Disclaimer: All of these glorious characters belong to the mastermind, otherwise known as J.R.R. Tolkien! (Except for some OCs)

This fic is inspired from the song 《Waterloo》by ABBA, which is one of my favorite songs of all time!!! Yeah, I know it's weird that a 15 year old likes ABBA, but what can I say? They're bloody brilliant!, to take a leaf out of Ron Weasley's book.;-)

My my

At Waterloo Napoleon did surrender

Oh yeah

And I have met my destiny in quite a similar way

-an excerpt from 《Waterloo》 by ABBA

"This," said the princess gritting her teeth, "is a pointless endeavor as you well know, father!"

"Whatever could you mean, my daughter?" replied Imrahil, prince of Dol Amroth, too innocently.

"This..this..incessant matchmaking you are trying to do!!"

"Matchmaking?! I have no idea what you are talking about, my dear." said Imrahil, apparently astonished at his daughter's accusations.

"And people wonder where Amrothos' annoyingness comes from." sighed Lothiriel in defeat.

He grinned. "You have lost me, I don't know what has made you believe I am like Amrothos in appalling behavor."

Lothiriel shared an eye roll with her inner self. Her father could act like a mature, majestic prince and ruler of Dol Amroth convincingly, but his family knew he was actually a man with dramatic flair, delighting in making a scene. (Actually, he was a lot like Gandalf, now that she thought about it.) Amrothos was almost a replica of this aspect of their father, but was much more conspicuous about the matter. Lothiriel liked to think her father had learned to hide his, ehem, flair for dramaticness enough for other people.

"Fine, don't admit you are trying to set me up with the king of Rohan!" huffed Lothiriel, plopping down on one of the chairs in her father's study.

Now the prince turned serious. "And would that be a bad thing? Most ladies here would hope for such a chance to meet with an unmarried king."

"But I am not like most ladies."

"Aye, that you are my love." said Imrahil gently. "I am not doing this for my pleasure, I truly believe he will be a good match for you."

"But why now? There is no hurry, seeing that the war is over and we have only the road to peace before us?"

"Lothi, all bad things do not stop with the war. Skirmishes with orcs are still being reported. Farmlands were razed and there is the problem of helping the people who were affected by the war. Soldiers are still being treated-"

"Yes, I of all people know, as I'm the one working at the Houses of healing, father. All the more reason I should stay. I could help the healers, help Rhiannon take care of Alphros, help run the household, welcome visitors. Will I not be more useful here?"

"First of all, you are a princess of Dol Amroth and that is more important than a healer in political sense. True, Rhiannon will miss you but she has more than enough help from Irviniel and the nursemaids. And," Here Imrahil's voice became stern. "It is not your place to run the household. It is Rhiannon's, as she is wife to my heir. You have done admirably during the war, but the time has come for your sister-in-law to take full responsibility and you can not expect her to do otherwise."

Lothiriel sat, fuming for a moment. True though it might be, but it was not fair!!

Imrahil, guessing his daughter's thoughts, turned hisvoice more gentle.

"Lothi, you know it's true. I know you are wonderful at managing affairs, but it is not up to you here. But at Rohan, your skills will be needed. It has gone through much destruction and desolation. You," he said, tilting her chin up to face him, "are perfect for queen of Rohan, my daughter. And they would be lucky people to have such a woman as you as their queen."

Lothiriel sighed. "What about my happiness, father? As much as I enjoy taking charge of things, I could not marry a man without some affection. I know-" Here her father tried to interrupt but she stopped him. "I know, I am the princess of Dol Amroth and have responsibilities, but I also know myself. I would be forever unhappy if I should marry a man who would be indifferent to me. If I am to have an arranged marriage, souldn't I at least be given time to find love?"

"Lothiriel, I am not such a cruel father as to deny you that. But do you truly believe I would let you be unhappy as a wife of a man who is undeserving of you? Éomer is an honourable man, and a great warrior. I would not be standing here but for the arrive of his soldiers. He is also honest, like most of the Rohhirim is, and most of all he is a good man. I would not be suggesting marriage to him if I didn't deem him a good match for you. Please, just try to see if he would be a good husband to you. Just try."

"I will, father, if only for your sake."

"Thank you Lothi. Now, go get ready for the ball! We can't keep Éomer waiting on your first meeting!"

"What do you mean, keep him waiting?!"

"Oh, didn't I mention it to you? He is to be your escort as a favor to me."

"Father!!"

Lothiriel shrieked, jumping off the chair, she ran out the door to where her maid was presumably waiting to dress her for the ball.

After all, just because she was reluctant to consider marriage didn't mean she wanted to give a bad impression to a king!

Little did she know, as she scrambled up the steps to her room, that her destiny was waiting for her.