Evelyn opened the door, grabbed him by his wrist and pulled him in quickly into her room. His hands found her waist between her robe and nightgown to pull her close to his body as he kissed her. Her fingers ran through his hair, tugging at the curls to bring him down to her.

Forcing himself away from her, he shook his head. "As much as it pains me, I have to go, Evelyn," he said.

"Why?" she asked, looking up at him. "I want you to stay."

"I want to stay as well but I can't."

Placing her hands on his chest, she pushed him away as she took a step back. "Let me guess, Leliana?"

"No," he lied. It was not a complete lie that he told her. He knew if Leliana was aware that he was in the Inquisitor's room she would not be happy. There were more important reasons for him to stay away from her that night. "I need to be out with my men and women tonight."

Reaching out, he pulled her back to him, wrapping his arms around her waist. Spinning her around, he pressed her back against the wall. His fingers twined with hers as he urged her arms up into the air. His hands released her fingers to take her wrists into one hand as his other hand lowered to cup her cheek into his palm. Hearing her breath hitch, seeing her eyes close slowly, Cullen smiled as he lowered his lips to her ear.

"I would do anything to stay here with you tonight. To hold you in my arms. To see what is beneath your nightgown and robe but I can't. Not tonight."

Evelyn forced her eyes open to look up at him. The honey color of his eyes seemed darker than usual. This was a different side of Cullen that she had never seen before and it was exciting. When she tried to move closer to him, he pulled away from her again. His desire was building south of his beltline and he was trying desperately to keep it under control.

He shook his head. "No. We can't," he said. "I cannot in good conscious lie down with a woman that is betrothed for marriage less than two weeks from now."

Reluctantly, Evelyn nodded. "And once I am no longer betrothed?"

Lowering his head, he kissed her again. "I will not be held responsible for what I would like to do to and with you." Releasing her wrists, he held them in his palms and kissed the soft skin of her wrists. "I promise I will make this up to you one day soon. But I must ensure your safety tonight."

Evelyn watched as he turned away from her and took several steps forward. Taking her robe, she pulled it around her more to block the chill in the room. The fire needed another log to be thrown on it. Cullen must have seen her reflection in the window because he made his way over to the fireplace to build the fire back up.

"You think someone is going to come after us tonight?" she asked, seriously. When he did not answer, she placed a hand on his back. "Cullen? What's wrong?"

"The duchess mentioned she was working with Samson. Why Samson is working for Corypheus is beyond me." He turned to face her. "If he's behind this then I worry for your safety."

Taking his hand into hers, she stared up at him. "You sound like you know this Samson?"

He nodded, closing his eyes. "He was a templar in Kirkwall when I was there. We even shared quarters until he was expelled from the Order. I knew he was an addict but this…" He shook his head, taking a deep breath. "Red lyrium is nothing like the lyrium given by the Chantry. Its power comes with a terrible madness."

"The red templars swarming Haven was enough. Some of them were abominations."

"We cannot allow them to gain strength. The red templars still require lyrium. If we find their source, we can weaken them and their leader."

"We'll find it, Cullen," she said as she squeezed his hand, gently. "We will find the source of the red lyrium and destroy it. And we'll find Samson."

"I pray to the Maker we find him before he finds us…" He pulled her into his arms again, kissing the top of her head. "Before he finds you. I don't want anything to happen to you, Evelyn. Not now."

Resting her cheek against his chest, she closed her eyes. His body was warm against her. He wore no armor except for his sword at his side.

"Don't worry about me, Cullen. You need to worry about yourself." She pulled back to look up at him. "Let me worry about you for once."

He smiled as a faint laugh came from him. "I'm not used to someone caring about me."

"Then get used to it, Cullen."

Kissing her again, he smiled. "I will look forward to that soon. But for now, I must keep you as my Inquisitor safe."

She allowed him to lead her to the door. One last kiss before he left. Shutting the door behind him, she rested both palms flat against the wooden door and rested her forehead against it.

"Please be safe."

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

After leaving the Winter Palace, Evelyn's heart weighed heavy with the realization that as soon as she returned to Skyhold she needed to leave immediately for Starkhaven. Her journey would take her through Ferelden to Amaranthine to travel by boat to Ostwick. From there she would ride with her father to Starkhaven. The wedding would take place within two days of her arrival.

"I need to know what must be done before I leave," Evelyn asked as she stood at the map on the war council table.

Troops had been moved from Hinterlands to the Western Approach. The Inquisition forces had secured Griffon Wing Keep and sent soldiers there to help fight against the Venatori that were still lurking around. It would also allow a place for Hawke and Stroud to get to if they needed backup. Evelyn was worried that the only message they had received was from Hawke stating they were looking into a few other things before they would return to Skyhold. The concerns with the Wardens nagged at the back of her mind.

