The tops of each tower of the Winter Palace pierced the cloudless blue sky above. The grandiose architecture and mixture of blue and white looked as picturesque as the first time Regina came to Halamshiral.

Maker, I'd almost forgotten how much I hated this place, thought Regina, as she walked past numerous groups of gossiping nobles. Too many damned rumors and backstabbing.

The constant whispering from the nobles and courtiers only made Regina wonder where and how she was going to be attacked next. While the Orlesians wouldn't physically kill anyone, their words were just as deadly.

She tried reminding herself she was here for the Inquisition, but that did little to quell the anxiety within her.

Perhaps I should go check on Cullen, Regina thought. I know he chafes just as much as I do here.

Fortunately, she didn't have to walk very far. Turning the corner, she found the Inquisition Commander on the ground beside a gray and white mabari. There was a small red ball beside the mabari, which was covered in drool.

"You found a dog," she said by way of greeting.

Cullen looked up at her as he continued petting the mabari.

"They don't breed mabari in Orlais," he replied as if that explained the situation. "The merchant I spoke to said he was abandoned. Perhaps his owners grew tired of the novelty?"

Regina shifted her gaze to the mabari now. Cullen and the dog both stood upright.

"Tire of you? With that positive attitude and fetching ability?"

The mabari barked and wagged his stubby tail as if to say, 'I know, right?'

"He's not supposed to fetch it," Cullen said, with exasperation leaking into his tone.

She chuckled and shook her head. "I don't think you understand how this works."

"Another Ferelden trapped at the Winter Palace, I couldn't leave him to that fate. Besides, I think he likes me," Cullen said, as he bent down again to scratch behind the mabari's ear.

"You could take him to Ferelden sometime," Regina suggested. "He should know where he came from."

"I did promise my sister a visit," he admitted, shifting his gaze to the mabari, "She might try to spoil you. Remember who you report to."

The mabari gave an excited woof and tail wag.

"The Inquisition will change after this," Cullen continued, his tone somber now. The mabari rolled over and Cullen petted his stomach. "I'm not yet sure what that will mean. Still, I've found certainty in my life now; the council won't change that." The mabari rolled onto its stomach and then sat up. "Marry me."

The mabari woofed again as Regina tried to wrap her mind around what she thought Cullen had said.

"What?" she asked, her heart racing as fast as her mind.

"I mean, will you," he sighed, scratching the back of his neck. "I had a plan, and…there wasn't a dog. But you were…it doesn't matter," he shook his head as he removed his hand from the mabari's belly and stood up. "I've thought of little else, and I don't need a plan. Only to know if you would…"

He trailed off as his face searched Regina's. Her heart pounded in her chest as if she'd just tried outrunning a Pride Demon.

"I would," she said, as her face broke out into a huge grin. "Cullen, I will."

"You will," he said with pure love shining in his eyes.

The mabari barked more insistently this time. Regina laughed softly.

"People will notice the Inquisitor marrying her commander in the middle of the Exalted Council," she murmured.

"It won't go over well. But we know a few people who can keep things…secret," Cullen replied. "Meet me in the garden in a few minutes."

"Yes, Commander," Regina replied.

Several minutes later, Cullen, Regina, Mother Giselle, and the mabari stood in a secluded section of the garden. The three humans stood in front of a white trellis covered in multi-hued roses. Cullen wore the red and blue uniform, while Regina dressed in a white V-neck gown with gold trim.

Maker's Breath, she looks as gorgeous right now as she did when we first met, Cullen thought.

He could feel his heart pound in his chest like one million war drums. He reached for and grabbed Regina's hands.

"Just know…everything feels like it was worth fighting for," he whispered.

"It was," she replied, mirroring his love-filled expression.

"This is…," he began, before being interrupted by Mother Giselle.

"This is the part where you both make a promise."

"Oh. Right," Cullen cleared his throat as he held Regina's hands and gaze. "I swear unto the Maker and the Holy Andraste to love this woman the rest of my days."

He slipped a gold band onto her finger. He'd hoped to have time to buy something as lovely as her, but she'd insisted a simple band would do.

