Chapter Three

Temptation

Valina's talents served the Inquisition well, and she quickly settled into Skyhold. Her belongings arrived within days of her unorthodox entrance, and she set to work with surprising vigour, considering that she had essentially been dragged into the Inquisition. Letters poured in from various noble families and factions, some that Josephine had been struggling to contact for months. Valina's reach was so vast that Josephine unfamiliar with the names of some new contacts. Each new ally sent a list of assets they could pledge in support of the Inquisition, and carts full of resources soon followed.

When Valina wasn't securing new resources, she studied the training routines of the troops. Without Cullen's knowledge, she tweaked the training regime one morning, taking advantage of his distraction, his head buried in paperwork and reports. He bristled when he found out she had adjusted the schedule, but Cassandra had been quick to calm him, noting that their versatility and stamina had improved.

Valina brought reports to Cullen regularly, including a fund to repair the gate she damaged in her explosive and often discussed arrival at Skyhold. She passed it off as an anonymous donation but he suspected it had come from her pocket.

One day, when Cullen was too exhausted to filter his words, he let it slip that he missed playing chess with Dorian. The games cleared his mind, but the mage was far away, searching for the Grey Wardens somewhere in the desert in western Orlais with the Inquisitor, Varric, and Blackwall. She challenged him the following evening, and every moment they had spare, he found himself sitting across from her. Her strategic intellect was formidable, and all their games were long fought.

The longer Cullen spent with Valina, the more he felt her presence like a brand on his skin. Every time he saw her, a flame inside him burned hotter. Dreams about her became more vivid, filling with details of her lovely face, of her wicked smile, of the searing look in her eyes when she flipped his words and turned them into something suggestive, sultry. Her voice began to creep into his musings. He could hear the husky note that filled her words when she flirted with him, and she flirted incessantly. He hid behind his desk during her visits more than he cared to admit, not wanting her to see the effect she had on his body.

One afternoon, after a long day of handling reports, Cullen wandered down to the training ring. He had found her there a few times before, sparring with the troops to teach them a new move, and he hoped he would find her to challenge her to a game or two of chess. It was a relief to be out in the fresh air; his office had been stiflingly hot, warmed by the harsh sun beating down on the stone walls.

As he approached the ring, he was surprised to find her fighting with Cole, the two assassins moving almost too fast for his eyes to follow, a blur of blended colours with the occasional silver flash from their blades.

Iron Bull stood outside the ring, his arms folded across his massive chest, a grin on his lips.

'What are you doing here, Bull?'

'Oh, I'm here for the show,' he said, barely glancing at Cullen.

'The show?'

'You'll see.'

Cullen watched, confused but curious about the Qunari's motivation. In a final sudden sweep, Cole huffed as his back hit the ground. Valina had disarmed him and pinned him down with her knee on his chest, a blade resting against his throat. As quickly as it had ended, she dropped the training daggers and helped Cole to his feet.

'You're fast,' she said, brushing some dirt from his hat.

'You're flexible.'

Bull sniggered beside Cullen. 'I bet she is.'

The way she looked at the Qunari suggested she heard him, a smirk on her lips. As she sauntered over to the edge of the fence, Cullen felt his throat dry. She wore a roughly cut shirt that barely covered her breasts, and her tight leather pants - fitted so tight that he began to wonder if they were painted on - sat low on her hips. His eyes caught on the strong expanse of her stomach, her body toned from a life of fighting. Her sun-kissed skin looked soft and supple despite the power that rippled just below the surface with every movement.

She grasped the fence of the training ring, lifting herself and supporting her hips on the bar. She leant closer to Cullen, flicking a dark strand of hair from her face.

'Did you enjoy watching, Commander?'

'I often observe troops when they train.'

'I doubt you've ever wanted one of your soldiers to pin you down like that before.'

He gulped. He thought by now he would be used to how forward she was when it came to the subject of sex, but he still struggled to do more than stammer at her as she jumped over the fence.

