I don't own any characters. Bioware, owner of my soul, does. Thank you so much for reviews and follows! I seriously am so flattered you are enjoying this! Hope you enjoy this chapter! Rated M for language and future lemons.

Chapter 6

Deep breath in and out. I felt the anxiety attack coming on. Alone with Cullen talking about how I know what I know. Alone with Cullen talking about last night. Alone with Cullen in general. No, don't freak out. You've talked to Cullen alone. Sure, it didn't go super awesome but you got this. What was the worst he could do? Not like you? Would that be super terrible? I looked down at my shirt, covered in sweat. Might as well get used to it, you are going to be like this every day for….well…awhile. This was not attractive at all. I grabbed my lute, feeling an odd comfort when it was near. Almost like a cell phone. I missed my cell phone. Focus Kassy.

Cullen waited outside his office door for me and I strode in with less confidence than I ever had. He shut the door behind me and I turned to him, an apology coming from my lips before I could stop it. "About last night, I was emotional and I didn't mean-."

Cullen held up a hand and I couldn't read what was in his eyes. "I should be the one apologizing."

"You?" I stared at him in confusion. "Why?" This was not how I thought this conversation was going to go.

"I should have been more understanding of what you are going through," he answered, running a hand through his hair. "I don't talk to my siblings as much as I should, but I'm still able to send them word of my where about and wellbeing." I opened my mouth to talk but he continued, ignoring me. "I don't understand where you came from or how different it is, but after thinking, I realized I would probably try to find a way back as well."

I stared at him dumbfounded. What was happening? I put my hands on my hips and tried to gather a response. Why did this man have to be so amazing? "I'm sorry, I wasn't expecting the conversation to go in this direction," I admitted.

He raised his eyebrows at me and gave a small smile, his scar distracting me from anything else. "Am I really that brutish?"

I barely registered what he was saying, hypnotized by the smile and the hint of teasing in his eyes. "I…umm…the opposite it seems," I found myself saying. I realized what I said, and wanted to throw myself off the side of the rampart. "Commander." I added lamely, watching him make his way to his desk and stand with his arms crossed, looking at me. Fuck Kassy. How could you possibly be more awkward? I knew my face was probably red.

He had a grin now and I felt the butterflies again. I yelled at them, telling them to go away. I needed to think properly right now. "A compliment Captain?"

I pushed the hair from my forehead and fumbled for words yet again. "Well…dear Lord…," I muttered. "You wanted to talk about Samson I'm guessing?" I changed the subject, hoping I wasn't blushing harder at the twinkle in his eyes.

"Yes, Samson." He seemed to switch to Commander so fast, it was ridiculous. "How did you find out about him?"

I sighed, knowing this question was going to come up eventually. "I just did," was my reply. "Honestly, Commander, I can't tell you how I know any information I tell you. It was part of the deal and you wouldn't believe me. Just know that I know what I am talking about and that you shouldn't shrug it off." I tried to think of anything else I needed to add to that little speech but nothing came to mind.

"How do I know you are telling the truth? That you aren't sending me or my army into a trap?" His eyes narrowed on me and I felt the uncertainty in him.

Time to kick into Captain King mode. "You don't," I told him with a straight face. "However, I know you want to believe me." I positioned myself on the other side of his desk, getting closer to him. "Trust me, Commander, this information is something you won't get for weeks or months without me." I shrugged and cocked a hip, crossing my arms. "Your choice."

Cullen studied the notes on his desk and then glanced back at me. "So eventually, I'll learn this information anyhow."

I thought this over. Technically he would if I did the quest in game. If I didn't finish it before finding the well, he wouldn't know. "Not necessarily. It all depends on how fast you could get the information. If you don't hurry and find Maddox, you won't be able to have Dagna find a way to defeat the armor."

Gold eyes held mine and there seemed to be an inner war in him. He shook his head and turned to the window. "How does the Inquisitor trust your judgement? She is going to Adamant Keep, creating plans based on information you told her. I almost find it foolish and am not sure I want to take your knowledge as fact."

