When I awake, morning light spills through the hole in the corner of the tower. I reach behind me in hopes of touching the still slumbering Cullen beside me but find it empty. A frown tugs at the corners of my lips as I look at the blanket on his side already made up. So much for some morning fondling and cuddles before the day starts. I'm about to crawl toward the end of the bed to retrieve my clothes I discarded last night only to find a fresh pair awaiting me at the end of the bed; small clothes included.
Changing back into my now cleaned clothes, I put my hair up into a loose ponytail and descend back down to Cullen's office which is devoid of Cullen as well. My brows furrow as my eyes fall onto the piles stacked on his desk. Curiosity tugs at me and I look around me once more before striding over.
My eyes roam over various reports about patrols and repairs being made until I see Love, Mia written in a feminine hand. Glancing up at the doors once more, I move the various papers aside until the letter is unearthed.
Cullen,
I was glad to receive your last letter. You sound so happy! It's been a while since you seemed so enthusiastic…. but nevermind. I just hope you are well. Which reminds me…
I push the reports covering the rest.
Lena? Not Inquisitor? Not Your Worship, the Herald of Andraste? I find it curious that you talk about her so informally and with such…eagerness. Are you sleeping together? Should I expect to have some nieces and nephews soon? Are you two courting? Please don't leave me in the dark! Your last letter was far too short and I'm dying to know!
Love,
Mia
Heat rises to my cheeks as I feel a goofy grin starting to form. I had no idea that he talked about me to his family. Hearing somebody outside one of the doors, I quickly push the papers back over his sister's letter and round the table as the door starts to open. My heart beats loudly in my chest as I spot Cullen. He says something to one of the scouts he was walking with before entering the room. Spotting me, surprise briefly passes over him before he smiles. "Oh good, you're awake." He says, keeping his voice low as he shuts the door behind him. "I was just coming back to check on you."
He strides forward and he surprises me by pulling me in an embrace. He brings a gloved hand up and gently strokes my cheek with the back of his finger. "I hope you slept well?"
I shrug. "Well enough." I frown. "I was hoping to wake up beside you this morning only to find that you had already left." I say, reaching up to fix a rogue hair that had gone renegade from his usual slicked back hair.
Sighing, he grabs my hand and kisses my palm as he gives me a rueful smile. "I know. I hope you'll forgive me. I had some matters that needed my attention and I didn't want to disturb you." His gaze softens. "You looked so peaceful."
Noticing my amused expression, he blushes and his hand drops from my face. He clears his throat. "Anyways, I'm glad you're awake." He smiles. "Our presence is needed in the war room."
Raising a brow, pull away from him. "So soon? I haven't even eaten yet." I receive a helpless shrug and sigh. "Fine. Let's go. Hopefully it's good news."
The war room is packed when we finally arrive. My companions are splintered off into little groups and talking as my eyes look around. Cullen said that Josie and Zevran were the ones that needed us yet I saw no sign of them in Josephine's office on the way in. As I shut the giant door behind me, a few gazes shift toward us. Cullen scuttles away to speak with Cassandra and I look around with somebody to talk with when I spot Varric in the corner with Dorian, Nevan and Bull. As he spots me, he motions me over. Seeing Dorian, I feel the sharp pain of betrayal reemerge and shoot Varric a rueful expression before going to stand beside near the large bookcase. I notice Varric's confused expression and try to ignore it by turning my attentions to Solas.
"So…" I begin, anxiously shifting from one foot to the other. "Any idea what this is all about?"
With his hands clasped behind him, he turns his usual solemn expression toward me before shaking his head. "Not entirely but I believe it has to do with Satinalia." He shrugs.
My brows draw together. "Satinalia?"
Before he has a chance to respond to my question, the doors open once more as Zevran and Josie enter the room. In the light from the tall candelabras, I see the rosy color of Josie's face as she grins excitedly. She calls for us all to gather around the giant war table and Zevran walks over to stand beside me, giving me a wink as he approaches.
"Before I make my announcement, I would first like to thank all of you for joining me today." Josephine beams. "I know it's a bit peculiar to call everybody together like this."
As she speaks, it takes me a moment to notice the small sack gripped in her elegant fingers.
"It has come to our attention that with everything that has happened with the destruction of Haven and our relocation, we had missed the wonderful holiday of Satinalia!" She exclaims. "In fact, Lena and her companions headed out for the Coast a day after."
