I grimaced at the outfit laid out on my bed. The garish red uniform was boxy and unflattering, even just laying there. The buttons gleamed menacingly down the front and I tried to change my expression to that of admiration. I don't think it worked.

"It's…fashionable," Josephine tried.

"For men without figures," Vivianne quipped. "I don't see why the Inquisitor can't also look nice in a dress?"

"This is the uniform for all of the Inquisition," Josephine argued.

Leliana pointed to me as if to prove her point when she said, "But she is the Inquisitor. She should not be confined to such things."

Josephine rolled her eyes. "Don't we want her to not stand out so she can sneak around the castle?"

"The Inquisitor is there to show face and give our men an excuse to be there. If anything, it would be better to have all eyes on her while we look around," Leliana commented.

The three were in full-on debate mode again. I pressed a hand to my temple and sighed, "I'll wear the uniform."

"Inquisitor!" Vivienne huffed.

"I'm not picking sides," I insisted. "I just don't want to stand out too much. I don't want to disgrace the Inquisition in any way–including standing out as too elf-y."

Leliana and Josephine shared a look before apparently coming to an agreement.

"She should be barefoot," Josephine commented as she rushed over to my wardrobe. "It is the height of Dalish fashion to do so, I am told."

"I hate being barefoot," I complained.

They ignored me entirely and spoke to each other instead.

"A dress that shows how slight she is should do. I hope we can find something in time." Leliana said.

"Please, I can have that dress made in an hour," Vivienne chastised. "My seamstress works quickly."

"Hold on," I interjected. "What is going on? Didn't we just agree that I would wear the ugly–er, lovely uniform?"

"We are not letting you hide yourself away. You are our Inquisitor and we should celebrate your heritage no matter what," Vivienne announced as she plucked at the fabric of one of the dresses in my wardrobe. "This is not delicate enough."

Josephine came up beside me and placed a comforting hand on my arm. "Nothing you do will embarrass the Inquisition because we will always stand behind you."

I sucked on my teeth. "I don't like when you guys get along. It ends poorly for me."

I placed a hand to my stomach, breathing deeply to keep the nausea at bay. I was positive I would trip or throw up tonight, but I was striving for as much elegance as I could muster. A thing I'm told is a fashionable neck corset decorated my throat and shoulders. It shimmered golden as I moved and, from a distance, sort of looked like armor. The dress had a neckline that was too low for my taste, but seemed to garner approval from both Leliana and Josephine. Mossy green silk draped my form, with a belt cinching my waist. On either side of my hips were bursts of gold fabric that fell to the floor with my dress.

The hem of my skirt swished with every bare footstep I took. A pair of tights under the dress hooked around the arches of my feet, covering the balls of my feet but leaving my poor toes exposed, in traditional Dalish fashion. I wiggled my toes under my dress and seethed silently. I hated being without my boots.

Cullen approached my left and whispered, "Are you ready?"

I nodded, however, I felt anything but ready. The Commander looked rather dashing in his uniform–as dashing as one could be in such an unappealing outfit. I took his arm and sucked in a deep breath again.

Every move and placement had been carefully constructed by Josephine–the expert on court etiquette. Cullen was at my side since we would be the first to appear to the court–me the face of the Inquisition and him the strength. It was a power move, Josephine had explained, to show that the Inquisition was a force to be reckoned with.

My other two advisors were behind me. Despite their reservations with the outfits, Josephine and Leliana looked good in their uniforms. Leliana swept her red hair out of her face and grimaced.

"I have my people stationed within the servants quarters for now," she whispered into my ear.

I nodded slightly and pursed my lips. Somewhere behind me, the Iron Bull grunted with displeasure and said, "These uniforms are tacky."

"You're just pissed you have to wear a shirt," Krem joked.

I bit back a laugh and lifted my chin a bit higher, trying to exude elegance.

"You'll do just fine tonight," Cullen whispered.

"Thank you," I whispered back with a slight squeeze of his arm.

He straightened his back and the butler beside us asked if we were ready. I nodded, trying to seem nonchalant and uninterested, like I went to balls like this every day.

Cullen let me put pressure on him while I lifted the front of my skirts to carefully step down the stairs. I pretended all eyes weren't on me and that I was instead buried in a book or training with Cassandra.