I rolled my eyes, glad he was facing the window. I didn't know how to answer him any better than I already have. "Sorry to say Commander, but I don't need you to take my words as truth. The Inquisitor does and she knows what I have to give is important and vital." He spun around fast, his mouth in a grim line. "Cole told her I speak the truth, and I know the opinion most have of him. So, believe me or don't, but you are wasting my time with repetitive questions I have already answered." Oh, hello hangry Kassy. Way to go and probably piss off the guy who was just super sweet to you. Congratulations. Badge of idiocy.

I was painfully aware of the sweaty, probably smelly, state I was in, under Cullen's scrutinizing stare. He took a deep breath and sighed, leaning against the wall. "Do you know where I would find Maddox?"

I gave him a cheeky smile. "You want all the answers from me?" I hesitated, really observing his face.
"What made you believe me?"

He rubbed the back of his neck and rolled his eyes. "I decided I'll take the risk of getting burned." Cullen leaned forward on his desk, hands flat of the desk. "Do you know?"

I stepped back from the desk, wanting to make him earn this information. He hasn't been the most pleasant with me and my information. "I do."

He stared at me with expectancy, waiting for me to tell him the location. He raised his eyebrows. "And?"

I was weakening under his stare and I knew this was a man used to getting answers when asked. "You're not even going to try and figure it out yourself? You have been pretty insulting with your lack of faith in me as an ally, yet you assume unlimited knowledge?"

Whiskey eyes turned dark with frustration and anger. "Maker's breath, woman! You are so frustrating right now!" He pushed himself away from the table crossing his arms yet again. "What do want for this information?"

I straightened my shoulders, thinking on what I thought I wanted from him. "Trust, Commander." He seemed unsure of me and I knew he had a hard time putting trust in people. The Inquisition seemed to be the only thing that had all his trust, probably because he helped lead it. "I'm here to help the Inquisition, not mess things up."

"That is a hard thing for me to do," he admitted after a minute of silence. "With my past…I trusted the wrong people." His eyes went to mine again and I could tell he was having another internal struggle.

"Take your time then," I said gently. "You have time, Cullen." His mouth slipped into a half smile again and I blushed. "I'm going to hit the kitchen and then find Dorian again." I informed him awkwardly, walking backward toward the door leading to Skyhold's main hall, the warmth from his eyes making me jittery. I started to open the door than stopped. "See you later?"

"You might," he said with a cocky grin. I waved to him, hurrying onto the rampart. I was dumbfounded by the way he could switch from Commander to flirty Cullen so easily. Was he really flirting though? Maybe he was trying to catch me off guard. I decided I didn't care, Cullen grinned at me today and flirted.

I did a dance/skip walk on my way down the rampart, excited at my accomplishment. I heard laughter and turned to see Cullen leaning against his door frame, shaking his head with amusement. I felt mortified, cursing myself for forgetting to shut the door behind me. Blushing, I inelegantly waved at him and bolted to the door leading into Solas' study.

Akdfjakjfksdjflsadjf

"No Dorian," I repeated once again. "After last night, I am not sure I want to ever step into a tavern again."

"You have a flair for dramatics," Dorian commented, looking me up and down. "Though your appearance could use some work."

"Excuse me?" I said in shock, examining myself. I had just done another couple hours of training with Iron Bull, pushing myself farther than I thought I could. My body already telling me I wasn't going to be happy tomorrow.

"Don't listen to him, Rift," Bull reassured me. "I like my woman sweaty and looking like they got done fighting a dragon." He winked at me. "It helps if they are a red head."

"Umm… thanks Bull," I said, unsure how to respond. "I think."

"You know, Rift, I was thinking of your song last night," Bull started, his face lost in thought. "Then I started thinking, if you needed a hero, I'm available."

"What?" I asked, suddenly confused. Was Bull saying what I thought he was saying? The smirk on Dorian's face confirmed it.

"Come on, Rift. You know you've thought about it," he told me, leaning against the post. "Don't deny it."

I blinked a few times, looking at him and then at Dorian. I felt extremely flattered that Bull was offering this, seeing how there are so many other options he could have easily. My confidence got a bit of a boost. "I really want to say yes, Bull," I began a bit of a smile on my face. "However, I have a feeling I am a bit underexperienced for you. Plus, I would most likely be torn in half."

Both Dorian and Bull laughed at this, Bull recovering first. "Fair point, Rift. I assumed you were more experienced based on how you fight." He gestured between us then. "You're a captain, I'm a captain."