Perhaps I can buy something more extravagant later, he thought.

"And I swear unto the Maker and the Holy Andraste to love this man the rest of my days," Regina said, as she slid a matching band on his finger.

Cullen leaned forward and pressed his lips, gently at first, against Regina's. She returned his kiss as she placed one hand behind his head. Meanwhile, the mabari barked happily.

Later that day, Regina met with Josephine, Leliana, and Cullen in a private room inside the Winter Palace. A long wooden table separated Regina from her advisors.

Even though Leliana is Divine Victoria now, she thought. Some things never change.

Even now, the Inquisition's former Spy Master wore the red and white robes of the Divine. She even wore the tall hat, which still looked foolish to Regina.

"Your agents confirm there are gaatlok barrels in Denerim's palace," said Josephine, as she turned to look at Leliana.

"Yes, and in Val Royeaux and across the Free Marches. The Winter Palace is not the only target," Leliana replied.

"The Qunari are one order from destroying every noble house in the known world," Cullen said, mirroring Regina's thoughts.

Maker's Breath, that means they could be after my family, thought Regina.

"There is a bright side. Warning the ambassadors will remind them of the Inquisition's value," Josephine added. She straightened her posture and her expression brightened.

"Not when the Inquisition is responsible for that threat," Leliana interjected.

Dammit, Regina thought as she tried keeping her expression neutral.

"I take it you have new information," she said, as she shifted her gaze to the redhead.

"The elven servant handling the barrels has disappeared. Notes in his quarters suggest that he was a Qunari spy," Leliana replied.

"But the servant was Orlesian, that implicates Orlais not us," Josie quickly pointed out.

"But the barrels arrived at the Winter Palace on the Inquisition's supply manifest," Leliana responded.

"How are we supposed to fight a war when we can't even trust our own people," Cullen asked with a frustrated sigh.

My thoughts exactly, Regina thought.

"Do you know who got the barrels onto the manifest," she asked. She did her best to keep her tone of voice calm.

"Yes, several of the Inquisition's elven workers have gone missing. I had their backgrounds checked. They joined the Inquisition after fleeing the chaos in Kirkwall," Leliana said.

"I remember when Kirkwall was at its worst. Many of the city's elves were converted to the Qun, trying to find a better life," said Cullen.

"And the Qunari turned them into spies," Josie added with a shudder.

"A few years ago, we railed at the mages in Redcliffe for becoming corrupt. We did the same to the Grey Wardens," Regina chuckled without mirth. "Look at us now."

"I fought to protect the Inquisition in this Exalted Council. And for what? So, we could deceive and threaten those we claimed to protect?" Josie said as frustration leaked into her tone.

"Once we locate the spies-" Cullen began.

"This isn't about the spies," Josie looked at Leliana, "You hid the Qunari body." She then turned to Cullen, "You've all but seized control of the Winter Palace!"

"We did what was right, not what was politically convenient!" Cullen yelled.

I wish you all would stop fighting, thought Regina. We never go anywhere except in circles.

"Do you know what this has cost us with Orlais and Ferelden? They are planning to dismantle us as we speak! And perhaps they are right," Josie replied.

Regina cried out as an unbearable pain gripped her left hand. She grabbed her wrist as it began glowing. All three advisors grew silent and shifted their attention to Regina.

"Shit! Damn it! We save Ferelden, and they're angry! We save Orlais, and they're angry! We close the Breach twice, and my own hand wants to kill me! Could one thing in this fucking world just stay fixed?" Regina shouted. She sighed as the mark calmed down, if only for a moment. "I need to get to the Darvarad. You all can fight yourselves once I'm…once I'm back."

Cullen moved forward and around the table to hug her. Regina gratefully returned his embrace, wishing she could forever remain in the comfort of his arms. Unfortunately, she had to pull away. Leliana cleared her throat, and the couple turned to look at her.

"Thank you, Inquisitor," she said, as she nodded at Regina.

"Would you…would you like us to inform the Exalted Council of the danger?" Josie tentatively asked.

It might be more politically convenient if we didn't tell them, thought Regina. But I don't know how much of a political advantage we'd have over them. Plus, they deserve to stay informed.

