A/N: new chappie! enjoy!

Chapter 10: A Wedding

Eomer took in a deep breath as his servants straightened out his clothes after putting them on him. He jumped when his chamber door opened to reveal Jasper sauntering in and the other man smiled.

"Jumpy, my lord?" Jasper smirked, standing at the door. "I would think you'd be happy."

"I am," Eomer replied. "Pre-wedding jitters, apparently."

"You have nothing to worry about, my friend," Jasper smiled, stepping toward him and patting his shoulder. "In a few moments you'll have a beautiful woman for wife and the traitor in your dungeon will be dead in the morrow—"

"Please, don't remind me of that right now," Eomer begged as the servants finished with his clothes and he thanked them. "I don't need my spirits dampened. I am content to forget about Harko for now."

"Forgive me, my lord," Jasper nodded, slapping his hand on his shoulders. "Let's get you to the Hall, then. We can't keep the blushing bride waiting."

Eomer could only nod as he led the way out of his chamber that was now fully prepared for him and Isolde, and marched into hall to head for the Great Hall, Jasper following him. He was tempted to stop when he heard girlish giggling from behind him but he did not. As much as he wanted to see Isolde in that moment, he knew he would see her in a few moments. He stepped toward his throne and turned to face everyone that had been gathered in the Hall to witness the union.

A few moments passed, and Eomer started getting impatient as he glanced around the Hall. He caught Jasper's eye and the other man shrugged before hurried footsteps were heard coming toward them. He looked up to see Eowyn hurrying toward him, making him frown in wonder as she only whizzed past the crowd and stepped up to her brother.

"Eowyn, what's—?"

Without a word she grabbed his hand and dragged him out the way she came, making his frown deepen, and even though everyone was staring at them in wonder, he wasn't embarrassed. Eowyn had come instead of Isolde, and it must have meant that something was wrong with his bride. He remained silent as his sister pulled him behind her and toward Isolde's chamber where he only stepped through the door and into the room.

"Isolde, what's wrong?" he asked, seeing her back facing him.

His heart skipped in panic when he saw her shoulders shudder, slightly before she turned to face him. This time his heart dropped when he saw her cheeks flush and soaked with tears, her nose red as she sniffled, her eyes watery and her lower lip trembling.

"Little one, what's wrong?" he asked again, this time approaching her as he held his arms toward her.

"Eomer…" she breathed before running toward him and into his waiting arms so he could pull her close as she sobbed into his chest. "Forgive me, my lord. I am so afraid."

"Afraid of what?" he murmured, stroking her hair.

"I am afraid of that crowd you've assembled," she shuddered before looking up at him as he still held her. "They will be judging me with every step I take toward you!"

"It is not their approval I seek, Isolde," he replied, looking into her gorgeous eyes. "I only seek our happiness. And I am happy with you. Are you…happy, Isolde?"

"Of course, Eomer," she whispered, lifting her hands to his face to hold his gaze and be closer to him. "Never doubt that I have no regrets of accepting your proposal, my lord. I only—"

"Hush, little one. Say no more," he whispered through a small smile, making her frown slightly as he only lifted a hand to stroke her cheek, gently. "We shall be married in private then. Would that please you?"

Isolde swallowed and looked away in shame as she nodded, but Eomer only kissed her head before looking over his shoulder at Eowyn who hadn't moved.

"Tell the assembly to meet us in the banquet hall," he ordered. "My bride and I will meet them there in a few moments."

"My lord, forgive me," Isolde begged as Eowyn nodded to Eomer and he looked back at the woman in his arms. "I should not have said anything—"

"Nonsense, my dear," he cut in, still smiling before he leaned closer to press a kiss to her cheek as she looked up at him with wide eyes. "You are the bride. Yu have every right to be as selfish as you see fit."

"You spoil me far too much, my lord," she murmured, her blush deepening before he pulled her a little closer.

"I doubt that even if I showered you in gold and silver you would not be any less humble than you are now, my dear," he smirked, and was tempted to kiss her but resisted the urge. "After everyone has left the Great Hall, Eowyn will come for you and we shall be married."

"Thank you, my lord," she smiled, sweetly.