I furrowed my forehead, thinking that over. "You think my sex will be amateur? Because that is how I fight."

"No," he grinned. "Fierce and passionate. You give your everything when you fight, and you follow instructions well, which is a plus for me in bed."

"Your rejection doesn't have to do with a certain Templar?" Dorian fished, a knowing grin on his face.

I glared at him, wanting him to drop the whole Cullen thing. "Doesn't the Inquisitor want your company anymore?" I asked with a scowl.

"She's busy with Leliana and Verric for the next few days," he informed me. "Besides, I much prefer watching you blush."

"Templar?" Bull repeated, thinking it over. "Not a blonde one?"

"You two are the worst," I growled. I threw my lute over my shoulder, ready to head to my Fade study with Solas.

"Hey Rift," Bull began. "Why are your skills so amateur if you are a Captain?"

I didn't think about that. I shrugged my shoulders, thinking what would be the closest to truth for me. "We didn't fight much, really. Just sailed and drank, looking for treasure." Bull seemed to accept this answer and I sighed internally. I hate having all these lies. But they are for your own good, my brain told me. I knew it was right. I just had to stay close to the truth. We did go sailing and drank on boats. Our treasure just happened to be clothes or cute boys at the beach. "I'm going to be late meeting Solas."

"Later at the tavern then?" Dorian asked, looking me up and down. "I was hoping tomorrow we could do some history knowledge in the library after your training."

"Yes, to the history lessons, and no, to the tavern," I replied, starting to walk away from him.

"Your fans want to hear your music," he urged, eyebrows raised in mock scrutiny. "Would you deny them that?"

I sighed, knowing I wouldn't win this one. "Fine. But no ale or talk about Cullen."

"If it pleases the Captain," he agreed. "Two hours then?"

"Two." I confirmed. I waved and made my way toward the main entrance to Skyhold. Alright Captain, time to learn some Fade magic. Would I have magic? I wanted to take a bath and cuddle in my gaming blanket with a couple hours of pure Hinterland quests. Maybe do enough quests to talk to Cullen about his lyrium addiction, furthering our romance.

"You think riddles and yet they are truths," a quiet voice said.

I looked around searching for Cole, seeing nothing. "Cole?"

He appeared in front of me, his head tilted. "There are so many emotions in your head right now, I don't know what one to choose."

I stood awkwardly, shifting my weight to my left foot. "What do you mean?"

"I wanted to help you, ease your pain, but you don't have a clear way of doing it." His pale eyes focused on my face and I felt uneasy.

"Honestly Cole, I know your thing is helping, but I don't think there is a way for anyone to help," I told him, using my nanny voice. "I appreciate it though." I heard Cullen a few feet away, talking to a soldier.

"Cullen is the same," he informed me, then he tilted his head and his eyes were unsettling on me. "You are like the night sky. A star that shines bright, trying to light the path for others, but they don't see it," Cole said in a hushed voice.

I felt my heart hammering in my chest at his words. "Do you?" I wondered aloud.

He nodded and I felt a pang at my heart. How I wish I met Cole sooner. I thought of Branwen and Cullen and I wish they believed the information I told them like Cole did. At the thought of Cullen, I blushed, remembering the way he laughed at me as I left his office.

"Cole," Cullen's voice said behind me, and I felt a chill go down my spine at his voice. I pushed the hair from my forehead, trying to keep my thoughts from being on him. "I wanted to ask you about-."

Cole's attention turned to the man behind me, "He's the only light in the chaos. A comfort and hope in your pain."

My face was probably a bright red and I wanted to run in embarrassment. "Who?" Cullen asked, confusion evident in his voice.

I cleared my throat and rubbed a shoulder in humiliation. "I have to talk to Solas," I said in a very unKassy like voice. I wanted to kick myself. Can I be any more obvious? "Nice meeting you, Cole. I'm sure we will talk again soon." I timidly met Cullen's glance. I could see the gears working to put together what Cole just said. "See ya, Cullen."

I swiftly exited, running up the stairs to the entrance, looking over my shoulder once to find Cullen watching me. Without my glasses, I couldn't tell what his expression was, so I slipped through the doorway and out of sight.

