A/N: Hello everyone! I just wanted to give a quick shout out to the amazing mediaeval-thotte for allowing me to borrow her OC, Florence, from her "The Flower of Ferelden" series for a brief cameo! Her whole series is honestly the most amazing thing you'll ever read, and Flo is so well written that it's hard not to love her. I highly recommend checking out her stories! :)

Now without further ado, enjoy!

I glance over at my companion every so often as we make our way toward my usual spot. For the longest time, neither of us says a word until he clears his throat. I glare at him.

"So, I noticed you have an accent." He says, casually. "Where are you from?"

"Why?"

His brows raise with amusement as he glances at me. "Just making conversation, Love."

"I'm not your love." I sneer. "We don't need to speak."

He shrugs. "Come on now. I'm interested in getting to know you."

Stopping in my tracks, I narrow my eyes at him. "Why?" I could feel my palms beginning to sweat and my heart racing. Could this be another trap like Redcliffe? I glance around me warily while I feel his gaze on me.

He shrugs. "It's just been a while since I've had the pleasure of having a conversation with somebody," he replies, the corners of his mouth curling into a grin. "Especially one as beautiful and talented as yourself."

I roll my eyes yet feel a small thrill run through me. Despite the fact that he had this wild mountain man look to him as though he hasn't shaved or maybe even bathed in Maker knows how long, there was something oddly charming about him. "And why is that? Are you in hiding or something?"

He smiles again. "Something like that. I guess you can say I just needed a break from the day to day."

I scoff. "What I wouldn't give for a break like that." I frown as memories of Crestwood and Redcliffe fill my mind.

He nods. "I can only imagine how hectic things are at the fortress."

As soon as he says this, my head snaps in his direction. "What?"

He chuckles to himself. "With all due respect, I'm not a fool. I know that you come from the old fortress set high in the mountains." As he says this he gestures off in the distance. "Given your skill with a bow,, I take it you're a hunter? A scout perhaps?"

I shrug nonchalantly. "Something like that." He raises a brow and I feel myself blush. "While I work at the fortress, I simply volunteered to hunt for meat for the upcoming feast."

"A feast? I was under the impression that the Inquisition were the ones who had taken up there. From what I've heard, feasts would be the last thing they'd be doing right now?"

I raise a brow. "And what have you heard exactly?"

He shrugs. "Many things. Mostly about how the Inquisition is our last hope at fighting whatever caused that tear in the sky."

"I see." I mutter. No pressure. I incline my chin. "The Inquisition works hard; It's only right they too should have a day off to enjoy themselves. The breach is sealed for now." I stop to which Nate slows as well. He raises a brow.

"Something wrong?"

I press a finger to my lips and motion off in the distance. Nate turns to look as a small group of rams graze on the grass beginning to peek through the snow. Together we move behind a shrub and I take out my bow. As I take aim, I feel his gaze on me. The heat rises to my cheeks and I try to push away the nerves bubbling up. I inhale and let my arrow fly. As soon as the arrow is shot, the ram I aimed at moves and my arrow flies past and buries itself in the snow bank. I curse under my breath as the rams sense the danger and quickly scatter.

"Nice shot."

I glare at Nate beside me. "It was a little hard to focus when I could feel you staring at me. Why didn't you shoot? There were plenty of them out there."

He grins. "I was paying you a compliment. I'm sorry if my admiring gaze distracted you. I shall be more careful to not be so obvious."

Rolling my eyes, I stand up. "I hope you don't stare at every woman like that; It's insanely creepy."

Nate rises as well, brushing the snow from his trousers with a chuckle. "Noted."

It's near time for the events to start as Josephine bustles about the main hall making sure everything is in place. Holding her writing tablet close, she stands near the raised platform where a new Inquisitor's chair sits and surveys her work. Long tables line the walls on either side, each one decorated with garlands and velvet bows. Despite being Antivan, she was pleasantly surprised by how beautiful all the Ferelden decorations suggested by Cullen and the others looked. Spotting one of their bakers, she quickly motions them over.

