Another Monday, another chapter :)

I had a lot of fun introducing Gabriel into this story. He is more composed than Lara is, and in so many ways, they balance each other out without realizing. Don't worry, we will still be seeing more of him.

Our dashing Commander is back which means….

Warning: NSFW material towards the middle to end of the chapter.

Otherwise, hope you enjoy x

—-

Chapter 26:

The hours bled into each other as Lara and Gabriel talked, fought, shared, cried and laughed; so many confessions and stories told. Her body had gone through so many emotions in such a short span, she was left exhausted under it all. She needed time to absorb, to process all she discovered from when she was left at the Circle having to start a whole new life on her own. She had no idea if Gabriel would be part of her new life or if she even wanted him to be. They had both lived their own lives in the end and had survived. He was staying in Skyhold until her departure to the Arbor Wilds so she had time to think about what the next steps were. A trial couldn't hurt to see if he was worth keeping. No doubt their alliance would cause an uproar with her parents and sister and she almost wanted to keep him just so she could piss them off.

"I'm not surprised Evangeline was behind it," Lara confessed. A slash of pain still hit her at the discovery even if it wasn't a complete surprise.

"She's always been jealous of you," Gabriel admitted.

"Jealous? What of? She's the one who had everything," Lara arched an eyebrow.

"Not your looks," He answered.

Lara snorted. "I said don't fucking lie to me."

"I'm not. It's partly why you were kept out of sight especially when it was time to find her a suitable partner. They didn't want him taking an interest in you," He chuckled.

"There's nothing about me that would interest anyone," Lara shook her head.

"I thought you said no lying?" Gabriel now arched an eyebrow. Lara rolled her eyes.

"You're brave, sassy, wild. You have a fair complexion with jet black hair and emerald green eyes. Evangeline is brunette with light brown eyes and no winning personality. As a man, I can tell you who they'd be more interested in," Gabriel chuckled.

"You mean to tell me you didn't support a mage being put in a Circle?" Lara changed the subject.

"Any mage? Sure. My sister? No. Wait, maybe Evangeline I would," He tapped his chin.

Lara couldn't help but laugh.

"I offered various options. I nearly convinced them to hire someone privately who would be able to teach you to harness your magic and keep it hidden if need be. That way no one would know their daughter is a mage and you could still stay with us. One day they told me they were taking you away on a trip. It was stupid of me to think they would try and actually find a teacher for you. Then they came home without you and that's when it hit me. I replay that moment in my head till this day. I had failed you as your older brother," Gabriel hung his head.

"I saw her in the Winter Palace," Lara admitted.

"I heard. I also heard she was furious after you put her straight," He chuckled.

"I should've used magic on her," Lara smirked.

"That I would like to see."

"I'm still so fucking mad at you," Lara reminded him.

"You have every right to be. You wouldn't be my sister if you already forgave me. Why do you still wear a braid then?" He asked curiously.

"Because you're still my brother and I missed him then. I don't know about the current version of you. I don't miss you, I miss him. I still wore it even in the Circle. It was my way of holding onto those memories," She admitted, avoiding his gaze.

"Fair enough. It gave me hope. Hope that there is still a chance to amend something between us," He answered.

"Would they have even tried to find me a partner if I stayed?" Lara asked.

"Most likely. Although I highly doubt they would care what match they gave you as long as it benefited them. I was lucky I loved the woman I accidentally had a child with. My mistake, if you will, saved me from being forced into a loveless marriage. Now that you cut ties, you have the freedom to fall in love and marry whomever you choose. On your own terms, as you like it," Gabriel smiled at her.

Lara remained quiet. Her immediate answer would have been to scream NO at the idea of being in love with a man. That was not the life she aimed for nor did she desire the attention of a man. She prided herself in staying away from them. Now, her situation was different. Cullen had stopped her in her tracks and derailed her. She found herself not wanting to stay away from him. It was once so easy, and now, she automatically gravitated towards him. It unnerved her.

"You're quiet. Is there someone?" Gabriel studied her.

