Chapter Nine
The Empress and the Mastermind
{-Ellaina-}
Ellaina pocketed the note and headed back into the ballroom to meet Leliana, only to be cut off by the Grand Duchess.
"Inquisitor Trevelyan! We met briefly earlier. I am Grand Duchess Florianne de Chalons." The duchess bowed to Ellaina. "Welcome to my party."
This is perfect. I had hoped to talk to her sooner. "Is there something I can do for you Your Grace?"
"Indeed you can. I believe tonight that you and I are concerned with the actions of a…certain person. Come, dance with me. The spies cannot hear us on the dance floor."
I take it this is not an unusual occasion in Orlais. I hope Cullen isn't watching.
"Very well. Shall we dance Your Grace?"
"I would be delighted."
The two women proceeded to the dance floor, and the Grand Duchess engaged Ellaina in casual conversation.
"You are from the Free Marches are you not? How much do you know about our little war?"
Time to play the Game. I'm going to be lying through my teeth, but I have to prove she's the mastermind behind all of this. "It doesn't matter where you're from Your Grace. Everyone knows what's happening in the empire."
"I-I often forget about the world outside of the Imperial Court. It took a great effort to arrange tonight's negotiations, yet one party would use this glorious occasion for blackest treason. The security of the Empire is at stake. Neither one of us wishes to see it fall."
"Do we both want that? Lady Florianne."
"I hope we are of one mind on this."
"In times like these. It's hard to tell friend from foe, Your Grace."
"I know you arrived here as a guest of my brother Gaspard, and have been everywhere in the palace. You are a curiosity to many, Inquisitor, and a matter of concern to some."
"Is that so? Am I the curiosity or the concern to you, Your Grace?"
"A little of both actually. This evening is of great importance. I wonder what role you will play in it? Do you even yet know who is friend and who is foe? Who in the court can be trusted?"
"If I have learned anything in my life, Your Grace, it is to put your trust in no one."
"You are wise, Inquisitor. In the Winter Palace, everyone is alone. It cannot have escaped your attention that certain parties are engaged in dangerous machinations tonight."
"Truly? I thought dangerous machinations were the national sport in Orlais." Ellaina spun the Grand Duchess around to dip her with a flourish.
"You have little time. The attack will come soon. You must be ready to stop Gaspard before he strikes. In the royal wing garden you will find the captain of my brother's mercenaries. He knows all Gaspard's secrets." The Grand Duchess let out a little chuckle. "With your silver tongue, I'm sure you can persuade him to be forthcoming."
"We'll see what the night has in store, won't we?" Ellaina bowed to Florianne and left the dance floor.
"You will be the talk of the court for months! We should take you dancing more often." Josephine greeted Ellaina as she climbed to the top of the stairs.
"Frankly, I'm surprised I remember how. I was a Templar for far longer than I was nobility. I guess some lessons stick." Ellaina shrugged.
"Were you dancing with Grand Duchess Florianne?" Leliana seemed as surprised as Ellaina felt.
"More importantly, what happened in the servant's quarters? I heard there was fighting." Cullen interrupted Ellaina's wooing female advisors.
Typical. I guess I'll have to leave Leliana and Josephine to gush without me.
"I do hope you have good news. The peace talks are crumbling." Josephine got right back to business, despite her obvious desire to prattle on about Ellaina's dancing skills."
"The Grand Duchess tried to convince me that Gaspard is the traitor, but after talking to Morrigan and Briala, I don't buy it."
"Florianne and her brother are as thick as thieves, but she would give him up in an instant to save herself." Leliana said.
"Then the attack on the Empress will happen tonight." Cullen sounded dejected.
"Warning Celene is pointless. She needs these talks to succeed. To flee would be admitting defeat."
"Then perhaps we should let her die." Leliana stated coolly.
"How does that help us stop Corypheus?" Ellaina was curious.
"What Corypheus wants is chaos. Even with Celene alive, that could still happen. To foil his plan the Empire must remain strong. This evening, someone must emerge victorious."
"And it doesn't need to be Celene. She's right." Cullen added.
"Do you realize what the two of you are suggesting?" Josephine exclaimed.
"Sometimes, the best path is not the easiest one."
"I agree. Gaspard could bring the strength the Empire needs, provided Florianne is lying about his intentions."
"What did the Grand Duchess tell you?"
"She said Gaspard's mercenary captain is in the royal wing. That he knows about the assassination."
