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Note: Sorry for the delay, friends! This chapter was... tricky to hash out. Couldn't decide where to go with it. Also, SUPER wanna point out the rating guys; I think Bull read too much of Varric's work and wrote this chapter...
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The cries of her agony that chased him down the hall stung at Cullen's ears, biting at his heels to quicken his pace. The cogs in his head were click, click, clicking with each step as he worked through the onslaught of thoughts, impulsions and fears. His first instinct had been to return to her; his second had demanded his retreat to his own chambers to brood sullenly. The third however, had Cullen determinedly pushing through the various remaining people at the funeral's gathering; his eyes scanning the vast room for a particular glint of armor.
"You looking for Bo?"
Cullen cleared his throat and shook his head at his dwarf companion, Varric having sidled up next to the clearly vexed knight. "Have you seen Prince Sebastian?"
Varric snorted, "Before or after Isabeau knotted his smalls?"
"I beg your pardon?"
"Look, Charming... you weren't privy to that man's company like I was – I guess that whole Chantry-chastity bullshit was an act. Always figured he had a thing for Hawke's sister, though..." Varric mused distractedly as he untwisted the cap to his flask, swishing it before downing a sip. "It's a bit overdone, but I can work with a love triangle."
"Oh, to the Void with you!" Cullen groaned exasperatedly, a hand coming to rub at his eyes as he huffed at the leering dwarf. "Where did you last see him?"
"Chatting with Lady Trevelyan, can't say after that."
Cullen nodded and turned to leave as Varric called after him.
"Don't worry, Skirts! It'll be written tastefully!"
Shaking his head in further frustration, Cullen's eyes finally caught sight of the Vael Prince's cuirass, politely waiting as he approached the group that surrounded the young Lord. When their eyes met, Sebastian gracefully excused himself to follow Cullen to a secluded balcony, a slight look of wariness lining his handsome features. The striking Prince leaned languidly against the marble balustrade before crossing his arms before his chest, the two men unabashedly sizing the other up.
"I have nothing but respect for you, Ser Cullen. You always had a... fair hand, when it came to Hawke," Sebastian began, breaking their tense silence. "It has been some time; a shame that our reunion must be so... troubled."
Cullen bit the inside of his cheek as he felt a vein in his neck pulse, "Hawke... was a decent man. To meet you again under her Eminence's loss though, is regrettable."
Sebastian perked his eyebrows, "No need to be coy with me, ser Knight; we both know Lord Trevelyan's death is not what I speak of." The rogue shifted his weight as he sighed, scratching at the side of his jaw as he fixated his gaze evenly upon Cullen, "Varric is not, as a rule, a good secret keeper. I was not aware of your intentions towards Isabeau until too late, I'm afraid."
"...Nor I yours," Cullen agreed slowly.
"But you are aware of my proposal?"
As Cullen nodded, Sebastian turned to gaze out over the gardens and expansive sea in the distance. "I have... rued my mistakes, in regards to Isabeau, considerably. I had hoped to rectify both our situations should she have looked kindly upon my profuse apologies..." He sighed and shook his head dejectedly, "...I'm not sure exactly what I had expected."
"The Inquisitor has... a colossal amount of responsibilities. It has been exceptionally trying for her as of late," Cullen awkwardly offered, stepping towards the balcony's railing to share in the view with Sebastian. "I'm... admittedly concerned. To see her distressed by your presence... well, forgive a Knight for his chivalry, My Lord."
A hand loudly clapped against Cullen's shoulder as Sebastian accepted his apology, Cullen startling at the unexpected act. "We have known each other for some time now, Ser Cullen. Formalities are not necessary; I would have you speak candidly and know why you have sought my private council?"
In that moment, when faced with the encroaching precipice, Cullen paused. Could he go behind Isabeau's back and directly disobey her? The selfishness behind his desires clawed at his conscience, tearing at the quickly tattering scrap that was his duty as he considered the potential ramifications of his motives. Alternatively however, Cullen was infuriated at the Prince; his jealousy aside, he found Sebastian's daring unacceptable, insulted for Isabeau at his boorish proposal. Like sinking back into an addiction, Cullen found he was embattled with an old argument he thought he'd long since surrendered. Memories of times he'd spent agonizing over his previous superior's betrayals and their outcomes came rushing back as he felt an odd sense of déjà vu.
