Chapter Ninety-Five

Ignoble Prophets

We got home and Hawke was trailing after Fenris and I with a swing in his step.

We were hardly in the room when Hawke grabbed me and pulled me close, his lips capturing mine. I hardly heard Fenris' dark chuckle as he closed the door.

When Hawke pulled back, I looked up at him in a daze, "… Do it again?"

He laughed but he did kiss me again. Fenris was taking his time in sliding his hands along my body, reaching around to unbutton my pants. Hawkes' hand reached around to caress Fenris' arm.

I asked – breathlessly, "I hear… you do sex magic too?"

His eyes lit up, "Interested?"

"Goddess, yes." I hissed. He was going to be the first – and likely only – mage to fall into my bed, so this was my only chance.

I almost didn't see Fenris' face at my words – contemplative? Hmm.

Hawke leaned in and kissed me – sparks of electricity shooting from his lips and shocking me. I gasped.

As he kissed his way down to my neck, his lips grew cold and his breath was filled with frost. I shuddered in both chill and delight.

His fingers were warm as they moved along my skin – leaving little trails of sparks where they flitted.

I almost jolted from my own skin as his fingers found he metal in my chest – using just enough voltage to border on uncomfortable, but pleasurable.

My head tipped back, resting on Fenris' shoulder as Hawke worked his magic…

I was very comfortable the next morning. Though – it was Alistair that woke me. His darker laugh – the one that told me someone (me) was going to get punished. I looked forward to it. I pried my eyes open, "Love?"

"Slept with Hawke, did you?" he looked amused.

"Freebie with Fenris…" I yawned.

He nodded, "I thought as much. I have no work today – I brought Duncan to spend the day with you."

I shot upright excitedly, waking Hawke in the process, "Where is he?"

"Having a drink with his friends in the kitchen," he quipped. Having a bottle with the two little Fae in the house, then. I shot out of bed – climbing over Hawke, not that the mage minded – and shot into my closet to get dressed.

When I slid out, I stopped only long enough to plant a kiss on Alistairs' cheek before rushing out toward the kitchen.

Duncan lit up and cooed when he saw me, "Ma…"

I almost slid right into the fridge – he…

Alistair – having followed me – laughed, "Good job, Duncan – Ma."

I swooped in to pick up little boy. I looked at Alistair, "His…?"

"First word was Ma – and considering he has a picture of you by his crib back in Denerim, it's not so surprising. We're working on Da next." Alistair was leaning against the threshold of the door.

"You can't convince me that you had nothing to do with this," I laughed.

"Who said I didn't? I've been working each minute I can to get him to say Ma. I thought it'd be a nice surprise for you." He gave me a cheeky grin. I moved close to him and pulled him down for a kiss while our son cooed between us.

I laughed when Duncan reached between us to grab my lip. Alistair pouted, "What's he doing?"

I lifted him higher to give him a kiss too before explaining, "He's curious – he sees people he adores doing it, so he wants to as well – it's how babies learn. They mimic. And then there's this…" I muttered as Duncan rested his little hand down my shirt.

"Why…?" I heard Hawke ask, "I never understood why babies do that with their moms."

"They associate the chest with food and/or comfort – they'll do it to really anyone." I replied as I pulled Duncans hand from my shirt.

"How so?" I heard Fenris' deep voice ask.

I gave him a soft look, "Where does one hold a baby close to when the child cries?"

"Ah." He hummed and leaned in to kiss me and then Duncan.

Alistair looked over, "Something on your mind, Fenris?"

"Yes – we need a meeting; us mates." He said neutrally. I blinked, "Am I invited or is this just a thing for you men?"

"Mostly for the men, but you are invited if you wish," he chuckled.

I smiled, "I'll come with – I'm nosy. I'll let Kell know – where do you want to hold the meeting?"

"Danu would be best," Fenris said.

I inclined my head and headed off with Duncan. Fenris, Sebastian, Cullen and Alistair were already with me, so I just needed to contact Kell. He wouldn't be able to come for another two hours, so we all got things ready in the royal chambers in the Danu palace while we waited.

Duncan was all coos and giggles – babbling as he repeated 'Ma' over and over while waving at me.

So I played along – repeating his name while waving at him.

