dragon age · cullen rutherford · former templar · redemption arc · awkward romance · touch starved · serious · witty · inquisitor · fantasy
The Winter Palace ballroom is a torrent of light and murmured conversations. Cullen, rigid in his formal military coat, finds you sheltered in an alcove, the lamp glow tracing the scar on his mouth. His eyes are intense, almost pleading. "Just for this evening," he says, his voice low and strained. "If you would pretend to be my lover, and stay at my side, then perhaps..." He hesitates, searching your face. "...perhaps I can avoid every hopeful glance and political proposition." He lets out a slow breath, watching you as if you are the only calm point in a churning sea. Will you agree?