Chapter Text
He woke up surrounded by black silk with a heavy arm around his waist. His body, sore in a way that could only be from a night of debauchery. Dorian lazily blinked his eyes to clear them from sleep. Where…?
“Are you awake now, Amatus?”
The whispered words tickled his ear and Dorian couldn’t help the shudder that went through him. The man, because that was most definitely a cock pressing into the flesh of his backside, chuckled and placed a kiss behind his ear.
“You are so beautiful,” the man said, mouthing at the column of Dorian’s neck.
A pleased hum escaped him and he turned his head to look at the man who was endearing him so. Who… Ah. “Sethius,” Dorian sighed. “You flatter me too much.”
Sethius shook his head. “All the praise in the world would never be enough to truly begin to appreciate your beauty.”
Dorian felt his cheeks flush, but quickly slanted their mouths together. Their lips brushed and parted in a well-rehearsed motion, tongues brushing only briefly to tease one another. Dorian slid his hands up into Sethius’ hair, relishing in the soft, thick waves that lied neatly on his head. A pity his hair wasn’t like that.
As air became sparse, the two reluctantly pulled away. They panted against each other’s mouths and Dorian felt a warmth building in his belly. “Festis bei umo canavarum.”
Sethius hummed softly, trailing his fingers across Dorian’s collarbone. “I should hope not, I would garner the wrath of the Imperium if I did that.”
Dorian’s eyebrows furrowed. “The Imperium?”
“Of course,” Sethius cupped his cheek. “You’re their most beloved emperor.”
Dorian wanted to protest and insist that it wasn’t possible, but found his words dead on his tongue. His mind began recalling events, filling in areas he didn’t remember. The day he stood at Sethius’ side and declared that Tevinter had conquered at long last, that the Imperium was the undisputed champion of all of Thedas. He remembered the day he was elected Archon.
At the time he had been worried the Magisterium and the people of Tevinter would impeach him within the first month, or at least have an assassination attempt. But he was met with glowing approval and high praise from those he met. An Altus of his caliber, who’d helped bring the Imperium back to its former glory and power. He was beloved, people sending him gifts and firstborn sons who were willing to sign their lives away at a chance to serve him.
But Dorian was a benevolent leader. He made sure to return the kindness shown to him unto the people of the Imperium. He got paid wages for slaves and ensured that families stayed together. He made sure the Soporati didn’t have to sell themselves into slavery to afford to live, personally requesting products from those who were struggling and paying them extra as a show of gratitude. He visited young mages preparing for the Harrowing and he gave them as much advice as he could. Tranquility was a last resort if not ever used, as Sethius was able to direct demons out of a mage where they’d be dealt with if they failed the Harrowing. The once possessed mage would then be brought to a circle that would focus on resisting demons and if all else failed, they would become a warrior or rogue.
“Are you alright, Amatus?” Sethius asked.
Dorian shook his head lightly to leave his train of thought. He was awfully out of it this morning. “Yes of course, I’m just a bit out of sorts, nothing to worry about,” Dorian reassured.
Sethius smirked and let his hand slid down Dorian’s face and down his neck and chest before stopping at his nipple, circling it lazily with a finger. “Was I perhaps too rough with you last night?”
Dorian snorted but it quickly dissolved into a breathy moan as Sethius pinched the bud. “You know how I like it.”
Sethius hummed. “I do indeed.” The man quickly dropped his head down to Dorian’s chest and mouthed at the neglected nipple as he pinched the other. Dorian groaned and arched his chest into Sethius’ touch. “Do you like that, Amatus?”
Dorian pulled his bottom lip between his teeth and threw his head back at a particular hard tug. “Venhedis, Sethius!”
The other man grinned around a mouthful of Dorian’s breast before he disconnected with a pop. The trail of saliva that connected his nipple and Sethius’ mouth shouldn’t have been as arousing as it was. Sethius rubbed his thumb across the reddened flesh before sitting up.
“Unfortunately, the real world awaits, my sweet.”
“Must we?”
Sethius chuckled. “If you want to see our children before attending to our other duties of the day, then yes.”
Dorian’s heart sped up. “Children?”
Sethius looked at him curiously. “Aulus and Liana? Our children? Amatus, are you sure you’re quite well?”
Children. He had children. What did they look like? Where did they come from? Children. Did they like him? Sethius had said they were their children. He had children with the man he loved. “Can we go-“
“See them? That’s where we’re off to next once we’re dressed.”
Dorian finally took in their state of undress and felt pleased that they were both so relaxed around each other. He stared with unabashed lust at the muscular flesh of Sethius’ back as the man wandered around the room picking out clothes for the day. Deciding he couldn’t delay getting dressed any longer he too went looking for clothes.
He found robes upon robes in different cuts, cloths, and colors and chose a robe made of black silk like the sheets with gold accents. The robes clung to his chest and waist and flared slightly at his hips, giving him a softer appearance that contrasted with his sharp features. He found jewelry beside his wardrobe and pulled a septum ring as well as two hoops for his ears along with an array of gold rings for his hands. He reached for his kohl but was interrupted by Sethius’ hand grabbing a different stick.
