Editing Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts

<onlyinclude>{{QuestTransformer
|style            = {{{style|}}}
|supertitle       = 
|name             = [[Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts]]
|icon             = Quest icon DAI.png
|image            = Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts.png
|px               = 270x360px
|prerequisites    = Recommended Levels: 12 to 15
|power_cost       = 30
|josephine_time   = Instant
|josephine_result = 
|leliana_time     = Locked
|leliana_result   = 
|cullen_time      = Locked
|cullen_result    = 
|location         = [[Winter Palace]]
|start            = [[War table]]
|end              = 
|previous         = [[From the Ashes]]
|next             = [[Here Lies the Abyss]] or [[What Pride Had Wrought]]
|related          = 
|appearances      = [[Dragon Age: Inquisition]]
}}</onlyinclude>

'''Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts''' is a [[Main quests (Inquisition)|main quest]] in ''[[Dragon Age: Inquisition]].''

{{Blockquote|''The fate of [[Celene Valmont I|Empress Celene]], and in turn, all of [[Orlais]], has been threatened. The [[Inquisition]] must intervene.''}}

== Acquisition ==
The quest becomes available after speaking to [[Josephine Montilyet|Josephine]] during [[From the Ashes]]. It can be initiated by spending 30 Power at the [[war table]], recommended for levels 12 to 15.

{{Note|It is advised to have as much open inventory space as possible before beginning. Those with 60 or fewer free slots may have to sacrifice several items.}}

== Walkthrough ==
=== Notes ===
* See the [[#Endings|Endings]] section of this page first if you are looking for a specific outcome with respect to the throne of Orlais. Certain outcomes require very specific steps to be taken or conversation dialogue options to be chosen.
* Bringing [[Sera]] along will open up an additional side quest, [[Red Jenny's Stashes]]; this quest will not be available otherwise.
* If the Inquisitor's love interest is present, a dance scene will trigger after the quest has concluded and the final interaction with Morrigan has occurred. {{Note|The scene will not occur if Iron Bull is the Inquisitor's love interest.}}
* It is only possible to complete all three side quests (Red Jenny's Stashes, Throwing Away Money and The Great Blackmail Hunt) if the halla statuettes were used to open the Lower Garden Door (costs 3 statuettes) and the Empress's Private Quarters (costs 5 statuettes). {{Note|Opening the aforementioned doors will prevent the reconciliation ending between Briala and the Empress.}} 
* There are a large number of valid variations in how to complete the various side quests and, for many of them, there are several paths to accomplish them. Not all possibilities can be documented. Specific item locations for the [[Throwing Away Money|Caprice coins]], [[The Great Blackmail Hunt|scandalous secrets]], Red Jenny stashes, and [[Herd of Stone Halla|halla statues]] are not listed below; however, a running total is provided periodically. Follow the side quest links to find more specific information.
* Halla counters below are incremental and do not account for halla you have "spent" opening doors. In-game counts may vary depending on choices made. A total of 11 halla statues can be found, however only 10 are required to complete the quest.
* It is never noted in game, but eavesdrop circles sometimes require multiples listens to yield a 'scandalous secret'. This is particularly the case for ones that do not have written dialogue and are only vague whispers that go toward the counter. The Inquisitor will give a dismissive statement such as, "Waste of time," "Boring," or "Just gossip," if the secret is not obtained. The circle will disappear momentarily but reappear shortly after. To obtain a point for the secret, the Inquisitor will need to eavesdrop again, sometimes more than once on the same spot. Every eavesdrop circle has a purpose and will disappear once that purpose is served. 
** The only exceptions to this rule are two circles that appear after exploring the servants' quarters, both of which can be used to spy on a group of men guarding the trophy room. The dialogue is the same every time, with one gentleman telling his friend about a 'knife-eared serving girl in the kitchen'. The other exception is the circle used to listen to the two people talking on the balcony in the palace exterior. 
* To obtain the Belle of the Ball [[Achievements (Inquisition)|trophy/achievement]] for this quest, Court Approval must reach 100/100 at some point during the quest.
* It is possible to end this quest with {{Approval3|Court Approval 100/100}}. See [[Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts#Evade the trap|here]] for details, [[Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts#Gallery|Gallery]].

=== Enter the [[Winter Palace]] ===
Upon the [[Inquisition]]'s arrival at the [[Winter Palace]] in [[Halamshiral]], [[the Inquisitor]] is greeted by [[Gaspard de Chalons|Grand Duke Gaspard de Chalons]] at the exterior entrance. Gaspard informs the Inquisitor that he believes [[Briala]] intends to disrupt the negotiations.

: Court Approval starts between 25-45 out of a maximum of 100. If Court Approval reaches 0, it will be game over as the Inquisitor is thrown out of the ball.

: If the Inquisitor reaches a maximum of 100 Court Approval at any time then gets a bonus, the game will show {{Approval3|Court Approval 0}}.''

: The Inquisitor begins with a base Court Approval value of 40. [[Human]] [[mage]] Inquisitors, and [[elf]] and [[dwarf]] Inquisitors of any class, take an automatic, immediate hit of {{Approval3|Court Approval -10}} due to social stigma. 

: Likewise, all [[Qunari]] Inquisitors of any class take a hit of {{Approval3|Court Approval -15}}. Human rogues and warriors will automatically receive {{Approval3|Court Approval 5}}.

Speak to the noblewoman in the corner to begin the subquest '''Montbelliard's Ring'''. Choosing the middle option "Interesting stratagem" results in {{Approval3|Court Approval 5}}. Choosing the bottom option "Find it yourself" causes {{Approval3|Court Approval -5}}. Locate her [[Silver Ring (Inquisition)|ring]] on the nearby lion carving and return it to her for {{Approval3|Court Approval 5}}, or tell her you couldn't find the ring and keep it to sell later. The latter will void any court approval, XP and Influence gains.<br>

{{Note|If after finishing the conversation with Gaspard, the Inquisitor runs directly to the noblewoman and speaks to her, before the immediate approval/disapproval hit (the one based on the Inquisitor's origin), then you can avoid it entirely. This is an exploit.}}

Head up the western stairs to begin '''Even Gilded Walls Have Ears'''. This short subquest introduces the eavesdrop mechanic. Once completed, move past the nobles to the end of the covered walkway and search for the Storage Key. 

Head back downstairs and turn right to find the storage room. Enter the room and search to find the first Caprice coin in a pot. Picking it up begins the side quest [[Throwing Away Money]]. Picking up the secret document from the table in this room begins the side quest [[The Great Blackmail Hunt]]. 

{{Note|If you miss the document or the coin now, there is no way to retrieve them after entering the Palace.}}

{{Note|The boss battle at the end of this quest can be skipped if Court Approval is at least 85. Regardless of if you plan on completing the 'Throwing Away Money' or 'The Great Blackmail Hunt' side quests, it's worth picking up what you find as tossing money in the fountain will give you 1 court approval each, while secrets delivered to Leliana will give you two each. This means that there is up to an additional 75 points that can be lost throughout the quest, though achieving 0 at any one point in the quest will still result in getting removed from the ball and a game over.}} 

Head up the eastern stairs and pick up a halla statuette to begin the side quest, [[Herd of Stone Halla]]. Returning downstairs, the stone halla can be used to '''Unlock the Eastern Storage''' below, or saved for later. 

{{Note|The Eastern Storage door shouldn't be unlocked if you want to complete the side quests [[Red Jenny's Stashes]], and [[Throwing Away Money]], as unlocking all the halla doors in the Winter Palace requires more halla statuettes than are available. Choosing which doors to unlock sometimes grants XP and Influence, but more importantly can also affect the outcome of this quest. For full details, see [[Herd of Stone Halla]].}}

: Side quest totals: 1/15 [[Throwing Away Money|Caprice coins]], 1/11 [[Herd of Stone Halla|halla statuettes]] and 1/30 [[The Great Blackmail Hunt|scandalous secrets]].

