WARNINGS: Sexual harassment, depicted non-con (touching) and violence

CULLEN

"You have the most beautiful hair, Commander," a man complimented, stepping closer.

"Thank you," I said, my voice curt.

"Commander, has anyone ever told you that you have the most remarkable eyes?" A woman asked, her voice breathy as she fanned herself, her eyes glittering hungrily behind her mask as she looked at me.

"Several times this evening, in fact," I responded tersely, now wishing the eyes of my mask were narrower.
Several of the 'admirers' had stared at me through them. 'Like honey with sunlight shining through. They are one of my favorite things about you'. What I wouldn't give to be in that inn with her in my arms right now.
 "If you would excuse me, I must remain focused upon my duty. Ser," I inclined my head to each of them. "Madam."

At my dismissing them, they left to take a turn about the room. I let out a breath at their departure, but knew the reprieve would be short lived. On and on the compliments came, the offers to dance, the forced conversations, the lingering stares and presences.
A headache was forming behind my eyes, my muscles aching from being tense as they continued to draw far too close. I gave rejection after rejection, some gave up and moved on, but others—the same man and woman in particular—refused to be dissuaded. They'd leave for a time only to return and the dance would start again.
Again and again the same questions, the same refusals. My hand itched to draw the harmless sword at my hip and beat them all with it just to get them to leave me alone. Honestly, how many bloody times must I repeat myself? But with my persistent refusals they seemed to only grow more amused, ruthless in their pursuit of whatever scheme they wanted to see through. A challenge, a hunt, and I the prey.

"Commander—"

The great bell tolled, signaling the start of the first set of dances. I clenched my jaw as the throng of people that had amassed around me once more clamored for my attention at it, requesting they be the one with whom I danced first. Over and over I refused politely, but it seemed only to egg them on. They pressed closer, but I stood my ground, refusing to show these people that they were getting to me. A few hands reached out as if to grab me—

"—Good evening, Commander Cullen," a new voice spoke, one who shared my own accent.
I looked to find an unmasked face looking back at me. The man wore Fereldan heraldry and was clearly of standing if his clothing were any indication. He was older, his red-brown hair beginning to grey in places.
"Arl Teagan Guerrin of Redcliffe, Ambassador to Ferelden, here on behalf of my nephew."

"Arl," I inclined my head.

"If you would excuse us," Teagan hissed at the nobles who quickly scattered. He chuckled before coming to stand beside me, flagging down a servant to take a glass of Fereldan whiskey. He threw it back in one gulp before taking another.
"Orlesians. Why the Empress insists on inviting Alistair to these events, I've no idea. Especially after the last disaster. But I came as thanks; if not for Celene's quick thinking, we'd be at war."

"To what do I owe the honor, Arl?" I questioned.

"I saw a fellow Fereldan in peril," he smirked, "I thought I'd offer my aid."

"You have my thanks," I grumbled.

"As you have mine," he inclined his head after a chuckle, "I must thank the Inquisition for dealing with the mages that had trampled upon my nephew's hospitality."

"You've returned to Redcliffe, then?" I inquired.

"I have and I must thank you again for your care of my people while I was…indisposed," he murmured, his jaw clenched, "Through you and your cooperation with His Majesty, The Crossroads and surrounding lands are stable." He peered at me.
"I've been told by Master Dennet that you had a personal hand in that?"

"I did," I nodded, "As did the Herald."

"As I understand it, you and my nephew know each other?" He probed.

"We attended templar training together, yes, until he became a Grey Warden," I explained, "We were friends, if I may presume as much."

"He speaks well of you, says you kept him out of trouble—well, some trouble," Teagan chuckled.

"I attempted to anyway," I offered, a smirk pulling my mouth.

"Yes, well, Alistair did always have a way of finding trouble," a wry smile twisted lips, "But in so doing, he found his lovely bride. To which we all will be forever grateful."

"How is Her Majesty?"

"Away on Warden business, I'm afraid," he sighed, "And we are the lesser for it. But she sends word when she's able."

"I pray the Maker watches over her," I offered.

"As do we all," he nodded. After a few moments of silence, he chuckled darkly.
"It seems your admirers have left you for the moment. You must watch yourself here, boy," Teagan warned, "They'll tear you apart with their bare hands just to get a piece of you. The idea of new blood for the gene pool makes this inbred crowd insatiable." His eyes scanned the room and despite his agitation I had a nagging suspicion the man secretly delighted in the scheming.
"You're foreign, surmised to be pious because of your past as a templar, hold a title within the Inquisition and serve under the Herald…not to mention your resolve to turn them all down. I'm afraid you're only making it worse."
The bell tolled again and as it ended, I watched as the Inquisitor—wether it was Ellana or Meira, I did not know—entered the room. A few nobles approached her, no doubt asking to dance. She must have accepted as she took the elbow of one of them and together they went to the dance floor.
"She understands the rules," Teagan murmured, "No matter your true motives for being here, continuing to refuse is only making you more sought after. For among them it is now another game, another sport, to see who can wrest the first dance from you." He set his glass down on the table near me.
"Speaking from experience, dance and the novelty will wear off."

"I'm afraid I'm not one for dancing," I said, "I'd be a poor partner even if my attention were not drawn elsewhere. I'd rather not make a fool of myself."

"Suit yourself, Commander," he laughed derisively. "If you'll excuse me, I need to speak with your lovely Ambassador."

"Arl Teagan," I nodded.

"Commander," he inclined his head.

Alone once more, my admirers returned.

"You must dance with me, Commander!" The man from before insisted. "You cannot stand about all evening."

"No, thank you," I refused again.

"Perhaps the Commander saves his dances for a certain partner, Oslow?" The woman questioned.

"Tell us, are you married, Commander?" The man—presumably named Oslow—probed.

