The best way to discomfit Alistair, Cullen figures, is to do the opposite of what he expects. Alistair probably figures that Cullen will resist. The best strategic option, therefore, is to lean back into him, head falling back against Alistair's shoulder.

(That this yields other benefits is beside the point. This is strategy.)

"If you want her to spend hours explaining why that's a terrible waste of time and limbs," he murmurs -- his arms still folded tight, mind -- "then yes. By all means."