"Yes. If we fail, the Exalted Council needs to know what happened," she replied.

"I will inform them personally," Leliana volunteered.

"Leilana I can-" Josie began.

"No, your job is hard enough already," Leliana insisted, shaking her head. "This is my responsibility."

"I'll have guards ready at the Eluvian, in case the Qunari attack the palace," Cullen said, turning to look at Regina with a worried expression.

"Maker watch over you," Leliana said.

Regina reached for and squeezed Cullen's hand. Just as she turned to go, he brought her against him.

"Forgive the insubordination, but your husband has a request for you," he murmured, pulling her closer as he whispered in her ear. "Don't forget to come home."

"I swear to the Maker I won't," Regina replied. She reached up and pecked him on the cheek before leaving the room.

"Maker watch over her," Cullen murmured under his breath. His mabari, whom he'd decided to name Scout, sat beside him.

He and several other Inquisition guards stood in front of the Eluvian. His heart tightened in his chest as he watched Regina, The Iron Bull, Dorian, and Sera enter the magic mirror once more. Surrounding Cullen and his guards was a large group of Orlesian nobles.

Maker, I wish they would leave, Cullen thought.

"Where is she going," a blonde woman murmured.

"What about the Inquisition," a man in a gold mask inquired.

"All right everyone, disperse," Cullen ordered. "The Inquisitor will return shortly."

I hope, he thought, but didn't add.

With that, the crowd scattered across the courtyard. Despite himself, Cullen turned around to wistfully stare at the Eluvian.

"You'll know she'll be back, don't you, Curly?" said a familiar voice.

Cullen shifted his gaze to find Varric with his hands stuffed into his pockets.

Maker's Breath, how does someone so small sneak up like that, thought Cullen.

"I know it's just," he replied with a sigh. "I worry about her."

"We all do, although probably not as much as you," Varric said with a knowing expression. "And if the Maker allowed her to survive two trips to the Fade, Halamshiral, and Corphyeus, then she'll survive this too. Your wife is one of the toughest women in all Thedas."

Cullen's mouth hung agape in surprise.

"Wait, how did you-" he asked as his mouth hung agape.

"I have my ways," Varric replied.

Smug bastard, Cullen thought, as he watched the dwarf turn around and walk away. I'll get him one of these days.

He glanced over his shoulder at the Eluvian, but the surface was still.

"I'm going for a walk," he said. As he walked away, Scout followed him. "Inform me as soon as the Inquisitor arrives."

"Yes, ser," one of the guards said.

"Damn it all," Regina grunted, as she stumbled through the portal. She fell to her knees as it closed behind her.

Shock mingled with astonishment crossed her companion's faces.

"Inquisitor," said Dorian at the same time The Iron Bull called out, "Hey boss, you okay?"

"Inky," Sera cried. "Please don't be dead."

All three rushed forward. Regina shook as she looked down at where her left arm used to be. As the others grew closer, their gazes followed hers.

Well, it looks like my adventuring days are done, she thought.

"What in the name of the Magisterium happened?" Dorian asked.

"S-Solas removed the mark," Regina replied, as she took The Iron Bull's offered hand. With only one arm, she slowly pulled herself up. "But in doing so, he had to remove my left arm."

Sera's brows knitted together, "Seriously?! Was there no other friggin' way-"

She's as furious as I was at the time, thought Regina. And still feel, I suppose.

"There wasn't," she said, as she maintained her grip on Iron Bull's hand. With the adrenaline still running through her, she felt no pain yet. However, she was beginning to feel lightheaded. "Believe me if there was, I would've tried that first."

"Dorian, is there any way you can teleport us out of here?" asked Iron Bull. "The Inquisitor's looking a bit pale, and she looks like she might pass out."

No, please no, Regina thought. I promised Cullen I would return.

"I don't think so," Dorian replied. "It seems we have to return the way we came."

The Iron Bull looked at Regina, "Think you can stay awake for that long?"

Regina gritted her teeth, "I'll damn well try."

