Politics

"I am sorry for that, Juliette," Alistair began, as they stepped onto a gravel path, he had led her outside to a small garden enclosure.

"Who is he?" she asked, walking at his side.

"Bann Orlan Reign is a throw back from Maric's days. He's got a finger in every pie in Ferelden," he answered. "Which is why he seems to be able transition from government to government," Alistair explained.

They walked to a fountain and stopped. It was a beautiful spot.

"When I first was crowned, he readily committed himself to me, but so did all the others, so that doesn't say much," Alistair said watching the fountain. "Once Eamon and I understood how intertwined he seemed to be with everything, we thought it prudent to limit his activities. Many people owe him their positions, making him quite powerful."

"Ah. Was he involved with Loghain?" Juliette asked.

"Front and center. Though of course, Howe was already clearly the forerunner in the lackey contest," Alistair turned to her and continued. "He seems determined to cause trouble now, though I don't yet see his benefit in doing so." He took a deep breath, "Which, brings me to why I asked you here."

Juliette waited for Alistair to continue.

"I need you to go along with me on something, Juliette. There is a nasty game of politics afoot, and while I am certain that Reign is at the center of it, I do not know why, or what his purpose is," Alistair said and turned, sitting on the bench by the fountain. "He is deliberately and loudly raising questions about the activities of the Wardens in Amaranthine," he continued, and Juliette came to sit next to him, listening. "I can see no gain in his doing so, but there is an undercurrent to it, and it's a bad one."

Juliette considered all this quickly. "Has some change I made in Amaranthine caused him harm? There have been many changes to our trade regulations, including a large smuggling ring that was disbanded."

"Eamon and I feel that it is much larger than that," Alistair watched her for a moment, then stood and paced a few steps. "Most of the whispers have to do with you, specifically. It seems that the hue he wishes to cast on you is one of incompetence."

"Why? I have had no dealings with him, nor am I aware of arrangements at the Vigil," Juliette said, genuinely confused. "How have I an enemy that I have not made?"

"Make no mistake, Juliette, I am the enemy he seeks to destroy. I believe he thinks to use either my being a Warden, or my past relationship with you, but I have yet to discern how," Alistair had circled the fountain and returned to sit next to her on the bench. "And I cannot know why, or to what end, unless I play his game."

Juliette rose and started walking, leaving Alistair to follow.

When she reached the next junction of the pathway, she stopped next to a large sculpture of Andraste. Juliette reached out and traced her finger along the robe of the woman. "Alistair, I am not interested in intrigue and the maligning of others. I have people to care for, and a land that requires defending," she said quietly.

"I know, and I am sorry," Alistair walked around the sculptures base. "I can think of no other way to sabotage whatever it is he plots."

"You are the king," said Juliette, her tone challenging him. "If you suspect him, then arrest him. Why play along at all?"

"Because I will not succeed by imprisoning him!" he said determinedly. "It will allow him to cover up whatever he is really doing. It leaves his power intact," Alistair answered. He ran his hand through his hair, resting it on the back of his neck, and exhaled loudly. "I cannot have him tried on what will amount to a pile of suspicions and I will not hang him without a trial."

"Alistair, if he is a threat to your rule then you may need to do just that," Juliette said flatly.

"No!" Alistair said vehemently. "I cannot be a just king to my people if they think I may simply have them executed. I want this to be done right, I want to"

"Have your cake and eat it too?" Juliette said interrupting. "Alistair, this is a grave risk!"

Alistair nodded, and came to stand next to her, taking her hand. He toyed with her fingers for just a moment, and slowly brought them to his lips. He kissed her hand and held it, "Juliette, I need your help," he said, his thumb tracing her palm. "I must discover the depth of this man's intent, and I must know who supports him. Please."

"Your time at court has taught you many things, I see," Juliette pulled her hand away slowly, assessing Alistair with a critical eye. "I will help you, Alistair, you know that," she said. "Your need is sincere, and this man a threat. Please do not try to manipulate me," she said.

Alistair looked at her and smiled quietly, "You have always seen right through any game I have tried to play. I miss that."

"Remember that and just be direct, will you? I am no politician," Juliette said, and looked away from him.

"No. You most certainly are not," he said. "I am sorry, Juliette," Alistair said, sounding sincere.

"What is your plan then?" Juliette asked. Alistair smiled, and began to explain.