'I'm so hot now; I think I need to have a nice cool bath.'

She untied her hair as she headed for the stairs. The dark strands cascaded down her back, and Cullen felt his stomach dip. He heard Bull draw a sharp breath.

'You can pin me anytime!' Bull yelled after her.

'You wish,' she called back, waving over her shoulder.

'Every damn day!'

Cole appeared between the two men, glancing up at Bull. 'You can't have dibs,' he said absently before glancing to Cullen. His head tilted slightly, his wide eyes staring almost blankly at the Commander. 'Blood pumping, breathless, the weight of the air on a warm summer morning. He feels like quiet in chaos, safe and solid.'

'I have no idea what you're talking about,' Cullen sighed. The cryptic rogue grated his nerves at the best of times.

'She thinks about you, even when she fights, even when she thinks she shouldn't.' The rogue tilted his head to the other side. 'She called dibs on you.'

Cullen stared at Cole blankly, his lips parted as if caught on a word. He knew that she flirted with him, but he'd seen her flirt with just about everyone in Skyhold. She was manipulative by nature, and that was part of what made her such a good rogue. Would she really…?

'Yes,' Cole said.

Cullen felt his skin flush, his ears burning. He glared at Cole. The rogue seemed to get the message and wandered off, leaving Cullen to stand there with Iron Bull.

The Qunari smirked. 'Told you she has a preference in commanders.' He winked at Cullen if only to make him blush harder. 'Can't say I blame her.'

Cullen turned on his heel and marched back to his office, hoping for a new report to busy himself with. He sighed with relief when he found a bound scroll on his desk. He broke the wax as he sat in his chair, scanning the contents.

Commander Cullen,

I have received word from a noble family in the Hinterlands: House Cormont. They have agreed to support the Inquisition with a substantial sum of gold and resources. Their ties to some questionable houses known for Venatori sympathies, however, need to be investigated before we commit to any deals.

This situation needs to be handled delicately. I would suggest sending one of Leliana's agents, but I believe that Valina would be better suited for this operation due to her position among the Orlesian nobility. Although her family has been absent from the court for the better part of three decades, her name alone will carry weight.

A display of force may still be necessary. As Commander of the Inquisition, your presence may intimidate Ser Cormont into disclosing any questionable business dealings. I have arranged a meeting with Ser Cormont for the coming week. I would suggest that you prioritise this mission and depart as soon as possible.

Josephine.

Rather than distracting Cullen, as he had hoped, he scowled at the contents and dropped the paper with a curse.

'Maker's balls,' Cullen spat. He rubbed his face, pulling at his cheeks in frustration. 'Josephine, what are you up to?'

He snatched up the report, marching out of his office. He walked along the wall, his steps becoming heavier as he neared. He stopped outside Valina's door, taking a breath to steady his racing heart. In all the weeks Valina had resided at Skyhold, he had never even walked up to her room, let alone knocked. He was surprised at how difficult it was to raise his hand, his knuckles tapping firmly on the wood.

He felt his foot bouncing as he waited for her. When the latch clicked, he tried to harden his features, telling himself that it was just business. They would attend the meeting and form the alliance with House Cormont. For the Inquisition.

When the door swung open his hand shot up to cover his eyes, a gasp wrenching from his lips. Despite his quick reflexes, he caught a tantalising glimpse of bare skin.

'Ah, Valina, I–'

'Commander,' she purred, her sultry tone dripping over him, 'I'd say you finally came to strip search me, but it appears you're a little late for that.'

He held out Josephine's note, dropping his head back to look straight up at the sky above.

'We, ah… mission.'

'We?'

He tried to disappear into the cobblestone beneath him as she pressed closer to take the letter. He heard her unroll the parchment.

'Yes,' he said, nearly tripping backwards when the scent of roses hit him, so much stronger than before, 'we leave in the morning.'

'Oh, are you in charge?' she asked.

'I am the Commander, so, yes, I will be leading this meeting.'

