Chapter Twenty-Three

Party

The next day was the Party – yeah, my stalling meant we made it back just in time. It was Ridiculous – with a capital R – and Josie had apparently been sending out invites since it was confirmed who I was… and only got permission later.

Today I wore a white-to-blue faded ombre dress with a single shoulder that had a transparent faux-sleeve. The entire bodice was covered in diamond and light sapphire beading – Leliana had designed it.

But the best part was the person that showed up 'first' – well… people. I had to work to keep my composure as I internally fan-girled. Garrett fucking Hawke was 6'1 with shaggy black hair, tanned skin covered in scars, golden-brown eyes and a very sexy beard. Fenris was 5'7 with tanned skin covered in Lyrium marks, bright green eyes and white hair in an emo hair-cut… I loved it.

He approached me and barely managed to get to me before Cassandra could intercept him. I extended my hand with an amused smile, "Hawke – a pleasure to finally meet you in person. Fenris, also a pleasure – I looked forward to meeting you both."

"Varric says such nice things about you – 'has a shot at fixing Blondies mess', I believe were his exact words; high praise from a critical author that lived through that mess," Hawke gave me a charming smile. I felt Cullens' arm come around my waist, "Hawke."

"Cullen! My, but it is nice to you again; tell me, are the tales true?"

I giggled, "Depends which ones you listen to specifically. Cullen and I being 'love-at-first-sight' and that journal you found being for me… yes. Him proposing on a moonlit night while we walked around Havens' fields and forests… not so much."

Hawke chuckled, "Ah – you know how I found that journal?"

"I can guess – I'm still waiting on the full report," I winked. Fenris lifted an eyebrow, "A… report?"

Hawke coughed, "Now, my love – you had left me; it had been a year by then and I didn't have much hope of you returning. Cullen and I were a bit… sauced. I caught him at the rose coming out of Jethanns' room and followed him back to the gallows before confronting him. It was a one-night thing and it was before Cullen found out I had magic. That was also when I found his journal about those wedding plans… nice to see that ring being worn though."

Cullen coughed with a flush, "Hawke and I only spent one night together anyway – past that we were actually… rather good friends, I'd think. I told him a lot about that journal and my hopes that… maybe it was a sign."

Hawke sighed looking a bit pouty, "It was the reason I never told that to Varric – that wouldn't have been a secret much longer past that. Besides – it would have ruined Cullens' reputation after it got out about my magical status and… I'm not a complete ass."

"Just half of one," I quipped with a smirk. I heard Alistair laugh behind me, "Hawke! It's good to see you again."

Heads turned at Alistairs' loud greeting. Hawke straightened, "Your Majesty."

"Nah – anyone who's seen me naked doesn't have to be formal; little known rule," Alistair winked. I went red, "And when was that?"

"Complete accident – Hawke walked in on me… changing when I stayed with Cullen. Poor Hawke got an eyeful."

"Accident my fat ass – I bet you it was on purpose," I muttered. Hawke grinned, "Couldn't help myself – I like blondes; admittedly, Alistair is more… red than blonde, but still has gold."

I rolled my eyes, "We're going to get along swimmingly, Hawke. Fenris, you haven't said much and I am dying to hear more of your voice."

Cullens' arms tightened around me but Hawke sniggered, "The voice is half the reason I love him – Makers' Ass it could melt fire."

I sighed dreamily, "Right? If I had a voice like his, I'd never shut up."

Blake snarked as he came up, "Like you don't now?"

I gave Blake a blinding smile and he blanched, "I-I mean… you have a lovely voice; who wouldn't want… I'll go jump in the lake now."

Hawke looked amused as Blake scurried off, "Will he actually…?"

"If he doesn't come back soaking wet and frozen, my delicate heels will go so far up his ass that we'll need to call my healer friend over. Poor Solas is so tired of healing Blake after I get through with him." I said sweetly. Alistair and Cullen both nodded seriously.

Alistair said, "What can I say? I have a type. My indestructible dragoness." My heart fluttered a little at that and I reached up to caress his cheek, "My cheesy royal bastard."

Alistair leaned in and kissed my cheek, "That's me. All the cheese."

"I think that I'm a little jealous of how cute you two are…" Hawke grinned. I hummed, "Should see me when Cullen gets romantic – it's much cuter since he's so much shier about it."

Cullen chuckled, "I am a simple man – I like to save all my love for when we're alone."

"Liar – you also like asserting dominance around the flirty troops like Axel."

Cullen shrugged, "I can't help that – Axel asked you out on your first day here… while you were dining with me, no less."

Fenris looked slightly amused, and finally said, "I did not ever think to see the Knight-Commander smile."