Is this my fate?
"Ser Cullen?"
He decided to leap, sucking in a steadying breath as he committed to his intentions.
"If... you held any true adoration for Isabeau, you would not blackmail her with this marriage. It is true I have an obvious bias, but, forgive my candor... you had your chance," Cullen began as he pushed away from the balcony to stand at rigid attention next to Sebastian. "You have not been there; it is not your ears and eyes that must swallow her agony and watch her bleed. You torment her with armies like a carriage driver dangles a carrot for his mule. I find it disrespectful, distasteful and unacceptable from a man of your status."
Sebastian sniffed with incredulity as he shook his head aggrievedly, "Well, I suppose I did say to... speak plainly." The young Prince turned to face Cullen with narrowed eyes, "You and I seem to have differing opinions on the interpretation it would seem, Ser Cullen. I'm not sure I appreciate your... veracity."
"I'm sure I don't appreciate yours. As the Inquisition's Marshall, the benefits to your additional forces are not lost on me; it is your methods at negotiation I cannot abide," Cullen growled as he took several steps towards Sebastian, his one fist clenching. Like an itch needing to be scratched, Cullen could not resist his further pursuit of the Prince's conscience, "Did you ever love her? Is she simply a thing for you to use and discard when convenient?"
"You grow too bold, Ser Knight," the Prince warned through his teeth, a hand coming to warningly rest upon the pommel of his dagger. "Perhaps you should tread more carefully with your unbridled desires for your Inquisitor; for I fear they make you a poor ambassador." Sebastian planted his feet evenly apart as he stood his ground before the armored knight, "I made attempts to amend for my transgressions; am I a scoundrel for following up with an offer of assistance?"
Cullen scoffed loudly.
"An offer with considerable strings attached! You take blatant advantage of her, serrah!" Cullen unashamedly pointed an accusing finger at Sebastian, nostrils flared as the air grew thick between the men. "Her father burns on the tide while the weight of Thedas sinks heavier upon her shoulders... and you see now a fit time to proposition her?"
"If you insist on berating me, Ser, I would know if I speak to the Inquisitor's advisor... or her lover?" Sebastian seethed bitingly before suddenly coming up to roughly snatch at the collar of Cullen's tunic. "Do not criticize me for inappropriate conduct when you yourself toe the line."
With a great shove to break Sebastian's grasp, Cullen drew his sword and pointed it at the Prince as both men came to slowly walk around the other, blades drawn menacingly. The Prince outstretched his arms tauntingly as he kept a careful distance from the irate templar, tutting as he shook his head back and forth at Cullen.
"Do you deign to kill me, Ser Cullen?"
"No. Whether I like it or not, you and Isabeau are not... wrong to need each other," With a great sigh, Cullen sheathed his sword as he willed his anger from roaring flames to flickering embers. "...Though not in the way you seek. I came to you because, at one time, you were... capable of reason and compassion. I left Kirkwall with scars of my own, but... I will not allow them to mar my honour."
A skeptical eyebrow was raised in reply, Sebastian's blade remaining steadily pointed at the man before him, "Be quick with your words, Templar, for my patience is at an end with your dramatics."
"The loss of your family, Elthina, Hawke... Your life has not been without its own suffering, I understand that, My Lord. As an advisor or lover however, I... speak truly with care for her; it is what compels me to stand before you now," Cullen's hands came to clasp tightly at his waist, anxiously rubbing as he swallowed his pride. "I am... begging you, as a fellow Andrastian... to swallow that pain when in the presence of hers and appreciate the... immense burden she carries," Cullen began slowly, a hand coming to tiredly draw down his face. "As a comrade, a friend... a lover; whatever you were or are to her... the Maker would see you gift such armies to her without the extortion."
Sebastian held Cullen's glare for several long minutes before finally blinking and turning away, the tension between them noticeably snapped as he exhaled loudly. He sheathed his dagger and shakily stepped further back from Cullen.