"We'll take it slow," Dorian reassured her. "Sera and I will keep a lookout. Bull, if she faints-"

"I'll take care of it," Iron Bull replied with a nod. He gently squeezed her hand, "Don't worry boss, we've got your back."

Regina smiled weakly, "Thanks."

As quickly as they could, the four began the slow trudge back to their Eluvian.

Maker, please let her return soon, Cullen thought in silent prayer.

After his twenty-minute walk, he'd returned to protect the Eluvian with the other Inquisition guards. He currently paced back and forth, with several of the men and women sharing nervous glances. Scout sat nearby, intently scanning her surroundings.

"Excuse me, Commander," said a feminine voice. "A word, if you will?"

Cullen immediately stopped pacing and looked up to find several noblemen and women with colorful clothes and masks approaching him.

Andraste, lend me your strength, he thought.

"Madam, for your safety, we ask that you keep away from the Eluvian," said Cullen, doing his best to keep his tone of voice calm. "We do not know what could emerge from this mirror."

"Of course, we understand," said a nobleman with a gold mask.

"We know you're terribly busy, so we won't take much time," added a woman in a turquoise gown.

"Get to the point, Adelaida," a dark-haired woman interjected. She turned to Cullen with a predatory grin. "Commander, I was wondering if you would be me the honor of joining me in holy matrimony. I have a large estate and enough money to keep you well cared for the rest of your days."

Maker's Breath, thought Cullen. I should've known this was coming.

"I too would offer you a life of comfort and luxury," the nobleman with the golden mask added.

"As would I," said a blonde woman. "If we wed, I could give you a much larger estate and coin enough to do whatever pleases you."

Heat rushed to Cullen's cheeks as his heart threatened to burst from his chest. Behind him, Cullen could hear some soldiers clearing their throats or chuckling. He immediately whipped his head around, only to find the guards either looking away from his gaze or whistling quietly.

"Make sure to keep your eyes and ears open," he warned. "We have no idea what may come from that thing."

"Ser, yes, ser," the guards responded in unison.

Satisfied with their response, Cullen nodded. Taking a deep calming breath, he walked toward his crowd of would-be suitors.

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, my lords and ladies," he said, even though internally he was not. "But I am awaiting the return of my wife."

The Orlesian noble's mouths hung wide open. The sight pleased him to no end, but he didn't have long to enjoy it. Before anyone could reply, Cullen heard movement from behind him. He quickly shifted his attention to the mirror as Sera slowly walked through the Eluvian.

Please let her be with them, Cullen thought. He then turned to the nobles again.

"My apologies, lords and ladies," he said. "But you need to disperse now, as the Inquisitor's companions have arrived."

The nobles grumbled, reluctantly complying with his commands. Cullen whirled back around to the Eluvian, pushing his way past the numerous guards. In his peripheral vision, he saw Scout quickly follow him. Cullen swiftly closed the distance between himself and the blonde elven archer.

"Where is she?" he asked, sounding a bit more forceful than he'd meant. His tone softened, but only slightly, at his next question. "Did she make it?"

Sera scowled at him. "Relax, Cully-Wully. Inky's tougher than you think."

Just as Cullen opened his mouth to respond, he saw the surface of the glass ripple as three figures emerged from the Eluvian. Dorian and The Iron Bull stood on either side of Regina, whom they half-carried. Relief flooded him as Regina flashed him a weak smile and, at that moment, he rushed to her.

"Thank the Maker," he said, as he embraced her tightly. "I was so worried about you."

"I missed you as well," she murmured, weakly. "And while I wish we could stay here together, I should see the Exalted Council."

As usual, duty calls, he thought, as he reluctantly pulled away. He kept a grip on her hand and his eyes widened upon seeing where her left arm had been.

"What in Andraste's Holy Name happened?" he asked.

Regina gently squeezed his hand.

"It's a long story," she said. "One that I will tell after the Exalted Council has been pacified."

Cullen recognized the determined expression in her gaze and knew further arguing was pointless. He nodded once and turned to the nearest guard.

"Escort her to the Exalted Council-"

"No need," Regina said, shaking her head. "I remember the way."