"No," She answered immediately. She wasn't ready to tell him anything personal about her, including Cullen.

Gabriel still studied her, with arched eyebrows. He wasn't convinced by her answer but he didn't press on.

—-

Days had passed since their first encounter. Lara kept Gabriel around for company here and there, but she also let him explore Skyhold and converse with her friends. The place fascinated him even if he did stand out. It was obvious he was an outsider but no one treated him as such. It seemed being the Inquisitor's brother had some perks. He was treated like royalty here.

In the meantime, Lara occupied herself with Morrigan and her findings regarding Corypheus and elven ruins. There was work to be done and it was a nice distraction from a certain Commander that she was starting to miss. She had no clue how long he would be with his family and the days dragged on until his arrival. Corypheus in the meantime was heading for the Arbor Wilds, much to her confusion. It was such a remote area, what could he possibly be looking for there?

"What he seeks in the Arbor Wilds is as ancient as it is dangerous," Morrigan spoke, taking her out of her thoughts.

"Corypheus looking for something dangerous? Groundbreaking," She rolled her eyes. "What is it?"

"'Tis best if I show you," Morrigan smirked, turning to lead the way.

Lara followed her, letting Morrigan guide her. Elven artifacts were not her expertise. Corypheus already had the orb in his possession which Solas confirmed was elven. Now he was seeking another elven artifact. Did all elven artifacts hold such power? If his goal was to enter the Fade alive, how would these elven artifacts be of any use? So many questions left unanswered, she was grateful Morrigan was able to assist. Perhaps Solas could join her in identifying these artifacts and their purpose. Morrigan led her into a small room not far away from the courtyard. The room was empty, save for a giant mirror that was no ordinary mirror. Lara could feel the magic radiating off of it.

"This is an eluvian. An elven artifact from a time long before their empire was lost to human greed," Morrigan explained.

"Tell me you did not bring a magical mirror into Skyhold? Oh, Cullen's going to be pissed…" Lara stared at it in disbelief.

"I agree it was dishonest of me to have it brought in under his nose but he will have to get over it if he wants Corypheus stopped. I restored this one at a great cost, but there is another within the Arbor Wilds. That is what Corpheus seeks," Morrigan continued.

"It's beautiful. What does it do exactly?" Lara couldn't stop staring at it. Faded blue waves were etched on the mirror, complimenting the thick gold frame that covered it.

Morrigan smiled and lifted her arms, magic flowing from her fingertips. The mirror whooshed to life as the faded blue waves now shine a bright blue, the waves flowing into each other. Those same blue waves were also moving around the room, surrounding them. The pull of magic was even stronger, she almost wanted to go through it…

"The more appropriate question would be 'where does it lead'," Morrigan answered.

She stepped into the mirror, her outline shining through the waves and disappeared. Lara stared wide eyed at what just happened. Thank the Maker Cullen wasn't here or this might be the very thing that makes his tolerance snap.

"Fuck it…" She whispered as she stepped through the mirror feeling her body being pulled and then floating. The mirror guided her on for her destination which she hoped would be the same place as Morrigan.

—-

Thankfully, Morrigan was by her side as they entered a new world. The eluvian glowed behind them, as a thick fog carried in front of them. Large tombstones stood erect throughout the area, large circles with what looked like tree branches were spread out in between the tombstones. A slanted castle in the distance seemed almost too haunted yet too sacred to approach.

"If this place once had a name, it has been long forgotten," Morrigan spoke quietly.

Lara walked forward towards the fog, taking in her surroundings. It was vastly different from the world she lived in. Abandoned. Was this a long forgotten place? Was this place elven?

"I call it the Crossroads, a place where all eluvians join….wherever they might be," She continued. Her voice was echoing.

"This place is extraordinary. How could this even exist?" Lara was stunned.

"Who can say? Formed from the fabric of time and space, perhaps. The ancient elves left no roads, only ruins hidden in far-flung corners. This is how they traveled between them. As you can see, most of the mirrors are dark: broken, corrupted or unusable," Morrigan finished.

