Blasted Orlesians and their blasted endless corridors. Was this a manor house or a maze?
Damn Tallis to the void for getting Autumn caught. Damn her for getting them involved in this whole thing in the first place. And damn Hawke for her need to help everyone who asked her.
Anders knew about prisons. He knew what could be done to a person when they were locked in a cell. And while it was unlikely that an Orlesian noble would take such measures against the Champion of Kirkwall when he caught her trespassing–or so he kept telling himself–still, he needed to get her out of there as soon as possible.
At least this would show her, he thought. When Anders arrived to rescue her from the trap that Tallis had gotten her caught in, she would have to see who the better choice was. She would smile that grateful, sweet smile of hers and slip her arms around him. Maybe she would kiss him the way she had in the forest, like she was starving for him, like he was the only other person in the world. Only this time, it would be right in front of Tallis. There would be no mistaking who had her affections then.
Anders and Isabela rounded a corner. Yes, this was the right place. Anders's heart leapt into his throat. He could see their cell...
...and Tallis was picking the lock. The cell gate sprung open.
She'd stolen his rescue.
Anders cursed Tallis to the deepest, darkest pits of the Deep Roads. Broodmothers were too good for her.