Dragon 9:25, 20th Drakonis

ROYAL PALACE, GREAT HALL

'Mother! Father!' Mahria approached her parents with wide smile. Loghain was walking behind her with hand on her waist. 'I thought you would come yesterday. What happened?'

'Mahria!' Eleonora almost run to her daugher and hugged her firmly. Mahria gasped and pushed her mother lightly.

'Mom, don't do that.' At that moment Teyrna Cousland looked into her daughters face and regarded her with question. Suddenly her eyes widened and she shouted.

'It can't be!' Eleonora's looked shocked at Mahria then at Loghain to end on Mahria again. At that time Bryce and Fergus joined them.

'Mahria, my love, it's good to see you.' Bryce hugged Mahria lightly and then moved to Loghain and they shook their hands. Meanwhile Mahria embraced Fergus as well. 'Loghain, my friend. How are you?'

'I'm fine, Bryce. Hope you are fine as well.'

'Yes, same old, same old.' Teyrn Cousland smiled at Loghain then looked at his wife. 'What's wrong, darling?' Eleonora was still looking at her daugher in disbelief.

'Father, Mother. I… no... We have some important news for you.' Mahria blushed and looked at her husband. When he nodded she continued her explanation. 'Loghain and I… we're going to have a child. I'm pregnant.' Eleonora looked at Mahria still in a shock and after a moment she started to cry.

'At last! Maker have listened to my prayers at last!' Mahria approached her mother and put hand on her arm. 'And here I was thinking I'll have to wait for that news for years.'

'Mom...' Mahria also had tears in her eyes. When both women were occupied with each other Bryce congratulated Loghain.

'My friend, I'm so happy for both of you. It is… an unexpected present.' After that they sat in the great hall and talked about their winter and how Mahria came to know she was pregnant. In some time Bryce took his daughter to a side to have private talk with her. 'Mahria… tell me the truth… Did Loghain forced you to… I mean, to lay with him?'

'Dad!' Mahria looked at her father and frowned. 'How can you say such a thing?'

'Because, you know… it was rather arranged marriage… in haste.' Teyrn Cousland was looking at his daughter with concerne.

'No, dad. He didn't force me to anything. I was willing to lay with him. I...' She hesitated for a moment. 'We are in good terms, dad. And I'm overjoyed to be with his child.'

'I see. I'm sorry, Pup. I just thought you may be hiding something. When I looked at you… so pale, so weak. I just thought that...' Bryce was ashamed by his accusations now. He was really worried when he saw his daughter earlier.

'Didn't you listen to what I told you? I was sick, dad. That's why I look like that. But I'm far better now than two weeks ago. I looked like I was going to die back then.' Mahria smiled at her father and embraced him. 'I'm so happy now. And Loghain is very good to me. He's perfect husband.'

'I'm relieved, Pup. Anyway… let's go to the rest. Your mother will be displeased if I keep you away from her for too long. Oh, and I think we have a company.' Both of them turned to look at approaching King. 'Your Majesty!'

'Ah! Bryce! Long time no see!' Maric hugged him and went to Eleonora. 'Eleonora, my dear, you're as beautiful as always. I hope you had good winter.'

'Your Majesty, it's an honour to be here again.' Teyrna Cousland bowed and hugged Maric as well. 'Winter was fine, but spring is even better. It's the best spring in my life. My baby girl will bring my grandchild to this world.' And she started to cry again.

'So you know?' Maric grinned to Bryce. 'Pity you haven't been here when Loghain brought Mahria to the palace. She was sleeping in his arms. True knight with his princess.' And then he laughed at that picture. 'Shame you don't have white horse, Loghain.' His friend only rolled his eyes and remained silent. 'But let me guide you to your quarters. Later we will have huge feast.'

MAC TIR'S BEDCHAMBER

After huge welcome party King held for Teyrns Couslands Mahria was really tired. Especially because she was trying not to argue with her mother. Eleonora wanted to make Mahria eat way too much. 'Maker… my mother is even worse than you.' Mahria rolled on the bed with huge sigh.