I clenched my jaw. "Not yet, but I am…already taken."

He stared at me through his mask, and I did not miss the steps closer they both took.
"Still single, then…" He breathed a laugh that was anything but humorous.

Unease churned in my gut even as anger began to burn.
"No," I bit, trying to keep my voice even, "I am betrothed."
I scanned the crowd once more. There was a woman—without a mask—in a deep purple dress that was garish against the field of pastels headed towards Celene. Her face was familiar.
"Please, excuse me." I pressed through them, the Inquisitor coming up the stairs.
"Inquisitor! Do you know who that woman is?"

She turned to look where I had nodded. "Lady Morrigan, the Empress's Occult Advisor."
She took my elbow and we began to walk the room. I counted our honor guard, three more had entered the ballroom since I had last counted, though no one seemed to have noticed. The Inquisitor dropped her voice low as she briefed me.
"The Empress's former champion, a chevalier named Michel de Chevin, left her employ under mysterious circumstances. Leaving Celene without a personal bodyguard. Lady Morrigan, an apostate mage, has been unofficially fulfilling that role since earning her position.
"Tasked with protecting the Empress tonight, Morrigan has been conducting her own investigation which also led her to the upper guest wing. She and Talitha crossed paths. Morrigan found another one of Briala's drop points." Ellana paused briefly until we passed a group of elves that were watching us intently.
"One of Briala's agents was dead, a magical key had been left. The key opened a door and within were Gaspard and Celene's negotiators. Assassinated. They were going to settle things before this evening, cutting Briala out of the talks. She forged the negotiation documents to extend the fight."

"A good play," I nodded, "What about the servants' quarters? Corypheus's agent?"

"The others have noticed the number of servants dwindling," she growled, "Something is happening down there, but all the keys have seemingly disappeared. Two of Briala's agents warned me away and all that are topside seem unable to get access. Cole and Talitha are going to try and Fade-step through."

"They can't," I argued, "A mage must have direct line of sight when they use their magic."

"That's why I said 'try'," Ellana retorted, "Until then, our people are working on finding a key. All the servants' entrances have been blocked off. Dorian and Solas suspect magic to be at play." She leaned towards me.
"And since our resident templar no longer takes lyrium…"

I clenched my jaw. "We have no way to dispel the magic discreetly."

"I'm not blaming you, Cullen," she said gently, "I just wish we'd brought more templars."

I gave a wry twist of my lips. "Says the Dalish mage who hated templars at the beginning of all this."

She chuckled at that. "You're as surprised as I am, Commander. In the meantime, Solas and Dorian are doing what they can as discreetly as they can." She was silent a moment.
"Your soldiers?"

"We're moving them in as quickly as we can without drawing attention."

"Good." She squeezed my arm.
"I'm sorry about the nobles that are bothering you. Is there anything I can do?"

"The sooner we find this infiltrator the better," I stated, "Until then, I can endure it."

"I know, Cullen," she murmured, "I hate this place."

"We're of the same mind there," I chuckled, "At this point, the headache I'm developing is preferable to the company."

She laughed again. "So long as I'm not included in that insult."

"Not today, Inquisitor," I smirked wryly.

She looked around the room and sighed. "Josephine and Leliana are going to owe me for this. No expense spared for your tourney—the best food, the best alcohol and no Orlesians beyond those already amongst us."

"I like the sound of that," I agreed.

"Well, I'm afraid I must leave you," she sighed again as we reached the spot I had vacated.
"Feel free to stab a few of your admirers; even if your sword is blunted, that just means it'll hurt more. Maybe they'll learn not to call me 'rabbit' and to leave you alone."

"Remind me never to get on your bad side," I stated.

"So long as you love our dear Lieutenant-Commander, you never will be." With that she left.

…

"Canapé, Commander?" Charter asked as she returned, my hunters having moved on to other prey for the moment.

I ate the offered food. "How goes the hunt?"

"Dorian was able to dispel the ward upon one of the doors," Charter explained, "Varric picked the lock."

"What did they find?"

"A bloodbath," Charter stated grimly, "Every servant—Briala's agents or otherwise—that was down there is dead. Talitha found an assassinated Council Emissary; presumably Gaspard's work. Venatori agents have infiltrated the palace—they and an assassin disguised as a harlequin are responsible for the dead servants. Cole and Talitha eliminated them quietly, but the harlequin escaped." I took another canapé.
"Briala followed in behind. She points the finger at Gaspard. Says he's sneaking in chevaliers and he's the one working with the Venatori. Proposed an alliance."

"We'll need to find evidence of Gaspard ordering chevaliers to sneak inside," I mused, "If it's true, he's broken the truce. As to the Venatori…we should look for proof of that as well, but he's far too war minded for me to see him working with Tevinter."

Charter nodded. "We're working on it. Briala's agents have that part of the palace under control now." I took one last bite of food.
"Seems you're up." She nodded towards some approaching chevaliers before disappearing amongst the crowd.

"Commander Cullen?" One of the soldiers questioned as he approached.
"The Lady Inquisitor tells us you're the man to ask about the battle at Haven."

"We can't be gone from our post long," another said, "but we could hardly pass up the opportunity to hear the details of the fabled battle."

"Is it true the Herald fought a dragon?" The last questioned.

Clearly, she needs them out of the way. These men are soldiers looking for tales of war. Taking a long pull from my glass, I called to mind the seasoned templars I had spoken with, how they would spin their tales to be dramatic and enticing. Clearing my throat, I set the glass down.
"Of course," I began, "It was near the third watch of the night. The Herald had just face death again as templar and mage worked together to aid her as she fearlessly sealed the Breach. The whole of Haven was in the midst of celebrating, when alarm bells tore through the air…"

I did not know how long she needed them out of the way, but I spun my tale. Nothing that was false, but with enough embellishment to keep them enthralled. Their enthusiasm was plain.
Just as I was drawing to a close, the great bell tolled for the second time since I'd begun speaking with them, signaling the next set of dances. The soldiers started at the sound, no doubt recalling what they were supposed to be doing. Behind them, I spotted the Inquisitor as she walked through the main doors. As she did, the Grand Duchess approached her.

