This is part 1 of Halamshiral (Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts). There's just so much to put into it especially with it being Lara's upbringing. I also couldn't help Sera's introduction, it's brilliant.
I have more of a focus on Cullen and what he faces throughout this. I personally do not think it's touched on enough especially with Leliana knowing and the Inquisitor romancing him. So I had Lara try to save him as much as she could. The Winter Palace only brings back memories of when he was tortured and I only imagine he doesn't do well with being touched unannounced. I touch on it a little in this chapter and in the next as well.
In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this chapter :) The next one is a lot more exciting as Halamshiral comes to a close. Please leave a comment/review if you're enjoying x
—-
Chapter 13:
Lara was given a few days to recover in Skyhold. She spent it mainly in her quarters but saw Dorian and Solas in between. Solas wasn't surprised about her mark and the connection with the Veil. Solas believed that in the Elder One's future, the Veil was destroyed, leaving no barrier between Thedas and the Fade. The anchor was to aid him in that mission but Lara interfered and it fell on her. He would do more research but was focused on helping her heal in the meantime.
Josephine demanded there was no more time to waste and that the visit to the Halamshiral was becoming urgent. Dressmakers arrived in Skyhold to take measurements and try on samples. Lara had her uniform made as well as a dress for the celebrations. Another taste into her old life, but this time, the decision on the fate of Orlais depended on her. The dread of the responsibility she held creeped into every crevice of her body.
She entered the War Room and found her advisors waiting for her. Cullen had his hair styled, much to Lara's surprise. She preferred his hair to be unruly. It seemed Leliana noticed as well.
"Why don't we do something new with your hair, Leliana?" Josephine asked.
"I'm used to how it is. I'm not changing it for the Winter Palace," Leliana answered.
"And our Commander?"
"He did something with his hair already. Perhaps he can do it again for the Palace," Leliana let out a small laugh.
"Yes, it does look very nice today," Josephine commented and scribbled away.
"I don't -" Cullen started.
"You mean it just gets that way on its own?" Leliana arched an eyebrow.
"Not…entirely," He answered, his hand at the back of his neck, hiding his blush.
Josephine and Leliana laughed together. Lara couldn't help but smile, trying to bite back her laugh. She wondered what compelled him to style his hair today of all days but had to admit the new style suited him. He was looking a bit better than their last confrontation in his office.
"Maker's Breath! Can we get back to work…" He muttered, still embarrassed.
"The peace talks are the perfect opportunity for our assassin to attack," Leliana changed the topic.
"Anything I should know about Duke Gaspard?" Lara asked, her Orlais knowledge a bit rusty.
"He would have been Emperor. He's Celene's cousin and was first in line to the throne when Emperor Florian died. Celene outmaneuvered him. She won over the Council of Heralds, and the title was hers. Gaspard became a General in the Imperial Army and he's well loved by his troops," Cullen answered, recovering from his embarrassment.
"The Chevaliers, which Gaspard is part of, see the Empress as anti military. They believe Gaspard can lead the empire back to the Glory of Drakon's expansion years," Cullen continued.
"And Ambassador Briala?" Lara asked.
"Only by name. She has organized the elves of Halamshiral into an underground army. The Empress invited her to the peace talks in a bid to win the elves' alliance in the war. If that wasn't scandalous enough, there is a rumor that Briala is a jilted lover of Celene's," Leliana spoke up.
"They were lovers?" This was news to Lara.
"Only whispers from the palace servants. If news were to get out - the Empress and an elf - the scandal alone could destroy Celene's court," Leliana answered.
"Wouldn't be surprised if she's planning on using that as blackmail," Lara added.
"She has the perfect weapon," Cullen commented.
"And Celene?" Lara continued. This situation was already messy.
"Empress Celene is a renowned diplomat and reformer. She works to secure peace for the empire. Unfortunately, many Orlesians view this as complacency. She has yet to name an heir, leaving the future of the empire in doubt if anything were to happen to her. Especially when the next in line is her cousin Gaspard," Josephine answered.
"The assassin must be someone internal. Not an outsider. Someone who can play the Game," Lara took a deep breath.
