Paile woke slowly, eyes still closed, savoring the languid satisfaction still thrumming through her body. Her lips curled upwards, unable to contain her joy. Cullen's deliciously hard body was pressed to hers, her head on his shoulder, their legs intertwined. A heavy arm was wrapped around her waist, pulling her in tight, deep breaths ruffling the hair along her forehead and feathering across her ear. Her hand was slipped into his curls, her sleeping habits with Lion transferring to his human self. She felt at peace, whole.
She opened her eyes and shifted, pulling back to look at his face. His eyes opened at her movements, and they smiled at each other for a long moment. He had been awake, then, savoring the same unity she felt. "Good morning," he breathed, leaning in and brushing a kiss across her lips. His hand around her waist danced figures absentmindedly along her bare skin, sending little shivers skittering along her spine.
"Good morning, Cullen." The light filtering through her windows was bright, the sky a vivid blue of a bright winter's day, highlighting the room. "Or I think good afternoon, would be more correct," she grinned up at him impishly. "I think we got carried away last night."
His face went bright red, and he darted his gaze away, licking his lips in embarrassment. After their first lovemaking, Cullen had cleaned them both, lingering over her, learning her body, before she had returned the favor. They had come together once more in the early morning, reverently, lovingly. She had felt his wonder, his awe with every touch. She didn't know how she had gotten so lucky; couldn't believe that he loved her as she loved him. But she was going to hold onto him with both hands tightly. They had come so close to losing each other, she wasn't going to waste another second.
"You, ah… you aren't mad that I, that when I was Lion, stayed with you?" He darted little glances at her face, wincing and rambling. "At first you were hurt, and then you actually seemed to want me there. But I was a cat, at least that's what you thought. Maybe, now that you know who I am, I mean, what I am, who Lion actually was, maybe you feel like I crossed a boundary?" Paile listened to his frantic explanations, pressing her lips together to keep from smiling in amusement. The man was a stammering mess trying to explain himself, but his arms were still firm around her, tensing as if she might escape. "I love you. I have for a while now, I just wanted to stay with you. Not that that means I expected you to want me back! I just thought it was my only opportunity. I… I never expected to be able to hold you like this. I am sorry," He finished softly, his apology and all his past longings stamped on his features.
Paile gently raked her fingers through his hair. "Cullen, nothing could have made me happier to find out that the man I love turned out to be my best friend as well." She pressed a kiss to his lips, trying to convey everything inside her. "I don't think you have anything to be sorry for, but if you want my forgiveness, then of course you have it."
He cleared his throat, finally looking back into her eyes, golden gaze meltingly soft. "Thank you." He played with the ends of her hair, combing his fingers through it. They savored the silence, before he spoke again. "We didn't push too hard for you last night, did we?" Concern pulled his brows down, "I just couldn't help myself, you are… Maker, but you were..."
She smoothed her thumbs along his eyebrows as he stuttered, trying to ease the frown off his face, dragging her fingertips down to his fascinating scar, tracing it and then his sensual lips. "I wanted everything just as much as you. And as for if I am alright…" She stretched, moving her body against his, rubbing her breasts on his chest. She pushed her hips against his, feeling the tingle of desire race through her once again, "Why don't we find out?" She smirked, feeling him harden with each surge of her hips, friction building.
"Maker's breath," he exhaled, before he rolled over her, pushing her down into the mattress and kissing her laughter away, replacing it with a hungry gasp.
"How long have you wanted to do this to me?" She grinned up at him wickedly, an eyebrow arching imperiously, teasing as she continued to thrust her hips against his. Her arms were crossed over his shoulders, attempt at feigned negligence ruined by her own rapid breathing, the warmth spreading over her skin.
He propped himself up on one arm, rubbing at his neck, cheeks still pink, but now more from arousal than self-consciousness. "Longer than I should admit." The shift rubbed himself at her core, and she moaned as she grew wetter.