"An excellent tale, Commander," one of the soldiers spoke, "But if you would excuse us, we should return to our post."

"Of course," I inclined my head.

As they left, I watched as Florianne led the Inquisitor to where the others were dancing. Doing another sweep of the room, counting a few additions amongst the honor guard, I approached the balustrade to watch the Inquisitor dance. Florianne's gaudy dress was meant to reflect a butterfly, though the spots reminded me of eyes. As if she could see everything and everyone in the room. Her mask was unsettling; a great pair of wings that hid her eyes.
But her dress paled in comparison to the pristine white of the Inquisitor's dress uniform. The silver thread of her crimson cape, the silk of her sash, glittered in the candlelight and made her shine brightly as she led Florianne about the dance floor. A diversionary tactic, to entrance the onlookers.
I looked up and found Leliana looking at me from across the way. She gave an almost imperceptible nod, signaling that she would use the time of the dance to move more troops in. It had been the plan: should the Inquisitor dance with one of the royal family members and proper attention was placed upon it, we would use it as a cover to move as many of our troops into the palace as possible. One of her agents appeared with a tray of refreshments before disappearing again.
I could not hear what the Duchess and the Inquisitor were saying, but they were beginning to draw the attention of everyone in the room as the Inquisitor moved Florianne with grace and expertise. The others that had been upon the dance floor had moved off to the sides to observe. Gasps and claps erupted as she dipped Florianne low to the floor. Standing again, they finished their dance before bowing to each other.
I watched the others move to meet the Inquisitor as she climbed the stairs and I moved to join them. Josephine was the first to speak with her.

"Well done, Inquisitor," Leliana nodded, "We're onto something if you pulled Florianne's attention. What did she say?"

"I hope you have good news," Josephine said, "It appears the peace talks are crumbling."

"The Grand Duchess tried to convince me Gaspard is the traitor," she stated, "but I'm not sure I buy it. She admitted to knowing what we've been up to—how would she know that unless she too were making a play?"

"Florianne and her brother are thick as thieves," Leliana began, "but she would give him up in an instant to save herself."

"'Save herself'?" I questioned, "Do you suspect she is involved in the attack?"

"It was she who arranged the negotiations, no?" Leliana pointed out. "Wether she's directly involved or not is the question."

"What would she gain?" I questioned.

"And that is the most important question," Leliana nodded, "If she is involved, what is she after? Regicide, even in Orlais, is still a crime."

"She claims that Gaspard is planning on an attack," the Inquisitor stated, "and that it will happen soon. She says his mercenary captain is in the garden of the royal wing."

"Warning Celene is pointless," Josephine interjected, "She needs these talks to succeed and to flee would admit defeat."

"Then perhaps we should let her die," Leliana murmured.

"What?!" Josephine hissed.

"Let us think for a moment," Leliana began, waving for us to walk with her, "What Corypheus wants is chaos. Even with Celene alive, that could still happen. To foil his plan, the Empire must remain strong. This evening, someone must emerge victorious."

"And it doesn't need to be Celene," I surmised, "She's right."

"Do you realize what you're suggesting, Leliana?" Josephine protested.

"Sometimes the best path is not the easiest one," Leliana retorted.

"You're asking me to decide what's best for Orlais?" The Inquisitor demanded.

"More than that. Whoever controls the Imperial throne will affect all of Thedas," I corrected.

"You cannot stop Corypheus without a decision. You must support someone, or all is lost," Leliana urged.

"Then we should support Celene," Josephine pressed, "She is the rightful ruler. Why would we say otherwise?"

"Because she led Orlais to this point," I argued, "I would say Gaspard, provided his sister is wrong about him."

"Commander, need I remind you that you're Fereldan?" The Inquisitor questioned. "Last I checked, Gaspard wants war with your homeland."

"I'm well aware," I nodded, "Be that as it may, a military-minded leader is what we need in the current crisis. And as another military-minded man, I would suggest pointing him in a different direction. Tevinter, perhaps?" That earned a smirk.
"Jesting aside, if we put him on the throne, he'll be in our debt. War is not in the best interest of anyone, even if his true desire is to unite his country. I believe the Inquisition could dissuade him from that goal, all we'd need to do is arrange negotiations with Ferelden."
A smirk pulled my own mouth before I said, "Besides, I'd simply revel in what the Orlesians would do when he disposes of The Game."

"I would suggest Briala," Leliana stated, "She could bring true peace. Not only to the Empire but also to its elves."

"An elf would never be accepted on the throne," the Inquisitor shook her head.

"She does not have to sit upon the throne to lead the Empire," Leliana countered.

"This is, however, your decision, Inquisitor," Josephine cut in, her voice shaky, "Not ours."

"I need more information," she growled.

"You must choose, Inquisitor," Leliana urged, "Even inaction is action."

"I'm well aware," she bit back, "but if I am to decide the fate of not only someone's life, but also an Empire, I'd like more to go on. The royal wing is most likely a trap, but it's our only lead and it's currently locked."

"I'll get you access," Leliana stated, nodding to one of our spies.

"Get your soldiers into position," the Inquisitor ordered, "And stay on your guard."

"At once," I saluted, "Be careful, Inquisitor."

At that, we broke apart and I spotted Talitha within the vestibule. I wished to know who was who, but I didn't. I watched as they spoke briefly before being swallowed by the crowd.

