Author's Note: So, no news is good news? It's been awhile since I've had a review, so I was just wondering...Are you enjoying this, find it boring, just want me to hurry up and get to the "good" bits, or what? Thanks!

Chapter Fourteen

Six months! Bran had said that he would need at least six months to properly plan the festivities. Just when Evelyn was getting excited about having a real coronation, now she had to wait half a year. She decided that it would be good to have a celebration in the middle of winter, though. It may help to liven moods in the city a bit, plus she imagined how lovely the city could be with all of the decorations and maybe a bit of snow. She missed Ferelden for that. It didn't snow nearly as often in Kirkwall, and when it did, the city shut down and everyone stayed home to enjoy it.

It was difficult to believe how quickly time was passing already, though. It had been five months since she had assumed the Viscountess position. She remembered how daunting everything had seemed at first, but now, it was all a part of her daily routine. The First Enchanter and the Grand Cleric were proving to be excellent choices for Kirkwall. Despite her initial meeting, Rothia was proving to be cooperative and even eager to explore the new possibilities offered to her with the changes in the chantry going forward. She was also making sure that the construction of the new chantry was coming along smoothly. It would be years before it was complete, but the new foundation had been laid, and that was progress already.

Anders was still locked away at the Gallows, but after seeing his cell, or rather, his "vacation home", Evelyn was less inclined to render a judgment so quickly. Partially, she wanted to wait until after the coronation on general principle, but also, she wanted to see which way the war would turn. Having him around could prove to be a valuable commodity, should she need it.

She and Cullen had settled into a comfortable pace for their relationship. They were still trying to keep it quiet, so while it hadn't progressed any further, it wasn't non-existent, either. At least, they had shared enough kisses that she no longer got light-headed. Evelyn smiled to herself as she recalled the few times one of them had to stop before they couldn't help themselves, usually with protestations, then acknowledgment, from the other and frustration for both. Those times were particularly enjoyable (right before the stopping, anyway). For the most part, though, it was steady and comfortable.

As for her friends, since she couldn't go to the Hanged Man, they had organized a weekly get-together at her estate when everyone was invited and they would play cards, gossip, and have a few too many drinks. Much like the bar, except with fewer drunks and better ale.

As Evelyn contemplated the last few months, there was a knock on her door that startled her. Bran walked in with an older woman, who was carrying a tape measure and swatches in various shades of purple.

"Your Grace, please allow me to introduce Marina. She is the finest tailor your money can afford, I assure you."

Evelyn smiled at that, as if he knew her personal finances. Actually...oh dear, what if he did? She shook herself out of her reveries and stood, "Pleased to meet you," turning back to the Seneschal, she asked, "and to what do I owe the pleasure?"

Bran looked a little surprised, as if he couldn't believe she wouldn't know, "Why, she's here to fit you for your gown, Lady Evelyn."

Realization dawned on her. She remembered setting up an appointment with Bran, but totally forgot to write it down. It was the gown for the coronation, "Of course." She asked Bran to excuse them, then locked the door and allowed Marina to take her measurements. The tailor also tried a few of the swatches next to the Viscountess's skin and selected one.

"Shouldn't I get to choose the color myself?" Evelyn was more curious than anything and the question had no maliciousness. By now, she'd grown accustomed to the idea that, in many respects, she had more freedom before she became Viscountess.

"No, your Grace. Purple is the traditional color worn for the coronation. It's simply finding a shade that suits you."

"I see...," Evelyn smiled at her. "Will that be all, then?"

"Yes, Your Grace. It should be done in a couple of months, then we can have a fitting, then an adjustment after that."

"Thank you. Please leave the door open on the way out."

"Yes, Your Grace."

Evelyn sat back behind her desk and pulled up her chair. It looked like it would be a slow day, so she wanted to tackle some of the paperwork that she'd put off.

As she was just getting started, there was another knock on her door. Cullen walked in and smiled warmly at her.

"Are you busy? It's personal and I have other business in the city, so I could come back later, if you'd prefer."

Evelyn couldn't even imagine being too busy for him, "Of course not. Please have a seat. What can I do for you?" Personal, heh? Evelyn was curious, this ought to be good.

Cullen took a seat in the chair across from her desk, looking a little shy and fidgety. That was...different...and very adorable.

He looked at Evelyn, gave her another smile, cleared his thoat and said, "So, I'd come by earlier and the Senechal said that you were indisposed. Something about a tailor..."

Evelyn nodded, "Yes, I was just being fitted for my coronation gown. I can't believe how quickly time has passed. Only three more months, and all."

Cullen nodded again, and continued, "Yes, about that...I wanted to talk to you on that very subject, actually...um...," he cleared his throat again, "the thing is...you're going to need an escort and I was wondering if you had decided on one yet. I mean, with us, and all, I didn't know if you...," he took a deep breath, "this went much better in my head."

Evelyn laughed a little. It was obvious that Cullen was worried she'd considered someone else since they were trying to keep their relationship quiet for now. Would it be entirely sinful if she made him squirm a little?

"Actually, I know exactly who I'm going with. As a matter of fact, he's asked me just this morning and I've accepted."

Cullen's face fell. He looked slightly defeated. "Oh, I see...well, of course...it's for the best this way, I'm sure." He stood and managed a little smile, then said, "Well, then I won't take up any more of your time." Before he walked out the door, he asked, "May I at least inquire as to whom the lucky fellow is?"

Evelyn tried to keep a straight face, "Of course. I'm going with the Knight-Commander of Kirkwall."

Cullen nodded solemnly and headed out the door. Evelyn gave the door a puzzled stare. About two seconds later, he came back in, and took three steps to get behind Evelyn's desk. He grabbed her hand and pulled her up into a heated embrace, "You evil woman", he teasingly muttered into her hair. Evelyn giggled. Cullen looked at her affectionately and pressed a kiss to her lips.

Realizing that the door was still open, they took a couple of steps back from each other to a more professional distance. Cullen spoke up first, "I've been wanting to talk to you about that as well, you know?"

Evelyn sighed, "Have you? I thought we had an understanding."

"We did, but then I realized...are you aware that we have a Grand Cleric now?"

Evelyn thought about where he was going with that. Of course! She didn't need the Knight-Commander's approval, so long as she could secure the Grand Cleric's. If Rothia agreed, then whatever Cullen thought didn't matter.

Evelyn smiled, "Knight-Commander, I do believe you may have something there."

Cullen grinned, "It was entirely selfishness that brought me to that line of reasoning, I assure you."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. Touching a finger to her lips, she thought, "I'll have to broach the subject gently with her. Is she even aware of our infamous prisoner?"

Cullen nodded, "Oh, she's aware alright. She's not happy about it, but she understands why he's there, for now."

"At least that won't be a shock to her. What do you think?"

Cullen thought for a second, "I think that she'll give a bit of resistance at first. But if you explain your reasoning, she should be receptive in the end."

Evelyn sighed, "Well then...it looks like I'll have to do my best at convincing her, won't I?" She smiled at Cullen.

"Indeed, my lady," he smiled back. He gave a small bow, "Good day, Your Grace."

"Good day, Knight-Commander."

Evelyn watched him leave. She found herself longing for a future with him that they had certainly never discussed and that she felt she had no right to want. She shook her head, sighed, and got back to work. Maybe if the Divine did approve her suggestions...but that was years away. It was probably best to put those notions out of her head.