Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
Faramir set off at a pace towards the Citadel. He knew that the King and Queen, along with the infant prince Eldarion, would be taking their late meal there. He nodded to several guards on his way, and after extracting promises of silence, sent word with one of them to send the King's personal escort to the stables.
The Steward made his way up the stairs and stopped just outside the small anteroom where the Royal Family was dining. He peeked inside and smiled inwardly at the sight in front of him.
The High King of Gondor and Arnor sat at the head of the small table. He was leaning over a smaller chair and Faramir chuckled to see a tiny hand smearing potatoes all over Elessar's face. Aragorn was smiling in spite of himself, but was still desperately trying to place at least a small amount of food in Eldarion's mouth. Arwen was laughing at her husband's futile attempts to feed their son dinner.
Faramir sighed and looked away for a moment. The sight of Aragorn with his son and wife reminded Faramir strongly of his own small family. He looked down at his boots. He should allow the King this small moment of peace. Faramir had a feeling that moments like this would be few and far between very soon. He sighed again. There wasn't enough time.
Faramir knocked softly on the doorframe and waited to be allowed to enter.
Aragorn looked up at the unexpected intrusion with surprise. "Faramir!" he said, furiously wiping at the food in his beard, only succeeding in smearing it further. "What a pleasant surprise!"
Arwen stood gracefully and handed her husband a napkin. "Please join us," she said, moving to escort Faramir to a seat. "My husband was just showing me his excellent skills regarding our son's nutrition. Where are Eowyn and Elboron?"
"My lady," Faramir said, putting a hand on her arm, "I'm afraid they won't be joining us. In fact, I won't be joining you. I've come to tell you that it would be in you best interest to leave Minas Tirith and Gondor immediately."
Arwen let out a small sound of surprise. Aragorn's eyes hardened as he searched Faramir's face for any sign of what this was about.
"Why?" Aragorn asked simply.
Faramir rubbed the back of his neck, a nervous habit he had acquired since becoming Steward. "Please do not ask me this," he said quietly. "At least not until we are away from here."
Suddenly, the baby began to cry. Arwen quickly gathered him to her, and held him close. She did not like what she was hearing.
Faramir moved to stand in front of Aragorn and looked him directly in the eye. "Elessar," he began, "this isn't just about your safety. It's about your family's safety. It's about my family's safety."
Aragorn suddenly began to understand the importance of what was happening. His eyes held Faramir's. "Where do you suppose we should go?"
Faramir replied quickly. "Edoras. I believe that Eomer's counsel may be needed. By your leave, I would send for my uncle to govern the city."
Arwen spoke suddenly. "Faramir," she implored quietly. "I suppose there's no way to simply summon Eomer to Minas Tirith?" She held her son closer. "Must we uproot our families?"
Faramir shook his head. "I'm sorry, my lady, but I fear for our safety if we remain here." He glanced from Aragorn to Arwen. "I fear there is a traitor in the court of Minas Tirith, and I believe they want to kill you."