'Am I that bad? I don't force you to eat that much.' Loghain replied to her with a smirk. He was still sitting next to small table in their room and reading some reports. After a while he tossed them on the table and climbed to the bed. 'But I'm relieved now as I have someone else to look after you now.'

'Ah yes, yes, constant surveillance.' She stretched and yawned. Then she tried to nest her body next to Loghain's. 'I think Anders might soon return to Gwaren to his family.'

'I would like to keep him for one month longer. He may leave after the Landsmeet.' When Mahria finish her nesting he embraced her and started to stroke her arm. 'I hope you will stop to feel nausea at the time.'

'Fine. When will Landsmeet be held?'

'Next month. Around 22th of Cloudreach.' Loghain sighed heavily at that thought. 'All those imbeciles will gather in one place. To think I will have to deal with them… and Maric… and watch over you.'

'Don't worry about me. I will be with mother and Anora… and Fergus… and Anders will be here.' She yawned again.

'Time to go to sleep, Invader. Gareth need to rest as well.'

Dragon 9:25, 20th Cloudreach

ROYAL GARDEN

After one month Mahria felt better. She hadn't feel nauseated at all for few days and she was enjoying her life in Royal Palace. Her face regained it's colours and her snowy eyes was shining how they used to. Loghain was thinking to himself that she was looking even more beautiful than before pregnancy. They were in the garden, as it was getting warmer by each day, playing chess. Fergus was sitting with them and observed their game. From time to time Loghain had to make a break from reports and papers so he started to teach Mahria how to play. 'But don't be easy on me. I won't learn if you will let me win.'

'You won't learn to play chess, sister.' Fergus giggled and pointed at her. 'That's game for men, not for women.'

'Shut up, idiot. Or I won't lend Da'asha to you ever again.' She hissed at her brother.

'You're wrong, Fergus.' Loghain looked at young men and waved with his finger. 'It's not about if a player is woman or man. It's about if he can think about all the moves that can be made in advance. Both his and opponents.' All three of them were occupied with the game when someone approached them. Or rather two of them.

'Teyrns Mac Tir, oh and Fergus is here as well. I'm delighted.' It was Arl Howe. He came to the Denerim in the morning. Now he was strolling through the palace to greet everyone. Behind him Nathaniel was standing with serious face.

'Arl Rendon, Nathaniel.' Loghain stood up and approached them. They shook hands in greeting. 'Good to see you here.' After men finished their greetings Mahria approached them with Fergus. She bowed slightly.

'Arl, Nathaniel, good to see you.' She smiled at Nathaniel but he didn't smile back.

'Teyrna, my congratulations. Your father and mother told me the big news.' Arl Howe bowed deeply to Teyrns Mac Tir. His face was smiling yet his eyes remained cold. After brief talk about upcoming Landsmeet both Howes left them in the garden.

'That... was rather strange.' Mahria said after she sat on her chair again.

'What was?' Loghain looked at her with interest.

'Nathaniel. He's behaviour, that is.' Mahria leaned to the board and looked at her pawns. 'He acted strangely. Maybe he was shocked by the news of my pregnancy.'

'Leave him be, Mahria.' Loghain sighed and pointed at the pawn she should move. 'If you move that over here, you'll gain...'

'Stop helping me!' She shouted and laughed. 'Maker have mercy on me, I can't even learn to play chess with such a husband. I know that I'm pregnant but playing chess doesn't tire me that much. You see that Fergus? That's why women can't learn to play, because of men.'

GREAT HALL

Mahria was strolling through the palace with her mother and Anders. Ever after Eleonora learned about his help she took him along every time she was with her daughter. Now they walked and laughed as Mahria asked to tell her mother about mage's cat and Ser Pounce-a-Lot. 'Ser Mage, you are really funny! Mahria was right about that.'

'Thank you, Your Teyrnship.' They had their fun until they reached great hall. Mahria saw Nathaniel sitting by himself.

'Mom, Anders, please wait here. I want to speak to Nate.' She pointed at lone man. 'I'll be back in a moment.' Then she silently approached Nathaniel. 'Nate, how are you?' Man looked at her and after a while he tried to stood up. 'Don't stand. I know that look. You want to run away! I may be pregnant, but I'm still deadly, Nathaniel.' She glared at him for a moment. Young Howe sat again and turned his head.

