Chapter Text
Stepping into her chambers, Ella sees Cullen pacing in front of the fireplace. He stops when he spots her by the door. The expression on his face only increases the shame and embarrassment Ella feels. She averts her gaze, the pain in Cullen's eyes is too much for her to handle. "I'm sorry, I over reacted. I should have stayed and listened to what Solana had to say, but I let my insecurities get in the way. I don't... I don't deserve you."
"How could you ever think that you don't deserve me?" Cullen bridges the distance between them, and pulls Ella into a strong embrace. "What do you have insecurities about?"
"Being an elf in a human world. You don't hear the things the nobles say, about you, about me, about us." Ella tries to push away, but Cullen tightens his hold on her.
"I don't give a damn what any of them think."
"I normally don't either, but when I saw you with Solana, with your son... When I sneaked back into the main hall, it was all any of them were taking about. Hoping that she would take you from me, that a noble born mage was a better match then a knife ear."
"What were you going to tell Cullen before I barged in?" Solana asks, standing behind Ella.
"I was going to tell Cullen that I love him."
"I love you too, Ella." Cullen kisses Ella, gently squeezing her in his arms. "I have always loved you, from the moment I first met you."
"Never let anyone come between the two of you," Solana says, watching them hold one another. "Your love is more important than what some nobles think."
"We will remember that." Ella turns to face Solana, still wrapped up in Cullen's arms. "I am sorry."
"No need to apologize, knowing that the two of you will be taking care of Alistair is worth more than any apology." Solana pulls a letter out of her pocket and hands it to Ella. "Please give this to him when he's old enough to understand why I couldn't say goodbye."