The Imperial Palace (Open)

[Gespard de Chalons]

In the center of the great capitol Val Royeaux of the Orlesian Empire, lays the Imperial Palace, the home to the governing ruler. It was built during the foundation of its Empire and it has stayed as one of the most magnificent structures of Thedas ever since, a palace built by marmor stones, with edges and frames of gold and silver, keeping over 600 hundred rooms within. Decorated with a glancing floor, a painted roof, and walls covered by gold and silver patterns of flowers, a fitting home for an Emperor or an Empress.

Outside the palace lays the great garden, where lots of different flowers, bushes and trees are tended and cared, where fountains and labyrinths of roads are located all over the place. Often used for throwing parties among nobles and royalties, used mostly during daytime. Surrounding the gardens are the high fence of steel poles, which protects and keeps the royalties safe from outside harm, keeping four golden gates as the only access in and out of the Imperial Garden and Palace, located north, east, west and south. And always is the Imperial palace and Garden guarded by royal guards, both day and night, being on of the most secured place in entire Thedas.



Stepping inside the royal palace, one may get easy lost if one does not have someone who knows the place to follow you around. Entering the throne room which is located in the center of the palace, one can see a room filled with the color red; upon its walls, floor and roof with lots of gold attached. In the far end of the room stands the great throne of the Emperor or the Empress, standing a few inches above the floor height. On each side of the throne stand the great lions which represent the symbol of the Orlesian Empire. The room is mostly surrounded by nobles and royalties, dressed in their make-up and outfits to court with the Emperor or the Empress. As everywhere upon the Imperial residence in Orlais, it is heavily guarded, the throne room particularly guarded most heavily during visits.

[Gespard de Chalons]

Among the nobility of Orlais, custom dictated that masks were to be worn in public. These delicately crafted works of art were painted to indicate the affluence of one`s family. Some were anointed with tiny jewels laid out in tasteful patterns, while others were inlaid with silver and gold. Still others went over the top with their decorations of peacock feathers or glittering dragon scales. To have a more beautiful mask then one`s rival was seen as an advantage, and thus the Empire`s maskmakers numbered among the most influential and sought-after of its artisans. Servants wore a simpler version of the masks traditional to their master or mistress household, a clear message to any who saw them; I am owned, and you harm me at the risk of incurring the wrath of the one I serve. To wear a mask to which you were not entitled was extremely dangerous. A wise nobleman guarded his masks like he guarded his reputation. To be without a mask in Orlais, then, was a statement. It said you were either a peasant not even useful enough to be part of a noble house, or that you considered yourself above the Game. To the elite, however, nobody was above the Game. You were either a player or a pawn, nothing else.

At this special day, after a glorious victory having defeated the allies of Celene, the capitol city of Orlais was finally Gespard`s new home. Today was a day to celebrate, and Gespard had decided to hold a great banquet in the Imperial Palace in his honor for completing his long time goal. Food and drink had been prepared and musicians where stationed on the balcony above the main hall door. Every noble of importance had been invited to join the banquet, and as the Orlesian tradition demanded, they were all needed to look their best.

Gespard de Chalons sat on an enormous, ornately carved wooden throne that had been brought in especially for the occasion. It was high up on a dais, providing a vantage point from which he could overlook the entire hall. It also meant that anyone who approached him needed to do so from below, Orlesians noble disliked being reminded of their subservience, even by someone who was unquestionably their superior, and so, once the long line of polite well-wishers earlier in the evening had ended, few chose to approach at all. Thus the man of honor sat there in rigid silence, sipping his wine as the only tendant guards stood vigil at his side. He watched the throng of dancers whirl around the ballroom, with a look of satisfaction and admiration.

The new crowned Emperor was dressed in his finest brown clothing, with silver and golden edges, wearing a silver colored mask with various matching feathers, looking far more superior than any other noble in the room. Elegantly he stood up, holding his glass of wine as he took the spoon and made an echoing sound throughout the hall, giving a signal that he wanted to speak.

The room went silent, and with his head held high, Gespard gazed across the room as he began speaking in a typical Orlesian accent. “Ah how pleased I am to see so many attending the banquet, it has indeed been a great evening and I hope that it will continue to last even longer. With that said, I would like to thank you all for appearing here, and for showing me your precious gifts and your precious words of loyalty, a loyalty most appreciated. And I would like a toast, a toast for a better future, for a new era of ruling, where we together can see Orlais returning to its former glory, and I promise you…I will give you what you so long have desired, which so long has been kept away from you because of that usurping woman Celene. Remonter le moral! For the future and for me as your greatest Emperor!”