My eyes widen. Did I really miss it? Looking around at the others, she continues. "Since Lena will be staying at Skyhold for the week to deal with some urgent business, Zevran and I have decided to make up for it!" She exclaims. My companions whisper to one another before Josie motions to Zevran. He smiles.
"Since we all can use a little break, Lena included," He says, nudging me with a wink. "We have decided to make up for it and have a Satinalia celebration here at Skyhold."
Josephine looks like she's about to burst from excitement as she shifts from one leg to the other. She nods to Zev to continue.
"As two very proud Antivans," Zevran smirks, "we decided that one day is not enough! In Antiva, Satinalia can go on for weeks! With how hard the Inquisition has been working as of late, we decided that we should bring that tradition here."
Cassandra and Cullen's eyes widen and Josephine quickly speaks up. "We're not celebrating for that long." She reassures them. "We have decided that one week was sufficient since we do have much to still do."
"How is it celebrated in Antiva?" Wynne asks as she speaks up from where she's tucked away near the window. My heart leaps at the sight of her. I didn't see her when I initially entered the room.
"Ah, you are indeed a wonderful sight to see this morning, my dear Wynne! You bring up an excellent question." Wynne lets out a brief, but exasperated sigh but I can see the ghost of a smile as Zevran continues. "In Antiva, weeks of gift-giving, drinking, gambling, pranking and balls take place." Zevran grins. "Near the end, its followed by a week of feasting."
"Pranks?" Sera lights up at this. She grins evilly as she looks around at her potential victims. Cullen and Cassandra shift uneasily as she cackles.
"Sounds like my kind of celebration." Bull chuckles. "Might have to get a couple casks of Golden Scythe." He winks at me and I grin, earning a curious look from both Varric and Cullen.
"I've heard of that!" Josephine gasps. "It's a bit strong, isn't it?"
"I'd say it is." I chuckle.
Setting the little bag down, she scribbles it down on her tablet. One she's finished, she sets it carefully down on the war table. "Now then," She grins. "Since our celebration will only be for a week, with the bean King and Queen tradition included, we have decided to make the last day our feast day."
"Bean what?" I mutter as everybody else chuckles while Bull, Nevan and I look on confused. Josie takes notice.
"For those who don't know, it's a tradition where two giant cakes with one bean in each is baked; One for ladies and the other for the men. Everybody gets a slice and whoever gets the slice with the bean inside will be the bean Queen and King for the day and will be granted whatever they wish." She pauses. "Within reason, of course."
"For the remainder of the time, people are welcome to take part in activities and give gifts to each other." Zevran adds, motioning toward the bag in Josephine's hand. "The reason for those gathered here is in that little bag."
Everybody's eyes shift to look at Josie. "Yes. In this bag," She says, holding it up. "I have written the names of all those here right now. Each person will draw a name. You are not allowed to say who you drew but at any time between now until feast day, you may give that person a special gift."
"Ah, a secret gift exchange." Blackwall nods. "These were quite common in Orlais if I remember correctly."
"I'm sure giving gifts to people is common everywhere." Dorian sneers, rolling his eyes. "It's gifts. Who doesn't like gifts?"
Blackwall ignores this comment and turns to Josephine. "Are we allowed to give gifts to people other than the name we draw?"
"Of course!" She beams. "This just ensures that everybody gets something."
Josie has everybody line up and one by one we all walk up and draw a name. Dorian smirks as he gets his and moves off to the side. The line shortens as we get some confused grunts and some happy chuckles. Sera is ahead of me and draws a name. I hear her curse under her breath as her shoulders droop and she moves off toward the edge of the room.
I feel nervous as Josephine motions me forward and holds the bag toward me. Taking a deep breath, I reach in and pull out a small strip of paper. In Josephine's elegant hand, I silently read the name. Cassandra. Smiling to myself, I thank Josephine and walk over to the side.
As the last few people draw a name, Josephine begins to dole out jobs to prepare for the week-long celebration. Sera gets lumped in with Bull and Varric to help decorate Skyhold and she complains about how boring decorating is after being told that she can't hang anything phallic. I smirk as Cullen blushes from the corner of the room and Bull snorts before high fiving her. Solas, Wynne and Nevan are assigned to finding mistletoe and scavenging for spices for the feast day. I almost laugh out as Nevan's brows furrow as he shoots me an uneasy look. I give him a reassuring smile as my name is then called.