'I guess you'll need to know my safe word as well, then.'

'Your what? Wait, who else knows your–'

'Will we be sharing a tent?'

He felt his cheeks flare impossibly hotter as he ground out, 'no.'

'You're no fun,' she sighed, and he could hear the pout in her voice. His mind filled with the memory of her wicked lips. He clenched his fists tightly, forcing himself to step back from her, his eyes still raised to the sky.

'I have to return to my work.'

'I'll see you bright and early then, handsome.'

When the door closed, he realised that he had been holding his breath. He exhaled harshly and sucked some fresh air into his aching lungs. As he walked back to his quarters his heart hammered in his chest. A part of his body tried to turn him around and march back to her door, but he fought it with all his might.

It's going to be a long trip.

Valina rose early the next morning. She did her usual exercises, stretching in preparation for a long day of travelling. A scout dropped off a bag for her to use and she sorted through her trunk, packing her essentials. She dressed in her favourite pair of leather pants and boots, wanting to be comfortable for the long day of riding ahead. As she rummaged through her clothes for a shirt, a wicked smirk lit her lips. She pulled the soft tunic over her head, enjoying how light it felt on her skin. She tucked it into her pants before she found her hooded cloak and weapon sheaths.

She dropped her pack off with the soldiers who were preparing horses for her and Cullen, then she climbed the stairs to the top of the wall. She knocked on his office door, not waiting for a reply before she swung it wide. She glanced around the room, but it was empty. Cullen had not been down at the horses, but she thought he could be in the war room or talking with Josephine until she heard a muffled shout above her. She glanced up at the loft floor, hearing movement above.

'Cullen?' she called, but she received no reply.

She climbed the ladder, peeking onto the floor. The roof above was broken, a hole allowing sunlight to cascade in. She thought it odd, considering all the work that was being done around Skyhold, that the Commander's quarters had not been attended to.

Across the room in a large bed, Cullen struggled beneath the sheets, his movements agitated. She climbed the last few rungs and crept towards him. What she could see of his face and arms was coated in a thin sheen of sweat. He cried out again, louder this time, and when he rolled towards her, his face was contorted.

A nightmare?

She stepped closer, stopping beside his bed. She felt conflicted, unsure if she should wake him. She could turn him into a flustered mess with the right smile and a few words, but she couldn't imagine he would be pleased for her to see him vulnerable.

Cullen's movements changed, his body fighting harder against the demons in his mind. She darted back to the ladder when a strangled shout escaped him, sliding down to his office just before he jerked awake. She stilled, listing to his laboured breaths. After a moment, she heard him lay back on the mattress. His breaths began to ease, and she gripped the ladder tighter. She climbed quietly, peeking into the loft again. His back was to her. He had swept the covers down to his waist, allowing her to catch her first glimpse at the skin below his neck. She nearly purred as her eyes swept over his broad shoulders and the muscled expanse of his back, her eyes following the line of his side down to narrowed hips. She could just see the curve of his firm ass, a tantalising glimpse.

Normally, she would be entirely satisfied by a man like Iron Bull when she needed intimate company, but Cullen had tempted her since the moment he approached her in the ballroom. He didn't eagerly thrust himself toward her, trying to stake a claim. He had done quite the opposite, seeming almost terrified of her advances. He was a challenge, and she revelled in the chase. She had done her best to tease the Commander because she enjoyed painting his cheeks scarlet, hoping to provoke his passion. Deep inside that blushing exterior, a lion lay dormant. She would bring it forth, even if it took another month to tempt the Templar.

Valina eased onto the loft floor and approached quietly. He didn't stir as she neared, and she manoeuvred herself onto the sturdy wooden side at the foot of the bed. From her perch, she could see that his eyes were closed, his breaths calm and even; he was dozing, bordering somewhere between awake and asleep. She took a moment to take in his features, his strong and deliciously stubbled jaw and the rough scar on his expressive lips. His normally tamed hair was dishevelled from sleep, the golden strands spiked in a few places, a few slicked to his forehead. His face was more relaxed now, though his brow knotted with the occasional thought, the nightmare still flashing in his mind. He had no idea what she had witnessed, and she would keep it that way.

