Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Age
Of Pranks and Marriage 9
Lady Trevelyan glared at her daughter. "What kind of a question is that young lady?" She huffed. "My Salon is the social event of the year you know."
"Yes I know. It's the social event in the Free Marches. You can't blame me for questioning Vivienne's interest. I'm sure her presence is high in demand in Orlais, and I would imagine her time was more than occupied with rebuilding the Circle of Magi."
"I will have you know that my Salon is just as good as any Orlesian gathering, some might even find it superior!" Lady Trevelyan exclaimed. "And for the love of Andraste, do not speak so familiarly of our new Divine. Her name is Divine Victoria, and you will address her as such. Are we clear on that!?"
"By the Maker," Evelyn said and rolled her eyes. "Do we even have room for her? I'm sure Divine Victoria requires a room for herself and one for each of her servants."
"Well, we could uninvited some of your friends perhaps? Do not for a second think I didn't see the names of those acceptance letters pouring in."
Evelyn gritted her teeth. "If they were good enough to be in the presence of Empress Celine, I'm sure they will be acceptable to you mother."
Lady Trevelyan chewed on her daughter's words. "I suppose you're right. If Empress Celine didn't mind. Maybe I shouldn't either." Evelyn had to roll her eyes. She could sense the way her mother felt she was cut from the same cloth as the Orlesian empress. "But I'm not sure we can fit everyone in the house when Divine Victoria arrives." Lady Trevelyan continued "Do you think some of them could… I don't know, pitch a tent or something?"
"Oh yes. What a splendid idea mother! Should we keep them in the courtyard perhaps? Then your friends can see how a generous hostess you are, letting the commoners into your world."
"There is no cause for that tone Evelyn!" Lady Trevelyan replied sharply. "But your point is valid. Just picture the look on Lady Ornacia if she had to see such a thing."
"We could just double up on some rooms? My room could easily house 20 soldiers."
"Hmmm… double up on rooms you say." She glanced over at Dorian. "Maybe you're right. Why don't you and Lord Pavus share a room? That would ease things up for us."
Evelyn couldn't believe her mother. She was becoming truly desperate. "No, I don't think that would be proper."
"I have to agree!" Cullen chimed in.
"As do I!" Lord Trevelyan continued.
"Well," Lady Trevelyan shrugged. "I suppose it wouldn't be entirely improper if the two of you were engaged."
The Inquisitor shot up from her seat. "You can't be serious!" She schreeched.
Dorian tapped his knife against his glass, he rose up as if he was about to give a toast. "If I might interject Lady Trevelyan."
"Oh, please do!" Lady Trevelyan enthused, certain that Dorian would use this opportunity to finally propose.
Dorian cleared his throat ceremoniously and raised his glass to the woman across from him. "As you all know. I love Evelyn very much."
"Maker's breath." Cullen muttered next to him, rubbing his temple in exasperation. Sera on the other hand, sat eager and impatiently on the edge of her seat, soaking in every expression around the table. She was particularly amused by Evelyn's flushed face.
"It's Miss Evelyn." Lady Trevelyan corrected. "But that's not important now is it," she said and giggled. "Continue will you."
"As I was saying. I love Miss Evelyn very much." Dorian continued. "But I'm not in love with her. I'm sorry my dear, but I can't marry you. I'm in love with someone else." Cullen let out a relieved sigh, while Sera frowned. The elf had hoped for more complications she could revel in.
Lady Trevelyan placed her arm on Evelyn's shoulder and looked at her with concern. "I don't understand," she said breathlessly. "You met someone in Kirkwall didn't you?" She looked back at Dorian. Studying his face for any sign of the truth.
"In a way."
"Please excuse me." Lord Trevelyan said and tossed his napkin on the floor. "I have some letters to write." He rose from his chair and left the room in a great hurry.
Lady Trevelyan directed her attention to her daughter. "I said you would lose him if you let him go to Kirkwall!"
"But I never wanted him!" Evelyn retorted. "Nor did he want me." Her mother sank as far back in her seat as humanly possible. "You have ruined us. No one will marry you now. Everyone will call you a tease for leading on Lord Pavus."
Dorian sat back down and patted Lady Trevelyan's back. "Dear Lady, don't be cruel to Miss Evelyn. If anything, I was the one who lead you on."
She sniffled a little. "It's that Montilyet girl isn't it! You think she's better than us."
"Of course I don't!"
"Then who, who is it!" Lady Trevelyan demanded.
"You don't know him."
"Him!" She gave him a profoundly curious look. "Did you say… HIM!"
Dorian nodded in response.
A/N It's kind of short. Sorry. I started this chapter a month ago, but a lot happened between now (I had to move etc.) so I can't really remember where it was headed. I have a new idea for the next one, so we'll go with that. Unless my schoolwork drownes me, I think I'll have it up by the end of the week.
Thank you for your patience and your reviews. It really means a lot to me.
