Spellbound

9. Spy Duties

"Now, tell me what Fenris disclosed to you," Dorian began with a most nonchalant voice while he picked apart his food. Lavellan eyed the way his ringed fingers held everything so gingerly, different from the way Lavellan had seen human hunters in their forests do it.

"He said I would be another bodyguard, but not in the same way Bull is. Somewhat of a spy?"

Dorian nodded along.

"You would have a protective function for this household and my humble self, correct. What a marvellous use of your skill, don't you agree?"

With narrow eyes, Lavellan tried to discover the true intentions behind that lazy smirk.

"You know little about my skill," Lavellan pointed out.

"Then, by all means, teach this impertinent fool. I am always open to hearing the tragic backstories about the tiresome battles of attractive men."

Lavellan arched his brow at that. His arms came up to cross in front of his body, if only to announce his displeasure with the situation. Unperturbed, Dorian stuffed his cheeks with cheese and grapes.

After a moment of stiff silence, Dorian looked up. The mischievous glint in his eyes told Lavellan that the Dalish was the only one tortured by this conversation. The Altus enjoyed himself.

"We should use our time to get to know each other better. Things can become most troublesome if you live under the same roof as a person you repudiate."

"You are a Tevinter mage who keeps me as a slave." Lavellan's voice was unforgiving, and the frown between his dark brows urged a wince from Dorian.

"Fine, that much is true and understandable why you dislike it. But it's superficial. Aren't you curious what lies behind this good-looking facade of mine?" Dorian caressed his own jaw, taken by his looks.

Nonplussed, Lavellan stared at the act.

"Not in the least."

"Ah, the truth hurts." He clutched his hand over his chest in mock pain.

Dorian sulked while he chewed away. For a moment, Lavellan watched the snake as it slithered over the ground to return to its master. Its winding golden body shimmered in the sun falling through the stained glass windows.

Once he had gathered his wits and nagged himself to exploit this foolish side of the mage, Lavellan spoke up again.

"You are an Altus. What is that?"

"The result of traditional Tevinter breeding. Capable mages get coupled up to have powerful children. It's common among the upper class and the misfit my parents gained out of it is currently eating in front of you."

When the head of the snake popped up on his side, Dorian fed it with a bite of ham. Its two venomous teeth flashed as it chewed away. At Lavellan's silence, Dorian glanced at him to find the Dalish transfixed on the animal. A smile curled around the right corner of his lips.

"Not the person you would want to protect from harm, but I am unbothered. My family never had a Dalish slave since I was born, so I find you most captivating."

"Am I your pet to ogle at?" The hiss came out threatening, eyes that were used to facing off large predators flashing, but Dorian chuckled. With his coal-rimmed, bright eyes, he studied the anger on Lavellan's face.

"Most certainly, you are. I enjoy parading around, but I won't show you off if it makes you bitter. None of us wins if your face remains a thunder cloud. However, I take the right to appreciate beauty when I see it. The same way you do."