When Bethany first saw Sebastian, and moreso when she first heard him speak, she nearly melted. He was a prince out of the stories she had heard as a child, with the bearing and voice to match.

And then, her brother decided that they would respond to his bounty.

Bethany had insisted on going along, because her brother could never be trusted to stay out of trouble. But really, she wanted to go along just to have an excuse to see Sebastian Vael again.

When they brought back proof of completion of their task, Sebastian acknowledged her brother's role, and then pressed for introductions to the rest of the party. First Varric, who was as casual as ever. Then Anders, who looked like he wanted to disappear into the floor.

And then Bethany.

"Serah Bethany," said Sebastian, and he took her hand, and his skin was so warm. He lifted the hand to his lips and barely, barely kissed her knuckles. "A pleasure," he finished, and then their hands were apart and Bethany felt dizzy.

"Are you flattering my sister?" her brother said protectively, edging into Bethany's personal space. Bethany wished that he would just go away.

"I would never presume," said Sebastian, but then his gaze caught Bethany's and she nearly fainted. "But one such as her would certainly deserve it."

That time, she really did faint.