Chapter Sixty-Four

Grand Opening


Fenris was hovering today – like a stone sentinel with a sacred charge. When I asked him about it, he said, "I do not want you to think I am repulsed by you like the Knight-Captain seems to be." Of course, I didn't realize why he was emphasizing until I heard the strangled cough behind me.

Cullen sighed but said nothing. Axel and Alano were the ones following me today – when Cullen asked if they were simply there to learn or if this was an official 'detail' I said I didn't care… he failed the test I hadn't realized I'd placed.

Alistair was also with us – since it was my Grand Opening of my first four shops, he said he couldn't miss it. Meredith, Orsino, Elthina, Dumar, and all other notable figures in the city had shown up too.

I stepped up to the podium with Alistair standing close by. I smiled brightly at the crowd gathered, "Thank you all for coming today! Today I open my first four stores – I know the names are a bit… unique – but I hope you'll like them. Today I present my Tea shop – where people can go to enjoy or buy tea, soda, pastries and little sandwiches; The Mix-Up. In the same building, I present my Jeweler shop where you can buy anything from trinkets to wearable sending stones and mirrored bracelets that can allow you to talk face-to-face with people long distance; Palace Jewelry. In my other building, I present to you my soap shop where you can buy soap, perfume, massage oil and bath accessories; The Soft Touch. And finally, I present to you my shop that will sell plates, tea sets, bowls, cups, and all manner of glass or ceramic items; The Curio Cabinet. Soon, I will also be opening shops in Denerim and the Danu Palace. I will now open the floor to Questions."

Meredith spoke first, "Why did you hide your status as a Fairy?"

I smiled, "I didn't – no one actually asked, and I thought it was rather obvious… my hair isn't exactly a natural shade of Red, Knight-Commander."

She looked embarrassed. Orsino was smirking at her and took the next question, "What is the basis for your pricing system?"

"I had to bug my adopted brother Aedan to teach me Thedasian currency and pricing – I had no idea. He placed all the pricing for my soap scents in the beginning and based it mostly off the materials used with a bit of popularity anticipation. The prices are all set for cost of materials and labor – there will be items for both the rich and the poor since I made things that didn't take nearly as much to make as the more luxury items."

Dumar was next to speak, "You know the Queen of Danu?"

"I do…" I had a bad feeling that the questions were going to stay off topic.

"What are her plans in overthrowing Thedas?" one man asked.

"There are no plans – do you have any idea how taxing it is to run a country? She plans to completely leave Ferelden to Alistair in terms of politics because she can only focus on so much. The running of a country is exhausting, the paperwork is insurmountable, the grievances are never-ending, and a Royal will often have 16 hours of work each day. Other jobs get days off – ruling and parenthood does not. The most taxing paths a person can take are the ruling of a country or the rearing of a child. The Queen has chosen to focus mostly on Danu in terms of ruling; she will sometimes put in her opinion to Alistair on some things, but she can't split her attention between two countries and make plans for taking over the world. In all honesty, she could care less about it. She will be quite content to never set foot in the Anderfels, she thinks she'd be bored in Orlais, and Tevinter holds no interest except in one house because they abhor blood magic… rare for Vints."

The Arishok had made an appearance – making everyone cower and watch him wearily, "Aribas – what is the benefit of your soaps?"

I beamed at him, "Fenris – why don't you tell us about how Wraith has helped you?"

Fenris shrugged and stepped up to the podium, "These markings are Lyrium; I can use them to rip out hearts from chests, but they pain me if I touch people. The soap that Ara has made for me nulls the pain."

He then stepped away so Alistair rushed up and said, "She made Templars' Rose for me; I love roses – not manly, sure, but there you have it. It enhances my abilities as a Templar – I was trained as one. That specific scent is only usable for Templars and Mages due to the high concentration of Lyrium, but it does have other benefits, Arishok. For example – it eases muscle soreness and helps to heal newer cuts. One of her scents can also aid in hair growth, moisturizing skin, soothing muscles and aiding in healing wounds as well as promoting the strengthening of nails and muscles. My strength increased by 10% in the first 6 weeks of using Templars' Rose."

