A/N Disclaimer - Corbinian is mentioned only by name in DA2. Though I do not take credit for the character himself, I did create his looks and demeanor herein.

A stark-driven carriage waited outside Phoenix Flames. Lillian was unsure if this had been Kelyn's idea or if Sebastian had requested it. One thing she was sure of however, was that Bethany, Fenris and even Cessah who laid on the floor, sensed the tension between Lillian and Sebastian. Fenris kept his gaze locked outside, but Bethany's eyes remained on her fingers which anxiously twisted and untwisted themselves under her watchful gaze. Lillian exhaled, as she crossed her arms. "You know this is silly don't you?" she asked, flicking her attention onto her husband. "We should be worrying about Corbinian not my decision to keep something from Varric. Maker's breath, I thought you'd approve.."

Indifference lined Sebastian's face as he looked at her. "I know what to expect from my cousin, but you...and Varric...that is another matter entirely.." he replied.

"What 'matter'?" Lillian pressed.

Fenris spoke up. "Let me guess, you found out she and the dwarf occasionally shared a bed at The Hanged Man.." Sebastian and Lillian's focus both snapped to him. "Trust me when I say she was either too tired or drunk to converse in sex...and Varric rarely joined her right away."

"Fenris.." Bethany muttered, judging the expressions on their faces. "I don't think that helped."

"You mean you didn't know?" Fenris asked obliviously as Sebastian slowly turned his gaze onto a grimacing Lillian. "...Oh."

"You slept in his bed?" Sebastian whispered.

"Yes but it's a large bed, it's not as if we..." Lillian trailed off as Sebastian's head swung in disapproval. "The Hanged Man is...was far from my manor! Yes, occasionally I'd spend the night with Varric but nothing ever happened." Sebastian let out a whistling sigh.

Bethany piped softly. "I've slept in his bed too," It was a lie as far as Lillian knew, and judging from the look on Sebastian's face, he didn't believe her but even-so Lillian secretly thanked her sister. "Varric's a gentleman." Bethany reminded.

"A gentleman would've escorted her home, or paid for a room - not offered her his bed!" Sebastian growled.

Fenris spoke up. "Buying a room would've drawn attention, and there was all matter of patrons attending The Hanged Man. Varric was protecting her."

"And has this happened since we swore fertility to each other?" Sebastian pressed.

Fenris's eyes darted to Lillian and back again. "It happened when it happened." He responded.

"We're here m'lord!" the driver called, as the carriage pulled to a stop.

Sebastian exited silently, though he held out a hand for Lillian to take. Lillian grasped it and stepped out, with Cessah close behind. The Starkhaven palace loomed overhead, crystals of varying colors sparkling in the sun. Glitterdust lined every other step, earning an instant growl from Fenris. The doors of the palace were pulled open by two guards who dutifully kept their head bows until everyone had passed through. The inside of the palace was as wide as the Viscount's Keep, but its hallways and stairs seemed to drag on forever. Mostly painted teal and black with splashes of blues and whites in the form of vases and tables.

"Maker." whispered Bethany. "This is going to be our home?"

Gazing at her husband sideways, Lillian replied. "I believe so."

"Yes." Sebastian confirmed though he kept his gaze straightforward, his hand still tightly clenched around Lillian's.

"It's...impressive." Fenris admitted.

A familiar roar of laughter echoed through the space, causing everyone to pause. Cessah bounced around with his ears perked up, his tail wagging. Suddenly Zevran appeared to their right, with a friendly smirk on his face. "I am honored to be remembered my fine canine friend." he greeted with a minor bow. "Who would've thought we'd meet again so soon Champion? Have you reconsidered my offer? You seemed quite tempted before...at least until the manly little man, plucked you out of your indecisive stance." Lillian stared at the marbled floor, her blazing cheeks under careful scrutiny of Sebastian, who had a scowl grinding along his jawbone.

"Manly little man?" giggled Bethany. "Varric's a dwarf."

"No! Surely you jest my newfound beauty. He had no beard!" Zevran responded. "Though I suppose it's rather racist of me to assume all dwarves must have beards isn't it? This Varric did not reek like the drunken dwarf I accompanied with Jaslynn...he was also far better dressed.."

"I'd have thought you'd be dead by now." Fenris greeted.

