Chapter Fifteen
The following three months went by quickly. When Evelyn first saw her gown, she couldn't believe how absolutely beautiful it looked. When she put it on, it fit her like a glove. The tailor tried to find some minor detail, but eventually shrugged and called it good. Evelyn thanked her profusely and told her she was more than welcome to join the festivities.
After discussing Anders' situation with the Grand Cleric, Cullen had been right. Rothia felt that he should have been killed the day the chantry blew up. Evelyn did her best to make her see otherwise. Eventually, after five more discussions (five!), she was able to finally make some progress, "I'll have to discuss this with the Divine. If she approves of your methods, then I will consent as well."
When Evelyn told Cullen, he simply rolled his eyes, "Of course she does." It meant a little more waiting until they could be more public, but they both knew that it would be worth it.
Finally, after months of slow days that flew by quickly, the day of the coronation had arrived.
Bran had truly outdone himself. The throne room of the keep, which no longer contained a throne, per Evelyn's request - she preferred to talk to people, not at them - had been decorated in garlands of holly, poinsettias and so many candles, it looked like it was almost daylight, even at night. Outside, the decorations continued, wrapping themselves around all of the columns of the keep. Throughout the city, a turkey had been sent to every house in Kirkwall, in honor of the event. The city was absolutely beautiful, with the greenery and lights winding their way from Hightown to Lowtown. By now, Darktown had not been forgotten, simply abandoned, at least by "legitimate" people. There were no longer any refugees left in Kirkwall, having taken advantage of the benefits King Alistair and Evelyn provided for their return to Ferelden.
Evelyn sat nervously as her hair was being done. She was fidgety and kept playing with her hands. Once her hairdresser was done, she dressed and got ready to leave. Once she was finished, she took a look in the mirror.
Her dress was a deep eggplant color, in satin, that had a corset top and was strapless. It was a very good color as it contrasted sharply with her skin and actually brought out the deep brown of her hair and eyes. The skirt was layered into gathers here and there, each with a small diamond where the gathers met. The back of the skirt was where most of the gathers came together, giving it a bustle effect that cascaded into a beautiful train.
Her hair was absolutely gorgeous and she wished she had the talent to be able to wear it this way more often. It was partially up, mostly gathered at the top of her head. On each side though, small locks of hair had been braided and then wound into the coif. What was not pulled up was allowed to fall into large curls down the length of her back.
Because her top was strapless, and it was winter, after all, she also wore a pair of long white gloves that went to the middle of her upper arms, and a shoulder wrap of ermine.
When she heard the knock at the door, then Cullen's voice, her heart felt as though it would leap from her chest. She took deep breaths to calm herself.
Orana knocked on the door to her bedroom and entered, "The Knight-Commander is here for you, Your Grace."
"Thank you, Orana, please tell him I'll be down in a minute."
Orana bowed her head and shut the door behind her.
Evelyn took a couple final breaths, then gave up and went downstairs. When she got to the bottom of the stairs, she looked at Cullen for the first time that evening. He was not wearing his usual armor, but instead a similar version reserved for important occasions. It was made of a much lighter (definitely in color and probably in weight) metal which she guessed made it easier to move around in, but wasn't as effective for protection. Which, usually didn't matter at these sorts of events. It had a long red cloak attached at the epaulets that fell behind him to the floor, the symbol of the chantry emblazoned upon it. He looked very dashing. Evelyn swooned a little.
Cullen took her hand and kissed it, "You look very lovely, my lady. I think I must be the luckiest man in all of Thedas to have the privilege of escorting you this evening."
Evelyn smiled and blushed, "Thank you, Ser Cullen. You are very kind to say so." Once they said their goodbyes to Orana, Bodahn and Sandal, they walked to the door and Cullen opened it. Once Evelyn stepped through it, he closed it behind him. He presented his arm and after Evelyn looped her arm throught it, asked, "Shall we?"
Evelyn smiled at him, "Absolutely."
All the way to the keep, they would glance at each other and smile nervously. Evelyn giggled a couple of times and her stomach was doing back-flips.
Cullen spoke up, "How do you feel, Your Grace?"
