As I'd predicted the old factions of Gondor were now growing restless, and for good reason from their end. Word had gotten out about the king's condition. It was nearly an impossible thing to contain. The same factions had supported the line of steward for centuries. They could be kept at bay for now, but not forever...

I spoke with Arwen in private. "Highness, the king's recovery can no longer be gauged with any manner of accuracy. I can only state now for the record that...you must now rule in his stead until he should be ready to rule again."

Arwen, wise in her own right, took a few steps away from me in thought. I could tell she'd read between the lines of what I'd said. "You mean 'unless' he should be ready to rule again Lady Diana." I sighed. "Correct highness." Back facing me still she bowed her head and closed her eyes. "The anti throne factions are still strong here Lady Diana. It was only because of what Aragorn had convinced the Gondor subjects here from his heroism that they even agreed to let him be crowned; to consent to having a king again. He of course saved the city with the dead army and with fellowship members which helped perception matters much...but Isildur too was perceived as a hero as well for defeating Sauron; at first." She turned to face me. "Whether by the will of the factions or your brother they will turn the city in on itself if we don't prevail. Won't they?"

I took a few steps closer to her. "Yes majesty; they will. But you have help. Eowyn Legolas and I all serve at your pleasure. We will not leave you." She nodded then managed a small smile. "I know. I've summoned the Lord Faramir from the frontier here to assist as well." "Prudent; he still carries a lot of weight with the pro steward factions. His counsel should prove invaluable; along with his house's calming influence with the factions."

There could definitely be love issues because of Eowyn being with me and Legolas and not him anymore but those bridges would have to be crossed as encountered. Whether the queen sensed/was aware of those deeper truths didn't really matter right now. I'd be the first to tell her if needed but I felt she had enough to deal with; and if it didn't become a problem I wouldn't make it one either.

"I'd prefer to have you with me then to help with matters of court Lady Diana in light of these developments." I bowed to her. "Of course majesty." Legolas Eowyn and the servants could check in on the king/assist him. There wasn't much else to be done for him for now. The greater issue at hand now laid with the kingdom and its continued smooth running/recovery. And while the people were definitely aware of what was happening at least on some level we still needed to project confidence/unity with the realm's subjects. And if necessary we'd need to play enforcer. If anarchy prevailed over order that would only help brother's mission here. We couldn't make it easier for him to do.