Lara climbed the few stone steps in front of her and looked around. She soon realized that they were not tombstones but other eluvians appearing exactly as Morrigan described; dark and lifeless. Who would break them? Was there something to be hidden? Or perhaps it was broken to keep intruders like themselves out.

"This place isn't natural. It's been…constructed? Like someone created their own place within the Fade, with its own rules of reality," Lara asked. This magic was a different kind of magic that she was feeling. There was a similarity though to how it felt when she traveled with Solas through the Fade.

"If ancient elves could do this…" Lara whispered, the pieces forming together.

"You catch on quick, Inquisitor. It seems remarkable that the Magisters of Tevinter could ever challenge them, yes," Morrigan answered.

"It's deteriorating though. Eventually it will collapse," Lara stated as she carefully stepped through the ruins.

"Who can say how old it is? For now it stands, and thus retains its value," Morrigan replied.

"How did you find this place?" Lara turned to her.

"My travels have led me to many strange places, Inquisitor. Once they led me here. It offered me sanctuary."

"Sanctuary?" Lara arched an eyebrow.

"Not all the mirrors lead back to our world. The ancients were nothing if not…resourceful," Morrigan replied.

"Wait, so if they don't lead back to our world…" Lara nearly choked, memories of being thrown forward in time now flooding her mind.

"Places in between. Like this one. I can describe it no better. For a time, I was safe from those who hunted me. But only for a time. One cannot remain in between forever," Morrigan smiled.

"Kieran?" Lara asked softly, putting the pieces together. Morrigan was very protective of her son, trying to hide him from the world as if someone would take him from her. Lara had allowed him to stay with her, offering the Inquisitions protection, which eased Morrigan.

Morrigan looked away, neither confirming nor denying, but Lara knew her answer.

"What did you mean by 'only a few can be opened from this side'?" Lara changed the subject.

"Some of the eluvians have been left unlocked, like doors accidentally left ajar. All others are closed. They can be opened only from beyond," Morrigan answered, happy for the change in subject.

"How?" Lara asked quickly.

"With a key," She smiled.

"And let me guess, you magically have said key," Lara arched an eyebrow.

"The key can be many things. Each eluvian is different. I have knowledge as well as power. Often that is enough," Morrigan ignored her sarcasm.

Not helpful. I wonder if Solas knows more…

"What does Corypheus want with this place?" Lara asked, immediately wanting to protect it from his corruption.

"This is not the Fade, but it is close. Someone with enough power can tear down the ancient barriers…" Morrigan started.

"And enter the Fade in the flesh. This is just another way for him to enter," Lara finished.

"Correct. Since you took his Anchor from him, he is desperate for another way. He learned of the eluvian in the Arbor Wilds. He marshals the last of his forces to reach it," Morrigan nodded.

Morrigan turned and made her way back to the eluvian that illuminated a small corner of the Crossroads. The meaning of this place wasn't lost on her. The in-between as she would now refer to it. In many areas of her life, she was stuck in the unknown; Cullen, Inquisitor, Gabriel, her future. The barriers and path she had set up for herself were destroyed and now she was faced at the Crossroads not knowing which path was hers. The nostalgic feeling of a lost child flooded back into her being, leaving her scared. With a sigh, Lara followed her, not wanting to be in a place representing her current predicament any longer.

"You have made Corypheus desperate, Inquisitor. We must work together to stop him, and soon," Morrigan turned to her.

A small sound followed Morrigan as she entered the eluvian. Taking one last look at the in-between, she followed her. It may have been the Crossroads, but it was her Crossroads. She wouldn't let Corypheus take this too.

—-

Planning for the Arbor Wilds took place with an urgency even with Cullen gone. Rylen had joined them in the meantime, representing Cullen while he was on his way back. Lara had hoped the visit to his family gave him what he needed. In the meantime, she was grateful for the time she had with Gabriel even if she was unsure what their future held.

