Chapter Ninety-Three

Final Touches

The next morning, Celene tried to – discreetly – confront me, "So, I hear from a friend who interviewed that you include 'NDA's in your hiring process? Can you explain to me what that is?"

It was breakfast and Sebastian passed me 3 sovereigns under the table – he lost the bet on when Celene would bring it up.

I smiled, "Non-Disclosure Agreements; they sign a contract that means they won't spill company secrets; recipes, designs in progress, scent profile ratios, even crafting methods if they get to see those things or make them. If they attempt to sell any of it or even speak of it for free with someone, they are in violation of contract and – as a threat to the Queens' livelihood – are committing treason against Danu. Anyone who buys these things or accepts them willingly is also committing treason – as stated in the agreement – and will also be apprehended."

"And if you don't know who bought or accepted the information?" Gaspard asked – he didn't seem upset. On the contrary, he was amused; I knew he hated the game and likely loved how I was playing against Celene.

"If we can't track it back to the one who took it on our own, we will offer a deal to the ones in violation of contract – a lesser sentence served for names." I shrugged as I bit into the too-small portion of eggs on my plate.

Celene cleared her throat lightly, "And if the 'buyer' is a noble?"

"Your Radiance – the treaty you signed stipulated that only the person who sits upon the throne is exempt from extradition; and even then, the reigning monarch would still need to pay a very steep fine for crimes against the people of Danu – and double for crimes against the reigning family of Danu. And in return, Danu provides trade and commerce of goods to Orlais – goods such as enchanted weapons, raw materials, and even tourism is promised with the treaty we signed. Of course, if you wish to void the treaty…"

"No – I was simply curious how you would handle things," she flashed me what was meant to be a disarming and serene smile. Had I not been an empath, I might have believed her.

Gaspard spoke again, "I hear you have only accepted elves as staff so far?" thankfully, he didn't sound condemning – just curious.

"You know how it is, Your Majesty – when you want a job done properly, you hire only those with right qualifications. The humans that have interviewed have lacked the… je ne sais quoi to work at my store – as well, they lacked work ethic and willingness to learn. The last man I interviewed yesterday, for example – I asked him what he would do if hired; he said he would send his servant to learn and work. I told him that I only hired the people I personally interview. There was more to it – for example, I take care of my people; I can't have them working themselves into the ground. If they have two jobs, then the other job needs to be lesser hours – maybe 10 or 20 a week, tops – we can work around that in scheduling; but I pay well so that my people don't have to work two jobs. 4 sovereigns for 5 days of work is the starting minimum – if they show promise and dedication, they are given raises. I value hard work. The people I first hired in Kirkwall all still work for me there – the current average wages paid there is twenty sovereigns for 5 days of work. And because the business does so well, I can afford that. During the holidays, there are bonuses. Some of the income goes to paying for the benefits – medical expenses, daycare expenses, wages paid for maternity or paternity leave, and so on. But as I said – the humans who interviewed… there was just a missing quality to all of them; one I can't describe."

"You did say – Je ne sais quoi; that is exactly what it means," Gaspard looked respectful as he said that. I knew he was a military man – but I also knew that he had that fire and drive that meant men would follow him into hell and back… and that he wasn't one to stand aside and let his people do the work. He respected his troops and people who knew their limits.

"Yes… so, at the moment, only elves have had the necessary qualifications to earn these jobs. It's just as well – the money doesn't go amiss and they've been the hardest workers I've ever known."

"What other benefits do you provide?" Celene asked.

"Well, for the health benefits – if they need to go to a healer or get a potion or anything, they simply give a written bill to their manager and they'll be either reimbursed or the bill will be paid directly to the healer. I set up collaboration with nannies or child-care professionals to run a daycare – I pay 50 sovereigns a month per child they watch for my employees. If an employee gets pregnant, they are given the last 2 months off work paid as well as the 10 months following the birth – more time is given in needed cases like needing bed-rest mandated by a healer or if the child needs specialized care. Paternity leave is given to new fathers too – 10 months following the birth of a child. Of course, I also give parental leave for adoption for bonding time. Life insurance – a person under my employ can appeal to me through their work manager to apply for life insurance; they can pay a certain amount of their check each month and if they or one on their insurance – spouse, child, other – dies, then the business pays a certain amount depending on how much insurance they're paying for. 1,000 sovereigns on death costs 10 silvers each month to maintain. We also offer mental health services – I have a Fae with the gift healing employed at each store; the health insurance is usually for people who don't feel comfortable with what appears to be magical healing."