His clothes were draped over the edge beside her, his armour pieces carefully placed on the trunk at the end of the bed. She smirked as she picked up his surcoat, brushing her fingers over the soft furred shoulders. She slipped it on, then positioned herself casually, resting on one hand.

'Good morning, handsome.'

Cullen's eyes flew open and he shot up. His expression bordered on vicious until his eyes locked with hers and the panic turned to recognition. He scrambled back, holding the sheets tight against his stomach.

'It's good to know we both like sleeping naked,' she said with a wink. She glanced down his body, nibbling her bottom lip.

Cullen pulled his knees up a little higher, feeling his cheeks heat. 'What are you doing here?'

'You said we were leaving in the morning.' She glanced at the hole in the ceiling where daylight poured in. 'It's morning. Time to get marching, Commander.'

'I–' he started, then his eyes travelled to her shoulders. 'Are you wearing my clothes?'

'I might be,' she said, trailing her fingers over the dark furred mantle, 'think we'll make people gossip if I walk outside wearing this?'

'Take it off.'

'Which part?' she asked, her voice turning soft and breathless, 'or would you like to strip me instead?'

Her eyes lit up, and he felt a dangerous pulse down south as he imagined sliding the surcoat from her shoulders. He had to get her out of the room.

'Now, Valina,' he snapped, 'make sure the horses are prepared. I'll be ready to leave in ten minutes.'

She hopped down from the bed, shrugging the surcoat from her shoulders. She threw it towards him, and it landed at his feet.

'I like it when you take charge, Commander,' she said. She gave him the wicked smirk before she sauntered to the ladder. 'Keep using that tone, handsome, and I may just strip for you.'

Even when Cullen heard a door slam in his office, he didn't dare move. His body thrummed with energy, and he ached from her words. He could remember having nightmares before she had woken him, but they seemed fuzzy now, replaced by thoughts of her wicked lips and sun-kissed skin. He would never admit it, but he had enjoyed seeing her in his surcoat. It was far too large for her small frame, but seeing her wear it had satisfied some part of him, all while igniting another.

He threw the covers aside and swung his feet over the edge of the bed, his toes curling on the floorboards. He looked down with a groan as his cock pulsed eagerly, demanding the attention he had denied it for so long.

He glanced guiltily at the surcoat. It lay crumpled on the bed where she had thrown it. He reached for it, burying his face in the collar. Although soft, he caught her rose-tinged scent mingled with his own and inhaled deeply. The furred shoulders brushed against his face, and he imagined it was her dark hair, his mind filling with the wicked curve of her lips.

Cullen's mind turned to Cole's words: she called dibs on you. He wanted so desperately to believe the rogue. Cullen enjoyed Valina's company, but he struggled to believe that she could feel the same, that she desired him as deeply as he did her, not when she could pick almost any of the men and women in Skyhold and have them bending to her will within minutes. Iron Bull was not subtle about his interest, but Cullen had seen desire in the gaze of many wherever Valina walked, had caught both Sera and Josephine gazing longingly at Valina when she trained in the ring. Even Blackwall, one of the most stoic men Cullen had ever met, had cast a few appreciative glances at Valina from across the bar at Herald's Rest.

It's just a game.

He growled at himself and threw the surcoat aside, rising from the bed. He pulled his pants on, managing to force his aching length into confinement. Even the briefest touch was enough to make him moan; his body was strung so tightly after weeks of enduring Valina's unique brand of flirting. He dressed quickly and tried to turn his mind to packing his essentials. Slowly, he felt his body relax, though some lingering pulses remained in his groin. He knew he needed to do something to take the edge off, and soon.

He had no idea that she'd only wanted to make him forget his nightmares.