Lara was enjoying her breakfast runs with her friends, especially with Gabriel joining in. In the mornings, they gathered for breakfast and hung around after chatting and planning for the day. This morning she was surrounded by Solas, Dorian, Varric, Bull and Gabriel. Lara had spent a lot of her time discussing with Solas about eluvians and how the network functioned. Solas was able to offer more insight into elven artifacts and history which she tried to soak in as much knowledge as she could from him. She was eager to learn about everything elven. A voice approached her, taking her out of her discussion with Solas.

"Morning, Inquisitor. A message for you," Rylen spoke, handing her a neatly folded paper.

"Thank you, Rylen," Lara smiled.

Rylen nodded as he departed. The conversation sprung back to life between her friends. Lara looked around and once she confirmed everyone was occupied, she opened the paper discreetly in her lap to avoid any prying eyes.

My Inquisitor,

I have safely returned from my travels.

I have a surprise for you.

Your Commander.

Her body stiffened as the familiar jolt of electricity surged through her body, heat gathering in her lower half in response to his words. A surprise? Her mind immediately rushed to the memory of him taking her on his desk. Her nipples hardened beneath her clothes, rubbing against the fabric of her clothes. She cleared her throat, shifting in her seat, and took a rather large sip of her water in hopes to extinguish the response in her body. It could very well not be a sexual surprise, and perhaps he brought something for her. She was rewarded with a smirk from Dorian, who seemed to gather who the note was from.

"Excuse me but duty calls," Lara spoke as she excused herself.

"Oh I'm sure it has," Dorian replied, looking smug.

"Shut it you," Lara hissed.

Dorian laughed and Varric smirked, catching on to what was going on.

"Tell Curly I said hi," Varric called after her.

"You can tell him yourself," Lara called back, narrowing her eyes at him.

She was met with laughter.

—-

She would be lying if she said she didn't have an extra rush to her steps as she made her way to his office. A large part of her had missed him, missed not having him around. Another part of her longed for him; a part that scared her. She had gone so long without needing anyone, yet here she was unable to stay away from him. Running to him the very second he called for her. She had never been more grateful for her freedom. Under her family, she wouldn't have been able to look at a man like him; no title, no noble blood, nothing to offer. He was all hers now with no one telling her otherwise.

Her heart jumped at the sight of him in his office. He was still fully clad in his armor, but he looked happier, vibrant even. The visit to his family helped his mood tremendously. He hummed to himself as he organized his belongings, oblivious to the green eyed girl watching him. His voice was deep and smooth and immediately the butterflies in her stomach betrayed her as they flapped around eagerly. She drank him in. His golden unruly curls, his honey eyes that shone with his happiness, his calloused hands that grabbed what it needed, the muscles in his arms flexing as he moved the items in their allocated place. Longing was running rampant through her body. Longing for him. To have his arms around her. To consume her. She walked towards him, her footsteps stepping him out of his trance.

"There you are. I've missed you," He smiled at her as he noticed her.

He watched her intently as she moved towards him, taking her in. Heat flowed through her under his gaze but there was no other place she'd rather be. She closed the distance, and he wrapped his arms around her, knowing what she needed. A sudden boldness overcame her; she needed him now more than her fears of getting too close and maintaining distance. In this moment, she surrendered without hesitation.

"Kiss me," She whispered to him.

His eyes darkened at her confession. He crashed his lips onto hers as he pulled her tighter into him. A calloused hand cupped the back of her neck, fingers intertwining in her hair. The hairs on the back of her neck rose at the touch, lighting a flame inside her, fueling her desire. Oakmoss and elderflower engulfed her, a scent that was her comfort. He skimmed his tongue against hers, requesting access, which Lara granted immediately, her own dancing with his. A soft moan escaped her at the contact, and she felt Cullen's hand grip her body tighter at the sound. His kiss is demanding and firm yet urgent, making up for the time lost between them. Suddenly, he pulled away leaving Lara eager for more, her lips puffy and swollen, panting.

"You have no idea how beautiful you look," His voice was husky as he observed her.

