Chapter Text
The letter was something to behold. Stark white paper with gilded edges, fine writing in ink that seemed to glisten in the war room’s candlelight, and a wax seal so ornate that it could rival something from Orlais. Said seal had already been broken of course; letters went through many hands before they ever reached the Inquisitor. And Alexandria could see an excited glint in Leliana’s eyes as she handed over the paper.
“It seems you’ll have a chance to practice before we tackle the Orlesian court,” Josephine smiled, a soft chuckle escaping her at Alexandria’s puzzled expression. “We have a royal invitation.”
Frowning, Alexandria opened the letter. “Royal? I didn’t think we held much favour with King Alistair.”
A smile was on Leliana’s face too. “Not Alistair. Although he’ll come around, just you wait. No, this is our ally from Starkhaven, who seems very keen to meet you.”
The script inside the letter was no less ornate, and it took the Inquisitor a moment to work out what it said:
My Lady Inquisitor,
May I begin by offering my condolences for Haven. The attack upon yourself and the Inquisition was deplorable, and I was relieved to hear of your escape.
Following the events at Haven, it is time for Starkhaven to be more public in our support for the Inquisition. As word of your impressive holy deeds continues to spread, I believe a celebration is in order. Therefore, I invite you to a ball to be held at the Royal Palace here in Starkhaven, with yourself and your advisors as the guests of honour.
I will not deny that I am eager to meet you, my Lady. The stories we’ve heard of your Inquisition continue to impress, and I have heard that you hail from Ostwick. For the Herald of Andraste herself to be a fellow Free Marcher is my privilege indeed.
I bid you farewell for now, my Lady, and hope that your journey to my city will be a pleasant one.
Yours,
Sebastian Vael, Prince of Starkhaven
“Goodness, he wants to throw us a ball?” Alexandria still looked a little confused, but excitement had entered her voice as she set the letter down on the war table. While it was still a political move, of course, a ball meant something light-hearted for the first time in a long time. A ball meant dresses and discussions and dancing!
“I think he specifically wants to throw you a ball, but yes,” Leliana nodded. “It isn’t surprising. Starkhaven has long had strong ties to the Chantry, and with Sebastian having only recently taken his crown back, he’ll be looking to bolster his ties to us.”
Across the table, Josephine was practically shining with glee. “It comes at a perfect time too. A social appearance like this will endear us but, as we’re not the ones organising it, it won’t seem too soon following Haven.” She chuckled. “The Orlesian nobility will be jealous that they were not the first to host us, which may help in getting us invited to the Winter Palace.”
As Leliana and Josephine continued to discuss plans for Starkhaven, Alexandria couldn’t help but notice that Cullen was far less enthusiastic. He was looking dutifully at Starkhaven’s location on the map, almost studying it.
“I don’t think you need to plan any military tactics this time,” she said with a small but fond smile, scooting slightly closer to him.
Cullen looked up suddenly, almost surprised. “What? Oh, um, right.” He gave an awkward laugh, a hand reaching to rub the back of his neck. “No, I- I know, it’s just…”
There it was again, that… that sort-of-giddy nervousness that Alexandria always felt around Cullen. Initially she’d mistaken it for apprehension, he had once been a Templar, after all, a group that frightened her more than almost anything. But Cullen didn’t frighten her one bit. Time and some ‘help’ (teasing) from Dorian had Alexandria close to realising that it was a very different kind of tension between them.
“It’s alright, I have no idea how to act at an event like this either,” she whispered, very aware of how the other two advisors were watching them.
He laughed again, properly this time. “It isn’t that. Well, not only that.”
Cullen’s eyes met hers, and Alexandria could feel a hint of pink creep into her cheeks as he smiled. But then Cullen raised his voice to address all three of them, and she turned back to the room, pretending that Josephine and Leliana hadn’t noticed.
“I only met him a few times, but I did know Sebastian Vael in Kirkwall. We should be careful. It would be easy to write him off, I know, but I saw him after the Chantry’s destruction. When Hawke supported Anders, Sebastian swore revenge. He has the potential to be dangerous.” Cullen shook his head. “I know this is ‘just’ a ball but still, we should be wary.”
Leliana scoffed, playful rather than mocking. “Commander, in the time you have known me, have I ever not been wary? This gives us an opportunity to keep an eye on Sebastian. But, for once, the stakes are low, so why not have a little fun while we’re there?”
Somewhat shyly, Alexandria piped up, "Um, this might be a silly question, but what are we going to wear? I know I've never been to one, but even I know enough about royal balls to know our armour will be out of place."
A thoughtful look came over Josephine. "Well, we did have those formal outfits made for such an occasion..."
"Josie, no," Leliana interrupted, looking somewhat horrified, "Those are for negotiations, for diplomats, we must have something much prettier for this!" With a grin towards Alexandria, she added, "Especially for the guest of honour."
Josephine rolled her eyes, but she was chuckling as she did so. "Alright, alright, I suppose they are a little serious. I will arrange something." She too looked over at the Inquisitor. "Let me talk to Dorian first, as well, I'm sure he'll have some ideas."
"Oh, I have to tell Dorian!" Alexandria exclaimed, "A party like this one? He'll be so excited!"
As the Inquisitor left the war room, heading in the direction of the library, Cullen picked up the invitation again, frowning as his eyes scanned it. "He does seem... invested, doesn't he?" Cullen muttered. "Is that something we should be worried about?”
Despite her best intentions, Josephine was unable to suppress a snort. “Do you mean should we be worried as the Inquisitor’s advisors? Or should you be worried as her…”
Cullen blinked at her, a mixture of suspicion and genuine confusion on his face. “As her what?”
There was a pause, during which Josephine and Leliana exchanged a smug glance.
“Never mind, Commander. Don’t worry about it,” Leliana responded, giving Cullen a pat on the shoulder. Even she wasn’t sure whether it was meant to be reassuring or patronising.
Sharing a silent giggle, both Leliana and Josephine left the war-room, leaving a baffled (and slightly red faced) Cullen behind them.