Fenris nodded, "Rain is a healer."

I smiled at him, "Rain is also my therapist – we talk over issues and traumas so that I don't feel as depressed as I could be. People who are raped, tortured, or even just have an imbalance that pre-disposes them to feeling bad. Talking things out can help – and I have the Fae making medicinal potions to help level those imbalances in hormones. We can't cure them – unfortunately – but we can help. Circling back to benefits, we also insure homes for our employees; if their house catches fire, gets robbed, or so on – we cover it; again, that's paid by a monthly amount of their check. Deaths and home claims are investigated thoroughly too to make sure they aren't being abused; mom can't murder her baby and collect – though she can get away with murdering an abusive spouse if the cause is enough; she left him and he keeps coming back, kind of thing – the reverse holds true. You can't set your house on fire and collect either. So there are things in place – and my people will come to investigate all claims. A Fire Fae can certainly determine the cause of a fire and if it was an accident. If someone is disabled when working for us – they lose an arm or something – we pay a portion of their wages for the rest of their life. Enough for them to live on, at least. We also have retirement packages – if someone has worked for the company for a certain amount of years and gets to be about at least 45," times were tough in Thedas; that may be still young back home, but not here, "Then we pay them a set amount to retire on – so they don't have to work until they die unless something major happens and they need to go back to work for something. Oh – and we help care for pets too; veterinary costs and all."

"Do not forget, my love – you also pay to see your employees educated to their desired degree. If they want to go to Danu for 'collage' classes, they are welcomed to transfer to the Danu location until their schooling is done and come back." Sebastian reminded me.

"Mmmh – that too. And overtime – if they work more than 40 hours for any reason – covering for a co-worker, picking up hours – we pay an extra 50% of their weekly wage. In Kirkwall, that means an employee who works overtime gets thirty sovereigns that week. Oh – and holiday pay; if we're open on a holiday, they get double pay for the holiday worked. We usually close for Satanalia and All Souls Day – but we're open on First Day, Wintersend, and Summerday. We're also open Valentines' Day and most of the wiccan holidays; and since those are official holidays in Danu, those are Holiday Pay days."

"You treat your people very well…" Celene sounded pleased – but she wasn't.

I knew why – it would make it damn near impossible to poach anyone from my stores; they were too well treated and even Celene wouldn't go that far in the benefit department or pay.

I shrugged, "Not especially – crunching the numbers, 4 sovereigns a week is the minimum living wage these days with how expensive everything is. Anything less and my people would be going hungry or living in badly maintained houses. The benefits merely help sustain a healthy lifestyle. As to the final benefits – once a month, each employee gets a free soap of their choosing as well as a 5oz tin of tea of their choosing. On their birthdays, they get any one free item from any one shop of their choosing. Though, that's a benefit everyone will have soon."

Interest lit both Gaspard and Celenes' eyes. Gaspard hummed, "Oh?"

"I'm installing a Loyalty Program. I have people fashioning the cards as we speak. You sign up and get a metal card engraved with your name and birthday. Show it on your birthday and you get a free item as well as sale prices during the holidays. The Iron Cards will be free; 5 sovereigns for Silver Cards and 15 for gold."

"Are there any benefits to having a higher tier of card?" Celene asked.

Hmm – I don't recall calling them tiers. I shook my head, "The knowledge that your purchase of the card will go into a fund to help orphaned kids receive an education and home. Otherwise, just a flashier card."

"It's a charity thing?" Celenes' voice actually sounded fascinated at that prospect – I knew she was into talent; I didn't know about charity.

I nodded, "In the next two years, I plan to open orphanages in Starkhaven and Gwaren that double as learning institutes to teach kids and better prepare them for the world. The kids will learn math, science, languages, reading, writing and even how to cook and play instruments as they grow up. If you're interested in doing the same here in Orlais, I'd be happy to get you a copy of the plans and details so that kids here can learn as well."

I would be – happy, that is. Kids learning was a passion of mine since coming to Thedas.

"Why not in Danu?"

"There are no Orphans in Danu, Grand Duke. Kids are so rare at the moment that a complete stranger would adopt their neighbors kid if something happened to them. And adopting in Danu is so final that when I adopted Hanan, she became a Princess and people consider her as though I birthed her myself. Aedan Cousland is my brother as though I was born a Cousland myself – and my birth mother is still alive even if my father isn't. It's been this way for 7,000 years in Danu so it's now part of the Culture and deeply ingrained into the Fae; orphaned child gets adopted before ashes are cold – every time."