Her heart stopped for a second at his words. Her legs squeezed together on their own accord in an attempt to lessen the ache between her legs. Cullen strided over gracefully to the doors, closing and locking them. Her heart quickened, her legs squeezing tighter. If he was locking the doors, that meant one thing. Excitement took over her. Cullen unbuckled his armor as he noticed her excitement evident by her body language.

"What have I done? You're insatiable," He chuckled, placing his armor on the floor behind his desk.

"I am not. I'm just happy to see you again," Lara bit back.

"Is that so? So if I touched you, you wouldn't be wet?" He asked huskily.

Lara swallowed hard, her legs betraying her as they squeezed tighter. That won her another chuckle from Cullen as he dressed down to his tunic and trousers, his eyes were now a molten shade of honey. His gaze intensified her longing, making her feel like she was going to combust.

"Strip," He demanded.

Lara obeyed without hesitation. Forget trying to hide her arousal from him; it was overbearing. The heaviness in her core was too intense. She quickly undid her clothing, aware of him watching her making that heaviness almost a burden. Naked, she stood in front of him, exposed, her nipples hard and her inner thighs damp with desire. She bravely took a step towards him but he cut her off.

"Sit on the ladder," He commanded.

"What?" Lara stopped in her tracks.

"What part of that was unclear?"

"Why the ladder?" Lara protested.

"You can either sit or I can tie you to it. Take your pick," Cullen crossed his arms over his chest, his muscles flexing.

Lara swallowed hard. "You wouldn't dare."

"Would you like to test that? Out there you may be the Inquisitor. In here, you're mine," Cullen's expression intense with desire.

Her breath caught in her throat at his words. Lara wasn't that brave to test his theory out especially while this was all so new to her. Letting out a sigh, she turned and quickly rushed to the ladder, sitting down on the cool wood, her feet touching the floor, hands in her lap as she looked up at him.

"Legs wide open, Lara," He continued as he undid his trousers.

She hesitated, the pressure of her legs clamped together alleviating the heavy desire in her core. Slowly, she opened her legs, cool air rushing through and an intense throbbing now present between her legs. A soft whimper escaped her lips as her body trembled. Cullen noticed and he bit his lip in response, trying to restrain himself.

"Touch yourself," His deep voice echoed around them and Lara stilled.

What! No, no, no…

"Show me how you touch yourself. For me," He continued.

"Who said I ever touched myself to you?" Lara bit her lip, challenging him.

"Are you saying you haven't?" He tilted his head, watching her.

Heat flushed in her cheeks at the memory of her in the bath on their journey back from Ferelden. Desire had overtaken her after their first kiss, after she felt him hard against her for the first time. She shifted uncomfortably on the step, avoiding his gaze.

"So you have…" He chuckled darkly, his hand now stroking his hard erection through his undone trousers. It looked almost painful.

Damnit…

"Lara, I won't ask again," His expression changed.

"You do it," Lara demanded back, her voice laced with desire, barely unrecognizable to her.

"Not until you come apart for me first on that step," His voice was strong. Clear.

Fine. Two can play this game.

A strangled cry mixed with a moan escaped her as she closed her eyes. He wanted her to touch herself, so she would. A sudden brazenness took over her. Maybe it was his intense gaze that held her, or the heavy longing that was driving her insane, but her hands trailed down her neck as she arched her back. Her fingers slid softly down to her breasts, where her nipples were still hard, aching to be touched. Her hands cupped her breasts, mimicking his movements from before. She twirled her hard nipples between her fingers, tugging on them gently. A moan escaped her as she tilted her head back in response. Her eyes closed as she remembered the times Cullen spent attention there, sucking, pulling, biting, teasing. The image only increased her wetness, desperate for his actual touch to consume her.

She continues her assault on her nipples, tugging harder and pulling, sending jolts straight to her core as she thinks of him while he watches her. His soft groans could be heard from across the room, doing nothing except lighting the match and setting a fire inside her, firing off all her nerves. Her eyelids heavy, her breath uneven, she opened her eyes to see him standing there leaning against the desk, tunic discarded, trousers still undone, his rock hard length in his hand, slowly moving up and down.