"Hmhm I get that alot." Zevran said with a soft chuckle, as his gaze returned to Lillian. "So Champion to what do I owe this pleas-ah Sebastian! Good day to you Lordship, it has been some time yes?"

Clearing his throat, Sebastian ignored him, as he pushed ahead. "You're dismissed Zevran." he said stoically.

"You're Zevran?" Bethany squeaked.

"Ah so you've heard of me, my alluring gem of innocence," Zevran cooed, following in her stead though Fenris held an arm out. Zevran barely blinked. "Nothing but praises I hope?" he finished, his gaze still on Bethany. "What is your name my Lady?" he whispered.

"None of your business." Fenris replied.

"Charming though a bit long don't you think?" Zevran retorted.

"I don't get 'My Lady' often.." Bethany murmured. "It's a title more reserved for my sister I think.."

"Is that so? As gorgeous as your sister is, you are not without your own beauty Little Hawke." Zevran said.

Bethany made a face. "Bethany, my name is Bethany." she told him.

"That was a mistake." Fenris advised.

"My dear Lady Bethany then." Zevran grinned.

"Zevran?" Lillian replied. "Please go away."

"As you wish my lustrous Champion." Zevran bowed, falling behind at last.

"Sure, he'll listen to you.." Sebastian grumbled. "Perhaps you should stop wearing eye powder."

"Excuse me?" Lillian gasped.

"Your number of admirers are steadily growing. Things will only worsen when our ruling becomes public."

"So you want me to stop wearing make-up?"

"I'd prefer it yes." Sebastian answered.

"You really are the jealous type aren't you?" Bethany mused.

"Indeed he is," came the whimsical drawl of a squat stocky male with quaff brown hair, sparkling eyes and facial hair surrounding his mouth. "It was Sebastian's jealous nature that landed him in the Chantry in the first place wasn't it cousin?" Corbinian grinned.

"Unfortunately. It is good to see you Corbinian." Sebastian replied.

"You sure about that Seb? You arrive with the Champion of Kirkwall and you expect me to believe she's your wife?" Corbinian responded, pacing around the group. Cessah growled as he past by. "And you brought her hound. I've heard stories about him, playing card games with a dwarf."

"She is my wife Corb." Sebastian said tonelessly.

"Really? Because the last time I saw you, you were still a celibate bastard." Corbinian challenged.

Sebastian shook his head. "You have spent far too much time with that Antivan elf cousin, he is rubbing off on you."

"Well what do you expect? When you aren't around, he's my consort!" Corbinian cried, practically stomping his foot.

"Corbinian.." Sebastian began.

"Sebastian." Corbinian interrupted sternly. "Are you here to take the throne from me?"

"...I am the rightful lord Corb." Sebastian responded.

"You are...but why now? What has made you abandon your Chantry flock?" Corbinian asked with narrow eyes.

Sebastian drew in a deep breath. "My mother figure, Elthina, was murdered." he announced.

Corbinian's mask of indifference cracked almost instantly. "Awwweeee how sad!" he whimpered. Lillian arched an eyebrow, pondering if he was sincere. "Who killed her?" he pressed.

"No one important." Fenris spoke up. Lillian closed her eyes, to avoid leering.

"Her death's been avenged and now all I'd like to do, is what I was born to." Sebastian finished.

Corbinian touched the corner of his eyes with a mild sniffle. "What about the Champion? Does she know anything about ruling? If she really is your wife.."

"I am." Lillian piped. "And no, I won't pretend I do. But what I do know, is how to keep a city safe. I defended Kirkwall firsthand against the quarni, and came out victorious with minimal bloodshed. I am the Queen this fair country deserves."

Corbinian's eyes shifted onto Bethany and Fenris. "What are you going to do with me if I say no?" he asked uneasily.

"Nothing." Sebastian said. "You are my family, distant or not. The elf is a bodyguard yes, but Bethany, is Lillian's little sister. It was only proper to bring her along."

A smile surfaced on Corbinian's square face. "That makes us cousins-in-law.."

Bethany blinked. "I suppose..yes.." she stammered.

Corbinian gave a short laugh. "Well..I do get lonely in this big palace all by myself," he mused, gazing around. "It might be nice to have you all here...there is more of you right?"

"Yes but I doubt they will stay. They were merely curious of my homeland." Sebastian responded.

"Then you should've brought 'em along!" Corbinian jeered.

"I...should've." Sebastian hesitantly agreed. "Have you made your decision cousin?"

