Chapter Seventeen

Friends and Foes: Part Two

Cullen's steps were heavy as he descended the stairs, his mind awash with fury. He could hear voices drifting from the dining room as he approached, Benet's rising in anger above the rest. Malakar would be present when Cullen confronted the Marquis, but not for a diplomatic conversation.

Cullen threw open the heavy doors so hard they shuddered on their hinges. Startled gazes glanced at Cullen as he entered the room, the candlelight flickering in his wake as if reacting to the shadows in his gaze and the wrath that radiated from every step.

Cullen's eyes fixed on the terrified Marquis. Benet shot up from his chair, stumbling as he stepped backwards. Cullen stalked the noble, fists clenched tight at his side, his knuckles cracking as he flexed, longing to crush the Marquis' neck.

Benet yelped as his back met the wall. He raised his hands, holding them up as if to calm the approaching storm. 'Commander Cullen, please–'

'How dare you beg!'

Cullen had never felt rage so hot burn through him at the stuttered words. Images flashed in his mind, his vision clouded with the blood he wished to spill, the pain he wished to cause D'or.

'Bull, stop him!'

'On it, Boss.'

Arms wrapped tight around Cullen's, drawing him back. Cullen fought against Iron Bull's hold, adjusting his strategy. He braced his shoulders, locking his elbows into Bull's grip, and sent a flying kick at Benet's head before the Qunari could drag him backwards.

The Marquis shrunk away with another yelp. He shielded his face but the blow never came. He dared open his eyes, the shadow of a satisfied smile dancing on his lips when noticing Cullen was restrained.

'I made Valina an offer.'

'You tried to blackmail her.'

Cullen fought against Bull's hold, straining until he thought his shoulders would pop. The Qunari grit his teeth, struggling to hold the Commander as Cullen gained enough purchase to pull an arm free and snatch at Benet again.

'It's a game,' Benet snarled, 'I upped the stakes.'

'You do not get to play with people's lives.'

Benet narrowed his stormy eyes, a vicious smile on his lips. 'You Fereldens are so naive. Why do you think the bandits came to Sahrnia to begin with? How do you think they knew to find you on the road?' He watched Cullen's reaction, a sickening smile on his lips at the flicker of doubt in Cullen's tawny gaze. 'That's right. I know exactly who Mireille is. I recruited her years ago to get rid of a clingy lover. I knew that I could have no sordid attachments if I hoped to convince Valina's parents to accept me as her suitor, but the bitch took Valina as her prize and disappeared. It took years, but I found her again, planned to kill her for her insolence after I used her. I spent weeks spreading rumours, feeding information to the farmers that haunt the local taverns, and she fell for every single one. She practically jumped at the chance to see Valina again because she believed she could recruit Valina over to her cultist friends, that she could take Valina as she did before, but she would never have succeeded. They would have tortured Valina, twisted her mind, and then just when she had lost hope, I would have saved her from Mireille and Valina would be mine. I just wish the dumb bitch had been smart enough to kill you on sight, Rutherford.'

Cullen stared at the man, stared deep into the stormy gaze as he replayed every conversation, every moment in the days before capture. Mireille and her bandits had come from the estate. How could Benet have notified Mireille so quickly?

A string of curses formed in Cullen's mind as he remembered the traveller, the lightly laden horse.

A messenger.

'It would never have worked,' Cullen said, 'you've never done anything but sit in your estate and push papers. The moment you arrived to save her, she would have known.'

Benet sneered. 'You've fallen into the same trap she lays for all men, convincing you that she wants adventure and battle, that she's got a mind for tactics, but it's all craft. One day she'll realise her stupidity; she will come to crave a man matched to her in wealth and power, and a life of submission. She will be put in her place, and I will be the one to do it.'

Bull shook his head. 'Oh, you fucked up now,' he said, releasing his hold.

Freed from the restraint of Bull's arms, Cullen surged forward with a growl. His thoughts scattered, replaced by the light of vicious bliss as his fist connected with the Marquis' nose. Warm satisfaction bloomed as bones crunched beneath his knuckles, blood spurting, a strangled scream gurgling from Benet's throat.

The Marquis crumpled to the floor, whimpering, shielding his face with his arm. Cullen stared down, chest heaving, fingers curling with the need to attack.

'Commander!'

Cullen ignored the Inquisitor's shout. He grasped Benet's shirt, dragging the Marquis up the wall until his feet dangled. Cullen locked his elbow and tightened his grip, ignoring the nails that clawed at his hands.

'Release him!'

'Not until he learns.'

Cassandra quirked an eyebrow at Valina's statement but nodded her assent.

'I met Mireille when I was twenty-one. We worked together on a few jobs, and were very close until she discovered the fortune attached to my name,' Valina said, 'Mireille's youth was difficult. She lived in poverty and learnt to use a bow as a means of protection, and later to earn gold. When she learnt that the woman in her bed was the daughter of a wealthy family, she became obsessed with gaining my fortune. The only reason I still live is because I did not have a sibling to which she could attach herself and take advantage of their grief after she failed to court me.'

'And Cullen does not know this?'

'Cullen is quite aware of my history with Mireille, for the most part. What he does not know is the length to which Mireille went in her attempts to gain my commitment.'

Cassandra nodded. 'Continue.'

'The last few days are not the first in which Mireille has detained me. After she failed to procure my hand in a courteous manner, she shot me with an arrow dipped in some form of hallucinogenic coating and locked me in a cell, leaving me to whatever terrors my mind imagined for me. When that did not break me, she tortured me. Her methodology is… expansive. Imaginative. I discovered that she had many of her methods tested on herself.'

