"So, who exactly is it that asked for an audience with me?"

"He prefers to introduce himself," Josephine explained. "He assured me that he would be brief."

"Good," Dellis returned grumpily, "because for some reason I have a lot to do today."

"Are you sure you need me to accompany you?" Cassandra asked as she followed Dellis toward the hall.

"I need someone there to make sure I don't embarrass the Inquisition," Dellis reminded her, checking to make sure they were now alone, "and if I have Josephine come with, she might have an actual heart attack."

"You are not quite so careless anymore," Cassandra told him with a slight smirk.

Dellis pushed the heavy doors to the main hall open, surprised to see it completely empty save for a lone figure next to the throne. It was normal for the hall to be mostly barren when Dellis was receiving traveling dignitaries, but to be completely empty, even of servants, was unheard of.

"You must be the famous Dellis Trevelyan that I've heard so much about," the man declared as Dellis and Cassandra approached.

"My apologies, Ser, but I have quite a lot on my plate today so we'll have to get right to business," Dellis began. "With whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?"

Cassandra's annoyed sigh echoed throughout the hall, and the man before him chuckled. Dellis looked at Cassandra quizzically.

"Alistair Theirin," the man introduced himself with an amused smile, holding his hand out. Dellis was sure all of the color had drained from his face.

"Your Highness, I am so sorry," Dellis apologized, taking the king's hand.

"Oh please, it's downright refreshing to finally not be recognized for once," Alistair laughed. "I know what it's like to have responsibility thrust on you without your consent, Dellis. Let's not stand on ceremony."

"So, Your Highness-"

"Please, call me Alistair."

"Ah, Alistair..." Dellis corrected himself uncomfortable. "What brings you to Skyhold?"

"First of all, I want to apologize for not having been able to support the Inquisition more openly," Alistair told him.

"I was advised that we received quite a few donations from the crown what were very well disguised," Dellis returned. "We assumed if you went to such efforts to hide the source that you didn't want it known they were coming from Ferelden."

"I appreciate the discretion," Alistair replied, looking impressed. "You know how politics are. Half your job is keeping your nobles from biting your head off. The other half is finding a way to do what's right anyway."

"I can relate," Dellis chuckled.

"Anyway, I received a missive from your Spymaster, who just happens to be an old friend of mine," Alistair explained, "regarding some information your Diplomat obtained."

Dellis furrowed his brow. "Leliana wrote to you about me at Josephine's request?"

"Sounds complicated, right?" the king asked with a smirk. "I had initially planned to offer you a noble title for your work with the Inquisition, since you hail from Denerim and all..."

That caught Dellis's attention. "But...?"

"But it turns out I don't need to," Alistair continued. "As much as I would like to claim you for Ferelden, apparently you have noble roots in the Free Marches."

Dellis frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Apparently your parents were nobles in Ostwick."

"Ostwick?" Cassandra interjected, much to her own surprise.

"So, my parents are noble Free Marchers, then?" Dellis asked, his frown deepening.

"They were," Alistair continued. "They were stripped of their noble title and executed."

"Oh..." Dellis flinched. "They weren't... assassins, were they?"

Alistair laughed. "Hardly, they were just a bit too opinionated."

Now Cassandra laughed. "The apple does not fall far from the tree, it seems."

"Very funny," Dellis grumbled, turning his attention back to Alistair. "If they were stripped of their nobility then I confess I'm at a loss as to why you're here."

"Well, as I said, I'm familiar with what it's like to come into an unwanted birthright later in life," Alistair continued. "I imagine you're not too keen on the idea of officially becoming a noble, but believe me when I say it will make your work as Inquisitor all that much easier, and I'm afraid you're not going to be done with the Inquisition for some time.

"I am prepared to appeal to the Viscount of Ostwick on your behalf to have your title reinstated," Alistair continued. "It's not a guarantee, but considering I am king of Ferelden, it's about as close to one as you can get."

Dellis stood speechless for a moment before turning to Cassandra. "What should I do?"

"He's right," she told him with a shrug. "I know you are ambivalent to the idea, but it would make your life easier, both with the Inquisition as well as after."

"I agree with Cassandra."

Dellis turned around to see Leliana approaching. She continued as she reached him, stepping forward and giving Alistair a hug.

"And here I thought you were going to let me come and go without even saying hello," Alistair chuckled. "Good to see you doing well and still saving the world."

"I am offended that you think so little of me," Leliana replied playfully. "I am happy to see that royalty has not soured your charm."

"Help me convince your friend here to let me do something nice for him. After all, any friend of yours is a friend of mine."

Dellis could feel himself blushing, something he was sure both Cassandra and Leliana would tease him for later. "So, are you all old friends?"

"I haven't had the pleasure of meeting the illustrious Cassandra Pentaghast before," Alistair explained, "although after all the stories I feel as though I already know her."

Cassandra's disgusted snort could have shattered glass.

"Ah, just like in the stories."

"Oh," Dellis exclaimed excitedly. "You're the one I reminded Morrigan of!"

"Oh boy..." Alistair mumbled. "Honestly that's a ringing endorsement."

"Let him help you," Leliana urged. "You are who you are. A title will not change you."

Dellis smiled warmly. "You all know me so well now."

"She's right, though," Alistair confirmed. "Ask any of my courtiers if becoming king has changed me and they'll tell you how much of an absolute child I am." Leliana laughed as Alistair crossed his arms. "So, what do you say Inquisitor?"

Dellis looked at Cassandra, then at Leliana, then back at Alistair. "Well, who am I to say no to such a generous offer?"

"Excellent," Alistair proclaimed victoriously. "I'll have my people get in contact with yours as soon as we have news."

"Thank you, Your- uh, Alistair."

"Don't mention it," Alistair told him with a smile. "Feel free to stop by Denerim any time."

Dellis chuckled, a wry smirk forming on his face. "You're just bribing me to make an appearance at court, aren't you?"

Alistair placed a hand on his chest. "I am wounded that you would think me so shallow."

"Thank you for your visit, Your Highness," Dellis replied with a grin, bowing so perfectly that Josephine would have been impressed.

"I think you and I will get along famously, Inquisitor," Alistair told him, returning his bow. "Take care of yourself, Trevelyan."

The three of them watched King Theirin exit the hall. Dellis turned to Cassandra. "On a scale of one to ten-"

"Thirteen," Cassandra interrupted.

"You don't even know what I was going to say," Dellis complained with a frown.

"You say that like you believe it," Leliana quipped.

"Just so you know, I will never call you 'My Lord'," Cassandra declared stubbornly, prompting a laugh from Leliana.

"I wouldn't demand that even if I thought you might do it," Dellis chuckled. "Like you both said, it's just a pragmatic decision."

"You have earned it, though," Leliana replied. "You have done ten times more than most nobles even consider doing."

"That's a nice thought," Dellis told her, "but I grew up on the streets, so it's a little weird to think about being one of the people I used to detest."

"You be what you wished to see in the world as a child," Cassandra suggested, placing a hand on his shoulder. "If nobles were your enemy, then be an ally to those in need."

Dellis paused to think on her words. They made sense. Maybe he would finally have a chance to make a difference.

"It won't matter if Alistair can't convince the Viscount to grant his request," Leliana said.

Cassandra snorted. "He is the king of Ferelden."

"True," Leliana acknowledged. She turned to Dellis. "I might actually enjoy referring to you as 'My Lord'."

Dellis rolled his eyes. "Just to annoy me?"

Cassandra grinned. "You know, now that you mention it, perhaps I could be convinced to address you properly."

Dellis sighed loudly. "I'm going to regret this."