…

"Commander Cullen?" A shy voice murmured at my side.

I turned to find an elven servant standing there. She did not meet my eyes, instead she kept her head bowed and hands clasped before her.

"Yes?" I questioned.

"Your agent sent me to you for protection," she stated, "I am to testify against Ambassador Briala if she asks."

I nodded and waved for her to follow me. We walked through the ballroom, out to the vestibule where Cassandra leaned against a column. She straightened at our approach. "Commander?"

"Take her out to the guards in the courtyard, get her somewhere safe," I ordered, "She's a witness in our investigations." Cassandra nodded, before waving for the elven servant to follow her.
When she hesitated, I spoke, "I trust Seeker Pentaghast with my life. She will not let harm befall you." At that, she nodded and went with Cassandra.

As I turned, I spotted Talitha and the Inquisitor speaking. As I approached, they turned to me, their conversation ceasing.

"Commander," the Inquisitor nodded.

"Inquisitor," I greeted. "How goes the hunt?"

"If I had my way, I'd kill them all and pluck someone up from obscurity to sit on the throne," the Inquisitor growled, indicating Ellana. "Did Briala's agent reach you?"

"She did," I nodded, "What was that about?"

"Briala tried to have her killed," Ellana growled, "Apparently, our elven 'Ambassador' was indeed Celene's lover. Which Briala confessed herself. What she failed to mention is how this affair was occurring up until Celene burned the elven slums to the ground and that none of the elves working for her are aware of it." Her jaw clenched.
"She was willing to have one of her own people killed in order for her reputation as the champion of the elves not to be tarnished."

"And Gaspard has been moving chevaliers into the palace," Meira added, "He's broken the truce, which is treasonous enough. It seems he was planning a coup after all, if negotiations didn't go in his favor. There were orders on one of his guards posted outside the trophy room. Florianne was telling the truth."

"What about the mercenary captain?" I probed.

"I heard the elf scream for help before we made it to the gardens," Meira explained, "I sent her back to you and came to find Ellana before going any further."

I looked between them, confused.

"The discovery of Briala's treachery…changes things," Ellana growled, "I cannot knowingly throw my support behind her now." She looked at me from behind her mask.
"This is why I had Talitha conduct the investigations, to keep me from bias. Now, I want evidence against all of them."

"I heard someone within Celene's chambers calling for help," Meira murmured, "But the door is locked. It needs the magical key. I left it in the upper guest wing, hidden."

"While she's retrieving it and doing a final sweep for clues," Ellana whispered, "I'm going to speak with our esteemed hosts." She looked to Meira.
"Find me when you're done. I refuse to send you into the gardens. It's most definitely a trap."

I nodded. "I'll return to my post."

…

"You must smile, Commander," the woman urged, "You are so handsome when you smile."

"He's handsome even when he doesn't," the man growled suggestively.

My 'admirers' had dwindled down as I'd remained resolute in my refusals. Only the most determined remained, but I ignored them, my replies as short as possible. Still, they were not to be dissuaded. The man—Oslow—was as close to me as possible without it being considered an impertinence; the woman nearly as close.
I was observing the room, counting how many soldiers were now within to take my mind off the fear whispering within my mind at their nearness. Suddenly, I felt the undeniable pressure of a hand grasping onto my rump. My mind flashed back to Kinloch Hold, my skin crawling and gut churning as I felt hands upon me that switched between demon and human.

"Did you just…grab my bottom?" I blurted out, willing my shaky voice to remain even.

The man simply looked at me, a hungry grin on his mouth. "I'm a weak man." The others shared gasps of delight.

"And who could blame you, Oslow?" The woman laughed. "As exquisitely sculpted as it is. I do not think even the marble beneath my feet is as firm."

"Oh, the fantasies you've caused to run through my mind, Claire," the man grunted suggestively before dropping his voice, "Tell me, Commander, will you make any of them come true?"

The woman's hand grazed up my arm. "What fun we could have. Surely such a weighty position lends to stressful, long nights spent alone. We'd be happy to offer you a reprieve." She pressed her chest against mine, her hand that had been on my arm striking swift to pull the mask from my face.
"You've no need to stand on ceremony," she giggled, "You're Fereldan! Ambassador Teagan never bothers with a mask. And you're far too handsome to be hidden behind one."

As the mask was pulled away the man made a noise in his throat as he leaned forward. Inhibitions gone, his hand roved down my low back with pressure and grasped firmly onto my rump once more as they subtly pushed me against the wall. The woman dropped my mask, her hand sweeping down my front as she moved to stand before me. It was in effort to hide what her hand was after; her brazen touch greedy to feel what was most intimate.
I was utterly frozen, had been from the first grope. My heart strumming like a bird in a cage, ears roaring with my pulse, mind split in two—that familiar headache stabbing behind my eyes—as I now had one foot in Kinloch Hold and the other here.
Their hands the demons' claws, the maleficars' blades. Their suggestive chuckles the toying words of Desire, the sneers of the mages. Maker! Andraste!

"I do so appreciate how you've kept my Commander company," a voice sliced through the roaring in my ears, "but I, sadly, must steal him away from you all. A turn about the room as we discuss secret Inquisition affairs, you understand."

Excited murmurings swept through the group that had stood by as I was assaulted. I looked to the voice, my mind slow as it tried to register what was real. Eyes wide and exposed, I blinked. My back was pressed against the wall, the whole of me frozen. The assault upon me ceased, the room slowly coming back into focus.

"Inquisitor," I breathed. The pawing had halted but their hands remained upon me. "Was there something you needed?"

I felt it then as she stepped closer. The smile on her lips was a baring of teeth. Her mana was raging. From its familiarity, I knew it was not Ellana that stood before me, but Meira. My crowd chattered excitedly before dismissing themselves. My assailants, however, remained.

