ROGUE🖤 (Cole x OC! Lavellan) ✓ [COMPLETED]

Ch. 21 *Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts*

COLE
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This place is...strange. Everyone wears a mask, and talk about things I don't understand.
They all want something, but they talk in circles. Why can't they just say what they want?

Nalia comes back from talking to Duke Gaspard, approaching us before exhaling. "Well, this will be an eventful night. I have to go introduce myself to Empress Celene. Bull? Why don't you go find somewhere to stand?"

Iron Bull chuckles, rubbing his hands together. "Perfect," and just like that, he walks off. "He's going to go find red headed servants," I think in my head. His thoughts, not mine.

Dorian walks away as well, and Nalia looks at me. "Okay. After I talk a little bit with Celene, I'll have to look around Winter Palace for any clues or traces about the assassination."

"Yes," I say, eyes looking everywhere but at her. It all feels too much, the assassination the searching, the dress she wears that hugs her waist tightly.
She steps closer. "I'm sorry if this may be a little confusing for you. But you don't have to worry, if you have any questions, or need something familiar, I'll be here."
I nod, and quickly she kisses my cheek, smiling before she turns and walks inside the ballroom.

I follow her, until I drift off towards a shadowy corner where no one stands. I won't be bothered here...I think.

I can see Nalia and Duke Gaspard walk down the steps onto the empty dancefloor, making there way towards a blond haired woman in a royal blue dress.
Empress Celene.

Standing beside Celene, is another blond haired woman, but her face holds a dark, secretive look as she watches Nalia and Gaspard.
Nalia, most of all.

"Cousin," Gaspard says as he bows before them, "my dear sister."

Sister?
I glance between the two of them. Between Gaspard and the one with the secretive eyes.

Empress Celene nods. "Grand Duke, we are always honored when your presence graces our court," she says, hands clasped in front of her royal like. It must be hard to pretend so much...

Gaspard grows impatient. "Don't waste my time with pleasantries, Celene. We have business to conclude."

"We will meet for the negotiations after we have seen to our other guests," Celene nods towards Nalia. "Lady Inquisitor, we welcome you to the Winter Palace. Allow us to present our cousin, the Grand Duchess of Lydes. Without whom this gathering would never have been possible."

The Grand Duchess looks at Nalia. "What an unexpected pleasure. I was not aware that the Inquisition would be part of our festivities," she begins to walk away. "We will certainly speak later, Inquisitor."

Soon, she's gone, just like Duke Gaspard, leaving behind only Celene and Nalia.
"Your arrival at court is like a cool wind on a summers day," she says.
Nalia bows. "I am delighted to be here, Your Majesty."

I smile softly.

"We have heard much of your exploits, Inquisitor. They have made grand tales for long evenings."

Why does the Empress talk like that? Why can't she just say, 'we're happy your here, please enjoy yourself?'

"How do you find Halamshiral?" She asks, pulling me from my thoughts.
"I have no words to suffice," Nalia responds, "Halamshiral has many beauties, and I couldn't do them justice."
Celene smiles. "Your modesty does you credit, and speaks well for the Inquisition. Feel free to enjoy the pleasures of the ballroom, Inquisitor. We look forward to watching you dance," Celene says.

Nalia bows one last time, turning and walking off the dancefloor and towards me.
"How are you feeling?" She asks, placing a loving hand on my shoulder.
I look around at everything, all the people talking, dancing, hiding there feelings behind false words and masks.
"Cole?" She asks, "did you hear me?"
I look at her. "I'm sorry," I respond, "I... I'm fine."