"Rylen sent word that his men are working to remove enemy forces around the keep," Cullen said as he looked up from his reports. "He was rather pleased that you agreed to send him to lead this expedition."

"He deserved it," Evelyn said as she took another bite out of her apple.

They left the Winter Palace and returned to the chateau for sleep before leaving early that morning to return to Skyhold. Once arriving they were back to work within a couple of hours. Once dismounting from her horse, Evelyn changed out of her riding clothes into something more comfortable and brushed her hair to braid her hair again. A quick trip by the kitchen she was able to get an apple, some bread and honey butter.

The morning, before leaving the chateau, she and Cullen had attempted to steal a moment together to talk but had been unable to. She was sure that the Fates were against them. Cullen took it all in stride as he occasionally brushed his fingers over hers when they thought no one was watching. The ride home, they kept their distance to be safe from prying eyes. Returning to Skyhold was an easy distraction for them to remain apart. To stay busy with work as she made final preparations to leave.

"We've been receiving more reports of red templar activity across the Exalted Plains as well as Emerald Graves," Cassandra mentioned as she pointed to the locations on the map.

"I recommend getting forces to the Emerald Graves first," Cullen said. "The reports are stating that smugglers are moving the red lyrium through there. There are rumors about Emprise Du Lion as well, but I can't confirm anything yet."

"Let's not forget about the Fallow Mire. There have been reports of Avvars giving out forces trouble," Leliana said, folding her hands behind her back. "This may need to be looked into soon. Reports of rifts and Solas also mentioned that there may be a shift in the Veil there that will need investigated."

Sipping her coffee, Evelyn nodded. "I would suggest Solas and a few others to investigate the Exalted Plains. If I remember correctly that there is a Dalish clan there. Maybe Solas could speak with them and see what they can discover." She lowered the cup and sat it down on the saucer. "I haven't learned how to duplicate myself yet to take care of the rifts. When I leave Starkhaven I'm going to travel directly to the Approach. If Hawke or Stroud do not contact us before then I'm just going to go in there myself. I'm tired of waiting."

"We can't be sure that they are even still alive at this point," Leliana said as she turned to Evelyn. "We cannot risk sending our army there and –"

"We're going," Evelyn insisted as she looked at the spymaster. "We've waited too long going because I was chasing my ass around the Winter Palace. If it wasn't for this stupid wedding –"

"Which reminds me," Josephine began. "We need to discuss your clothing and an official statement."

"Please excuse me. I need to meet with my men to get updates," Cullen said as he walked around the table. As he walked out the door, he heard Evelyn telling Josephine that a seamstress in Starkhaven was working on a dress for her according to the standards of the Vael family required.

Walking out of the war council room, Cullen pushed the door shut and lowered his head, placing his palm over his face. Moaning slightly, he could not allow himself to listen to wedding plans for Evelyn and Prince Vael. The thought that he may lose her made him sick.

"It will all be over soon," he thought as he walked away from the war council room towards Josephine's office.

Stepping into the main hall, he was greeted by Varric. The dwarf looked concerned as he approached him.

"I haven't heard from Hawke yet," Varric said. "Have you, Curly?"

Shaking his head, Cullen answered, "Not as yet, Varric. The Inquisitor is sending some of the men from Griffon's Keep looking for them and offer aid. She wants to journey there as soon as she returns from Starkhaven."

"Starkhaven?" Varric said, rubbing his chin. "She's actually going through this marriage with Choir Boy, huh? Won't lie, I did not see that happening."

"You are not the only one who feels that," Cullen said. "Please excuse me. I have work to do."

Varric stood still for a moment, watching the commander enter the rotunda to make his way towards his office. He knew that the Inquisitor was leaving that evening for Starkhaven. As much as he did not want to be on that journey, he knew he needed to be on it. This wedding was going to be a spectacular romantic story to retell or a complete disaster that would make a great story to tell. Either way, he knew he was going to need to speak to the Inquisitor to come along.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Cullen stood in his office giving final orders to Blackwall and Krem. He had asked them to ensure that all recruits were being trained, guard rotations taken care of and ensure that Skyhold stayed standing until his return.

"I want to make sure that everyone is keeping to their duties during my absence," Cullen said as he looked at the two. "Don't allow anyone to shirk on their responsibilities just because I'm gone."

"Right, Commander. No drunken soirees at the Rest while you're gone," Krem said, giving him a wink when he saw the look on the man's face.

"Aye," Blackwall said. "We'll keep them on their toes and combat ready."