"Lena, you'll be going out with Blackwall and Dorian to go find a giant holiday tree for the main chamber." Josephine says. Instantly, both Cullen and Cassandra exchange a glance before turning to her.
"Surely there are some tasks here at Skyhold that she can help with?" Cassandra hints. I roll my eyes at her objection.
Josie glances at me sympathetically. "I think Lena will be fine." She replies. "Most of the big trees best suited for holiday displays are below in the valley anyways. She won't be too far."
I shoot her an appreciative smile as it's Blackwall's turn to frown. "Forgive me, M'lady Ambassador…." He begins, making Dorian roll his eyes nearby. "How exactly will this tree be getting up here?"
"Well, there's this fascinating thing called magic." Dorian says before shooting me a smirk. I quickly turn away.
"That…." Josephine nods. "Or we can use some of Dennet's horses and that giant sled-like thing he's been working on." She turns to the decorators. "Unfortunately, the decorations for the main chamber of the Keep will have to wait until after the scaffolds are moved sometime tomorrow. Until then, feel free to decorate anywhere else! I want Skyhold to spread joy and Satinalia cheer to all that are here and join our ranks daily!"
We're dismissed and as everybody files out of the room to get started with their assigned tasks for the day, Cullen quickly pushes past the others and grabs my arm to pull me aside. A couple of my fellow companions shoot us some curious glances and I raise a brow while his eyes shift uneasily at the others. He waits until most are out the door before he finally turns to me. "Lena, do you really think it's wise to leave Skyhold?" He asks, lowering his voice. "You should be resting and healing after….you know. Perhaps I should go with you."
Smiling, I place a hand on his cold breastplate. "I'll be fine. Nobody has reported any rifts near here and, like Josephine has said, we're just going into the valley below. No big deal. We'll be back in time for supper." I shrug. "It'll be like I never left."
Lifting up on my tiptoes, press a peck to his lips before lowering and turning back toward the door. Winking at him over my shoulder, I leave the room and start making my way toward the courtyard.
A crisp morning breeze blows across the snow drifts as Blackwall and I stand beside alongside the giant flat sleigh while Dorian hops up onto the bench at the front. As soon as he climbs up into his seat, he smiles as he held a hand out to me. "Come on." He urges. "We can huddle together for warmth like we did in Crestwood and gossip about all the stupid things that we've heard since we've been back." When I don't move, his smile falters for a moment before returning. "I've even managed to snag some bourbon!"
While I could feel my thirst making itself known at the very mention of alcohol, I pull my cloak close. "No thanks." I mutter, turn away as Blackwall tosses the large axe onto his shoulder.
"Maybe it's for the best, Dorian." He shrugs, the early morning light illuminating his breath. "It's too early for drinking. Besides, operating an axe while under the influence—"
Dorian lets out an exasperated sigh. "That's why we have you, you lumberjack. You are to do most of the hard work."
Before Blackwall can sling anything back, Dennet approaches with some strange creature with shaggy hair, a long snout and giant antlers curved upwards from the back. It snorts at us and my brows raise. "Maker, is that…?"
Dennet smirks as he leads the animal toward the front and begins to connect it to the sleigh. "Yep. A Greater Frostback Elk." He beams, rubbing the animal's neck lovingly. "People said they were only a myth yet here he is!"
"If they're said to only be a myth, how did you get one?" I ask, dumbfounded as I look with cautious curiosity.
He shrugs as he finishes connecting it. "Some of your scouts found some Avvar while exploring the Frostbacks in search of new and discrete trade routes. I'm unaware of all the details but your people helped them with an issue and, in return, they gifted the Inquisition a breeding pair." He turns to grin at me. "I'm sure you can see how having a strong, study breed like this can benefit the Inquisition."
Blackwall eyes the creature then the sleigh. "Will he be able to pull it alone? Tree and all?"
Dennet looks as though he's been slapped. "Don't be ridiculous! These elks have been well known animals used to pull carts and sleighs for the old tribes of Ferelden for centuries!"
Feeling the tension beginning to rise, I step forward to quell it. "He shall work perfectly then." I smile. "Let's get on our way. We won't find the perfect tree just standing around here."
As Dennet climbs up into the seat and takes the reins, Dorian once more tries to beckon me to sit beside him but I turn away and begin walking alongside sleigh as it begins to move.
The valley, while speckled with trees, is almost devoid of any that would be worthy of sitting in the main chamber of the keep.
"How about this one?" Blackwall asks for the tenth time in the past hour as he motions to a towering pine with his axe. I look it over with a grimace before shaking my head.