When Kell sauntered in, my mouth went dry. I never would get used to the sight of my Avvarian man in cloth and leathers with his chest on display. I saw him flash me a devilish grin as he came over and kissed me. I hummed – then Duncan called for my attention again.

Kell blinked, "He's quite young to speak already."

I shrugged, "Alistairs' been teaching him."

"Ah – that's good. So – what's this about?" Kell asked, glancing at Fenris.

"I believe we should discuss Hawke as we once did Sebastian." He said.

I blanked, "What?"

"Ara – you clearly enjoyed the magic play last night; and none of us can do that for you." He gently brushed my hair from my face. It was his meeting so he got to sit next to me.

"That doesn't mean I need him as a mate. Fenris, I don't want any of you agreeing to this just because you think… I thought we agreed that if I took a 7th mate, then it would be a woman – and likely a dwarf?" I flushed.

"We all know that isn't likely to happen," Alistair mused.

Cullen was flushed, "If anything, I thought we would be discussing the pirate."

"…" it was so quiet at Cullens' comment. Kell chuckled, "Ah – speaking of her…?"

"Friday, us three." I grinned. Kell nodded, "I look forward to it."

"With Bela and Hawke being together, we'd still see a lot of him, wouldn't we?" Fenris pointed out.

I coughed, "Er… well, yes…"

"So – if you mated with Hawke, then you would have access to Bela; who wouldn't agree to a marriage, right?" he continued.

"… She has been pushing for that, yes…" I now avoided looking at any of my mates.

"So, by all accounts, this would get you what you want – a woman in your bed and a mage in your bed?" Alistair chimed in.

"W-well… I can't say that I haven't considered it – but Alistair threatens Hawke every time he's reminded that Hawke kissed me, let alone this morning when he found Hawke in my bed."

"Love – I'm a jealous man; I'll own that. But what did I tell you back during the Blight?"

"I can handle sharing you if that what this means, but I refuse to lose you…" I repeated his words.

Kell snorted, "No wonder you liked him so much. He's far more understanding that some of us have been."

I shot Kell a look for the dig at Cullen and Fenris. "Hey Pot."

"I own my failings, babe. I was a dick when we met in this life and Richard was the dick in our last life. Though – if I had to guess… Hawke is Richard."

I froze at those words, "You really think…?"

"I don't know – just a feeling. I feel as comfortable with that lowlander as I ever did with that Asshat. I mean – I'm here; why not him?"

I thought it over – I didn't see it – they were completely different people… but if Kell felt the same with him…

I bit my lip and stood up, "Kell, hold Duncan for a minute? I need to check something and I don't want him to see that."

Sebastian caught on first, "You're going to force a vision to see if Hawke is Richard?"

I nodded. Kell took the baby from my arms – lifting him high with a smile. Duncan loved going up high, and at the moment, Kell was the tallest.

I stepped into my room – was it… possible?

I mean… if it was then why hadn't I seen it before?

I called for the vision, falling to my knees and coughing up blood. I frowned – Richard hadn't been reborn in Thedas. But… someone else had. Hawke was the reincarnation of the boyfriend I'd had at 17 – the one that taught me how to throw Shurikens. Johnathon Aaron Steele the Third. A good friend.

I headed out while giggling.

Kell looked up, "Is he?"

I shook my head but dissolved into giggled more. Duncan reached for me while also giggling – he was certainly an empath; that's why I'd had to leave his range of feel before doing that.

"So then… what's funny?" Kell asked.

I laughed harder, "You remember when I compared you as Alex to a past lover? Spidey – the parkour expert?"

"Yes…? You said that other than our looks and abilities, we were very similar. Our personalities… you're saying Hawke is…?"

I fell into Kells lap as I laughed harder, "Yeah – I always did say that you two would be great friends. Oh my goddess, this is rich."

Kell looked at me in disbelief. Alistair sniggered as he finally realized what was so funny.

Cullen had a small smile too – Sebastian was trying to bite down on his. Fenris lifted an eyebrow, "So… I take it they never met in your past life? The two men were so alike and never met?"

"We lived too far apart." I was still giggling like a madwoman.

Kell snorted, "Alright – the point remains; you always did regret having to break up with him."