The Arishok nodded, "The Qunari will be interested in such a thing."

"My latest scent is perfect for Qunari especially – it also shines horns, reduces the itching of not having horn-balm, and strengthens the horns so that they stop chipping or getting damaged in combat."

"What is it called?" he asked.

"Dreadnought is made with Arbor Blessing, Rashvine, Embrium, Honey, Dawn Lotus, Vandal Aria and smells like cookies; I know my Kadan enjoyed cookies more than a little… to the point he took some off of a large child who 'clearly didn't need them'. The Qun does not have cookies because they plan far too well – cookies were invented as a way to use up leftover batter from other things. Dreadnaught is priced at 2 sovereigns per bottle."

The Arishok nodded, "You will get coin for it."

Just like that, I knew my soap would now be more popular. The Qunari would not buy something useless or just to support someone.

I nodded, "Are there any other questions before we move on?"

One person spoke – Lusine, "I heard you had 'doorstoppers' – can you inform us what those are and what they entail?"

She was a clever girl – recalling my words from before. I smiled, "They're called Door Prizes actually. Normally, these prizes are won by collecting a ticket at the door during an event and if the number on your ticket is called at the end of the event, you win the prize. Today, while supplies last, I will be giving out gift baskets to each person to make a purchase of at least 50 silvers. The prizes will include a basket that has a random sample size of Soap, a separate scent of oil and another scent of Perfume; they'll also have a one ounce tin of a random tea, a miniature pot and tea cup to make and drink that sample with, a little glass charm that can be connected to our charm bracelets, and a loofa – a bath item to help you wash your body with the soap. This is so that no matter what you buy today, you can get a sample of pretty much anything I sell. The same tactic will be used in Denerim and Danu when I open those shops over the next month."

Meredith spoke, "Does anything you sell have magic?"

I looked at her blandly, "I don't have magic – how are the things that I make going to have magic, Meredith? Sending Stones, Ley Lines, and Soap – none of it has magic though it appears magical in nature. You already have Templars in my home – did you wish to add them to my shops as well; or do you simply plan to do 'magic checks' 40 times a day? I have already been generous as to allow those Templars into my home and even agreed to allowing them to follow me around like a 'free' mage that requires an escort – all in the name of peace between the Fae and the Chantry. And on day one, your Knight-Captain caused me to have an emotional upset because he… do you think I am easily bullied just because I value peace and the Goddess, Meredith Stannard? Even the Goddess calls down retribution on those that go against nature – I am not some weak little fool that you can push until I break; I am more like a phoenix – I will always rise from the ashes stronger than before. I may not like death or killing or war – but I led the charge against the Blight and emerged victorious. You seem to forget that I was named a Hero of Ferelden, a Teyrna of Gwaren, a Cousland, and have the backing of the Chantry at the moment. May your Maker have mercy on those that think me weak and easily swayed – because I am neither."

The Arishok had watched and listened in an impassive manner – I knew he was evaluating how I handled the opposition from those 'lesser' than me in his eyes. I was 'Ari' Meredith was merely a Bas.

Elthina spoke, "You allowed the Templars into your home… for peace?"

"Were you told otherwise, Grand Cleric?" I asked.

"Indeed – I was informed that it was Merediths' choice…"

I snorted, "Meredith does not have even a fraction of the authority it would take to 'tame' me, Grand Cleric. I approached her yesterday about promoting peace between the Fae of Danu and the Chantry; I suggested 5 Templars be allowed to move into my home and when asked by the Knight-Captain, I allowed those Templars to act as a full detail rather than 'liaisons'."