Cullen stood up and stretched his arms out. "The Inquisitor wants you ready, Blackwall. If Stroud or Hawke return with information from Adamant she wants you to help with the mission regarding the Wardens." Blackwall's face went blank, unable to read as Cullen looked at him. Frowning, he said, "Something wrong?"

The Warden shook his head. "No. Just concerned about my fellow Wardens. If Corypheus is corrupting them it cannot be good."

"Yes." The Commander nodded his head slowly before turning back to Krem. "We have scouts out investigating possible red lyrium shipments. I need you to keep in touch with Leliana about this. I may need the Chargers to look into it if something is found."

"We've got it covered. The boss is on guard duty with the Inquisitor. Chargers are going to make sure it's all good," Krem said.

"Thank you," Cullen said before releasing them to go do their business.

Everything was ready for him to leave but something was still eating at him.

"Soft whispers. Gentle touches. Smell of jasmine. Desire creeping in the shadows."

Cullen pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing. "Speaking of shadows," he mumbled. Opening his eyes again, he found Cole perched on a bench in the corner of his office. "What can I do for you, Cole?"

"You're happy but afraid she won't understand. That Ith'tolan finds you again."

Walking around his desk, Cullen approached the spirit boy and knelt in front of him. "Ith'tolan?"

Cole tilted his head to the side as he looked at him through the tangled locks hanging across his face. "The desire demon. That is it's name."

Clenching the side of his head, Cullen closed his eyes as his head lowered. "Why are you telling me it had a name, Cole?"

"Because it still hunts you. Just like the thing behind the mask hunts her." Cole reached out to place a hand on the Commander's shoulder. "You and she are broken in two. When together you are stronger."

"I wished it was that easy, Cole," Cullen said as he dropped his hands down. Looking at his trembling hands, he sucked in a long deep breath. "The demon is dead. Solana destroyed it."

Cole shook his head. "It only went back to the Fade. Where the thing with the mask came from."

"What is this thing with the mask that you keep talking about? You said it went with the bright light."

Nodding, Cole dropped to the floor on his knees in front of Cullen. "The thing that wants to hurt her innocence. Just as you were hurt."

Rubbing his hand across his face, Cullen groaned. "You speak in riddles that my head can't solve."

"Strong but gentle. Course but smooth." Cole tilted his head to the other side as he looked at Cullen. "Safety when there is none."

"I wished you could come with us, Cole," Cullen said as he pushed himself to his feet. "You know who this 'thing with the mask' is. If you were there you could tell me. Tell someone who it is."

Cole stood up and looked at Cullen curiously. "Come?"

Standing in front of his desk, Cullen picked up a mug of coffee to take a long drink. "Yes, Cole. Come with us," he said. Turning around, he found himself alone.

Again.

The spirit boy was gone again without a sound. Cullen's eyes searched his office for anything that might have told him where the boy had gone but nothing was out of place. Not even a piece of parchment. The only thing different was his headache was not as painful as it was earlier.

"Shame he can't train someone to do that," Cullen said with a smile around the rim of his cup.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"Are you ready for this?" Maxwell asked his sister as he dug his hands into the pockets of his robe.

Standing beside the stable, Evelyn wrapped her cloak around her neck and fastened the buckle. "No. I'm not."

"Are you sure you don't want me to go?" he asked.

Shaking her head, she looked at her brother and waved a finger at him. "Absolutely not, Max. I don't want you to leave this place until you hear from me again. I took a chance taking you to Halamshiral. I'm not taking another chance on our way back home."

The young mage looked at his sister, frowning. "You really think our father is that crazed that he's going to come after me here? At Skyhold?" When she did not answer, Maxwell expression turned worried. "You do, don't you?"

"Father has always been aloof, cold. Something is different about him that I just can't figure out. Maybe I'm just being selfish and want to keep you here with me. That I need a friendly face. Someone I can talk to."

"I thought that was why I was here," Dorian said as he walked in their direction, leading his horse.

Rolling her eyes, Evelyn shook her head. "I keep you around to prevent me from wearing horrible fashion."

"Sadly, I need to work on that more," Dorian said as he eyes surveyed her from head to toe. She was dressed in a modified version of her battle armor. More heavy leather with a cuirass, lighter shoulder and arm armor. Her legs only covered by armor from her knees down. "This current ensemble was not approved by me. What are you trying to go for? Southern peasant class?" He turned to look at Cullen wearing something similar to her and smiled. "But it looks smashing on you, Commander Cullen."

Cullen stepped forward, lifting an eyebrow as he looked at the Tevinter mage. "I feel like I came in on the middle of this conversation." He turned to Evelyn. "Do I even want to know?"

