Disclaimer: I do not own anything that belongs to Tolkien's estate. I do own the Sea Hawk/Lady Eirien, and would like to be asked if you want to use her in a story. Evendim, however, has permanent permission to use any of my characters that she would like to in any story she wishes to write. Cerris, Ancir, and a few others belong to Evendim and you should ask her before you use them. Thanks, ED!

Author's note: This story takes place a few weeks after the events in The Sea Hawk, which is set in Evendim's wonderful AU. I recommend that you read her stories and then the Sea Hawk before you tackle this one. It'll save time and answer a lot of the most commonly asked questions, like how Boromir survived Amon Hen. LOL

Another Author's Note: I realize that this story is rather depressing. It is meant to be. It is about people forced to act against their hearts. It will not be totally sad and angst-ridden, but there WILL be a fair bit of angst yet to come. Consider that a warning.

Dedications: To Evendim, who created this wonderful AU where Boromir didn't get the short end of the stick and who has graciously allowed me to play in her playground. You go, girl! Love your stuff, always! And to my darling AJ, without whom I would never have had the courage to post even one chapter of any of my stories. Love you, babe, don't ever change.

By Honor Betrayed

Chapter Nine: Preparations

Cerris knocked politely on Boromir's door, waiting only for the expected grumble before entering. "It's not wise for you to be up and about yet, Boromir," he chided gently. "Lord Dalos ---"

"Is no longer my master," Boromir answered snidely. "It is time and past that I returned to my duties." He was allowing his squire to help him into his armor, obviously intending to resume his position as Captain-General of Gondor's armies.

"Well, be that as it may, I have a favor to ask of you," Cerris responded warily. "If you think you can spare the time from your duties, of course." He was in no way convinced that Boromir was fit for duty, but knew no way to get him to see reason, and so vowed to remain silent on the subject. "I am being wed this week's end, and I would be honored if you would stand with me as my best man."

Boromir quickly tamped down the pain that still clawed at him whenever Eirien's wedding was mentioned. "I am honored to be asked, Cerris," he said simply. "Of course I will. How could I not?" Perhaps it would even give him a chance to see if his Daisy was truly happy with her choice.

Suddenly everything became clear to him. He loved her, yes, and he had thought she loved him. Certainly they had been lovers, but was that enough? Was the attraction purely physical for her? Had she truly loved him, or did she merely desire him? He was more confused now than ever, but the fact remained that whether she loved him or not, he had an empty place in his heart where Eirien had dwelled, however briefly. If he truly loved her, did he not have a responsibility to see her happy? If Cerris was her choice, should he not be happy for her?

"Forgive me," Boromir said quickly as he pulled himself back to reality. "My mind wandered for a moment. Of course, I would be delighted to stand with you at your wedding." His squire finally finished with his armor and he straightened, waving off the helm. "And I believe, as your best man, I have certain other… duties… that I should look into." The sorrow he felt was suffocating, but he vowed to get through this with good spirits. Cerris was his half-brother, though not many knew of it. He owed it to Cerris not to mar the wedding in any fashion, and to Eirien to preserve her happiness. He would do nothing that would cause either of them distress.

"Then I will leave the matter in your capable hands," Cerris was saying as he again brought himself back to the present once more.

"Of course." Boromir clapped Cerris on the shoulder and led him from the room. "I'd best get busy with the preparations."