My laughs stopped as I looked down, "Yeah…"

"What happened – if that's alright?" Cullen asked.

"My dad didn't like him – I was living with my family still; I was only 17. My dad set him up to make him look like a bad guy and… when he tried to explain after leaving – though letters and email and social media – my dad made it seem like he was being a stalker. A few years later, after getting with Alex, I reconnected with Johnathon and he got to tell me his side. The damage was done, and we no longer lived anywhere near him by then. It was a tragic story for him." I explained.

"Your family…" Alistair shook his head, "If it wasn't one of them, it was another. Your brothers, your father…"

I shrugged, "Dad loved mom – or… you know, it was complicated. Very complicated. I don't really want to talk about it."

Kell snorted, "Your father was a narcissist. He loved the control he had over your mother. As it was, after you… passed… your parents got divorced and your twin and father moved to England to live with your fathers' sister. He put your twin into so much debt doing that, that she wasn't able to come back for more than a decade – when the stuff was written off. Your father viewed you as his to control. He was just harder on you than your sisters because you looked like your mother – his wife."

I frowned, "That… makes a lot more sense."

"Anyway – back to Hawke. Do we let him in or not?" Alistair asked.

"This is going to take some consideration. Let's convene and each think on it for… let's say a week. Then we will take a vote. Considering the information brought to light of his identity, we need to consider this carefully." Cullen said.

I rolled my eyes, "Hawke already said no to being my mate, guys. Remember when Fenris and Cullen both had their heads lodged? Hawke pushed for me to go with Sebastian because he didn't want to be my mate. He's not in love with me – he loves Bela. And yeah – I'm sure I could share him with the pirate but he and I don't… we're not a match. Point is – there's nothing to consider – Hawke already said no."

"… tell you what – we ask him. If he wants in, then we consider – if he still says no, then I'll throw a parade," Alistair gave me a cheeky grin. I laughed again, "You're incorrigible!"

"Neanderthal, dear – you told me before that I was a neanderthal."

I laughed, "You're not threatening to hit the problem till goes away at the moment."

"True," Alistair mused, "Think I should?"

I rolled my eyes. Duncan cooed, sticking his little fist into his mouth.

"What I want to know is why it feels like you guys are looking for a seventh mate. Alistair nearly lost it when he learned about the laws requiring one secondary mate – which I abolished then did anyway, mind you – and… let me quote him here, 'Two… I might be able to calm down enough for one, but two?' was what he said in response to 'did you know that it's expected for me to take at least two secondary mates regardless of if I want to or not?'"

It got quiet. Very quiet. I groaned, "You are looking for a seventh mate! What the fuck?"

"Language," Kell motioned to Duncan.

"No – fuck that. We're not curbing our language. Cuss words are just sentence enhancers anyway. They help brain development. So again – what the fuck?" I asked.

Fenris looked smugly amused, "I did warn them that this would be your reaction."

"And you still went along with it, Amatus," I pointed out.

"You circumvented the law for Queens – but not for empresses," Alistair said softly, "And the law for empresses is that you have to take two secondary mates by the time you're 10 years into your rulership or 3 years after being named an Empress – whichever comes last. And… that one cannot be circumvented. It was laid by the Prophetess that founded the race and laid down the core laws. The one who decided the titling system. She had hoped that it would promote the queens having children. Back then, there weren't mates yet – but she'd seen it. People were confused by it but…"

I stilled, "No… no – you're joking, right? I already have 6 mates counting Bull. That should complete it since no queen had more than 4 primary mates, right?"

Cullen coughed, "No – it is worded 'secondary mates' not '6 mates'. Sebastian is your only secondary mate. Thus, you are in violation of the law if you wait too long… you've been Empress since you were crowned, so the law would be 10 years… around the time you and I would have gotten married in 'any other timeline'."

I thought about it – he was right about the timing, "But… but… shit. I can't circumvent that one?"

"No law placed by the Prophetess can be overturned – it's the very first law," Sebastian muttered. He'd gone and read every Danu Law, past and present, after marrying me.

I cursed, "But I… I don't want another mate. Not really. It was all teasing and joking when we discussed this…"

"Indeed," Kell said, "And when Sebastian found that law, none of us were very pleased with the thought – but the penalty for breaking a Prophetesses Law is death of one of your children."