"How are the cakes?" She asks anxiously. "Before the feast begins, we need to commence with the Bean cakes."

"We had a small issue with a couple of layers, Lady Ambassador. " She begins. Josephine's eyes widen and she quickly finishes. "But, we were able to fix it. My assistants are icing the cakes as we speak."

"Perfect!" Josephine beams, relief flooding through her. "I'll have people begin lining up now."

Turning from the baker, her smile fades as she scans the room. Lena, Where are you?

The sun begins to set behind the mountains as we finally start making our way back, lugging our prizes on our backs. Coming up beside me, Nate motions with his chin. "Are you sure you don't need a hand with that?"

I shake my head. "No." I say, trying to conceal my huffing from the effort. "I've got it."

He smiles to himself. "Alright. If you change your mind—"

"While I'm sure you are very strong, I doubt you could carry both our kills at once." I adjust the deer on my shoulders. "I've got it."

I see the looming presence of Skyhold ahead of us. From here, the lights glow from more than just the usual lit braziers along the battlements. Hawke looks up. "How cozy. Are you guys having a party? It looks like more than just a feast." He turns to me but I keep walking.

"It's the end of our Satinalia celebration."

Hawke stops in his tracks. "Is it really Satinalia already?"

"It was at the beginning of the month." I call over my shoulder. "With everything going on, we missed the actual day so the advisers decided to celebrate like they do in Antiva with a full week."

We walk for a while longer as the sun disappears and a chill sweeps through the valley. Hawke stops.

"I think its about time we part ways, Love." I turn to him and he smiles. "Thank you again for showing me your secret hunting ground."

I snort. "It wasn't much of a secret."

He shrugs. "Even so. I hope we have the fortune of hunting together again in the future."

He bows his head and turns from me. I chew on my lip as I watch him. "Nate."

He stops and turns, raising an inquisitive brow. "Hm?"

"Would you care to join me at Skyhold for the celebration?" I ask. "It's the final day so there will be a huge feast and lots of good people…"

He chuckles. "I appreciate the offer, Love. Unfortunately, I'll have to politely decline." His eyes move over my form before returning to my own. "As tempting as spending a night in your enchanting company is."

I feel a blush begin to rise from my collar, thankful of the dark falling over us to mask it. "I see." I mutter. "I apologize. We've just met after all…"

He frowns. "It's not that. I'm just… it's been a while since I'm been around so many people at once. Perhaps in the future I'll be ready to accept."

"I understand." I nod.

"Goodnight, Lena. I hope we'll meet again soon."

I shrug as a smirk begins to emerge. "We'll see. Goodnight Nate."

Hurrying back, I manage to drop off the deer to one of the servants from the kitchens before sneaking back up to my quarters. Once safely behind the door, I let out a breath. My time with Nate replays through my mind as I walk up the stairs.

"It's about time you showed up."

My head snaps in the direction of my bed where Dorian is lounging lazily. He smirks. "I was beginning to worry that you ran away and weren't coming back."

I chuckle. "Not yet. Give it time and that'll probably change." I reach down and take off one of my wet boots. "What are you doing here?"

He shrugs. "Our dear Ambassador was worried and sent me to find you. Given your choice for stress relief, I figured I'd wait here for you to return." He looks me over. "It's a good thing this is all a secret. I can only imagine the reactions you'd get with all that blood on you."

Pulling off my other wet boot, I toss it aside and rise. "I see you also took it upon yourself to dip into my wine stores as well." I motion over to the bedside table where a bottle sits accompanied by a half empty glass. "You could have at least poured me a glass since you were waiting for me."

"Well, you are the head person of the Inquisition. Given the amount of attempts on your life, somebody had to taste the wine for poison." He smiles. Sitting up, he leans over the bed on the opposite side and retrieves another glass. "Seeing as it seems to be free of poison, I suppose you've earned a glass."

He fills my glass and holds it out to me while he tops his own off before setting the now empty bottle on the table.

I stride across the floor and take the glass and hold it up. "To the Inquisition." I toast. "May this damned war be over soon and let us be victorious."