'What do you want, Teyrna?' His voice was as cold as his behaviour toward her.

'Nate, are you serious? We were friends. Maker, what I'm saying. We are friends!' She poked his arm. 'Don't act like an idiot. I know you are one, but let's pretend you're not.' At that statement Nathaniel smirked and turned to her.

'I am an idiot. I'm sorry Mahria. I was just...' He put his face in his hands. Huge sigh was muffled by them.

'I know, Nate. I understand.' She patted his arm. 'But you can't change anything. I'm with Loghain. I… care for him, Nate. And this child comes from a care… not duty.' Mahria regarded her friend with sadness in her eyes. She wanted him to be happy for her. As he always was.

'You care… for Loghain?' He turned to her. His eyes looked at her in hopelessness. 'Now I feel like complete moron.'

'Nate. I'm sure that you will find woman you'll love with all your heart.' She began to stroke his arm to cheer him up.

'Maybe… I'm leaving Ferelden. I want to go to Free Marches with King.'

'That again? I don't really like his plans. But if it will make you feel better… then you should go.'

'And here I hoped you will stop me.' He smirked and look at her. She smiled back and put her head on his shoulder.

'Idiot.'

Dragon 9:25, 22th Cloudreach

LOGHAIN'S STUDY

'I think we discussed everything.' Bryce stated and sighed with relief. 'In two hours Landsmeet will start. And we're prepared.' Loghain, Bryce and Mahria were sitting in Loghain's study and talked over matters that would be brought up on the Landsmeet. 'Mahria, do you feel fine? You will manage?' He looked at Mahria with distress. His daughter would be standing there as Teyrna of Gwaren for the first time and she was pregnant. He was worried.

'I'm fine, father. Really. Do not worry about me.' She looked at her father and then at Loghain. He was also worried. 'You too? Andraste's flaming tits. I swear, I'll be fine!'

'You see it, my friend? She's unstoppable.' Loghain sighed but then smiled at her. 'I know that Mahria will be fine. She's strong.' His wife smiled back and nodded.

'That attitude I approve. Greatly.' Then they waited till there was time to go to the great hall.

GREAT HALL

Maric was sitting in his throne. On the right Loghain was sitting on his chair and on the left, Cailan stood behind the throne. Loghain look so dignified in his black leather tunic and with necklace of Royal Advisor. Mahria put on her a purple dress - a very expensive present from Loghain. She also wore silverite chestpiece on her chest with heraldry of Gwaren, another present from him. She looked at her husband from time to time. And every time their eyes met she smiled at him. He smiled back for a second to regain his cold expression again. After a moment Maric stood up from his throne. 'My dear friends!' He started his speech when everybody was gathered and doors were closed behind them. 'I'm honoured to have all of you here on our annual Landsmeet!' As always he was oozing with his charm. Every pair of eyes was locked on the King. 'Before we start, I have a marvelous news to you. Maybe you already know, but let me tell it again.' He gestured with his hand at Loghain. 'I want to inform you that Teyrn Loghain Mac Tir and Teyrna Mahria Mac Tir are expecting their first child.' Some of noblemen who didn't know yet looked shocked both at Mahria and Loghain. Others were shouting their best wishes or clasping with their hands. Maric rose his hand to silence everyone. 'Teyrna Mahria. Please.'

'I, Teyrna Mahria Mac Tir, want to assure all of you, that this child.' She pointed at her belly. 'Will be raised to be proud Ferelden noble and to serve it's future king. I'll never allow it to turn on our great kingdom! And I think my husband feels the same.' Loghain nodded and as he did so all nobles shouted in approval. Mahria turned to her husband and when their gaze locked for a moment she winked to him and smiled again. After commotions was silenced Maric proceeded to move on the yet another important news.

'I want also inform you, my friends, that my son, Prince Cailan Theirin, heir to the Crown will marry daughter of Teyrn Loghain Mac Tir, Anora Mac Tir, in three months.' That news caused applause although everyone were expecting it for some time. After that the only topic that made another stir through the crowd was Maric' plan to sail to Wycom. Loghain wasn't surprised as almost all nobles though that it's not a good idea. But no one dared to stop the King. Anyway Mahria voted as they agreed earlier and when Landsmeet was finished she went from her balcony to Loghain. 'How was it?' She whispered to his ear when she stood next to him. Loghain moved his hand to her waist and pulled her even closer.