=== Enter the Vestibule ===
The Inquisitor arrives at the bottom of a staircase in the Vestibule. Going up the stairs, they will hear various nobles gossipping and they can interact with Cullen, a noble and two eavesdrop circles for scandalous secrets which can be done now or after entering the ballroom below. Cassandra and Varric can be found near Cullen, if brought on the quest. After wandering around the Vestibule, interact with either Gaspard or the Ballroom door to enter the Ballroom.

=== Enter the Ballroom and approach Celene ===
The Grand Duke, the Inquisitor, advisors and party members (except Cole) will be announced at court. In order to hear all of the announcements, do not move to the top of the steps by [[Gaspard de Chalons|Gaspard]] too quickly.

==== Introductions ====
The herald of the ball will introduce the various companions and advisors:
[[File:Presented_to_Celene.png|thumb|Approaching Celene]] 

''Accompanying the Inquisitor:''
* [[Vivienne]]: Madame Vivienne, First Enchanter of the Circle of Magi, Enchanter of the Imperial Court, Mistress of the Duke of Ghislain.
* [[Iron Bull]]: The Iron Bull, leader of the famed mercenary company Bull’s Chargers. As the name might imply.
* [[Solas]]: The Lord/Lady Inquisitor’s elven serving man, Solas.
* [[Blackwall]]: Warden Blackwall of Val Chevin, constable of the Grey. Bearer of the Silverite Wings of Valor.
* [[Sera]]: Her Ladyship Mai Bhalsych of Korse. (Sera snickers)
* [[Cassandra Pentaghast|Cassandra]]: Seeker Cassandra Allegra Portia Calogera Filomena– (Cassandra: Get on with it!) …Pentaghast. Fourteenth cousin to the King of Nevarra, nine times removed. Hero of Orlais, Right Hand of the Divine.
* [[Varric Tethras|Varric]]: Renowned author Varric Tethras. Head of noble House Tethras, deshyr of Kirkwall to the Dwarven Merchants Guild.
* [[Dorian Pavus|Dorian]]: Lord Dorian Pavus, member of the Circle of Vyrantium, son of Lord Magister Halward Pavus of Asariel.
* [[Cullen Rutherford|Cullen]]: Ser Cullen Stanton Rutherford of Honnleath. Commander of the forces of the Inquisition. Former Knight-Commander of Kirkwall.
* [[Leliana]]: Lady Leliana, Nightingale of the Imperial Court. Veteran of the Fifth Blight. 
** If romanced by warden who becomes Queen: Mistress to the Queen of Ferelden.
** If romanced by a warden who becomes Prince Consort: Mistress to the Prince Consort of Ferelden.
** (continues) Seneschal of the Inquisition and Left Hand of the Divine.
* [[Josephine Montilyet|Josephine]]: And Lady Josephine Cherette Montilyet of Antiva City, Ambassador of the Inquisition.

[[Cole]] is never announced, even if [[Subjected to His Will|he is made more human]].

==== Approaching Celene ====
After you arrive next to Gaspard, the [[Florianne de Chalons|Grand Duchess Florianne de Chalons]] will be introduced and [[Celene Valmont I|Empress Celene]] will greet the Inquisitor: 

:* Top option - {{Approval3|Court Approval 10}} ''(Only for human rogues and warriors, and for mages of all races with Vivienne in the party)''
:* Middle option - {{Approval3|Court Approval 5}}
:* Bottom option - {{Approval3|Court Approval -15}} {{Approval3|Vivienne Greatly Disapproves}}

The second set of choices have no court approval changes. [[Leliana]] will ask the Inquisitor to see her when they have a moment.

=== Speak with Leliana ===
{{Note|The following outlines one of the myriad ways this quest can be completed. The important warning is to not pick up the last of the three required items until all side quests are completed as desired. After that, there will be a forced rush to the ballroom to progress the quest and some opportunities may vanish.}}

Mingle with the court and the party members and advisors. [[Lady Mantillon]] can be found here but will not converse with the Inquisitor at this time. Volume 1 of [[Codex entry: A Compendium of Orlesian Theater|A Compendium of Orlesian Theater]] is on a couch here.

If she is brought along for the quest, [[Sera]] will be near the northeast corner of the ballroom, and asking about her "friends" will begin [[Red Jenny's Stashes]]. Speaking with her can also bring approval changes, see [[Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts#Companion approval|companion approval]]. 

Go back to the Vestibule and a scene with Leliana begins. She mentions that an occult advisor seems to have charmed the empress and the court, while the Inquisitor mentions that Gaspard is pointing fingers at [[Briala|Ambassador Briala]].

Both leads warrant investigating the Guest Wing. To progress, three items must be found:
* [[Note: Halamshiral Investigation - Clues (Briala)|The Cylinder Seal]] in the Hall of Heroes.
* [[Note: Halamshiral Investigation - Clues (Celene)|Letter]] in the Grand Library.
* [[Note: Halamshiral Investigation - Clues (Gaspard)|Negotiations]] in the room of the upper Guest Gardens.

These can be acquired in any order, but once the third one is picked up, the Inquisitor will have limited time to return to the Ballroom.

The doors leading to the Grand Library from the Vestibule are locked from the other side, so another way in will need to be found.

=== Explore the Grand Library ===
==== Investigate Briala's agents ====
[[File:Hall_of_Heroes.png|thumb|250px|right|Hall of Heroes, Lower Level]]
Return to the entrance to the guest wing and enter the Hall of Heroes. The hall of heroes is located to the west as you exit the ballroom into the Vestibule. Grab the Caprice Coin at the bottom of the staircase on the right side. Approach the Whispering Elf then eavesdrop on the elves to learn about a package delivered to a room in the upper garden.

Continue into the guest wing. There is a eavesdrop point next to the first golden lion on your left for a scandalous secret. Head into the room to the east, speak to Duke Germain and ask about Gaspard being his nephew for {{Approval3|Court Approval 5}}. The Council of Heralds Vassal in the guest wing will be pacing the hallways. Choose "Philippe is a jerk!" for {{Approval3|Court Approval 10}} (the game displays Court Approval 15 but it actually adds 10). The other option gives {{Approval3|Court Approval -10}} (the game displays Court Approval -15 but it actually removes 10). Either response serves as evidence to use against Gaspard. There is also a Caprice coin on the floor between the two southern lions in Duke Germain's room.

Proceed down the hallway to find another Whispering Elf to eavesdrop on. For an elven Inquisitor, they will speak to them directly with a warning of danger in the Servant's Quarters.

Continue down the hallway into the next room and through the door onto the balcony. Searching will find the first item, [[Note: Halamshiral Investigation - Clues (Briala)|The Cylinder Seal]] next to a flower pot.

{{Note|Do not talk to the group of three guards in the south room more than once. Doing so will cause a drop of {{Approval3|Court Approval -10}}. It is also worth noting that if you do speak to them more than once, you will not receive a notification of any drop in approval.}}

Return to the guest wing and exit west into the Guest Garden. Celene's ladies-in-waiting will deliver a message from the empress. At the entrance, turn right, there is an eavesdrop point behind one of the pillars for a scandalous secret. There are also two nobles in the southwest portion of the garden that you can eavesdrop on for [[The Great Blackmail Hunt]]. Note that this circle can be eavesdropped twice for a scandalous secret. After eavesdropping on them enough times, the Inquisitor can eventually talk to the nobles and choose which one to support. Both options result in a gain of Influence and Power. One of Red Jenny's stashes can also be found in the open room by this eavesdropping circle.

