Disclaimer: I don't own any of the original characters; I just made up Aralen.
A/N: This chapter is kind of based on all those Eomer and Lothiriel being locked in a closet fics I've read, only different. I'm not sure who made that up first, but here's my version.
The next morning I woke late, having slept longer than usual. I had been weary from the events of the night before. The feast had carried on for many hours. I had danced several times with both Eldarion and my father. The rest of the time had been spent listening to my mother, who had been talking of the wedding and had already started planning it, I guessed.
I had not had a chance to tell my mother of my conversation with Eldarion. I had hoped to do so, wanting the pressure of getting to know him to be lifted.
I dressed quickly and walked down the hall with every intention of going to find something to eat. My wish was not to be met. I saw my mother standing by a door, beckoning to me. I went to her, hearing her whisper something about showing me something. Unlocking a door, she told me, in a rush, "I am doing this for your own good." Before I knew what was happening, she had opened the door and pushed my inside, closing it and locking it again quickly.
Strong arms caught me about the waist and kept me from falling. It was Eldarion, and he looked quite put out, so to speak. His eyes were troubled and his face angry. I looked around me and realized we were in a closet, and immediately the memory of an old tale came to my mind.
Eldarion had started pounding on the door, shouting threats. I was giggling almost hysterically and managed to tell him to stop it, as we weren't getting out anytime soon.
He whirled on me and pinned me with a menacing glare. "How do you know? Why are you laughing so hard? What is so funny about this situation? Stop that!" This only made me laugh harder as I slumped against a wall and slid down to a sitting position.
When I finally stopped laughing, I retold the story of Aunt Lothiriel and Uncle Eomer being locked in a closet.
When I was finished, Eldarion was sitting on the floor by me, and all traces of anger were gone from him face. He was almost laughing, I noted, but trying not to.
"But why would your mother lock us in here?" He asked seriously. I shrugged before thinking of the answer.
"She thinks I hate you. I don't, really, I just don't know you." I admitted that last part. Eldarion nodded. "And I don't know you."
He smiled, and for perhaps the first time, I noticed he was really quite handsome. He began speaking again.
"Aralen, I know our parents arranged this for us...but I'd really like to get to know you and...have this be a real courtship." I could sense the slightest bit of hesitation in his voice. He was looking at me expectantly.
"I'd like that, Eldarion." And I honestly would. I knew I was beginning to like him. "Hush, I think I hear voices," The Prince got to his feet and helped me up.
We could hear the people outside fumbling for keys as Eldarion whispered something in my ear. I grinned and waited for the exact moment.
Just as the door was opening Eldarion leaned down, lowering his lips to mine in a kiss that made me dizzy, as it was sudden and yet expected. I felt my mothers grip on my arm and let myself be pulled away as my father began lecturing the Prince.
" Eowyn, I knew this was a bad idea. You two aren't married yet..." My mother just shrugged and failed to conceal a smile as she led me from the closet.
Wordlessly, she deposited me in my room and left. I sat for a long time with my eyes closed. I remembered the kiss-that quick, hard pressure of his mouth against mine.
A/N: Hope you liked it! The little plot bunny hit me after I read one of the closet fics, so I hope it didn't bother anybody that I used it. I was unsure about this chapter, whether I should put it up or not, since its definitely not my original idea, but I hope it goes over well.