This was going to be a mess. The lines woven so tightly together, Lara didn't know where to start unraveling it. It had to be done delicately or the wrong string could snap, ending everything. Orlesian politics were always complicated. Every word, every gesture was measured. Lara needed to be focused. One wrong move could cost Orlais and the Inquisition.
—-
The dark velvety royal blue uniforms were beautiful. Josephine outdid herself. The gold sashes and details made the blue stand out even more. The eloquence was definitely very Orlais. Once again, Lara was being sucked into her past. She hoped she wouldn't find anyone she knew, especially a family member.
Gaspard was awaiting them and greeted them eagerly. Lara made sure to stay focused, charm him, and play the Game. Vivienne prepped her incessantly for this and she made sure Vivienne was by her side. If anyone could play the Game well, it was her.
"The Game is like Wicked Grace played to the death. You must never reveal your cards, my dear. That is most important," She reminded her over and over.
She also brought Bull, Dorian, and Sera. Josephine nearly had a heart attack when she found out Sera was coming but if there was ever a time they needed the Friends of Red Jenny, now was the time.
The palace was massive and intricately detailed. There was no mistaking it. After gathering gossip in the courtyards, wooing Gaspard, and returning a lost ring, Lara made her way inside and up the stairs. Before entering the ballroom, Lara made sure to catch any further secrets for Leliana. Gaspard was already pointing blame at Briala for trying to ruin the peace talks. Any gossip would help prove if it were true or not.
Before she could venture any further, the man before her took her breath away. The dark blue brought out his blonde hair and his golden eyes, the gold sash highlighting his golden hues even more. His muscles accentuated by the uniform, no longer hidden under his armor. No man should be able to look that good in a uniform yet there he stood, capturing her attention. Lara cleared her throat and quickly regained her composure. This was not the place to admire her Commander.
"Inquisitor," He whispered. He was taking her in just as she was him.
"Commander, have you forgotten where we are?"
"Right," He cleared his throat and adjusted his sash nervously. "It will take some time getting our men into the palace. I will alert you when we are ready. I will also be escorting you in the ballroom."
"Noted. I will see you shortly in the ballroom," She nodded and departed, her stomach flipping at the idea of him escorting her. He bowed his head as she left.
She hated playing the Game with him. It isn't what she wanted but their usual conversations would be the gossip of the night if the Inquisitor and her Commander were flirting with each other. Josephine might kill them both on the spot. At least, it was easier here to keep him at a distance.
—-
Lara descended the stairs of the ballroom where Cullen stood waiting for her to escort her. She remembered Vivienne's words about the Game and left no expression noticed as her heart beated furiously in her chest. If her family could see her now, being escorted in the Winter Palace by an ex-Templar. She noted they would never have accepted him as a possible match for her. She was grateful that she created her life where she was free to choose her path.
"Lady Inquisitor Trevelyan, of the Ostwick Circle of Magi, Champion of the Blessed Andraste herself," The announcer spoke.
All curious eyes and whispers on her as she descended. Her lineage was known here so it was most likely the topic of gossip. She stood by Cullen's side whose arm was extended out to her. Gracefully, she linked hers with his, aware of all the eyes on them. Surprisingly, she managed to remain neutral to the electricity that surged throughout her body as their arms intertwined.
"Accompanied by Ser Cullen Stanton Rutherford of Honnleath. Commander of the Inquisition Forces, and Former Knight-Commander of Kirkwall," The announcer continued.
Stanton? Thank the Maker that's not his first name…
As they walked across the ballroom, arm in arm, the announcer was presenting the remaining members of her party until one introduction caught Lara's attention.
"Her Ladyship Mai Bhalsych of Korse,"
Lara made a strangled noise that only Cullen could hear in an attempt to stop her laughter, trying to keep her expression neutral. She peered over at Cullen who turned bright red once he realized what was said. She could hear Sera sniggering up above. This was her way of poking fun at nobles, humiliating them.
"Andraste preserve me…" Cullen whispered, trying to compose himself.
Lara could only imagine the look of pure horror on Josephine's face. She didn't dare look back.
—-
After greeting Celene, the ballroom was in full effect of chatter and drinking. There was something about their cousin Floriana that rang alarm bells in Lara's head. Why would she be involved in this? Why would she organize the peace talks? Suspicion crawled its way up her spine like a whisper and Lara didn't like it.