'That's why our interrogation would have failed.'

'Yes,' Valina said, 'but I escaped before she could break me. No lock can hold me, not when I have even one tool at my disposal.' Valina threw the Seeker a wry smile. 'Unfortunately, she remembered that trick when she captured me this time.'

'And you did not encounter her again until you were captured this time?'

'No, not face to face,' Valina said, 'a few months after I escaped, she found me in a tavern and left a note in my room while I slept, but by that point, she had successfully ensnared another mark and had lost interest in seeking my fortune.'

Although Valina knew that their moralities often clashed, the Seeker's ability to adapt to the situations presented to her and consider them in their moral contexts was one of Cassandra's strongest characteristics. This was no different, and though Cassandra stayed quiet for a time, processing the information which Valina had given, ultimately she nodded.

'All right, Valina. I think I understand,' Cassandra said, 'I appreciate your honesty, and I apologise for calling you rash. I can't imagine it was easy to discuss.'

Valina shrugged. 'It's important for you to have context, but I would appreciate it if we exclude the details from the report.'

'Understood,' Cassandra said, 'I hope I am not too forward, but may I ask why you do not want to tell Cullen?'

'It is in the past,' Valina said, 'I will not burden him more with such history. He has his own demons which he must bear.'

Cassandra studied Valina, her piercing gaze analysing the closed features. 'I think he would want to know.'

'It would do as much good as attacking the Marquis when I have already made Benet pay for his actions. Cullen cannot change what happened, so telling him will only upset him unnecessarily.'

Cassandra rubbed her eyes, slumping back in her chair. The words settled on her shoulders but the Seeker did not struggle under their weight. 'Okay, Valina. That explains much,' she said, 'but I still do not understand why you knocked the Commander out.'

'It was the safest course. It's much easier to maintain a lie when only one person has to do the lying. Mireille was incredibly perceptive. She would have read Cullen in a second and killed him on the spot, and I would have followed him after ensuring she paid with her blood.'

An icy bolt slammed into Cullen's shoulder. He dropped the Marquis, stumbling back as frozen crystals formed over his armour, the metal creaking at the sudden change in temperature. He took a step towards the mage, tawny eyes darkened with fury. Malakar did not falter under Cullen's gaze, even when they flared with challenge.

'You have every right to be angry – we all are – but more violence is not the answer.'

'Finally, some sense. I never expected it from an e–'

'Shut up,' Malakar snapped at Benet, a quiet thunder in his voice as his aura filled the room, magic straining to be released, 'you have said and done quite enough. Marquis Benet D'or. You are charged with engaging in banditry and criminal activity, appealing to the Inquisition under false pretences, endangering the lives of those in Sahrnia and surrounding regions, endangering the lives of Inquisition members, and attempted blackmail and extortion against the Inquisition.'

Benet rolled his eyes. 'I am not a bandit.'

'You brought them here so you are culpable for their actions.'

'My interest is only in Valina. I never threatened the Inquisition–'

'You threatened a core member of the Inquisition and, therefore, your actions extend to the Inquisition as a whole. As the Inquisitor, I have every right to haul you back to Skyhold and punish you in any manner I see fit, and, because you have no living heirs or relatives, to requisition your estate and resources.'

'You cannot–'

'I can,' Malakar thundered, breath misting the air as the temperature plummeted until ice began to form on every surface, 'and I will unless you can find a way to convince me to be lenient. I will give you the night to think about it.' He looked away from the Marquis. 'Bull, take him to his room. Ensure he does not leave.'

'Can do, Boss.'

Benet's eyes widened with fear and he scrambled backwards, gaze darting between Malakar and the Iron Bull. 'I will not be restrained in my own home, knife-ear,' he spat.

Power crackled in the room, the stifling cold dousing the candles. 'If you are not careful, this will no longer be your home. Dirthara-ma, Your Grace.'

Bull grasped Benet's arm, dragging the Marquis to his feet as if he weighed nothing more than a doll. 'You nobles never know when to keep your mouth shut,' he muttered, shoving Benet toward the door.

The three men watched as the Qunari disappeared through the door, Benet's protests fading as Bull marched him down the hall.

Dorian placed his hand over Malakar's shoulder and tension left the Inquisitor's lithe frame. The candles flickered weakly back to life, warmth slowing diffusing through the bone-chilling cold as Dorian drew Malakar into his embrace.

'May I kill him, Amatus?'

Malakar sighed into Dorian's shoulder. 'You may not, ma vhenan,' he said, a smile creeping over his lips, 'there is a line.'

'He insulted you. At the very least he should lose his tongue for his disrespect.'

'And he will pay for his crimes.'

Dorian met Cullen's gaze, a smirk on his lips as he read the Commander's intent. 'He certainly will.'

Malakar pulled back. He looked up at Dorian's face, catching the smile before his vhenan could hide it. He glanced over his shoulder and Cullen shifted on his feet. Malakar frowned. 'No one kills D'or.'

'Ruining our fun,' Dorian muttered, an innocent smile lighting his lips when Malakar glared at him.

'That's an order.'

'I do like it when you put on your Inquisitor hat,' Dorian said, drawing Malakar closer again.

'Dorian…'

'Fine, Amatus.'

Dorian cupped the back of Malakar's neck, drawing his amatus in, claiming his lips. Cullen turned from them, leaving the room to allow them their moment together.

He walked up the stairs, his steps lighter now. The cloud of rage in his mind slowly lifted, his ire cooling, muted by the knowledge that D'or would likely lose all that he prided himself on – his wealth, his estate, his position – all because of his selfishness. His knuckles throbbed with pain but the sensation was oddly satisfying, especially knowing that D'or had not been healed before he was dragged off.