{{Note|This agent is not listed as an [[Inquisition perks|Inquisition perk]] after returning to [[Skyhold]] but does add power and influence and counts towards the "Persuasive" [[Achievements (Inquisition)#Main Game|achievement]].}}

Climb up the lattice next to the fountain in the garden and a Court Approval timed section begins.

: ''The Inquisitor enters an area deemed off-limits. The Court notices the Inquisitor's absence and as a result, Court Approval will steadily drop (at a rate of about -1/min) while in this area.''

: ''The time limit is meant to induce a sense of urgency. However, this does not mean you cannot take your time (within reason) to explore all rooms and look for loot and various quest objectives. Further, the approval drop does not occur when the game is paused, so frequent pausing to move the camera around can reduce the loss. There are many ways to regain approval, as detailed below.''

Once up the lattice, turn right and follow the railing around two turns to the right. Halfway down the rail is a Halla statue which you will need in just a moment. Pulse your search and you will turn up a Secret Document on the corner of the railing. Return to the lattice, continue straight ahead, and open the Upper Garden Door located to the west of the lattice. It costs one halla statuette to be opened. You must open this door to advance the main quest. Grab the loot from the chest and pick up the [[Note: Halamshiral Investigation - Clues (Gaspard)|Negotiations]] on the floor once you enter the halla door to obtain the second item in the objective.

==== Celene's occult advisor ====
[[File:Grand_Library.png|thumb|275px|right|Grand Library.]]
Return to the lattice and turn left to enter the Grand Library doors, located directly to the north of the lattice.

{{Note|You can choose to search the rest of the library now or return later, however a couple of side quest items don't immediately appear in the library at this stage.}}

Move past the urns on the left and search the bookshelf to find a hidden switch. This opens the back door of the library. Go in but '''''do not''''' pick up the [[Note: Halamshiral Investigation - Clues (Celene)|Letter]] just yet or the rush to the ballroom will start.

Instead, turn right, grab the [[veilfire]] torch, and light the urns in the previous room in the following order:<br>
[[Etienne Valmont I|Etienne I]] &rarr; [[Reville Valmont|Reville]] &rarr; Etienne II &rarr; [[Judicael Valmont I|Judicael I]] &rarr; Judicael II &rarr; [[Florian Valmont|Florian]].

Simply:
# Face the room with the garden entrance behind you.
# Light the RIGHT side of urns, closest to farthest.
# Return to the garden entrance and face the room.
# Light the LEFT side of urns, closest to farthest.

Down here is a ''map'' 

  3  2  1

X ==========> 

  6  5  4

X is the room where you got the veilfire torch.

Head down into the secret study, and the first chest on the right always contains {{:Confusion Grenade Recipe|style=iconmini}} One of the other chests always contains a {{:Masterwork Magister Staff Blade Schematic|style=iconmini}}. 

Go back up the stairs from the secret study, turn left and pass through either door. Go down the stairs to find rooms on the left and right. The room on the right is locked and only accessible to Rogue Inquisitors. To the right there is also a hidden book that updates [[Note: Halamshiral Investigation - Clues (Grand Library)|Halamshiral Investigation - Clues]]. The room to the left contains a loot chest and a scandalous secret. Continue down the long hall—picking up another scandalous secret on the tables by the windows—to double doors leading back to the Vestibule. Be sure to open one of these doors to allow easier access later.

If [[Cole]] was brought along, he will be here for dialogue. None of the options change his approval.

: ''Side quest totals: 3/15 [[Throwing Away Money|Caprice coins]], 2/11 [[Herd of Stone Halla|halla statuettes]], 13/30 [[The Great Blackmail Hunt|scandalous secrets]] and 1/3 [[Red Jenny's Stashes|Red Jenny stashes]].''

Return to the room where the veilfire is and pick up the [[Note: Halamshiral Investigation - Clues (Celene)|Letter]].

==== Return to the ballroom ====
The first bell will ring, signaling that it's time to return to the ballroom. The fastest route is back through the library, rather than going back down the lattice. Once the Inquisitor steps foot into the Vestibule or the Guest Gardens, Court Approval will no longer deteriorate.

Three bells ring before the Inquisitor must enter the Ballroom. The timing of entrance can gain or lose Court Approval as follows:

* Enter after the first bell, on time - No Court Approval change
* Enter after the second bell, fashionably late - {{Approval3|Court Approval 10}}
* Enter after the third bell, actually late - {{Approval3|Court Approval -20}} 

Attempt to enter the ballroom to instead meet Celene's occult advisor, [[Morrigan]]. She encountered and killed a [[Venatori|Tevinter agent]] and hands over a key she found on his body.

{{Note|There are 2 instances in total where the bell rings and the Inquisitor must return to the ball room, each has its own separate first, second, and third bells. Entering the ballroom now will not count as entering the ball for the second time, but allow for some dialogue sequences. The next set of bells that counts towards the approval will ring after returning from the servants' quarters.}}

=== Before entering the servants' quarters ===
Now is a good time to re-enter the Ballroom which will commence the Behind Every Empress subquest.

As noted above, entering the ballroom now does not count towards the "on time/fashionably late/actually late" approval.

Turn right and go down the side of the room. Talking to Leliana will give you the opportunity to drop off the thirteen scandalous secrets you have at this point, which are required to complete [[The Great Blackmail Hunt]]. 

{{Note|1=Depending on how you're doing on the approval thus far, you might want to hold on to the Secrets until after having done the Servants' quarters part, since you'll likely waste points by adding 13*2 = 26 to your current total.}}

Converse with Lady Mantillon, who is located near Leliana, and ask her to dance as a prerequisite for [[Dance with the Dowager: The Allemande]] (requires the [[Nobility Knowledge]] [[Inquisition perks|perk]] and {{Approval3|Court Approval 60+}}). This also grants {{Approval3|Court Approval 5}}.

At the first right, exit the hall to the balcony and talk to Briala. None of the dialogue options with her have an effect on the main quest. Talking to her marks the quest stage for her as done.

Re-enter the ballroom and turn right immediately to the right to find the ladies-in-waiting by the statue. Speak with Lady Fleur, the middle of the ladies-in-waiting to complete Behind Every Empress.

{{Note|The conversation prompt for Lady Fleur might bug out. Try reloading a save to have it reappear.}}

Continuing counter-clockwise, ignore the next balcony. Celene is there but cannot be spoken with. Gaspard is on the next balcony. Talking to him presents his take on the situation and others, completing the three-way opinion circle of the three parties.

{{Note|If you have trained to be a Champion, there is a special dialogue option when interacting with Gaspard that increases approval by 20)}}

To get to the Servants' Quarters, return to the vestibule door and exit. Re-enter the Hall of Heroes and go to the west end of the lower level. Go through the door to the servant's quarters.

=== Explore the servant's quarters and Grand Apartments ===
''Court Approval timed section begins''

Equip everyone's arms and armor. This area is off-limits so Court Approval is ticking away, though time is frozen in the inventory screen.

{{Note|As of the final patch, court approval will drop in the Servants' Quarters, Gardens and Grand Apartments (previously, only the Grand Apartments incurred the court approval penalty), meaning you cannot avoid approval drop in this section. You can return to the Hall of Heroes from the Servants' Quarters until you drop down to the fountain to reset the timer, however, you will lose approval after that point until you return to the ballroom. Even taking your time should lose you no more than 8 to 10 court approval. A tip to minimize approval loss is to make a save right after entering the servants' quarters and equipping your gear, and then do a rehearsal run through of the area, reload, then do a proper run as quickly as possible afterwards.}}

Examine the corpse for a bit of companion-dependent dialogue. Turn right and go through the archway into the bedroom. Continue counter-clockwise into the kitchen. Do not miss the Halla statue on the wooden beam above you. To grab it, you may either jump onto kitchen table or onto a three-tier pile of barrels against the wall. From the barrels, you may jump onto the beam and tiptoe to the statuette. The barrels are by the east wall. On the way to the Halla statue along the beams, there is a book which gives a codex entry on the Servants' Quarters of The Winter Palace. Counter-clockwise again takes you to the entry room. Turn right and exit to the gardens.