She met up with Leliana who nodded at her to come over.
"We can't put all our focus on Briala. The best place to strike is from Celene's side. She's always been fascinated by mysticism - foreseeing the future, speaking with the dead, that sort of rubbish. She has an occult apostate. This apostate charmed the Empress. I've had dealings with her in the past. She is ruthless and capable of anything," Leliana whispered.
"Great, that's what we need. A mage planning to kill the Empress. Just when I'm trying to clean the reputation of mages…" Lara replied bitterly but with a smile.
"It's worth investigating. Can't be sure of anything here. Our leads point to the guest wing. Let's start there," She replied.
—-
She walked over to Cullen, as Josephine was occupied chatting away to guests. Her Ambassador was truly in her element and she didn't want to take her away from that. Skyhold was better than Haven, but Lara knew Josephine missed Orlais all the same.
"Did you just…grab my bottom?" Cullen exclaimed.
Immediately, Lara regretted coming over. A group of Orlesian women were surrounding Cullen as if he were prey, giggling incessantly. An unfamiliar feeling washed over Lara and she wanted to grab him and lock him away somewhere where their hands couldn't touch him.
"Has anyone ever told you that you have the most remarkable eyes?"
"Are you married, Commander?"
That feeling grew and grew and Lara felt herself getting angry. She continued walking over to him, a smile still on her face, aware that all eyes were on her.
Am I…jealous? Is this jealousy? No it can't be…
"Ladies, I see you've met our Commander. I hope you don't mind, but I will need to borrow him for a moment. I promise to return him," Lara commented sweetly even though she was bubbling inside.
The ladies giggled and nodded. Cullen followed her looking exasperated.
"Have you noticed anything odd?" Lara spoke to him once they were alone.
"Not yet. It would be easier if people stopped talking to me…other people, I mean. Not you."
"You've attracted quite a following, I see," Lara was angry, but still carried on sweetly.
"They won't leave me alone. Or stop touching me. I don't even know who they are," He seemed on edge.
"Not enjoying the attention?" Lara mocked. Was this what it was like being jealous? She didn't like it.
"There is only one attention here worth having," He looked at her, his eyes burning.
"Cullen…" She whispered sharply, a smile still on her face.
"I haven't forgotten," Cullen smiled.
"In that case, I don't suppose you'd save a dance for me again?" Lara asked, trying to tell herself it was only for appearances.
"No, thank you…"
"Fine," Lara turned to walk away when he spoke again.
"No! I didn't mean - Maker's Breath…I've answered it so many times I'm rejecting it automatically. Templars never attended balls. But I will try," He whispered.
"I'm starting in the guest wing, should anything go wrong," She spoke and turned on her heel to leave. She didn't want to watch the other women touching him, but she already heard their squeals when Cullen was back in their grasp.
—-
Lara found some clues including a note full of names and timestamps with a message to Briala that something has gone wrong. That was proof enough for her that something was meant to happen tonight. Something was being planned and it was being executed under their noses. Wherever she searched, Vivienne shadowed, distracting nobles with conversation to allow Lara to search without interruption. It was perfect that Vivienne knew these people so it was easy for her to make conversation.
She crossed paths with Dorian who didn't have much to report mostly because he was busy drinking himself in wine.
"I'm keeping a watch for magic. You know us Tevinters. We can't cross a room without casting a spell. If there are Tevinter agents here, I'll find them," He commented.
"Try not to get too drunk while I'm gone. You might miss the magic," Lara smirked.
"You ask so much of me, my dear," Dorian raised his glass to her and downed the rest of his drink.
Lara continued listening for secrets to collect. The Winter Palace was ripe with them. Leliana would be best at deciphering them. Duke Germain was most helpful in providing evidence against Gaspard. Thankfully, Lara was able to woo him, gaining her some approval. She was also on the lookout for stashes that Sera told her about. Her contacts tipped her off for some looting. Hopefully, they contained something of interest.
In the guest wing, Lara found sufficient evidence including some letters. Soon the bell rang for everyone to be summoned to the ballroom. Lara quickly made her way, discreetly joining the crowd, smiling and nodding at others. Her disappearance seemed to have gone unnoticed but one could never be too sure what secrets or knowledge lay behind their masks.