"Too thin." I say, starting away. "Josephine would be disappointed if we brought that back and it could barely hold few decorations before the branches give way."
"She's right." Dorian scoffs. "Those branches look like they're already about to give way with the little bit of snow that's on them. If Josephine wants a tree to be beautifully decorated and fill those who see it with joy, that definitely isn't it."
Whether he was agreeing to improve my attitude toward him or he actually agreed, I was unsure. Moments ago he was complaining about the cold and how pointless our search was since most trees we found were too short, too thin or a combination of both. I secretly agreed with him but I was just happy to be away from Skyhold for a bit.
Before my forced break, I had been excited to return and start progressing to the next phase of mine and Cullen's relationship. Now that I was no longer allowed to leave for the week, I had the urge to go anywhere else.
Turning away from the pitiful looking tree, I squint as I survey the area. If only we had Nevan with us. He has a better idea of the area. Surely he would know where to find a worthy tree for the keep.
I let out a breath and it becomes visible in the chill air. "Inquisitor, if I may?"
I turn to look at Dennet. "Yes?"
Rising from his seat, he jumps down and pulls a folded up paper from his pocket. As he unfolds it before me, I notice that it's an old map of Ferelden. Coming to stand beside me, he points toward the mountains on the map. "As you will see, Skyhold is here." He says. He moves his finger out slightly. "We are currently here." I nod and he continues. Moving his finger down toward Lake Calenhad, he turns his head to look at me. "While you were away at the Coast, I returned to my farm to check on my wife and children and to get more horses to make up for those lost in Haven." He points out toward the path up the hill that leads out through the mountains. "That is the path that your men and I took to and from Skyhold. On the other side of these mountains, downhill a ways, there's a portion of forest that I believe will serve your purpose, Your Worship."
I look out at the mountains he pointed to. "How far?"
Dennet shrugs. "It'll take most of the day to get there then to find, cut and secure the tree to the sleigh before heading back. I'd say we can be there and back by nightfall."
I look off in the distance as I debate this, I can only imagine the panic that will ensue if I don't return for a while.
"Are you sure there's no places like that nearby?" Dorian asks, echoing my thoughts. I look to Dennet expectedly but he shakes his head.
"Well then, it's settled!" I exclaim. "It's obvious that we won't find any here. If crossing through the mountains to get to a forest is what it takes to get the perfect tree for Josie, let's do it."
Cullen paces the main chamber of the keep while Cassandra and Josephine stands silent nearby pauses and looks at the door before turning to them. "Where are they?" He asks, trying and failing to mask his worry. "The torches have already been changed and there's still no sign of them. How long does it take to go into the valley to get a bloody tree?"
Cassandra and Jospehine exchange glance. "Perhaps they ventured out from the valley." Josie offers. "Being that Skyhold is above the treeline, perhaps the ones below weren't to Lena's liking. I'm sure they'll be back very soon."
Turning, he begins pacing once more, shaking his head. "I knew sending Lena early into her recovery time was a bad idea. What if she ran into a rift?"
"If she did, it's not like she's alone." Cassandra points out. "She has Blackwall and Dorian with her."
"And Master Dennet." Josie inputs. "He also has a fighting background."
Cassandra motions toward her. "See Cullen? There's nothing to worry about." She continues as he pauses to shoot her a glare before pacing once more. "Even so, I have sent some of our scouts to check the valley to ensure they're all okay."
He pauses. "And? How long ago did you send them?"
"About two hours ago. I expect a report shortly."
As though they heard her, a scout then bursts through the large double doors and strides toward them. "She's not down there, Seeker." The scout says.
"Andraste's ass." Cullen mutters, turning away and running a hand through his hair.
"Are you sure?" Cassandra frowns. "Did you make sure to canvas the entire valley?"
"Of course." They nod. Their eyes shift to the stony expression of the Commander before turning back. "However, they were spotted on their way back. They were just coming through the mountains when we spotted them."
Cullen's brows crease. "The mountains? There are plenty of trees below Skyhold! What would cause them to venture out-?"
Cassandra thanks the scout and dismisses them before turning to her irritated fellow advisor. "Whatever the reason, at least she's on her way back. I'm sure that she had her reasons." Glancing at Josephine, she sees the bloom of pink starting to form at her cheeks as she looks down at her writing tablet. "I'll go to the gate and await her arrival. Do you want me to send her to you once she arrives, Josephine?"