'Splendid.' His hoarse low voice in her ears again stirred a shivers in her. She was so weak to that.

'Not here. You know what it does with me.' She moved her head from his and turned to face him. 'I'm happy that I didn't embarrass you.'

'You? Never.' He smiled and looked into her snowy eyes. 'Everyone envy me now. Surprisingly, I like that feeling.'

'Envy?'

'Oh, yes. Look at yourself. Beautiful, strong, smart. Such a treasure. And for me only.' At that she giggled.

'You're still bad at this. But not as bad as you used to be.'

Dragon 9:25, 25th Cloudreach

TRAINING GROUNDS IN ROYAL PALACE

Mahria was on training ground with Fergus and Anders. She sneaked from Loghain and her mother's sight to stretch her bones a bit. She wanted to practice aiming bow with her brother as he was still bad at this. 'Look Fergus, you need to be more flexible. Forget about what dad though you. Just look.' She moved from one side to another and shot her arrows at bull's-eye. She jumped few times to show him her movements. Both Fergus and Anders shouted in shock whenever her arrow pinned at the center. Meanwhile Loghain strolled through the palace with Bryce and Eleonora. He looked by the window and noticed his wife.

'Noooo...' His angry growl startled Teyrns Cousland. 'Excuse me, Bryce, Elenora. I need to take care of my idiot wife.' As he said that he dashed to the training ground. Eleonora has looked by the window to see her daughter laughing with Fergus and shooting her arrows again.

'Oh my.' Bryce also moved to the windows and gasped angrily.

'We should talk to her.'

'No need, husband.' She moved her hand upward to stop him.

'But!'

'I said no need. Loghain will take care of her. Besides... I sense a big fight coming.' As she said that she looked down and saw Loghain who approached Mahria with anger. Without a word he pulled her up and hanged on his arm. Both Bryce and Eleonora could hear wild shouts of their daughter.

'Put me down! Idiot! Put me down, I said!'

'Maybe we should...' Teyrn Bryce looked at his wife with concerne.

'Bryce… sometimes you are so dull. Do you remember our fights at the beginning of our marriage?' Eleonora looked at Bryce with harsh gaze.

'Yes… why?

'Maker... Don't you remember what always happened after? Always, Bryce.' Teyrn grasped at last what his wife tried to say to him.

'Oh, I see.' He looked nonplussed at his wife. 'Would you like to stroll to the marketplace, my dear? Let's take Fergus and look on the wares.'

MAC TIR'S BEDCHAMBER

'Don't you hear me, Loghain! Put me down already!' Mahria was still screaming, her upper body was swinging from his arm. She have been hitting his back with every word she shouted. All people who witnessed their fight on the way run in terror. 'Brute! Idiot! You should be damned!' When they reached their room he moved to the bed and tossed her gently there. 'What are you doing?!' Her face was red with anger.

'And what have you been doing, exactly?' Loghain was also furious. When he saw Mahria jumping and shooting blood rushed to his head from rage. He was so angry that she was exerting herself. That something might happened to her or the baby.

'I was just practicing!' She shouted at him and stood up from bed. 'There is nothing wrong with that!'

'And what if something would happened to both of you?!' He stroked his hair to calm himself. But that didn't help.

'I have asked Anders if I can practice a little! He agreed. Do you think I would do something without concerning Gareth?!'

'A little?! Are you stupid?! I saw you jumping and running!'

'So what?!' She moved closer to him and poked his chest with mighty blow.

'So what?! Maker preserve me. That woman is mad.' He grabbed her arms and shaken her lightly. 'Just think about your state a bit!' Mahria was so angry that she grabbed his braids and pulled downward. 'Ouch! What are you doing?! You crazy witch!' She looked at him, his eyes were showing pure rage and… like that time... she remembered that night when they had argue over a book. That was too much for her. It was so long since he had her. She instantly grabbed his face and started to kiss him. He was shocked for a moment and then lust took him over. He moved with her, still kissing, to the doors to shut them then he pulled her to his arm and laid on the bed, still kissing. They started to undress each other in haste. When he took her tunic and bra his hands moved to cup and knead her breasts.