Cullen straightened his surcoat before he entered his and Valina's quarters. Valina and Cassandra were sitting at the desk, whatever conversation they were having falling away. Both glanced at him as he approached, Valina's eyes dropping to his hand, a smirk lighting her lips.

'You beat him up, didn't you?'

Cullen clenched his jaw, flexing his fingers. 'I merely educated him on the finer points of Inquisition diplomacy. He is lucky to be breathing, considering the fact that he lured the bandits and us here for his own selfish purposes.'

'What in the name of the Maker are you talking about?' Cassandra asked.

'The Marquis did not just hatch a plan to demand we trade Valina at the dinner table. He orchestrated it, down to luring Mireille to Sahrnia and ensuring that we were captured.'

'He what?'

'You heard me, Seeker.'

Cassandra sighed. 'This is a disaster.'

Cullen leant on the desk. 'Not entirely. We will be transporting D'or to Skyhold tomorrow and his resources will be seized.'

'As far as I am concerned, the only disaster is that we are not transporting him in a coffin,' Valina muttered.

'Chains will have to do,' Cassandra said, glancing at the rogue, 'I'll ensure they are uncomfortable.'

Cullen moved closer to Valina, leaning on the table so he could face her. 'Valina, there's something more that I need to tell you,' he said, waiting until she met his gaze before he spoke, 'you said you met Mireille when you were both hired by ex-lovers.'

She nodded, trying to read the emotions that flickered in the tawny depths as she said, 'I did.'

Cullen leant closer, supporting himself on the arm of her chair. 'D'or was the one who hired Mireille. He wanted to kill his ex-lover so that he would have no questionable attachments in the hope that he would convince your parents to accept him as your suitor.'

Valina's face went blank. She rose, turning away from him. A disturbing stillness settled over the room, her body frozen and statuesque as she processed his words. For moments that seemed like hours, she stood there, her eyes focused on the window across from her.

Cullen's mind flashed back to the night before they left for Sahrnia when they stopped on the ramparts after leaving the Herald's Rest. She had been smiling, but as she looked up at the stars, her eyes darkened.

'Why do you think we hurt the ones we love?' She asked.

He agonised over the answer, not knowing how to respond. He knew she was referring to her father, knew she was struggling to come to terms with their earlier argument. 'I… don't know. Perhaps, sometimes, we love them too much.'

'What if I hurt you?'

He stepped closer, wrapping his arms tight around her waist. 'You won't, Valina…'

The same stillness that had surrounded her on the ramparts embraced her again, but instead of sadness, he could sense the quiet, writhing anger that surged inside her.

Valina turned suddenly and Cullen shivered at the emptiness in her gaze.

'Coffin it is.'

Cullen shot forward, grasping Valina's shoulders. She fought his grip, hands vicelike on his wrists.

'Let me go, Cullen.'

Cullen tightened his hold as much as he could without hurting her. 'Valina, as satisfying as it might be to kill him, it would only be fleeting. Wouldn't you much rather see him shut in a cell and stripped of his title? Disgraced?'

Valina's grip softened but did not release. 'I want him to hurt.'

'I broke his nose, my love, and the Bull is watching D'or after hearing him insult both you and Malakar,' Cullen said, 'trust me, he is hurting.'

'A few more broken bones can't hurt,' she snarled, eyes still burning with her anger, 'kaffas, why does everyone want to put me in a box?'

'I don't,' he whispered and the fight left Valina's body at the quiet words. She looked up at him with wide eyes as he cupped her cheeks. 'I don't, Valina. Nor will I ever let anyone do so.'

Her eyes wavered. Tears welled and bent his head to hers, kissing her forehead, lips trailing down her nose. Valina sighed reluctantly but she softened at his touch, melting into his kiss as he slanted his mouth over hers, his tongue flicking over her bottom lip, coaxing her to return his passion. His hand trailed to her waist, arm encircling her to draw her tight against his chest. She clutched at his surcoat, surrendering to his claim.

'Amatus…'

Cullen drew her closer. He caught her bottom lip, holding her in place, then trailed his kiss to her chin, her neck. She shivered as his teeth grazed her skin, her body reacting to the song of his touch.

A soft sigh broke the silence in the room. Cullen placed one final soft kiss on her lips but did not release her as they glanced at the desk.

'Seeker?' he said, voice rough.

Cassandra took a sharp breath, focus returning to her gaze. A soft blush lit her high cheekbones as she scrambled to her feet. 'Yes, well, I will go check on the situation downstairs.' She walked to the door, only pausing to add, 'don't forget to write up a report. One of Leliana's birds is hanging around somewhere; we'll need to send it ahead to Josephine,' before she left the room.

Valina and Cullen stared at the door for a moment, listening to Cassandra's hurried footsteps.

'What in the...?'

'The Seeker is a romantic after all,' Valina said, 'I thought I read her wrong.'

Cullen frowned at the door. Thoughts churned in his gold-flecked gaze, but he shook them off. He cupped her cheek. 'Let's get this letter out of the way,' he said, 'you start. I'll get some tea.'

'All right, Amatus,' Valina said, smiling up at him. Light had returned to her gaze, though a shadow lurked in the brilliant green. 'Don't be long.'

Cullen placed a soft kiss on her nose. 'Five minutes,' he promised, pulling reluctantly from her arms. He hurried through the door, not wanting to be apart from her longer than necessary. At the bottom of the stairs, he could hear Cassandra, Malakar, and Dorian discussing the confrontation, their voices fading as he moved past the dining room to the kitchens.