A lady dressed in a dark red gown approached her as she was nearing the ballroom. Raven black hair and a look about her that screamed mage, Lara guessed this was Celene's occult advisor.
"I am Morrigan. Some call me advisor to Empress Celene on matters of the arcane," Her voice was captivating, Lara had to admit.
"You have been very busy this evening, hunting in every dark corner of the Palace. Perhaps you and I hunt the same prey?"
"I hope so. Another ally never hurts," Lara responded.
"A sentiment I share considering recent events," Morrigan nodded.
"Do share."
"I found, and killed, an unwelcome guest in these very halls. An agent of Tevinter…" Morrigan started walking again.
Damnit Dorian! Mental note to kick his drunk ass when I find him…
"I offer you this Inquisitor: a key found on the Tevinter's body," Morrigan briefly covered her hand with hers, dropping the key in it discreetly.
"Where it leads I cannot say. If Celene is in danger, I cannot leave her side long enough to search. But you can."
"Pardon me Lady Morrigan, what is your interest in protecting the Empress? Are you her bodyguard?" Lara couldn't help but be curious.
Morrigan let out a laugh, "Do I seem a bodyguard to you? If anything were to happen to her, all eyes would be on her occult advisor. Even if they knew otherwise. I will not fall prey to that trap. Not now, not ever."
"You think it wise to kill the man without questioning him first?"
"I would not have, had he not attacked me first. I clearly caught him in an illicit act. I regret that I could not capture him alive," Morrigan answered calmly.
Lara studied the key. "Briala's people are whispering about disappearances in the servant's quarters. Perhaps this leads there."
"The Ambassador does have eyes and ears everywhere, does she not? Proceed with caution Inquisitor, enemies abound and not all of them align with Tevinter." She said, heading towards the ballroom.
—-
After dropping off the discovered secrets with Leliana and promising a dance with Lady Mantillon, she headed off to speak with Briala, Lady Fleur, and Gaspard. No conversation made Lara's decision any easier. This was a tightly woven web of drama, scandal, power, greed, revenge, and lies between the three. At this point, none of them seemed good for Orlais and wished she could erase the whole thing and start again. Unfortunately, that wasn't an option.
She spotted Cullen still swamped by admirers. He looked defeated and insanely uncomfortable especially when he was touched unannounced. Lara wondered if there was something to that which pained her. This was a moment when she wished Cole was here to read his thoughts. She'd have to discuss it with him when they were back in Skyhold.
"Leliana, a word," She nodded to her.
"Another secret?"
"I imagine our Commander has some, yes," Lara responded.
"Oh?"
"Keep an eye on him. Save him if you have to. He looks uncomfortable, almost tormented. I suspect there's something to that," Lara spoke quietly.
"You're not wrong in thinking that. I will see he's not pushed to the edge," She responded and walked off.
What…? He said he was tortured. By abominations? Demons? Why does that make touch uncomfortable for him?
Lara continued thinking to herself even if it wasn't the best time. They needed to stop whatever articulate plan from occurring tonight. Vivienne needed to stay up top, wooing the people for the Inquisition. She gathered Sera and Dorian's drunk ass when she finally found him, to which she had to hide him and splash water on him, much to his dismay.
They found Bull, thoroughly enjoying himself.
"Anything catch your eye, Bull?" Lara smiled at him.
"They've got these candied nuts with some kind of spice on them. It's sweet until you swallow, and then, BAM, hot! Also, Orlais has some fine looking redheads. Uh - nothing on the assassins though Boss," Bull commented.
Dorian let out an annoyed sigh.
"Well at least someone is enjoying themselves," Lara shot a glare at Dorian.
"Got anything that needs killing? The nobles keep messing with me and they think I don't know they're doing it. They keep it up and I'm going to wear someone's skull as my fancy little mask," Bull grunted.
"Easy big guy. As it happens, we have some killing to do. Let's get geared up and head to the servant's quarter."
"Now you're talking! We're taking some of those candied nuts back with us, right?"
"I'm sure Josephine can arrange something once we save the Empress. Hell, maybe they'll supply all of Skyhold with them," Lara smirked.
"Excellent! Now let's go kill something."
