Hera is curious about what Cullen thinks of her and Cole provides the answer.

"It had been three years since his visit to the Hawke Estate to see a woman who had captured his heart. After leaving that night, he realized that it killed him not to have Persephone Hawke in his life. That's why he kept his distance."

"His breathing was becoming labored as he ran, pushing past people and rushing up each set of stairs to get to the Inquisitor's room. He was scared - truly scared - that something horrible was going to happen to her. To the mage that captured his heart."