The eyes of Meira's mask stared them down, the temperature dropping and the flames throughout the room flickering out briefly. "I did not know it was an Orlesian custom to help oneself to their host's esteemed guests?"

"We meant only to introduce the Commander to the delights of Orlesian nights," the woman stated, "As he is Fereldan, we thought he unfamiliar."

"Indeed, it was a gesture of goodwill, my lady," the man inclined his head.

"You've made your gesture," Meira's jaw clenched, for the first time tonight revealing her true emotion.
"But now the Commander is called to duty. I ask that you would allow him to perform it unhindered for the remainder of the evening."

"Of course, Inquisitor," they bowed, fingers brushing along my jacket before they left.

"Commander?" She gestured towards the vestibule.

"Of course, Inquisitor."

We walked side by side, her mana only growing more discordant. Cold was wafting off of her, masks turning in our direction as we passed, the nobles stepping away from her. She was silent, her footsteps measured as she led us out to the vestibule and down the stairs, I thinking she was taking me out to the troops.

"Inquisitor," I murmured, "It's alri—"

Her mana reached a fever pitch, frost coating the tips of her ears. Her hand taking my elbow, she pulled us into an empty hall. Throwing a hand up behind her to cloak us with the Fade, the sensation rippling around me, even as the lyrium in my core recoiled at it. Her clothing shimmered, she becoming Talitha. An illusion. She ripped the mask off her face, her eyes burning with rage.
"Don't you dare say it's alright, Cullen," she hissed under her breath, "I want to rip out their throats with my teeth. Burn this palace to the ground. Make these…these…" She was shaking with rage, but tears pooled into her eyes.
"Maker, Cullen, I'm sorry I didn't get to you sooner. There were too many people, pressed too tightly…if I'd Fade-stepped…" She dropped her head.
"Cole said you were afraid. I came as soon as the words were out of his mouth."

I put a hand against her cheek. "I'm alright," I murmured.

Her silver eyes flicked between my own as she leaned against my palm. "No, you're not," she breathed, her voice warbling. She placed a hand over mine. "You're shaking."

I realized her words were true, as my hand trembled against her skin. "I'll be alright."

She closed her eyes. "The…audacity of these people. We are not…commodities for them to paw at. I hate this place. I want to go home." Her eyes met mine again.

"Shh, love," I breathed low enough that only she would hear, "We will. Soon enough this will be over."

"You were afraid, Cullen," she stated, "And it broke my heart. I tried so hard to get to you, but I wasn't fast enough." She shuddered.

I looked away, embarrassed. "Yes, I was afraid."

She gently turned me to look at her. "Do not be embarrassed. What they did to you was wrong."

"But I did nothing to defend myself," I bared my teeth. "Commander of the Inquisition, but I can't even stop unsolicited advances."

She withdrew a little, her eyes dropping. Her voice was barely a whisper as she said, "It does not make you weak."

"Andraste's pyre," I swore, "I am—"

"—Don't apologize," she murmured, "It doesn't make you weak, but I understand." She hugged herself, looking away. I cupped her elbows, my thumbs rubbing reassuringly.
"We should head back," she said, "she and Cole headed in moments ago. We need to be in the ballroom."

"Alright," I nodded.

She looked at me, chuckling without humor. "The rabbit and the lion, what a pair we make." I laughed too, though there was no humor in it.
"But this rabbit has teeth," she growled, "and I will devour them all if they touch you again." Her eyes burned brighter.
"Just as I will any who dare try to drag you back into the night."

"Not that I don't appreciate it," I smirked, "but let's keep the devouring to a minimum, shall we?"

She laughed harder as we made to leave the hallway. "As you command, my lord."

My ears burned at those words. "'My lord'?"

She nudged my elbow. "Don't get used to it."

"I'll try not to, my lady," I chuckled.

"Wait," she said as she grabbed my elbow, "To make sure those two leave you be." She turned me to her and my breath caught at her nearness. I watched as she wrote a glyph on my chest beneath the sash.
"A repulsion glyph. Not powerful enough to knock them down—though I'd love that—but enough to keep them away from you. I wish I'd thought of it sooner."

"Thank you," I said.

She smiled at me before she helped me put my mask back on that I had not seen her grab. I tied her's back into place as well. Checking each other over to ensure nothing was out of place, together we returned to the ballroom and waited for Ellana to make her move.

…

"Our people are in place," Charter's voice spoke, "And we now have evidence that Celene is aware of Gaspard's planned attack and has prepared her own counterattack. She has also broken the truce. The Inquisitor was on her way to the garden after she saw our informant on Celene to safety. Be ready."

Meira and I nodded as we now stood together. Not too close, but not too far apart either. Her glyph had worked, the couple now baffled every time they tried to approach and found themselves barred by some unseeable force. I forced my face to remain neutral as they once again tried to approach only to be barred from doing so.
I sensed Meira's agitation beside me. When they wandered off, as discreetly as I could, I hooked her small finger with mine. It was for only a second before I let go again.
As I did, I noticed Florianne and Gaspard enter from off the balcony where Gaspard had been for most of the night. He'd only left to dance a few times, to speak with Celene or to flag down a servant. Now, they were together. Briala had entered from the opposite balcony as well.

"Get ready," I murmured to Meira, "Something is happening."

"Where is Ellana?"

"I don't know," I shook my head, looking for her even though I knew she hadn't returned. Instead, I found the eyes of our captain and gave a subtle nod.

Celene began to approach the balustrade overlooking the ballroom floor, the others behind her. The sound of glass clinking reverberated around the room, indicating that a speech was about to be made. The whole of the party moved into the ballroom and onto the dance floor. Within the crowd, I could have sworn I saw the flashes of steel and garish body suits before they disappeared again.

