Author's Note:

You may have missed one update before this.


Eldarion

How does one heal a broken heart?

How does one force himself to love someone, who had given her love so freely?

He did not know, the sight of his young wife's quiet sadness was unbearable. He thought he was only lifting the burden of his heart when he finally confessed his marriage to her was purely for his kingdom's benefits. He thought the feeling was mutual. But the shock and hurt in her eyes told him how wrong he was.

She did not weep and shout at him as most women would have done in her place. Instead, she took his confession with greater dignity than he had in keeping his feelings a secret. There was no accusation in her gaze but he knew she was unhappy.

"I may not love you." Eldarion said. Surprised, she stiffened and looked wary. "But I may come to love you, if you would allow me to court you anew."

She paused in thought and then smiled shyly. It lifted his heart.

There was hope for him yet.


Author's Note:

It is unrealistic to believe that all monarchs married for love. Some may have married for means to an end, however sad that sounds.