The Grand Cleric frowned – I wasn't sure who told her this lie; Meredith wouldn't be so open about it. I spotted Brother Vael and continued, "I would propose another addition for peace, Grand Cleric. You may assign Brother Sebastian Vael to live in my home to learn more of the Fae and to oversee how we interact; to show that we are no different than you or Meredith or Orsino. We will take care of his lodging, food, and other general upkeep – and he will report things to you on if we are people. I desire peace, Grand Cleric – and if submitting to oversight will aid that, then I will do so. At least with an actual Chantry presence, the Templars may not get overzealous if something is left out of a report by mistake… I'd hate for misunderstandings to be the reason peace fails."

Meredith looked like she was sucking limes – and I would swear the Arishok looked smug at my obvious display of not trusting Meredith. Orsino was sniggering silently.

Sebastian – 5'11 with brown hair and bright blue eyes – said, "I will do this if you approve, Grand Cleric – I have worked with Lady Cousland and Serah Hawke before."

She frowned at the reminder of the 'Duty' quest. I spoke, "Vengeance can be destroying, Grand Cleric, but it can also be Karma. In Wicca we have a 'spell' that belongs to White Witchcraft regarding this matter. It calls down for what was done to us being returned three-fold to the one that wronged us. What Sebastian asked of my group was needed – because we did find plans on them to assassinate someone else; someone important. Would you see an innocent life suffer – or would you prevent it. Perhaps the Maker works in such ways – setting up trials that you can only see the benefit in once the trial is past?"

She sighed, "I can see your point… very well – Sebastian will pack his things and come to your home tonight to oversee the Templar presence and learn more of the Fae."

I nodded – the matter was pretty much settled at the moment. I could see the sour look on Merediths' face but pretended I didn't.

Wouldn't you know it – the Arishok made the first purchase; for exactly 2 sovereigns.


Overall, I think almost everyone in Kirkwall had made at least one purchase – my earnings for the day was nearing 50,000 sovereigns… so I turned a profit on day one by about 35k considering how much I spent on those herbs and metals and such.

Alistair was 'cornered' by Meredith – she said, "How are you here, King Alistair?"

I saw Elthina, Orsino and Dumar hovering around too. Alistair flashed her a charming smile, "Isn't it obvious, Knight-Commander? I know my beloved here told you about full-sized Ley Lines; she and I have a set – in fact the whole set she has for her mates are all full sized. Cullen only has the hand-held piece, but if he asked, she'd give him the rest of his piece. They work like portals when they're in the full form – so I pop over once a week for dinner, a snuggle and possible breakfast if I'm not running terribly behind. I cleared my schedule for today so that I could attend this grand opening – I did help finance these two and the sister buildings in Denerim – I put up a quarter of the funds, the Queen of Danu put up more, and of course all the aid from friends and such."

"So… where are your guards?" Dumar asked.

"At the house – figured I was safe enough with the Templars that are following my beloved since we aren't leaving Hightown and I'm still well-versed in the sword if need be. My guard-captain would love it if I used this form of travel every time – so much less to worry about in the department of security and travel arrangements, but… sometimes I can't for other reasons. Besides – it only works so long as both of us have our mirrors set up properly."

Elthina hummed, "This sort of travel could be revolutionary…"

"I wouldn't get your hopes up, Grand Cleric – Lady Cousland has already given me a rough estimate on such devices. 16,000 for bare-bones hand-held mirrors just to talk face to face," Meredith sighed.

I shrugged, "It takes a very rare natural talent to make them and the Mirror Ore is rare too – though the lands of Danu are self-replenishing, it still takes time for that to happen. That's why 16 full bodied mirrors – even at the barest specs – would be close to 55 thousand sovereigns. You're not just paying for the talent – you're paying for the rarity of the materials, the hand crafting, the time of the people crafting these items, and even the food that it takes to feed those people when it takes days or even weeks for them to make your items. The process of making Ley Lines cannot be interrupted once started or the product is useless – meaning those people need to be fed by someone else while they work – they stay up all night for days at a time to make these items. The only way to 'interrupt' this process is to have a second person with the rare gift come in and take over at one of the slower junctions so that the first person can get some rest. And this particular gift doesn't appear in Fairies – only Water Sylphs can bear it. This isn't counting that Water is the rarest of the four elements for a Sylph to be. More Water Sylphs have the gift of Healing or Song than have the gift of Mirrors. My own water guard has the gift of Song – her mother is the one that has the Gift of Mirrors."