"Talitha," I commanded, "We can't wait. We need to move. Now." She nodded. "Go right, protect Celene. I'll go left."

"Take this," she murmured as she handed me a sword made of ice.

I hid it beneath my cape. With a subtle 'pop' she Fade-stepped to the other side of the room as the upper balcony was now empty. Moving a hand up, I readied myself to rip the mask from my face.

"Let all gathered attend!" The herald cried, "The Imperial Majesty will now address the Court!"

"Lords and ladies," Celene began, "as a nation we mourn our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, friends and lovers claimed by war. The darkness has closed in around us, but even now there is light! We must be that light! We must lead our people safely through these troubled times. We must be their guiding star." Applause erupted through the room.
"Tonight, the war dividing us must end. But this gathering would not have been possible without the efforts of many." Celene turned to where Florianne stood in the shadows, holding her hand out to her.
"Dear cousin, please step forward."

Heart thrumming, gut telling me something was wrong, I pushed myself faster. Ellana still had not returned. There were more quick movements amongst the people. I drew my blade, only to find my path blocked. The man brandished daggers.
Taking a defensive position, I risked a look to where Meira should have been. I still could not see her. I prayed that meant she would make it to Celene in time.

Florianne made her way to Celene's side. "My friends, we are here to witness an historic moment. A great change is coming for all of us."

"Grand Duchess!" Ellana's voice shouted. "Stand down!"

"Now!" Florianne ordered.

As I blocked a swing from the attacker, fighting erupted through the room. The nobles panicked. Chevaliers, bards, assassins, our troops all crossing blades, none knowing who the true enemy was. Venatori revealed themselves, magic flew across the room.
I could see Morrigan and a few guards fighting to defend Celene, but Florianne was too quick. Her assassins seemed to be born of the walls themselves. Two attacked Morrigan, separating her from Celene. Two more slayed the guards. Over the shouts, Celene's cries of anguish issued as Florianne stabbed her.

"Florianne!" Gaspard shouted. "What have you done?"

Florianne merely laughed in response. "Don't be coy! It went just as we planned! I did this for you, brother!"

"Me? Have you gone mad?" He demanded.

"No," Ellana's voice raged. "Not Gaspard. You did this for Corypheus."

"What a terrible guest you are. Interrupting your host," Florianne sneered as she ran out towards the northernmost balcony, "For Corypheus, kill them!"

Ellana and the others raced after her. "Talitha! Save the Empress! Cullen! Protect the people!"

"Yes! Inquisitor!" We shouted together.

I parried my attacker and stabbed him in the gut before cutting my way to the ballroom floor. Gaspard ordered his men to attack the Venatori agents as did Briala order her people. I blocked a blade from cutting down one of the nobles, kicking the assailant back. I shouted orders to our soldiers, they rallying to cut down the Venatori side by side chevaliers and elves.
I heard a roar and looked to see Meira as the red lioness tearing through her attackers. Screams ensued followed by crunching bone and gurgling before they fell. She took her mortal form once more, throwing daggers of ice at two harlequins before they could roll away. Another dodged her throw, only to roll into an ice spike she'd summoned. Crimson flowed upon the floor.

"I've got the Empress!" Meira's voice shouted.

I parried another attack, swinging into an opening before plunging my blade into their side up to the hilt. "Is she alive?"

"Barely! I'll do what I can!"

"Take these would be assassins down!" I bellowed. "Get the innocents out of here!"

The fighting continued for some time, our soldiers and the chevaliers slaying the infiltrators while others got the nobles out. Only a few remained before they too were quickly cut down. The rush of battle over, I ascertained that the ballroom was safe before rushing up the stairs to where Meira worked upon Celene.

"Poison," the Empress coughed, crimson blood slipping between her fingers and pooling into her dress. The sapphire fabric darkened where the blood spread into the fabric. "She used poison."

"Forgive me, Your Majesty," Morrigan apologized, her yellow eyes unsettling, despite the regret upon her face.

"It is not your fault," Celene coughed again, "I should have seen through Florianne. She used her lack of notice to her advantage."

Meira and Morrigan worked together, magic weaving between them, to save the Empress's life. I ran to the balcony where the others had jumped over. Down below, I could see fighting. Florianne and Venatori agents versus Ellana and all her companions. Some time passed, Meira and Morrigan still fighting to save Celene's life.

"Commander!" Our captain called as she approached. "We've secured the ballroom and surrounding rooms. What should we do with the nobility?"

"If this area is secure, bring them all back inside and secure the rest of the palace," I ordered. "Then send some of the soldiers to aid the Inquisitor."

"Ser," she saluted.

"You know you're behind this, Grand Duke!" Briala's voice shouted as the people returned.

"You know nothing, rabbit!" Gaspard spit. "I had no hand in this treachery! As a chevalier—"

"—Your Majesty," Briala's voice cried as she spotted us working to save the Empress's life. She ran to us, kneeling next to Celene. "Celene."

Celene coughed again, weaker this time. "Bria," she murmured.

"Will she live?" Briala demanded of Meira and Morrigan.

"We're doing all we can," Meira stated, "Florianne used poison. The blade went into her liver."

Celene cried out. Briala hesitated and then took her hand. Celene's eyes opened to look at her. "Bria. I'm…Forgive me."

"You know I can't," Briala murmured, "I can't."

Celene closed her eyes again. "I know. But I am…sorry. For all of it. I should've…I should've done more."

"Don't worry about that now," Briala murmured. "But know…I did what I could."

"Cousin," Gaspard spoke.

Celene looked at the Grand Duke. "You played well, Gaspard. You'll finally have your throne."