"Me too, Cullen. Me too," She whispered as she pulled his head down.
They confidently walked into the Main Hallways, side by side, attempting to look as if nothing had happened. The blush staining both of their cheeks, the late hour, and how they both just glowed with inner light gave them away, though. The whispers that had been racing through the castle became even more frenzied, snippets of their story somehow already know. Cullen felt his face burn, but he pushed ahead, ignoring it as best he could. They had better explain, tell the true story, before something outrageous became the normal. His lips quirked; well, he wasn't sure how much more excessive their story could get, but for Paile's sake he should try to calm the gossip.
At least he had his customary clothing. Paile had dressed, teasing him slowly as he laid watching her, with the intention of finding a servant to request some of his things be brought. She had opened the door, though, and his armor had been folded neatly, cleaned and polished. They had known then that their secret was out; somehow his naked presence in her room had become at least moderately common knowledge. And he bet who he could thank for that… at their next chess match, Dorian would suffer a crushing defeat.
Ignoring the titters and significant looks flying through the room, they made their way to Josephine's office, closing the door behind them. Cullen left his hands pressed on the door, and they sighed at the same time. Their gaze met, laughing smiles hanging in the air between them. Her eyes were bright with amusement, their amethyst color glittering happily.
"Ahem!" Leliana's voice jerked them from each other, surprised there was someone else in the room. Cassandra, Josephine, and Leliana all stood behind Josephine's desk, their own amusement suppressed to varying degrees. Josephine looked delighted, Leliana knowingly, and behind Cassandra's air of disapproval, her eyes beamed.
He straightened quickly; embarrassed they had caught him ogling Paile. He knew that the gossip would spread, there was no stopping that. But if he could, he would have kept their new love just between the two of them; cherished their moments together with no fear of what anyone else would say. He wanted to give her no reason to regret what had happened between them, no reason to worry.
"Cullen," Josephine hurried around her desk, giving him a brief, happy hug. "I am ever so pleased to see you. We were all so worried!" She stepped back, turned to Paile. "And you! Should you be up? Vivienne let us know of what happened in the night. How horrifying it must have been!"
Paile rushed in to assure her, "I am perfectly alright, don't worry about me, Josie. Solas and the others got to me in time. Cullen," her eyes flicked to him, too warm smile putting a canary grin on her face, "made sure that I was always safe. Especially during the night. Quite satisfactorily too, I must say." She quirked an eyebrow up, eyes dancing and lips smirking.
"Well," Leliana laughed, "I hope you thanked the Commander, Herald. It must have been such a demanding night, Cullen. Maybe you are the one who should be resting?" Cullen felt his ears burn, he was blushing so hard. They all laughed at his discomfort, teasing gazes and jests making him feel right back at home.
Still laughing, the women all followed Cassandra to the war room. As Paile turned to be the last in line, Cullen grasped her about her waist, trapping her arms, hauling her back against his body. He turned her head up and to the side, lips crashing down on her gasp, taking her mouth in a passionate kiss. He gave her no inch as he kissed her breathless, tongue and teeth working her until she sagged and whimpered. He pulled away, smirking down at her passion glazed eyes, her breasts moving rapidly as she gulped in breaths.
He pressed his lips against her ear, "My little Paile," he whispered hotly, "You shouldn't tease. You have no idea how demanding my retribution can be." He nipped at her pointed ear and her body shuddered in reaction. He pulled away, filing that reception away for later use, satisfied smirk still in place, and sauntered into the war room.
It was a few minutes before she walked in. She came to his side, and cast him a dark glance, but he could see the anticipation there too. Maker, he couldn't wait to get her alone again.
The conversation stayed light, questions barely held in check, as they waited for the others to join them. Quickly, the room filled up, all their friends clapping him on the back or shaking his hand, expressing their delight in having him back. Everyone danced around the subject, but it was there, their questions hovering on the tips of their tongues.