The young servant woman who had greeted Cullen and Valina at the door days earlier looked up as he entered. She quickly brushed off her apron, glancing around at the state of the room.

'Oh, Commander Cullen,' she said, 'we weren't expecting you might need us so soon after dinner, especially after... I'm afraid we're in a bit of a state back here, what with everything that's just happened.'

Cullen glanced at the two staff behind her; an old moustached cook and a young elf. 'Yes, I'm sorry about that,' he said, softening his voice at the nervous glances, 'may I ask your names?'

The young woman glanced back. 'Our names, Ser?'

Cullen smiled. 'Yes.'

'Oh, I'm Evelyn. You can call me Eve,' she said, then gestured behind, 'and that's Dennin, the cook. He doesn't talk much but he makes the best winter stew you'll ever taste. And that's Faedrir. He helps me around the house and assists Dennin for big dinners like tonight.'

'The dinner was delicious, thank you. I'm sorry I didn't get to finish.'

Eve offered a soft smile, but it did not meet her hazel eyes. She twisted her hands in her apron. 'What's going to happen to Master D'or, Ser?'

Cullen had expected the question. 'He'll be taken to Skyhold and imprisoned.'

'Imprisoned?'

'Yes,' Cullen said with a firm nod. He planned to throw Benet into a cell personally.

'Does that mean he'll be released?'

Cullen understood her concern for her employer. It was hard to come by work, even for a fit young woman.

'Considering his crimes… it's unlikely.'

Eve clutched at her chest, her sigh of relief echoed by Dennin and Faedrir. 'Thank the Maker.'

'Sorry,' Cullen said, 'I don't understand. You're happy?'

'I should not speak ill of my Master, Ser, but I have no other words to say about him. My mother adored him, but that young man she cared for became twisted up over the years. I am glad she did not live to see it these past few years.'

Clearly, it's not just Valina who has suffered his rage.

'This estate is now under Inquisition control,' Cullen reassured her, 'he will not return.'

'What if he comes back, Evie? Won't he be mad?' Faedrir asked meekly. His footsteps were so quiet that Cullen hadn't even noticed him approach.

Eve smiled down at him, though her expression was strained. 'We'll be fine, lad. We'll leave if we have to. There's got to be work somewhere.'

Cullen stepped forward. 'It's very unlikely that D'or will return to this estate.' I'll ensure it personally. 'This estate is likely to become a post for Inquisition soldiers. If you wish to stay and run the house, I'll ensure you're paid for your services, and that you have safe lodgings.'

Eve glanced up. 'You'd do that, Ser?' she asked, 'you don't even know us.'

'There's a war out there right now, and we need all the help we can get. Keeping soldiers fed and lodged is key to morale,' Cullen said, 'if you're willing to stay, please do. Otherwise, I will organise enough gold for you to travel to and seek lodgings in whichever town or city you wish to look for work in.'

'Oh, Ser!' Eve said, eyes shining, 'we'll stay. You Inquisition folk saved us. It's the least we can do to repay you. We can't thank you enough.'

'There's really no need to thank me.'

'Yes, there is. Please, if there's anything we can get for you, tell us.'

Dennin raised a spatula. 'Anything,' he said firmly, his voice thick with emotion, though his bushy moustache hid much of his stout face.

'Actually, I did come down here for a pot of tea,' Cullen said, his eyes trailing to the teapot, 'two cups, please.'

The sweet aroma of fine Orlesian tea wafted temptingly up to Cullen's nose as he carried the steaming tray from the kitchen. He passed the dining room again, his companions still deep in discussion.

The teacups shuddered softly on their saucers as Cullen reached the top of the stairs, almost startling as Iron Bull slammed a door behind himself, a scowl on his face. Cullen glanced at the door, noticing that it was directly beside the study. Clearly, it was Benet's room.

'Everything all right Bull?' Cullen asked as he approached

'Is now,' he said gruffly, 'he's tied up, and not in the fun way.'

Cullen's grip on the tray tightened. 'Good.'

'Might have to gag him too,' Bull said, leaning on the door frame, 'he won't stop going on about how he'll take Valina and her fortune.' He shook his head subtly, his horns barely missing the wall. 'Unbelievable. Think the Boss would notice if I broke his jaw? A gag doesn't seem like it will do much.'

Cullen's lip twitched. 'I personally like your suggestion, but yes, I think the Inquisitor will notice. I'm sure you can think of another way to shut him up.'

'I hope so. You'll let me know if you think of anything creative?'

'Will do,' Cullen said as he raised the tray in a subtle nod of solidarity, 'sorry to leave you to your watch, but I best get this to Valina. She does get impatient.'

Bull smirked. 'I bet she does.'

Cullen rolled his eyes as he turned towards his and Valina's quarters. He pushed the door open with his elbow, careful not to spill the tea, though the action was almost in vain. He nearly dropped the tray the moment his eyes fell on Valina. She was returning to the desk, her boots kicked off and pants lying discarded on the bed. As far as he could tell, she wore only her striking green tunic, her supple legs displayed in all their glory.

Valina smiled at him as she leant on the edge of the desk. 'I thought I might need to send a search party after you,' she said as she hopped onto the desktop, her soft tunic riding high up her legs as she swung them playfully. He'd seen her break a man's arm between the strong muscles that flexed beneath her bronzed skin, yet she used those same thighs to cradle him tenderly or to coax him deeper.

Cullen felt the first spark of a devilish thought form in his mind but shook off his stupor, quickening his steps to deposit the tea on the desk safely.

