"Friends?"

The thought is incredible. Friends, after he had so questioned her authority? After he had cast such aspersions? She clenches her fists at her sides, glaring daggers at him.

"And who should judge what is dangerous to the Inquisition, if not its leadership?" She thinks of Leliana - and then pushes the thought away, slamming her hands down on the table and looming over him. How dare he speak to her this way.

"This authority was granted to me by Most Holy herself, Divine Justinia V, the late leader of the Chantry and the Exalted Servant of the Maker. I have assumed nothing," she tells him. He does not understand, that's all. Once he recognizes the validity of her authority here, these irrelevant questions will end. "This has never been a struggle for dominance. It is my sacred duty to safeguard those under my command, and those who have come to Skyhold seeking refuge. That is why you are here, and why I am asking the questions, and not you."

That should do it. She takes a moment to breathe, then straightens. It is far past time to return to the actual subject of this interrogation.

"Tell me more of this Republic, and your order. Who do you serve?"