Celene spoke, "If you are truly willing, I would love the plans for your style of orphanage – the ones we have rarely see the children prepared for anything."

"I'll get them drawn up for you and sent to you as soon as I can. I already have the one in Gwaren built – I just need to get it staffed and get the word out. Aedan is taking care of that part."

I'd had this project in the works since the Blight ended.

Celene finally got to the point of sending people to try and infiltrate, "I must ask – if someone wishes to buy the recipe from you, does that violate the agreement?"

"Oh, no – because they're my works. I've sold 2 to Kinlock Hold, one to the Gallows, and one to brothels in Denerim and Kirkwall. It'd be rather easy to do."

"Then I wish to buy a recipe for a soap scent – the recipe for Fairy Song." Celene smiled – obviously thinking she was going to get her way.

My mates both stilled and even Varric looked at her like she was crazy. I gave her an amused smile, "That one isn't for sale – Fairy Song, Lions' Den, Royal Archer, and Wraith are scent profiles that I won't sell. Lions' Den is exclusive to my mates, so I don't sell it in stores. Currently, only Kell and Cullen use it. Royal Archer is Sebastians' signature scent though it was based – at first – on Nathaniel Howe. Wraith is specifically for Fenris and is sold in moderation due to Lyrium use. But Fairy Song is my signature scent; not only was it originally intended to capture the essence of the Fae, but it's also the most versatile; with five variants – Fire Song, Ocean Song, Wind Song, Earth Song and Original, which is sometimes called Moons Song. It's my best seller and also the one with the most benefits at the moment. To sell that scent card would – to me – be like selling myself. Those scents – as well as the Twilight and Templars' Rose – are all made directly by the managers of each store to avoid those scents in particular being sold since they are so dear to me."

She hid her displeasure well. She knew the Fae Managers would never – not since she thought they were under threat of death.

"I see," was all she said.

Gaspard took back over, "Do you plan to expand more on your stores?"

"I already have – just in a different way. Denerim, Danu, Kirkwall and now Orlais have actual stores, but the Anderfels, Par Vollen, Rivain, Nevarra and Antiva have brokers with catalogues to feel things out. If people in those areas buy enough, I'll look at opening stores – if it isn't enough to merit a physical store, then I'll keep it at brokers and shipping product. It will take longer for people to get their goods, but it doesn't lose cost that way." I gave him a respectful nod.

"Clever – you certainly have a knack for business," he looked relaxed.

Varric chimed in, "She certainly does – she has many ideas for promotions to bring in business though she doesn't need them; people frequent her shops more than anywhere else."

We continued breakfast mostly silently after that and I went to the shops for more hiring.

Seriously – how did any of the nobles think they would get away with it? By the end, there was only one human on staff and she was assigned to the Pastry shop. She was hired because she'd been homeless and desperate but also determined. Her surprise at getting the job and big revel that she had a 2-year-old kid was… woah.

Since I'd do the same for any employee in need, I set her up in a small apartment, got her in contact with the daycare provider, showed her the employee locker rooms which had showers, and gave her an advance on her first week pay.

By the time I was done with her, I was positive she would never even look at any offers to sell company secrets – if she didn't outright turn them in to Luna by dragging them into her office, I would be surprised.

Patty – the girl – had my immense respect; she hadn't even hinted about the kid to try and get sympathy. She only revealed it when she was crying in joy that she got the job and the childcare benefit was mentioned. She had used her own merit to land the job.

But now, Celene wanted to host a Ball in honor of our grand opening – her way of spreading the word that Orlais had an official set. My buildings always had the four shops (The Mix-up; the Soft Touch; Palace Jewelry; and the Curio Cabinet); and rather than sit there and name all four shops, the buildings were emblazoned with Wicked Wonderland – any shops under my name were part of 'Wicked Wonderland'; it was like Americans asking if you were going to the mall when someone in Thedas asked 'are you going to Wicked Wonderland'. It was less of a mouthful this way.

And in the Orlais version of Wicked Wonderland, I already had a spot set up for the Pawn shop; where I had used my own abilities to expand the building – and I'd secretly hired staff for that one too; it just wasn't open for business yet since I planned to announce that at the ball.