[anna]

Everything just seemed to stop around her, she had been invited to his home. Though she never went out in public much, because it seemed like everyone she befriended over hate years. Were taken away by the damned Wardens, and with her father dead she didn't know what to think about anything any more. She wanted to know still who killed her father, but her brother is to busy trying to get rid of her. Then tell her who did it, because she had a feeling her brother knew who killed him. But right now, it didn't really matter.

She sighed a little bit and grinned happily, thinking. Anna didn't know what to really wear, she wanted to impress Gespard. Though it was hard because he had just about every woman eating out of his hands, she loved him but knew that she didn't matter to him. Just another piece of ass for him. But she decided on what she was going to wear, she slipped into a black and purple dress. Most of it was purple, but had a purple bow around her neck, the dress showed off her chest, the end of the sleeves came out as bell.

She got her hair curly, and put her hair up in a bun. She wondered if she would make Gespard's heart stop, or drop from his chest. That would be a nice sight to see, she had tried to prove she was worth staying faithful to. But it just never worked, though she kept trying it. But him being a womanizer was the reason why she never slept with him, sure she loved him. And wanted to make love to him, even though it was sometimes hard to not want to throw herself at him. But always restrained herself, since she had pride in herself.

Actually that really seemed to be the only thing she had, but she had a carriage drive her to the palace. A young man helped her out, and she looked up at the palace and sighed a bit. Smiling more to herself then anything, she noticed two people outside the front door. One wanted her invitation, and she handed it to the man that asked it. He bowed and opened up the door for her, she noticed that people were dancing. But then she noticed that some people stopped dancing, when the breeze came in a bit.

Her heart was pounding however, she looked down for a moment. And walked down the steps, holding her head up people realized who she was when she put her hood down. Exposing her young face, her dress was very interesting. She noticed Gespard's men looking at her was well, her eyes scanned the room and thought Gespard was dancing with a woman. She didn't know why she came here frankly, but she had to show people she was worthy of someone. She wanted to get married, but right now she didn't know what the hell she was doing. She was never good with this public stuff, god she was terrible at it frankly.

[Gespard de Chalons]

When the toast with the glass of wine was held in the ballroom where Gespard was standing, he turned his attention to the nobles who wanted to speak with him considering their loyalty toward him, as the music in the background again started playing. With Empress Celene gone from the Empire of Orlais, Gespard had finally become the Emperor he always had wanted to be. Still even he told everyone she was dead, he knew in truth that she was alive and in exile within the kingdom of Ferelden, where Alistair most certainly was protecting her. In secret Gespard had sent an emissary to demand the Empress to brought back, but he doubted the Fereldens would do it, even their nobles would probably want to avoid a war. Gespard was known for using scared tactics on his rivals and he was a conniving man when it came to gaining what he wanted, and he had big plans for the future, as he already had figured he would soon seek alliances with other people and nations, only such that he could harvest so much more when he was done with them.

As the doors to the ballroom opened up again, the focus of the crowd was turned toward the person who entered. It was Annabel de Montfort, the beautiful daughter of Duke Prosper de Montfort and as Gespard`s attention turned toward her, he was amazed and in awe. He had always admired the woman and he thought she was very beautiful, but he was not quite sure where her and her family loyalty stood. He knew that her brother had as of late tried to bring the two of them together, but since their family had before held allegiance to Empress Celene, he thought they still may have connection to her and if they had, it would be dangerous for Gespard to be with such a woman.

However Gespard could not deny the fact that he wanted her, and if it proved that she was not in alliance with Celene, he would very well consider a marriage with the woman and if they got married it would for sure give her and her family a higher status in the Orlesian society, bringing them to new heights. With a smirk on his face, Gespard moved to greet Annabel welcome, ignoring his other guest as he wanted to keep his focus on the beautiful woman that had just arrived. “Oh what a pleasant surprise, I am so happy to see you, mademoiselle.” He spoke firm and gently with an Orlesian accent, bowing his head before her as he took her hand carefully and kissed it, keeping his eyes upon her as he was overjoyed to have her as his guest, smiling teasingly. “You look magnifique, such a beautiful dress on such a beautiful woman. I am stunned.” Gespard continued kindly, happy that she had accepted to come. "How are you this great evening? I would like to speak with you in fact. I have spoken to your brother, and I would like to ask you something concerning that."