"...mmmm...Alright, the throne's yours. So long as I can live here too!" Corbinian announced.

"Of course Corb." Sebastian said with a smile of relief.

"Then we have a deal...I um..." His eyes darted from face to face. "Don't know what to do next..." he admitted softly.

"There is to be a ceremony no?" spoke up Zevran. "For the switching of royal pants so to speak?"

"Oh fun!" Corbininan gushed. "I look forward to it...er...you'll make the necessary arrangements won't you Zev?" he added uncertainly.

"I," Sebastian interrupted. "Will see to it."

"Even better, I didn't want it to be too Antivan-y." Corbininan grinned.

"No," Zevran agreed. "I daresay you wouldn't be able to handle it."

"Maybe, maybe not." Corbinian shrugged. "So!" he clasped his hands together. "Would you ladies care to join me for dinner? It will take quite alot of time to plan this festival...won't it Seb?"

"It may." Sebastian said. "It'll certainly take days to unfurl it."

"Perhaps later Corbininan," Lillian replied politely. "I can't say I have the urge to eat right this moment.."

Bethany spoke up. "I'd like to see more of this place."

Zevran snuck up beside her, offering his arm. "Follow me my Lady." he purred. Fenris got in his face but Zevran's eyes were cool as they slid onto his. "You're welcome to come along...and might I say, you are lanky for one of my kind.."

Lillian separated herself from Sebastian. "Isabella said the same thing." she remembered, following her sister closely.

"Naturally; it is a useful thing to notice..for a duelist." Zevran responded.

"Am I a worthy foe for one?" Fenris asked dryly.

"One could say that yes. I'm not sure I would."

"That so?"

Zevran and Fenris narrated the tour, mostly through sarcasm and snarky retorts about things unrelated to the Palace. There were countless different rooms, and different paths to each room, one for the servants and one for the nobility which the Hawke sisters agreed was ridiculous. (Fenris also made a scornful remark.) Lillian couldn't help being infatuated with the various color schemes of the Palace, how smooth the walls were compared to those in Kirkwall and Ferdelan alike. Bethany seemed more overwhelmed than her sister at the prospect of living in such a giant structure, which naturally amused Lillian. Zevran, Bethany and Fenris all left the Palace promptly, but Lillian stayed behind, roaming the gardens. As her fingertips traced over leaves of plants she had never seen before, most bright and luminous, Lillian thought about the brewing situation with Sebastian and Varric. Lillian tried to convince herself it was simply Sebastian's jealously, but there was a nagging feeling that seemed to skip-rope between her brain and heart. Did she like the jealously? A little. But was that all there was to it? She heard a scuffle behind her, and turning she saw her husband. Her heart jumped to her throat. "Hi." she choked.

"We need to talk.." Sebastian murmured.

"...You need help picking a date for the festival?" Lillian stalled.

"Lily." Sebastian pressed.

Lillian sighed, itching a spot on her arm. "There was nothing ever between Varric and I alright? There still isn't. Varric and I are close yes, but we're not..."

"Enamored?" Sebastian interrupted.

Lillian's jaw popped open. "Yes. I mean no! Of course not. Maker's breath what's gotten into you? All this because I didn't want to share our sexual exploit in front of him?"

"You've shared everything else with him." Sebastian pointed out.

"Not everything!" Lillian blurted.

"What, what haven't you?" Sebastian challenged. Lillian stared at him, her stomach slithering into knots. "Lily?"

With regret chocking her, Lillian closed her eyes. "He doesn't know...for sure...that Anders desired me...that he wished to make love to me..." Lillian opened her eyes. "But he didn't, we didn't, I swear to Andraste that I turned him away.." she confessed.

"Were you ever going to tell me?" Sebastian asked.

"He's dead what does it matter?" Lillian countered.

"It. Matters." Sebastian responded. "I suspected there was something between the two of you and only now do you confess there very nearly was! How am I to take you at your word about Varric?" he demanded.

"Because if there was something there, I'd have married Varric!" Lillian snapped. The second the statement left her mouth, her eyes popped, and she clasped her palm to her lips. "...I...I didn't mean..." she stammered, her gaze frozen on Sebastian's mercilessly scornful face. She inhaled deeply and tried again. "Varric's never expressed feelings of any kind, nor have I wished him to do so. I...just feel I preserve the right to privacy on certain affairs." she said, grimacing at her poor word choice.