Shortly after Dorian leaves to delay Josephine's frantic attempts to ensure I'm ready, I manage to clean up well enough heating some water on the fireplace in the far corner. I shiver as I wrap a blanket around me. While searching for something suitable to wear in the small dresser, a knock sounds.

"Just a moment!" I call, quickly slipping on a simple tunic. Before I can make it to the door, Wynne emerges from the small stairwell with a small bundle in her arms. Seeing me, she smiles.

"Forgive the intrusion. Josephine asked that I bring you this." She approaches me and holds out the bundle. "It seems she had something made for you to wear for tonight."

I raise a brow, taking the bundle. I take it to the bed and carefully unwrap the beautiful emerald green dress. I hold it up to look at it. The fine silk fabric is pinned at both shoulders with golden clasps with what looks to be the Trevelyan crest. The sleeves are practically see through and hang almost halfway down the dress itself. "It's beautiful." I mutter, glancing up at her. "Did she say why?"

Wynne shrugs. "It's a special occasion. Seems like a good enough reason, if any."

With some help from Wynne, I change into the dress and add the additional piece of a beautifully sculpted metal belt that sits below my breasts.

After offering to brush and braid my hair, Wynne and I head down into the main hall.

The hall is beautifully decorated with festive decorations. Long, silk drapes of dark green and red trimmed with gold hangs from the ceilings. The long tables lining both sides of the halls are already set up and decorated for the feast and topped with sprigs of elderberries and holly.

Spotting an anxious looking Josephine as she speaks with a servant about seating, I walk toward her.

"Everything looks beautiful, Josie." I comment. "As do you."

For this celebration, she had changed out if her usual golden ruffled blouse and pants and into a sleek looking red and gold gown. Her hair, pinned up in a fancy looking bun was also decorated with mistletoe.

She turns to me, her gaze sweeping over me as a smile spreads across her face. "Lena! You look lovely!" Her eyes move up to my head and her smile drops. "Oh no… "

"What's wrong?"

She flips through the parchment in her writing desk. "It's all wrong." She mutters. "I wanted you to dress up in traditional Ostwickian garb to show your heritage, but the golden laurel headband is missing. I could have sworn I gave it to Wynne…"

"It's fine, Josie." I say, touching her shoulder. "No harm, no foul."

She shakes her head. "It is a foul! The gold is supposed to symbolize the flames that engulfed Andraste while the laurel is to signify the peace of your nation during the holiday." She frowns. "It's basically an insult to Andraste herself and your homeland to not have that ornamentation!"

Glancing around me, I look for something to use when I notice the assorted sprigs of holly strewn on a nearby table. "Wait." Striding over, I pick up two pieces and place each sprig in my hair, using a couple of pins to hold them in place. "There." I smile. "Now my hair is full of holiday symbolism. Andraste will forgive us."

Josephine gives a self-conscious chuckle. "Thank you, Lena. I know I can be a bit dramatic sometimes-"

I raise my hand to stop her. "It's fine. I know that all your worrying comes from wanting to make sure everything is perfect. It already is, trust me."

Before she can say anything further, a servant nearby steals her attention as she calls out for them to stop whatever mistake they were making. She turns to me for a brief moment. "Try and stay close by. The cakes will be brought up soon for the bean ceremony."

She scurries after the servant and I linger back to take in all the decorations. It was amazing how different the keep looked compared to the ruins we encountered upon first arrival.

Standing off to the side, I watch Josephine delegate tasks to the servants when I hear the smooth Antivan accent behind me.

"My, you look simply tempting tonight, mi corina."

Smiling, I turn to come face to face with Zevran. Much like myself, it looked as though Josephine had dressed him up as well. His hair is pulled back into a bun with his usual side braids. Yet his clothes looked more formal from what he usually wears. His velvety deep burgundy jacket is embroidered with gold thread in what I assume to be an Antivan style.

"You're looking quite dashing yourself." I smile as he takes my hand and kisses it. "You clean up well."

