He knocked softly on her door, wishing that he did not have to do this. For nearly two years, throughout the remainder of the rebellion and the defeat of the usurper Meghren, he had publicly been in a relationship with Rowan while all his private moments were spent with Colette. Rowan knew, of course. He did not wish to blindside her as he had with Katriel. He wanted her to return to Loghain's embrace, but she never did. A small part of him felt guilty for that. That she would hold to her duty while he skirted his was unfair to both women. But, after months of denying it, the end had come. He had been formally coronated as King of Ferelden, and he soon had to marry his old friend.
"Come in." her voice called. He opened the door to see her perched beside the window. Her auburn hair cascaded in curls down her back, falling just past her waist. She did not turn to look at him, and he realized that she knew why he was there. He walked up to her and placed his hands on her shoulders. She leaned back against him as he quietly massaged the knots from them. "I had prayed this day would never come." she whispered. He kissed the top of her head.
"I know. I have too." he murmured. She turned quickly and threw her arms around his shoulders, tears silently streaming down her cheeks. They held each other tightly, letting their embrace say what words never could. Suddenly he was kissing her, and they gently removed each other's clothes. The love they made was sweet and sorrowful. Knowing that it would be their last time together made everything more intense and passionate. They held each other for a long time after they were finished tears rolling down both of their faces. Eventually, he quietly dressed himself and stood. Colette followed and embraced him one last time.
"I will always love you, My King." she murmured. He kissed her, loving the feel of her soft mouth against his, and left without another word. He leaned against the door after she closed it and let out a sob.
"I will always love you, my heart." he murmured, hoping that she could hear it through the door.
The next morning, he stood before Rowan in front of most of Ferelden and said his wedding vows. He knew that she could see the heartbreak in his eyes just as he could see the anguish in hers as they publicly gave up the ones they loved in the name of duty. That night, when they should have been consummating their marriage, they instead held each other as they wept for their losses. They would do what Ferelden required of them, even at the cost of their own happiness. He looked at his friend, his wife, and smiled sadly.
"I do love you, Rowan. You know that, right?" he asked quietly. She nodded softly, the girl he had grown up with shining through her dutiful facade.
"I know, Maric. I love you too." she answered. He sighed. At least the woman he married was one who understood the pain in his heart.