[anna]

She smiled as he came up to her, she couldn't help but to love him so damn much. It almost hurt, when he kissed her hand. She heard the music in the background, it was light and beautiful. Sighing softly, she had a feeling she knew what he wanted to talk to her about. And if her brother did what she thought he did. Sighing some she hung her head and wanted to kill her brother.

"I probably already know what it's about, since my brother has been trying to get rid of me since my father died. But I know you Gaspard, your worried on where our loyalties lie. I do not know about my brother, he doesn't talk to me at all. But my loyalty lies with you Gespard, they have for a long time and it will continue to be so. Just so you know"

She said kindly and sighed a bit, leaning over she kissed his cheek and smiled at him happily. Sighing happily, she stood up and looked at everyone. "Sorry I'm late by the way, I wasn't going to come but decided to"

[Gespard de Chalons]

"Oh why you thinking such things, of course you should come. your presence is most welcome my dear." Gespard replied in a gentle Orlesian accent as he kept his gaze on Annabel, smiling broadly by the kiss she had given him on the cheek. Ah what a lovely woman he thought, so well educated and so beautiful, she sure was a catch for the eye and he knew marrying her would be no problem, but still he was not quite sure about her and her brother`s intention. It was something that would be needed to be discussed in private, but in Orlais there was rarely anything that was called private. There were always people around, if not nobles then at least elven servants.

At least hearing Annabel confess that her loyalty lied with him made him satisfied and it pleased him a lot, and as his gaze followed her every movement he moved himself closer as he held her hand carefully in his. "Come, let us sit down and talk some more." Gespard suggested with a kind smile and lead her through the crowd that opened a pathway for them, all the way from where they were standing to the seat where Gespard had sat earlier. Kindly he allowed her to sit down next to him first and once she sat down, he would himself sit next to her in the throne he had brought in. If they got married, this would be the way it was, an Empress to an Emperor would always sit side by side, but it was the one who was direct decedent of the first Emperor that always held most power.

The gaze of the crowd was all fixed upon them, and even though they all carried mask, Gespard could see that the women in the room was jealous at Annabel for being granted such an audience with the new Emperor. With a nod and a slight wave with the hand, Gespard ordered the music and dance to go on. And as the people danced joyfully together, Gespard turned his focus back at Annabel who was beside him. “Are you thirsty mademoiselle, want any refreshments?” He asked as a nervous elven servant came up to them and held a plate of food and wine for them to pick. “Maybe you would like one of these lovely apples, plucked from the Imperial garden itself, they are incredible.” Gespard said and took a knife and plunged it into the apple, handing it to Annabel in case she wanted a taste.

[anna]

Anna smiled at him, as he took her hand and walked up and sat down. She saw the looks the women were giving her, but all they wanted was to either sleep with him. Or get a higher status, she didn't care of such things. She was the kinda girl that everyone would like, if they got to know her. But many didn't, and right now everything just seemed to stop around them. As he motioned for the music and dance to continue, sitting beside him felt like a privilege. Her eyes were brought back to him, and smiled at her.

Nodding to the refreshments, she watched as a servant brought over a drink for her. She thanked her, and put it up to her lips. Hearing him talk about the apples, she put the glass down once she sipped from it lightly. And took what he offered her, putting it up to her lips delicately. She really was happy that everything seemed to be so much better, she always made sure to keep her manors in check however. Sighing happily, she looked up at him and wondered what he was going to talk to her about.

"So what has my brother been saying about me Gespard? Let me guess, marry my sister and get her out of my hair. We have never really seen eye to eye, I'm not to sure why. Father always saw a better future for him then me, though my father wasn't the kind of man you bond with. And my brother is exactly like my father." Again she saw the woman looking at her, she sighed a bit and though for a moment. "These women are on prowl and see me as a big threat, women fighting over your attention. Kinda funny, wish someone wanted to fight over me" She giggled some.

[Gespard de Chalons]

Seeing Annabel take a bite of the apple Gespard offered her, made him look at her in awe as she ate it in a delicately manner. The way she behaved teased him, and Gespard thought she was an incredible looking woman. Oh how he wanted to be with her, but he knew she was a proper lady whom did not sleep with just any man. If Gespard was to get her, he would need to show her the respect she deserved. Most likely they would need to marry before she ever opened up to him fully, even she seemed to be in love with him, and Gespard could not deny that he too had feelings for her. It was just that he did not know if he should marry her, as he knew if they did it would not only give her a high status among the Orlesians, but it would also give her brother a high respected status as well, which could be dangerous knowing that their family used to be allies to Empress Celene. And Maker forbid if it was a plan only to get close to the new Emperor, just so that some of them could stab Gespard in sleep and hand the realm back to Empress Celene or become Emperor or Empress themselves.