Before dropping down before the fountain, turn to the left and move to the back corner of the balcony. There will be a Halla statue in the back left corner.

Head towards the fountain and fall down to begin a cut scene. An emissary for the Council of Heralds is found dead, and a nearby weapon bears the Chalons family crest.

=== Find the [[Harlequin]] ===
Kill the group of [[Venatori]] that appear. 

There's a [[Red Jenny's Stashes|Red Jenny Stash]] in the gardens, to the southwest (left from facing the fountain), if that quest is active. Though it may be more time efficient to pick it up when leaving the area, either via the apartment balcony or the library, since that'll take you very near that spot.

Go north and grab the loot by the fountain on the right and continue north. There will be Venatori off to the left. Kill them or ignore them.

Turn east and head up the staircase. Climb the ladder to reach a balcony with a caprice coin at the end. Enter the adjacent room and look right to find a halla statuette.

Go back down to the ground floor and kill the Venatori if you didn't before. Continue west until a vine covered wall is reached. Turn left and go through the archway.

Enter the grand apartments, turning left and enter the bedroom. There's a caprice coin on the middle bed to the left.

Exit the room and go forward into the kitchen. There is a [[Supply Cache]] here. Return to the previous room and turn right. Go through the small room into the dining room. Kill the Venatori in the dining room, then grab the caprice coin on the table between the two flowerpots in the south west corner of the room (it will be the rightmost table when facing them).

Exit south to the library. Exit east from the library into the room with the fireplace and the long tables. Kill the Venatori. Head up the stairs, turn left and clear out the room to the left. 

The nearby halla door leads to Celene's Vault and requires three halla statuettes to open. If opened, the Inquisitor will find {{:Masterwork Crow Blade Schematic|style=iconmini}} and an elven locket which is essential to one of five possible [[Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts#Endings|quest endings]].

{{Note|Opening this door may prevent the Inquisitor from completing [[Red Jenny's Stashes]] and obtaining the [[Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts#Endings|public truce]] ending.}}

Turn right out of the room, past the stairs and right again. Continue to the next corridor to face off against the Harlequin and a large group of Venatori. Or alternatively, just turn left, and follow where the corridor leads.

The Harlequin always drops {{:Crescent Slicer|style=iconmini}}. A scene with Briala begins after all enemies are eliminated.

=== Return to the Ballroom ===
Before leaving this room, be sure to grab the Halla statue that was visible in the cutscene with Briala and any dropped loot from the enemies killed. Dropping off the right side of the balcony is the quickest way down, but there is some not-so-apparent loot to be found. Once the scene is over, head back the way the party came to find an open window on the right wall. Jump diagonally left across to the larger balcony to find more loot near some square crates. This might take more than one attempt, so if you fail, simply switch to another party member to attempt it up to 4 times. Return to the railing you landed on from the open window, jump down to land on a lower balcony near a large pile of gold and a corpse. Either jump off this lower balcony or switch to another party member that is still up top. 

If the balconies are not taken, turn around, go back through the desk room, exit south, take an immediate left and go downstairs. Take a right at the bottom of the stairs, a left into the library and straight out into the gardens. Kill the Venatori skulking around here. Be sure to pick up the [[Red Jenny's Stashes|Red Jenny Stash]] by going west, then turn left around the corner, if you didn't get it earlier (right from the library exit, then left past the lamp post). Go past the elven agents (no dialogue options), go up the stairs and open the gate that goes back to Main Palace.

''Court Approval timed section ends''

: ''Side quest totals: 6/15 [[Throwing Away Money|Caprice coins]], 6/11 [[Herd of Stone Halla|halla statuettes]], 13/30 [[The Great Blackmail Hunt|scandalous secrets]] and 2/3 [[Red Jenny's Stashes|Red Jenny stashes]].''

=== Dance with Florianne ===
Go back through the Hall of Heroes, turn right at the Ballroom door and wait for the second bell for extra Court Approval. It is possible to miss the first bell due to the game loading. The Inquisitor will make a comment when the second bell rings.

'''Gaspard's Clandestine Meeting''' is active now but can be completed later since time is an issue. On entering the ballroom a scene begins with Florianne. Any options not listed below have no court approval changes. 

'''Dance with me...'''
:* Two women dancing? ''(female only)'' - {{Approval3|Court Approval -10}}
:* Let's dance. - {{Approval3|Court Approval 10}}
:* Let them hear us. - {{Approval3|Court Approval -15}}

'''...What do you know about our civil war?'''
* ''(Nobility Knowledge)'' Orlais' war is Thedas' war. - {{Approval3|Court Approval 5}}
:* ''(Human Rogue)'' - Orlais is everyone's business. {{Approval3|Court Approval 5}}
:* As much as I care to. - {{Approval3|Court Approval -10}}

'''The security of the empire is at stake...'''
:* I can agree with that./That's why I'm here. - {{Approval3|Court Approval -10}}
:* Is that what we both want? - {{Approval3|Court Approval 10}}

'''You are a curiosity to many...'''
:* I'm here to help./Not my problem. - {{Approval3|Court Approval -10}}
:* Which am I to you? - {{Approval3|Court Approval 5}}

'''...Who in the Court can be trusted?'''
:* I trust Celene/Gaspard/Briala. - {{Approval3|Court Approval -10}}
:* ''(Underworld Knowledge)'' I trust no one./I trust the Inquisition./Who do you trust? - {{Approval3|Court Approval 5}}

'''It cannot have escaped your notice...'''

:* All options
::* Court Approval less than 60 - {{Approval3|Court Approval -15}}
::* Court Approval more than 60 - {{Approval3|Court Approval 10}} ''(the game displays Court Approval 5 but it actually adds 10)''

Florianne ultimately suggests investigating the Royal Wing. Another scene with the advisors begins immediately. [[Leliana]] reminds the Inquisitor that [[Corypheus]] wants chaos in the [[Orlesian Empire|empire]]. She also says that there are many ways to bring stability to the empire, and not all involve Celene (hinting at multiple endings for the quest).

=== Find material in the Royal Wing ===
At this point the Inquisitor can optionally confront Gaspard and Briala with any evidence gathered so far, as well as learn more about their backgrounds if they didn't do so earlier.

{{Note|Many new side quest items now appear in the Ballroom, Vestibule, Hall of Heroes, Guest Wing, in the Guest Garden and on its balcony and in the Grand Library. There are also a few in the Trophy Room. Now is also a good time to access the [[Herd of Stone Halla#Lower Garden Door|Lower Garden Door]] off the Guest Garden which also contains several items, unless the statuettes are being saved for a different purpose. If Varric's brought along, speak to the Council of Heralds and choose "You're fans of Varric's?" for {{Approval3|Court Approval 5}}}}

[[File:Trophy_Room.png|thumb|344px|Trophy Room]]
Before heading to the Royal Wing, approach the Trophy Room on the north side of the Hall of Heroes and trick Ambassador Anton and his comrades into talking to Cullen, which also awards {{Approval3|Court Approval 10}}.

Otherwise, if the Inquisitor is an elf, they can ask for Whispering Elves next to Ambassador Anton to make a distraction. However, this won't reward Approval points.