"You... have shamed me with my arrogance Ser," The handsome man admitted, sighing in his defeat as he sank upon one of the veranda's numerous chaise longues. "You... must understand, as a noble, Isabeau is a formidable match. She... has been in my life for a long time and my misery was great indeed when I thought her dead; to learn of her survival, her great feats and acts of mercy...? As I moved closer to my throne, I could think of no one better."
"Then honor her... and accept your bond as it must now stand. Take back your lands, Sebastian... and help me in lessening the great responsibility she carries for all of us."
Looking up at Cullen thoughtfully, Sebastian rubbed his hands nervously against his leather trousers, "...Answer me one thing?"
Cullen met his gaze before giving a shrug in sceptical consent.
"Amongst the chaos, you found one another... and I have clearly blundered directly into it, ignorant of your union. I... can empathize with your affections for her, as my own have never been far themselves. Unlike you however, I have felt the pain of her death once... is it something you can face, too, Knight?"
His chest clenched tightly as Cullen swallowed before answering, "Yes... unlike you, I will face it with her."
Sebastian closed his eyes and breathed deeply through his nose, tilting his head back before opening his eyes to look up at the darkened sky. "She... will have my armies, Ser Cullen. I... have always felt Andraste smiled upon her cause and, fool that I am, I am no Maferath," he stood and extended his hand out to Cullen, shaking it solidly. "You... remain a good man, Ser Cullen. I am... relived she has you for a Champion."
Cullen nodded solemnly, "Send a raven to Skyhold upon your victory, My Lord. We will arrange an envoy to prepare for your force's integration. You will be a welcomed addition to the Inquisition," Cullen replied respectfully, wanting to ensure they were clear on their agreement.
"You have my word. I have several platoons of men currently outside Hercinia; I will assign some of them to your command... as a deposit for our future investments."
Cullen felt an immense weight lift from his shoulders as an abrupt sense of respect for the exiled Prince coursed through him. "I am grateful you remain a reasonable man, My Lord. I am glad we were... able to amicably negotiate."
Sebastian nodded his head in acquiescence, "Farewell, Ser Cullen. Perhaps, at the end of it all, we can be there with her... together."
Relief and a secret sense of awe washed over Cullen as the Prince left him alone there on the balcony. Admittedly, Cullen had been wary of his rebellious intentions, hesitant in his ability to sway the determined Prince of Starkhaven. There was a sweet succor to be found in seeing his anguish proved wrong, the undeniable boost to Cullen's will and determination welcomed after the constant doubt. Long ago now he had relinquished his badgering conscience over the poor timing of his and the Inquisitor's affair; it was selfish, yes, but Cullen did not question Isabeau's love even if she had been considering Sebastian's offer. If there was one thing Cullen could believe in as they navigated the abyss, it was Isabeau being at his side.
And it is something, for better or worse, I cannot be without.
His mind made up, Cullen walked through the now sparse collection of guests, following his steps back to Isabeau's chambers. As he gently pushed the door open and popped his head in, he saw her curled up tightly upon her bed. Closing the door quietly behind him, Cullen silently stripped out of his armor and clothes, perhaps a bit reckless in his actions as he climbed into bed beside her. His hand gently pulled back the hair from her face; his eyes softening sadly as he took in her swollen and still damp features.
As his lips trailed soft kisses from behind her scarred ear and down her long and slender neck, Isabeau stirred next to him, moaning in surprise of the knight's unexpected affections. Cullen smiled warmly as she turned to face him, her red rimmed eyes meeting his as they wrapped their arms around each other. He buried his face deep between her neck and shoulder, groaning in relief as they encompassed one another.
"Not... afraid of my mother's wrath?" Isabeau whispered teasingly, Cullen answering with a deep kiss, his tongue seeking her own as her body pressed tightly against his. When he finally broke their connection, he leaned back to gently run his fingers through her hair, smiling at her fondly.
"In this moment? No," he replied softly as he gently pressed a kiss at the corner of her mouth. "If I am truthful... it is your own I am wary of right now."