"We will await your return," Cullen replied with a nod.

Begrudging, he watched his wife walk determinedly to the Winter Palace. Despite his urge to rush and help her, he didn't. Instead, he stood with Dorian, The Iron Bull, and Sera.

That bloody dwarf was right, Cullen thought. She really is one of the toughest women in all of Thedas.

Once she was out of sight, he turned to her companions.

"What in Andraste's Holy Name happened?" he asked, practically seething.

All three shared hesitant looks.

Despite her earlier exhaustion, Regina felt a surge of energy fill her as she entered a side door in the Winter Palace. She'd briefly stopped at her room to grab Divine Justinia's edict. As she walked down the long hallway, she gripped the red book tightly in her hand. Guards nodded and opened doors as she passed. As she marched toward the meeting room, the voices grew louder and more strained.

"I agree that something must be done. But we cannot lose the Inquisition now. We stand on the brink of war with the Qunari," said the Orlesian Representative.

"Yes, because this Solas provoked them in the first place," the Ferelden Representative exclaimed.

"The Inquisition did not cause this threat. We informed the summit of the danger-" Josephine began.

Poor Josie has been dealing with these idiots all by herself, thought Regina. I'm so sorry, Josie.

"The danger posed by the Qunari spies in your organization!" the Ferelden Representative shouted.

The lone guard opened the large door for Regina, who nodded at him.

"Without our organization, you would not be alive to complain," Josie added.

Regina entered the room and felt the gazes of everyone present land on her. She kept her head held high as she walked toward the front of the room where Josephine stood.

"No one has forgotten what you have done. But Corypheus is two years dead," the Ferelden Representative pointed out.

At that moment, Regina recalled something Mother Giselle had told her years ago.

Do you know what impresses me most about the original Inquisition? They fought horrific battles, killed and died for their cause, and when it was time, they put their swords away.

She'd heard these words repeatedly in her head over the years. They were something she'd always remembered and had certainly kept in mind during the meeting of the Exalted Council.

"If the Inquisition is to continue, it must do so as a legitimate organization, not as a glorified mercenary band," said the Orlesian Representative.

"Inquisitor," Josephine, as she turned to Regina and nodded.

He's right, Regina thought. And that's what makes this next decision so damned painful.

"You all know what this is," she said, as she held up the book for all to see. "A writ from Divine Justinia authorizing the formation of the Inquisition. We pledged to close the Breach, find those responsible, and restore order. With or without anyone's approval."

In the corner of her eye, Regina saw Cassandra's nod of approval and pride.

Because without her, the Inquisition wouldn't exist, thought Regina.

"It wasn't a formally authorized treaty that saved Ferelden's people," Regina looked at the Ferelden Representative. "It wasn't careful diplomacy that ended your inane civil war," she added, as she looked at the Orlesian Representative before she turned to Divine Justinia. "It was never about the organization. It was about people doing what was necessary. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have the save the world. Again."

Regina threw the book onto the floor with a loud thunk in front of the Exalted Council.

Mother Giselle was right, she thought. It's time for the Inquisition to put our swords away. And while I don't intend to lay down and roll over for Solas, we can't have him knowing our every move.

"Effective immediately, the Inquisition is disbanded," she added.

Regina turned and stormed out of the room. As the door closed behind her, she could hear chaos erupt.

I'm sorry, Josie, she thought. You were the best ambassador we could've had.

She rushed outside and once she found Cullen, sank into his warm embrace.

"Maker, I was so worried about you," Cullen murmured against her hair. "The others told me what happened."

Of course, they did, thought Regina. No doubt because he coerced them.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause you concern," she added. "Although think I've caused Josephine a heart attack."

She could hear the smile in Cullen's voice as he replied, "I think she'll survive."

Despite everything, this, was worth fighting for, she thought.

Greetings, Loyal Readers! For those of you who are familiar with my work, it should come as no surprise that Cullen x Inquisitor is my favorite romantic pairing in Dragon Age Inquisition. If you liked this story and pairing fear not, as there's plenty more where this came from!

If you enjoyed this story, please feel free to leave a like or a comment and I hope to see you next time!