The candle on Cullen's desk sent a warm and inviting glow across the room, its dancing flames a backdrop to the intimate atmosphere of the commander's quarters. Ellena Trevelyan, the Inquisitor herself, lounged casually in a comfortable chair, her eyes trained on Cullen as she watched him pace back and forth. His usually composed demeanor was showing cracks under her teasing scrutiny.
"Commander," she called out with a sly grin, her tone laced with playful amusement, "if I didn't know any better, I'd think you were trying to outpace the rain."
Cullen's brows furrowed in mock offense, but the edges of his lips curled into a reluctant smile. "Is that a challenge, Inquisitor?"
Ellena leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand, and adopted an exaggerated pensive expression. "I suppose it could be, but I've heard rumors that the commander of the Inquisition is quite skilled in the art of evasion."
A flicker of amusement danced in Cullen's eyes as he paused his pacing and turned to face her, leaning casually against a nearby table. "Evasion, you say? I prefer to call it 'strategic maneuvering.'"
Her laughter rang through the air, a melodic note that mingled harmoniously with the sound of rain. "Ah, of course! How could I have overlooked the commander's impeccable strategy in avoiding dance floors?"
Cullen's lips quirked up at the corner, his gaze locking onto hers with a playful challenge. "You seem awfully interested in my dancing skills, Inquisitor."
Ellena shrugged with feigned nonchalance. "Well, it's not every day one gets the chance to see the famed Commander Cullen cut a rug."
He arched an eyebrow, his playful demeanor shifting to one of feigned offense. "Famed, you say? Are they saying I've become a legend in the art of not dancing?"
She grinned, her eyes glinting mischievously. "Perhaps. But, you know, I've always found that legends tend to exaggerate. Care to prove them wrong?"
Cullen's expression shifted, his playfulness taking on a slightly more serious edge as he stepped closer. "You're quite the challenge, Inquisitor."
Ellena's heart skipped a beat at the proximity, her playful facade momentarily faltering. "Oh, I'm well aware. But I've heard that the commander of the Inquisition is up to any challenge."
His gaze held hers, a spark of something more than just playful banter igniting between them. "Is that so? Well, Inquisitor, how about we put that theory to the test?"
Ellena leaned back, her expression sly. "Oh, I have my ways of persuasion, Commander. You'll find that I can be quite convincing."
His gaze locked onto hers, a challenge, and a hint of vulnerability evident in his eyes. "Is that so, Inquisitor?"
She nodded, her smile inviting. "Indeed. I believe a dance between the Inquisitor and her commander would be quite the spectacle. And I've been told that a single dance can reveal a lot about a person."
Cullen's lips quirked into a genuine smile, his shyness melding with a newfound playfulness. "Very well, Inquisitor. Consider me intrigued."
As if on cue, the room's atmosphere seemed to shift, the air growing charged with an unspoken tension. The playful flirting that had danced between them now took on a new edge, a subtle battle of wills that masked the underlying currents of desire.
Ellena's grin widened, her eyes dancing with a challenge that spoke of more than just a friendly dare. "Well, Commander, I must admit, I have quite the penchant for dancing, and a capable dance partner is so hard to come by. Perhaps I could show you a move or two?"
Cullen's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly, a flicker of something dark and possessive passing through his eyes. "Oh, I'm sure your dancing skills are quite impressive, Inquisitor. But I'll have you know, I'm not one to back down from a challenge."
Ellena's smile took on a seductive twist, her voice dipping into a husky tone. "Are you suggesting a dance-off, Commander? I can't help but wonder if you have what it takes to keep up with me?"
Cullen's fingers tightened around the edge of the table, his normally calm demeanor cracking under the pressure of his building tension. "I assure you, Inquisitor, I'm more than capable of matching your steps. And perhaps I might even surprise you."
A dangerous glint entered Ellena's eyes as she leaned in closer, her breath ghosting over his ear. "Oh, I'm counting on it. But just be prepared, Commander. My moves might leave you a bit breathless."
Cullen's jaw clenched visibly. "Is that a promise, Inquisitor?"
Before Ellena could respond, the door to the room swung open, revealing a soaked Josephine standing at the threshold with an apologetic face. "I'm terribly sorry for interrupting, but we have an urgent matter that requires your attention, Commander."
The spell between Ellena and Cullen was broken as the weight of their surroundings rushed back in. Cullen straightened, his gaze shifting from Ellena to Josephine, his features returning to their usual composed state.
"Of course, Ambassador. I'll be right there," he replied, his voice steady.
Josephine nodded and exited the room, leaving Ellena and Cullen alone once more. The charged atmosphere that had electrified the air seemed to dissipate, leaving behind an awkward tension.
Cullen cleared his throat, his gaze avoiding Ellena's as he turned towards the door. "It seems duty calls. Perhaps we can discuss this dance-off at a later time."
Ellena's playful facade faltered for a moment as she watched him retreat, her heart still racing from their charged exchange. She bit her lip, the realization dawning that her teasing had perhaps pushed Cullen to a place of discomfort.
As the door closed behind him, she sighed softly, her fingers brushing her lips where his ear had been moments before.