My gaze drifted over those below. Many masked faces stared up at me–their attire elegant, but their eyes hungry. I couldn't find the person I was truly looking for, however.

"Back right corner. Near the potted plants," Cullen whispered as we reached the bottom floor.

"Sorry?"

"You're looking for Solas, correct?" Cullen said with a smile. "That's where he is."

I flushed slightly and said, "Am I really that obvious?"

"Maybe predictable is the better word."

I gently stepped on his foot in retaliation; it meant nothing, however, because I was barefoot. He laughed softly at the slight. His back was still ramrod straight and his posture was perfect as he presented me to the court. He was the definition of stunning with his light curls and broad chest. Josephine had done perfectly in pairing us together for this night. She said it was a multifaceted reason, but I also knew she was attempting to keep me safe by putting me with Cullen. I doubted anyone would utter "knife-ear" while he was around.

"Time to mingle, not stare," Cullen chastised.

I pulled my eyes from him with a blush and muttered an apology. He merely chuckled.

"Lady Inquisitor Lavellan," Duke Gaspard said by way of introduction. He bowed low, his masked face golden. "I am honored that you are here with me."

The Duke, Josephine had informed me, was not doing this out of the kindness of his heart or because he believed in the cause of the Inquisition. He merely wanted to cause a ruckus at court apparently. Whatever his reasons, he was instrumental in getting us an invitation to this ball and the chance we needed to save the Empress. I would play nice with him, for now.

"The honor is all ours, Duke Gaspard," I replied, trying to hammer my tone into something lofty and breathy.

The Duke led us up another short flight of stairs and there he presented us to Empress Celene, who stood on a balcony above us. She was resplendent in her blue gown; it made her fair features even fairer. Her long pale blonde hair was like moonlight and piled fashionably on her head. Her mask was golden and covered the upper portion of her face from the tip of her delicate nose up to her forehead.

"Dear cousin," she said with a heavy Orlesian accent.

"Don't forget, we have matters to discuss," Duke Gaspard cut in abruptly.

The Empress didn't miss a beat, she simply smiled and nodded her head elegantly. "We will, cousin. After we have attended to the other quests for the night."

Satisfied, Duke Gaspard left my side and the Empress's sharp eyes turned to me.

"Inquisitor," she said the word with no malice, but I caught a hint of displeasure in her face.

Josephine had explained that the Empress thought our presence in Halamshiral would upset the tentative balance there, so I had been prepared for her displeasure.

I dipped my head in a bow and replied, "It is an honor to meet you, Your Excellence."

"Please feel free to enjoy the ball, Inquisitor. We look forward to watching you dance." I detected just a tiny edge in her voice, as if she were letting me know she would be watching me.

I bowed again and let Cullen lead me from the sight of the Empress so we could disappear into the pool of other quests. My feet touched the cool stone beneath them gently, as if I were gliding across the floor. The warm glow of the ballroom added a sheen of golden to everything and I was a little blinded by the extravagance.

I gripped Cullen's arm a smidge tighter as a young lady approached. I breathed in deep, ready for my first battle of verbal wit.

"Inquisitor!" the lady cried, as if greeting a long lost friend. "I am so happy to meet you! My sister has told me so much about you. Well, not really, but I have heard stories!"

"Your sister?" I asked.

Cullen was the one who answered, "Allow me to introduce you to Lady Yvette Montilyet, younger sister to our friend Josephine."

As if summoned, Josephine appeared, an exasperated look on her face.

"Yvette," Josephine hissed in a hushed tone. "What did I tell you?"

"Not to bother the Inquisitor with my stories," Yvette said demurely.

"And what do I find you doing the second I look away?"

"It's no bother, really," I cut in.

"Inquisitor, do not encourage her," Josephine huffed. "You do not have time for this. You must be seen dancing. Allow us–"she motioned to her sister and her–"to spread some rumors about you."

"Anything to help, Inquisitor," Yvette said with a small salute.

I smiled at the gesture and bowed my head to her. "Thank you for your help, Lady Montilyet."

"Now, just walk around and get to know people until the dancing starts," Josephine ordered.

"Right," I murmured.

This was not a night for fun, this was a night of espionage. I heard the softest ting of metal hitting stone.

"Where is it? It must be here," a woman exclaimed somewhere to my left.

My ears perked and I honed in on her.