"Oh, get on with it!" Sera finally cried out, halting all conversations. "How'd you get all shrinky and cat-ified?"
Cullen coughed, slightly startled at the attention, and raised his eyebrows. Everyone turned their gaze to his, rapt fascination not wavering. He sighed, beginning, "Well, I guess it started the night I disappeared…" he trailed off, noticing Varric whipping out a notebook, quill raised. "No," he commanded, shaking his head at the dwarf. "This doesn't get to be one of your stories."
"Why not?" Varric asked, baffled, "You got turned into a cat! Do you expect me to sit on a story like that and not write it? You seriously can't make this shit up!"
"No," Cullen repeated, crossing his arms across his chest. Paile didn't need the attention this tale would create. She already had too many things to worry about.
Varric dangled the journal in his hand, crossing his own arms across his chest, copying his stance. "Fine. But I guess that means Tiny here," he nudged Iron Bull with his elbow, "will have to help me remember it later, and we will just write it down together. With some added elements."
Iron Bull let out a shout, "Ha! Oh, this is going to be good." He grinned widely, a gleam in his dark eyes.
Cullen shot a helpless glance down to the small elf at his side. She just smiled up at him, and shrugged. "Varric is going to write it anyways, you know. Might as well get it somewhat accurate."
He groaned, defeated. If she wasn't bothered by it, than that was it, then. This was going to haunt him for the rest of his life, though. He just knew it.
He set into his story, describing the hazy memory of that late night fight with the mage and the assassin, telling them how he had felt the mage's spell twist with his own weak counter spell and the presence of the Red Lyrium. How he had escaped those two, racing outside. He talked of discovering that he had been transformed, and of his subsequent first days, trying to hide from anyone, except the poor kitchen elf he had frightened. Most of them had a knowing look in their eyes as he stodgily told them that he had appointed himself Paile's bodyguard when he realized that someone could get to her. He ignored the smirks and nudges, knowing he fooled no one.
He then went on to describe how he had tried to get the mages to notice his predicament, and when that didn't work, decided to train himself to fight in his new form so he could be of some use. He didn't mention how he had let his attempts to get the mage's attention slide, eager to keep sleeping next to Paile, be her confidant. They didn't need to know that.
He and Paile filled in the story of their training, of taking Suledin Keep, and what had happened the previous night, to the best of their knowledge. How he hadn't been able to wake her and that the Anchor had been reacting violently.
Solas told his part, speaking briefly about moving into the fade, before Dorian took over the narrative. He threw himself into the performance, gesturing wildly and embellishing the fight lavishly. Cullen interjected several times, reassuring others that he had not been naked the whole fight. There had been no sun to 'gleam off his glistening pectorals'. That he hadn't been mostly inside the Archdemon's mouth, only his shoulder had been. That he hadn't somehow leapt 20 feet in the air and plunged the sword through the dragon's skull in a single blow.
Paile listened just as closely as the rest of the audience; she hadn't been aware of the fight taking place around her. She gasped at the details, shooting wide eyed glances up at him after each of Dorian's excessive praises. Cullen felt a swell of pride, and pushed down the smile. It wouldn't do to encourage the mage.
"Paile was released and magically restored. And then, before our very eyes, Lion transformed into our Commander, Solas able to remove the wicked spell trapping him in his oh so fluffy body." Dorian turned his smirk to Cullen. "He then proceeded to order us to leave the room, forcing us to leave him and our dear Herald alone together. He was definitely naked, this time, I might add." His exaggerated eyebrow waggle made Cullen shift, uncomfortable but able to deny none of it. "He looked as if he were going to claim a token from our faire maiden. Tell me Cullen," Dorian grinned evilly, "did you sweep her off her feet?"
Cullen gulped, and shot his gaze down to the purple ones that flicked up to meet his. Their eyes stuck, before they glanced away, and he felt his blush rise in his cheeks and spread across to his ears. He cleared his throat, and rubbed at the back of his neck, desperately trying to think of something. They fooled no one, their blushes and glow speaking novels.