Elthina hummed, "With such variables as that, I can see why the price is so high. We would be running the poor men or women into the ground if those things were cheaper. The Queen is right to place such a high price on those mirrors."

"I hold the pricing agreement for the Ley Lines – I am the one who set the pricing for them using my own understanding of what goes into making them. I spoke at great length with Galaxia – my guard – about what her mother goes through when making the Lines, how rare the materials were, and all of it. There are exactly 6 types of backs that can be used – and the cheapest is still about as rare as Silverite. The buttons can only be made with either genuine gemstones or the cheaper backing material. The Mirror Ore only 'grows' in two places – Moon or Water Provinces. The carvings on the mirrors that hold the 'enchantment' on the back of the Mirror Stone can only be carved by Earth Sylphs using their hands and only if they have the ability to sense the elements because they need to sense the spots in the stone where they can place those carvings. Fire Sylphs are the only ones that can add the Ore and Stones together. It takes a minimum of five people all working together to make one mirror; because there are some things that Sylphs can do but Fairies can't – and the same holds true in reverse. I don't want my people to be taken advantage of – so I place the price high to account not only the cost of making these mirrors – but to make sure there aren't too many orders for them." I sighed.

Alistair kissed my temple, "Danu is lucky to have such a capable Tycoon on their side."

I smiled at his attempt to calm me – I had gotten a bit riled up at Merediths' obvious attempts to make me lower the price.

Elthina smiled, "I do believe you're right, Child. Besides – you sell sending stones too; those would work just as well, wouldn't they?"

"Yeah – those only require two sylphs working together to make them and only take about 4 hours tops. So on those I based the price on readily available Sending Stones."

Alistair chuckled, "It's very tempting to just buy a set for each person in the Landsmeet so that we don't have to call people away from their lands for every minor issue that somehow requires them to convene. The Queen coming to Ferelden for our official betrothal ball in 5 months will also have every noble and person of interest in the palace. I still need to talk with her about official dates for the wedding – which will be soon from what she promised me last night."

"Make the Betrothal Ball into the official wedding instead – the Queen has already met every person of any note in Ferelden down to the Bann of the Denerim Alienage and Sangra – the owner of the Pearl… they just don't know that they met her. Coming back here after that wedding will certainly be fun since everyone will know who the Queen is by the time I get back and will be clamoring to meet her… I need to hire an assistant. I already stole your advisor away to run my shops though…" I heaved a weary sigh.

Alistair shook his head, "Landon came to you willingly – you earned that one. I think I can get you an assistant…"

"Nah – I think I'll hire a Fairy… Rain had a good head on his shoulders. I might approach him first since he also has the gift of Healing and since you'll be getting that one prize…"

"… Call Rain," Alistair said seriously. He knew I needed a healer dedicated to mostly me if I would soon be carrying his child; after all, Anders spent more time in the clinic than anything.

I smirked, "I always win this type of debate."

"That, my love, is because you know exactly how to pull my strings for it. You know what will sway me."

"Granted – I don't mind losing once in a while… especially to you," I hummed.

Elthina smiled gently, "It is nice to see that you two are open with your affections. I hope this means the Queen won't mind…?"

"…" I sniggered – I couldn't help it. Alistair had an amused smirk on his face, "Her Majesty adores that I love Ara. As you're aware, Fairies have between 1 and 4 mates – usually 4 – so they don't really experience jealousy much if at all. The number of times that I have been encouraged to take another 'mate' is… hilarious. It won't happen, but they do put on a good show of it."