She was a delicate thing in her large, fashionable dress. She was rather ungracefully looking around a potted plant, leaves brushing her cheek.

"I know that ring is somewhere," she hissed.

"Cullen," I said before leading him toward the woman. He followed easily, his smile never leaving his face despite how forced it looked.

I bent down and scooped up the glimmering ring that she had obviously been looking for. I held it out to her. "Is this yours?"

The woman gasped as if I had startled her. When she realized who I was, her face turned stony…until she saw the ring in my hands. Her face lit up and she squealed as she snatched the ring from my palm.

"Thank you for returning this to me!"

I nodded and smiled in what I hoped was an appropriate response. The woman bowed her head before sashaying away.

"Let's go snoop, Commander," I offered once we had moved away from prying eyes and ears.

"We should leave that to Leliana's spies," he warned.

I shrugged and replied, "I'm bored."

Cullen smiled down at me. "Let us do some leg work for once, Inquisitor."

"Inquisitor, a moment?" I turned my head to find a dark-haired woman standing to my right.

Without waiting for a response, she spun on her heels and out to the nearest balcony.

I moved to follow her, but Cullen caught my hand, "That is the Empress's advisor on all things occult. We told you you simply have to show up and dance."

I peeled his fingers off of me carefully and smiled, "I'll be right back."

Exasperated, Cullen strode off to Leliana's side. As I stepped outside, the cool night breeze kissed my skin and I relished in it. The fabric of my dress did little to keep out the chill, but I didn't mind.

The woman who had invited me out here was dressed elegantly in a dark wine-red and black dress. Her lips were painted with color and her wrists decorated with bracelets. Around her neck hung an elaborate neck corset. Her eyes were golden, I noticed as she swept her bangs away from her face.

"I am Morrigan," the woman said with a bow of her head.

I pursed my lips before saying, "You know who I am. Why have you approached me?"

"I believe there is a threat to the Empress lurking here tonight. I hear you are lurking around the palance. Perhaps you and I hunt the same prey."

"Do we?" I asked

Morrigan laughed. "No need to be coy. Recently I subdued a very unwelcome Tevinter guest. On his person, was this."

She held out her hand, motioning for me to do the same. When I did, she placed a small ornate key into my palm.

"You're giving this to me. Just like that?" I asked suspiciously.

"If you don't want it…"

I bit down on my lip, the thought of letting some woman I met 3 minutes ago into our plans seemed dangerous. So I would need to gather as much information as possible without spilling our secrets.

"Any help we could get would be wonderful," I said more cordially, curling my fingers around the key.

Morrigan smiled slightly. "I will stay by the Empress's side to keep her safe. You should have your spymaster find where that key belongs."

I slipped the key into my pocket and patted it through the fabric. "Thank you for your help, Lady Morrigan."

She bowed her head respectfully and left me on the balcony. I sucked in a deep breath and made my way back into the ballroom. I wanted to speak to my Leliana about the key immediately, but I found my apostate leaning against a pillar shrouded in shadow first.

"You seem rather comfortable for being my servant at a foreign ball?" I teased as I approached.

"I will always be your servant–your every whim is my desire," Solas teased back, not taking his eyes off of the dancing figures behind me.

We stood in silence for a few moments before Solas leaned closer to whisper to me, "In truth, I enjoy the heady blend of power, sex, and intrigue that exudes from such places. I have seen many such events in my journeys in the Fade. Fashion may change, but those in power do not."

"Have you any leads?"

"Not yet. But I think approaching the servants is a good idea. They have more knowledge about the court than anyone else. They do not see me as one of their own, but they may talk to me still."

I followed his gaze to the dancers behind me and bit my lip before asking, "Do you not wish to dance with me?"

"Inquisitors do not dance with their servants," Solas chided. "You should go back to your Commander, Inquisitor."

"Are you…jealous?"

"Hardly. But the first round of dancing is about to begin."

I turned to go, slightly miffed, when his hand found mine. He brought my knuckles to his lips and murmured quietly against them, "You look resplendent tonight, vhenan."

I blushed furiously and said nothing before dashing into the crowd. I found Commander Cullen backed up to a wall, surrounded by a gaggle of onlookers. Each one seemed to be looking for a chance to speak with the Commander, who looked like he would rather be anywhere else but here. I sauntered up and took his arm, hoping to rescue him a bit from such a seemingly awful encounter. A bell sounded and I looked to Cullen for an explanation.

