has felt like it's on fire every time I'm near him. I just assumed it was from…" His voice trailed off, unable to finish his thoughts. "My withdrawls."

"Fenris said something similar about Captain Malloy," Sebastian said. Stepping up behind the ex-templar, the prince placed a hand on the man's shoulder. "Do you trust me, Commander?"

Turning, Cullen looked at the man. "Do I have a choice? They fear that if I am not here under guard, she will not do their bidding. I'm being used as collateral to keep her under their control."

"Come," Sebastian said as he turned around and walked towards the door. "We have work to do."

Watching the prince reach for the door, Cullen shook his head. "I can't risk them hurting Evelyn if I do something."

Sebastian looked at him over his shoulder. "She will give herself to save you before she allows any harm come to you. I am certain they will not do anything to you." Opening the door, he looked out into the hallway to find both guards sitting on the floor, slumped over as they slept. "I honestly don't think they will be saying anything for a while."

Walking out of the room behind the other man, Cullen watched at Sebastian gathered the teacups that laid on the floor and placed them on the tray along with anything else that was laying around. Retrieving the tray and the contents, Sebastian turned back to Cullen who remained by the doorway of his room. Seeing the confused look on the other man's face, Sebastian smiled.

"I may have learned a few things from my years with Hawke," the prince said.

"That should worry me," Cullen replied as he stepped over the guard that was stretched out in front of the door. "Now where?"

"We'll need to get you some new clothing."

Cullen fell in step with the prince. "Clothing?"

"For the ball tonight. Fenris will explain," Sebastian said. "Right now, I have someone who want to speak with you."

o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Knight-Captain Rumford stood in the room, staring at the woman that stood beside the window. She looked sickly, dressed in a long, white dressing gown with a dark blue robe. Her brunette hair hung lifeless down her back. Her tanned skin looked pale as did her eyes. He had seen this look before in mages at the Starkhaven Circle before it was destroyed. She had been Fade touched but he could not feel anything stirring inside her.

"Every time you do that, I get nauseous," she said, keeping her eyes focused on the horizon.

The Knight-Captain straightened himself as he kept his eyes trained on her. His hand resting on the blade at his side. "And what would that be, my lady?"

"Your cleansing wave," she answered. "Why not just throw down a righteous strike on me?" She turned to face him, her emerald eyes meeting his brown eyes. "Or maybe a holy smite? Although if you smite me, you'll need to write down your observations to my brother and send it to him." She gave him a weak smile and a half shrug. "He's been wanting someone to do that to me for a while. I think he even tried to bribe Rylen to do it."

"Rylen?" the Knight-Captain said mostly to himself before nodding. "Good lad. Left here to go to Kirkwall to assist at the Circle there before running off with your Inquisition."

Evelyn turned slowly as she wrapped her arms around herself. Stepping forward, she watched as the man kept his focus on her. When she woke up, Sebastian had left a note for her that the Knight-Captain would be there to keep watch on her. Another pair of trusted templars would be outside of her room. The man was quiet even when she had tried to speak with him his answers were short and to the point. He remained by the door and kept his hand firmly on his weapon to not take any chances.

When she first woke, she thought she was looking at Cullen for a moment before her eyes fully adjusted. The templar was tall, blonde hair that was a bit straight, and his voice was vaguely like Cullen's except for the slight Starkhaven brogue. The difference was the eyes. His eyes were a deep brown and his face too clean. Freshly shaven with no scar across his lip. His templar armor stood out, the rank of knight-captain visible on his uniform. She wondered if Cullen looked the same when he was in Kirkwall.

"So…what's it like working with Sebastian? I hear that the remaining templars work alongside the city guard," Evelyn asked as she walked over to the fire. She held out her hands to try to warm them. "I hope he doesn't work you too hard."

"Nay," Rumford said. "Prince Vael is an honorable man. The Maker has blessed him with kindness and understanding."

"Kindness and understanding?" she repeated. A smile lifted her lips. "I think that's a pleasant way of saying he's not a pain in the arse, isn't it, Knight-Captain?"

Rumford's head lowered and she could see the faintest of smiles on his face. Straightening himself, he raised his head to look at her once again. "Aye. But I will deny it if asked."

