Lothiriel aimlessly wandered through the camp. By telling Eomer how she felt, she had given him the key to her heart. If he wanted, he could destroy her. She knew that in many noble families the husbands took mistresses. Until now, Eomer had never hinted that he wanted another woman, but who knew? Their bed activities… Lothiriel grew hot. As insecure she was about her emotions, as convinced she was that in bed, everything was alright. They had made a deal to voice it out loud if something didn't feel good, and after a few awkward times, Lothiriel grew accustomed to to exactly telling him what she wanted. She liked the things he did with her. In return, she tried to please him the way it felt best for him.

But love… love was an entirely different thing. She was content with how things were as they were - respect and desire. Elbereth, even respect alone would have been enough for her! Now that she had come to know carnal pleasures as well, she didn't want to miss them in her life, but everything was better than coldness and silence.

However, when she thought about it in hindsight, Eomer hadn't seemed that appalled by her feelings. The Rohirrim were a lively people, they welcomed emotions and honesty. Maybe it wasn't all that bad. She couldn't deny that she felt relieved; finally having said what had been on her mind the last weeks. Eomer was an honourable man. He wouldn't make fun of her, and if he didn't feel the same, he wouldn't take advantage of it. It would be against his nature. Of course it wouldn't be easier for her, but it was nice to know that she wouldn't have to fear him. She hadn't feared him in a long time. And, most importantly, she was the Queen of Rohan. She had nowhere to run. She just had to live with her revelation.

Determined not to show cowardice, she finally went to their tent. Light shone through a gap. If there was light inside it meant he was in there. Lothiriel approached the entry and shivered. Of course this was because of the cold. The two guards saw her and bowed their heads in greeting. Now she couldn't back off anymore. Lothiriel took a deep breath and entered the tent.

Lothiriel wasn't prepared for the sight. Not at all. Eomer only wore his breeches and paced in the little space that was provided. His facial expression was murderous. Had there been an error in her conclusions? He looked up and shot her a burning stare. Shocked, she took a little step back.

"Good evening, Eomer," she said nevertheless.

There was a change of emotion on his face she couldn't name, and suddenly he lunged forward and shouted in her face:

"Why didn't you tell me that you never wrote that letter to me!?"

Frozen, Lothiriel stared at him. Eomer abruptly came to a halt only inches in front of her. His chest was heaving, and he emitted an aura of fury and power. She was scared out of her wits, not because of his body, but of his mind. Strangely, he was also very attracting. She didn't dare to look him in the eyes, but she also couldn't move. So she looked straight in front of her, what happened to be his naked chest.

"I…" she opened her mouth but couldn't speak.

"Do you think I'm a monster?" he yelled.

"What?"

"Do you think we Rohirrim are barbarians?"

"No!"

"But you didn't want to marry me! Not even for political reasons!"

Lothiriel felt tears rising to her eyes. No, she hadn't wanted to marry him back then.

"I'm sorry…" she whispered.

"You don't have to be sorry!" Then Eomer realized that she was crying, and suddenly she was pressed to his chest and his arms nearly crushed her.

"I didn't mean to frighten you." He said, calmer, but there was still anger in his voice.

Lothiriel was more than confused, but if felt so good being comforted by him, even if his grip was bruising. It was one of these moments when he simply forgot his strength.

"How could they do this to you?" he wanted to know.

"Do what?" He sounded dangerous. Lothiriel cringed.

"Did your family really force you to marry me?"

Eomer gave her a little more space to look her in the eyes. There was a crease between his eyebrows. Lothiriel struggled to free her arm to reach up and smooth it out. He closed his eyes at the touch. She could feel how his muscles began to relax around her.

"I agreed to it." She said. "They were right, it was my duty."

He shook his head, still with closed eyes.

"I would never sell my child. Even if it brought political advantages. Not if he or she doesn't fully agree with it."

Somehow, this did things to Lothiriel. She smiled through her half-dried tears, and her heart felt warm. She put her other arm around him and pulled him even closer. Then she leant her head against his chest.

"So you're not angry with my?"

"Why should I?"

"Because… I said that I love you?"

Eomer retrieved her arms from him and took a step back. He tenderly caressed her cheek.

"Is it the truth or did you just tell this your brother to prove your point?"

His eyes were on her lips, and the hand wandered from her face to her collarbone, and deeper.

"It was the truth. I do love you."

"Then I really don't have a problem with it."

Lothiriel took this as an invitation and kissed him hard on the mouth. Immediately she was back in his arms. She cried out in surprise when he lifted her up and carried her to the bed.

"Well, my wife, I propose that we continue our conversation in bed," he murmured while kissing down her neck.

"Conversation…yes." Lothiriel sighed. "Elbereth, let's do that."

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