Unlike No Other (DA:I FANFIC)

"You need a distraction."

The palace was much more vast than you thought.

Dorian looked amazed by everything.

"Fascinating is it not?" He tugged at your hand.

"Well, I guess so I mean I've never been to a palace so..." You sigh.

"What's wrong?" He said softly.

"I'm just scared, worried, nervous... everything in between." You grab his hand and held it, you didn't care that the gloves made it feel awkward.

"What happened to the man last night? You surely didn't seem worried when you-"

You stopped him

"Lets not go into detail here Dorian..." You muttered.

"Yes yes, sorry."

You reached the large steel gates and took a deep breath...

"Lets get this over with..." You mumbled and let go of Dorian's hand. He delayed before he started to walk again.

The gates opened. Welcoming you to the Palace.

The advisors went ahead into the Palace, Bull and Blackwall joined them.

It was just you and Dorian.

"Listen, it'll be fine. Everything will go smoothly." He touched your back. "Shall I accompany you inside?"

"Then it would reveal our relationship." You look at Dorian. "But yes, please." You hold out your arm for him to take.

He chuckled. "Since when were you one for discretion?" He took your arm.

As the two of you walked to the main entrance you heard several gasps and murmurs.
"Is that the Inquisitor?..."
"Who's that around his arm..?
"Who is that?"
"Are they in a relationship?"
You make it to the large doors. So far everything was going to plan, nothing wrong yet.

"After you." You open the door for Dorian, he smirked.

"Inquisitor, you're so kind." He bowed and walked through the open door.

You joined him on the other side and held out your arm for him again.

"Come, they're going to announce us now." You lead him down the stairs.

The ballroom went quiet once everyone was on the platform.

"Introducing the Hearld of Andraste, The leader of the Inquisition, I/N L/N." You breathed in sharply and exhaled slowly. You felt your body tremble.

"Accompanying him is Lord Dorian Pavus of Tevintair."

"Come on.." Dorian whispered. "I'll be with you, let's go." He began to walk and you follow, arms linked like chains.
More gasps and whispers came from the crowd.

When the two of you reached the platform at the end of the room, you were greeted by Empress Celene. Still alive and unaware of what may or may not happen.

"What a pleasure, Hearld." Empress Celene bowed and you did the same. "Welcome to the Winter Palace. What do you think so far?"

It took you a minute before you said anything. "Its beautiful, Your Worship."

"Thank you, I hope we can talk more, now I have guests to welcome and a cousin to find. Have a wonderful time Hearld." She waved lightly and you and Dorian went up the stairs to the second level of the ball room.

"Where to now? Or must you start investigating? We have time. We could look around, drink, well not you. Dance. Anything we have the entire night." Dorian walked to a empty corner, you were following him. You can tell he didn't want anyone to hear that. But there's no need to be secretive, all of Thedas knew by now.