King Theoden sat in his battle tent fully dressed with a goblet of wine in his hand. He didn't find much sleep the previous night and had decided to ready himself just before the sun peered over the horizon. He sat on a low wooden chair surveying the maps in front of him. He mentally took note of the pathways into Gondor and the conversations he had the previous day with his advisors, Aragorn and his nephew. The journey needed to be swift and secret which was going to prove difficult when four thousand men had mustered already, and more were expected that morning. The tired king rubbed his brow in frustration, squinting as a slight pain was growing in his temple. He drank lengthily from his cup, placed it down on the table and tried to stretch away the fatigue away from his body.

As he sat there in solemn silence the entrance to his tent unfurled and without herald strode Eomer. He appeared just as tired as the King felt and seemed somewhat bedraggled, so Theoden assumed his nephew had slept just as badly as he had. The King smiled warmly at the marshall and his heir, stood from his chair and walked towards him to greet him. Theoden's smile soon fell from his face when he spotted Lothiriel walking in behind him. She appeared just as untidy as Eomer, which was most unlike her. Lothiriel had always carried herself with dignity and poise, even when he was under Saruman's spell he could tell that she was a true lady. The king looked at Eomer confused and he faltered in his steps when his eye saw that their hands were clasped together.

"Eomer...my sister-son what is going on?"

Eomer looked at Lothiriel sincerely and exhaled, attempting to steady his nerve. He wasn't normally apprehensive about anything, being a soldier made you that way; but Eomer was extremely afraid of what his uncle would say when he learnt the truth. Would he cast him aside? Or worse cast away Lothiriel and his unborn child? The Marshall knew his uncle to be a good man, a benevolent man, he had to trust that Theoden would understand and accept what had happened.

He began boldly, "Uncle I must beg of you a favour."

"What is it?"

"I know I have no right to ask this of you...but I must."

"Then ask it Eomer...and it shall be done." Theoden's reply was honest and calm.

"I wish for you to send an escort with Lady Lothiriel back to Edoras."

"Edoras? The lady has led me to believe she wishes to return to Belfelas...and I granted her this request. Does she tell me differently now?"

Theoden stared Lothiriel down and the princess felt her nerve waver.

"I do my lord." She said sheepishly.

"Will you do this for me Uncle?" Eomer asked in earnest.

The King looked from his nephew to the young woman contemplating his response.

"Of course...but I pray you tell me the reason for this sudden change of heart?"

Eomer heaved a sigh and began to explain to Theoden all that had gone on. He did not miss one detail, although Lothiriel would have prefered if he had removed some of the particulars. However the Marshal pressed on and revealed every truth to his King. Theoden stood their stoically and listened to his nephew. Lothiriel could read from his expression very little.

"I cannot say I am happy about this Eomer."

"I know you must disapprove Uncle…"

"I do not disapprove." He interrupted.

"I am shocked how it came to be... and that you both felt the need to reproach from your feelings."

Theoden walked closer to Eomer and clasped him on the shoulder.

"You loved Theodred fiercely, as I still do now. But you should never turn away from love, when it is so willingly offered."

Theoden addressed Lothiriel next.

"Young lady...I will send you back to Edoras with all due haste. My mind may have only recently returned...but I know that you cared for my son...for what little time you had."

Lothiriel looked down at her feet.

"I know you believe this not to be true. But how can it not be. You came here upon the desires and wishes of others...and yet you stayed. Stayed with my son and gave him everything he wanted for in that short time...and now you will do the same with Eomer."

What Theoden did next, Lothiriel could not have expected in her wildest dreams. The King grasped her by the shoulders and planted a fatherly kiss to her forehead. She felt so ashamed and that he clearly had misjudged her actions, but yet what he had said was in part true. Lothiriel loved Eomer fiercely and once things were settled she would make it her aim in life to make him happy.

o0o

By the time the sun had risen high enough for the people on the ground to enjoy its warmth, the battle horn could be heard throughout the camp. Men and boys hurried to their horses wearing full armour and as they rode into formation they were a sight to behold. The deafening roar of the horses hooves on the ground, shook the princess to her very core. The lady had stolen one more moment with her lover before he was ordered to mount his horse to ride into battle with his brother in arms.

"Take care my lord." Lothiriel whispered as she toyed with the edge of Eomer's chainmail.

"You too my lady." Eomer replied as he took her hands in his.

Lothiriel smiled when she heard those words. She had so desperately wanted to belong to Eomer, to be loved and acknowledged by him. It soothed her to be able to call him hers.

The soldier bent his head low as he continued, no longer addressing Lothiriel but her stomach.

"And you young man...look after your mother. She is most precious to me...as are you."

"Young man? Your so sure he is a boy?" The princess quipped.

"Yes...tis the only way in my family. A son first to appease the grandparents..." Eomer said seriously before his face began to crack in mirth,

"Then girls...lots of girls to please their mother."

The young man pulled Lothiriel towards him pressing their bodies together lovingly, "Then maybe another boy or two. A father can never have too many sons."

The princess chuckled alongside him but the tension soon returned to her voice, "Be safe."

Eomer nodded and kissed her resolutely one more time before climbing his horse and clicking his teeth to make him move. Lothiriel watched the Rohirrim move out of the camp and off towards Gondor's aid, an uneasiness in the pit of her stomach

A/N - Apologies for not posting in what seems like forever. I've been extremely unwell and only just started recovering. Thanks to eberyone who has waited patiently and messaged me asking if I'm continuing. It has helped me want to continue, depsite being so ill. Here is the latest chapter, I hope you like it. Please RR! Thanks Mrs-E! x