The Trophy Room is an off-limits area where Court Approval will be reduced. If ignoring the side quests, simply open the rear door, enter the office and loot the [[Note: Halamshiral Investigation - Clues (Trophy Room)|Secret Orders]] as material to blackmail Gaspard. The door on the left can be opened if the Inquisitor is a rogue.

Exiting the Trophy Room to the Hall of Heroes halts the drop in Court Approval.

Head to the royal wing located up the east stairs at the north end of the Vestibule.

{{Note|Inside the Royal Wing the Inquisitor can access the Empress's Private Quarters, two Caprice coins, three scandalous secrets and four halla statuettes. If all other side quest items were found before entering, the Inquisitor should have 13/15 [[Throwing Away Money|Caprice coins]], 7/11 [[Herd of Stone Halla|halla statuettes]] and 27/30 [[The Great Blackmail Hunt|scandalous secrets]] with [[Red Jenny's Stashes]] complete. You can exit the Royal Wing to collect any items you might have missed at any point before going through the doors opposite the balcony doors. If pursuing the Celene/Briala reconciliation ending, the elven locket must have been found ''and'' discussed with Briala, the Empress's ladies-in-waiting and the Empress herself. However, discussing the locket with both Celene and Briala will prevent the Public Truce ending.}}

The three points where blackmail evidence may be obtained are:
* Against Briala: the elven servant
* Against Celene: the soldier in the bed
* Against Gaspard: the mercenary captain after closing the rift

Entering the Royal Wing resumes the periodic loss of Court Approval.

[[File:Harlequin_and_Elf.png|thumb|right|270px|A Harlequin assassin attempting to murder an elven servant.]]
The Inquisitor will need to re-equip weapons, armor and helmet. Companions should appear ready to go.

There is a secret on the table immediately to the left.

Go up the stairs and into the Royal Quarters. Take a right and then a right through the door. Loot the two containers, one secret and the halla.

Exit the room and go past the locked door; a scream will be heard upon approaching the next door on the right. Open the door and a cutscene plays where the Inquisitor defenestrates a Harlequin. Interviewing the elven servant provides the blackmail evidence against Briala. There is also a halla and two lootboxes inside the room. 

Exit the room through the passageway, enter the darkened hallway and go past the door with the Ferelden soldier yelling and down the steps to retrieve a halla from the floor. Return to the cutscene room, but do not enter yet.

Exit the room to the hallway and the Empress's Private Quarters are on the right which requires five halla statuettes to unlock (check [[Herd of Stone Halla]] for the locations of the last ones if you need them). Asking the soldier tied to the bed to testify against Celene is required to complete two of the side quests and to achieve the [[Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts#Endings|public truce]] ending. Otherwise, asking the soldier to keep this quiet awards {{Approval3|Court Approval 10}}.

A Caprice coin is on the desk to the right of the bed when the Inquisitor is at foot of the bed, facing it. There is also one chance for [[Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts#Companion approval|companion approval]] gains (Cassandra, Dorian and/or Sera only). Note that leaving the soldier in the bed causes the cutscene to restart on returning to the bed. So if Sera approval is desired, leave him in the bed, come back and let him go, which will allow access to the coin.

The final Caprice coin is in a room off the darkened hallway, see [[Throwing_Away_Money#Royal_Quarters|Throwing Away Money]] for directions.

{{Note|Once all the scandalous secrets and Caprice coins have been found, the Inquisitor should exit the Royal Wing immediately to (a) talk to Leliana and deliver the blackmail in order to complete [[The Great Blackmail Hunt]] and (b) toss all the coins into the coin fountain to maximize Influence gains for [[Throwing Away Money]]). Once the trap is sprung, any opportunity to complete these quests is lost.}}

=== Evade the trap ===
{{Note|It is possible to end this quest with {{Approval3|Court Approval 100/100}}. See [[Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts#Gallery|Gallery]]. In order to do so you must gain maximum approval before entering "Jardin de Rȇverie" in the "Royal Wing". Because it is an off-limits area where {{Approval3|Court Approval}} will steadily drop you must move fast, frequently pausing to move the camera around, and (if necessary) head back few times to the far eastern room (the balcony) on the "Upper Level" (where approval doesn't drop). Having a [[Rogue (Inquisition)|rogue]] with [[Stealth (Inquisition)|stealth]] and [[Stealth (Inquisition)#Crafting materials|Fade-Touched]] gear make it a lot easier. Finishing with 100/100 doesn't actually do anything. As long as you have obtained 100/100 at some point, and finish with at least 85/100, you'll earn the Belle of the Ball trophy/achievement and unlock the non-violent ending. As such, ending with 100/100 is only its own reward.}}

'''Warning: This next section will prevent opening Celene's quarters.'''
[[File:Florianne-garden.png|thumb|275px|right|The assassin unmasked]]

Go through the doors opposite the balcony doors. This causes a cut scene to take place and the party is ambushed. There will be a dialogue with Florianne which provides the following option (all other choices have no effect):

'''Corypheus insisted...'''
:* It's not too late to end this. - {{Approval3|Sera Slightly Disapproves}}
:* I'm sure he'll get used to it. / Corypheus will be disappointed. - {{Approval3|Sera Slightly Approves}}

The [[Fade rift]] will spawn a random combination of [[wraith]]s, [[shades]], [[Terror demon|greater terrors]], [[despair demon]]s and/or [[rage demon]]s. Close it and there is a very brief interval during which the rift drop can be looted prior to a scene beginning with the mercenary captain in which he agrees to testify against Gaspard. If the Underworld Knowledge [[Inquisition perks|perk]] has been selected, an option to get his company to work for the Inquisition appears. This awards Influence, Power and [[Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts#Companion approval|companion approval]].

{{Note|The Agent Acquired graphic is displayed again, but no new agent is listed upon returning to Skyhold.}}

=== Return to Cullen with the information gathered ===
Head west to the locked door, turn right and loot the box. Go through the east door onto a balcony to find some gold (the balcony also serves as a safe zone where Court Approval does not drop). Then head south into Le Requiem and dispatch a small group of [[Venatori]]. 

[[File:Garden_chapel.png|thumb|275px|right|Jardin de Rêverie]]
Proceed down the stairs to encounter the final group of Venatori. Head through the northern hallway, then proceed into the next room and [[Herd of Stone Halla#Lower Royal Wing (Left door)|'''Choose a Lower Royal Wing Door''']] if enough halla statuettes are held. Each door requires five halla statuettes and both doors can be opened (if you've gathered and saved ten of the eleven halla statuettes in the Winter Palace, even though the quest text by the doors suggests otherwise). 

Head back and turn right, open the door and continue into a larger courtyard. Take a right and head through the north door into the kitchen, which contains the final supply cache. The room to the west ("Dining Room") has 2 small loot chests. There is a short dead-end hallway by the west-most chest that is a safe zone for Court Approval. Go back out through the kitchens and straight across the courtyard. Open the door, turn left, go up the stairs and loot the footlocker. Go straight back and the doors will activate a cutscene.

=== Confront Grand Duchess Florianne ===
The scene begins as Cullen asks the Inquisitor what they should do:

* '''I'll talk with Florianne.''' ''(Publicly expose the duchess' crimes to the court, avoiding further bloodshed.)''
:* Requires Court Approval of 85 or greater
:* Necessary to gain the Belle of the Ball achievement
:* Boss battle with Florianne is skipped.

* '''Detain the duchess.''' ''(Save Celene's life, then deal with the duchess.)''
:*Leads to boss battle with Florianne

* '''Wait for Florianne to attack.''' ''(Allow the empress to die before dealing with the duchess.)''
:*Leads to boss battle with Florianne

Each decision results in different [[#Companion approval|companion approval]] outcomes.