She shook her head. "No, you don't, Commander."

"We will be leaving soon. Just let me know," Cullen said as he walked past her.

Dorian and Maxwell watched as Evelyn kept her eyes down as Cullen stepped past her. The movement between the two happened so quickly only someone with a trained eye would have noticed their hand brushing against the others as he walked by. As Cullen led his horse away to meet up with the soldiers that would be riding with them, Dorian turned to look at her. His eyes wide, his jaw slacked.

"You little bitch," he whispered. "I saw that."

"I don't know what you're talking about," she hissed back as she took a step forward.

Both mages looked at each other briefly before turning back to her. Dorian stuck his finger in her face, waving it around.

"You're a horrible liar," Dorian said.

"And you're a loudmouth," she retorted.

Maxwell smiled as he looked at the two. "You know she kissed him again."

"I did not," Evelyn said at the same time Dorian said, "I knew it."

Dorian turned back to her. "Oh, you and I have a lot to talk about, Cousin."

Evelyn's cheeks puffed out as she blew out a heavy breath. Turning to her brother, she stuck her finger back in his face. "You little rat. That's the last time I tell you anything. That was supposed to be a secret."

The younger sibling smiled, shrugging his shoulders. "Wouldn't be the first time you've told me that."

Seeing the look on Dorian's face, Evelyn threw her thumb over her shoulder. "Get lost, Dorian. I need to speak with my brother for a minute."

Dorian's eyelids narrowed as he kept his eyes focused on hers as he walked past her. He was trying his best to scold her for not keeping him updated on everything since they had spoken last. That was when she threatened to throw him off the balcony. When she returned from Halamshiral, she went to him to apologize for her anger but that was all they had discussed. Now she knew he would not let it go until he had heard everything from her about the Winter Palace.

When Dorian was gone, Evelyn turned back to her brother. "I want you to stay here. No leaving. Don't even be alone if possible." She stepped forward and smiled. "Maybe keep that little templar close by if you think it will keep you here."

Maxwell covered his mouth as he cleared his throat. "Yeah…well."

Giving him a playful punch on the shoulder, her smile grew. "If I need to apologize to her I will." Stepping back, she laughed. "And next time lock the door or something. Seeing your bare arse is not something I want to see."

"You didn't even give me time to open the door, you big druffalo! You barged right in without giving me a chance."

She dismissed it with a waved hand. "Whatever." Grabbing the reins of her horse, she patted him on the shoulder. "Make right with Lisa – "

"Lysette," he quickly corrected.

" – and fix it," she finished.

Maxwell nodded as he watched her place her foot in the holder and lift herself up to sit on the saddle. "Here," he said, removing his hand from the pocket of his robe. "For the ride."

She took the small, wrapped package and opened it to find several pieces of chocolate inside. "Who said it will make it to the road," Evelyn said with a wink.

Maxwell laughed at his sister, shaking his head. The smile slowly faded as she pulled her horse around to leave. "Be careful. Don't do anything stupid."

"How can I do anything stupid? You're staying here," she said, not giving him any time to retort before she kicked her horse on the side and rode off to meet the others.

Riding over to the group that would be going with her, Evelyn stopped her horse to face everyone. Josephine, Cassandra and Leliana had been asked to remain to ensure that all orders that Evelyn had given regarding troops, assignments and other duties to be handled. Varric, Bull and Dorian would be going with her for support. Solas was on his way to the Exalted Plains as Vivienne was on her way to Val Royeux for personal business. Sera was still gone with Harding.

As for Cole, Evelyn had not seen him for a few days. She was not sure if the boy would want to travel with her. Every time she had went to look for him, she could never find him. She had not seen him since the night of the party. Or that she remembered seeing him.

"If anyone wants to change their mind about going to Starkhaven, say it now," she said looking at everyone. "I won't hold it against you." She turned to look at the rogue dwarf to her left. "Especially you, Varric. I know how much you love the prince."

"Love has nothing to do with me going," Varric said. "I'm betting that someone gets murdered during this trip and my money is on Vael."

Eveleyn lifted an eyebrow as she looked at Varric. "You're betting someone is going to get murdered? Seriously?" She turned to look at Bull and Dorian. "And you two?"

"Vael," Bull answered.

"Varric," Dorian said, looking at the dwarf with a smile on his face.

Lowering his head, Cullen covered his mouth so no one could see his smile. The Inquisitor turned to look at him and sighed.

"Commander?"

He shrugged, laughing. "At least I'm not the one dying this trip."

She shook her head and nudged her horse forward. "This is going to be a long trip. I'm surrounded by children."