Nodding, she turned and looked over her shoulder at him. "I won't tell anyone." She turned back to him. "You're a good man, Knight-Captain. Not many would have said what they thought."

"Excuse me, my lady. You are to be the new princess after you take your vows in two days. Prince Vael has ordered us to treat you as we would him," Rumford said as he seemed to relax slightly. He lifted his free hand up to scratch the side of his head. "If you are to become princess then I will honor his wishes."

Turning back to the fire, she slowly nodded her head. She never wanted to be princess of Starkhaven. She never wanted to be bann in Ostwick if necessary. Truthfully, she did not want to be Inquisitor, but she had no choice in that. The mark on her hand prevented her from being anything else. Turning around, she faced the Knight-Captain. Being a templar would be better than where she stood right now.

Two quick raps at the door was followed by a brief pause then another three. The templar excused himself as he turned and opened the door to step outside. Evelyn faced the door, holding her hands together in prayer. Biting down on her lower lip, she closed her eyes to pray to the Maker. When the door opened once more, she finally opened her eyes. Tears began to fall down her cheeks when she saw him run across the room to close the distance between them.

Cullen arms wrapped around her and pulled her against his body to hold her firmly to his. His lips came down to brush against her forehead. "I have missed you."

"Not as much as I," she said, enjoying the feel of his body around hers. "I was afraid they would – "

"They wouldn't," he said. Looking down at her, he smiled. "As it seems, I am worth more alive than dead."

She lifted her hands to cup his scruffy cheeks. "You are worth more than that to me, Cullen."

His head lowered to kiss her softly on the lips. They only parted when Sebastian cleared his throat behind them. Cullen released a heavy breath as he lowered his forehead to rest it against hers.

"I'm sorry. We must be quick. I don't know how much longer we have before Captain Malloy discovers the Commander is gone," Sebastian said as he stepped closer to them. "Fenris will be back soon with the others."

Evelyn's emerald eyes lifted to meet Cullen's ambers. "Others?"

"Varric, Dorian and Bull are here," Cullen said. Then he sighed, shaking his head. "And Isabela."

Sebastian groaned when he heard the name. Seeing and hearing both react that way, she pulled away slightly to look at both. "Isabela? The pirate? Hawke's Isabela?"

Both men nodded.

"Yes," Cullen answered. "It's a long story that I'm sure she'll want to tell you at length when we leave."

She smiled. "I look forward to it."

"You may regret that, Eve," Sebastian replied. "Come, Cullen. We must be going."

The prince turned away when he saw Cullen pull her in for another kiss. Not of shame but to allow privacy. He lowered his head, covering his face as he smiled. Now he understood that day in the garden when she kissed him. The kiss that was meant for Commander Cullen.

"Please be careful, Cullen," she whispered as she stared up at him. Her fingers running slowly over his cheek, down his jawline. She traced the curve of his face, trying to etch it to memory. "I want you to go. Get back to Skyhold where they need you. Hawke – "

"Can wait," he said, shaking his head. Placing his hands on her shoulders, he stared down into her eyes. "I am not running anywhere unless I have you with me by my side. These…" He paused, blowing out a long breath. "Your father will not keep me from you."

"Please," Sebastian said as he placed a hand on Cullen's shoulder. "We need to go."

Cullen kissed her quickly one last time. "I will be back for you. I promised you that I would be by your side and protect you at all costs. I will keep that promise with my last breath."

"As I you, Cullen," Evelyn said. She held his hand as he stepped back slowly. When she was no longer able to hold on, she let him go. Feeling the lose of him already. Turning to Sebastian, she wrapped her arms around herself. "Sebby?"

"I will watch over him, Eve," Sebastian said as he pulled the door open. "You must get ready. I'll see you soon."

Evelyn nodded as she turned to look at the gown that was hanging from the wardrobe across the room from her. Taking a deep breath, she suddenly felt alone as the door pulled shut behind him. Biting her lower lip, she was not looking forward to the ball tonight. Running her hand through her hair, she closed her eyes and exhaled slowly. She would rather be wearing armor tonight than a ball gown.

"Time to dress up, Eve," she told herself. "Let's make daddy proud."