Growing Pains ~Cullen Romance~ Book 1

Introduction

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King Maric Theirin always dreamed of an alliance between Fereldan and Orlais. Even before his first wife Rowan came along. Shortly after his first wife passed Maric began visiting Orlais once every few weeks, working very hard to build a friendship. And in that time Emperor Florian Velmont had grown fond of Maric. They spent meals and outings together. During those times spent Maric fell in love with Marianne Velmont. Youngest of the Velmont children.

After Florian's assassination in 9:19 of Dragon, Marianne was to take the throne. But she wasn't heard from since she left to her Fereldan visit. Assuming she was assassinated also, Celene took throne. Marianne had not contacted Orlais because she was planning to marry Maric knowing it couldn't be done just yet. They thought of many ways for almost a year and during that time Marianne quietly watched Celene's rule in Fereldan.

It occurred to her the only way for an alliance and marriage was a treaty baby. Obviously this baby would mean much more to her and Marric but it would be the start of a new Era possibly. 9:20 of Dragon, Marianne was bearing a young child. Assumed to be a girl Maric was happy to announce to Fereldan but Marianne wanted to keep it a secret. Later towards the end of the pregnancy Marianne finally contacted Orlais council to come meet in Fereldan.

She then explained her situation and message was sent to Celene. Knowing she would lose her throne once the baby was birthed she turned furious instantly. She began to plot another assassination like she did her uncle knowing her aunt was rightfully next in line to be Empress. In only a few days the word spread in Fereldan and Orlais. Joy was spread but there was also hate; racism and all. A mix bred baby in the house of Velmont and Theirin was very distinguished news.

Fereldan and Orlais council were planning an alliance and marriage. It was a turning point for all history. They talked about branding the baby so it's true royal blood would be known. A horror for an infant but a life long contract to others. A spiral behind her left ear for Orlais and a diamond on her right side of her hip for Fereldan. It stays a secret so no one can fake royalty and all royalty have them at birth. 

About 2 weeks after this meeting the baby was born. Marianne would take throne with her new child and Maric would stay in Fereldan visiting often. A brand new alliance and a new start for their part of Thedas. Celene was planning to send her spies until there was word of complications. Marianne had died at birth and Aryanna Grace Theirin was born.

They took the baby and branded her but the Orlais council had to go back and spread news. There was. heartbreak but still hope for newfound history. It was going to be hard to raise his newborn and try to work up a new alliance. Maric instantly fell in love with his new daughter, for he would raise his daughter to be like her mother. Celene stayed on throne and the treaty was erased until Aryanna was to take throne.  Never wanting to let her go Maric was to raise her. Calian being only 15 agreed to help. This is Aryanna's story and the start of something new.

(A/N: This is the back story. For a little bit it won't be Aryanna's POV. Leave comments and thank you!)