"I had no hand in her scheme, Celene," Gaspard denied, "This is not honorable."

"All the same," Celene said slowly, "Rule them well."

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, Your Majesty," Meira panted, "But you're not dying today."

Celene placed a hand over Meira's. "My heart weakens, mage. My breaths grow labored. This is beyond your magic now."

"Forgive me," Morrigan interjected, "But you do not know my magic."

Celene cried out, Morrigan's hands over her wound as she'd slapped Meira's hands out of the way. Something prickled across the back of my neck, warning in my gut. Celene looked to Morrigan. "H-How?"

"'Tis why you hired me," Morrigan said, vaguely. "However, I alone cannot take credit." Her yellow eyes landed on Meira. "She stemmed the bleeding long enough for me to work my magic."

"How can I thank you?" Celene questioned.

"I have an idea," Ellana's voice spoke as she approached. Her dress uniform was dirty and torn, but her mask remained in place. Florianne was bound by magic, seemingly unconscious. Rage was on Ellana's face.
"I would speak with you three in private." She looked to me.
"Commander, if you would get a couch for the Empress. We have things to discuss."

Celene, Gaspard, Briala and Ellana behind the doors of the western balcony, I saw to Florianne's detainment. That seen to, the soldiers and I saw to the cleaning up of all the dead. Meira and the others joined us, the worst of the death in the servants' quarters.

"Maker have mercy," I breathed. There were so many dead. Men, women, elven males and females. Old and young. Blood was everywhere.

"All this," Meira seethed beside me, her voice shaking, "for what they call a game."

"It is the indifference to it all that I don't understand," I murmured.

"I hope Ellana has them eating out of her hands," she hissed, "None of them deserve power. Not without compromising something dear."

"If I know anything of our Inquisitor," I began as I helped her lift another body, "it's that she is ruthless. She will make them pay."

…

"Lords and ladies of the Court, we are pleased to announce that an accord has been reached. Tonight, we will celebrate my engagement to His Grace, Gaspard," Celene announced as she stood, Ellana having continued to heal her as they negotiated. Gasps erupted through the room.
"It is time we put our bad blood aside for the good of Orlais."

Gaspard stepped forward. "Friends, we assembled are the leaders of the Empire. We must set the example for all Thedas. We cannot be at war with each other while the Fade itself challenges our borders."

"Those who sought to poison our Empire with treason have been brought to justice," Celene continued, "It is a new age for Orlais. We shall build a world in which we all live in harmony. Let the cornerstone of change be laid." Celene gestured to someone. Briala strode from the shadows.
"In thanks for her efforts to uncover the plot against my life, we introduce the newest member of our Court: Marquise Briala of the Dales."

"This is not just a victory in Halamshiral, or within the Empire, or even for elves alone," Briala began, "This is a triumph for everyone! Over a thousand years ago in the Valarian Fields, elves and humans together defeated the Imperium. We can do so much more now. We are greater than our ancestors ever dreamed. Together, we will start by saving our world from the enemy who took the Divine and tore the sky apart."

"Yes, the sky is torn open, our Divine is dead, and many fear the end of all things comes upon us. Orlais must stand as a bastion, a bulwark behind which all Thedas may take shelter. So has it stood for a thousand years!" Applause erupted through the room. "So shall it ever stand." Celene looked between Gaspard and Briala. "We must stand united or surely we will fall alone."

"Our enemies must learn that Orlais shall not fall to treachery," Gaspard added, "We will never surrender our Empire. We shall teach them the finality of this truth with steel. With the Inquisition, we will drive the demons back to the Fade. The Maker Himself could not protect them from the wrath of The Lion."

"Together, we will assure a future of peace and security not just for Orlais, but all Thedas," Ellana

"We are already tracking the Tevinter agents," Briala assured, "Soon they'll have no place to hide."

"But that is tomorrow," Celene finished, "Tonight, we celebrate the arrival of peace and our newfound fellowship. Let the festivities commence!"

Applause erupted once more through the room, the music began, and revelry resumed as if there had not just been an all out war upon the ballroom. As if the Empress had not nearly died only hours before. As if Celene announcing her engagement to Gaspard was not a shocking conclusion to the night's events.
Calls for toasts on Ellana's behalf were shouted. Dancing became the focus of the room. With the tension gone, the nobility devolved into drunkenness, Gaspard the worst offender.
I was relieved to find that Meira's glyph continued to work as no one bothered me for the rest of the evening. I patrolled the palace, checking on the soldiers and Florianne, ensuring that all was still secure. Reentering the ballroom, I noticed that both Ellana and Meira were missing. Some of the others were on the ballroom floor, dancing. A few observed and the rest were most likely getting into trouble elsewhere.
Celene and Gaspard danced. Briala stood off in the shadows watching the room. I made my way towards where I had last seen Ellana, knowing she would most likely know where Meira had gone. Morrigan strode from the large balcony Celene had occupied for the majority of the evening and I spotted Ellana leaning upon the railing overlooking the courtyard we'd entered through.

"Inquisitor," I greeted.

"Commander," she greeted, her voice weary.

"Have you seen the Lieutenant-Commander?" I asked.

"I believe she made her way to the guest garden," she said.

I made to leave, but stopped. "Are you alright?"

"Tonight has been very long," she sighed.

"You got the two royals who'd been raging war against each other to come out agreeing to marry. Elevated an elf to be a member of the Court," I chuckled. "Long is an understatement, I'd say."

She didn't turn nor did she laugh. "I stalled."

"What?" I questioned.