Banquet Hall...

"Where is our king with his bride?" Elias questioned his three friends around him at the bridal table, irritably. "And why were none of us present for the ceremony?"

"Apparently the bride was so upset, she could not yet face the assembly," Jasper explained what he'd heard from Eowyn, sitting to Elias's left.

"So, this lady tells him to jump and our king asks, 'How high?'" Faolan snapped, just as irritable as Elias.

"Aladon described her to me," Jasper added, calmly. "From what he told me, she is not demanding, and we all know that our Lord Eomer is not so easily swayed by a demanding character."

"Perhaps, but love blinds," Herne spoke up, calmly. "As does beauty."

"Her station thus far has kept her humble, I'm sure," Jasper reasoned. "I doubt that would change. She'll not take advantage of him. The Lady Eowyn is not only her lady, but her friend. I doubt she would allow someone of deceitful character near her brother."

The three other men glanced at each other in defeat. Jasper, they knew, was the wisest and most observant of their group. If he had no worried about their future queen, then they should not either. But human nature was not so easily swayed.

"The king approaches!" someone called, acting as a lookout near the door and everyone stood in their places.

Eomer led Isolde by the hand into the banquet hall, and they all finally got a look at the bride. She wore a flowing white dress, the hem reaching the floor, embroidered with silver flowers all around the bodice and skirt. Her blonde curls were pulled back so that the mass of hair fell down her back, a silver circlet around her head.

"Long live King Eomer and the Lady Isolde," Jasper called as the couple descended the stairs toward the table.

The crowd echoed his call just as they reached their seats and servants emerged with plates of food. Everyone began chatting and eating as Isolde remained close to Eomer, holding his hand under the table. Jasper glared at the three other men at the table as they didn't say a word then looked to Isolde as she sat next to him.

"My Lady Isolde, allow me to introduce myself and these men here," he smiled, catching her attention and Eomer glanced at him as well over his mug of ale. "I am Jasper, son of Jag. The man next to me is Elias, son of Elstan. The two men in front of me are Faolan, son of Fisher and Herne, son of Harne. We are soldiers of the Rohirrim."

"It's a pleasure to meet all of you," she nodded before looking to her lap nervously, making Eomer chuckle.

"You need not fear them, little one," he smiled, lifting a hand to wrap his arm around her shoulders. "These men will be protecting you and Rohan soon."

They all turned to him with frowns as Isolde smiled up at him while he looked back at them with a smile of his own.

"My Lord?" Herne asked for the four.

"You four will be my generals," Eomer replied. "If that is agreeable with all of you?"

"Of course it is, my lord," Faolan replied, quickly. "We're honored to be chosen."

"And now you'll have to listen to everything I tell you," Eomer smirked.

"How is that any different than the time when you were not king?" Elias shot back, making the men laugh as Isolde gave a small giggle, not wanting to be heard…but Jasper heard her.

"My, our lady Isolde has the most delightful laugh," he smirked, drawing hers and Eomer's attention to him. "I see how you caught our king so easily."

"Choose your words carefully, Jasper," Eomer warned.

"I meant no offense of course, my lord," Jasper replied with a respectful nod. "I only meant to compliment our future queen."

"I thank you for the compliment, Jasper," Isolde nodded, a light blush over her cheeks. "I think my lord Eomer fears you are trying to sweep me off my feet."

"And he has reason to fear, my lady," Elias smirked. "Jasper is the most talked of man in Edoras…by women."

"No, no, Elias," Faolan shook his head as they all ate. "Eomer is…or…was."

"My lady," Herne called, seeing the seething glare in Eomer's eyes. "We hope you're feeling better. Jasper told us you were not feeling well earlier."

"Thank you…Herne," she nodded, hesitating only when she wanted to recall his name. "I am feeling much better now. Pre-wedding jitters, I think."

"His Majesty was having some of those before the ceremony as well, I hear," Faolan smirked, popping a piece of fruit into his mouth as Eomer sent his glare to him. "Perhaps he's not as infallible as we thought?"

"I give you a position of honor and you repay me with mockery?" Eomer muttered, but his rage was brought to mild anger when Isolde took his hand again and they looked to each other.

