She sits in her new room looking out, thinking not of her brother or the ranger who will be king but of the stranger with whom she wanders the gardens.
He faces flushes and her hand grips the windowsill as she thinks of what will become of her should the war be won even though the thought seems farfetched.
Will she return to Rohan at her brother's side and beg forgiveness for abandoning her people? Will she be locked away in some tall tower or secret chamber in fear of being damaged? Shall she be cast away to the highest bidder from some far off land in hopes of bringing peace to her country?
And what of her companion?
He knows the touch of war and the taste of loss. He has seen the Darkness of the Shadow and lived to tell the tale.
He is alone, the last of his house. He will be Steward.
She thinks of him, with bright, farseeing eyes. Her heart leaps beneath her breast and her breath catches.
She turns away from the window and waits for her doom.