"This could be the best lead we have." Josephine replied.
"Or it could be a trap. Do we really need to throw her into danger again?" Cullen pinched the bridge of his nose, exasperated.
"Either way I need to search the Royal wing." Ellaina shot Cullen an apologetic look. "I'll need access. In the meantime, get your soldiers into position."
Cullen sighed. "At once. Please be careful."
With that, her advisers took their leave, Ellaina gathered her party, and they headed to the royal wing. After combing the wing for clues, Ellaina saved a young elven woman, apparently sent to her death by Briala. She also found a young man in a rather, exposed, state. After interrogating the man Ellaina discovered that the Empress was not the damsel in distress she had been lead to believe she was. Gaspard detests the Game. I should have known he couldn't hide behind that mask for long. So who is the assassin?
"You'll have to testify. Find Commander Cullen in the ballroom, but first put some clothes on."
"Thank you, Inquisitor."
"Come on. Let's go meet this mercenary captain."
"You Orlesian arseholes! When I get out of here I'll butcher you like the pigs you are!" A man with a thick Ferelden accent screamed behind the door to the garden.
Ellaina burst through to find a man in a mercenary uniform, a Rift hanging in the air above him, and several Venatori archers pointing their weapons at her. Then she heard the voice of Grand Duchess Florianne.
"Inquisitor! What a pleasure. I wasn't sure you would attend. You are quite a challenge to read. I had no idea if you'd taken my bait." Florianne emerged on a balcony.
Ellaina smirked. "Hah, I knew all of this was too clever for Gaspard to be behind. He may be a good military leader, but he's lacking in the wits department." Ellaina let her anger and sarcasm bubble in her voice.
"You are quite a wise woman aren't you, Lady Trevelyan. Regardless, it was kind of you to walk into my trap so willingly. I have grown tired of your meddling. Corypheus has insisted that the Empress die tonight, and I would hate to disappoint him."
"Oh Florianne, certainly he's used to disappointment by now."
Florianne snarled. "In their darkest dreams no one imagines that I would assassinate Celene myself. I just need to keep you out of the ballroom long enough to strike. A pity you'll miss the rest of the ball, Inquisitor. They'll be talking of it for years." Florianne spat orders to her Venatori agents. "Kill her. Bring me the marked hand as proof. It will make a fine gift for the Master."
Ellaina dodged the oncoming barrage of arrows and a battle ensued. It wasn't enough that there were archers, but now the Rift was spawning demons. Ellaina froze in her tracks as a terror came from the Rift. This was the first time she had come face to face with a demon since her imprisonment at Adamant. She stared at it willing herself to fight, but she could only stand there with her sword drawn. Her feet were firmly planted in a fighting stance, her muscles burned from the sheer weight of her weapon, her adrenaline was telling her to fight, but her mind was telling her to run. She couldn't move. It wasn't until Cassandra sprung into action in front of her that Ellaina shook herself from her daze. She had to fight these physical demons. She could deal with the ones in her head later.
Once the battle was over Ellaina walked over to the man she could only presume was Gaspard's Mercenary Captain. She cut his ropes and helped him to his feet.
"Andraste's tits what was all that? Were those demons?" The man looked bewildered.
"Good eye! Those were in fact demons" Ellaina replied with a mental eye roll.
"I knew Gaspard was a son of a bitch but I never thought he'd feed me to demons over a damned bill."
"You are sorely naïve if you think this was all over a bill."
"I don't know what Florianne was going on about but Gaspard hired us because he didn't have enough of his fancy Chevaliers to attack the palace tonight."
"That's bold even for Gaspard to launch an attack tonight."
"That's what I thought. He's not paying me enough to deal with this bullshit."
"Want a new job, one that pays better? The Inquisition could always use a good mercenary company."
"Sounds great to me! You want me to testify or sing a blasted song in a Chantry I'll do it. Sure beats hanging out here with blighted demons."
"Find Commander Cullen in the ballroom and fill him in."
Ellaina turned to her companions. Their weapons and armor were covered in blood. She couldn't help but feel a swell of pride as her companions looked to her for guidance on their next move. She had given them every reason to distrust and hate her, yet here they were, staying with her and watching her back through all her battles.
A small smile crept to her face as she said "We'd best get back to the ballroom. Wouldn't want to miss the show."
"What are you planning, Inquisitor?"
"It's not going to win me much agreement, but we have to let Celene die. Gaspard is the only choice for true stability in the Empire."