"We should wait for the second bell," he replied simply. "Then we dance."

I sighed and pressed a hand to my temple. I felt useless just waiting around and looking nice. I glanced around the room, looking for any of my compatriots.

"I need to speak to Leliana," I said.

Cullen nodded his assent and led me to the red-haired advisor. Leliana smirked at us, "What a lovely couple."

I thought I caught a tinge of red bloom across the Commander's face, but I ignored it and instead asked, "What have you found?"

"Not much yet. We did find this though in one of the chambers associated with the Empress."

She pulled free a metal necklace. Its filigree and design were familiar.

"It's elven," I breathed.

Leliana nodded before handing me the locket. Thankfully, we had specifically had the dress outfitted with pockets just in case. I stuffed the necklace inside one of them and let one finger trace its outline.

"I met with a woman named Morrigan," I offered.

Leliana's face screwed with displeasure, "Of course she's here. Causing mischief no doubt."

"You two know each other?"

"It was a long time ago. What did she say?"

"She offered to help. She gave me this." I pulled free the key and handed it over to Leliana. "She said she pulled it from a Tevinter assassin's body."

Leliana inspected the key carefully before hiding it in her own pocket. "She is not to be trusted fully, Inquisitor. But if she is offering help, we should probably take it. She knows the inner workings of this court and the Empress herself."

I nodded my agreement and said, "Solas thinks we should ask the servants to learn more."

"He is right to ask them," Leliana said in a hushed voice. "Some of our people were attacked by an assassin. The servants may be in danger."

Involuntarily, I squeezed Cullen's arm.

A second bell rang and Leliana bowed her head. "That's your cue, Inquisitor. We will do more work while you dance. Please remember your Orlesian manners."

I nodded and walked side by side with Cullen to the ballroom's enormous dance floor. I placed my hand on Cullen's chest and the other in his waiting hand. The music floated through the air and off we went. Cullen was a graceful dancer, if not a little stiff.

"Have more fun with it, Commander," I teased.

"We are not here to have fun."

"So it seems," I sighed.

"Forgive me, Inquisitor. I am not…used to such events as this."

When the song ended, Cullen bowed to me just as a tap at my shoulder made me turn around. A woman in rather demure clothes appeared beside me, her hand extended for a dance. I couldn't help but notice the point of her ears. I took her hand and she wrapped an arm around my waist.

"I don't believe we've had the honor of being introduced," the elven woman said. "I am Ambassador Briala."

"A pleasure," I said cautiously. "Why have you asked me to dance?"

"Would you believe me if I said it was because you were so beautiful?"

"No," I answered flatly.

"Fine. To put it bluntly, I went to avenge my people–a pair of servants that we found slaughtered earlier this evening–and discovered Inquisition forces already at work doing the avenging."

"The Empress should know what's going on," I insisted.

"Good luck trying to convince her of the danger. Murder in this court is second nature and she certainly won't believe anything from…me. But I wish to offer my help in keeping the Empress safe."

Briala spun me excessively and I felt the world spin with me before I was back in her arms. I happened to glance up and notice the Empress glaring openly down at us for just a moment before she caught my gaze and shifted her expression to one of neutrality.

Curious.

I leaned in closer to Briala and whispered.

"It seems someone does not approve of us dancing."

The glance she cast the Empress told me everything I needed to know. I wasn't sure about showing my cards so early in the game, but I also thought it was worth a shot. I pulled free the locket from my pocket slightly, making sure it caught Briala's gaze before stuffing it back inside the fabric again.

"That's yours, isn't it?"

Briala paled and I had my answer. "That was a lifetime ago," she tried.

"She kept it. That's how I found it."

Briala pursed her lips and stepped away from me abruptly.

"I will help you, Inquisitor. But do not pry into my past."

She disappeared into the crowd, leaving me stranded in a sea of dancing bodies. I looked around with panic, trying to find someone I knew. I reached out to push my way through the people around me, but a hand captured mine before I could. I looked up into Krem's face, an adorable smile on his face. I sighed, relieved and stepped back into the sway of dancing. Krem was graceful and fun as he danced, spinning me wildly until I giggled.

"I hope this isn't presumptuous of me, but you seemed in need of a good laugh, Inquisitor," Krem stated as he easily led me around the dance floor.