I laughed so hard I snorted at that, "I pulled other women into our bed with the sole intention of trying to get Alistair to take another mate. He's dedicated; I'll give him that."

He shrugged, "I only allow it because you enjoy women, my love – if it were all for me, then I wouldn't say yes when you ask. As it is, Cullen is lucky I haven't cleaved him in two for his misstep last night."

I scoffed, "You just want the promised prize for leaving the Knight-Captain alone."

"Maker, yes I do," he said with a sappy smile as he kissed my cheek.

Meredith cut in, "What prize – and why were you going to kill my Knight-Captain?"

Elthina coughed, "I would like to know why you might kill him too…"

Alistair sighed and looked at me. I bit my lip, "Mates are sacred among the Fae – to point that we 'worship' our mates; especially in a situation like mine where I have four mates that are not mated to others. I only opened these shops to make money to dote on them. That is my whole motivation in opening the shops. Cullen… he broke up with me, but he hasn't completely severed the connection; and I'm making him read the book on Fairy Laws and Physiology before he's able to know how to sever the connection. I'm doing that because if he fully severs the connection… well… I'll not only have to 'replace' him due to my status in the Fae Court, but there will be physical repercussions for me to endure. Last night, Cullen and I got into a quarrel about… things… and I ended up admitting that I hate myself. Alistair was unhappy to hear such things and would have killed Cullen for harming me in such a way if I hadn't promised him something."

I felt the flash of smug satisfaction from Meredith and Horror from the other two. Meredith snorted, "What did you promise the king?"

"I don't think that part is any of your business, Meredith. What I grant to my mate – my husband by Fairy Law – is my business and not yours. What does it matter to you if I promised him the moon or a pile of pancakes?"

Alistair laughed, "You may as well have promised the moon – I've never wanted anything as badly as I want that prize, my love."

I smiled up at him – though it was tinged with sadness when I realized that I may never have a child with Cullen – before saying, "You'll have it then, of course."

Elthina smiled, "I will send Brother Vael over in a few hours; after the evening prayer."

I nodded, "Sounds good – does he have dietary preferences or will he eat anything?"

"I believe he is allergic to peanuts but otherwise… he'll eat anything."

"Well – there goes the Thai peanut chicken dish I had planned for tomorrow; but no worries. Thank you, your Grace – I'll keep that in mind."

She seemed relieved that I would go 'out of my way' to make dishes that would include him. Little did she know that I lived with people who couldn't eat meat so I was used to it.

We began heading back home; and somehow I got the feeling that Meredith was going to increase Cullens' pay after what was said.


My guards were walking on eggshells around me – as though they were worried I was about to break down. They had no idea what me breaking down would look like – and I supposed that was a good thing.

Celeste was at nearly 5 months into her pregnancy – and with twins, it showed – before the four of them came to me. Magma spoke at dinner one night, "Ara… we'd like to know the genders – if you're still willing to tell us?"

I noted Cullen stiffen at that – likely thinking about the future child I had mentioned. I smiled, "Of course – you will have one of each; a girl and a boy… technically."

Confusion was in the face of each person at the table – Aveline looked confused, "What does that mean?"

"Well… the girl will be born a boy and the boy will be born a girl, and they will always feel that they are what I describe."

"Oh – well, that isn't an issue; rare to be sure, but no issue. We will be sure to treat and name them accordingly," Galaxia beamed.

Drake laughed, "When one twin is that way, usually both are."

I blinked, "Not where I am from, but if it's like that in Danu… huh. good to know – and if they come to me one day, I will perform the surgeries on them to aid them in looking as they are; but only if that's something that they want, of course. Some transgender people don't want to undergo the surgeries."

Axel asked, "Surgery?"