I had Bear building an addition to the shopping wing of the palace and Alistair had someone putting a smaller building in the empty spot between my two buildings in Denerim. Drake was taking care of Kirkwall – we already had the building permits to add a third building in the empty space behind what we were already using. As with the other two buildings, it would be joined in the basement for the employee break-rooms and kitchen.

I'd had this idea for a while – I just hadn't told Varric because the blighter couldn't keep his mouth shut. He'd want to advertise.

I had already made sure no other shops where named 'The Gold Rush' so that's what I planned to name my pawn shops.

I wore my Queens' Battle Armor – since, in Orlais, the dancefloor really was a battlefield and it could get you killed… besides – it wasn't like they would know for now that I was wearing armor to the ball; it looked perfectly ornate! I managed to convince Alistair, Kell and Cullen to come to the Ball; I'd enticed them by saying, "I have an announcement to make while at the ball – and you won't want to miss it."

Cullen grumbled but finally put on the black tux that I'd left in his closet; Kell had dressed in Avvar formal wear just to 'shock the nobles' and Alistair wore his Dragon Leathers since Orlais didn't expect much of Ferelden anyway. I knew Vivienne would be in attendance, too.

We all walked into the ballroom together with the necessary introductions…

"Now presenting, Her Imperial Highness, Empress Arvaala Feather-Fall of Danu – Teyrna of Gwaren, Queen of Ferelden, Tycoon…" the introduction for me went on way too long. I suddenly sympathized with Cassandra – who was actually here with Justinia and Leliana since I'd told Aedan who told Leli that I had an important announcement at this ball.

"Escorting the Empress, Dragon King Alistair of Danu and Ferelden. Wraith Prince Fenris, the Blue Wraith of Tevinter. Lion Prince Cullen Stanton Rutherford of Honnleath – Knight Captain of Kirkwall. Wyrm Prince Sebastian of Starkhaven. Tiger Prince Kell Ar Colden O Red-Lion of Storm Bear Holds' Avvar. Renowned author Varric Tethras. Head of noble House Tethras, Deshyr of Kirkwall to the Dwarven Merchants Guild. Ser Rain of the Water Clans of Danu."

We approached the Empress – as was tradition – and all dipped into our own bows. She spoke, "Empress Ara – I understand you have an announcement? Come, my friend – tell us." She motioned me to come up the steps to stand with her – so I did.

"I'm opening a new type of shop, Your Radiance – a pawn shop." I smiled.

She looked lightly confused behind her mask, but instead said, "Why don't you explain to all these people what that is?" she was making it seem as though she already knew.

"A Pawn Shop is a place where people can bring in things they don't want anymore and sell them to the pawn shop which will then resell the used goods. They'll be paid fairly for their items depending on condition and market value. There will also be an option to 'hold' items. The pawn shop will buy items and if asked to 'hold' them, we can hold for about a month in which the item can be bought back for the exact amount given as long as they have the slip that will be issued upon selling. For example – if I were to sell this beautiful diamond necklace, I would be paid about 75% of what it could sell for as a used good. If that were 10,000 sovereigns, I would receive 7,500 sovereigns."

"What a novel idea – and how much is that necklace new?" she asked.

"15,000 Sovereigns – one of the cheapest things I'm wearing tonight. In other words – people could buy the goods at a discount. A pawn shop is like a middle man – but the seller wouldn't have to wait for a buyer to appear to get paid and a buyer doesn't have to describe what they want to someone and wait for results."

I heard mummering – describing it like this meant even the nobles would go for a look once in a while. I added, "Back in my home world, Pawn shops were a place people would go to simply look around – because you never knew what treasures you would find. I once found an antique writing desk in superb condition; it is better than simply throwing things away. The trend," I purposely used this word, "Was to sell the things you no longer needed or wanted to the pawn shops so other people could buy them. It didn't mean you needed money – it meant you didn't want to be wasteful. Because wasting good things was just shameful."

Yeah – appeal to their vanity.

Celene hummed, "And if people did not want the money?"

"Donate the item to the shop – or we will be collecting donation money as I plan to open two orphanages; one in Gwaren and one in Starkhaven." I smiled at her.

"Yes – and thanks to you, I will be opening one here in Orlais, as well. One where the orphaned children are taught everything they will need to know."