"I do what I can." He grins. "I'm not used to being invited to such fancy parties. "

"Neither am I." I chuckle.

We turn when we hear excited whispers as two large, multilayer cakes are carried in and set on either side of the large throne at the head of the room. My brows shoot up. "Maker's breath…" I mutter. "How many beans are in the cakes again?"

"Just one in each." Zevran says as he leans against the wall. He smirks at me. "It's unfortunate that you are not going to be playing. I would be more than happy to fulfill your desires for a day."

Josephine waves me over. "It looks as though I'm being summoned." I chuckle, turning to him. "Besides, even for a simple game, I'd rather not be in charge of anything more."

Josie has me take a seat on the throne while my advisors slowly make their way to stand on either side. I smile as I catch Cullen's eye and his gaze sweeps over me hungrily. He takes his place on the other side of Cassandra who remains in her usual armor. The only difference with her is that she also has a small wreath of holly perched on her head.

"I'm surprised you're not dress up, Cassandra." I comment.

"I'm not one to dress up." She says, frowning as Josie shoots her a look. "During times like these, I'd rather be prepared. Haven was a reminder of what can happen if we let our guard down."

I frown at the mention of Haven and look away as Josie sighs. "I had a lovely Nevarran dress made for her but she refused to wear it. I suppose she does have a point…"

"Should I go change?" I ask.

She shakes her head, the tiny ringlets at her temples bobbing as she does so. "No. If there's anybody who needs a break from all the nonstop seriousness of this war, it'd be you. You should enjoy yourself."

I notice somebody wave to her from the distance and she quickly straightens. "Everyone look alive. It's time to let the celebration begin!"

With a wave of her hand, two servants open the giant doors. Lines of men and women start filling in as the servants take their places near the cakes.

It takes nearly an hour before the first bean is found. A young woman with oxblood hair gratefully accepted her cake and shuffles over to the side to dig in. Unlike the other contestants, she didn't rip the cake apart in search for the bean but instead practically wolfed the entire piece down in one go. As more disappointed ladies get their cake and tear it apart to find no bean, the young woman shyly stands aside with a stoic expression.

I frown and rise from my seat and make my way over to her. Almost immediately, she bows her head as she dips into a lopsided curtsey. I offer her a smile and motion for her to rise. My gaze moves over her. I bite my lip as my gaze moves from the long oxblood hair pulled back into a simply yet hasty ponytail. Her skin looks like porcelain, so smooth without a single blemish. I feel a stir of interest between my legs as my eyes wander down to the neckline of her shirt where I can just barely make out the outline of the nipples of her surprisingly pert breasts through the thin fabric of her tunic. I swallow and force a smile. "There's no need for that. I'm not royalty."

The woman nods and rises but keeps her gaze averted. "Thank you, Inquisador."

"Lena is fine." I reply, curious to get a look at her face. I know I've seen her around helping with the other mages in Wynne's infirmary, but we never really spoke. "And you are?"

She hesitates. "My name is Florence... most just call me Flo."

"What a lovely name."

As I say this, I feel my heart leap as she looks up at me through her lashes. Despite her stoic expression, she looks up at me with the palest yet most beautiful grey eyes like the color of the sky after a downpour. I glance down, her lips full and pouty that almost makes them beg to be bit and kissed. Maker's Breath.

"Thank you." She says, the smallest glimmer of a smile showing. She crosses her arms behind her and I find my eyes instinctually moving down and instantly regretting it. For such a petite woman, she had curves in all the right places - a body practically built for sin.

"You're welcome." I nod. Feeling the urge to touch, I fold my hands behind me. "I noticed you standing off to the side. Did you have a concern or question?"

Her fair complexion pinkens slightly which only adds to her appeal as a thrill moves through me. "I found this." She holds her hand out to show an uncooked bean in the middle of her palm. My brows raise.

"I do believe you won." I smile. Her brows crinkle as she looks at the bean in her hand.

"Won what?"

Before I could explain, a woman nearby notices and calls out. "There it is! She found it!"