'Oh!' She whined and broke their kiss. Loghain moved back with anxious expression. She looked down on her chest in shock. 'I didn't know they would get so sensitive now. That makes new possibilities now.' As she said that she laughed abruptly. Loghain looked at her for a moment and laughed as well.

'You are crazy. And that's what I love about you.' Mahria stopped to laugh and regarded him in disbelief.

'What… did you said?'

'That I love you, woman.'

'Please… don't lie… I won't be a repla-'

'Are you stupid? You are not a replacement for Rowan. You may don't believe me but she's in the past now. Maker gave me another chance to love and be loved. I won't spoil it this time.' He looked at her for a moment then kissed her deeply. 'And now… let's find out where else you got more sensitive.' Loghain reached her inner part with his hand. She moaned and closed her eyes from pleasure. 'I found one place. Let's check it out.' With his other hand he pushed her lightly on the bed and moved his head between her legs. Her loud cried and moans pleased him and made even harder. When she arched with her climax he moved up to look at Mahria. Her face was showing pure bliss. 'May I? It won't…?' He waited for Mahria's approval before entering. She nodded to him and bit her lips in anticipation. As he was allowed to enter her, he did it without hesitation. Loghain locked his eyes with her and murmured sweet words with rough voice. She looked at him with concern.

'You're not lying to me? Are you? Don't be so cruel, Loghain.'

'Look.' He took her hand on his chest, it was just above his heart. It was beating fast. She felt it's beats with her palm. 'You feel it? Do you hear it?' Mahria nodded, blush appeared on her face. 'It won't lie. As I'm not lying. I live only for you.' Then he pulled her up and seated astride his laps. 'I want to look only at you. For the rest of my life. I don't care about any other woman.' Loghain didn't said any more as he started to kiss her neck and breasts still rocking inside of her. Her nipples were really sensitive so she was almost screaming from pleasure. Soon their movement speeded up and they reached end of their coupling. But they didn't part even after that. Loghain embraced her and put his head on her chest. 'I'm sorry that I angered you. You shouldn't get nervous now. I was just...'

'I know. I shouldn't jump and run. What if something would really happen? You were right.' Mahria hand stroked Loghain's wet hair. She moved sweaty strands from his forehead. 'I would kill myself if something would happened to Gareth.'

'Like I would allow you to do anything like that.' Loghain grumbled and pushed both of them to lay on the bed. Both of them were lying on the bed with their gazes on the ceiling. They stroked each other hands with care.

'Will you be near when Gareth decides to leave my belly?'

'Of course. I wouldn't miss birth of my first son.'

'Can we go to Gwaren before my due? I'd like to give a birth to him on his future lands.'

'I don't think it will happen... We need to stay in Denerim for winter. Marric want me to watch over Cailan when he will be regent.' Loghain overheard Mahria's disappointed sigh. 'Don't worry... after Maric will return in the spring we will take carriage and take him there for whole year.' Mahria nodded but her face still show disappointment. They were laying in silence 'Maker… and here I thought I will work a bit. There's so much to do yet I'm goofing off with my wife. What happened to you, Loghain?'

'Oh! So this is goofing off for you? Fine! I will get another room for myself and won't bother you anymore.' Mahria crossed her arms and turned her back on him. 'I won't talk to you ever again, Your Teyrnship.'

'You can't do that. I won't allow it.'

'Like I care if you allow it or not. I can do whatever I like!' Mahria replied with feigned anger. Loghain moved to her ear with a smirk. 'Don't you dare!' Mahria knew what he desired to do now. She turned her head to him and wanted to stop him. But her husband was already next to her head.

'Do what?' He used his low, hoarse talk on her. That was too effective. 'You mean my low voice that intoxicate you every time I whisper to your ear.' He felt her shivers and overheard light moans. 'It works every time.' After that they 'reconciled' yet again as they weren't intimate for a long time due to Mahria sickness. That was too much for both.