"We could say the same of you, Broody," I replied with a small laugh. Fenris shrugged, "Not much to smile about when I am around people."

"Ugh – I totally feel ya on that; people are so goddamn annoying… oh look – here comes the embodiment of that statement," I sighed as Varric came waltzing up. Fenris actually chuckled.

"Stop the presses – how'd you get Broody to laugh, Waves?" Varric asked.

"I called you annoying, Loremaster. Oh, there's Blake," I pointed.

Fenris and Hawke both flipped to look at the drenched and shivering man reentering the Chantry. Hawke coughed, "If a man that looks like that is so afraid of you that he goes to jump in a lake after making a single comment… well, I know where I stand."

I pointed to my neck, "Dragon Blooded. Blake and I are actually the same person, though – a multiverse thing. He's me from another universe and got sucked here when the magic that sent me there broke with the sky. The side-affect of meeting yourself is the intense urge to kill them. Blake and I have been stifling that urge for over 20 years; don't ask – I'll explain the age thing later. Point is that we already had our dominance brawls. We know that I'm the Alpha bitch. He just knows to bow to the master."

"Fascinating – Magic sent you to another universe?" Hawke asked.

"Yeah – for fifty-eight years. Time moves different there – 2 years there is 1 year here… hence how I am an Admiral at such a young age. I think the shift back here fried my brain a little – I'm not nearly as much of a Hard-ass as I was then."

Cullen nuzzled my neck and I caught my breath, "Cullen – Josie will kill us both if we have to leave this party before it's even half over. I told you – stubble and beards on my neck… either behave, or incur the wrath of the Antivan Mistress of Doom."

Varric shuddered, "Ruffles can bring down nations with a glove left on a table."

"Marriages – the nations are a simple word in the proper ear; marriages are a glove left on the wrong table," I corrected. Hawke sniggered, "Is she really so bad?"

I nodded, "Josie used to be a bard… and she worked for years as chief ambassador from Antiva to Orlais. Even the House of Repose will have much difficulty harming our dear Ambassador. Speaking of, I should really have Leliana destroy that contract before it gets put into play."

Cullen looked stunned, "The House of Repose will be after… Makers' Breath."

I shrugged, "Josie will be fine – I'm more concerned about offending her if I move without telling her. You know, you and Alistair are giving me a wonderful image of owning a Harem of powerful men the way you two are draped over me."

Cullen kissed my cheek, "Take a guess at who ordered us to do it… though, I find I am enjoying showing the world that you are mine."

"Our lovely spymaster or our dearest ambassador?" I asked.

Alistair ran his hand over my cheek, "Leli was certain this would make you look like a goddess."

Hawke cleared his throat, "It's working, at least. If I weren't gay – and happily committed – then I might even be tempted to try and work my way into your harem."

I chuckled, "Not my type; you are just too… tsk, I can't put my finger on it. But I am very much in love with my men."

Alistairs' breath caught and he looked me in the eye – both hands holding my face gently, "Are you?"

"Was there any doubt?" I smirked up at him. He kissed me, "I did hope it wasn't too soon for me to say it… Maker; I'm a lucky man."

"At least you know it," I quipped.

Fenris smirked, "I think I know the issue – you and Hawke are a little too alike."

I snapped my fingers, "Ah-hah! You may be onto something… Cass, stop hiding like a failed assassin and come say hello to the man you secretly hero worship."

She grunted and came over, "I will hit you."

"No you won't – you detest insubordination and that would be the very definition of the word. Hawke, meet Seeker Cassandra Pentaghast; Cass, this is Hawke."

"We looked for you – to be our inquisitor before the Conclave," Cass extended her hand. Hawke looked mortified, "Maker, I am so glad you failed; being Champion was more than enough excitement for me, thanks."

"It is not that we failed, exactly – it is that Varric wouldn't say," Cass looked pissy with her arms crossed.

I spoke, "He threw in just enough obvious lies that she didn't catch the real ones. She thought she had him all figured out. Anyway, welcome to the Inquisition, Hawke; I've spent too much time with you and I have other guests to mingle with. We can speak more later… avoid Blake – he'll try to bed the two of you and he is literally me, so…"

"Thanks for the tip – Fenris gets jealous of my love anyway."

Fenris shrugged, "I won't apologize for it."

I chuckled, "No need to – I get jealous too."

No sooner did Hawke head toward the refreshment table than did a man approached me wearing a mask – a familiar mask… he was 5'10 with a shaved head showing behind a solid gold mask. Black stubble covered his head and face; accenting his dark green eyes. He wore reds, blacks, golds and silvers.