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"Try again," Solas instructed. I closed my eyes again, thinking about the rift. "Now let the energy of the fade fill your mind."

I focused only on the rift and the crazy energy that the fade gave. I felt a tingling in the back of my mind, coursing through my body. I tried to do as Solas said, letting the energy take over and fill my mind. As soon as it was there it was gone.

"We are getting closer," Solas told me in a satisfied voice. "Did you sense the fade in your body?"

I nodded, surprised I was actually enjoying the lesson. I didn't think I would feel any type of magic, but Solas assured me that there was some type of magic in me. I played along at first, wanting the hour to be over with. Within a half hour though, I was pushing my mind, trying to capture whatever magic was forming.

"Why wouldn't my magic be obvious?" I asked Solas, actually wanting to hear his history lesson.

"You don't have magic," he told me for the third time. "Magic created the powers that you have."

"So, I have powers because of fade magic?" I inquired.

"Yes," he confirmed. "I believe it is harder for you to embrace them since you come from a place where magic isn't very strong."

"What power do you think I have?" I wondered, trying to fill my mind with the fade again.

"Much like the Inquisitor, you are able to control the Fade," he told me.

"Control the fade?" I asked. "Mind powers?"

"Sight power," he told me. "You are able to generate a source of power that uses the force of the Fade against the enemy."

"I'm not following," I sighed, trying to understand what he's saying. "I blast them back with force or what?"

"You are essentially able to create minor rifts to the Fade," he replied patiently. "These would have to be closed with the Inquisitor's power."

I raised my eyebrows at him. "How is this sight?"

"You must envision the Fade in your mind, and in reality, for the rift to open. Only then will it work properly." He gestured around him. "Thus, I thought we should have our lessons here."

"Cool," I breathed with a smile. I felt a pain in my head and I quickly put pressure from my hand on it.

"The exercises have been hard on your mind. We will have another lesson tomorrow." Solas informed me before I was sitting up in my bed. How did I get here?

My lute lay on the floor and my sword leaned against the end of my bed. I swung my feet to the edge of the bed, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. That wasn't as unpleasant as I thought it would be. Damn it Solas! I wanted to just hate you, and here you are, trying to be helpful.

I stood, reaching down to pick up my corset. I debated putting it back on before heading down to the tavern. I felt the pain in my abs from the sword play and decided against it, picking up my comb and pulling it through my hair. The snarls came out fast and I re-braided it, tying the bow at the end. I noticed my light brown hair against the red of my shirt and wished I could pull off blonde.

Grabbing my lute, I followed the stairway down to the barn, avoiding Cullen's office. I saw the horses as I skipped off the last step and smiled. I never was good at riding them, but I loved petting them. I trotted over to the stalls, falling in love with a dark brown one. "You're handsome," I crooned, stroking his mane.

"That's the Inquisitor's horse," Blackwall called to me from the main floor of the barn. I made my way over to him, observing the way he carved a wooden horse.

"What are you going to do with that?" I asked gesturing to the horse.

"I'm not sure yet," he replied with a smile. "Blackwall," he told me offering a hand. I took it with a smile.

"Kassy King," I told him with a grin. "Do you usually just stay in here, carving?"

He laughed and put his tools down. "I'm not very social."

I nodded in understanding. "I get that." I looked around. "It can all seem like a lot."

He tilted his head at me. "You seem different than what I thought you would be," he informed me.

"Different how?" I asked. "Good or bad?"

"Good," he assured me. "I thought you were going to be this demon based on the stories I've heard."

I snorted. "Well, don't let this conversation fool you," I told him. "I'm actually on my way to play at the tavern. If you feel like it later, head on down."

He nodded, a gleam in his eye. "I will think on it."

"Alright," I said awkwardly, not knowing how to leave. "Goodbye then."

He watched me leave and I hurried down the path, thinking of the songs I might play at the tavern. I had been working on a couple new ones before falling into the rift. Thank goodness, my family loved music and I knew so many songs. Not all of them acoustic yet, but I could learn them by ear.

I had the playlist down as I marched into the tavern, a little later than the two hours agreed upon. A cheer sounded from the corner, and I saw the Chargers raise their glasses to each other. "Captain!" I heard Dorian yell.