The ambassador looks up and pastes a smile on her face. "Yes. I would apreciate that. I have some news I'm sure she'll be happy to hear."
With a brief glance at the Commander, cassandra nods and quickly exits the main chamber. Once alone, Josephine inhales. "Cullen, I know you care about her…" She begins, keeping her voice low.
He looks away before rolling his shoulders. "She's our inquisitor." He says stiffly. "I worry about her safety. Without her help, we wouldn't be here."
A knowing smile tugs at her lips but she manages to suppress it. "Of course. We all owe her our lives after Haven." She pauses and watches him for a moment before continuing. "Even so, I understand your concern about her venturing out from the grounds surrounding Skyhold. The only reason I assigned her to getting a tree was because I wanted her to be aware that, while she's taking the week off, I didn't want her to feel like she's a prisoner."
"Too late for that." Cullen mutters, running a gloved hand through his hair with a sigh. "She wasn't thrilled when I told her."
"I imagine not." She says, a smile emerging. "She never was one taking orders."
"No, she's not." He chuckles with a grin. He looks at her and sees her smirking at his expression and quickly clears his throat. "Anyways… once you're finished speaking with her, can you send her my way? I promised her that during her break time, I would show her some of the reports that I get."
"Of course." She nods. He stands there awkwardly for another moment before finally nodding and heading toward Solas' attrium to his tower.
Riding on the back of the sleigh with Blackwall and the giant tree we all agreed on, I watch as the gates close behind us as Dennet steers us toward the stables before halting. As we come to a halt, I see Cassandra start walking toward us, her fair skin and the occasional glimmer of her armor in the torchlight being the only thing to distinguish her from the dark.
"Here we go." I mutter to Blackwall as we stand up and he begins to start untying the ropes holding the tree down. Plastering a smile on my face, I walk toward her. "Cassandra!" I grin. "Boy, did I miss you."
She snorts. "Glad to see you're back and in one piece, Your Worship." Calling to Dennet to hold off on moving the tree, she turns back to me. "Josephine wants to speak with you. I believe she has news for you."
My brows raise. "Oh?" I try to rack my brain about what it could possibly be when I remember my letter I sent out to my family to tell them of my survival. Nervous excitement floods through me as I smile. "Since we're not doing anything further with the tree tonight, I'll go now. Thanks."
I jog back up the many stairs to the keep and burst through the doors. Quickly dipping and dodging the various building equipment, I come to Josephine's office door and knock.
"Come in!"
Smiling, I push open the door and she looks up before motioning for me to close it. "You wanted to see me?" I ask. "I've heard you have some news for me. Hopefully it's good news. I can definitely use some."
Finishing what she was writing, she puts down her quill and rises, rounding her desk to stand before me with a smile. "It is good news."
"Has my family responded to my letter?" I ask hopefully.
Her smile falters slightly. "Um...no. Not yet." She sees me frown and continues. "It actually has to do with your sleeping arrangements. Your quarters have been repaired and furnished and awaits you."
"Oh!" I exclaim, my brows shooting up. "Is it one of the rooms off the keep? If so, I've already been sleeping inside one of them."
She shakes her head. "No. As a reward for everything you've done for the Inquisition so far, your other advisors and I agreed that you should be given the master suite above us." She beams. "I believe you will love it! It has such a beautiful view of the mountains. You must see!"
For a moment, I'm speechless. The master suite? I know I'm technically the leader of the Inquisition but having an extravagant room while others have simpler accomadations just seems….wrong.
Before I can voice my objections, she grabs my hand and begins pulling me back toward the door excitedly. "Come! Let me show you! I've had some of the housekeeping staff ready it for you."
I follow her out her office door and to another door to the left of it a few yards away. I wait as she opens the door and waves me to continue on. We step into this winding path leading upwards, the path lit with torches on the walls and another that snakes down into the darkness. I wonder where that goes?
Walking over to the railing, I look over it into the darkness when Josephine calls to me. I look up at her, my cheeks burning as though I was caught doing something I wasn'tsupposed to. Her ruffled gold blouse gleams in the torch light as she motions me upwards. "Up here."
Together we climb upwards, passing old doors leading Maker knows where before we finally reach a door at the very top. Placing a hand on the doorhandle, she turns and grins widely. "Just remember," She says, "if the furnishings are not up to your liking, let me know and I will have it refurnished."
I give her a polite smile. "I'm sure that won't be necessary."