I instantly curtsied, "Grand Duke Gaspard De Chalons; it is an honor to meet such a well-accomplished Chevalier."

The duke took my hand, bending forward to place a feather-light kiss on the back of my gloved hand, "My Lady Inquisitor; the honor is all mine. I am honored that you recognized me so easily."

I smiled sweetly up at him, "How could I not? You wear the heraldry of the De Chalons family and I know only one man in the family that wears a Puzzle Ring of the Black Fox. I must confess, it was your lovely mask that first drew my eye. May I have the honor of introducing my betrothed, King Alistair Theirin of Ferelden? And this is my Commander, Husband and the Arl of Denerim, Cullen Rutherford. My dears; this is the Grand Duke, Gaspard De Chalons of Verchiel."

Cullen shook his hand after Alistair did.

The Duke gave his appraisal of the two men and gave them his greetings before returning to me, "I must ask – as it is the talk of everyone here at the party – how did you manage to end up in such a position?"

"Your Highness – surely you know better than to ask outright like this?" I smiled coyly.

"I did not expect you to be well versed in the game…" he admitted.

I shrugged, "I come from a much more… extravagant place. But I suppose there is no harm in telling the tale if Your Highness truly wishes to know. My husband and I share a link – while I was lost, I dreamed of him and didn't know just who this man was; it turns out, he dreamed of me too. He drew and forged this ring – a ring that I had dreamed of receiving. For him and I, it was love at first meeting. And then with my fiancée, Elissa was… asked to step down as Queen due to a delicate matter. She had no trouble with that – she loves Leliana. Alistair and I were already in contact by that time to make plans to secure the throne properly; see, I am well aware that I have the ability to have children, so… Cullen and I chose to help continue the Theirin line. One member of the Landsmeet noticed that Monogamy is not specifically mentioned in the Chant – and well, Andraste had two husbands too… and the Grand Cleric – Maker, help ease her in this time – agreed. Alistair began to court me over those sending stones we carry – and Cullen agreed when he noticed I was beginning to develop genuine feelings for the King… so here we are."

"A beautiful tale; you have my thanks for indulging me. Though, I admit that I have more reason to be here than just the festivities. There is a civil war in Orlais, as I'm sure you're aware. I would like to invite you to the peace talks that are disguised as the Winter Ball as my guests. I offer you my favor should you support me in my bid for the throne. Celene is nearing 40 – and has no proper heir."

"Orlais' war is everyones war… but ah – but are you inviting me and the Inner Circle of the Inquisition, or only me and the Advisors?"

A look of surprise flashed across his face at the mention of the first sentence, "Indeed. I would invite The Inner Circle – and His Majesty, King Alistair, of course. I would not dream of separating young lovers when the only living Grand Cleric has given her blessing. It is a shame that she is soon to rest with the Maker or she would be the next Divine."

I crossed one hand over my chest to hold the opposite elbow while tapping my chin with a small pout, "I can promise to come and observe the situation, Your Highness; but I would hope that you understand that I can make no other promises until I am more… informed on the situation. I only saw so much in the Fade and we cannot promise that another vision will be forthcoming. I hear whispers of a plot on the lives of both you and Celene… I was going to approach your cousin with an offer of shared information on specialized schooling that would also care for the children as a way to gain attendance… you and I are both military minded, however, and it might be better to have a like-minded ally. Oh, I detest the game but if we do not play it well, our enemies will make us look like villains."

I used his own words there at the last. He smiled, "I much agree." He handed me an envelope, "Show this at the gates when it comes time for the Ball, and you will be allowed in with up to 20 others between you and the King."

So a total of twenty-two people. I could take the whole inner circle and still have wiggle room for Alistair to have a few guards. Let's see… Me, Maxwell, Blake, Cullen, Leliana, Josie, Cassandra, Varric, Solas, Bull, Sera, Vivienne, Blackwall, Cole, Dorian, Hawke, Fenris, Alistair, Anna, and 3 guards for Alistair; 22 people.

I smiled and dropped my crossed hand as I reached for the invite, "It would be a pleasure to walk in on your arm, Grand Duke; let them all see how we favor one another."

He looked mildly impressed, "I look forward to it; please, do not let me keep you any longer."

As soon as he was gone, I made a motion; Blake came bounding up like a wet puppy. I handed him the invite, "See that this reaches Lady Montilyet. We have just been invited to the Winter Ball by His Highness, Grand Duke Gaspard. Tell her I already have planned out who is going."

Alistair hummed, "How badly are my guards going to scold me?"