Among the excited whispers, disappointed grunts erupt from women still in line before heading back outside. Flo looks down at her feet. "I'm sorry."

"Nonsense." I smile, offering her my hand. "Come with me?"

She gently takes my hand and I lead her back to the platform. Catching Cullen's eye, I shoot him a smile as Josephine thanks the women for their participation and advises them to gather in the lower courtyard for the crowning.

Standing beside one another, Flo and I make conversation as the men take their cake and quickly rip it apart. Flo frowns as she watches. She leans toward me and I can't help but smell a faint, yet alluring fragrance of jasmine. Andraste preserve me.

"I don't understand...Why aren't they eating it?" She asks, turning her gaze to me. "Seems a waste."

My gaze flicks down to her lips which are overturned into a pouty frown before moving upwards to her eyes once more. "It's a tradition apparently. Do you not have such a thing where you're from?"

She shakes her head, absently biting her thumbnail. "No. In Herring, we didn't have time. "

I stifle a grin. "Herring? I don't believe I know the place. Is it here in Ferelden?"

She nods, her eyes widening as a smile graces her beautiful face. "Yes. It's a small fishing village near Highever." Her smile falters. "Or...was."

My brows furrow. "What happened?"

She shrugs. "The blight hit it while I was in the Circle. I tried to go back once the mages fled during the rebellion but..." She looks down at her hands and I reach out, giving it a gentle squeeze. She glances up at me.

"I've very sorry." I frown. "It was a great tragedy."

Before I can say anything further, I hear somebody call out excitedly from near the wall. "Here!"

My head snaps in the direction and I see Bull pick up a very terrified looking Nevan and place him on his shoulders with Varric and Dorian in tow. "You may all go now!" Dorian smirks. "The second bean has been found!"

Most of the men look at me for confirmation while others grunt and curse under their breaths as they shuffle out the large doors at the end of the hall. I raise a brow as Nevan is set down before me. "What's happened?" I ask, glancing down at Dorian's hands. "You found the bean?"

Smirking, he shakes his head. "Not me."

Before I can ask, Varric nudges me. "You'll love this one." He chuckles, jerking his thumb toward Nevan. "Dalish here did."

My brows raise as Nevan holds his hand out with the uncooked bean. "What does this mean?"

I smile and offer my hand. "It means that you won."

The poor lad looks back at the other guys who motion for him to take my hand. "Come on, Nevan." I smile. "It's about time you gained some recognition."

Josephine and Cassandra herd the rest of the people toward the door for the crowning ceremony while Zevran shamelessly flirts with Flo as he offers his arm. She glances back at me, smiling as I motion her on. "We'll be right behind you."

Zevran leads her away and I feel the hard pit of jealousy in my stomach. Plastering a smile on my face for Nevan's sake, I motion toward the doors. He starts walking a little ways ahead of me when I feel a hand graze my own. Looking up, Cullen offers me a smile. He glances around us before leaning toward me. "Meet me on the balcony above the keep after the feast?" He whispers. He looks at me expectantly.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world." I whisper back. He smiles before clearing his throat.

We exit the keep and I find my advisors standing on the center platform at the conjunction of the stairs leading to the upper courtyard. Flo stands beside Zevran who whispers something in her ear, her cheeks reddening. I lead Nevan over to the others to find the people gathered below in the lower courtyard, conversing with one another with a few looking up at the winners curiously. Josephine motions me over before motioning toward the crowd. "You may do the honors." She smiles. She holds out a small crown of woven holly.

My heart pounds loudly in my chest as I take the crown that I barely hear the torches flickering in the slight breeze as the sun finally disappears. I look down at it, debating what to say. What does one say in these situations anyways? Plastering a smile on my face, I step forward. The crowd cheers and I raise my hand to quiet them.

"The time has finally come - the final day of our week-long Antivan-styled Satinalia celebration." I begin, trying to buy myself time. I feel like I'm shaking but try to keep a calm demeanor. "Thank you all who made the bean ceremony and our upcoming feast happen, and I would like to personally thank you all for making this celebration one of the best that I have ever experienced!" More cheers erupt. "With that said, it is time that we crown the winners of the bean contest!"