I searched the Herald's Rest for him, catching the shimmer of his outfit at a small table near the stairs. Maryden was playing her Grey Warden song, and I sat on a chair in the chair across the table from him. "This is the second time she's played this song in the last couple hours," he groaned and smiled when he saw my lute. "Planning to entertain us after all? All of Herald's Rest will be pleased."

I laughed. "I don't know if you will enjoy all the songs, but I'll play a few."

He shrugged and took a sip from his tankard. "If there is something scandalous in there, I don't particularly care what you play."

Laughing I went over the playlist again. Add something scandalous. What would be a good one? I debated back and forth between Ex's and Oh's or Bad Romance, before I remembered the acoustic version of "Animals" by Maroon 5 that I just learned a couple months ago. Dorian would get a hit out of that.

"I have a perfect one," I told him. I swung my lute around on my lap, striking a few chords to hear the tone of it. I spent a couple minutes tuning it, until I was satisfied. Maryden heard my tuning session and she set her lute down, heading to the bar for an ale, giving me a smile.

I stood up and began to play the introduction to Animals, the lute making it sound a bit richer than even the guitar did. I began singing, taking the Captain King persona so I didn't get stage fright. Dorian was immediately pleased as soon as the words left my mouth. I gave a lazy half grin as I replaced the lyrics so it was "get along when you're inside me". I winked at Bull when I sang this and he saluted me with his cup, laughing.

It was a mixed reaction from the crowd on this song. Some of them tapped their foot, trying to listen to the lyrics. Others seemed shocked when they understood the lyrics. I noticed Varric at the bar and he was grinning broadly at it, pleased for something different in this place. I got to my favorite part of the song, wishing Solas was here. I tilted my head back howling like a wolf, earning applause and laughter from Dorian and Bull. I finished the song strong, a little high off my friends' reactions.

There was small applause and many people were coming in to the tavern like last time, this time able to see me better with my position near the stairs. "This is for all the couples out there." I started in on "500 Miles" by The Proclaimers then, thinking of how much I walked to get to Skyhold, saying "one" instead of "man". I saw a few couples get up and began to dance. Sera was sitting on the table next to Dorian, her legs crossed and foot bouncing, enjoyment on her face. Eventually, many were singing along to the:
"Da da da

Da da da

Da da da dun diddle un diddle un diddle uh da."

I finished it with a bit more flourish than I usually did and someone handed me a tankard. I thanked them, looking over at Dorian and he shrugged. I took a sip, needing something to clear my throat. Damn, that ale was good. "Only one more for the night, but I think you might enjoy it." The tavern was packed now and I felt flattered people were coming to listen to me. I noticed Blackwall leaning against the bar next to Varric and smiled to myself. I took another drink of ale to calm by nerves from the crowd. One more and you can escape and collapse in bed. Long day tomorrow Captain King.

I strummed the beginning of "Shut Up and Dance with Me", a new song I finally nailed a couple weeks before everything happened, aimed toward a certain blonde Commander. Before I met him in person.
"Oh don't you dare look back
Just keep your eyes on me
He said you're holding back
I said shut up and dance with me
This man is my destiny
I said oh oh oh
Shut up and dance with me."

Some seemed to be amused by these lyrics and I felt relief they enjoyed it. It was a gamble with this one, but I loved how much fun it was to play.

I got to the second verse, playing my version of the lyrics:

"Shining armor and some scuffed up boots

My warrior, Commander, fantasy"

Laughter erupted from the corner and Dorian seemed to enjoy the lyrics, especially based on recent conversations. I saw his eyes widen and then his laughter got worse. I gazed in the direction that he was, and noticed Cullen in the tavern doorway, the same look of bewilderment on his face from Cole talking to him.

"I felt it in my chest as he looked at me

I knew we were bound to be together

Bound to be together"

I felt my face flush and I continued, trying to finish the song with the same gusto I had when beginning it. Finally, the final note rang and I bowed as people began to applaud. I grinned and felt pleased, thanking them before heading to Dorian and Sera.

"I really enjoyed the wolf part," Sera said right away as I placed my cup on the table.

Dorian's grin still lit his face. "Could those lyrics be any more fitting then at that moment?" His eyes shone with tears.