"What?" my voice was shrill as I clutched my son tighter.

"It never mattered before since there were no children – adopted or otherwise – for the empresses. But…" Fenris sighed.

Duncan, Hanan and Vaala were all at risk. Vaala was a 'goddaughter' so she wasn't my kid unless something happened to Althild – but Hanan and Duncan. And Hanan just mated with Obsidian – so she was out too since she was now considered an adult. Not that any of the options were acceptable – to me, they were all my kids.

I was worried they'd pick my 'first' kid – Vaala, in this case – or my oldest – Hanan… no – none of the options were agreeable. Not even if they volunteered. None of my babies would die just because I had an aversion to taking another mate.

"Hanan, Vaala, Duncan… damn it. This is cruel! How did a law like that even get passed? Children are sacred!" I hissed.

"Because it was the prophetess that passed it – and no one dared to oppose her. Any law she made was entirely her own; there was no one to vote on if it was cruel or acceptable. However, every fairy makes a vow to uphold the laws once they reach age of majority. So…" Sebastian stated.

"They'd have to kill one of my babies. Oh, goddess – I'm…" I handed Duncan off to Fenris before bolting from Kells' lap to go throw up. I vaguely heard Duncan sharing in the experience.

Kell was there – holding my hair back as I heaved. In fact, he was braiding it as I did so – I guess, he was worried that I might do this again? I thought they had already given me the worst news!

When it was over, I whimpered. Sebastian was handing me a glass of water and said, "Alistair is giving Duncan a bath. The little prince has emptied his stomach. Fenris needed a bath too…"

"Poor baby – he shouldn't have had to… feel that. Just the thought of my babies… any of my babies…" I shuddered.

Kell nodded, "Our daughter is also not an option. But you see why – when he saw how Hawke affected you – Fenris called this meeting?"

I nodded subduedly. "If… if we're seriously considering him… he should be present too," my voice was quiet.

Sebastian nodded, "I'll go get him."

I curled into Kell as I sat in horror – the prophetess had always been seen in such a positive light… how could she place the punishment on children? Innocent babies…

Kell was running his hand over my back, "Aright?"

I shook my head, "No…"

Duncan was reaching for me the moment we all reentered the sitting room. I took him and held him, burying my face in him. "Ma… Ma…"

He was trying to comfort me – and it was working a bit.

Hawke asked, "Okay… I was invited to a mate meeting and everyone looks like the family pet died… what's going on."

Kell took over and explained the situation – without adding the consequences of refusal. Hawke shouldn't be coerced into it.

"So… you all chose me? Man, I'm flattered, but… I am gonna have to pass. Not that last night wasn't great – and I know you'd never hold me back – but… look, I love you – but I am not in love with you. You're a wonderful friend…"

I coughed, "I told them you'd say something like that."

I needed to find another mate… shit. Solas? No – he only went for Elves; and I was most assuredly not one. I looked like one and had really strong magic but I wasn't an elf.

Zevran wouldn't settle down; not with me – that ship had sailed.

Anders… was going to die… I couldn't handle falling for him to let another of my mates kill him.

Bela and I joked, but I knew she would actually say no.

Merrill… belonged to Carver.

That left Josie, Sera, or Blackwall.

I had only ever romanced Cullen in Inquisition so I had no idea what to expect with them…

Maybe I could find a Fae mate? Bear and I had already affirmed that there were no feelings between us. Plume, his mates, sapphire, her mates, and the others were out…

I took a deep breath, "I have 3 options in mind, but no matter what I do at the moment, I can't make any moves until 9:40 Dragon. It'll cut it close, but…"

"Why can't you?" Fenris asked.

"One is under-aged until then, one is somewhat in hiding, and the other is… I think she's in Orlais? Or is she in Antiva now? Or… honestly, I just don't know." I sighed.

"Only the three options?" Kell asked with a hum, "What about Krem?"

I stilled – what about Krem. It was obvious Kell had guessed who I was speaking of… "Well… I mean… yeah – it's not a bad idea… hmm…"

"Wait – Krem the one from…?" Fenris asked.

I nodded, "Why not? I hope I'm his type… he is adorable and I always wished he were available. And he can still be with Maryden…"

Kell nodded, "Come to the dark-side – we have cookies…"

"Oh shush you – show me the cookies…" I flushed.