"Nervous as sin! I'm not sure if it's the coronation, the ball afterwards, or the company, quite honestly." She smiled affectionately at him.
Cullen smiled back, "Are you kidding? I had to give myself a pep-talk before knocking on the door to your estate so that I would remember to breathe. I feel like a giddy schoolboy on his first date." They laughed at themselves.
When they got to the keep, Evelyn explained that she had to leave Cullen for awhile because she wasn't supposed to be seen before the coronation. Cullen escorted her to the rear of the keep where Bran was waiting for her. He smiled at her, gave a small bow, and told her good luck. The Seneschal put her into a room and told her to wait there. He'd come and get her when it was time.
Evelyn went over all of the details in her head. There was so much she had to remember and right now, she felt a little sick to her stomach. She put her head back on the sofa and tried her best to relax.
Bran came back in and presented her with a couple of boxes, "These are for you, your Grace. They are on loan for the evening."
She opened the first and it was a lovely diamond bracelet and earrings, "Oh! I can't possibly..."
Bran scolded her, "Nonsense. You are like royalty now. You must look the part."
Evelyn took a deep breath and put them on. When she opened the second box, she was speechless. It contained a beautiful diamond necklace with a large pear shaped amethyst that was the perfect compliment to the hue of her dress. She put it on was well. Finally, it was time for the coronation to begin.
Everything seemed to go by so quickly after that. She made her entrance and with all eyes on her, she was presented with a scepter that she had to carry, then in front of where the throne would have been, she knelt down in front of the Grand Cleric and expressed her gratitude to the Maker, asking him to make her reign a fruitful one and to please watch over the city. Then, Rothia placed the silver crown upon her head and it was done. There was much applause and rejoicing.
She went back to the room with Bran and he took the scepter. She reached for the crown, absentmindedly, and he said, "That, Your Grace, is yours to keep."
"Ah, yes. Of course."
Bran shook his head and told her she was free to join the festivities when she wished.
The ball was already in full swing when she exited. She was very happy to see that all of the space was being used, the lower area for dancing and the upper for mingling. She was greeted by many people, all wishing her well and congratulating her. She wanted to get to an area that wasn't quite so crowded, although, she felt that might be difficult. An armored arm presented itself to her. She looked up to see Cullen smiling broadly. She gladly looped her arm though his and smiled back.
"The crown suits you, your Grace."
"Thank you."
He led her to the downstairs area where there were nobles mingling in various groups. After they had made their way around the room with the occasional small talk, a waltz started and Cullen presented his hand, "May I have this dance?"
Evelyn briefly wondered how he could possibly dance in all that armor, but nodded and said, "Of course."
As it turns out, apparently not only does the chantry teach a code of chivalry and knightly virtues, but they also teach dancing. He was exceptionally light on his feet.
When the waltz was over, Cullen went to get refreshments. The Grand Cleric came up to Evelyn, "You look beautiful this evening, my dear."
"Thank you, Your Grace," Evelyn bowed her head in acknowledgment of the compliment.
"I had wanted to tell you earlier, but with everything going on and all... The Divine has approved all of your changes you would like to implement concerning the chantry. Once it is built, the mages can start moving into it as soon as possible."
Evelyn was ecstatic, but pressed on, "And what of allowing mages freedom?"
"She believes that with the caveat that mages register themselves with the local chantry, something to that effect can be implemented. She wishes to discuss the possibility further with you herself."
"Oh! I see...," Evelyn's heart was pounding in her chest...again, "Did she say when and where?"
She is holding a conclave in Orlais later this year. Prior to that, she will be meeting with the king in Denerim. She would very much like for you to attend. Myself and the First Enchanter are going as well."
"Excellent!," then a thought occurred to her, "Actually, I'd like for the Knight-Commander to come as well, along with our infamous prisoner."
The Grand Cleric looked slightly alarmed at that, "Why? If I may ask?"
"Because, he blew up the chantry thinking that he could cause change to occur for mages all over Thedas. One of his battle-crys, if you will, is that there could be no compromise. I didn't agree, and I'd like to show him that it can work. I say, if he wanted to be a cause for change, then let's show him the consequences of his actions. Not too many in his shoes ever get the privilege."