“Allow me to dress you up for the occasion.” Sethius tilted Dorian’s head up gently and smiled at him. “It is not often you let me paint your eyes, but I think you deserve to be pampered today.”
Dorian hummed appreciatively but didn’t move as Sethius began to draw a line along his eyelid. Sethius worked methodically but quickly and all too soon the man was done with a final flick of his wrist. Dorian blinked his eyes to get accustomed to the makeup before focusing back onto Sethius. “How do I look?”
Sethius breath hitched. “You are a vision, Amatus. If I did not know better I’d think that you were Urthemiel given human form.”
Dorian chuckled. “The Dragon of Beauty?”
“An Old God worthy of being associated with you.”
Dorian smiled before clapping his hands once. “Enough flattery, we need to see the children.”
“Of course, they’re probably dying to see us.”
“Naturally.”
The walk from their room was eventful. Servants bowed and wished them a good day, two Magisters had come to ask his opinion on re-educating the ex-Saarebas that had recently arrived, and one of Mae’s servants had told him he was invited for tea next week. It seemed like such a short time ago that people were avoiding him like the plague and holding themselves back from spitting on him. Or if in Skyhold, making it known that he was not wanted. It was a nice change.
“Papa!” Two shrieks startled him before two small bodies collided with his own. If Sethius’ arm hadn’t come out to steady him, he would have tumbled to the ground.
Dorian looked on in awe at the affectionate children suddenly encircling his waist. Thick, wavy hair as dark as his own sat unruly on their heads, much like his own when not tamed. The boy, Aulus had Sethius paler skin while the girl, Liana had his own caramel coloring. Both of them had his beauty mark. He’d never seen such beautiful children before, and they were his. Theirs he corrected himself. How was this even possible?
“Carissimi,” Dorian said, sweeping his children into his arms. He felt the warmth in his chest grow when they snuggled into his arms. “How are you both?”
The two children could only babble right now, true sentence structure would come with time, but Dorian made sure to listen to every word and sound they made as if it was a revelation. He nodded his head occasionally and kissed both of their heads when they were done talking.
“They were very well behaved last night.”
Dorian’s head shot up at the voice. There in front of him was his father. But something was different, softer. His back a little less straight, his smile a warmer, and his eyes shining with… love?
“They were?” Dorian asked, his voice coming out as a whisper. He wasn’t quite sure how to act in this situation.
Halward nodded his head. “Both of them are angels, Dorian.” The man sent him a smile. “One day, I know they’ll be as great as you.”
Dorian repressed the whimper that threatened to escape his throat and blinked away the tears that threatened to fall. “T-thank you, Father.”
Halward reached his hand out to brush across his cheek. “My son, are you well?” Dorian nodded his head, careful not to jostle the children who were content in his arms. “You don’t seem like you are. You can tell me if something is bothering you.”
“I-“
“I think I overdid it last night,” Sethius said, giving Halward an almost sheepish smile. “We have been talking about more children and well…”
Dorian felt himself flush and gave Sethius a look. He knew the moment had been ruined, a comment like that would send Halward into a rant on the proper behavior for the heir of House Pavus. And what did his and Sethius’ sex life have to do with more children? Before he could think more on it, his father laughed. What was going on?
“The ritual may be an ancient one, but even it requires the basics of reproduction,” Halward said after his laughter had tapered off. “I hope your attempts were successful, I’m quite enjoying being a grandfather to these two already, more would be welcomed with open arms.”
Sethius smirked. “Well we won’t know for a while yet, but we’ll keep trying until then.”
“Make sure it sticks?”
“And then some.”
Dorian watched the exchange between the two with no small amount of confusion. Ritual? More children? His father cupped his cheek and placed a kiss on his forehead, just like he’d done when he was a child.
“If you are indeed having more children, rest well. You have to treat your body right. Don’t be afraid to take some time for yourself.” Halward smiled at the family. “But after today, today is a day of celebration.”
“Of course it is,” Sethius said, before turning his attention to the children in Dorian’s arms. “Say goodbye children.”
“Bye Atta,” the children said happily.
“Goodbye Aulus, goodbye Liana, be good for your parents,” Halward said kissing the children goodbye before walking away.
It felt like he’d woken up in one of those Ferelden fairytales. Dorian turned his attention to Sethius. “We’re having more children?” he asked.
“You insisted, and I loathe to deny you anything,” Sethius said, plucking Aulus from his arms and into his own. The sight of his son in his husband’s arms made his heart skip a beat.
Dorian sat in his throne, Sethius beside him, fingers twined with his own. Aulus and Liana were being held by his father who insisted that he needed his hands free for the celebration. What they were actually celebrating was a mystery to Dorian, but he enjoyed the liveliness of the event. Fine wine was being dished out to all patrons and fresh fruits lined the tables. Meats and breads and pastries were also spread out across the tables, but Dorian was favoring the fruit.
“Would you like another grape, Archon?” a servant asked.
“If you would be so kind,” Dorian said, opening his mouth slightly to accept the pealed fruit. The grape was sweet and tart, the perfect combination to get his taste buds tingling. “Another if you would… Rilienus?”