Sebastian barked in laughter, and began to pace. "You wish to speak of privacy? You're a modest woman Lil, I know this to be true, yet you don't object to Varric singing your praises ANY blighted chance he gets...didn't that ever strike you as odd?"

"You're acting propitious." Lillian stated.

"Am I?" Sebastian challenged, his blue eyes revved in an indiscernible flame. "You did not witness your face while he told that tale about you and Ser Cullen. How alive you looked, as if nothing will ever make you happier than listening to that dwarf speak!"

"That's not true!" Lillian moaned.

Sebastian finally stopped pacing. "You may feel close to me because we have much in common, but it's obvious emotionally you're closer to him." he said. Lillian opened her mouth but words failed her. Sebastian stepped closer to her. "Look me in the eyes and tell me you don't love him.." he requested.

"I...don't.." Lillian said softly.

"Your voice cracked." Sebastian noted.

Lillian shook her head rapidly, in protest. "This is madness! Your thoughts are consumed by envy and your imagination is running rampant as a result." she argued.

"I wish that were so Lil...but I don't think it is." Sebastian sighed. "Would you have agreed to marry me if it hadn't been a chaste marriage?" he challenged.

"I...no.." Lillian admitted. Sebastian lowered his head. "Because it would've been too soon! Not for lack of loving you.."

Sebastian smirked bitterly. "That's the damning factor isn't it? You've known Varric longer. It took me a year to clean up the damage that had come to Starkhaven after my family was murdered. A year that you spent in Varric's company, without me...drawing ever closer to he and Anders both..."

"Sebastian, I beg you to drop this lunacy. I love you." Lillian responded.

"Do you know this is the first time you've ever said that to me?" Sebastian responded as his sorrow-ridden eyes met her anxious ones.

Lillian slowly shook her head. "That can't be..."

"It's true." Sebastian interrupted. "You love me as an ideal...not as a mate..."

Lillian reached forward and grabbed his hand. "No. As a husband." she insisted. "Things would've never worked between Anders and I...I've never regretted choosing you over him..hey, please look at me...I-don't-love-Varric." Lillian told him, wondering why it was so hard to get the words out.

Sebastian closed the space between them, cupping a hand against her throat, his thumb stroking her cheek. A hesitant smile bit at his lips. "I love you Lillian...but I've always been able to detect hesitancy or tell when a person is lying, it is why I was considered so precious a Brother of Faith.." he responded. "Your eyes tightened the exact same way anytime you spoke about being 'fine' about Leandra's death..a tattletale sign you were lying, such as how your throat clenches when you are unsure of the words you speak..."

Lillian gritted her teeth in anguish, her patience thinning. "Then allow me to put your mind at rest just as you did with me - what happened between Anders and I, is in the past. I was being naive...My life has been more chaotic than I would've preferred, but throughout it all, I have found comfort and solace in you."

"And Varric." Sebastian piped. Lillian stared at him, her mouth slightly ajar. "It's the truth isn't it? You weren't able to find that in Anders, he was unstable and thank the Maker you realized that before he dragged you down with him...but Varric..."

"STOP." Lillian responded, loudly. "Just..stop.." she added softly, leaning forward. Staring into his guarded eyes, Lillian kissed him; his mouth mechanically merged with hers. With angst knitting away at her heart, Lillian broke the embrace. "...Compassion links us Sebastian, not mere commodity or infatuation...true compassion, for each other as well as those around us and the world we live in..I am yours Sebastian, I've been quite happy as your wife even just in name..Please, trust in that.." she finished in a whisper.

It took a moment for Sebastian's stoic face to transform into something resembling a smile. "Let's go back to the inn Lil." he suggested. Lillian nodded mutely, her mind consumed by a messy array of overlapping thoughts. Sebastian's hand slid from her face to her arm and down to her hand; he held it as the two of them returned to the carriage. But once they were inside, he sat across from her. Lillian stared out the window, rubbing at her knuckles mindlessly. It was a silent ride until out of the blue, Sebastian chuckled. Lillian looked at him sharply, thinking she must've imagined it, but there was the smallest of smirks on Sebastian's face. "I just realized, we're acting like true nobility now...having married someone for honor in place of love."

Lillian's inhaled a shaky breath as she repeated "We?"

"I desired you for myself Lil. I saw the way Anders regarded you...I may've married you out of spite just as much as out of adoration.." Sebastian mused.