"Perhaps he is jealous, my lord?" she smiled, making all eyes shoot to her. "After all, you are King of Rohan, Master of the Rohirrim, and now you have a wife before he. He must hide his envy with mockery."

Herne couldn't help but chuckle as Faolan gave him a glare and the other men smirked at Isolde.

"A sharp tongue on this one, my lord," Jasper smirked. "One to match Faolan's. I believe you've made a fine choice in her, your majesty."

"Judging the look on his face, I doubt our lord knew she could speak thus," Elias noticed as Eomer only looked to Isolde in shock and she looked away from him to lift her chalice of wine to drink from it.

"A fine surprise, I assure you," Eomer murmured as Isolde looked back at him and he leaned closer to her ear. "Tell me, when did you learn to speak so boldly? You've never done so since I met you."

"My lady Eowyn warned me that I may have to prove myself to your men in such a way," she whispered then turned to him with wide eyes. "Should I not have—?"

"All is well, little one," he cut in with a smirk, hugging her close with one arm and pressing a kiss to her head. "I think you've accomplished your task brilliantly. Faolan is the most sarcastic of our group. If you can match wits with him, you can survive anything, we say."

Isolde gave a giggle and Eomer noticed his men starting to talk amongst themselves, so he continued describing his men's characters to her.

"Jasper is the wisest of all my men," he continued. "I have gone to him for counsel many times. Herne is the strongest. He does not speak as much as the others, but when he does, it is to the point. Elias is the most irritable, but he is learning to keep his temper under control. He is most skilled in battle."

"I can see why you chose the four of them for your generals," Isolde nodded. "You seem comfortable with them."

"I am," he nodded. "They are like brothers to me. These four more so than any of my other men."

"Then I shall strive for their approval," she nodded before smiling up at him, sweetly.

"That will not be hard," he assured her before leaning closer and pressing his lips to the corner of her lips in a lingering kiss, making her blush, deeply.

"My lord," she whispered, breathlessly when he slowly pulled away. "Your men will see us."

"Let them see," he replied softly as she looked up at him. "You are my wife now. If I wish to kiss you in front of everyone here, I will. I am sure you will not object to my kisses, would you?"

"Of course not, my lord," she murmured. "But…I am not used to so much affection in front of so many people."

"Well, we shall make you accustomed to it, because I wish all of Middle Earth to know that you are mine, and mine alone," he smirked before gripping her waist and lifting her easily to sit her on his knee.

"My lord!" she squeaked, catching the attentions of the four men sitting with them. They quickly went back to their conversations as Eomer held Isolde on his knee by wrapping his arms around her waist. "Please, Eomer, do not embarrass me so!"

"It is our wedding day, my dear," Eomer replied, nuzzling his face against her hair. "You shall sit on my knee the rest of the night. Unless you are truly objecting to this?"

Isolde looked to him, a blush staining her cheeks before her gaze dropped to the lace of his cloak and she lifted a hand to fiddle with it as she mumbled, "I do not object."

"Thank you, my little one," he smiled leaning toward her again, catching her gaze before whispering, "May I have a kiss?"

She swallowed, her blush deepening as she glanced around the room before leaning forward and pressing a quick kiss to his nose, making him look to her in surprise.

"You little nymph! Come, give me a real kiss," he smirked, pulling her closer by her waist as she set her hands on his chest.

"My lord, please!" she insisted before glancing around then leaning closer to him to whisper, "We may have more time…later tonight. I promise, my lord."

Eomer stared at her for a moment before swallowed, hard and gazed into her eyes, lost again in the sea-green depths and not wishing to leave them. His heart raced in anticipation of bringing her even closer to him later that night.

"Very well, my lady," he murmured. "You may leave my knee if you wish."

"I'll not, my lord," she smiled, sweetly. "I am quite comfortable here, at the moment."

"I am glad," he nodded, with a slight smirk. "I am quite comfortable myself."

Later...

Eomer gave farewells to the last of the guests as Eowyn hugged Isolde fiercely before standing in front of the couple, being the last to leave the banquet hall.

"I am so happy for you two!" she grinned before going to her brother and hugging him as well. "You take care of her, brother."

