-A Forbidden Love-
Scene 10
Lothìriel stood at the top of the steps partially hidden by Éowyn as the welcoming cup for the visiting dignitaries was passed around. The feel in the air was somber as Thèoden's funeral cortege was greeted. She could feel her father's gaze boring into her but kept her eyes on the ground. Her thoughts were bitter and roiling. As soon as the ceremony ended, she slipped away to the gardens. The heavy perfume of roses hung in the air, and she touched the velvety petals lightly as she passed, their texture brought starkly to mind the feel of her little one's body in her arms, and she recoiled. Blinking back tears, she went over to a bench that overlooked the town.
"Lothìriel, you didn't greet me." She startled as a hand settle on her shoulder, then straightened slowly and looked up.
"I had nothing to say."
Her father's face looked pained, "I am your father, Lothìriel." She didn't move a muscle, feeling as if she were looking at a stranger.
He sighed, and sat down next to her, "I am sorry. Denethor gave me no choice either." She blinked back tears again.
"Why don't you come home to Dol Amroth? Denethor is gone. And Thèoden King and Prince Thèodred. You have nothing more to tie you here. Come home."
A lone tear tracked down her cheek.
"I can never go home," her voice broke, "when you lied to me, when you abandoned me, you made sure of that. No. I will stay here, where my husband and daughter lie."
"You are still a princess-"
Lothìriel stood abruptly, "I am no longer yours to command, Prince Imrahil. I am a widow of Rohan. And I will hear no more on it." She turned to walk away, pausing only for a second, with her back still to her father, she added quietly, "I would thank you not to seek me out again. Goodbye, my Lord."