Hours went by as the celebration continued. Somehow, Nadia had managed to escape Josephine and her friends, grabbing something to eat along her escape route, and found Cullen in time for their first dance together as husband and wife. When the dance was over, it was time for cake and more drinks. Cullen and Nadia cut their first piece together, his hand holding hers, and when the cake piece was placed on the plate, Nadia took a bit of frosting and put a dab of it on Cullen's nose. She giggled as he did the same back to her. They laughed with their guests and took a cloth napkin, wiping away the frosting. The cake itself was delicious, a yellow cake with a decadent chocolate mousse filling and covered with white frosting decorated with flowers and a silver filigree pattern.
After quite some time, while everyone was eating cake and drinking to their hearts' contents, Cullen saw Nadia slip away, going through the hall that led to the stables. He excused himself and followed after her.
Nadia hummed to herself as went up the stairs to the battlements above the stables and looked out over the wall at the vast mountain range surrounding Skyhold. A chilly breeze blew gently through the fortress and she wrapped her arms around herself.
"You catch a cold up here dressed like this," Cullen said as he came up behind her and wrapped his cloak around her.
"Thank you, Cullen," she said, looking back at him.
"My pleasure," he replied, kissing her cheek. "What are you doing out here, if I may ask?"
"It was beginning to be too much for me, all the laughing and drinking, the clinking of mugs and plates. Too many people for my taste all stuffed into one space."
Cullen smirked at that. "I quite agree. It is nice out tonight, though. The snow looks beautiful with the moonlight reflecting off of it. Just as you are."
Nadia smiled and turned to face him. She nuzzled into his chest, feeling his warmth encircle her as he wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. "I love you, Cullen."
"And I love you," he replied, smiling. He felt her shiver and looked down at her. "Would you like to retire for the night?"
"Only if you join me."
"Of course." He offered her his arm and led her down to her room. Since they had decided to get married, Cullen had moved into the large suite with Nadia. It was better than his attic room above his office, which he did occasionally sleep in still when there were long nights.
He opened the door for Nadia and let her go in first, closing the door behind him and locking it. He looked around at the room, smiling at the dozens of texts lining her shelves and his grin growing into a smirk as he rolled his eyes, watching Nadia light the fire in the hearth with a simple fire spell.
"What?"
"You little sneak. You lit the fire with magik before I could prepare it. That's cheating you know." He replied, playfully.
Nadia shrugged and smiled. "Rules were never established and I never get to start the fire, so I suppose this win goes in my favor?"
"Just this once," Cullen said, coming over to her and putting his hands on her hips. He leaned down to kiss her and lingered there for a moment before pulling back. "Maker, I must be the luckiest man in the world to have such a lovely, gorgeous, intelligent woman as my wife."
"You flatter me, good sir." Nadia teased.
Cullen smiled and leaned down to kiss her again. "A lady like you deserves all the flattery in the world. Besides, you know I speak true." He sat down on the bed and started to pull off his boots, but Nadia offered to do it for him. She set them aside and began to unbuckle his belt and remove his cloak. She set them aside as Cullen watched her move with grace around the room, the hem of her dress still dancing as if it were as light as a feather. She moved to the window and pulled the curtains closed.
"Nadia, come here," Cullen said, reaching out a hand to her.
Nadia smiled and went to his side. Cullen took her hand and pulled her onto the bed next to him. He gazed at her, taking in every detail as if he would never see her again. He traced her face, running his fingers along her jaw, her forehead, her cheeks, her lips. He smiled softly at her and tucked away a strand of hair that had fallen loose.
"You are so beautiful..." he said, kissing her lightly.
Nadia smiled and touched his cheek. He seemed weary and stressed like he had been holding back his emotions and desires for so long that they were finally ready to be released.
"Are you happy?" he asked her.
"Of course I am happy, Cullen. I couldn't be happier than I am in this moment. I love you and nothing will ever change that." she replied and moved her hand to his chest. "My heart is yours to keep as long as you wish it."
"Then I shall never give it back," he replied with a smile and kissed her. He pressed his lips down firmly on hers and ran a hand up her gown and along her leg.