As Annabel now was eating the apple, Gespard placed the knife carefully back on the plate and he listened carefully to what his honored guest said as they both sat close while watching the dance happen in front of them. “Ah yes, I remember your father quite well in fact, he was very fond of Celene as I recall, but I am glad to see you are not like your father and brother.” Gespard spoke elegantly in an Orlesian accent and smiled back at her as he took a glass of wine from the elven servant and took a sip as his gaze ventured back on the crowd. Annebel was right; the women in the room seemed jealous, but Gespard did not care about that, not this evening. His focus was totally on Annabel and he wanted her to feel welcome and loved, as he for sure had a keen interest in her. Hearing her giggle made Gespard smile even more, but what Annabel failed to miss was that the women in the room was not the only ones who was jealous, there was men too whom kept their eyes on Annabel and they thought just as Gespard that she was very beautiful. “Oh I would not say I am the only one who is being fought over, many men in Orlais desire a woman such as you…just take a look around, oui?” Gespard continued as his gaze ventured back on Annabel, wanting to see her expression as she noticed the men in the room looking at her, but hoped most of all she noticed his attention.

[anna]

Anna listened to him, and was really melting inside and out. He seemed very sweet, and it really was a wonderful time. She sipped the wine silently and noticed the men looking at her, looking at him she just shook her head. "I don't care for them, only thing the men probably want is just me in bed. Then once they have me they will gloat about it, I would never sleep with a man who I didn't love. So they are way out of luck." She said with a very kind smile on her face, she placed her hand on his hand and grinned happily. And when it came down to it, only good looking man in this whole place was Gespard. She was never faithful to the empress, but always to Gespard, perhaps it was because she loved him. And she didn't ever want anything bad to happen, this war with everything going on it kinda worried her.

She didn't really know, nor did she really care. Brushing away a strand of hair from her face, looking into his eyes it was like looking into his soul. And from what she knew about him, she knew that he had many women. But he really did seem very interested in her, and it made her feel very happy. But then she wondered if he would ever ask her hand in marriage, she wanted to be married to him. But she didn't care that it would boost her title, she just wanted to belong. But she had a very bad feeling, her brother may be using her to get a better title. And if that was the case, id feel terrible. Sitting back, her hands in her lap and grinned happily at him. Wondering what he was thinking about, sometimes she really wished that she knew what people thought about her. Would it be lust she saw in them? or was it something else. She didn't really care what anyone thought about her, but of course one opinion mattered.

Gespard's.

[Gespard de Chalons]

Hearing that she was a decent and a proper woman actually pleased Gespard, far too often had he encountered women who would open themselves up to him only because he was rich or because he simply was trueborn royalty. Meeting a woman who was different such as Annabel intrigued Gespard and he admired the way she thought and behaved, it was a rear trait among the nobles of Orlais that a woman stayed innocent, even though it was considered bad to not be a virgin at the wedding night. The reason why the women in Orlais often preferred to remove their innocence before being wed was only because most people thought they could more easily lure one into marriage with it, when in fact it was actually more likely a man would marry someone who liked to wait, like Annabel.

Watching Annabel with a satisfied smile he listened to what she said and nodded politely back as he gently took her hand in his, touching it carefully as his gaze fell upon her eyes. Oh how sweet and lovely she looked, such a great woman Gespard thought as he leaned closer, whispering in an Orlesian accent. “I`m glad to hear it, perhaps the mademoiselle would like a dance?” He said and asked as he stood up, still holding her hand while the other guest danced behind his back. Some who stood in the corner, who were jealous, kept their gaze on Gespard and Annabel, wondering if Annabel would accept the offer he asked. It was a rare honor, one who many would like to take part in.

[anna]

Anna listened to what he said very carefully, she took nothing for granted. Not since the death of her father, when her father died so didn't a part of her. And since she only had her brother, they were never close. He never had the patience with her, he just wanted to marry her off and be done with it. But then he asked for her to dance with him, she looked at everyone seeing there eyes. A soft smile could be seen on her face, as she nodded. "Alright" She said happily and slowly stood up. She squeezed his hand lovingly, looking into his eyes. She saw something there, she wasn't to sure what she saw. But she wanted something to be there, so she moved onto the dance floor. Looking up into his deep colored eyes.

