The mood in Rohan was vastly different upon the return of Eomer. The traditional period of mourning was observed for the passing of Theoden King and the feasts were held for fallen friends. The weeks that followed those first few days were filled with more joyous events and plans. Though Eomer had assumed the role of King whilst in Gondor, he had not yet been formally crowned on the royal seat of Meduseld. Preparations were made swiftly by his counsel, invitations were sent out and the date was set. Guests and wellwishers began descending upon the capital filling every nook and cranny of the large palace. The leaders of all the free people were of course naturally invited, a fact that concerned the King's counsellors. They were acutely aware of Lothiriel's position and current situation, and also understood Gondorian custom dictated a royal wedding required the permission of the bride's kin.

Lothiriel's arrival back in Gondor was now long overdue. Eomer had given Prince Imrahil his word that he would return his daughter to him once he arrived back in Edoras. It had been several weeks and Lothiriel was still firmly planted by his side. Even if she had not been carrying his child, there was nothing and no one that could force him to give her up now. Despite this, the expectant King knew he and the princess couldn't hide forever. Eventually guests began arriving from across the land in Edoras and as best he could, Eomer King welcomed them into his halls. However the former soldier had made many friends during the war years and the household was soon full to the brim. Many guests had to make do with a simple, yet comfortable tent on the outskirts of the city. Only a short distance from the celebrations and revelries.

One of these unfortunate guests was Prince Imrahil and his retinue. The elif-like prince had been received at the foothills of Meduseld by one of the Kings council. The stately man apologised for Eomer's absence and quickly diverted him to a larger tent outside the city walls. The temporary residence had all the conveniences the Prince and his family required and Eomer had not placed his battle friend there to snub him, but for the protection of Lothiriel. The new King had no idea how the Prince would react when he found out the truth and whilst he was entertaining guests from all over middle earth, he did not want to make a scene.

It had been two days since Prince Imrahil's arrival and Eomer had thus far been able to avoid him. However on the third day Imrahil happened upon the young King in one of the long corridors of the maze like castle.

"My Lord Eomer!" Imrahil called from the end of the corridor.

Eomer cursed inwardly. He knew exactly why Imrahil had called him. The sun had barely risen over the horizon and Eomery naively thought he could go about freely without happening on his friend unaccompanied. He stopped in his tracks, turned to face the prince and smiled cooly.

"Prince Imrahil, forgive me I was just about to pay you a visit."

"Well 'tis fortunate that I happened upon you then." Imrahil said calmly.

Imrahil was normally an agreeable man, even on the battlefield he managed to keep a cool head. However Eomer could tell by the dark and stormy hue to his grey eyes, that the Prince was struggling to appear calm.

"Please Eomer King... I would like to see my daughter." The prince asked sincerely.

"Ah, I'm afraid she is not here at this moment." Eomer thought quickly, "She rose early with my sister and attended the other women of court…. to the foothills of the Westfold."

"When she returns you will tell her her family wishes to see her."

"Of course my Lord. However, it may be quite late when they return. Surely it would be wise to see her another day? Tomorrow or perhaps the next day after the coronation feast?"

Eomer could see the quiver of anger on the lip of the man in front of him. His attempt of appeasement had clearly fallen short of the mark.

"Eomer King, I have not seen my daughter in nigh over ten months. Why do I get the feeling you are trying to keep her from me?"

"Forgive me Prince Imrahil. That has not been my intention." The King lied. "Lady Lothiriel has been through a great ordeal since arriving in Edoras. It's just...i fear you will find her much different...she is not as you remember her."

"Why? What is wrong?" Imrail replied worriedly, his tone rising with each word.

"I assure you Prince Imrahil...she is fine."

"Then why will you not let me see her? She is my youngest and only daughter…"

"I understand your frustration…"

"No you do not...you cannot come close to understand how I feel at this moment. How could you? When you have children of your own Eomer then you will understand. When she returns you will tell her to find me. Please!"

Eomer sighed wearily. It was true, he did not understand, not yet at least. His child was not born and he was already fiercely protective of it and of its mother. But he did not know the eternal worry of a father, the way Prince Imrahil did. Imrahil turned on his heel and began to walk away from him battle friend. He ran a shaky hand through his long brown hair, rubbing the back of his neck intensely.

"I cannot do that my Lord." Eomer called out to the older man.

Imrahil turned his head sharply at the Kings stern words. He looked confused at the young man and was about to protest, as Eomer cut him short.

"She is not abroad. Lothiriel is here in the castle."

"Here? Tell me where and I will go to her now." Imrahil demanded.

"I cannot stop you from seeing your daughter Prince Imrahil...but I can and will protect you from my wife."

Imrahil faltered and looked confused at Eomer. The young King felt his shoulders slump as the unspoken tension he had carried for some weeks was finally released. He gestured with an open palm down the hallway he had been heading down when stopped. The Prince looked at the warrior King quizzically and worried, but walked in front of Eomer down the dimly lit corridor.

As they reached the end of the passageway, Prince Imrahil leant towards the door and attempted to turn the iron handle. Eomer stood in front of the heavy oak door, barring Imrahil's way inside.

"Will you promise me something my Lord?" He asked in earnest, "Do not reproach her I beg of you."

Imrahil looked at the King severely and brushed passed him into the room behind the door. His mind reeling.

The room on the other side of the door was dark, despite the time of year and many windows around the periphery. Each windowless opening was covered in large, heavy cloth. A fire burnt low in the grate and a wingback chair sat close to the fire. There was a soft humming filling the space, but it stopped immediately as the door swung inwards.

Imrahil didn't have to look to recognise the owner of the voice, he would know Lothiriel's voice anywhere. However, this didn't stop him calling out for her. The tall wooden chair creaked as the occupant stood slowly. Eomer moved swiftly towards the chair and smiled down at Lothiriel, he offered her his hand and aided the princess as she stood. Imrahil watched with bated breath, feeling his heart pounding in his chest and ears. His eye was drawn to where Eomer held Lothiriel's hand, their touch so intimate and easy. The Prince's mouth went dry as he caught sight of Lothiriel's swollen stomach as she turned to face him. The princess smiled weakly at her father and noticed his stare. She covered her stomach quickly and protectively with a hand and greeted her Father.

"Good Morning Father."

"Good morning...My Queen!" Imrahil uttered in amazement.