Kell laughed as Hawke snorted. Alistair chuckled too – and Duncan giggled.

"I don't get it," Cullen flushed.

"It was a popular thing on Earth. 'Come to the dark-side we have this' – usually cake, cookies or pie was mentioned. The dark-side was considered 'evil' so people were like 'no – I can't'. and other people claimed the cake was a lie. So I would always say 'show me the thing' – as though I was actually considering joining but couldn't trust them."

"Oh maker…" Sebastian chuckled.

"What? I'm not a complete goody-goody – I could still join the bad guys…"

"I don't know what's worse – that you said that or that you must actually believe that," Alistair hummed.

I pouted, "… you're an ass."

The whole room burst into laughter. Then Hawke asked, "So why are we looking for an actual 7th mate here?"

I sighed and explained. Hawke stilled, "Oh fuck. I mean… I could…"

"No – you already said no and I won't have you feel coerced. Besides, recall that you actually have to want to be my mate for that work?" I asked.

"Right…" he sighed too, "I'm sorry."

"Oh, come off it – you have nothing to be sorry for. It's not on you – I should have looked into all the laws that were dedicated to being an Empress before my coronation. We're damned lucky that someone did. Sebastian is our hero today."

"Right…" Hawke sounded like he felt guilty. I rolled my eyes, "You're an idiot."

He looked up in shock, "Excuse me?"

"Don't feel guilty for something you can't control," Kell translated for me.

"Is it just me who finds it fascinating how in tune Kell is with Ara?" Sebastian asked.

"They were married for like… 5 years before coming here." Alistair pointed out.

Kell chuckled, "She and I were able to finish each other thoughts and ideas by the time she passed."

I shrugged, "Kell…" just to prove a point. He reached over and began giving me head-scritches. I hummed and leaned into it – just trying to forget the horrible news.

"I see what you mean," Fenris nodded.

"When did you all learn about this law?" I asked softly.

"… Just after the whole fiasco at Chateau Haine…" Sebastian sighed. Fenris clenched his jaw, "It is not too late to go back to Duke De Montfort."

I snorted, "It actually is too late. He's moved on and sees me as a friend now. Look – we'll be cutting it close, but we can… we can figure this out later… when we actually have options."

"You think Cyril really doesn't want you still? It wasn't that long ago…" Alistair pointed out.

"… True – and he… he is the Empresses second cousin…" I muttered.

"Wait – what?" Hawke asked.

Sebastian nodded, "If the Grand Game continues and all three of the ones closest to the throne – Celene, Gaspard, and Florianne – die without heirs… I suspect the next in line would be Cyril De Montfort. His father would have been better. But Celene Valmont the first is the daughter of Clarisse de Montfort, making Prosper… the empresses cousin – once removed."

"So… should the Valmont and the De Chalons families die out with no heirs – their current state – then… Cyril is next in line?"

"At this point, yes – all those titled 'Prince' or 'Princess' are dead. I don't think anyone has thought of how close Cyril is to the throne," I muttered.

"… What are you holding back?" Alistair asked with narrowed eyes.

"Florianne will be disinherited and given to me as a pet, in essence. Gaspard might stay around, but he's going to incite a civil war. I can make it so Celene and Gaspard… cooperate, but I'm removing yet another contender for the throne. Maybe both if I choose to just keep Celene only. Cyril will be proclaimed the heir and Orlais' ambassador to the exalted council in 9:44 Dragon. He doesn't want that… however, if I marry him – if he wanted that – people might see me as making a power grab."

"You really think they will?" Cullen asked doubtfully.

"I mean… I have Danu, Ferelden and Starkhaven already. I'm a Paragon in Orzammar, so they see me as a living Goddess. Tevinter is so terrified of me that they might do cartwheels if I asked. The Grey Wardens want to get on my good side now that they know that Fairy Blood can cure the taint if given willingly – Avernus had no choice but to tell them how he was cured. I have too many nations 'under my thumb'. I'm gaining too much power, too fast. The only thing that has kept people at bay and not call for an Exalted March is that it's obvious that I only personally involve myself in Danu. Alistair handles Ferelden mostly on his own, Sebastian handles Starkhaven, I don't keep much contact with Orzammar and leave it to my 'house', and I have made it clear that I don't like Tevinter. Even here, I bow and scrape to Hawke – that's the only reason Meredith hasn't tried to oust me from the city; she believes if Hawke said 'Kneel' that I would without hesitation. It's also why she let Cullen marry me – she thinks she will have some measure of control now."