"It's been a long time since Ive danced with anyone, only other man Ive ever danced with is my father. The maids that worked for him, they helped me learn how to dance all sorts of dances" She admitted with a big grin on her face. She enjoyed the feel of his hands on her body, it was great to be dancing again. It was such a relief and happy she still could dance, she was afraid at first that she would have forgotten. She had always wanted to dance with her brother, but he never wanted to. "It's funny sometimes I think my brother is ashamed of me. He wants to get rid of me, he never wanted anything to do with me. Sometimes I wish I had been an only child." She admitted to him.

[Gespard de Chalons]

Hearing and seeing that Annabel accepted to dance was pleasing and with a bright smile upon Gespard`s face, he held her hand lightly as she stood up and together they slowly moved over to the dance floor. At that very moment when they went to join the others in the dance, the crowd stopped and waited for the Emperor and his chosen lady to begin dancing. Holding her hand, Gespard bowed deeply and awaited her to curtsey, once it was done he moved closer and took his arm around her. Thus as the music began playing again in a more romantic tune, Gespard took the first dancing steps with her and shortly after the rest of the crowd did the same.

Holding her tight as they danced, Gespard listened intensely to the words she spoke and being so close to such a woman as Annabel was amazing. When she admitted that she had only previously danced with her father, Gespard felt honored to have been given the privilege to be the first man not of her family to do so. As his gaze turned to her as they danced he had to smile, she was beautiful and he noticed the other men in the room was jealous at Gespard, but then he also noticed the women who did not dance was as well jealous at Annabel.

When she spoke about her brother again and that she wanted to be the only child, it confirmed what Gespard had suspected. Her brother seemed to use her to gain a better title, but Annabel did not seem to care about such things and it made Gespard interested even more. Leaning in as they danced, Gespard whispered with his Orlesian accent. “You`re brother does not know how lucky he is to have you as his sister, and trust me…I`ve would never be ashamed to have you.” He said in a charming tone, but after a brief moment of silence he continued to whisper. “I know what your brother wants, but do not worry…I think I have decided what to do.”

[David]

"Surely, you're joking..."
"Non monsier, you will look fabulous I assure you!" The young stylist's enthusiasm did little more than annoy David.
David stared at the young woman dumbfounded. He then looked at the the bizarre ensemble laid out on the bed before him. It was a very colorful piece, bright red top with white pants and shiny polished black boots. It was in-laced with intricate gold pattern, looked as though it was worth a good deal of coin in and of itself. And the mask that came with it... The same red, with two white feathers and a white tear. When the Marquis had told him of his assignment, he was told he could go in his armor. Instead, he was now being told to dress like a clown.

Sighing heavily, David said "This looks absolutely ridiculous..."
"Monsier, I assure you, this is the highest in Val Royeaux fashion."
"Then Val Royeaux's fashion sense is downright stupid..."
The woman gasped. "Monsier, need I remind you that this is the event of the decade! Few ever get to attend an inaugural ball for the Emperor!"
"A phony emperor..." David grumbled.
The woman then grabbed the clothing and stuffed it into David's arms. "Aller! (move) Go! Put this on right away, I will not hear another word out of you! Your lord has ordered me to make you wear this to the palace, for you are his representation here in the city. You WILL make yourself presentable!"
"Presentable!?!" David retorted "Are you joking!?"
"Arret! (stop)" She poked and prodded David until finally he was in the washroom, clothes in hand as she shut the door behind him, locking it. "You can get out once you make yourself presentable!"

David, grumbling and cursing the entire time, dismounted from his horse at the gates of the Imperial Palace. This was a punishment, he was most certain that this was a punishment. As he walked through the gardens toward the palace, wearing the mask and the so called satin clown suit, David felt more and more out of place, and more certain the Marquis de Jader had sent him most certainly because of that incident in the war room. All David had done was point out the flaws in his battle plans. Mind you, perhaps he should have been more respectful in doing so, but the man was needlessly endangering half the army with an exposed flank. And yet, here he was, in Val Royeaux, attending an event he had no desire to even be at, wearing the finest in noble clown suits...

As David entered the room where the festivities where being held, it took all his willpower to restrain himself from busting out laughing. Maker, what ridiculous fashion sense these people had! Wigs and over-sized ornate masks with, Andraste's tits was that a miniature boat carved on it? David struggled to maintain his composure during the first hour there, until finally he caught up with an old friend.

