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Chapter Eight

The next month went by quickly. Evelyn realized that in changing her wardrobe, people started approaching her differently. They started treating her as though she belonged in her new position. It also made her feel less out of place and she started to settle in comfortably. She had to hand it to Bran. She'd thought he was being snooty when he suggested it, but she had to admit that it was a seemingly small thing that made a huge difference.

With her new wardrobe came the issue of her crown. The last time she had seen the one for the previous Viscount, it was being unceremoniously tossed down the stairs by an angry Arashok. Along with the Viscount's head. When it was presented to her, she absolutely refused to wear it and told the Seneschal that this was one argument she wouldn't give in on. There were too many bad memories attached to it. The Seneschal finally gave in and had another crown made. When it came in, she realized that Bran knew a thing or two about appearance.

Although the new crown looked similar to the old one, it was only slightly more feminine and was made of silver, so it reflected brightly upon her head. When she tried it on, Bran smiled to himself and she'd thought he'd even muttered the word, "Perfect." She'd had to give it back though. Unfortunately, coronations were handled by the Grand Cleric, and with the lack of that office currently being occupied in Kirkwall, a coronation couldn't take place. They needed a new Grand Cleric to oversee the rebuilding of the Chantry anyway, so Evelyn sent another letter requesting a permanent one who would be temporarily stationed at the Gallows. She grinned devilishly when she thought of how appropriate being there awhile would be. Maybe it would give them a different perspective on things.

With her being busy here and Cullen being busy with whatever Templars busied themselves with, they hadn't seen each other over the last month. Today, however, her letter she had sent to the Divine had been answered. And it came with a courier, of sorts.

The Templar knocked on the door, "Ser Everett reporting in, your Grace. I was told by the Divine to see you before heading over to the Gallows. She also wanted me to give you these," he reached into his pocket and pulled out two pieces of parchment. She read both and smiled at the Templar.

"Knight-Captain, would you please have a seat? I'll be back momentarily." She left the room and asked Bran to send for Ser Cullen as quickly as possible. When she came back in, she asked if the Templar was thirsty.

"Thank you for waiting, Ser Everett, can I offer you any tea, or something to eat? I'm sure you've had a bit of a journey to get here." The Templar politely declined the offer. She studied him a little before commenting, "I hope you don't mind me asking, but you look a bit young for a Knight-Captain. Do you mind if I ask your background?"

"Not at all, Your Grace. I half expected it anyway." He proceeded to tell her that with the war on, and the sudden influx of new recruits, people were being moved up the ranks more quickly than before. Before accepting the position in Kirkwall, he was a Knight-Lieutenant stationed at Tantervale. When he was offered the position, he accepted it, "Even if it was a bit like the frying pan to the fire, if you don't mind me saying so."

She smiled and acknowledged it, "Not at all. You're correct in saying it. Hopefully, though, with your help, we can make it less so."

They continued to converse pleasantly until Cullen showed up at the door.

He knocked on the open door and entered the room. When Ser Everett saw him, he stood and saluted, "Knight-Captain Everett reporting, sir."

Cullen grimaced and looked at him, "There must be some mistake. I didn't request a Knight-Captain. By whose authority are you here?"

"The Divine sent me, by the request of the Viscountess, sir."

"Ser Cullen, please sit down and I'll explain," Evelyn gestured to the seat in front of her.

Cullen turned to look at her, clearly upset, he pointed in her general direction, "You lied to me!"

This was not going anything like she'd pictured in her head. She turned to Ser Everett, "Knight-Captain," she managed a smile, "would you please wait in the adjacent room and be so kind as to close the door on your way out?"

Ser Everett looked from her to Ser Cullen, not knowing entirely what to do. He seemed to be waiting for something. Cullen looked at him and extended his hand in a gesture indicating that he should follow the request.

When he was out the door, Evelyn could see the fury in Cullen's eyes. There were only a few times she had seen him this upset and she was happy she hadn't been on the receiving end. Now she felt sorry for all those poor unfortunate fools, "Cullen, I can see that you're angry, but if you would please just - "

Cullen walked up to her desk and slammed his fist down on it, making everything in its vicinity jump, including Evelyn, "I thought we were making strides to working together. Why, then, are you seeking to have me replaced?!"

"Cullen, I'm not - "

"And to think I stood up for you!"

"I know, but I didn't - "

"I thought I had made it clear how I felt about you last time."

"Yes, well, perhaps not as clear as you'd think at the time, but - "

"Is that why you've been avoiding me? I never meant to make you uncomfortable. Is that what this is about?"

"No, not at all, I have - "

"Then why would you lie to me and seek to have me replaced?"

Evelyn took a deep breath and stared hard into Cullen's eyes, choosing her words carefully, "Knight-Commander, I didn't lie to you and if you will please be quiet and allow me to finish a sentence, I will answer your questions."