"Oh enough," I muttered. "How was I supposed to know he'd walk in here? He doesn't drink."

Sera looked over my shoulder. "Crowd must have sent him in. Usually isn't so busy here unless a brawl happens."

Dorian's grin got bigger as his eyes moved to a figure behind me and I knew instantly who it was. "Uh…Captain…I mean Kassy…could I? Could I have a moment of your time?" Cullen's voice sounded unsure and almost as if he expected me to say no.

I faced him with a smile. "Of course," I told him with false confidence. Cullen exited the tavern, and I took one last sip of ale for assurance, rolling my eyes at Dorian's wink.

"Needs a woman on top, your Cully Wully," Sera joked, and Dorian began to laugh again.

"Not mine, and knock it off you two!" I hissed. I tried to center myself as I left the crowded tavern, Maryden playing once again.

I gripped my lute with a sweaty hand, searching the area for Cullen. I saw him standing off near the stairs on the right. How did I never notice those stairs before? Were they there in the game? I cleared my throat as I approached, not wanting to sneak up on him.

The sun was just starting to set and I admired the way the sun hit his golden hair as it went down. His eyes were on me, and I felt like I was 13 again, talking to my crush Jared for the first time. What the hell? You are twenty four. You talk to guys now. You are a grown ass woman, be it a very sexually limited woman, but still, you shouldn't be acting like a teenager.

"You wanted to talk?" I asked, leaning my lute against the stairs and taking a seat on the third to bottom step. "What's up?"

His eyes seemed confused for a second again and he shook his head. "I'm still getting used to the way you speak," he mumbled.

"It's only been a couple days, I'm sure you will get used to it eventually." I assured him, leaning forward and crossing my arms on my thighs. "You wanted a word?" I repeated.

"Uh..yes," he stammered and rubbed the back of his neck. Cullen glanced down at the step I was on and he met my eyes. "About today," he began. "I don't know honestly what to say besides every time I think I understand you, you take a turn I didn't see coming. You are a constant riddle."

I stared at him with surprise. "Is this how you talk to all the girls, Commander?"

I saw him blush and I swear I heard him mutter "Maker's breath". "What? I…no…I'm not trying to…I had this planned." He sat down next to me and I could smell him, his scent one I couldn't put words to. It was just…Cullen. "I talked to Cole today."

I groaned putting my face in my hands. "Cullen, I don't even know what to say. I'm so embarrassed."

"Why would you be embarrassed?" Cullen's tone was soft and I looked up, apparently not following where this conversation would go. He continued, oblivious to my confusion. "It makes sense now. You have someone in your world you love…or have strong feelings for….and that is why you want to go back."

"What?" I asked, completely taken by surprise. "No, it's just that-."

"He is how you know all the information isn't he? How you were sent to this world through the rift? You are protecting him. He must be important status if you are willing to sacrifice yourself with not sharing your secrets." His voice was a little rough and I could hear a bit of anger in it, but he seemed to try to be sympathetic.

"Cullen, that isn't what is going on," I argued, turning my body on the bench toward him, my hands gesturing wildly. "I don't feel that way for anyone in my world that way."

"You can stop denying it," he told me. "I'm not stupid. Everything made sense after talking with Cole. 'He's the only light in the chaos. A comfort and hope in your pain.'" Cullen leaned his back against the stair wall. "You are taking comfort in his safety. If you just tell the Inquisition who it is," his hand was in his hair. "Me who it is, we'll try to prevent any harm that might befall him."

I stood on the step now, looking down at his face. Maker, his eyes were shining gold in heat of his argument. "There isn't anyone!"

He was standing now as well, and his height towered over me as he stood on a step above me. He gestured an arm out to my lute. "Those songs you play," he began, glancing at the lute than back to me. "They are about someone. You couldn't have written those with no one in mind, or sang them with such conviction." I opened my mouth to argue, but he moved down a step, causing me to do the same. "You sang it in your song tonight, you were bound to be together and that he's your destiny."

I let out a soft yell of frustration. "Listen," I grabbed my lute. "I have no great lover from my past or world. Are my words just taking up useless air? When are you going to believe a word I say? What more do I have to do to have you trust me like I trust you?"