Pushing open the door, I see the panelled windows at the top of the wall. I follow her up the small set of stairs, flanked by a railing carved from stone and hear the cheery sound of a fire crackling nearby. Nearing the top of the steps, my jaw drops at the very sight.
A small couch and glass table sit on the other side of the railing, the metal detailing pale gold to compliment the white and red color scheme present in the room. Even the large bed at one end had an elegant looking frame of rose gold with crimson brocade curtains tied up at the corners. The bed, unlike the silks that hung from walls and framed the large windows on either side of the three balconies, boasted thick woolen covers and furs to keep out the early morning Ferleden chill. Just looking at the bed, I felt my limbs grow heavy and a longing to pass out on it.
"Well?" She asks, turning to me as she motions out toward the room. "What do you think?"
I spot the large rug with the Maker's eye at the center, the elegantly carved fireplace, and the dark wooden furnature spread out along the walls. "It's… amazing." I mutter, did looking around in awe.
Walking toward the midle of the room, she glances around at her design like a proud mother.
"You'll like this even more." She says, motioning off toward the wall at the head of the bed. I look and see two other doors and my brows furrow.
"Where do those go?"
She turns to spirk at me. "The left is a private wine cellar." She explains. "On the right, there's a ladder leading up to the loft."
"Loft?"
She points up and I finally notice the small loft area with a simple wooden railing and a giant, unknown mural painted on the stone wall.
"Huh." I mutter. "Neat."
She turns to look at me expectedly once more. "So? Thoughts?"
"I love it." I chuckle, turning to shoot her a smirk. "I mean, you already had me private wine cellar."
She chuckles in response. "I figured you'd like that." Looking around for one final time, she clasps her hands before her and sighs. "Well then, is there anything else I can get you?"
"A night shirt would be nice."
Walking back toward the stairs, he smirks and motions back toward the bed. "You'll find clothes ready for you in the dresser. If you don't need anything else, I'll let you rest. I'm sure you're tired."
I nod and she wishes me goodnight before walking toward the door. Reaching it, she suddenly pauses.
"Oh, and Lena?"
Walking to the top of the stairs, I raise a brow. "Hm?"
"I almost forgot. Before you retire for the night, Cullen wanted to speak to you about some reports. He's waiting for you in his tower."
I sigh as I glance over at the bed longly before nodding. "I'll be right down."
I find Cullen in his tower, dressed in his simple tunic and trousers as he looks over the reports on his desk. As I enter, he looks up and a relieved smile graces his handsome face. "There you are." He says, setting the report down and rounding his desk. Immediately, I wrap my arms around his neck and his arms encircle me.
"Miss me?" I smirk.
"Of course." He chuckles, leaning down to give me a slow peck on the lips. He reluctantly breaks the kiss and I feel his thumbs idly rubbing into my back. Something is bothering him.
"Everything all right?" I frown. "You seem a bit tense."
His eyes meet mine. "I was informed that you ventured away from Skyhold."
Groaning, I pull away from his embrace. "So? I came right back, unscathed and with an amazing tree!"
He leans against his desk and folds his arms before him with a stern expression. "Even so, we had an agreement. During our Satinalia week-long celebration, you we supposed to stay within Skyhold grounds."
"Maker's breath." I mutter, rolling my eyes. "Cullen, the trees in the valley were shit. They could barely hold snow let alone whatever decorations Josephine has planned. We had to go elsewhere and it paid off! The tree we got is magnificent and huge. I think Josie will love it."
"But when if you had found a rift?" He points out. "What then?" As I look away, he pushes from his perch and comes to try putting his arms around me but I pull away.
"Then I would close it. That's my job afterall, isn't it?"
"Lena…" He more he tries to pull me to him but I once more pull away, running a hand over my face.
"Did you actually want to show me reports tonight?" I snap. "If not, I'm quite tired."
"No. I made that excuse so I could see you and give you a reason to come here." He says, the blush in his cheeks becoming evident. "I already miss having you in my arms." He smiles. "I put a shirt of mine on the bed if you want to wear it tonight."
I feel my heart flutter at this but try to push the feeling away. I shrug. "Actually, like I said, I'm tired. I'm going to retire for the night." As I say this, it takes every ounce of my being to start back toward the door and he frowns.
"Wait! Where are you going?"
"I'm going to sleep in my own room tonight." I mutter, opening the door. The night chill rushes in and makes some of the torches nearby gutter. "Night Cullen." And then I leave.