Cullen turned around, still clearly upset, and started to pace the center of the room before speaking, "Evelyn, I thought that we could at least work together. I'd even gone so far as to make a gesture, or at least hint at the possibility of a something more than a truce or even a friendship with you. But I'm afraid that - ," realization suddenly hit him. He took a cautious step towards her, "What did you just say?"

Evelyn tried not to grin, she was having difficulty, though, "I said I didn't lie to you. I had requested a new Knight-Commander. Specifically," she paused before continuing, "I requested that you be promoted to the position. Which would leave another vacancy that Ser Everett is here to fill." When she finished, she smiled at him.

"You petitioned for a promotion on my behalf?" Apparently being Champion and Viscountess had its rewards.

"Absolutely, here is Ser Everett's letter of introduction, as well as your Letter of Commission. Everything is in order," she said as she handed him both documents.

Cullen read through them, clearly in a bit of shock. When he was done, he'd calmed down, and laughed a little, while putting the documents away, "It would seem that I owe you an apology. Please forgive my outburst. I had assumed that...it doesn't matter, I should be thanking you."

Evelyn offered a clarification, "It wasn't that I was unappreciative of what you've done for me, or that I'm uncomfortable around you," she paused before continuing, "rather, it is quite the opposite."

Cullen stepped forward and took both of her hands in his while smiling at her, "I'm an ass sometimes, as I've just demonstrated. I shouldn't have assumed the worst so easily. On the other hand, this isn't the first time I've put my foot in my mouth. You think I'd have learned after the first time" he smiled at her.

He furrowed his brow and took a step back, still holding her hands, seeming to notice her for the first time. He'd been so involved in everything else, he hadn't realized how different she looked. She had on a dark blue dress, her long, dark hair braided and falling to the side, resting on her shoulder and continuing to her waist. The shade of her dress was a perfect contrast to her paler skin and the quizzical smile on her face made her dark brown eyes all the more beautiful.

"You seem to be falling much more easily into your new role, your Grace," he said while closing the space between them.

Evelyn cleared her throat, "Cullen, about us...," she took a step back as he took one forward, "I have loose ends that will need to be tied up. Before then, I'm afraid it would be inappropriate for us to continue with anything more than friendship. Do you understand?," she bit her bottom lip slightly.

Cullen regarded her momentarily before once again closing the space between them. He gently cupped her cheek in his hand and told her, "I have stood by for a long time and watched while you were attached to someone who would never make you happy. Because of propriety, I never said a word because it wasn't my place. When I saw how much pain he caused you because of his selfishness and egotism, propriety stayed my hand not to kill him where he stood. So, do you understand when I say - propriety be damned."

"I - ", was all she got out before he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. As the kiss deepened, she felt herself melting into him, making her breathless. By the time he pulled away, she felt light-headed. They rested their foreheads together.

After she'd caught her breath, she said, "I am doing my best in this new position. I am afraid that I will tarnish my reputation by appearing to improperly win the approval of the Templars. As much as I hate to say it, especially after that, we have to be careful."

Cullen hadn't thought about it that way. If it looked like she was attaining favor by such activities, then she would never be taken seriously as a ruler. Her reputation would be irreparable and that wouldn't do in the long run. He nodded as he conceded her point, "You're right, of course," he smiled at her, "Do what you must. When the time is right..."

"I'll let you know...," she smiled back.

He kissed her softly one last time before taking a few steps back and going to stand in front of her desk again.

Cullen took a deep breath as he tried to clear his head, "Speaking of loose ends, I must attend to the Knight-Captain. I'll have to move myself out before he can settle in, so I should take care of that right away."

"Of course."

Cullen laughed, "And I should probably let him know everything is fine. He probably thinks we've killed each other by now."

Evelyn laughed at that, too, "What a welcome to Kirkwall he's had!"

"Well, at least we're keeping up appearances, I suppose."

When they were done laughing, Cullen took her hand and kissed it softly, then gave a small bow, "Your Grace."

Evelyn smiled at him, "Knight-Commander." Cullen smiled back, then turned to walk out. When he opened the door, the Knight-Captain was sitting in a seat at the far side of the adjacent room, fidgeting with the ends of his sash. When he saw Cullen, he stood, "Ser Cullen, I hope everything is well. I'm sorry for any trouble..."

Cullen put his hand up to stop him, "It's alright, Ser Everett, her ladyship and I had a small misunderstanding, but it's been resolved. Did the Divine mention anything about a First Enchanter as well?"

"Yes, sir, she did. He's coming from Orlais with the Grand Cleric, and will be a bit longer."

"Excellent! Then we'll be back to normal here before we know it. Come, once we get to the Gallows, we can help each other get situated."

"Aye, sir."

Cullen led the way and Evelyn listened as the sounds of their conversation faded away.