"Thinking of me?" He smirked.

"A lady never kisses and tells," She bit her lip, knowing her defenses were weak right now.

"Is that a challenge? Lower," He demanded.

She clenched at his words. The way he commanded her body was intoxicating. Lara skimmed her hands down her stomach, finding their way to her clit. A whimper escaped as a finger traced over it, the sensitive bundle of nerves awakening at the touch.

"Cullen, please," She whispered, begging for him.

"When did you touch yourself to me?" He ignored her plea.

She squeezed her eyes shut as she traced her fingers around her clit, her other hand grabbing the ladder for support. Images of Cullen working her came to mind as she mimicked his movements again. He was her reference now, her guide to how her body worked. Sensations burst within her at the contact as she pressed down slightly, rubbing slow circles. Moans escaped uncontrollably, her breath quickening, the muscles in her legs tensing. This was delicious torture. The man she desired right there in front of her, only to watch her come apart for him. It was so erotic, she almost couldn't handle it.

"Lara," He warned.

"After our first kiss," She spoke through a gasp, keeping her eyes closed.

His deep chuckle sent a jolt of electricity through her core causing her to tremble as she circled her clit harder, desperately seeking a release from the hold Cullen had on her.

"Where?" He asked.

"Bathtub," She whispered.

"What was I doing to you?" He asked again.

"Cullen, please…take me. I need…" She pleaded as the heaviness was unbearable. His words were doing nothing to ease the ache.

"Eyes open. Look at me. What was I doing to you?" He repeated, ignoring her pleas.

She let out a frustrated groan as she pressed harder against her clit, her body shaking at the sudden pressure. Cullen's pumps increased, his length hardening further, glistening with precum at the sight of her. She licked her lips. Cullen's gaze landed on her lips, watching her watch him. He let out a groan, his body tensing. Her core clenched at the sight of his hand sliding up and down his length, a desire to taste him, to have more of him.

"You hard against me," She spoke finally, still watching his cock.

Another groan from Cullen. Another moan from her in response.

"What else?" He demanded.

"You shirtless. Your hands on my body," She whispered heavily between breaths.

"Do you want me to touch you now?" He asked sensually.

"Fuck…yes…" The words came out of her without realizing as she arched further. Her grip on the ladder turning her knuckles white.

"Put a finger in," He demanded.

Lara narrowed her eyes at him. He was torturing her. She slid a finger in, feeling her walls wrap around her finger. The ache further intensified, pressure building.

"Another," His voice husky as he watched her.

She entered a second finger and let out a frustrated moan. The stretching feeling was welcome but it wasn't him. It wasn't what she needed.

"In and out for me, Lara."

Swallowing, she moved her fingers in and out, reveling in the feel of her walls stretching, preparing herself for him. She mimicked his movements as she remembered. The way his fingers curled inside her hitting a sweet spot she didn't know she had. It wasn't quite the way he hit it, but it was enough to satisfy some of the longing.

"You're doing so well, my love," He groaned.

Pride bloomed in her chest at his words, at his encouragement. Lara didn't break eye contact as he watched her. She wanted him to watch her, to know she was doing this for him. That she needed him. A troubled man who had been through so much yet stood here by her side, fighting for her from the beginning. She needed him to know she trusted him, that she would be by his side. He watches her with that gaze again and she knows what it is; worship, admiration, adoration. Unfamiliar emotions swarm to the top threatening to spill. The heaviness and electricity in the air multiplied between them in such a small space as they both lay vulnerable to each other.

"Imagining it's my cock inside you, stretching you, filling you?" He broke the silence.

Holy fuck this man…

Lara nodded.

"Only me. You're mine, Lara," It sounded like a prayer from his lips.

"Then take me," She pleaded again.

"Surrender first. Who does your body belong to? Who does your pleasure belong to?" He guided her.

Her other hand now landed on her clit, her body wracking with the pulses that shot down her lower body. Her release was close, she could almost taste it. Her mind flooded with the memory of Cullen stretching her, the bite of her accommodating his length and thickness, the way he hit that spot when he thrusted into her that caused her to have an out of body experience each time. That ledge was coming closer and closer.