There was no other word than bafflement to describe his face. "But Cole…" I blushed a very dark red. Understanding seemed to come to him and he looked anywhere but at me. He ran a hand through his hair and took another step down, eyes uncomfortably focused on mine. "You don't even know me. How could you trust me?"

I cursed whatever god did this to me. Just tell him the truth. Well, some of the truth. Don't scare him off. "I just do," I said lamely. "I see the struggle you go through every day, fighting whatever demons that decided to haunt you that day. I see the way you give everything to the Inquisition, without a second thought to your own welfare." I tilted my head then, and felt a sudden wave of bravery. "I noticed how you are constantly trying to help a stranger that could very well be a spy. You offered her friendship, comfort when she was puking over a wall, and immunity to a supposed lover."

Cullen's eyes were trying to process my words and I saw them flicker down to my dragon claw necklace. "Why did you sneak that one to wear? What is its significance?"

My fingers grabbed onto the necklace, trying to draw power from Dad. I admired the blue orb and the silver claw holding it. So, he knew I stole it. "My father gave it to me when I was younger. For luck, he told me." I hated myself for wanting to cry thinking of my dad. Homesickness was never going to go away. I knew that now.

I expected to see understanding in his eyes when I met his eyes again. Instead, I found wonderment. I saw his hand go to the pocket of his robe and I wondered if he was touching his coin. "Luck?"

I cleared my throat, trying to get rid of the tightness I felt in it. "Yeah, but I think it's broken." I let go of the necklace and tucked some loose hair behind my ear. We stood in silence for a moment and I began to walk away.

"You said you trusted me," he called hesitantly. "Cole…"

"I know what Cole said," I answered, feeling silly. "Just forget it happened Cullen. I will just go back to training and finding a way back home, while you lead an army."

"We both know that can't happen, Kassy." His tone was firm. He looked determined as he walked toward me. "You are right. I should trust you. So far, everything you said has been true."

"It has?" I thought over the information I have shared with him. Then the first part of his sentence rang in my mind. "Why can't we forget?"

"Well, you are a bard," he began. "That has been made obviously clear the past few days. Also, the information about Samson is true."

I felt the breath leave my chest. "How do you know?"

"I got reports from troops informing me about letters between Samson and Maddox." I felt a small smile on my lips and I looked down at my boots, thanking Dad for the lucky necklace. I guess it was working. I heard him take another step closer.

"Well, I'm glad you got information that confirms my legitimacy," I mumbled. I peeked up at him through my lashes, frowning at the way he shook his head. "What?"

He rubbed the back of his neck again, "I just don't understand how someone who has known me for three days, could tell me so much about myself that no one else knows or sees. Besides Cole, that is." I felt the heat from his body as he came closer, and I took another step back, almost tripping on the bottom stair. Was I at the stair way already?

"Well…ummm…" I responded almost breathlessly. Get yourself together Captain Kassy. "I've just always been able to read people. Inherited it from my mom I guess." I side-stepped him, wanting to escape the complete awkwardness of this conversation. He basically knew I liked him, and he is just playing with it?

"Did I say something wrong?" His tone was almost hurt and I slowly faced him.

"Not at all, Cullen," I said quickly. "Honestly, I just had a long day of training and I think I am done embarrassing myself for one day."

"I know that feeling," he mumbled. I couldn't help the giggle that escaped my mouth. "It's true," he defended. "You seem to have a way of doing that to me."

"Me?" I asked astounded. "You're not the one that had their deepest thoughts exposed by Cole."

Whiskey eyes locked onto my blue-grey ones and he had a half smile on his face. "I'm glad I know."

I blushed yet again, putting a hand to my cheek. "Umm...I…good then. As always, a pleasure talking to you Commander."

He nodded, the smile still on his face. "Kassy," he replied. Cullen tilted his head. "What is your full name?"

"Kassandra King," I replied with pride. I began the decent down the stairs toward the healer tents. I looked over my shoulder, watching him lean against the wall, arms crossed, his eyes on me. "Oh, and Maddox is at Shrine of Dumat."

I quickly made my way across the grass and dirt toward the barn, not turning around again. I knew two things: 1. I was going to be in for a world of body pain tomorrow and 2. Cullen Rutherford flirted with me, Kassy King, willingly.

Maker's breath, that man confused me!