~CHAPTER 14~
As Faramir had feared things did no go well upon Boromir's return with his love at his side. In fact, they were far worse than he'd ever anticipated.
Denethor was furious about Boromir retrieving Katerina. But neither of the brothers understood how set he was against Katerina and why. He even had the palace guard bar her entry into the main hall. He was adamant, "Get her out, Boromir, she is not welcome here."
Fat tears welled up in Katerina's eyes at the malice in the Steward's voice. Boromir who'd been the favored son, bowing to every one of his father's requests until he met Katerina rebelled yet again. In a gesture of support and comfort Boromir's arm tightened around Katerina's waist, sheltering her against him. "Have it your way Father, and find someone else to lead your armies. If she is not welcome then neither am I. I LOVE HER, I will NOT give her up. If she will have me I intend to make her my wife."
'Impossible," Denethor roared, "You are already as good as married to someone else!"
Both Boromir and Faramir stared in shock at their father. Had he lost his mind? Boromir found his voice with incredulity, "Who am I betrothed to Father? That is what you are saying are you not? And since when?
"Since three days past. I signed the treaty for the alliance with the steward of the Rhovanion, with the help of their armies we can fortify more strongly against Mordor. You are to marry Deandrea two months hence."
Boromir's arm dropped away from Katerina's waist, and he glanced at his brother and then back to his lover, while his address Faramir, "Take her out of here. Father and I need to talk about this alone. What I have to say milady should not have to hear."
Katerina glanced up at him, clearly disturbed by what was going on. The clear attack on her unsuitability creating another chink in her already shaky self-esteem. He brought his hand up to caress her cheek, with more assurance than he actually felt, "Do not worry love, all will be all right."
He watched as Faramir gave Katerina his arm and led her back outside to the courtyard.
In absolute rage, Boromir turned on Denethor. "How dare you shame and humiliate her like that! And about this marriage you speak of. Have I no say Father? Why was I not consulted in the matter. For you knew I would have no part of it. You assume far too much Father.
I will not marry some empty-headed steward's daughter on one of your misguided whims. Merciful heavens father, even if I were not in love with Katerina, I would not marry Lady Deandrea. For crying out loud, Father, she's little more than a child!"
"She is sixteen, healthy, and perfectly capable of breeding, of giving you an heir. You WILL marry her. For you to back out now would be considered a grievous insult; and risk open warfare with the Rhovannion."
"And what does the Lady have to say about this match?"
"It matters not what she has to say. She will do her duty, as will you, my son. Gondor will have this alliance."
" I see."
Boromir seethed in silent rage as he considered his options, only to find that he had none. He could not risk the lives of his people in a war against the people of Rhovannion when they needed all the lives in both countries to fight off the evil pouring from the Black Gates of Mordor.
And even more so, despite his love for Katerina, it was clear that Deandrea had no more say in this than he had. No matter what he felt about the marriage, the treaty had been signed. Honour above all else had been pounded into his head since childhood and it mattered little that his father's actions were far from honourable. He could not shame an innocent young woman by refusing the match, any more than he could refuse to bed her. Not with the damnable custom of displaying the proof of her innocence the morning after the wedding night.
"Damn you Father, Yes, Gondor will have it's precious alliance, and in regards to an heir, you'd better hope Lady Deandrea proves very fruitful on the wedding night, for I will not shame her by refusing to consummate the marriage, she is innocent in all this and I would not wish to cause her the embarrassment, if I did not, but beyond that I do not have to touch her again. I will not touch her again. I only desire one woman Father and I will share my bed with no one else.
"But, Boromir…."
"But Boromir nothing…. Do not interfere in my life again, is that clear?"
He turned his back on his father and walked out. Distaste for the entire subject roiling in his gut, and fury at his father, not mention the anxiety at how he was to explain his upcoming marriage to someone else to Katerina.