"You Cullen. Only you," She chanted his words back to him.

"Come for me," He called, his voice husky, laced with need.

His words were her final undoing. She let out a near scream as she shattered to a million pieces on his ladder. The world went fuzzy around her as she held onto the ladder for dear life, losing control of her body. Strong hands soon wrapped around her, carrying her, protecting her as she came undone. He left a trail of kisses along her shoulder as he held her.

"I will carry that memory with me forever," He whispered, her skin erupting in goosebumps against his warm breath.

A calloused finger swiped along her folds and she watched him bring his finger to his mouth, tasting her release. Heat flushed in her cheeks as she looked away. She still wasn't used to this side of him and the raw masculinity that emanated from him when he was this way but she desired it all the same. He lifted her to standing as she held onto his arms for support, her legs weak underneath her. He turned her around gently.

"Bend over and grab the ladder," His voice returned to a commanding tone.

Excitement now washed over her at the new prospect. A new location in his office, a new position for him to take her. She leaned over, grabbing onto the ladder, one hand holding the side, the other on the step.

"I'm going to be rough. If it's too much, tell me to stop," He continued.

Lara nodded. His foot moved hers pushing her legs further apart. She gasped at the force, her insides clenching in anticipation. He entered her slowly, the familiar sting returning as she struggled to accommodate his length, biting her lip as the feeling of fullness overwhelmed her. He slowly withdrew and with a sudden thrust, slammed into her until he was buried at the hilt. She cried out as she was knocked forward slightly by the impact, her grip tightening on the ladder.

He was relentless in his thrusts, his hands gripping her tightly, supporting her. Lara tried to catch her breath in between each thrust, unaware of the moans and whimpers echoing in his office. Her fingers gripped the ladder so hard she was sure her nails left imprints in the wood. She was lost in the fullness, the thrusts that hit her sweet spot causing her to see stars and the ferocity in his need for her as if making up for lost time. Soon the pain is replaced by hunger and she is indeed insatiable like Cullen said. She needs more of him despite him consuming her. She can feel his focus and gaze on her, that same stare of worship and admiration as she takes him, surrendering her body to him.

Her body meets him at every thrust pushing back into him, her body signaling to him she needs more. He reads her like a book and that same feeling of vulnerability creeps up her spine as his hand immediately finds her clit, rubbing circles. The pressure in her core building, pulsing as if it were a second heartbeat thrumming throughout her body. Every nerve in her awakened, engulfed in pleasure, engulfed by him, lost in oakmoss and elderflower. Each touch, each thrust taking her higher, closer to that edge until she was free falling.

"Let go for me," His voice was hard and rough with lust.

She did. She was lost in an abyss of ecstasy so deep she never thought she would recover from nor did she want to. Cullen exploded after her with a shudder as he released inside her, a whisper of her name a prayer on his lips, a dedication. Those same unfamiliar feelings washed over her, suffocating her, her chest closing in on her. Her eyes squeezed shut as if to wish them away, each time more intense than the last. She didn't want to name it, identify it. It was too scary to give in to what emotions threatened to spill. To be oblivious was to be content.

She collapsed into his arms that held her tight, as if she were grounding him. He gently let them fall to the floor, her back pressed against him, soaking up their post-orgasm bliss, enjoying this rare peaceful moment alone.

"My precious girl," He whispered in her hair, pressing a kiss there.

Horror overtook her as one of those unfamiliar emotions finally showed its face.

—-

An immediate early morning meeting was called to the War Table by Josephine. Lara had a sneaking suspicion she was up to something while preparations for Arbor Wilds were being finalized. Most of Skyhold would be on this journey as Corypheus would have his whole army at his disposal there and they would be prepared for every worst case scenario. As she entered the War Room, all eyes were on her, but only one pair took her breath away as his gaze held her. That same adoration on his face at the sight of her, she almost felt unworthy to be held that way. Her suspicions were correct as Josephine spoke.