If choosing to fight Florianne, see [[Florianne de Chalons (strategy)]].

=== Denouement ===
[[File:Inquisition - Quest - Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts - Court Disapproval.jpg|thumb|275px|right|''"Hours after you were evicted from the Winter Palace, news spread across the land that Empress Celene was dead and Grand Duke Gaspard standing accused of treason. Orlais stood leaderless: in the chaos, Corypheus conquered it all too easily, overwhelming Inquisition forces lacking the allies needed to stop him."'']]

Following the confrontation with the Grand Duchess and after [[Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts#Endings|deciding the fate of Orlais' throne]], a new scene plays as [[Morrigan]] informs the Inquisitor that she has been named the Imperial liaison to the Inquisition.

If a romance is being pursued, the Inquisitor's love interest will join them on the balcony. Accepting the offer of a dance will result in [[Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts#Companion approval|approval]] (not applicable to advisors, of course). If there is no love interest or they were not brought to the Winter Palace, Josephine will come out to talk.

If Sera is the Inquisitor's love interest, then this approval can only be obtained before the finale while Sera is still in the ballroom: a dialogue option suggests that the couple dance together, an offer which Sera declines humorously.

The scene then moves to [[Skyhold]], and [[Leliana]] and [[Cassandra Pentaghast|Cassandra]]'s future is discussed, after which the quest completes.

== Endings ==
Regardless of a boss battle occurring, the final sequence of the quest involves a series of cutscenes and dialogue choices which decide the fate of Orlais' throne.

=== Celene rules alone ===
[[File:Celene_addresses_the_court.png|230px|thumb|Empress Celene addresses the court.]]
:Celene can maintain her place on the throne and rule alone.

::After Florianne springs her trap, the Inquisitor must:
::# Keep Celene alive.
::# Reveal evidence of Gaspard's crimes to the Empress ("Gaspard was planning a coup.")

=== Celene and Briala rule together ===
:Celene and Briala's relationship can be reconciled. Celene will maintain her place on the throne with Briala's support. Briala is given the title of Marquise.

::The Inquisitor must:
::# Retrieve the elven locket from Celene's vault. This is found in the Servant's Quarters/Grand Apartments (upper level) by opening a halla door that requires three halla statuettes.{{Note|Opening this door prevents the Inquisitor from completing [[Throwing Away Money]]. If the right doors are chosen, the Inquisitor can complete [[The Great Blackmail Hunt]] or [[Red Jenny's Stashes]] but not both. See [[Herd of Stone Halla#Notes|Herd of Stone Halla]] for more details.}}
::# Speak with <u>both</u> Briala and the Empress's ladies-in-waiting in the main ballroom and show them the locket. This leads to a cut scene involving the Inquisitor and the Empress.
::# Keep Celene alive.
::# Give Briala partial credit for rooting out the assassins ("Briala helped stop Florianne.")
::# Use the gathered evidence against Gaspard and accuse him of treason (and)
::# Request that Briala be rewarded ("What about Briala's reward?"){{Note|Choosing to spare Gaspard will result in Celene ruling alone.}}

=== Public truce ===
:All three leaders can be blackmailed and forced into a public truce.

::The Inquisitor must:
::# Enter the Empress's Private Quarters (which requires five halla statuettes) and convince the naked soldier to testify against her.
::# Retrieve blackmail material on Briala.
::# Retrieve blackmail material on Gaspard.
::# Have at least 85 Court Approval (any lower and Celene will dismiss your accusation as "histrionics").
::#Keep Celene alive.
::#Try to force the three leaders to a truce ("All of you are at fault.")

[[File:Gaspard Rules Alone.png|275px|right|Emperor Gaspard addresses the court.]]
=== Gaspard rules alone ===
:Gaspard can become emperor and rule alone.

::The Inquisitor must:
::# Allow Celene to be assassinated
::# Use blackmail material to discredit Briala and support Gaspard.

=== Gaspard and Briala rule ===
:Gaspard can become emperor, with Briala pulling the strings from the shadows.

::The Inquisitor must:
::# Allow Celene to be assassinated.
::# Use blackmail material to force Gaspard to submit to Briala.

== Companion approval ==
{{Section stub}}

=== Main quest ===
<u>Ballroom</u>
* '''Inquisitor to Sera: How are you fitting in?'''
:* ''If the Inquisitors Court Approval is 60 or lower - {{Approval3|Sera Slightly Approves}}''
:* ''If the Inquisitors Court Approval is 61 or higher - {{Approval3|Sera Slightly Disapproves}}''

<u>Guest Garden</u>
* '''Inquisitor to Dorian: Thank you for coming.'''<br>{{Approval3|Dorian Slightly Approves}}
* '''If the Inquisitor is in a romance with Dorian: We should dance''' <br>{{Approval3|Dorian Slightly Approves}} (repeatable)

<u>Royal Quarters</u>
* To the naked soldier in Celene’s bed: I need you to testify. {{Approval3|Cassandra Slightly Approves}}
* '''Come work for me.''' ''(Recruiting the mercenary captain)''<br>{{Approval3|Cassandra Slightly Approves}}, {{Approval3|Sera Slightly Approves}}

<u>Confront Grand Duchess Florianne</u>
* '''I'll talk with Florianne.''' ''(Publicly expose the duchess' crimes to the court, avoiding further bloodshed.)''<br>{{Approval3|Dorian Greatly Approves}}, {{Approval3|Solas Greatly Approves}}, {{Approval3|Blackwall Approves}}, {{Approval3|Iron Bull Approves}}
:* '''I will execute her myself.''' ''(Kill the duchess.)''<br>{{Approval3|Cassandra Slightly Approves}}, {{Approval3|Sera Slightly Approves}}, {{Approval3|Blackwall Disapproves}}, {{Approval3|Cole Disapproves}}, {{Approval3|Solas Disapproves}}
:* '''Take her away.''' ''(Give the Duchess to the guards.)''<br>{{Approval3|Blackwall Approves}}, {{Approval3|Cole Approves}}, {{Approval3|Iron Bull Approves}}, {{Approval3|Sera Approves}}, {{Approval3|Solas Approves}}, {{Approval3|Dorian Slightly Approves}}

* '''Detain the duchess.''' ''(Save Celene's life, then deal with the duchess.)''<br>{{Approval3|Sera Approves}}, {{Approval3|Blackwall Approves}}, {{Approval3|Cole Greatly Approves}}

* '''Wait for Florianne to attack.''' ''(Allow the empress to die before dealing with the duchess.)''<br>{{Approval3|Sera Greatly Disapproves}}, {{Approval3|Blackwall Greatly Disapproves}}, {{Approval3|Cole Disapproves}}, {{Approval3|Cassandra Approves}}, {{Approval3|Iron Bull Approves}}, {{Approval3|Dorian Approves}}

=== Endings ===
<u>Celene rules alone</u>
* '''Briala is an accomplice.''' ''(Gaspard executed. Implicate Briala as well.)''<br>{{Approval3|Iron Bull Approves}}
* '''(Special) No, spare Gaspard's life.''' ''(Try to convince Celene to let Gaspard live.)'' (Requires sufficient Court Approval)<br>{{Approval3|Blackwall Slightly Approves}}, {{Approval3|Sera Approves}}, {{Approval3|Cole Greatly Disapproves}}(Cole greatly disapproves even If he is not in the party)