"You get 3 personal guards, but you know the Inquisition would protect you as well as they protect me, my dear. And imagine – no Orlesian ball would be complete without cheese cubes so…"

"I can take the scolding – but I demand at least one dance with you." He gave me a charming smile. I chuckled, "I might get Cullen to save me a dance, but he doesn't like to and I wouldn't want to push it. Of course, you can have my first dance."

Cullen frowned, "You… like to dance?"

"Oh, I'm a terrible dancer – I'll step all over Alistairs' poor toes. The only dance I know is the one I need to dance with the Grand Duchess and only because I thought it was interesting so I made Blake practice it with me years ago. But I like holding you close and damn what anyone thinks as I rest my head on your shoulder and just sway to the music. It's an excuse to hold you – I would take any excuse even if I make a fool of myself in the process."

Alistair coughed, "My toes can certainly take it; but I had the same reason for asking for a dance, so…"

Cullens' lip twitched in amusement, "Well – when you put it that way… perhaps I will save the last dance of the night for you."

"I'll be on the balcony," I winked. He chuckled, "At least no one will see how terribly we dance."

"Except maybe Max and Cass. They might be out there too – and I have learned that our dear Seeker likes to dance – as long as she doesn't detest her partner. So depending on which Balcony they pick versus which one I pick… we may have company."

Cassandra went bright red, "I do not like to dance."

"Sure, sure… I guess if Maxwell asks, tell him that." I shrugged. She stalked off still red.

I flagged down Krem. He came up, "Your Worship?"

I wrinkled my nose, "Don't call me that – I'm Celeste. I just recalled that I still need to go see the Clerics in Val Royeaux after this and then make my way to the Coast. Just tell Bull that he's hired, I know he's Ben-Hassrath, and that I have 3 casks of Maraas-Lok; a dragon claw he can keep and 10 more Dragons to hunt – and he's invited to those hunts. And also tell him that he will not get the chance to find out how natural my hair is."

Both my men stiffened. Cullen growled, "Excuse me?"

"Bull respects the word No, my love – but I know for a fact that he'll try to catch a peak. No sense in telling him that he won't see anything because there's nothing to see – he has a weakness for redheads."

Krem snorted, "You tell him that there's nothing there to see, he'll try to look harder just to verify. I'll tell him… how'd you get Maraas-Lok? That stuff will melt the grass if you spill it."

"Alistair told the Arishok some stuff – had a Sten take a message – and since Alistair is Basalit-An, he was allowed to buy the tar from them."

Krem grinned, "Chief will come – for the Dragons if nothing else."

"Want to fuck with him?"

Alistair began sniggering as Krem said, "… What do you have in mind?"

"You're not my type and I'm taken… but when we meet up next and he's around, we can certainly share a kiss – just a kiss – to fuck with him. Bull reads body language almost better than I do – I can throw him off."

Alistair coughed, "Really?"

I shrugged, "If I kiss Krem, Bull is less likely to try and peak at me naked – your choice though."

"Kiss Krem," Cullen and Alistair said together. Krem saluted me, "Then I'll be off tonight to let him know. See ya later Boss."

"Why would Bull back off if you kiss Krem?" Alistair whispered.

"Why else? It's the guy code – you don't go for your friends' girl unless it's something like our situation."

Cullen laughed, "Fine – one kiss; no more."

I smirked, "Just think – I'm not his type anyway."

"Even better."

Several nobles came up to make my acquaintance and I ended up getting more and more romantic in my telling of how I was with two men. Josie had been so damn pleased about my interaction with Gaspard that she's personally brought over a tray of tiny cakes and sandwiches.

Finally, I was speaking to someone I was dead-sure was a crow. He was 5'9 with shaggy brown hair, dark green eyes and features that would blend into a crowd… yet he had an air of danger about him. I brought Cullens hand up for a kiss just before the man got to me – a signal that anything I was about to do was going to upset him until I could explain. He would relay it to Alistair with their own codes.

I smirked at the man, "I don't believe I've had the… pleasure of making your acquaintance."

The man looked slightly amused, "I am called Alano, Lady Inquisitor." Antivan accent, danger, exuding sexuality like it was going out of style, and just the way he stood – this man was certainly a crow.

I hummed and moved out of my lovers' arms and began to circle the Antivan – one hand trailing over his shoulders, "And what makes a crow want to come to this little party?"

He stiffened, "Ah – I did not think you would… see that. The crows merely wished to ascertain if you truly were a prophetess."

"Which Talon are you in – or are you a knife?"

He relaxed and I could see that Cullen had made a signal of some sort – Cass, Blackwall, Varric, Solas, Josie, Leli, and Blake were all moving subtly closer to us.

"7th Talon, my lady; we are not here for contract – unless you wish to make one."

