In the few short days since her arrival at Aldburg, the princess had adjusted to a routine that left little time for leisure but kept her at arm's length of her host. Eomer had not been inhospitable, in deed he made sure that the lady had wanted for nothing. He had given up his quarters, ordered fresh linen and clothes and made sure the servants served her meals in quiet comfort. No, the Third Marshall had been a benevolent host. It hadn't gone unnoticed that he seemed distant and aloof when the princess ventured from her rooms.

Lothiriel's existence in this place of sanctuary had remained a thankful secret. Eomer had done as the princess requested, and despatched a Rider to inform Theodred that she was safe. He knew if even the slightest whisper of her whereabouts had escaped, every person's life at the garrison was in danger. Therefore the soldier had made it clear to his men that Lothiriel's presence was to remain the utmost secret, and each man was loyal to their captain and did as princess was grateful for his support and willingness to keep her out of harm's way, but thought Eomer's compliance merely reflected the love and respect he held for Theodred, than any actual regard for her safety.

"I want to repay him for his kindness Aethelred...but he won't let me get close." Lothiriel sat by the kitchen table as she spoke to the wise and aging housekeeper.

"I shouldn't worry about it my lady...he's always been a bit brooding...but I dare say in his heart of hearts he knows that you're grateful." The reassuring words of the house keeper Aethelred, did anything but what they were meant to do.

"I'm not sure you can call it brooding Aethelred...some might call it down and out disagreeable." The princess scoffed back.

"Pfft...no I'm sure that can't be right. I've known the young lord many years your highness...and I can't recall a time where that man didn't put the feelings of others before his own."

The mistress stopped what she was doing and turned towards the younger woman, "I remember when they brought his father back...hewn to the ground by the filth that has spread across this land. That boy did everything in his power to ensure his mother knew there was still some happiness in this world...despite his tender age. But alas that poor woman...rest her soul...succumbed to grief despite the young lords efforts."

Aethelred wiped a tear from her eye with corner of her work apron as she finished, "Then when it was just the two of them...the young lord and his bonny wee sister...he stopped at nothing to keep her safe. Travelling by horse in the dead of night to Edoras...much like you did when you came here...and delivered his sister to Theoden King for protection."

She fumbled with her apron and picked up her rolling pin again, "No princess... Marshall Eomer maybe many things...but disagreeable is not a word I would choose to describe him."

The housekeeper had grown fond of the visiting princess and found her to be kind of heart and strong minded. She didn't think Eomer would mind sharing this story with her, if it would let her know how honorable and loyal he was, despite his rough exterior.

Lothiriel sat there mouth agape. It had just dawned on her how little she knew of the people that she had claimed as her own. The story she had just heard, if in any part was true, softened her opinion of her host somewhat.

o0o

The princess renewed her efforts to acquaint herself with Eomer, she would not betray Aethelred's trust but would find someway to thank and mend the imagined frustration between them. As the soldier had once again missed the evening meal, a habit that began at Meduseld, Lothiriel sought him out. She spoke to one of his captains, who told her he's be most likely in the small stables at the north end of the city. Lothiriel thanked him and continued her search where she had been told.

There was a light on in the stable, this encouraged the woman that Eomer was in deed there. As the barn door grew closer the princess sucked in a ragged breath and prepared to push the heavy wooden door open. She couldn't explain why she felt so nervous but she did and no amount of waiting would make it any easier. With the flat of her palm, Lothiriel pushed the door silently and fell dead in her tracks at what she saw just inside the door. Eomer was not alone. The princess saw him in a state of undress with a red headed woman a straddle him. She appeared not much older than she did, but by the sounds she emitted and the way she moved, it was clear she was used to being taken so wantonly by men.

Lothiriel felt a sudden flush in her cheeks and sensed her heart in her mouth. She was embarrassed at finding the Marshall in such a compromising and intimate position. Without another word she left the stable and marched quickly back to the great house. He heart pound wildly in her chest and unsettled the young woman. A slight tinge of anger or could it be jealousy rippled through her mind. That notion unnerved her more. What was she to be jealous of? She clearly missed her own husband, that had to be the source of tension. Yet the princess conceded that she laid no claim to Theodred's heart, nor he of hers. Still the pang of envy stuck in her mind.

By now the flustered young woman had reached the great house in the centre of the city. She looked skyward and took in the stateliness of its position. An image flittered into her head ike a dream, but seemed so real at the same time. She saw herself standing at the door with a smile as broad as she had ever seen. Her arms were outreached as if welcoming someone home. The imaginary princess laughed a joy filled cry and her eyes glittered with love. The real princess turned to see who the fictional woman was waiting for. She did not see, for Eomer as real and as definite as could be, was coming her way.

Lothiriel turned quickly and ran into the great house, she dared not look at him. Her mixed emotions and state of shock meant he was the last person she wanted to speak to. She slammed the front door behind her as she went inside, causing many onlookers to whisper and chatter in bewilderment.

Eomer cursed his reckless behaviour and took out his frustration on a nearby stove that lay over a dying campfire. He ran his shaking fingers through his damp hair and exhaled angrily. That was the last thing he had ever intended to happen. How could he explain to her and would she ever understand his motives? No, he answered himself. He had sworn never to reveal those feelings to anyone, let alone the princess and he would die before she would ever find out. It was better for her to think of him as some foolish scoundrel. Better for everyone.

o0o

The next few days the air in Aldburg was filled with unspoken frustration. Lothiriel no longer took her meals in the main room with the others but preferred to find solace in her rooms. When she did venture out it was only to gather borrowed possessions such as books or needle work that filled her time. The Marshall was just as furtive. He had taken to staying in the home of one of his captains, allowing the princess to come and go as she pleased. He offered her no apology for his behaviour and she sought no acknowledgment. She was much happier to forget the incident.

However, their indifference towards one another was noticed by the people of Aldburg. They never found out the real reason, but were more more than happy to create their own.

A/N - The tension is killing me, I hope you liked this latest instalment. Thank you to Abbyland for your review. Hope you continue to read. R&R, thanks Mrs E x