"Apologies for the last minute gathering especially with the Arbor Wilds approaching but we have an urgent matter that needs to be dealt with before we march on," She started.

Leliana smiled a knowing smile. Of course she knew. Cullen seemed a little uneasy at this new development and Lara didn't like this surprise one bit. She arched an eyebrow at Josephine who took that as her signal to continue.

"The Orlesians are very impressed with our victories and wish to celebrate before heading into battle. We are to have a ball here in Skyhold. King Alistair will also be in attendance to represent Fereldan in their new alliance," She finished.

"Can I go fight Corypheus instead? That sounds more appealing," Lara rolled her eyes.

"Not yet. The ball has already been arranged and the Hall is being decorated as we speak. The ball will be held tonight and guests will start to arrive shortly," She continued.

"What the hell Josephine?" Lara nearly shouted, crossing her arms.

"We cannot tamper our connections with Orlais, not right now. This is necessary," She answered.

"Hardly," Annoyance dripped from Cullen's voice.

"There is one more thing. Since the Winter Palace, your lineage has been noticed even if you are not close with your family. That fact doesn't seem to sway any potential interest," Josephine started.

Lara stilled, not wanting her words to be true.

No, no, absolutely not.

"Interest?" Cullen looked up now, brows furrowed.

"Josephine, what did you do?" Lara whispered.

"Apologies, but this is out of my control. You do not need to make a choice. You can politely decline them after the night is over but you must entertain the idea," She answered.

"No," Cullen growled, making the hairs on her neck stand. She had never heard him like this.

Josephine and Leliana already knew of their romance so there was no sense in hiding it from them. Cullen couldn't care less at the moment who knew as his anger was threatening to spill, his knuckles white from grabbing the wooden table too hard, it might snap.

Only me. You're mine Lara.
My precious girl.

His words from their last encounter repeated in her head.

"Cullen, she is nobility whether you see her that way or not. Her lineage remains by blood. That cannot be erased," Josephine looked apologetic.

"To hell with nobility," He growled again as he briskly exited the room slamming the door behind him.

"Please don't take offense to him," Josephine warned.

"I should be saying that to you. You're the one sacrificing your lover for the nobility, not me," Lara let out a sarcastic laugh.

Josephine chuckled. "I suppose that's true."

"I will speak with him. He'll be there tonight with a clear head," Leliana assured her as she exited the War Room.

"How bad is the damage?" Lara braced herself.

"There are numerous requests for your hand in marriage that I've lost count. I should also inform you that there are proposals for Cullen as well, many offering their daughters to him," Josephine answered.

A pang of jealousy slashed across her chest at the mention of it. Anger filled her as well for even being jealous of it. The girl she was would never waste a second over a man, but she wasn't that girl anymore. Cullen had claimed her in a way that no one else ever would. She was his no matter how endlessly she fought it. After having a taste of him, she was sure no one would satisfy her like he did. No one would protect her like he did.

"I have nothing to wear," She changed the subject.

"Your attire will be waiting in your quarters. All arrangements have been settled. You know he won't accept those offers, Lara," Josephine spoke to her personally.

"I'm telling you from now I'm not accepting any of the offers. I hate that I even have to entertain them. Cullen is an exception, just that," She said coldly.

"Noted," Josephine offered a smile.

Lara exited the War Room not wanting to discuss this any further. She never desired a man's attention or interest; at least, before Cullen. He was the exception. He had changed that completely and brought out a new side of her. However, the thought of entertaining a man made her blood boil and her skin itch. Their gaze, their touch, their smiles, their words, their inappropriateness, all so they can win the Inquisitor as if she were some prize; bedding a mage an added bonus. Another issue clawed inside her, terrifying her. The inappropriate touches would set Cullen off, throwing him back into his past, causing a relapse. At least he was here in Skyhold and had the sanctuary of his office on standby.

Lara sat down at the breakfast table, her friends already sat. She first grabbed the wine causing a curious stare from Dorian. If she was going to survive her worst nightmare, she at least needed to be semi-intoxicated for it.