—-
They made their way through the servants quarters. To Lara's surprise, it was empty; at least the kitchens were. She wasn't sure how big these quarters were or where else they led, but Lara had a feeling this wasn't going to be an easy task.
Her suspicions were confirmed when they came across a dead body in the courtyard that clearly wasn't a servant.
"Is that the Chalons family crest on the knife? What have you been up to, Gaspard?" Dorian commented.
"For fucks sake…" Lara muttered.
A sharp scream left a servant who was running for her life but she was too late. The sickening noise of a knife slicing through skin and bone rung through Lara's ears. The killer vanished in smoke and then suddenly appeared on one of the higher balconies. Before Lara could try to figure out the enemy, a swarm of Venatori agents ran their way. Immediately, her party went into battle, Bull being more than happy to kill something, especially Venatori.
"They knew we were coming," Lara commented. "Might as well go on."
They explored more of the courtyard to see if they could find any more clues or evidence. Lara found an entrance to the Grand Apartments which were swarmed with more Venatori agents, much to Lara's annoyance. Someone had obviously given them entrance inside the Palace.
Okay, the Venatori are a cult that worships Corypheus. Example: Alexius. Corypheus wants Celene assassinated as part of his future. Someone inside the Palace snuck them in to kill Celene. This must mean that this someone works for Corypheus…Gaspard surely wouldn't? Honestly, who the fuck knows…
Lara's mind was trying to desperately piece this together. She understood the Game and was trying to make sense of it from that perspective. Corypheus seemed to be granting people a lot as a way to manipulate them to do his dirty work. Lara didn't think Orlesians would fall trap to this but if it was someone who had a lot to gain, then they just might.
As they made their way through and eliminated the last of the Venatori including the Harlequin, Lara was worn out and drank a potion. They gave quite a fight.
"Why are we saving nobles' tits and asses again? Not like we're being rewarded for it. Who cares about their stupid Empire? They'll take all the credit. Stuff the good guys, that's us by the way, trying to make a difference in the world. Noooo…," Sera blew a raspberry.
"Real mature…" Dorian muttered.
"Fancy seeing you here," An Orlesian account spoke from behind them.
Lara turned around and was face to face with none other than Briala.
Huh?
"Shouldn't you be dancing, Inquisitor? What will the nobility say?" She continued.
"No doubt there's a line of people eagerly waiting to dance with me," Lara said sarcastically.
"I wouldn't be surprised if there was. You cleaned this place out," Briala walked outside on the balcony.
Lara followed, welcoming the fresh air.
"I came to save my missing people, but it seems you've beaten me to it. The Court of Herald's Emissary in the courtyard is not your work I take it?" Briala asked.
"We are here as guests for a peace negotiation. I don't think killing Emissaries is on our priority list at the moment," Lara shot back.
"The knife had the Chalon's family crest on it, if that means anything to you," Dorian added from behind her.
"I knew it. I knew he was smuggling in Chevaliers, but killing an Emissary? Bringing Tevinter assassins into the palace? Those are desperate acts. Gaspard must be planning to strike tonight," Briala said.
"I'm guessing Celene won't listen to accusations?" Lara asked.
"Not without proof. She won't believe anything from me," Briala turned to look at her. "I misjudged you, Inquisitor. Perhaps you are an ally worth having. What could you do with an army of elven spies at your disposal? Think about it."
A mischievous grin showed itself on the Ambassador's face and Lara didn't like it one bit. She had a sinking feeling Gaspard was not the only one planting traps tonight. There were countless others littered around the Palace, waiting for her to step in it.
"You make a good sales pitch. I'll give you that, Ambassador," Lara kept her smile and composure.
"I do, don't I? I know which way the winds blow Inquisitor. And if you happen to lean a little bit our way…it can prove to be advantageous. Just a thought," Briala said as she walked away, jumping down and disappearing.
Lara held the elven locket she found in the Grand Apartments belonging to Empress Celine. She couldn't help but think this was a lover's gift between Briala and Celene. Briala wanted her to side with her, which meant she must be plotting against Celene as well. Was the locket just a memory of what they once were? Were they still in love, just separated by politics? She was instantly reminded of Cullen. Would they be separated over politics? Her being a mage and him an ex-templar? Was that their fate like Briala and Celine?
Something inside Lara told her this was just the beginning and the night wasn't over yet…
