Cullen could tell that judging Rainier took a heavy toll on Tessa. In the end, Rainier kept his new alias and he remained a member of the Inquisition, destined to work off his crimes.

Shortly after the trial, Tessa had dragged Rainier-or Blackwall still, he supposed-out to the Western Approach to finish studying the dragon there with Cassandra and Vivienne; where Varric, Dorian, and Iron Bull were waiting for them.

The Commander honestly didn't know how to feel about letting the woman he loved go and face a High Dragon, but who was he to stop her? People have been asking the Inquisition to help with the beasts and Tessa had told her advisers to think of it as practice for when they face Corypheus' dragon.

Soon, they received a report from the Inquisitor saying that the dragon was successfully slain and that they would be heading back to Skyhold immediately.

And, of course, there just had to be a celebration for that too.

It wasn't formal so Cullen was allowed to wear his usual clothes, but he still hated parties.

He watched in awe with Leliana and Josephine from the entrance of Skyhold to see a large dragon head being rolled in on the back of a wagon. Many carts followed with what Cullen assumed was full of dragon meat, bones, and other materials that could be used.

The Inquisitor was riding at the front of the caravan and she and the rest of her team were bandaged up or injured somehow.

They all dispersed after dismounting and Tessa immediately made her way toward her advisers. Cullen narrowed his eyes, looking for any sign of injury and-

"She said she was fine in her report, Commander," Leliana reminded, smirking at him.

Cullen frowned at her before facing forward right as Tessa made it to them.

"I am never hunting a dragon again," she declared, picking at a scrape on her cheek.

"Is that so?" Leliana asked, stepping aside so Tessa could lead the way toward the keep. Tessa's report had ordered them to find more High Dragons.

"Yes, and I am also never going to the Western Approach again. Traveling a whole week to a desert is stupid."

Cullen almost groaned. She didn't have to say that twice. The past two months had been torture because she was either in the Western Approach, the Hissing Wastes or Val Royeaux. And, when the Inquisitor was here, they couldn't spend time together. Cullen really wanted to make up an excuse to not have the meeting about what the Inquisitor found so that he could steal Tessa away for himself, but there was that damn celebration later.

After their meeting, Cullen immediately closed the door after the Spymaster and Ambassador left, pulling Tessa to his side to keep her from leaving herself. "Were you lying when you said you weren't hurt?"

Tessa smiled up at him, gently grabbing at his cloak. "I'm just sore and I have this thing on my cheek. I made sure to stay as far away as possible with Dorian and Vivienne and threw lightning at it. I'm fine."

With a sigh, he leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Believe it or not, this made me more worried than usual."

With a smirk, Tessa pulled the collar of her tunic away and held out the small chain that he had failed to notice before. She held up the necklace and Cullen's eyes widened when he realized what was on it. She had the coin he gave her at the lake months ago attached to a pendant.

"You shouldn't worry. I'm lucky now, remember?" she teased with a wink.

Cullen couldn't help but chuckle as he pulled her closer. Her arms wrapped around him and tucked her head beneath his chin. He couldn't believe that she actually took it with her. "When did you do that?"

"I had Dagna put a protecting rune on the metal holding it before I left for the Plains." The Inquisitor let out a relaxed sigh. "I missed you."

Cullen pressed another kiss to the top of her head. "Me too."

Tessa suddenly reached up and curled her fingers on the edge of his breastplate and pulled him closer, giving him a coy smirk. "Now, I never got my hello kiss."

"There's a hello kiss now?" he teased, resting his hands on her hips.

"Yes, and I am quite upset that I haven't received mine yet."

Cullen pressed his lips to hers, pulling her flush against him and he held back a groan when he felt her fingers clutch at his hair.

He pulled away, barely keeping his lips from brushing hers again. His name came out as a breathy sigh and he grinned, leaning forward to kiss her eyelids, cheeks, the soft curve of her jaw, anywhere but her lips. He reached up and rested his hands on either side of her neck, tipping her head back before finally pressing his lips to hers again.

Tessa had been clumsy with kisses like this at first. The slide of tongues, lips, and teeth were awkward at the beginning of their relationship, but she proved to be a fast learner the more he kissed her like this. Tentativeness soon became bold exploration, to both of their delights.

Deciding to tease her and leave her wanting for what he was sure to come tonight, he pulled away. As much as he wanted to continue this, he knew this would make their night better. He looked down at her heavily hooded eyes and parted lips. "I have to get back to work."

"What?"

"I have to give some final orders before the celebration."

Her big, violet eyes narrowed suspiciously, but he gave her another deep kiss before finally pulling away and tugging the war room door open.

He smirked at her over his shoulder before finally walking out and shutting the door behind him.

Cullen couldn't wait to see what she would do to retaliate.