<u>Celene and Briala rule together</u>
* '''Briala helped stop Florianne.''' ''(Use the evidence gathered about Gaspard to support Briala.)''<br>{{Approval3|Solas Approves}}
* '''What about Briala's reward?''' ''(Gaspard executed. Attempt to reconcile Celene and Briala.)''<br>{{Approval3|Sera Disapproves}}{{Approval3|Dorian Slightly Approves}}, {{Approval3|Cole Approves}}
* Reconciliation successful<br>{{Approval3|Cassandra Greatly Approves}}, {{Approval3|Cole Greatly Approves}}, {{Approval3|Dorian Greatly Approves}}

<u>Public truce</u>
* '''All of you are at fault.''' ''(Try to force the three leaders into a truce.)''<br>{{Approval3|Solas Approves}}
* '''Celene: You made your point.'''
:* '''Work together for Orlais.'''<br>{{Approval3|Cole Greatly Approves}}, {{Approval3|Sera Slightly Approves}}, {{Approval3|Blackwall Slightly Approves}}, {{Approval3|Cassandra Slightly Disapproves}}
:* '''You've been outplayed.'''<br>{{Approval3|Blackwall Slightly Approves}}, {{Approval3|Sera Approves}}, {{Approval3|Cassandra Slightly Disapproves}}
:* '''You work for me now.'''<br>{{Approval3|Sera Approves}}, {{Approval3|Cole Greatly Approves}}, {{Approval3|Cassandra Slightly Disapproves}}

<u>Gaspard rules alone</u>
* '''Gaspard will be emperor.''' ''(Use the blackmail material to discredit Briala and support Gaspard.)<br>''{{Approval3|Iron Bull Greatly Approves}}, {{Approval3|Blackwall Greatly Disapproves}}, {{Approval3|Cole Greatly Disapproves}}, {{Approval3|Dorian Disapproves}}, {{Approval3|Sera Slightly Approves}}, {{Approval3|Cassandra Greatly Approves}}

<u>Briala rules through Gaspard</u>
* '''Briala can take over.''' ''(Use blackmail material to put Briala in power.)''<br>{{Approval3|Solas Approves}}, {{Approval3|Cassandra Greatly Disapproves}}, {{Approval3|Sera Slightly Disapproves}}, {{Approval3|Dorian Slightly Approves}}

== Divine Election ==
=== Empress Celene Assassinated ===
* Gaspard and Briala rule together: Leliana +5, Cassandra -5, Vivienne -10
* Gaspard rules alone: Cassandra +10, Vivienne -1

=== Empress Celene Alive ===
* Public truce: Cassandra +1, Vivienne -5
* Gaspard executed: Vivienne +1
* Gaspard spared: Leliana +1, Vivienne +5
{{For|additional information on the Divine election and obtaining points|Divine election}} 

== Rewards ==
=== Optional ===
Completing "Montbelliard's Ring" yields:
* 128 XP
* Influence 80

Completing "Even Gilded Walls Have Ears" yields:
* 128 XP
* Influence 80

Recruiting one of the unnamed nobles as an agent (Guest Garden):
* Influence 100
* Power 1
* ''Does not contribute to Inquisition perks''

Recruiting the mercenary captain as an agent (Royal Quarters):
* Influence 100
* Power 1
* ''Does not contribute to Inquisition perks''

=== Main quest ===
Finding the cylinder seal yields:
* 128 XP
* Influence 80

Closing the rift yields:
* 967 XP
* Influence 200
* Power 2

''(Optional)'' Killing Florianne yields:
* ~5,500 XP

Awarded upon quest completion:
* 9,875 XP
* Influence 3,200 
* Power 4

== Results ==
* Stability is brought to [[Orlais]] with the conclusion of the [[War of the Lions|civil war]].
* [[Florianne de Chalons|Grand Duchess Florianne]] or her remains will be [[Judgment|judged]] in Skyhold.
* [[Morrigan]] is named Imperial Liaison to the Inquisition and moves to Skyhold.
* The operation [[A Favor Returned]] becomes available if [[Celene Valmont I|Celene]] rules alone.
** [[Reconciliation for Celene and Michel]] is unlocked.
** Influence 60
* The operation [[A Gift from the Imperial Palace]] becomes available if Celene and [[Briala]] reconcile.
** [[Reconciliation for Celene and Michel]] is unlocked.
** [[Amulet of Power|Amulet of Power (Inquisitor)]]
* The operation [[An Invitation from the Emperor]] becomes available if [[Gaspard de Chalons|Gaspard]] rules alone.
** [[Restoring Michel de Chevin's Honor]] is unlocked.
** Influence 60
* The operation [[A Whisper from Behind the Throne]] becomes available if Briala is in power pulling Gaspard's strings.
** [[Restoring Michel de Chevin's Honor]] is unlocked.
** {{:Miniature Mask|style=iconmini}}

== Notable items ==
=== Main quest ===
Loot the ''Secret Study'' in the ''Grand Library'' to find:
:{{:Confusion Grenade Recipe|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Masterwork Magister Staff Blade Schematic|style=iconmini}}

Dropped by the Harlequin in the ''Grand Apartments'':
:{{:Crescent Slicer|style=iconmini}}

Complete the main quest and receive:
:{{:Formal Attire Schematic|style=iconmini}}

=== Conditional ===
Inside the left ''Lower Royal Wing'' halla door:
:{{:Lightning Rune (Inquisition)|style=iconmini}}

Inside the right ''Lower Royal Wing'' halla door:
:{{:Enhanced Cooldown Amulet|style=iconmini}}

In a small chest in the ''Guest Garden'', behind the ''Lower Garden'' door ''(requires [[Herd of Stone Halla#Halla statuettes|3 Halla Statues]])'':
:{{:Orlesian Banner|style=iconmini}}

Inside Celene's Vault:
:{{:Masterwork Crow Blade Schematic|style=iconmini}}

Killing Florianne yields:
:{{:The Trepanner's Requital|style=iconmini}}

Publicly shame Florianne and hand her to the guards or have her executed by the Inquisitor to receive ''(these are in addition to all other outcomes)'':
:{{:Mask of the Grand Duchess|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Mask of Chalons|style=iconmini}}

If Celene rules uncontested receive ''(Gaspard must be spared)'':
:{{:Mask of the Empress|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Mask of Valmont|style=iconmini}}

Install Gaspard on the throne to receive ''(Celene must be assassinated)'':
:{{:Mask of the Grand Duke|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Traditional Chalons Mask|style=iconmini}}

Install Briala as puppet master over Gaspard to receive ''(Celene must be assassinated)'':
:{{:Ambassador's Mask|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Coquin Mask|style=iconmini}}

Reconcile Celene and Briala and have Gaspard executed to receive ''(no unique mask awarded)'':
:{{:Coquin Mask|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Mask of Valmont|style=iconmini}}

== Codex entries ==
:{{:Codex entry: Briala|style=iconminiDAI}}
:{{:Codex entry: A Compendium of Orlesian Theater|style=iconminiDAI}}
:{{:Codex entry: Council of Heralds|style=iconminiDAI}}
:{{:Codex entry: Empress Celene Valmont|style=iconminiDAI}}
:{{:Codex entry: A Ghoulish Delight|style=iconminiDAI}}
:{{:Codex entry: Grand Duchess Florianne de Chalons|style=iconminiDAI}}
:{{:Codex entry: Grand Duke Gaspard de Chalons|style=iconminiDAI}}
:{{:Codex entry: Halamshiral|style=iconminiDAI}}
:{{:Codex entry: Jeshavis, Mother of Orlais|style=iconminiDAI}}
:{{:Codex entry: The Lion of Orlais (Inquisition)|style=iconminiDAI}}
:{{:Codex entry: Mad Emperor Reville|style=iconminiDAI}}
:{{:Codex entry: Morrigan (Inquisition)|style=iconminiDAI}}
:{{:Codex entry: Orlesian Caprice Coins|style=iconminiDAI}}
:{{:Codex entry: Superstitions of the Royal Family|style=iconminiDAI}}
:{{:Codex entry: Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts|style=iconminiDAI}}
:{{:Codex entry: Winter Palace|style=iconminiDAI}}

