Chapter 27

Riona woke the next morning to a pounding on her door only to realize it was her head that was pounding. "When am I going to learn to not try to out drink Bull." She muttered to herself groaning as she held her head.

She sat there for a few more minutes before getting to her feet to start the day. The room however swayed uncontrollably, she felt like she was going to be sick as she rushed to her chamber pot in the corner and lost the remains of whatever she had eaten for dinner. She curled up on her side and just laid on the cool stone floor miserable.

On the other side of Skyhold, Cullen had been up for hours catching up on paperwork that he had put off last night to play cards. "Head pounding … stomach rolls… wants to be held." Cole said appearing before him.

"What's that now?" Cullen asked, looking up at boy.

"Stone feels nice … but cold. Bare chest … wants to be held against it… bare ass … wants to touch it." Cole continued.

Cullen could feel his ears heating as he began to rub the back of his neck. "Andraste preserve me." He muttered. "You said head pounding and stomach rolling. Is Riona sick?"

"yes." Cole said before vanishing.

He looked at the spot the boy had just been in, "How does he do that?" Cullen got to his feet, leaving his office via the bridge that went to Solas' study, guards on all doors entering it. He entered spotting the elf studying a pile of books, not bothering to look up at the Commander. Cullen did not know what they were going to do with him, just one more thing that had him worried for Riona's safety. He exited out into the great hall, Varric already in his spot by the fire place.

"I see you found your clothes I returned Curly", Varric called out to him as he passed.

"I know you cheated dwarf, I will have my revenge." Culled stated, smirking slightly. He knew he had been played, he knew Varric had cheated, he had to have, there's no way anybody is that lucky.

Cullen continued through the great hall, avoiding as many of the people as he could. The men mainly ignored him, the woman however all became simpering idiots whenever he passed trying to catch his eye. He pointedly ignored them. He reached the door that lead to Riona's chambers and slipped in. Once out of sight of everybody, he bounded up the stairs two at a time reaching her chambers quickly.

Knocking softly on her door, he waited. When no response came he slipped in quietly, moving up the steps into her chamber slowly. As soon as his head cleared the banister he looked for her spotting her passed out on the floor. "Riona, love!" Cullen called rushing over to her.

"Cullen?" Riona asked shielding her eyes from the light shining into her room as she was pulled against Cullen's chest.

"You overdid it last night, didn't you my love?" Cullen asked quietly, a teasing smirk on his face.

"At least I kept all my clothes." She replied an evil grin appearing, "Not that I minded … nice ass by the way."

"You weren't supposed to look," Cullen said, kissing her forehead as he picked her up off the ground and carried her over to her soft bed. "You need more sleep." he said as he laid her down, and began to step away.

Riona held onto his hand not letting him leave, "Stay please? Just hold me."

"Alright." Cullen said as he went to sit beside her.

"No … no armor. I want to feel you." Riona said stopping him.

Cullen just nodded as his hands went to the fastenings of his armor and began removing it. When he was in nothing but his breeches and tunic, he got into bed with her. Pulling her against him, her head resting on his chest, directly over his heart. "mmm … this is nice." Riona murmured a little bit later.

"Yes … very." Cullen agreed, his hand stroking her arms.

It wasn't long before Cullen could hear Riona's soft snores, he smiled peacefully, there was no where else he rather be at that moment… or really ever again. This right here, by Riona's side, in her bed, this was where he belonged. He thought about what he could do to show her his intentions. He didn't have any money to buy her a ring. He wasn't very familiar with Dalish customs, did a man buy a ring for the woman he wanted to marry? No … he didn't think Riona would want a ring, to impractical. No some other kinda token then. An idea began forming in his head. "yes that's perfect." he said quietly to himself. He pulled Riona tighter, resting his head on top of hers, closing his eyes he drifted off to a contented sleep.