'What took so long?' she asked, motioning for him to sit.

Cullen shrugged his surcoat off, hanging it over the back before he settled into the ornate chair. 'I met some of D'or staff,' he said, accepting the cup she handed him, 'they're quite glad to hear about his fate.' Cullen glanced down at the armrest as it creaked ominously: it was so intricately carved, he was surprised it could hold the weight of his arm.

Valina poured the tea. 'Really?'

'Yes. They were relieved when I informed them of D'or's impending imprisonment. It appears that D'or has developed a reputation among his staff for violence over the last few years.'

Valina sighed. 'I know it's not my fault but I can't feel like I'm partially responsible,' she said, 'I thought he had moved on. I'm not sure where this… obsession has come from, or why it has lasted so long.'

Cullen stared into his tea. 'Valina, this may be impolite of me to ask, but your family's estate is clearly quite magnificent, even in Orlesian terms. Exactly how big is your family's fortune?'

She glanced down.

'Valina, you know that nothing you say changes how I see you, or how I feel.'

She took a sip of tea, serpentstone gaze falling into the contents. 'My family history is steeped in strong trading traditions and I've been an active mercenary for years. I've added to the fortune somewhat. As far as I understand it, there are only three to five families in Orlais whose material wealth amounts to more than ours, and one of those fortunes belongs to the entirety of the royal family.'

Cullen's mind boggled at the potential figures but he pushed the thought aside. 'You said D'or was interested in your fortune. Perhaps it is as he said? He wants your fortune, so greed made him possessive.'

Valina shrugged. 'I suppose that's likely,' she admitted, 'but he must have spent a small fortune of his own on his ridiculous chase this last decade or so, with no reward. It doesn't add up. There are plenty of other matches that he could have pursued that would have been appropriate for his status and would have added significantly to his wealth, and he would have had no trouble securing them; he was always popular at the balls.'

'If your family's fortune really is as large as you say he must have thought it worth the…' Cullen pursed his lips. 'The only word I can think of is 'investment' but I feel that's putting it too politely. Scheme or conspiracy seems more appropriate.'

Valina traced the rim of her cup absently with a slender finger. 'I agree, but I think you're right. Seeing it as an investment is a trader's way of thinking, and the D'or family is steeped in a trading tradition almost as long as ours,' she said, 'still, I think we should look around before we leave in the morning. Perhaps if he was nonchalant about Mireille's dealings with cultists, he may have made a few questionable deals of his own. Perhaps without realising.'

'You think demons might be involved?'

'Demons, spirits. Whatever.' Valina shrugged. 'Either way, it's not a farfetched idea, not when the Fade is basically falling from the sky.'

Cullen nodded. Although he wasn't sure he could take stock in the idea that D'or was being influenced by some force other than his own greed – if only because it brightened his sense of satisfaction over punching the soon-to-be-ex-Marquis – Valina was right. It was worth looking into.

'I do feel bad for his staff though. We just put them out of a job,' she said, 'but I'm sure that mother and father could use a few more staff.'

Cullen smiled. 'This estate is being requisitioned by the Inquisition, and will be converted to a barracks or base,' he said reassuringly, 'I offered them the opportunity to stay on, and I'll make sure they're paid significantly more than whatever D'or paid.'

'Once you find out, tell me. I'll triple the figure on top of whatever the Inquisition can spare, and when this war is over, I'll ensure they find well-paid work.'

Valina shifted on the desk, returning her empty teacup to the tray. She uncrossed her legs and his eyes fell upon the angry bruises that were blooming on her bronzed skin, five distinct marks that almost overwhelmed him with rage. He placed his teacup on the table and reached for her knee, keeping her from moving as he stood up.

'Valina is this from…'

She covered his hand with her own. 'Benet,' she finished, 'yes.'

His jaw locked, darkness flooding his tawny gaze as he stared at the marks. 'I've changed my mind. I'm going to kill him now.'

Valina reached for his cheek, lifting his gaze as she caressed the stubbled expanse. 'I'm fine, Cullen,' she said, voice ringing with promise, 'like you said, any satisfaction we might get from hurting him again or killing him will be fleeting compared to the knowledge that he'll be punished for everything he's done.'

Cullen glanced down again. He ghosted his hand over her thigh, barely touching her skin. His fingers automatically fell over the bruises and he withdrew his hand, clenching it at his side as if he feared he would hurt her.

Valina tapped his chin, drawing his attention to her eyes again. 'I'm fine, I promise,' she whispered. She picked up his teacup, handing it to him. 'Finish it before it goes cold, Amatus.'

Her steady gaze left no room for argument.

Cullen settled back into the chair with a sigh, forcing himself to focus on the warmth of the tea as he fought for calm. He watched curiously as she shifted a few pages on the desk, eyes darting to read the contents. He traced her features with his eyes, as he had many times before, memorising the soft curve on the tip of her nose, the length of her eyelashes, the fullness of her lips, the way curls of her hair cupped her ear when she swept them back from her face. He was mesmerised by her, so much so that, when she eventually hopped down from the desk he startled at the movement, his teacup almost slipping through his hands. He caught it only for his grip to falter as hips swayed temptingly in front of him.

'Maker…' he breathed, gripping his teacup tighter as she leant over the desk to reach for the quill, her tunic riding up to reveal the curves of pert cheeks. Urges warred inside him, desire and duty conflicted by his heated blood. He felt the spark of the devilish thought burn hotter, so close to igniting, but Valina glanced back, catching his gaze, a wicked smile creeping over her lips that made his neck flush.