I step to the side and wave Nevan over. His eyes widen but he remains in place until Cassandra gives him a little nudge. He stumbles forward earning a few snickers and gasps from the crowd making him redden even more.

"Nevan Lavellan," I begin, setting the woven crown atop his head. "By the power vested in me, I crown you King of the Bean!" Once crowned, he steps aside and Flo steps forward. She looks up through her lashes at me with a shy smile. Ignoring my instant arousal, I smile and place the other crown on her head. "I pronounce you Queen of the Bean." I announce, my voice coming out a bit huskier than I anticipated. Before I give into the urge to touch her, I turn to face the crowd once more. "Keeping with tradition, they will reign over the feast and will be granted whatever they wish, within reason." I smile. "Now, without further ado, tonight let us all feast like kings!"

Within the hour, the keep is filled with people including visiting nobles, soldiers and servants from all over Thedas. The long trestle tables are stacked high with delicious food that wafts over to the head table where my advisers and I sit with the Bean King and Queen. I smile as I overhear them bonding over their apparent shared obsession of the animals of their homelands. As a servant comes over with a pitcher of wine, I take it from them and instruct them to enjoy themselves. I pour myself some wine and try to suppress my smile as Cullen grasps my hand discreetly under the table and gives it a subtle squeeze before releasing it.

Eating my fill, I lean back in my chair and notice Cullen's absence. Frowning, I look around. With everyone caught up in their conversations and eating, I rise from the table and begin making my way toward the door to my tower when I remember Cullen's request. With one final glance around to ensure nobody is watching, I slip away through the door leading out to the stairs leading to the balcony above the keep.

Coming out at the top, I walk around the railing and look down at the merriment happening in the hall. From my vantage point, I watch as people dance to the lively music and enjoy the spreads of food on the long tables on either side of the room. I manage to spot a couple of my companions drinking and laughing in a corner while I spot Sera flinging something at nearby nobles and ducking when they turn to yell at their assailant.

Smiling, I turn away from the railing and walk toward the large iron wrought glass doors and push them open. Immediately, a burst of crisp wind hits me and I shiver as I breathe in the chill air. The green gossamer fabric of my dress rustles around my legs in the breeze as I walk to the balcony and look out at the moonlit tundra before my eyes slide to look at the torches lit along the battlements where some soldiers are still patrolling. It's a shame that this celebration is happening during wartime. I think sadly to myself. If only the circumstances were different and everyone could enjoy themselves without the possibility of danger.

Once more, my gaze shifts to the valley below and I find myself thinking about Nate. Where could he have gone? Was he huddled in a cave somewhere, cooking his food over a scant flame? Did he have a lover to warm his bed at night and keep away the chill? I bite my lip as my mind wanders before somebody clears their throat behind me. I turn and smile as Cullen stands at the door way, dressed in a plain yet nice looking grey doublet.

"Have I startled you?" He asks, a frown tugging at the corners of his lips.

"Not at all." I smile. "Is there something on your mind? Aside from wanting to get away from everyone?"

He chuckles, stepping forward. "Well, that's one reason." He stops a few inches away. His expression softens as he reaches up to touch my cheek. His eyes flick down to my lips. "Mostly, I wanted to have some alone time with you."

"Well… we're alone now." I place my hand on his chest, moving my fingers up to trace his neckline. I feel him tense up making me smirk as I meet his gaze. "I hope that isn't where your plan ends. If so, I have some suggestions."

Smiling, he grabs my hand and places a kiss on my palm. "I have a couple ideas." He smiles. "For now, I just want to relish this moment."

Turning me around, I lean against the railing as he stands behind me. His arms wrap around me and I lean back into him, enjoying the weight and warmth of his embrace. He presses a kiss to my temple. He lingers and I feel a shiver of excitement as I feel his warm breath on my neck as he leans in close to my ear. "You're looking lovely, by the way. Have I told you that?" He says, his voice low and husky.