A cheer rose up from their friends, applause for the story and its happy ending ringing through the room. Varric leaned forward, quill poised over the book, intent on him. "So Fluffy, did you sweep her off her feet, or was it the other way around?"
Paile sighed, hands braced on the ornate railing of the balcony, breathing in the cool, perfumed air of Halamshiral's garden. She closed her eyes, soaking in the sounds of night, the tinkling music drifting from the open doors behind her, the hum of conversation almost quiet out here. Tonight had been trying, but she thought it was finally over with. Empress Celene was still alive, and Paile had somehow gotten Duke Gaspard and Briala to work together with the Empress, instead of them all trying to overthrow each other. There had been too many fights while wearing a ball gown and too much playing The Game for her to be pleased with how the evening had gone, but somehow she had done it.
Familiar footsteps trod behind her, came up to her side. "I was worried about you tonight," Cullen slipped his leather clad hand across her bare back, comforting her. "But you were magnificent," he smiled, leaning against the railing, shoulder touching hers.
The past month had been the most blissful she had ever been. She had never felt anything like how she felt for Cullen, and she knew it was the same for him. He had moved into her room, and they slept side by side there. They comforted each other when nightmares shook them, and Paile was working on methods to help with his Lyrium withdrawals. He said they were better than they had been; perhaps he was finally overcoming it. As she got to know him better, she just fell in love with him more. He looked more rested and happier than she had ever seen him, and she was determined that it would continue.
She turned to face him, and twining her fingers with his, and he brought her hand to his lips, brushing a soft kiss across the back. "I am so glad it's done," she confessed, moving a step in closer to him. If they were caught, she could just claim they were discussing Inquisition business with her Commander, nothing more. She wasn't quite plastered to his front; though she wished to be, for him to wrap his arms around her and hold her close.
Cullen moved back a step, a twinkle in his eye. He bowed, gently tugging on her captured hand. "A dance, my lady?"
Paile smiled, "I thought you didn't dance?" She teased, stepping into his body as he wrapped his arm around her waist, holding her closer than was strictly correct. His body brushed against the feathers sewn onto her dark, shimmering gown, his palm flattening possessively at her low, open back.
"I will try. For you," he smiled, pulling her into the waltzing steps. "Have I told you that you look ravishing this evening?" He asked huskily, his eyes sweeping down her body, that roguish smirk drawing heat from her, as he knew it did.
"Only ten times," she whispered, feeling as beautiful as he claimed. Her dress had been done with her native Dalish designs, fabric strips weaving intricately, feathers so black they were almost purple sewn throughout. It crossed at her shoulder blades, but left her back bare until very low, and it swept down to the floor, shimmering with each movement she made. The front wove up high to contrast just how far down her back was open. Feathers trickled from her shoulders, but nothing covered her arms. If one looked, they could see the multitude of scars scattering her exposed skin, could see her lean strength.
The skirt was full, giving her legs room to run and move in, and she had needed it. Cleverly hidden toggles were sewn into the folds so that she was able to bundle it up, out of the way. She bore no mask; wearing her vallaslin proudly for all to see, silver hair half up, the rest cascading down her back in a silken sheath. The dress and the lighting made her amethyst eyes glow, so very different from anyone else's. She was dressed like no other, looked like no other. Her coloring, outfit, obvious Dalish trappings, and her warrior presence making her stand out, drawing all eyes. She was proud to be herself, standing tall as the Inquisitor. Just ready to be done with it all.
Cullen looked just as handsome as she thought he would, his crimson and gold uniform militaristic, showing everyone that their army was as formidable as its handsome Commander. She had personally helped outfit him, making him stand in the middle of their room as she had teased fingers over his naked skin, taking the measurements needed. They had gotten little done during their private fittings, though, and finally their fashion minded friends had had to step in and take over. But Cullen had picked out the insignia on all of his buttons, fierce lion's heads roaring in triumph.