"We'll have to fight Florianne, you know that right?" Varric interjected.
"Yes and it won't be an easy fight. She's a skilled assassin, the information Leliana gave me on her was abundantly clear in that respect."
"Ah all this death and conspiracy makes me homesick." Dorian feigned wiping a tear from his eye.
"The night is yet young. Revel in it my friend." Ellaina clapped the mage on the shoulder.
"Oh yes. No royal evening is complete without a good assassination. This will be most exciting."
"You know, Morrigan said the very same thing."
"Who is this Morrigan?" Cassandra's interest was piqued.
"Celene's mage advisor."
"Ah, I see. I'm sure we will see her soon then."
"Of that I am certain."
The party proceeded to the Grand Ballroom where Cullen, Leliana, and Josephine were waiting for Ellaina's signal. She nodded to Cullen and gestured with two fingers that he should get his soldiers into position. He turned to someone dressed in similar military outfits as she and her party had worn to the palace. She recognized the young man as Knight-Captain Rylen. As soon as Cullen finished giving orders the young Templar walked briskly toward the Vestibule to gather the rest of the soldiers and Cullen trotted over to where Ellaina stood.
There was fear in his eyes when he saw that Ellaina and company was covered in blood from head to toe.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, for the most part. No major injuries and the few scratches I had Dorian patched right up for me."
"Good. What's our plan of attack?"
"It's as I suspected. Florianne is behind all this. We wait for her to strike and then move your soldiers in. She won't come willingly though, I'm afraid."
"I was worried you would say that. Are you sure this is what you want?"
"Yes. Gaspard is our best hope for a stable Orlais. We need his military leadership."
"Very well. I trust your decision."
"Let's get ready. This is going to be quite a show." Varric said.
Celene stepped forward to address the court.
"My friends, we have lost much. We have each seen a child, a friend, a lover, consigned to the flames. The darkness has closed in around us but even now, there is light. We must be that light! We must lead our people through these troubled times. We must be their guiding star. Tonight, the war dividing us must end." Celene gestured for Florianne to address the court.
"My friends, we are here to witness an historic moment. A great change is coming for all of us. Isn't that right Gaspard?" Florianne moved behind Celene and unsheathed a dagger hidden beneath the sash of her dress. The tip of the dagger came out through Celene's abdomen and blood spilled down her front.
"Florianne, what have you done!" Gaspard yelled, bewildered.
Florianne laugh maniacally. "Don't be coy. This went just as we planned. I did this for you brother!"
"For me have you gone mad?" Gaspard was backing away from where he had stood beneath the landing where Celene had fallen.
Ellaina had made her way through the crowd, weapon in hand and confronted Florianne. "No, not Gaspard. You did this for Corypheus"
Florianne snarled. "What a terrible guest you are. Interrupting your host."
She gestured to the ballroom floor where Venatori assassins were slaying Inquisition soldiers left and right. Several other soldiers came around to flank Florianne, but she was a master with daggers and easily got past the men.
"For Corypheus! Kill them!" Florianne yelled as she turned to jump off the balcony into the courtyard below.
Ellaina, Cassandra, Dorian, Varric, and several more Inquisition soldiers gave chase to Florianne. A bloody battle ensued. Florianne was a master of stealth and deception. Ellaina often could not follow her so she counted on stunning blows from Dorian and Varric while Cassandra and the other troops covered her back against Florianne's Venatori. Ellaina felt the adrenaline pumping through her muscles and heard her heart pounding in her ears. She was exhausted and new she needed to end this battle sooner than later. Florianne came down from her perch on the balcony, her back facing Ellaina. Ellaina used this opportunity to strike Florianne in the back of the head with the pommel of her sword. After she was incapacitated Ellaina swung her sword around to dispatch the last of the Venatori before dropping her greatsword, grabbing a dagger from her boot, and running to Florianne to deliver the final blow. Florianne was coming to but Ellaina wouldn't give her time. She grabbed the woman by the hair, pulled her head back to expose her neck, and drew the dagger across her throat giving Florianne the merciful death she did not deserve. Ellaina let go of the Duchess's hair and wiped the blood from her face as best she could.
"It's done." She breathed.
"Not yet. Despite Celene being killed the peace talks must still conclude between Gaspard and Briala, as they are the only remaining sources of power." Cassandra stated.
"Shall we then? I'd better go get cleaned up before I have to address the court."