Interested mummers broke out again. I nodded, "Math, science, reading, writing, language, cooking, instruments, and botany even. To help promote these orphanages and get starting funds, I'm also implementing Loyalty Cards in my shops – Wicked Wonderland will offer free Iron cards engraved with the pointed-hat logo, your name and birthday on them. Each year on your birthday, you come in and receive any one free item! The funds come from when people upgrade from Iron cards to Silver or Gold. Silver Cards will cost 5 sovereigns and Gold Cards will cost 15. It's a one-time charge and you receive a free birthday item and – we will be having special sales each year around Satanalia; you only get the sale price if you have a Loyalty Card."

I saw Alistairs' amused expression – he knew that I didn't need the money; but pushing all the money from the nobles' vanity into charity was devious. Sebastian was giving me a loving smile. Kell looked downright smug – since he'd worked for a local company owned by Kroger, he knew all about loyalty cards and sale prices. He knew I planned to do the 'buy 10 for 10' when you could get '1 for 1' at that point. The wording would make people think they needed to buy 10. It was genius in a world where people didn't know the tricks.

I saw Vivienne raising her hand-held mask, "Darling – what prompted you to call your stores under the banner… Wicked Wonderland?"

"Stories from home. Wicked was used for women, magic, witches, and so on. Wonderland was pretty obvious – a wonderful land or place full of amazing things." I smiled.

"And the logo of the purple and black pointy hat?" Leliana asked.

I couldn't help it – I used my glamor and turned my outfit into an ankle-length black dress. It had a cold-shoulder with Butterfly Sleeves, A-line waist, lace-up front and tulle overlay on the skirt. My gloves turned sheer and black with missing fingers. My hair went up into a ponytail with magical curls and twinkling onyxes beading throughout. My necklace turned into a black leather choker with spider shaped obsidian and black chains. My make-up was smokey black and grey with purple lipstick. And, of course, the matching hat and heels. For giggles, I added a black lace face mask with Amethyst decorations that only covered my eyes.

"This is what people thought witches looked like back home."

All 5 of my mates looked stunned and I was rather flattered when their arousal spiked.

Celene soon called the ball to begin. I joined my mates.

Alistair pulled me close, "Maker's Breath – your people saw magic as… seductive?"

"In recent years, yes." My voice held all the amusement I couldn't hold back.

Kell chuckled, "You dressed like this for Samhain one year, didn't you?"

"One year. I believe I went as Cat-Girl in high school. Got sent home for wearing a skin-tight leather jumpsuit."

Cullen cleared his throat, "Maker…"

Sebastian muttered, "I need to pray."

Fenris simply said, "Wear that at home sometime."

"Your wish is my command," I winked at him. He was one of the most forward of my mates. He wasn't afraid to request dressing up, at least.

To be fair – if any of the others asked, they'd get to see it too… they just didn't.

Leliana was the first to get to me. She kissed me on each cheek – surprising many people around us.

I beamed at her, "Leli. How are you, my dear?"

"I'm well – I hear things in Kirkwall are getting tense?" she asked.

I frowned, "Qunari. The Arishok is getting… restless. He will not idle much longer, but you already know what will happen with that." I sighed.

She gave me a sympathetic look. Cassandra spoke, "Why bother with the flashier loyalty cards?"

"To make nobles pay for their vanity. They don't like Iron. I'm thinking of doing a Black-Salt card too for a 100 Sovereigns; those will be engraved with gold for an extra 20 Sovereigns. It all goes to charity anyway. Celene would buy a Black-Salt one with gold engraving. Did you know she likes to give to charity?" I asked.

"I would too – easiest way to give to needy kids," Leliana smiled at me.

Kell spoke smoothly, "My love, someone just got handsy."

"Don't pretend you don't enjoy it," I flashed him a smile. He threw me an annoyed look, "When you do it – or maybe one of your fine men. But not a Baron of Orlais."

I chuckled, "Don't worry – they just haven't gotten to Cullen yet. But he's a prime target here in that outfit."

Alistair chuckled, "You're… incorrigible."

"Sometimes. Your Holiness," I nodded to Justinia as she approached. She nodded back, "It is good to see you again, Ara. You look wonderful."

"Thank you!"

As the ball wore on, everyone and their damn pet monkey had to come greet me, butter up to me, and just generally kiss my ass. It was bloody annoying.