"David, is that you?" The familiar voice asked. David looked, and saw that it was the young Vicomte Philip de Jader, a young man who his mother had helped educate, and who had actually gotten along with David. Actually, come to think of it, he was the only noble child who had gotten along with David.
"Oui Philip." David responded. "It's me. Nice to see someone I know here."
"Oui, you're telling me?" Philip replied, ignoring David's lack of deferential speech when speaking to him. "This place is a den of sharks."
"More like a circus..." David replied.
Philip chuckled. "No argument there. Still... The women here are better than in the frontier no?"

David looked around, and for a moment he had to agree with him. He was certain that underneath the rather ridiculous masks and makeup, many of these women would be absolutely stunning. Whether or not any of them were worth pursuing, however, was another matter.
"To an extent oui." David replied.
"What, not into women?" Philip quipped.
David grinned. "I'm into women, not circus clowns."

Suddenly, the music began to play, and all eyes centered around the man of the hour and his chosen dance partner. When he saw her, his eyes widened a bit. She was... stunning. Even under that mask, there was still a quiet elegance about her. It was absolutely breathtaking. As they danced, Philip filled David in on who she was and what the situation in the room was.

"That is Annabel de Montfort, daughter of the late Duke Prosper. Hard to believe the ugly mug that made that fairy Cyril also made her no?"
David took a second to respond, then, not taking his eyes off her, replied "Oui, it is difficult to believe..."
"And now she's the next piece of ass of the emperor's plate" Philip chuckled. "I guess already they've forgotten their loyalties to the empress..."

David looked down when he mentioned the empress, then back up at his old friend. "The empress is dead mon ami... (My friend) It is unwise to say such things..." When David had heard of the empress' death, he was heartbroken. She had been a good empress, one who genuinely cared for the people. To have this bombastic jerk on the throne now... It was sickening to David. He, and many others in the army, would no doubt rejoice if it were discovered she were still alive. Albeit, they wouldn't go dancing in the streets...

David tried to take his mind off such thoughts. As tempting as they were, they were not the reality he had to live with. As the music ended and the small audience that had gathered around the emperor and his date applauded, another song began to play, and Philip grabbed David by the shoulder.
"Very true my friend. But come, this is a party. I'm certain my uncle the Marquis would not be pleased if I did not at least attempt to help his representative have a good time."
"Don't worry about me my friend." David replied, looking back over at the Emperor and his dance partner. "I'm more than certain the Marquis will forgive you rather quickly." David sighed, taking a glass of wine from one of the servants. Ah yes, maybe wine would make this night go by faster.

[Myles]

A chill insinuiated itself within the grounds of the Imperial Palace, a palpable thing that crept through noble and servant alike, carried from tongue to tongue, person to person. The chill spoke of bitter tidings and unwanted changes, it spoke of forced progress and the shattering of the peaceful complacency that the court seemed to wallow in. It spoke of an unmasked face in the throne room, unannounced, uninvited. Such a thing... such a thing was unheard of. Such a soul didn't simply disregard the Great Game of Orlais, it spurned it, scorned it, treated it with disdain! Such a creature spat in the face of the very essence of Orlesian culture! Such a thing could not, would not, be tolerated! Ahh... but some persons were not meant to be tolerated, only endured. One could not berate a storm or scold a wildfire, somethings could only be survived.

And true Tevinter nobility did not indulge in the customs of barbarians.

Myles stood in a blood red throne room, a look of rather serene disinterest worked onto his features. He came with no slaves, servants or attendants. For that matter, no member of the palace staff could recall showing him to the room. He'd spoken only briefly, offering a generally terrified elven manservant a parchment scroll bearing his name and title, and waving him on, telling him to fetch his beloved emperor, as though the most powerful man in Orlais were some mere pup to be summoned. Yet despite the seeming disregard for all thought of Orlesian propriety, Myles demeanor remained calm and deferential. And this was all the more terrifying.

This foreign, young man, committed breaches in social etiquette that would've seen some men executed. And yet he showed no fear or apprehension. Had it been the mere braggadocio of a younger man, things might have been simpler, easier to understand. But no foolish brashness lingered in those pale eyes, no ignorant arrogance dwelled in the cut of fine black formal wear edged in scarlet. If anything, the man reeked of confidence, the unimagined assurance that should he will it, he could rain more destruction down on this place than any of the simpering, court bound creatures could comprehend. He might even escape alive.

Something about the bloody thought warmed Myles’ heart and added some sincerity to the simper on his lips. So he stood, arms folded meekly behind his back, and waited for the Emperor of Orlais.