"I believe I'm not cut out for court intrigue," I admitted.

"I think you're doing just fine," Krem said with a wink.

Perhaps if I hadn't been so enthralled by Solas, I would find my heart fluttering over the Tevinter Charger. Krem moved quickly and swept me into a low back bend, his hand on my back to steady me. I was unsure what this dance move was called, but it elicited another laugh from me.

The music stopped and Krem spun me around to face a newcomer. She bowed her head and held out her hand. I took it with one quick glance at Krem. He simply nodded and faded into the crowd.

"I am Grand Duchess Florianne, cousin to the Empress and sister of Duke Gaspard," my dancing partner announced. "I believe we are both concerned about the actions of my brother."

Her obsidian mask hid much of her face, but I detected a small frown tipping her lips. Her white blonde hair was short, cropped closer on the sides of her skull and longer on top. Her white dress swished across the dance floor as we spun and I was impressed with her grace.

"You are mostly a curiosity amongst the court, Inquisitor, but a concern to some."

"And to you, Your Grace?"

"A little of both," Florianne replied easily. "With all your agents in the palace, it cannot have escaped your notice that certain parties are more dangerous here than others."

Information and music swirled around me as I danced. Sweat was beginning to form at the base of my neck, making the fine hairs there stick to my skin.

As we danced, I noticed that all eyes were on us at this point. I suppose dancing with a Grand Duchess had that effect. I tried to keep my steps light and my focus on the conversation at hand.

"I have noticed, Your Grace," I said. "But I trust no one."

"That is good."

As Krem had done to me, I dipped the Grand Duchess into a low sweep, her back bending toward the floor. A cheer went up and I felt my confidence rise.

"Who do you suspect of such opposing machinations, Your Grace?"

"It is no secret that my brother aims for the throne. You must stop him. In the Royal Garden is a man who is Captain of my brother's guard. He will have answers for you."

The music slowed and the Grand Duchess and I bowed lowly to one another.

"We will see what we can do, Your Grace," I said before parting ways with her.

"We found a body in the courtyard with a dagger engraved with Gaspard's crest," Leliana informed.

My ears perked at that and I paused with the glass of water at my lips. "Florianne tried to convince me that Gaspard was the one trying to murder the Empress."

My advisors and I stood off to the side of the dance floor, our voices low and our moods even lower.

"It seems we have many players vying for the throne tonight," Josephine whispered.

"In order to succeed, we need to avoid chaos in Orelais. That does not mean keeping Celene alive," Leliana insisted.

I nearly choked on my water. "You mean to let the Empress die?"

"She is unwilling or unable to see reason and we must do whatever necessary."

"Leliana," Josephine gasped. "You cannot be serious."

"I agree, Gaspard may be the right choice for this. It's better than us running around like headless chickens," Cullen interjected.

"Not you too, Commander," Josephine bemoaned.

"Briala would be a better option. She could help the elves in Orelais and keep tensions from favoring Corypheus's plan," Leliana offered.

"I think I need to speak with the Empress," I ventured, placing my empty glass on a passing serving tray and smoothing out my skirts.

"She will not listen," Leliana argued.

"I didn't say I was going to convince her to stop the negotiations. I have a plan of my own. Just let me see this through at least."

Leliana huffed, but nodded.

Getting access to the Empress, however, would be difficult. She had many guests all vying for her attention. Perhaps my novelty would gain me some points.

I approached the trio of women Josephine had mentioned–the ones with the painted white masks–and said in my most commanding voice, "I wish to speak with the Empress,"

One of the women tittered behind her gloved hand. "One does not simply speak to the Empress on a whim," she chided.

"I have information she will want to hear about…Ambassador Briala."

The women turned to one another before nodding collectively. They quickly brought me to the Empress's side and left just as fast. I felt my nerves skyrocket when she turned to face me.

"Empress Celene," I greeted, dipping into a low bow.

"Inquisitor. I heard you asked for me."

"I did," I tried, my mouth going dry. "I found something that I think belongs to you."

I brought out the locket, letting the candlelight glint off of it. The Empress's eyes softened just for a moment before she said, "I cared for her once, but she expected much of me."

"She wished for you to help her people," I murmured.