"Good idea. I'm sure Curly loves seeing you covered in blood, but the Orlesians are a little to soft for that." Varric said with a sarcastic lilt in his voice.
"Ha-ha, Varric. I'll meet you all back in the ballroom once this is over. Thank you all for coming with me. I couldn't have asked for a better team."
Ellaina entered the grand bathroom and removed her armor. She cleaned the gleaming red plate as best she could and placed the heavy armor into a chest designated for Inquisition gear. She washed her hands and body, cleaning the blood from her skin. The soap smelled of lavender and rosemary. It calmed Ellaina and allowed her time to think about how she was going to deal with Briala. If she didn't allow her to be a puppeteer behind Gaspard's throne then Gaspard would surely name her a traitor and have her executed. She was certain that would be what was best. No matter how hard she tried Ellaina couldn't trust the elven woman. Ellaina pulled her hair back into a small bun. It had grown quite long since her time with the Inquisition. She thought about cutting it back to its previous pixie length, but something had stopped her. Well, not something but someone. Cullen had been paying particularly close attention to her hair lately and had mumbled something about how he loved seeing it longer. She hadn't worn her hair long since her time at the Starkhaven Circle. Ellaina had just recently learned that some of the mages and Templars had survived the blast. She was extremely grateful for the report Leliana had slipped onto her desk during her recovery. Just knowing that all her brothers and sisters did not meet the Maker that day had removed a huge burden from her shoulders.
Ellaina slipped back into her formal attire and turned to exit the bathroom. She braced herself to deal with the madness that had certainly ensued in court. She went straight to the patio where she saw Gaspard and Briala arguing. She completely ignored everyone, including Cullen, as she carved her path to the two leaders. She had business to attend and sooner was better than later, or else they would have no one left to lead Orlais. Gaspard and Briala were at each other's throats, but had the decorum enough not to draw any weapons. Thank the Maker for small blessings. Ellaina thought as she stepped out onto the patio.
"Inquisitor. So nice of you to join us." Gaspard greeted her warmly.
"Thank you, your Grace. I had to clean up first."
"Yes, an unfortunate end to the evening, I'm afraid."
"You're a shallow bastard Gaspard, even for a royal blooded Orlesian." Briala spat.
"I had nothing to do with Celene's assassination! Not through Florianne."
"Yet you admit that you had plotted to kill her yourself! I see right through that mask of yours Gaspard."
"Like you weren't interested in saving your own skin, Rabbit. What would the court have thought had it gotten out that you and our late Empress were lovers?"
"Enough, both of you! There has been enough fighting tonight and enough bloodshed. I am here to prevent more of that if I can. Briala, I know that you sent your people into danger and I have someone who is willing to testify that you and Celene were indeed lovers."
"What will that accomplish for you Inquisitor? You mean to put this brainless soldier on the throne?"
"Just because you helped Celene manipulate the court to put her into power does not erase Gaspard's birthright. He is the rightful ruler of Orlais and you have pulled the strings behind the throne for too long."
"I could not agree more Inquisitor. Ambassador, I am sorry, but your death tonight will mark the birth of a united Orlais." Gaspard said to Briala.
Briala sighed and addressed Ellaina. "I only hope you know what you are doing. It is clear you are in a position to do more for my people than I could ever hope to."
"You betrayed your people Briala." Ellaina replied curtly.
"Come. We must address the court. The Empire and I owe our lives to you, Inquisitor. You have been a friend, and I am not a man who forgets his friends."
Gaspard made his way to the landing above the ballroom and began to speak. "And so the crown falls to me. This is not the victory I had hoped for. This was to be a moment filled with song, not with sorrow, but I have always been a soldier. As every soldier knows the difference between defeat and victory is how it is named. An enemy has struck the Empire in its very heart. As your Emperor, I promise justice. Orlais will not allow such atrocities—corruption, deceit, murder—to go unchecked." The crowd began to cheer. Gaspard certainly knows how to rally a group. "We will face this Corypheus and he will know the wrath of the Lion! We will fight, shoulder to shoulder, with the Inquisition. We will send our enemy to the Maker's judgment" Another cheer was elicited from the crowd as Gaspard gestured to Ellaina.
Ellaina stepped forward to address the court. "We will teach Corypheus and his allies the meaning of fear. His victims will not go without being avenged. He will not receive the chaos he seeks. Not here not anywhere. This I promise you!"
Gaspard nodded and continued. "There is much work to be done ahead, but that is for another day. Tonight, be at ease, rest and prepare yourselves for the battle ahead!"