Cullen shifted in his chair, clearing his throat before he said, 'we should finish the letter.' He placed the teacup on the desk well out of reach of his shaking hands.

Valina turned to face him fully, leaning on the edge of the desk. 'This is what I have so far,' she said. She read the letter to him. It began with a reassurance that they were safe and then followed with a brief account of the initial meeting with D'or, the encounter with Mireille, their capture and escape, and the evening's events and results. He nodded at every step, impressed that she had managed to include so much detail in such a succinct account.

'I think that should suffice until we reach Skyhold,' Valina said as she finished. She turned back to the desk to sign the letter.

'I'm sure it will,' Cullen said, voice rough. He swallowed hard, gaze flecked with gold as Valina moved to rummage through the desk drawer for supplies to seal the missive. She didn't turn from her work as she lit the candle, her focus on the melting wax as she dripped it onto the edge.

'I refuse to use Benet's seal,' Valina muttered, her voice echoing her sneer. She dug through the drawer again, finding a clean nib. She scratched a simplified version of the Inquisition seal into the wax, then, satisfied with the letter, placed it on the tea tray to take downstairs. She looked around the desk. 'If this house is as well-equipped as he claims, then there should be…' She felt along the side of the desk, finding a hidden cord. 'Ah, there it is.' She tugged on the cord and a soft ringing echoed from the desk. She glanced back at Cullen. 'Call bell.'

Valina gathered up the tray when a small knock sounded on the door.

Faedrir looked up at Valina, eyes wide and bright. 'Are you finished with the tea ma'am?'

'Yes, thank you. It was wonderful,' she said, passing him the tray, 'could you please give that letter to Lady Cassandra on your way back to the kitchen?'

He nodded. 'What would you like me to tell her?'

'She'll know what it is,' Valina said, 'thank you.'

Faedrir headed back down the stairs and Valina returned to the desk. She tidied the surface instinctively, tucking the few items to the side. Cullen watched her, realising that she was often the only thing that kept his desk from descending into chaos as Valina returned the items to the drawer, cursing as she dropped the small nib. She bent to collect it and a sharp crack echoed through the room.

Valina looked back at Cullen at the sudden noise and found him staring blankly at the piece of the armrest that had come away in his hand.

'Cullen?' she said as she turned to face him fully, leaning on the desk again.

He dragged his gaze up at her voice, snapping his dropped jaw up. 'I… blasted furniture,' he said tersely, 'a sturdy Ferelden chair would never break so easily.'

'Mmhm,' she hummed, biting her bottom lip as she fought a laugh, 'sure, Amatus.'

A smile tugged at her lips, her eyes trailing down. He could feel the heat of her serpentstone gaze like a caress, his body shuddering under the intensity of her perusal. With the letter written, the burden of duty fell away and thoughts rushed his mind. He glanced at the open door that led to the corridor and suddenly he understood the spark that had been tugging at his mind, knew how to silence Benet, knew how to hurt him without laying another finger on the man.

Cullen cast aside the armrest, the broken chair forgotten as he rose to envelop her in his embrace. He grasped her tunic, drawing her closer to claim her lips. He pressed her back against the desk, pinning her hips in place as his hands sought the bottom hem of her tunic. He worried that it was too soon, that he was taking advantage of her after such a terrible ordeal, but she melted into his kiss, fingers entwining in his hair, nails scraping his scalp and sending shivers dancing over his skin. He flicked his tongue over her lips and she opened to him, moaning into his mouth at the intimate caress, and he knew that he could never let her go.

Valina pressed closer, arching against him, seeking. The leather of his gloves was cool against her supple skin, his fingers splaying across her back. She felt the heat of him pressed against her hip as a growl rumbled in his chest, his cock straining against his pants, throbbing with every sigh and moan that fell from her lips.

Cullen broke the kiss, his chest heaving, his golden gaze finding sparkling serpentstone that shone with hunger. He dragged a hand away from her, wasting no time to bite the finger of his glove and tug the leather from his hand, desperate to feel the softness of her skin and the strength that rippled beneath the surface. He palmed her thigh with calloused fingers, her breath hitching as he trailed soft touches up her inner thigh. He eased her legs apart with his knee, earning a shiver, earning a throaty moan as he sought her heat.

Cullen cupped her through the fabric, shuddering to find her smallclothes soaked with her need. He massaged her with his palm until she rolled her hips in his hands, until her fingernails bit into his scalp. He hooked his finger beneath the fabric, pulling it aside to slide his finger through her curls, to delve between her slick folds and coat his fingers with her honey. He bent his head, trailing his lips over her jaw, and she arched her neck to welcome him.

'Cullen, the door…' she whispered, breaths sharp as he teased her throbbing clit with deft fingers.

'Let him hear,' he growled against her neck, 'I want your moans to fill this room.' He grazed his teeth along the sensitive spots he had mapped on her skin, flat teeth biting down on each spot, marking, claiming as she shuddered under his mouth. 'I want my name to paint these walls as it falls from your lips.' His tongue dipped into the hollow at the base of her neck, flicking, tasting. 'I want your screams to haunt this house, with the reminder that I claimed you on this desk, just as you claimed me on the forest floor.'

She whimpered as he withdrew his touch, hands tugging at her smallclothes until they slid down her legs for her to kick off, then his touch was upon her again. He found the centre of her need, a finger slipping into the heat of her core, his cock throbbing as he imagined plunging into her heavenly cunt, knowing she would moan as he filled her. He thrust slowly and she met his pace, gasping as he added a second finger, hips rolling in abandon as she sought her pleasure.