Celene didn't nod or give any confirmation. Instead she spun on her heels and said dismissively, "Dispose of it how you wish. It does not matter to me."

My plan had failed spectacularly. It was obvious that Briala and Celene cared for one another, but the Empress was impossibly stubborn, more so than I thought.

I bit my lip, remembering Florianne's words. If I could find that guard captain, perhaps I could get somewhere.

My gaze drifted around the ballroom. I found Cullen and Leliana easily, but I knew if I brought it up to them, they would insist that I let them handle it. I huffed with annoyance and instead found Iron Bull; it wasn't like he was difficult to spot what with the horns and all. I crept closer, my hands innocently clasped behind my back. When I made it to him, he was drinking from a wine cup.

"If you keep dancing with Krem like that, he's going to get a big head," Bull jested.

"Don't tease me or I won't invite you to participate in some mischief."

He threw back his remaining drink before saying, "You know me so well, Boss."

"Follow me."

The pair of us went through some double doors–I had to ask a few guests were the gardens were–and down a winding staircase that led to the garden entrance. It was quiet as we walked the hedges. The garden was massive–one could easily get lost in it. Bull's heavy footsteps crunched on the path, but my footfalls were silent as we walked deeper into the Royal Gardens.

A light caught my eye and I turned my head in just enough time to see a Fade tear form in the air to my left. Weapons were not allowed in the Imperial Court, so both Bull and I were at the mercy of any demon that came from that rift.

"Should we get the others," I whispered.

"Too late," the Iron Bull grumbled as a pair of Tevinter assassins stepped around a hedge.

I cursed under my breath and held up my hands placatingly. "We are only here looking for a minute from the dancing," I tried.

"No, Inquisitor, you fell for my trap," a familiar voice said. I turned my gaze up to the balcony above the Fade rift.

"Florianne," I hissed. "You're working with Corypheus."

She laughed, as if impressed that I had figured out such a thing. "It wasn't a difficult decision. He promised me a place in the new world as long as I helped him with his plans to assassinate Celene."

"You're a fool," I snapped. "Corypheus is never going to hand the throne of anything to you."

"Maybe, but once I bring your head to him, I'm sure he'll be pleased," she said as she turned and left.

I released another Dalish curse and Bull responded jokingly, "Easy on the cursing, Boss."

"We are about to die and you think I shouldn't curse."

"We aren't about to die," he said calmly.

I felt the press of a dagger at my back and huffed, "You were saying?"

Of course there were more than two assassins here tonight. I whipped my body around and slammed my palm into the wrist of my attacker, sending the weapon skittering away from us.

I grappled with the third assassin until Bull smashed a fist into the side of the attacker's skull, sending them to the ground easily. I thought perhaps we would have a moment to breathe but the Fade rift exploded to life, releasing a handful of demons, one of which was a rage demon.

"Two assassins left and a small grouping of demons," I taunted.

"Easy," Bull replied, cracking his knuckles menacingly.

The rage demon wasted no time in launching an attack. It spewed fire at us from across the gardens, not caring that the Tevinter assassins were also in the line of fire. I dodged easily, but found myself face-to-face with a despair demon that rained ice shards down over us. Instinctively I ducked, throwing my arms over my head for protection. However, as I did, a shimmer of magic spread across the air, covering and keeping the shards from touching me. I whipped my head around to find Solas on the balcony above, a group of servants surrounding him. They were armed with basic weapons, but the fury in their eyes was palatable.

A bell rang across the gardens and I hissed, "We have to get back to the ball."

"Go, Boss. We can clean up here," Bull encouraged.

I didn't want to leave my companions with any enemies, but I also could not let the empire fall tonight or a much worse fate would await them.

I took off running, hefting up my skirts high so I didn't trip on them. I didn't care who saw me ungraciously jog–I needed to make it in time. I slid to a halt beside Cullen, my chest heaving, just as the second bell rang.

"Where have you been," he bit out. "The Empress is about to give her speech."

"Getting some fresh air," I said breezily, waving a hand in a vague direction.

His eyes scrutinized me, but he held out his arm. I took it and prayed that my plan worked.

As we passed Leliana, I grabbed her and relayed everything I had found. She nodded grimly and disappeared once we were finished.

"Bring me to the dais," I murmured.