"I stalled," she said again, "Coming back to the ballroom. There was a rift. We killed the demons and closed it, saving the mercenary captain. He said Florianne lured him out there. I knew it was her, but instead of…I waited. I wanted Celene dead." Her fingers gripped the stone.
"She killed hundreds of elves to prove to the nobility that she did not have an elven lover. I wanted her dead from the moment I knew it was a possibility." She looked at me over her shoulder, her mask gone, green eyes burning. "I had no intention of saving her. Then Gaspard…said to my face that elves had no place in politics. He'd ordered Celene's university to put out essays comparing my people to rabbits." Her eyes began to burn brighter.
"Then Briala sent one of her own to her death to save her reputation. Did all she could to protect her Empress—her Empress that burned her people to prove a point." Smoke curled off of her.
"My people deserve better than any of them. Thedas deserves better. But I knew…I knew if I let her die, every alternative was worse." She twisted to look back out at the sky.
"So instead, I stalled just long enough that we'd be able to save her life. That's what I used to convince her to marry Gaspard—that I'd saved her life. That her actions thus far had driven her country, her people to this. When she protested, Briala made it clear that she would never return to her in any other capacity than spymaster. She relented, stating that she knew it was the best solution. That she must sacrifice for her people. Gaspard and Celene will marry.
"He gets his throne and the Inquisition gets an Emperor in its pocket. Thedas keeps its diplomat who will stay his hand from unnecessary war. Briala rises to power because she worked to save Celene but we saved her life so Briala is indebted to the Inquisition. Their military, their diplomacy and their secrets all in our debt. And through it, the lives of the elves will improve," She straightened, clasping her hands behind her back.
"That was all I cared about. The elves. I snuck out every night in Vivienne's apartment and went to the slums." Her grip tightened on her hands. "It was…eye opening."
"So now, an Empress that made strides to improve their lives remains in power, an elf who champions them is part of her Court and an Emperor who is focused upon the true threat to Thedas will lead the Empire. Should they try to cross us, ruination will befall them. And should anything happen to me or the Inquisition, they'll be too bound to get out of it cleanly."

"No matter the tactics," I murmured, "I think we'll find this to be the solution that brings about what is truly best for Thedas. As you said, Gaspard is placated—he has his throne. Celene will still essentially rule, becoming an ambassador of sorts on his behalf. And Briala has obtained power for the elves."

"A win all the way around?" She questioned, a brow raise.

"Is it not?"

"If it were a win, would I not feel…better inside?"

"Perhaps it was just as much of a compromise for you as it was for them," I offered, "Compromise is never as satisfying as outright winning."

"True," she nodded, "I suppose time will tell. Thank you, Cullen. But if you don't mind, I'd like to be alone for a bit. And I'm fairly confident there is a certain elf who would very much like to dance with you."

"Inquisitor," I saluted and bowed.

I made my way back to the ballroom, passing Solas as he leaned upon the doorframe. We nodded in acknowledgement, he going towards Ellana and I towards Meira. I found her sitting upon a stone bench in the guest gardens that were now empty save for Maryden. The two of them were talking, Meira free of her mask now as well. I came to a stop when I thought I heard my name.

"I'll see what I can come up with Lieutenant-Commander," Maryden said, "Thank you."

"I look forward to it," Meira stated, "I just hope he'll like it."

"Commander," Maryden greeted as she noticed me standing behind them.

"Pardon the intrusion," I apologized.

Maryden waved me in. "Come. I was just leaving. I've been requested in the ballroom."

Clearing my throat, heart pounding and face warming, I looked to Meira. She was beautiful in the light of the moons. Silence fell and for a moment, we just enjoyed the peace. She stood and I closed the space between us as I offered her my elbow.

"Things have calmed down for the moment," I said, "Are you alright?"

"I'm just worn out, tonight has been…very long," she sighed.

"For all of us," I agreed, "I'm glad it's over." She was quiet, her eyes closing as she leaned against my arm briefly.
"I know it's foolish, but I was worried for you tonight." I laced my fingers through hers that sat on my arm, she squeezed them in response. She looked forlorn and caught up in sad thoughts, rendering me unsure what to say. Music began, drifting from the ballroom to the empty vestibule. I stopped us just out of sight from the doors.
"I may never have another chance like this, so I must ask." I released her before bowing low and offering her my hand.
"May I have this dance, my lady?"

The smile she gave me took my breath away. Her eyes sparkled with it, her lovely face glowing. "Of course! But I thought you didn't dance?"

Her hand slid into mine and I pulled her against me. A hand came to my shoulder as my other went to her hip. Slowly, we swayed to the music. "For you, I'll try."

Gently, lazily and no doubt poorly, I led her through a dance. My mouth going dry at our nearness, as her eyes stayed locked with mine. Blushes burned on both of our faces, but neither could bring themselves to break eye contact. We kept dancing until the music stopped.

…

We stayed in Halamshiral for another two weeks, Josephine and Ellana working tirelessly to finalize negotiations with Orlais's new leaders. A date was set for Gaspard and Celene's wedding, permission given for the Inquisition to pass through Orlais with a large force to march on Adamant—Gaspard offering chevaliers to accompany us and Briala's new title finalized. Morrigan named liaison to the Inquisition. An offer of negotiations with Ferelden was also made to curb any worry of war.
Before we knew it, we were on our way back to Skyhold. 'I want to go home.' I'd never heard her refer to anywhere as home. It had been nearly two decades since I'd felt at home anywhere. But it was true…Skyhold was becoming 'home', as were the people of the Inquisition. It was a hopeful thought. One that gave purpose—a want to protect as I had never before. As we crested the hill to bring us home, that want roared within me.

Skyhold was under siege.

Thank you for reading! Faves, follows and reviews are always welcome and appreciated!

That's it for Part 2! I'll be on hiatus for a couple weeks and then I'll return for Part 3!

A huge thank you to all that have stuck with this fic, left faves, have followed and reviewed—it's what keeps me going!

See you in Part 3!