Alistair seemed to take it all in stride and – when it got obvious to my mates that I was tired – he began fielding all the incoming guests. They basically had to go through him. Kell towered over everyone, so he played bodyguard and Cullen moved to discreetly hold me up. Sebastian assisted Alistair in keeping people away from me as much as possible. Fenris played eye-candy. All my mates did to some extent, but Fenris purposely removed the non-essential parts of his armor to let people stare at him so they wouldn't stare at me.

Had I mentioned that I loved them? Because I did – they were far too good to me.

I could see the realization on Varrics' face when noble after noble asked him about his books… when he had a break, he muttered to me, "I need to have a few words with my publicist."

"The thief," I nodded sagely.

"You knew?" Varric asked.

"Well, I didn't know when he started or would start stealing from you. I just knew you weren't supposed to discover the theft until early 9:41 Dragon." I shrugged, "I knew for sure that he would be stealing after you publish a certain book, but you haven't even published your instalment of Swords and Shields yet; well, it hasn't hit shelves."

"It does well?" he asked.

"Very – but you'll think it didn't even sell enough to pay for the ink. The right hand over there? She'll hide it well, but it's going to be her favorite. Keep writing on that serial and maybe she'll be a bit more lenient when she kidnaps you to find someone." I flashed him a smile.

He paled, "Loud and clear… know a good publicist?"

"You are a member of the Danu Court, Varric. I had it added to the record that you were one of the official scribes; meaning that – as a member of the court – you can use the Danu publishing house. Doing it that way will not only promise that you receive all but a 5% cut for fees, wages and such, but you also get a guarantee that your books will hit shelves in Danu, Ferelden, Orlais and everywhere within 2 weeks of submitting it."

"… I'll do that. Let me fire my current publicist and I'll move over to yours." Varric nodded.

I stood again and stretched, "I'm calling it – it's time for me to slip away for the night. My mates have been wonderful in keeping the crowd away from me. I've already spoken to the Dowager and had a dance with her – as is tradition. So I can leave now."

The Dowager I referred to was Lady Mantillon from the Council of Heralds. She was currently married to husband number 8 of 9. Nazaire – the one who would be crushed by a cartload of fine handbags – was set to die in about a month. Next year, she would be married to Etienne; the one who somehow manages to die of a 'violent tailoring accident'. And to think – only one of her husbands – the fifth, Gerald – died under suspicious circumstances. Maybe that was why people were still willing – she didn't kill her husbands, they were accidents.

She was also very influential in the court.

The dowager had seemed to like me very much; she wouldn't stop praising my jewelry designs and her favorite soap scent – Pixie Dust (infused with gold dust, vanilla, citrus, and Dawn Lotus), which smelled like orange crème popsicles and managed to make the hair glitter with gold. It was 140 Royals (1 Sovereign, and 40 Silvers).

Her favorite tea had been a blend based off of Cullen – strawberry black tea; recommended to be drunk with a dollop of cream – called Lion.

Very talkative and I mentally planned a nice gift basket for her.

I signaled and my mates all began making their leaving statements.

In the room, I groaned and face planted into the bed. Alistairs' voice was amused, "Long night?"

"Honey… I'm done. Tell me that you aren't planning a ball anytime soon?" I pleaded.

"No – Duncan wouldn't remember it if I threw one for his first birthday and that's a way off anyway. I'm thinking maybe not until his third?" Alistair smiled at me.

"What? No – we have to have a birthday party for him! With cake and ice cream and presents. Kell!" I shot a look to my Avvarian mate. Kell sighed, "It is tradition. It's meant to be the childs' first cake and there are people taking pictures – it makes memories. I'll swing by and help you plan out a proper childs' birthday party from Earth. Ara will be devastated if we don't. just because he doesn't remember everything doesn't mean he won't remember the feelings that come with it. The love and care and attention. Besides – this is the whole reason she lets us celebrate her birthday. She hates her birthday but she'll allow it so that her kids can't say 'but mom doesn't celebrate'. It's an excuse to pamper and spoil the kids. In other words… there will be a party; but a small one. Not a ball."

"Maker – that's the most you've ever said in one go around me," Cullen laughed.

"Just because I can speak doesn't mean I want to, lowlander," Kell shook his head, "Most people aren't worth the waste of breath."

I giggled, "True enough."

"Right – so Duncan will have a birthday party then. We'll talk more about it when it gets closer. But no – we have no balls planned for Ferelden or Danu." Alistair smiled at me.

"Good – now, I'm gonna pass the fuck out." And I flopped back onto the bed, asleep as soon as I hit the pillow.