I nodded, "I'm a gender reassignment specialist – I can make a man look like a man in truth if he had been born female or the reverse. I can also do IVF – surrogacy. I take the sperm from a man and the eggs from a woman, and I fertilize the eggs with the sperm and implant them into the woman so that she can have kids. I recently did that for 5 women from Danu – it was a Pod of women that threw in with a pod of men to have kids. My way meant that they didn't need to take secondary mates just for such a chance. They ended up with a total of 10 children at once – and since there were 10 people all together, it worked out that they would never be short-handed. Each woman and man had two kids a piece. Several Fae have expressed an interest in learning both forms of medical practice. Honestly, Danu is the only place I can think of that might be able to do it too."

The whole table was silent. Caspar said, "Where are you from again?"

"A place called America – that was the country anyway. The 'region' was Colorado and the specific city was Denver."

"And where is this place?" Alano asked with a grin. I felt my shoulders slump as I shook my head and stood up, "Somewhere so far away that I will never see it again… it may as well be another world."

I turned and started to the door. Hawke casually said, "You forgot to eat, sweetheart."

I glanced back in time to see Cullen shooting Hawke a glare. I sighed, "My depression comes with a lack of appetite. My parents and siblings are still alive, Hawke – and they think I'm dead. How do you want me to react to that? Sending Stones, Ley Lines… they don't work there; and the similar items they do have don't work here. I can't tell my loved ones that I'm alive – that my cancer is gone… I'm not dying anymore… they didn't know I was dying; I hid that from them – but with my death, they would have been told. All my pictures of my son and husband – all my loved ones… the day Ostagar fell, I may as well have died with all that I lost. I may be happier now – because I have Alistair and Fenris and all my friends… but I still want my family. While I wouldn't trade my experiences and loved ones here for the world, I would give all of you away in a heartbeat if I could be with my son again – even if I had to die to do that."

Cullen was pale – and the Templars at the table all looked awkward. Hawke sighed and came over to me, pulling me into a hug, "Sweetheart – if we could, you know all of us would do whatever it took for that happen. Even Alistair – as much as he loves you – would give you up in an instant if it meant you could be with Levi. Shit; the man would follow you and let Anora have the throne back in seconds. I think Fenris might go with you too."

I nodded, "I know – and I'd be loath to leave them behind… but I'd lose them there. Too many women and men would stampede my door down to get close to those two. More would come for you or Cullen or – goddess be kind – if I took that flirty assassin home with me. Alistair was the number one favorite with Cullen being a close second but almost tied with an elf I have yet to meet."

I knew Cullen heard me – he was sitting rather close to the door – but no one else did. Hawke laughed, "Sweetheart, I'd certainly follow you… just for the opportunities if nothing else."

I sighed, "It's nice to dream once in a while. Thank you Hawke; I needed that."

"Will you… maybe eat a bite or two now?" he asked hopefully. I hummed thoughtfully, "Only if I can sit in your lap."

He shook my hand, "You got a deal – just tell Alistair that this one was your idea, not mine. I think he was eyeing my neck when you told him I kissed you."

I coughed a laugh, "I wasn't going to hide it from him, Hawke – you had me pressed against the wall and your tongue was down my throat – that's more than I could brush off as you fulfilling my joking words in Lothering… though I will need to speak to you privately with Fenris, Sebastian and Alistair soon…"

Hawke looked confused before groaning, "I take it you're choosing me to replace Cullen in the line-up."

"It will be temporary – and you can keep Bela. I've been told I'm not allowed to keep her." I pouted.

Fenris snorted, "I do not approve of Hawke… no offense, Hawke, but you are a man that might be interested in her bed."

I smirked, "Come now, Fenris – of course you'd be invited."

"No – I don't do… people like him…"

"Uh-huh – liar," I smirked.

Fenris stiffened, "Am I?"

"Oh yeah – you are a huge liar. If I weren't here, you and Hawke might be all over one another… not that I'm stopping you; that would be… so hot."

Fenris sighed and set down the roll he was buttering and hummed, "I suppose I can see it – he is a good looking man, I suppose."

I smirked victoriously, "Uh-huh – and he's one of the good ones. Anyway, at least Hawke doesn't push."