Ever the loyal subject, Cullen did as I instructed, but he let out a little gasp when I stepped away from him, releasing his arm. The Empress was in the spot I had first met her. Briala, Gaspard, and Florianne were below her on the raised dais with two staircases leading up on either side.

Briala and Gaspard backed away as I approached, but Florianne did not. She smiled but it didn't reach her eyes.

"You needed me out of the ballroom, but you failed to realize that I have friends everywhere," I hissed as I stepped up to the dais. The room fell silent, save for the soft murmuring of the crowd as they watched with bated breath.

I lifted my voice so everyone could hear, "That crest on the dagger we found stuck inside the emissary, it was yours not Gaspard's."

"How entertaining, Inquisitor. But you don't think anyone actually believes you?" Florianne said breezily.

"I was shown the dagger, sister. I did not want to believe, but my eyes have been opened," Gaspard said as he stepped forward.

"The Grand Duchess plans to assassinate you tonight, my Lady Empress," I said, praying the title was polite enough for what I was saying. "She meant to take your place as ruler by working for a man named Corypheus."

Celene's eyes narrowed and she waved a hand. Immediately, two guards stomped down the set of stairs and met in the middle, trapping Florianne between them.

"Take her away," I commanded, not really expecting them to follow my orders.

The Empress nodded for the men to lead Florianne away and tipped her head to me. "I think we should speak in private, Inquisitor."

"Your Imperial Majesty, I am at your whim."

I stepped out onto the balcony. The Empress, Briala, and Duke Gaspard were all bickering of course.

"If I may be frank," I cut in, my voice rising with anger. "You are all at fault for tonight."

They each turned to me, incredulous looks on their faces.

"You plotted to bring each other down and then wonder why Tevinter assassins were knocking on your doorstep. Deep down you must care for one another?"

"We don't," Gaspard interjected.

"Fine," I huffed. "Then you must care for your lofty place above everyone else. You almost lost that tonight because of your bickering."

"What do you suggest, Inquisitor." The Empress said my title with open vehemence.

"Work together for fuck's sake," I blurted. I did warn everyone I wasn't the most tactful of the group before all this. "Briala cares for the little people, the Empress cares for her people, and Gaspard is…well…"

"Don't struggle for my sake, Inquisitor," Gaspard spat.

"I'm sure you can all bring something to the table," I began again.

"That is optimistic of you," Briala insisted. "To think we can forget our differences."

"Is it a bad thing to be hopeful that the Orlesian court can get its shit together while the Veil tears itself apart?" I pressed. "Besides, differences make things better. My council is full of bickering, but we get the job done because we have a common goal."

Inside, Celene, Briala, and Gaspard were announcing their plans to join forces against the threat of the Tevinter invasion. I, on the other hand, was sick to death of being around all of them. I placed my hands on the balcony's stone railing and breathed deeply into the night air.

A pair of footfalls alerted me to someone's approach. I did not turn around however. I was so exhausted that if someone wanted to murder me on this balcony, I would welcome it.

"You played your part well, Inquisitor," Morrigan purred.

My frown deepened and I said nothing. Perhaps sensing my foul mood, Morrigan laughed and offered a peace offering, "I have been selected as liaison to the Inquisition. I wanted to let you know. I will see you soon at your–what is it called?-Skyhold."

I waved her off, a murmur of thanks on my lips, before I bowed my head to the cool stone of the banister and sighed deeply.

"You seem upset," said another voice behind me. This one, however, sent tingles down my spine.

I lifted my head to find Solas beside me.

"I had forgotten how I missed court intrigue. Broken promises and dancing around outright lies," he divulged. "You played your part well"

"Since when were you part of a court?"

"It was a lifetime ago," he admitted.

Crickets sang in the night air as silence pressed. Solas pushed himself off of the banister and a wicked grin split his face.

"Dance with me!" he purred, sweeping into a low bow.

"You saw me dancing," I bemoaned. "I was stepping all over Krem's toes!"

"Well let us be thankful that I am wearing boots tonight and you are barefoot. Come," he insisted.

I took his outstretched hand and let myself be led away from the banister into Solas's arms. I placed one hand on his shoulder and kept the other in his palm. Almost immediately, he swept us into a dance in time with the music. He spun me and stepped carefully so as not to trample my feet. I felt a bubble of laughter climb up my throat as the stress of the day melted. Here, at this moment, I was not the Inquisitor. I was just me.