Isabeau quirked an eyebrow at Cullen worriedly, "I do not think I can revisit that conversation again tonight, love... be merciful."
Squeezing his eyes shut at the weight of her words, Cullen took a steadying breath before looking up her intent gaze again, "I... sought Sebastian and we have come to... an agreement." As Isabeau's eyes widened indignantly, he hurried on, "I could not bear it, Isabeau. Forgive my selfishness but it... was not in me to accept that... as a viable solution."
Isabeau disentangled herself from him to sit up against the large bed's headboard, her face cross as she stared at Cullen, "Am I little more than something to be bartered with? You tell me one thing and then turn around and do the exact opposite!" She sighed heavily as a hand slowly ran through her hair, "What happened to trusting me, Ser?"
"I never wavered in it. Prince Sebastian has committed his forces to you; we will leave Hercinia with several of his own platoons in guarantee," Cullen entreated quickly, sitting up to tentatively put his arm around her shoulders. "You told me you needed your advisor... No matter the affections that may influence my intentions, I have not shied from my role in my actions. If there was compromise to be found, I purposefully sought it."
A heavy silence hung between them as Isabeau appeared to mull over the turn of events, "And... had I wanted to marry Sebastian?"
Cullen swallowed deeply as he shook his head, "Forgive me, my lady... but I knew it in my heart to not ever be so."
After several tense minutes, a gentle smile split Isabeau's features as she sank deeper into Cullen's embrace; her lips finding the crook of his neck as she pressed herself closer. "I confess... to being more astonished than wrathful, love. Sebastian was very adamant in his intent, while you appeared... ready to accept his proposal; I was not sure what to think."
An odd sense of relief coursed through him, "I... am learning whento fight for what I believe in, my lady." Cullen offered as he pressed his lips to the top of her head, a hand coming to pet her wavy, pale lengths. "Paramour or advisor, I will not watch a lady coerced; you will have the mercies you deserve as long as I remain at your side."
Isabeau looked up at him over her brow before she swung herself over to straddle his lap, her hands grasping the bottom of her chemise as she pulled it over her head. Cullen smiled in satisfaction as he leaned forward to bury his face in her ample chest, arms wrapping around her thick waist as he licked and nibbled. She leaned down and interrupted his affections, kissing him hungrily as she ground her groin into his.
"Thank you... for being my lion, in all things," she breathed huskily as she trailed wet kisses along his jaw, her hands raking their nails down his abdomen as he pressed his length against her smalls. With a coy smile, she climbed off of the burly knight and began to seductively tease at the cords of her smalls, turning her back to him as she inched the fabric further down her ass. His hand went to grip himself as the flimsy covering slid down her legs to the floor, the view Isabeau sharing incredibly erotic as she bent over and leaned back in a great stretch. Cullen appreciated the woman's impressive back muscles as she wantonly climbed onto the bed, looking over her shoulder to smile at him beckoningly.
Oh, Maker...
With an audible groan, Cullen hastily came up behind her to slide himself deep between her legs. Isabeau cried out into the mattress, muffling the sound as she leaned forward, her ass high in the air, Cullen's ensuing thrusts pushing her down deeper. The Knight revelled in the sight of her, his hands coming to spread her cheeks further as he unabashedly pounded into her; stifled moans erupting from Isabeau only serving to quicken his pace. When the sensations approached their crescendo, Isabeau leaned back suddenly, her back pressing into Cullen's stomach as he quickly readjusted. After tumbling backwards on the bed, Isabeau's legs bent at the knee in the air, the couple bit their lips as they fought to silence their pleasure at their combined releases.
Isabeau languidly stretched atop Cullen afterwards, naughtily arching her back so her ass pressed against his groin, before she rolled over and returned to her side of the mattress. Cullen willed his breathing to even before turning his head to the side, smirking ruefully at Isabeau's flushed face.
"You did say 'a lion in all things'," he mischievously argued, Isabeau giving him a playful shove as she came to lie across his chest, Cullen holding her tightly against him. With great effort to release his worries as she pressed warmly against him, Cullen had soon closed his eyes and drifted into a troubled sleep.