"I see...I'll make sure it's fine with the Divine." She turned to go, then added, "Oh, I almost forgot, speaking of the prisoner, the Divine has agreed with your actions. She also agrees that he could prove useful and killing him would only exacerbate an already tenuous situation. She sees no need to rush into anything and you may hold him for as long as you would like." Then she turned and walked away.
Evelyn thought that this was the most wonderful night of her life.
Cullen had come back with the refreshments, but before she could say anything to him, Aveline showed up as well with Donnic at her side, "Congratulations, Your Grace," then she noticed the huge smile on Evelyn's face, "For someone who didn't want a coronation, you sure seem happy about it."
"No, no. I mean...I am, but I just got finished speaking with the Grand Cleric. All of our changes to the chantry were approved by the Divine. She also wants for me to travel to Denerim for a meeting with her to discuss my thoughts on how best to implement freedom for mages." She was practically beaming.
"That's wonderful news!," Aveline was excited for her.
Evelyn turned to Cullen, "I also told her I'd like you to come with us," she took a deep breath, "as well as Anders."
"What?!"
"I explained to her that I thought he should be there. He said there could be no compromise concerning the mages, but that's exactly what we'll be doing. I want to show him that there was a peaceful way. I would also like to show him the consequences his actions have caused for many."
Cullen sighed and contemplated her, then he smiled, "We can discuss this later."
Evelyn gave in, "Alright, later then."
Aveline smiled at the couple, then she and Donnic said their goodbyes and walked away.
As the night went on, more couples made their way to the Viscountess, congratulating her, conversing about this and that. When it was time to go, Cullen escorted her home.
On the way, Cullen chuckled.
Evelyn looked at him curiously, "What? What's so funny?"
"I'm trying to imagine Anders in a room filled with mages and templars, and the Divine standing in front of him, that's all."
"Ah, I see...it would be somewhat awkward, but we've handled those situations before. Oh, speaking of which, we were interrupted by Aveline and I'd almost forgotten...the Divine approved my methods and my reasoning for keeping him." She smiled at Cullen.
They were almost to her estate now, in the middle of the courtyard in Hightown.
Cullen stopped dead in his tracks and gave her a look that made her heart do a somersault. "Should I have said something sooner...?", she said weakly and bit her lip. He leaned down and wrapping his arms around her, pulled her to him and gave her one of the most passionate kisses she'd ever experienced. It was much like their first kiss, and they rested their foreheads together when it was over, trying to catch their breaths and not wanting the moment to end.
Cullen spoke up first, "I've wanted to do that forever, you know." He smiled.
"I know," she smiled too.
Then he looked at her quizzically, "Almost forgot?"
She chuckled, "Well, with the crown, and ball, and all...," she smiled feebly.
He embraced her affectionately, "You have had a lot on your mind tonight. I suppose I can let that one slip..."
"Thanks," she laughed.
They held on to each other for a little while longer. When they looked at each other again, he gently held her face in his hands. He looked as though he was going to say something, but leaned in to kiss her softly instead.
From somewhere in the background, a noble staggering home, drunk from the celebrations, no doubt, said off in the distance, "You two get a room!"
They both laughed at that and sighed contentedly.
"I should probably get you back home, my lady."
Evelyn nodded, "Yes, I think that would be best, Knight-Commander."
He offered her his arm again and she took it. He slowly walked her to the door to her estate, then said, "Goodnight," while kissing her once more.
She smiled at him, "Goodnight, Cullen."
She turned to open her door and when she was through it, he walked to the docks to take him to the Gallows.
Evelyn watched him go through the peephole in the door, then leaned against it, thinking about the evening. Tonight was definitely one of the best nights of her life. They could finally have a real relationship without having to hide it from everyone. And, even with the small amount of traffic in Hightown just now, she was fairly certain that by tomorrow morning, their relationship would no longer be a secret. After carefully removing her jewelry, the crown, and her dress, she took a nice warm bath. That night, she allowed herself to dream about falling asleep in his arms.