"Yes, sister, I shall," he nodded as she stepped away. "Will Faramir be cross with me for stealing your chaperone away?"

"Perhaps," she nodded and smiled, "But I shall tell him that I did not object at all."

"I'm sure he will realize that you planned the entire thing," Eomer smirked, earning him a glare from Eowyn.

"I leave on the morrow, dear brother," she retorted, then added, "You'll forgive me if I do not attend Harko's execution, I'm sure."

"Of course," he nodded, solemnly. "Were I not king, I would not attend either. My presence is unfortunately required."

"I will be there as well, my lord," Isolde nodded and both siblings looked to her.

"No, my dear," he murmured, lifting an arm to pull her close by her shoulders. "You need not see such a gruesome deed. Stay in our chamber and I will return to you when it is done."

"As you wish, my lord," she nodded again.

Eowyn took Isolde's hands and changed the subject by saying, "I am so glad we are sisters, Isolde! Aren't you?"

"Yes, of course, my lady," Isolde smiled.

"Call me Eowyn now, Isolde!" Eowyn grinned before hugging her again. "Or even call me sister."

"Sister," Eomer called, having heard her. "Are you not tired? Perhaps you should go to bed. After all, you're leaving on the morrow."

Eowyn glared at her brother for a moment before retorting, "I see the bridegroom is impatient to take the virtue of a lady."

"Eowyn!" he snapped as Isolde looked away, instantly turning five shades of red. "A lady should not speak thus! And look! You've embarrassed Isolde!"

"And you, it seem, brother," she smirked before catching Isolde's eye and turning her toward Eomer. "Look, he's blushing as well! Have you ever seen a king's face so red?"

"That is enough!" Eomer snapped again, pulling Isolde under his arm to lead her away, calling, "Good night, Eowyn!"

He ignored her laughter as he and Isolde made their way out of the banquet hall and through the manor toward his chamber as Isolde remained silent. When they reached his door he opened it but before Isolde could step in he held her back, making her frown up at him in wonder. He only smiled warmly before leaning down to sweep her off her feet, making her squeak in surprise before he entered the room, shut the door with his foot behind him and carried her toward the bed.

"Eomer, forgive me for not kissing you earlier when you requested it," she murmured as he stopped next to the bed.

"There is nothing to forgive, little one," he smiled, lowering her onto the bed, her head on the pillow as he leaned over her. "It is such a small thing you need not be concerned about. Do not fear, my sweet lady."

"You may kiss me now, my lord, if you wish," she murmured, feeling her heart starting to race.

"I will, Isolde," he whispered. "But I must see to a few things in here first."

She only swallowed and nodded, making his smile widen before he pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead then stood to step toward the door. She sat up and carefully removed the silver ornament from her head to set it on the stand next to the bed then fixed her hair so that it fell all around her again as he barred the door. He stepped toward a table near the fireplace and removed his cloak and crown then stepped back toward the bed to sit next to her, kicking off his boots.

"Eomer, could you…help me?" she murmured and he looked to her just in time to see her turn her back to him, pulling her hair over her shoulder to reveal the laces of the dress. "I'm…having some trouble."

He stared at her back for a moment before lifting his hands toward her dress, his heart thumping in anticipation. He swallowed as his hands began unlacing the bodice, slowly and he could have sworn he could hear Isolde's breathing quicken. Before he realized it, he'd loosened the bodice enough to lower the sleeves, showing more of her skin than he'd seen before. His hands followed the trail of the sleeves to wrap themselves around her as his lips began leaving soft kisses over her shoulder and neck.

"Eomer…" she sighed, reflexively tilting her head to the side to give him more of her neck as he pulled her closer for a moment, still worshipping her skin with his lips.

Isolde shifted and slowly turned to face him, his arms still around her as she gazed into his eyes. She bite her lower lip lightly as her hands moved to his tunic to begin pulling it over his head and he lifted his arms to allow it, taking the tunic from her and tossing it away before he leaned his face toward hers to capture her lips in a long awaited kiss. She gave a soft moan as she wrapped her arms around his neck and he gently pushed her back to pin her to the bed.

A/N: reviews?