The grand hall buzzed with anticipation as Elissa and Alistair made their entrance. Noble lords and ladies, adorned in their finest attire, greeted them with deference and warmth. Despite the festive atmosphere, a subtle tension lingered beneath the surface, a reminder of the looming threat within their midst.
Elissa's gaze swept across the assembled courtiers, her mind assessing each familiar face with a newfound wariness. Among them could be the traitor, a thought that weighed heavily on her heart even amidst the celebration. She exchanged polite nods and smiles, masking the undercurrent of suspicion that now tainted the once familiar faces of her court.
Alistair stood beside her, his presence a steadying force amidst the swirling emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. His hand rested reassuringly on the small of her back as they navigated through the crowd, acknowledging well-wishers and dignitaries alike.
As they reached the center of the grand hall, the court musicians struck up a lively tune, and servants began to circulate with trays of exquisite delicacies and goblets of fine wine. The atmosphere seemed almost surreal, a stark contrast to the weighty discussions they had shared in the quiet of their chambers just hours before.
Elissa glanced at Alistair, catching his eye with a silent understanding. Today was not just about celebration; it was a strategic maneuver, a test of loyalty and vigilance hidden behind a facade of revelry. Every interaction, every exchange of words held the potential for revelation or deception.
Their feast progressed with an air of regal grace, interspersed with moments of laughter and camaraderie. Elissa engaged in polite conversation, her smile unwavering even as her mind raced with thoughts of the traitor lurking in their midst. Alistair, ever observant, mirrored her composure, exchanging pleasantries with courtiers and dignitaries alike.
As the evening wore on, Elissa noticed a subtle shift in the atmosphere. Whispers grew hushed, gazes lingered a fraction too long, and alliances were subtly reaffirmed or subtly tested. It was in these nuances that Elissa sought the answers she needed, parsing through each interaction for clues and inconsistencies.
Near the end of the party, as the guests began to disperse, Elissa found herself approached by Lady Amelline, a trusted advisor known for her unwavering loyalty to the crown. The older woman's expression was unreadable, her gaze steady as she addressed Elissa in a voice tinged with concern.
"Your Majesty," Lady Amelline began, her tone measured. "I fear there are whispers of discontent among some of the nobility. Rumors of alliances forged in shadows, of ambitions that do not align with the crown's."
Elissa regarded her advisor with a mixture of gratitude and apprehension. "Do you have any leads, Lady Amelline?"
The advisor hesitated, her gaze flickering briefly towards a group of nobles conversing in hushed tones across the hall. "There are suspicions, Your Majesty," she admitted quietly. "But nothing concrete as of yet. Trust is a fragile thing in times such as these."
Elissa nodded thoughtfully, her mind racing with possibilities. "Continue to gather information discreetly," she instructed, her voice low but resolute. "We must proceed with caution until we have identified the traitor."
YOU ARE READING
Queen Of Ferelden
Fiksi PenggemarThis story takes place in between Dragon age: Veil guard and Dragon age: Trespasser. The Hero Queen of Ferelden has just returned from her deep roads expedition. She has to deal with whatever royal duties she must face as Queen.