The crowd cheered once more and Gaspard and Ellaina took their leave. Ellaina managed to grab a glass of champagne for a toast and mingled for a while, but soon she began to feel claustrophobic. She bowed to the nobles she had just been chatting with and retreated to the balcony above the ballroom for some fresh air. Stepping out into the breeze she leaned over the railing. Her hand instinctively reached for the dagger hidden in the cuff of her over-the-knee boots when she heard footsteps behind her.
"Do not fear. 'Tis only I." Morrigan said as Ellaina turned to meet her supposed attacker. "I have at last found our absent hero, here of all places despite the efforts of all Orlais to find you. Gaspard drunkenly toasts in your honor 'deliverer from darkness' and other such titles both complementary and awkwardly phrased."
"Oh you know, that's just what I do. Fall out of the Fade, make horrible decisions, use my wily, wily ways to influence world events, and somehow everyone still follows me."
This elicited a chuckle from Morrigan. "So they do. It seems I am also to join that esteemed crowd. By imperial decree I have been named liaison to the Inquisition. Gaspard wishes to offer any and all aid to the one who supported his ascent to the throne, so here I am."
"Well how very generous of him. Welcome to the Inquisition Lady Morrigan."
"A most gracious response my dear Inquisitor. I shall meet you at Skyhold." With that Morrigan took her leave.
Ellaina recognized the next set of footfalls that came behind her and for once did not reach for a weapon.
Cullen joined her as she leaned over the balcony. "There you are. Everyone's been looking for you."
"Seems that you and Morrigan are the only ones able to actually find me, however." Ellaina tried to conceal the fact that she was bordering on tear, but nothing got past her Commander. Just what the doctor ordered, more death and demons. I've had enough of all this already. I wish I could have done something differently tried to save the Empress, but Gaspard should be on the throne. I can't always save everyone. A single tear rolled down her cheek but Ellaina was quick to wipe it away.
"Yes well…" Cullen trailed off and cleared his throat. "Things have calmed down for the moment. Are you alright?" He had caught her wiping her eyes. She knew that.
"I'm just worn out, physically and emotionally. Tonight has been very long and trying."
"For all of us, but I know especially for you. I'm glad it's over and I'm sorry I wasn't able to help you fight the demons."
"Thank you. I'm grateful that Cassandra was there to snap me out of my daze. I still have more recovery in front of me than I thought. It's shameful how far I have fallen."
"No it isn't. You've been through hell and back at least twice and you've given more to this cause than any of us. You are strong and bold and you never give up. Your relentlessness and determination is what makes you such a powerful leader. You should never be ashamed."
"I've been weak, Cullen. I allowed them to break me. I've almost killed you I don't even know how many times because of what they did to me. It isn't acceptable and I have every reason to feel ashamed because of it."
"Listen to me, love. You are a human being. You are more special and important than you could ever know. One day I will be able to show you how important you are to me and everyone else, but for now know that you are not broken. You are strong and you are human. Everyone has limits and you have been pushed past yours far too many times. You are still recovering from what happened and that's ok."
Ellaina forced herself to hold back her tears. "Thank you Cullen. That means more than you could know."
Cullen placed his hand on her shoulder and said, "I know it's probably foolish but I was worried sick for you tonight. I would have much rather been at your side than standing amongst a crowd of nobles."
"I'm sure you would." Ellaina made sure Cullen saw her roll her eyes.
Cullen glanced over his shoulder at the sound of music playing. "I may never get another chance like this, so I must ask."
Ellaina whirled around to see him bowed, hand outstretched before her. "May I have this dance, My Lady?"
"I thought you didn't dance Ser Cullen."
"I will certainly try for you."
"How could I say no to that."
Ellaina placed her hand in his and allowed him to lead her. He wasn't horrible at dancing but she could tell he hadn't had much practice. He stepped on her toes a couple of times but Ellaina didn't mind. He was doing rather well for someone who had only danced a few times in his life, and honestly she couldn't be upset at him when he blushed so adorably every time he missed a step. Sooner than she would have liked, the music ended. As the dance came to a halt Cullen pulled Ellaina closer to him. He looked into her eyes, his own gold irises sparkling, and leaned down to kiss her. She melted into his arms and just like that the night was complete. She and Cullen walked back into the ballroom to gather the rest of their soldiers and party members. They said their farewells, boarded the carriages, and departed for Skyhold.