"You haven't but your gazes have been a good indicator." I smile. "You look quite dashing yourself. I've never seen you so dressed up."

He gives a. self-conscious laugh. "Ah yes. Josephine insisted that I dress up a bit for the final celebration." He shakes his head. "Something I'm beginning to regret since I have been relentlessly questioned about my marital status and offered invitations to meet with eligible ladies from all over Thedas. You wouldn't believe how many times I've been asked to dance!"

"Oh?" I smirk, turning to meet his gaze. "I don't think I've ever seen you dance before."

"That's because I don't. Templars didn't have parties like this with dancing and gossiping…."

I laugh. "Not liking that sort of attention then?"

"Hardly." He sighs, reaching up to cup my cheek once more. "Besides, I already have the only attention worth having."

"Oh! Has Wynne already made her move?" I tease and his eyes widen. "I was under the impression that she was going to wait until you retired for the night…"

"What? No!" He says, blushing. "Does she really-?"

"Oh Maker!" I laugh. "You should have seen your reaction. You're so cute when you get all frustrated."

"Maker's breath!" He groans. Chuckling, I turn in his arms to face him and wrap my arms around his neck.

"You know I'm only teasing." I grin. He lets out a deep breath as my fingers move through the back of his hair and I smile as his eyes close as he bends his head to rest against mine.

The music that had been floating in through the balcony doors had changed and Cullen glances off in its direction before turning to me. "Who knows when we'll have another chance like this to just relax and celebrate?" He muses, pulling away. I raise a brow as he backs up and bows slightly, putting his hand out with a smile. "Would you honor me with a dance, my darling?" He asks.

I chuckle. "I thought you don't dance?" I ask, accepting his hand. He leads me away from the railing a bit and turns me to face him, his hand snaking around my waist as he pulls us closer.

"I don't." He grins. "But for you, I will certainly try."

It takes a bit of trial and error and a few chuckles before we finally figure out how to step together. Before long, we're moving together and he spins me out and around before pulling me close to him. With each time he pulls me back in, his caresses grow bolder before he pulls me in for the final time and I feel his breath on my neck as my back is pressed to his chest. The song ends and I reach behind me, hooking my hand around the back of his neck as his hand moves up my torso, his breathing picking up before I turn to meet his longing gaze.

Pulling me closer to him, he kisses me hungrily. Finally, unable to the incredible sexual tension that has been building during our dance, I pull away. "Come back to my chamber with me." I say, breathlessly. "Let's get away from all the people and noise. I want to feel your skin against mine."

I feel the hope inside begin to gutter like a flame when I see his resistance. While he may have broken through the barrier of physical intimacy, I know he still worries about people catching him leaving to my chamber with me.

"Please?" I beg, nipping at his jaw. "I want to spend some time with you before my suspension is up and I get sent out again."

His hand comes up to cup my cheek. "I would love nothing more, my darling." He says, his eyes flicking down to my lips then back. "I want to touch and kiss every inch of you…"

My breath catches. It was a nice visual. "Then let's go." I say, motioning toward the doors with my chin. "Everybody is preoccupied. Let's go to my chamber where we can drink wine and I'll let you slip my dress off and kiss me anywhere you please." I bite my lip as I see his resistance starting to crumble.

"I don't know, Lena." He sighs. "People already seen me follow you up here. If I disappear..."

Groaning, I bury my face in his chest. "Andraste's ass." I mutter. I'm half tempted to just return to the party and go drink when I turn my head. "Wait."

"Hm?"

Pulling away from him, I walk over to the doorway and look over at the doorway on my left. I turn him. "The guest rooms." I say, lowering my voice as I walk toward him. "The same place where I…" My voice trails off as I look down and he clears his throat nervously. "How about there? Nobody will know since there's ways to get to the battlements from out there."

He looks toward the doorway and I see him debating it in his mind. Finally, he nods. "Alright but we—" He starts to say before I grab his hand and start pulling him back through the doorway. He laughs and follows.