'Cullen…'

He heard the unspoken plea. He moved his thumb into place, the digit stroking her clit with every thrust of his fingers and she moaned, the sound ragged as her chest heaved with shaky breaths. She rode his fingers, her body shuddering with need, her sweet honey coating his hand. He could sense the start of her climax, the subtle clench of her core, the sharp note in her moans that filled his ears.

Valina's knees shook beneath her, her body trembling. She dropped one hand to the desk, nails scratching into the wood as she clung to it for support. A broken cry escaped her as he shifted his fingers to focus on her clit. Heat pooled in her core, a sweet fire burning through her nerves. She cried out at the intensity of her pleasure, but still her body ached for him, her core clenching in a broken rhythm, needy, desperate to be filled by the hard length that burned against her hip.

Cullen withdrew his hand. He stripped the tunic from her, tossing it aside. He cupped her breasts and she shuddered at the contrast in his touch, the cool leather of the glove and the heat of his calloused palm, still wet with her pleasure as he teased the dusky peaks.

He arched instinctively as deft fingers released the tie on his trousers, opening them until she could dip her hand into his smallclothes. She cupped his aching length, eliciting a groan from his lips as he pressed into her touch. She stroked him with her palm, teasing him for a moment as her other hand worked his clothes down far enough to free his throbbing cock.

Valina wrapped her hand tight around his shaft, stroking him from root to tip before her thumb flicked over the sensitive head, her hand sliding down to begin again. He dropped his hands to the desk, fingers curling into fists as he thrust into her hand. He pressed his lips to her neck, stubbled chin grazing over sensitive skin where the impression of his bites still lay, his sharp breaths falling against her ear.

'I need you,' she said, and he shuddered at her husky tone.

'Valina,' he breathed, finding her serpentstone gaze, his voice rough with his desire. He grasped her arm, coaxing her hand from his cock before he lost his mind to the wicked flick of her wrist. 'Would you let me…?'

'Anything,' she whispered, and he watched her gaze, finding the sincerity in the green depths, 'I'm yours.'

Cullen hummed his approval, taking Valina's hips in hand. He drew her closer, claiming her lips in a searing kiss, savouring the taste of her tongue, the soft gasps that he stole. When he broke away his eyes were pure gold.

He turned her slowly, allowing her the chance to refuse even as he took her wrists gently in hand. He placed her palms on the desk, easing her torso onto the surface with his body. She gasped as her breasts touched the cold wood, her body jerking, the generous curve of her arse cradling him. Cullen stilled his desire, the desperate urges that clamoured in his mind as his aching shaft brushed against dark curls. He trailed his hands down her back and she shivered under his caress.

Cullen touched her foot gently with his own, coaxing her to open herself to his touch, and she eagerly obliged. He teased her silken lips, wet with the pleasure he had given, his fingers slipping between them. He circled her clit as he grasped his aching length in his gloved hand, stroking himself, the anticipation almost too much to bear in his riled state.

Valina moaned when he replaced his finger with the thick head, his body tensing as he stroked the sensitive crown over her clit, the motions coating his cock with her need. He pressed against her core and she shuddered, rolling her hips in invitation.

Cullen pinned her hips with his hands and a quiet voice broke through the clamour of his need. Should have taken off armour, clothes. She is vulnerable, naked, beautiful. She deserves tenderness, deserves more than being bent over a desk, it protested, but his passion flared as he drove deep into her silken flesh with a single thrust – fervent, desperate, spurred by her moans and the needy clench of her core on his throbbing shaft – and he abandoned his control to it.

He moved slowly at first, his thrusts testing, seeking. He had imagined taking her from behind more times than he could count, when his restless mind drifted from the reports on his desk. He had dreamt of bending her over in a frenzy on the bed, the desk, even the war table, but his dreams had never come close to the reality. They had not captured the symphony of her moans, or the sound of her nails as they scraped the polished surface, digging furrows in the varnish as she clung to the far edge of the desk. They had not captured the beauty of her back, the bronzed expanse covered in the lightest sheen of sweat, the flex of toned muscles that danced beneath her skin as she arched against the wood, using her elbows to prop herself up.

Cullen grasped her pert arse, spreading her to his gaze, driving deeper into her heat. He could feel that his clothes – still bunched beneath his heavy sack – were soaked with her honey. He stared down at the place where their bodies met, tight dark curls framing his cock, his shaft glistening with her pleasure. His cock throbbed at the sight, a groan he hardly recognised rumbling in his chest as the frenzy of his need settled on his bones, spurred by the erotic slap of their flesh that echoed in the room.

Cullen widened his stance, his feet framing hers as he dropped his elbow to the desk. He reined himself in, barely keeping himself from quickening his pace as he rolled his hips over hers, the friction of the angle maddening. He feared he would hurt her with his eager thrusts, the thick head of his cock striking the end of her core, but Valina gasped at the new angle, at the intensity of the fullness inside her, and the slap of his heavy sack against her sensitive skin.

'Kaffas…' Valina whimpered, voice breaking, 'Cullen, harder.'

He nearly came undone at the throaty plea. He lowered his head and kissed her back, his tongue darting out to taste her between her shoulder blades. He surrounded her, his elbows beside her own as he rut over her, the cold metal of his cuirass suctioning to her back until he arched away.

'Yes,' Valina breathed, 'don't stop!'

His name fell from her lips like a prayer, a plea, a curse as she felt heat pooling in her core, her muscles trembling at the pleasure he gave.

He coiled his fingers in her soft hair, coaxing her head back until he could graze the shell of her ear with a stubbled cheek, earning a throaty moan.

'Louder, my love,' Cullen said between ragged breaths as her needy cunt tightened temptingly, signalling her coming climax, 'let him hear.'