"Also – what could an Exalted March even do against you? Your people are too powerful to be easily defeated, even with infiltration units. Your country floats, so people can't just storm in. no naval forces either. Infiltration would be the only way to go. And then what? Kill a few people and die?" Kell asked sarcastically.

"And if they killed a single child – just one – you'd rain destruction on all of Thedas," Hawke pointed out.

"Maker forbid that they kill one of your mates," Sebastian hummed, "Or worse – our children. I think you would become the new leader of the whole world at that point."

I coughed, "I'm… not that bad…" I muttered.

"Think for a moment, love. If someone killed our kids on the order of the Divine?"

"I'd instill Leliana as Divine early," I slapped a hand over my mouth with wide eyes, "I mean…"

"Early… Leliana is the Divine that made the original marriage Decree?" Hawke asked. I nodded with a sigh, "Divine Victoria the First. No circles under her regime – only the collage of Enchanters that teaches young mages… ahem. Point is – I wouldn't take over the world – I'd just instill the proper regimes into place. Leliana isn't known to be the Princess Raven of Danu. No one knows that Fergus and Aedan are Princes. Because outside of Danu, adoption so late in life means that they wouldn't gain the titles. Speaking of – Alistair, pass my Teyrnir over officially to Aedan. It's time."

He nodded, "You do have enough on your plate…"

"If Orlais attacked – they won't – then I'd put Cyril on the throne. If Tevinter attacked, then I'd put Dorian in as Archon. I wouldn't take over just because I 'conquered' them."

Duncan cooed and reached for Hawke, "Awp – awp."

Hawke blinked, "Is he trying to call for me – or call for uppies?"

I giggled, "Don't know – but he missed the word he was supposed to say next."

Alistair was pouting, "We worked so hard on Ma – Da was supposed to be next."

"Awp!" Duncan giggled reaching for the mage in the room.

Hawke laughed and picked up the little prince, "Well – we'll just assume he's asking for uppies then – I am the only one standing and he seems to prefer that."

"Good point," Alistair seemed assured by that.

It was nice – my son had single handedly broken the tension in the room.

Fenris said, "So… not taking Hawke as a mate then?"

"Nope," Hawke and I said together.

"And not Cyril?" Sebastian asked.

"Uh-uh," I confirmed.

"And the choice line up was?" Alistair asked.

"Lady Josephine Montilyet, Fake Warden Blackwall who is actually Thom Rainier but we'll keep his secret for the next several years, Sera – who is way too young right now and will only come of age just before I meet her in 9:40 Dragon – will be a red jenny, and Cremisius Aclassi; A.k.a. Krem, lieutenant for Bulls' Chargers. I'd also consider Solas, but he only does elven women and I'm not one."

"Your people are elven elementals in nature; you just call yourselves Sylphs and Fairies… but a lot of your magic is what the Elves used to be able to do, you said," Kell pointed out. I shrugged, "It's all up to what he sees. Fairies are the closest to ancient elves if you think about it, but… whatever, he's a heartbreaker. He doesn't even… well, even if I went that route, he wouldn't be my mate."

"He wouldn't take you to bed?" Fenris asked.

I shook my head.

Kell said, "Then there's no point in looking at him. Alright – so, the Lady, the Jenny, the Warden and the Lieutenant Merc. So we know their potential titles if one of them accepts?"

"Josie would be a swan – beautiful… but fucking vicious when provoked. The Jenny would need some consideration. The warden would be a Chameleon. And the merc… well, he'd be a Fox. He's cunning, clever, and swift."

"You like him the most of the options?" Alistair asked.

I nodded with a slight flush, "Yes."

"What about Solas – going back to him really quick. If he could be convinced…" Hawke asked.

"A wolf," I said in a deadpan voice, "His title has to do with wolves already; and no; I won't tell you what that title is."

We ended the meeting there for the day – we all had a lot to consider.