== Note texts ==
:{{:Note: The Art of the Winter Palace (Bronto)|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Note: The Art of the Winter Palace (Deepstalker)|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Note: The Art of the Winter Palace (Guest Garden)|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Note: The Art of the Winter Palace (Lambert Valmont)|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Note: The Art of the Winter Palace (Maferath)|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Note: The Art of the Winter Palace (Triumph)|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Note: The Art of the Winter Palace (Unknown)|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Note: Diary of a Nosy Servant|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Note: Halamshiral Investigation - Clues (Briala)|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Note: Halamshiral Investigation - Clues (Celene)|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Note: Halamshiral Investigation - Clues (Gaspard)|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Note: Halamshiral Investigation - Clues (Grand Library)|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Note: Halamshiral Investigation - Clues (Trophy Room)|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Note: The Valmont Emperors (Etienne I)|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Note: The Valmont Emperors (Etienne II)|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Note: The Valmont Emperors (Florian)|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Note: The Valmont Emperors (Judicael I)|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Note: The Valmont Emperors (Judicael II)|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Note: The Valmont Emperors (Reville)|style=iconmini}}

== Trivia ==
[[File:Inquisition Celene assassination concept.jpg|thumb|250px|Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts quest concept]]
* Most of the quest names in the main plot refer to specific verses of [[Chant of Light]]. "Wicked eyes and wicked hearts" refers to the Canticle of Silence 3:6.
* If Blackwall is brought for the quest, he will be found conversing with a noble who thinks he recognizes Blackwall from a Lord Rudalt de Lancre's company of soldiers. 
* If she is brought along, Vivienne mentions that there are six members of the [[Council of Heralds]] present, and that the seventh is "indisposed," further complicating negotiations. Her personal quest–which cannot be unlocked until Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts has been completed–reveals that her deathly ill lover, Duke [[Bastien de Ghislain]], was the head of the Council of Heralds, and was likely indisposed due to his illness. 
* There are three dwarven emissaries in the Vestibule who mention [[House Helmi]] is trying to mount an expedition to [[Amgarrak Thaig|Amgarrak]], but [[House Dace]] is blocking the expedition into the [[thaig]]. They also express concerns about the flow of [[Lyrium|lyrium]] in [[Minrathous]].
* If the Hero of Ferelden is a dwarf and survived, the same three dwarves are wondering about the disappearance of Paragon [[Brosca family|Brosca]]/[[House Aeducan|Aeducan]].
* There is a [http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/Krogan krogan] head in the trophy room. This is a reference to the game series ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect Mass Effect]''.
* In the Fumeur section, one of the nobles is trying to figure out classic puzzles such as [[wikipedia:Knights and Knaves|Knights and Knaves]], the [[wikipedia:Tower of Hanoi|Tower of Hanoi]], [[wikipedia:Fox, goose and bag of beans puzzle|Fox, Goose, Beans]] and the [[wikipedia:Sphinx#The Riddle of the Sphinx|Riddle of the Sphinx]].
* Everyone in the Winter Palace except the servants, the Inquisitor, and their companions and advisors, wears a mask as proper Orlesians do. This is particularly noticeable with respect to [[Vivienne]], who does wear a mask when the Inquisitor [[Ghislain Estate|first meets them]], but not here.

== Bugs ==
* After the announcements and speaking to Celene for the first time, the Inquisitor bows. Leliana can be seen down the stairs with Cullen and Josephine (if you wait out and don't rush into cutscene, you'll see them approaching after you, in the actual cutscene you can see Leliana coming right beside the Inquisitor). When the Inquisitor turns to the left to leave, Leliana has miraculously appeared at the top of the steps. 
** In the [[Dragon Age: Inquisition Game of the Year Edition|Game of the Year Edition]], she moves up the lower stairs, passes round Gaspard to go up, then reappears with Cullen and Josephine, then she's back at the top of the stairs.
* {{Platforms|ps4}}{{PC}} If you free the naked soldier in the Empress' bedroom using the hush up option, you may experience a random court approval drop message, but court approval does not change.
* After completing the quest, even if the Inquisitor choses to have all 3 parties work together, Leliana may comment that Celene is "rooting out the last of Gaspard's supporters" when asked for any updates at Skyhold.
* Be careful when moving between the Vestibule and the Grand Ballroom as it is possible for the door's destination to change to the room you're already in if you get too close, causing the game to never leave the loading screen or an exceptionally long loading time. The same problem exists with the door between the Vestibule and the Royal Wing.
* If the Inquisitor uses necromancy in the Harlequin fight, the cut-scene required for progression may not trigger.
** The work-around is to enable friendly fire (settings -> gameplay -> friendly fire) and AOE any of the raised opponents to death.
** Or, use [[Spirit Mark]] to instantly kill all raised spirits.
* While in the Ballroom after being introduced to Celene, if the Inquisitor asks Vivienne if there is anything to look out for, she will comment on Cole behaving even more strangely than usual, even if Cole is not in the party.
* When the American-accented female inquisitor is in a romance with Solas, her voice may become male when asking him to dance. This [https://www.nexusmods.com/dragonageinquisition/mods/3590 mod] corrects this mistake.
* When coming and going from the vestibule and ballroom, the door may be labeled as both "Vestibule" and "Grand Ballroom." Rotate the camera and the position of the Inquisitor to get the correct label to appear. If entering the door when labeled as the same room you're in, the game will take a long time loading, and you'll reappear in the same room.
* When being introduced in the ballroom in the beginning of the mission, if you stop before going up the stairs and look up to the right, you will see another Leliana standing on the other side of the railing, standing in the same position as the Leliana next to Cullen and Josephine, that you can highlight if you put your cursor over her.
* In the garden area, the minstrel sings songs translated into French, but the captioning remains localized.
* The approval drop in off-limit areas can be avoided by quicksaving and quickloading rapidly - as reloading the game resets the countdown of the approval drop.
* Side quests involving the halla statuettes may become permanently stuck on the side of the screen where active quests are shown even after progressing beyond the Winter Palace.
* Sera can be asked to dance by a female Inquisitor even if not in a romance with her.
* If the player saves and reloads after the first bell has rung, the second bell may not ever trigger.
* If Varric is brought along, [[Codex entry: Council of Heralds]] will be unobtainable.

== Gallery ==
<gallery widths="210" spacing="small" captionalign="center" position="center" orientation="square">
Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts Journal.png|{{Approval3|Court Approval 100/100}}
Winter Palace Front Garden Map.png|Winter Palace Exterior Garden Map
Winter Palace Exterior Upper Balcony Map.png|Winter Palace Exterior Upper Balcony Map
Winter Palace Lower Level Map.png|Winter Palace Lower Level Map
Winter Palace Main Level Map.png|Winter Palace Main Level Map
Winter Palace Servants Quarters and Grand Apartments Main Level Map.png|Winter Palace Servants Quarters and Grand Apartments Main Level Map
Winter Palace Servants Quarters and Grand Apartments Upper Level Map.png|Winter Palace Servants Quarters and Grand Apartments Upper Level Map
Winter Palace Upper Level Map.png|Winter Palace Upper Level Map
</gallery>

<!--Categories-->
[[Category:Dragon Age: Inquisition quests]]
[[Category:Dragon Age: Inquisition main quests]]
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[[de:Böse Augen und böse Herzen]]
[[ru:Злые глаза и злые сердца]]
[[pt-br:Olhos e Corações Maldosos]]