I threw a dagger and pinned another man to the wall, "You always move in pairs. It's so predictable. Try for three in a row once in a while. You… I actually didn't spot until you came up to me; your partner over there was too obvious. Now, my dear – whatever shall we do with our new pets?"

Cullen coughed, "You can't keep them – they'll track mud on the carpet."

Alistair nodded, "Zevran was always doing that – mud, everywhere. But they know where to find the good brandy."

I pouted, "You're right – such a pity. Very well, what do you think, Alano?"

"I am merely here to observe; it is no hardship with such a lovely woman…"

I groaned and stepped back as Cullen took hold of him and I said, "Now you've done it. My husband is so possessive of me; and my fiancée is almost as bad. Josephine – what would be the consequence of killing a Crow at this party?"

"He confesses to being a crow – I think the impact would be minimal on the nobles… the crows, however, may send people to retaliate."

"Cullen, let the fool go – unless you want to increase the chances of assassins."

Alano was released and he said, "We were unsure of if we should take the contracts coming our way on you. See – the bosses do not wish to tangle with a prophet; especially not one with connections to a Grey Warden that has bested us before… several times."

"And broken into not only your pretty little Archive, but also that lovely prison, yes? One that happened to be in the area where Trade Prince Claudio Valisti died? One who managed to best the Arishok in single combat? One who was able to kill he Beast of the Tellari swamps? A man that survived the Blight while helping end it? That grey warden?" I asked sweetly.

Alano laughed, "That would be the one. He's done enough that we don't quite want to offend him; as well, you are the sister of one that can – and has – wiped out many crows with ease. I think we will report that it would be unwise to try; if only because you can spot us far too easily. How did you know?"

"Honey – you look harmless but walk dangerously; plus, sex appeal spills from you like a waterfall into a lake. There was no way you were a simple man. I pegged you the second you swayed your hips. Your partner over there has a crow impressed on the hilt of his dagger… and that dagger isn't even hidden."

"We will certainly be punished for this failure; thank you for telling us what marked us."

And just like that – he was fucking gone; I didn't even see him leave. I pretended that I had, of course; they might be watching my reaction.

Alistair had me in his arms in a second, "Maker – my heart dropped when you called him a Crow."

I shrugged, "If he were here to kill me, he wouldn't have come walking up to me. Don't worry so much. Leliana – control this; Josephine – use it."

The two women nodded and melted back into the crowd. Varric shook his head, "Waves… you keep getting more interesting."

I straightened when someone else began to approach – God, would this night never end? He was 5'11 with shoulder-length brown hair, blue eyes and tanned skin. If I had to guess, he was in his 50s. he looked familiar…

I only recalled as he got to me. I extended a hand, "Arl Bryland; it is an honor to meet you."

"Lady C… Rutherford; I'm surprised you feel that way considering my part in the last Landsmeet."

Alistair shook his head, "We can't be mad with positive results, Leonas. Have you heard that we're engaged now? She accepted my proposal. If you hadn't mentioned the absence of Monogamy in the Chant, this wouldn't be possible."

Leonas coughed, "I just… knew that Wulff was going to call the vote to depose Teyrna Elissa and with my daughter being the only other option… I know I should have pushed for Habren to marry you; Maker knows she wanted to – but she would not be a good leader."

I nodded, "I agree – she dropped a poor, defenseless animal down a well… on purpose. Fennec are one of my favorite animals – I love foxes! Anyway, without your interference, I might have ended up pining for Alistair; I do love him. Laying with him to conceive an heir and then not being with him might have been… depressing."

Leonas gave me a relieved smile, "Thank you for understanding, then. I thought it would be cowardly of me to not make your acquaintance given my role in elevating you to Queen-in-waiting."

I chuckled, "I get it. I do have one request for you – a simple request and nothing too bad."

"Name it, Your Majesty – I believe I do owe you a favor." He nodded. I reached into Cullens' waist pouch and retrieved his letter for Mia and passed it to Leonas, "There is a family in your Arling – the Rutherfords; Mia, Branson, Rose and a young boy. If you will please see this note delivered to them?"

Cullen flushed, "My sister is going to kill me."

I shook my head, "You sent her an invite to the fancy wedding; she'll be fine. And she won't dare kill you when she's too gobsmacked at this letter than you are now an Arl on top of being a Prince and Commander… she's more likely to kill me since – in her eyes – I'm not exactly faithful to you."

"I won't let her – I don't care how much my sister scares me; I love you far more than I fear her." He kissed my head and I smiled at him, "There we have it then."

Leonas said, "I will deliver it personally, My Lady."

With that, I signaled the others – I was turning my ass into bed; too many people tonight.