“Yes, Archon?” Rilienus asked.
“You’re… a servant?”
Rilienus nodded. “By choice of course, I needed to pledge myself to you.” He must have seen Dorian’s hesitant look because he continued. “It is my honor to be able to provide even something so simple to you, Dorian.”
Dorian felt a little better at the reassurance but looked away from Rilienus to the other servants. Now that he looked closer, a lot of the servants looked like men he’d fallen into bed with while he was a teenager gallivanting from one bed to another.
Before he could tarry on the observation any longer Sethius stood up and cleared his throat. As if by magic, the room went silence. It showed how much power Sethius truly held. Quite attractive really.
“Today we celebrate,” Sethius said, his voice echoing across the room. His words got a few cheers which he smiled at and waited patiently to continue. “On this day, two years ago, our Archon, my husband, took the first steps in bring the Imperium back to its former glory.” The cheers were a bit louder this time and Dorian sent them a touched smile. They loved him. “It was not easy and how he managed to hide his loyalties in that place is beyond most of us.” Dorian preened, he always did appreciate it when someone complemented his intellect. “But today we celebrate the anniversary of the day Archon Dorian betrayed the Inquisition and joined me in the restoration of the Tevinter Imperium.”
The cheers that followed fell on deaf ears as Dorian stared at Sethius in horror. “What?” He asked, his voice no more than a puff of air, but the other man heard him.
Sethius lowered himself to kneel at Dorian’s feet, eyes meeting his. His supposed husband reached out and took both of his hands in his. “Amatus, don’t you see?” Sethius asked.
Dorian shook his head. “What is going on?”
“All of this,” he turned his head to either side, “being welcomed back to the Tevinter Imperium with open arms, people who love you, worship the ground you walk, a family, children of your own flesh and blood, your father’s love, an attentive husband. You can have it all, Dorian of House Pavus.”
As the list got longer Dorian felt his heart ache for it. He wanted to be loved, to be cherished, to have his father’s love and approval. He wanted people to respect him and not spit at him or turn away in fear. He wanted a family and a husband. He wanted so badly.
“All you have to do, Amatus,” Sethius brought Dorian’s hands to his lips, “is join me.”
Dorian shivered. “And betray the Inquisition that’s trying to fix the world.”
Sethius’ eyes grew hard, but that quickly changed to pity. “But do they treat you like you could be treated if you joined me? Do they give you everything you desire? Do they not whisper behind your back, cast slander against you? Do they even care?”
Dorian couldn’t meet his eyes. It was true that he wasn’t treated the best in Skyhold, but he was sure they cared. “They do care.”
“And yet you hear their words, don’t you? Whispers of ‘that damned ‘Vint,’ and ‘maleficar,’ the whispers that you’ll slaughter the children first for your blood magic.” Dorian flinched, but Sethius continued. “That you’re waiting for the right moment to enslave the elves in Skyhold. That you think you’re so much better than they are. Or the inhabitants planning on poisoning your food and playing your death off as an unfortunate accident.”
Dorian pulled his hands away from the man and wrapped them around himself. “Shut. Up.”
Sethius stopped and brought one of his hands to cup Dorian’s cheek. “I just want to give you what you deserve.” Dorian shook his head and felt tears gather in his eyes. “All you have to do is join me, cast aside the Inquisition that only spurns you.”
Dorian shook his again. “I won’t.”
“I will take care of you, give everything to you.” Sethius’ voice was growing harder, rougher.
Unable to take it anymore, Dorian shot to his feet almost causing Sethius to tumble to the floor. “You will never have me because I know that I can change Tevinter and I can right the wrongs of my people. Even if every last resident of Skyhold wishes for me to hang, I will persevere until you are but the darkest stain on Tevinter history.” Dorian paused in his rant to really look at the man posing as his husband and felt sick when he realized who it was. “I will never join you, Corypheus.”
Sethius scowled at him and Dorian watched in disgusted fascination as his features melted and morphed into the one he knew was Corypheus’ true form. Dorian turned to look at the once beautiful dream to watch it too melt away. Rilienus and the other servants morphed into envy demons, the food turned to hunks of red lyrium and ash and for a horrifying second Dorian remembered being fed grapes from that very table. His father, now a pride demon, loomed over two small despair demons. Aulus and Liana.
Dorian felt vomit at the back of his throat but swallowed it back down. He couldn’t take the time to do that now, he had to get out of this place. Face it later.
“I won’t give up, Dorian of House Pavus,” Corypheus said as Dorian backed away. “Every time you close your eyes, I’ll show you what you could have.” Dorian took another step back but Corypheus took one forward. “And every time I’ll ask you. I will win, and you will be at my side before too long. You cannot bare their words and actions much longer.”
And then the demons attacked.
A blood-curdling scream echoed throughout Skyhold, waking the residence and sending them into a panicked frenzy. Were they under attack? What was going on? But the screaming was soon choked off and more than one person thought death had taken the poor soul who had let out the noise.
Unfortunately for Dorian, death hadn’t come for him. That would have been easier.