Lillian wanted to continue the conversation, but she dreaded the outcome of expanding the topic. Despite a deafening inner protest, Lillian kept quiet for the remainder of the ride.

"Ah my lord," Keyln greeted with a bow. "Did the meeting go well?"

"As to be expected. Are my honored guests accounted for?" Sebastian asked.

"Mistress Isabella is in the tavern. I believe Master Varric and Miss Merrill are in their room. I have not seen Lady Bethany, or her distinguished bodyguard for some time..the same can be said for Aveline..."

Lillian smirked. "Why doesn't Aveline get a fancy title?"

Keyln's face twisted slightly. "She very much disliked it my Lady. Threatened bodily harm if I called her anything more than her name.."

"That sounds like her...Aveline can take of herself but.." Lillian trailed off knowing she needn't finish her sentence.

"I'll go and track down your sister and Fenris. I have an idea where that Antivan busybody may've led them.." Sebastian pressed his lips against hers and pushed through the glided entrance, to the outside.

With a polite smile at Keyln, Lillian headed down the lower level of the inn. The wooden steps were brightly polished and absolutely flawless. Lillian almost felt bad walking on them. The stairway led to a circular tavern, filled mostly with blue-cushioned booths, and stools that were carved to resemble phoenixes, their faces opposite the bar as that its patrons appeared to be sitting on their backs. Isabella was naturally seated on one of these stools. As Lillian drew near, she marveled at how richly painted they were in bright oranges and deep red with blazing burgundy eyes.

"Well this place is certainly cozy." she greeted, resting her arm against the bartop.

"It is." Isabella agreed. "So. How good looking was the cousin? Did he have Sebastian's eyes?"

"He did...he was simple as advertised.."

"Those baby blues are a Vael trait then...Fenris owes me 8 silvers.."

"I don't think I was ever aware of just how much gambling you all do until now.." Lillian mused.

"Because you were always busy with something or other." Isabella laughed. "Speaking of, you need to go talk to Varric.."

"About what?" Lillian murmured. Isabella gave her a knowing look and Lillian broke eye contact in shame. "You think I hurt his feelings?"

"The act did, more than your silence." Isabella responded. Lillian looked at her sharply. "I think it's time you're honest with yourself Hawke. You didn't want to tell him because you care for him. You needn't look guilty Sweet Thing, no sane person is immune to his charms. Lord Celibastion would be wise to acknowledge that.." Isabella hummed, cupping her fingers around her mug. "So, did you come down here to tell me the juicy details of what happened last night?" Isabella asked with a smirk.

"….Weren't you just chastising me for it?"

"I still want to hear about it."

Lillian's eyes darted about the small tavern. "In here? I think not.." she laughed.

"Oh c'mon Hawke, if anyone overhears it'll only help erase his celibacy image. The public doesn't want a sexless king! Trust me on that. "Isabella responded.

"Isabella.." Lillian murmured in disbelief.

"Hawke. I know what I'm talking about. You don't think there's rumors about your cousin bedding King Alistair? There are, plenty in fact." Isabella announced.

"I've never heard any." Lillian laughed.

"She's his adviser, or one of them anyway...it's only natural for such rumors to occur.."

"Helped along by Zevran no doubt."

"Hardly...though he does seem saddened that he didn't get to woo her himself." Isabella responded. "Now spill the goods already!" Isabella persisted banging her fist impatiently.

"He 'performed' and..it was..nice.." Lillian softly indulged.

"Nice?" Isabella echoed.

"I have nothing to compare it to..."

"Even-so...'nice'...? Are we talking his fingers or tongue?"

"...Both.." Lillian muttered. "But mostly the latter.."

"That takes technique, well-trained technique and he has been in the chantry an awful long time.." Isabella mused.

"I'm not complaining Isabella.." Lillian told her.

"But you're lacking enthusiasm Hawke. Bet you'd be telling it differently if it were Varric that had done the deed…" Isabella pondered.

"What?! Andraste's fl-fllaming sword, let's not..." Lillian pled.

"...You're stammering, awe, that's so unlike you." Isabella noted, her copper eyes steering to the barkeep. "Oi, how about a pint for the Champion of Kirkwall?" she called. "Now, you're going to share a drink with me, and then go to Varric and confess...and if you don't I swear I'll confront Lord Celibastion about his poor tongue tricks!"