The Players of The Game had eaten the Inquisition's presentation up, but the ball was winding down. Paile stepped closer, uncaring if they were seen any longer, and placed her head against his shoulder, turning into his neck. She breathed in his unique scent, and sighed contentedly, happy to be in his strong arms. "I love you Cullen."
He pressed his lips to her forehead, swaying them gently to the music of the waltz, "I love you too Paile. Always."
"Always," she repeated. The stars as their only witness, the Herald of Andraste and the Lion of Skyhold danced, bathed in moonlight.
The End
Well, that's the end of my crazy story! I am so glad you guys all enjoyed it and stuck with me :D (Sorry the formatting sucks all through the next part)
Now, drumroll for the final secret!
Who of you noticed it was actually an AU of The Sleeping Beauty?!
Did you ever wonder why I wrote about sleeping all the time, lol?
Three faeries? How about three mages?
-Vivienne- Flora
-Dorian- Fauna
-Solas- Merryweather
'I walked with you Once upon a dream?'
-Paile saw Cullen and Lion mashed together a couple times in her (literal) dreams!
Mistaken Identity?
-Paile didn't know Lion's true self!
Having to get married to someone they didn't love?
-Okay, this was a bit of a stretch, but I justified it by Paile thinking Cullen loved someone else and was going to be spending the rest of his life with that woman.
'Make it Pink! Make it Blue!'
-Pink then blue? Or how about, pink and blue! Which is Purple! So pretty purple dress for Paile!
Samson, Prince Phillip's horse?
-... Don't tell him this, but that is Varric... (I think he would murder me if he knew)
Maleficent capturing the Prince?
-Cullen would have been captured and corrupted, if the spell hadn't gone wrong, by order of Corypheus!
Maleficent's warthoggy little minions?
-Corypheus's Red Lyrium Templars!
Fairies sneak in castle to free the Prince, and their battle out?
-Well, Prince helped to take the castle, but they freed villagers! And lots of battle.
Prick her finger on the spinning wheel and fall asleep?
-The Anchor caused her to be held captive in her nightmares, and she would have slipped into a coma if they hadn't rescued her
Epic final battle with a Dragon, the Three Faeries, and the Prince?
-A battle with Nightmare being the Archdemon, three mages and a Cullen! And I pretty much modeled that whole fight from the fight in the movie, especially with the enchanted sword piercing the dragons chest.
A True Love's Kiss to break the spell?
-Ahem... how about some True Love Sexy Times instead?! (Okay, okay, I guess we have to give Solas some credit... you know, for the walking into the fade and saving Paile, then turning Lion back into Cullen... just little things)
The final scene watching the two dance at the ball?
-Halamshiral balcony dance in the moonlight!
I tried to be super sneaky about it, waiting to see if anyone noticed... or I got to blindside you all with it! I did a little bit of Beauty and the Beast with Cullen's transformation, but that was not my main focus.
Well, I think I am going to take a week or so off before I write my next story. I may do a couple short stories that I have jumping around in my brain, but the next big one will be just as fun! I am going to be tackling The Little Mermaid! Working title is Part Of Your World, and it will be featuring Commander Cullen as the 'Prince' of the Inquisition, Ari'elle Lavellan as the heroine who wants to learn about humans, Solas as the clan's Keeper (King Triton), and Corypheus as Ursula! I have some others cast, but not all. That story will definitely not be as canon as this one tried to be, much more based on the fairy tale, I think. I swear I will write other pairings, lol, I just loooove Cullen and my little elves!
If you wanna drop me a line, you can leave a comment, or you can chat with me on my Tumblr here:
I hope to see you all again soon! Hugs and Cullen Kitty kisses to everyone single one of you! You have all been so fantastic, it gives me all the feels!