"Oh – never; though… I can't do that one thing you like. I'm sorry, even if it's the only way I'd ever be in your bed, I can't do it."

I motioned as I sat on his lap, "You see, Fenris? A perfect gentleman to the end; he won't choke me, spank me or do anything depraved without a green light and certainly won't do that one thing that I hate saying aloud."

There was a round of choking from all of the Templars. Cullen looked like a deer in headlights, "Excuse me?"

"Oh yeah – I'm a depraved little whore from my time as a sex slave. I'm ashamed of it, but that's just who I am now. My husband had problems with it – but he tried his best to accommodate me. I learned to like regular sex just fine, but the kinky stuff… that gets me off like nothing else."

My mate had asked – I had no shame in saying it in front of these strangers if he was the one asking in front of them. Sebastian was red and coughed, "Pardon me… I think I need to… to pray…"

"Sit back down, Bas – I'll stop talking sex for now, but you need to get re-used to it. You will be around people like me that talk about anything and everything that cross their minds. If I were to ask, my guards would spout off their dick sizes just because there are almost no taboo topics in Danu. They all know how big Alistair is too – for the same damn reason. But we can certainly change the subject now. I'm simply compelled to answer most questions from my mates despite the setting."

Cullen looked sour, "You answered that because it was me asking… you wouldn't have answered for someone else?"

"Well, I sure as shit wouldn't have answered if Basilio had asked, Knight-Captain. Shit, I had the whole group of Heros from the Blight measuring their dicks right after we got the Ashes of Andraste because it made me feel better about my miscarriage and helped me seduce Alistair back into my bed; he got jealous when I asked the assassin how big his was."

Water spewed from Belas' nose as she coughed and Anders pounded on her back. I smirked, "You already know that answer, Kitten."

She nodded, "I just didn't expect you to know, Kitty… how big is your brother?"

"He didn't say – but he was jealous that Alistair could match a Qunari Sten in length." Hawke sighed, "Oh – I so never had a chance."

Fenris looked impressed, "I hadn't looked – does he really?"

I nodded, but said no more… until Alano asked, "What is the Qunari average?"

I hummed, "Oh… er… about 9-10 inches in length I think. Sten could only speak to his own size which was the lower of the two numbers but was told he was average in every aspect, so… we extrapolated. I'll die if my fourth mate is more than that – I already have trouble with such numbers."

Hawke snorted, "Poor Brother Vael over there looks ready to combust."

I smirked, "He's heard worse – though that was a decade ago, wasn't it? You were 22 when you joined the Chantry."

"And I've not had a woman in my bed since – I took vows of chastity, Lady Cousland…"

"And poverty and… yet your family is dead and you need to take back the throne of Starkhaven one day. We can talk more on that later, though."

"Makers' Breath…" he muttered.

"Is it true the King of Ferelden has scales?" Basilio asked – and I could tell he was asking maliciously.

I smiled, "They feel wonderful when I run my hand along his chest. But that isn't where you're wondering, is it?"

Alistairs' voice came from the doorway, "If he's so curious, I could remove my shirt – and Hawkes' head while I'm at it."

"But he's making me feel better… you wouldn't want me to start crying again, would you?" I pouted.

"… Fine. And you – the scales are only on my chest – above my heart. Love, I came by today to tell you that things are in motion for the wedding in 3 months; Eamon has taken a personal interest in setting up most things, but I came to ask if there was a specific menu or dress style or anything I needed to get – I plan to have it made of white Plaideweave if that helps."

Sebastian looked surprised, "Your Majesty…"

"Eh – you're Brother Vael, right? Call me Alistair."

Bas nodded. I spoke, "We can talk menus and clothes tomorrow; that conversation takes at least half an hour if everything goes smoothly."

He smirked and sat down at the table, "Then I suppose I'll join you for dinner… sit in my lap?" I rolled my eyes before moving to his lap from Hawkes.