Valina's legs trembled and she was thankful for the desk beneath her as her toes curled, muscles clenching so tight it bordered on pain, but the fullness inside her overpowered all sensations. Her hips jerked back against him, her core clenching tight around his thick flesh. Her scream echoed off the walls as she came in a flood of pleasure that burned and crackled deep in her loins, sending sparks down to her toes. Her needy cunt milked his shaft, his sack tightening, a shiver on his spine as he quickened his thrusts. His cock throbbed, tension building until he was sure he would explode, but sweet relief greeted him and he roared as he joined her climax, hot jets of his seed lashing deep inside her. He rode her through her orgasm, rode her until his cock ached with the intensity of the pleasure, and still he was reluctant to leave the tempting heat of her body, thrusting lazily as heady sensations danced on his skin. It took all his strength to rise on his hands and withdrew from her, his softening shaft slapping against his thigh.

Valina lay boneless on the desk. Her arms had collapsed under the weight of her climax, her cheek resting on the surface, heavy breaths fogging up the polished wood. Her face was flushed, long lashes casting shadows on her skin.

Cullen tried to step back, intent on finding a cloth to clean up his mess, but his unsteady legs betrayed him. He stumbled, falling into the chair as soon as the back of his knees touched the seat. He could not help but stare at her spread for him, his thick cum dripping from her glistening folds, the image seared into his mind to replay in his most wicked dreams.

He shook himself as she rose on shaking arms, using the desk to steady herself as she stretched languidly. He went to her, ignoring the tremble in his knees as he drew her against his chest. She shivered as her heated skin met the cold armour of his cuirass. He grasped her shoulders, hands trailing down her arms, and she leant into his embrace, her head resting on his shoulder. He placed soft kisses on her temple, slowly turning her until he could bend and hook an arm beneath her knees. She gasped as he swept her into his arms to carry her across the room.

Cullen set her on the edge of the bath. The water was still warm and she slipped into it languidly, washing their climax from her skin with gentle strokes, her skin tingling with every touch.

Cullen kicked off his boots and sodden pants, taking the washcloth from beside the bath. He soaked it, cleaning himself roughly, nearly moaning at the lingering sensitivity. He wiped her honey from his groin and thighs, dropping the washcloth before he bit the finger of his remaining glove and dragged it off his hand.

Valina knelt in the tub, leaning on the high edge with her forearms. 'You didn't even get your armour off, Amatus,' she said as she watched him with a hooded gaze, bronzed cheeks still flushed, a soft smile on her lips.

Cullen felt his skin flush as he began to unstrap his bracers. 'I… no,' he said, pausing with his fingers on a buckle, 'I didn't hurt you, did I?'

'No,' she said, a wicked glint in her eyes, 'quite the opposite.'

Cullen felt his lips twitch in a smile. He continued to unstrap his armour as she rose from the tub. She stepped over the edge, wrapping herself up in a towel. She tucked the edges together over her breasts, freeing her hands to assist him.

'Do you think D'or heard?'

'I think the whole house heard,' he said as she unstrapped his cuirass. His mind flashed to the half open door. Now that the fog of desire was lifting, he finally wondered if the Iron Bull had caught an eyeful as well as an earful, his neck flushing at the thought of a Qunari voyeur. 'Bull especially.'

She took the heavy armour from his chest and piled it with the rest. Cullen stripped his shirt, throwing it down.

'I'm sure he was tempted to join us,' she said as she placed her hands on his chest, her touch soft as she trailed her fingers down his abs.

'I could never share you, Valina,' he said, cupping her cheeks in his calloused hands.

She leant into his touch, rising on her toes to claim his lips. 'I was thinking the same about you,' she whispered, placing another soft kiss on his lips, 'I'll be in the bed. Don't be long.'

She dropped the towel, if only to watch the lingering heat flare in his gaze. His gaze followed her as she turned and left the room, watching as she crawled onto the massive bed and snuggled beneath the covers. A smile curled his lips, heart bursting with love for his rogue.

Maker's breath, how can she be mine?

He bathed and dried quickly, eager to have her in his arms again. He strode to the bed but changed his course, bare feet padding on the cold floor as he went to close the door. As much as there had been a point to leaving it open, he thought it best to discourage anyone from barging in while they were sleeping.

'Sounds like you figured out a way to shut up D'or. He stopped yelling about three minutes after you broke the chair.'

Cullen ducked behind the frame, shielding his body. He poked his head out in the corridor. In the softly lit hallway he could see the Iron Bull leaning on the opposite wall, his massive arms folded across his chest, a smirk on his lips.

'You heard that?' Cullen asked. He had never suspected the Qunari's hearing would be so sharp.

Bull tapped his ear. 'Heard everything, Curly,' he said, 'I knew she'd be good for you. Sounds like you're good for her, too. Who'd have thought a chantry boy could make a woman scream like that?' A deep flush rose from Cullen's neck right to his ears and Bull laughed. 'Ah, I'm just messing with you Commander. I knew you had it in you. If D'or starts carrying on again can you use the bed though? It sounds like I missed a good show.'

'Good night, Bull,' Cullen said tersely and he closed the door.

When he reached the bed Valina was already drifting off to sleep. He crawled under the covers behind her, curling against her back, his arm wrapping tight around her waist. She sighed contently, shifting to be closer to him. He pressed soft kisses against her temple and her cheek.

'Sleep well, my love,' he whispered.

She mumbled her reply in Tevene but he caught the love in her words. He laid his head on the pillow, unable to wipe the smile from his face as he fell asleep beside her.