His smile grows; he settles an arm around Cullen's shoulders in kind.

"All right." Warm; amused. "Back to break the news to your family, then."

Considering the conversation with Mia this morning, Alistair's a little worried she'll be hurt by their departure, even if Cullen will only be a short walk up the road. But his husband's needs take precedence -- and if Cullen knows he can retreat to a safe place if necessary, maybe that will relax him enough to talk to his siblings.

(Look, Alistair can dream.)