The next night was a time of rejoicing. For weeks they had planned this spontaneous event for the desert had received rain, and the oases' in the land were well blessed and fruitful. Hamir pronounced a holiday, and the city was to be decorated and lively upon this night. Araiel spent every waking moment preparing the palace, ensuring that the meals were well cooked, choosing the different dress garb for her servants and ladies in waiting, and finally her own gown for the night. It was to be a long silvery blue gown with a lace trim which hung delicately off the shoulders. Her hair was to be interweaved onto her head with a few straying curls hanging down the back and in the front of her face. A silver tiara would rest in her head, and white flowers would be in her hair. It would be her single greatest appearance before the people, and she wanted everything to be perfect, and it was.

Everything was perfect, even Hamir. When he entered the court alongside his Queen, the nobles of the land could hardly contain themselves in expressing joy for the couple that had united two kingdoms bringing more wealth and prosperity to the land. As they came to their seats at the center of the table, Hamir lifted his goblet and prepared to make a speech.

"This day we celebrate the good fortune that the Valar have placed upon us. We honor them in everything we do whether it be speaking, eating, or in prayer. This day does not belong to us for we are not the ones responsible for this peace. We are merely instruments of it. Tonight we rejoice for all men in this land and for all of mankind. May sweet water and light laughter follow us until death. May courage follow us, may strength lead us, and may hope guide us."
The nobles let out a cry of triumph and instantly began pounding their fists on the table as they drank the wine with the other one and let out hails of praise to the King and Queen. Araiel grinned gleefully as a shower of ribbons and flowers fell upon them from above. And then, her glass slipped from her hand and fell to the ground shattering into a thousand pieces. For at the great hall doors stood Tairan holding a sword within his hand and nearly a dozen armed men at his side. Araiel instinctively clutched at Hamir as the nobles rose and surrounded their King. Tairan walked proudly toward his brother and the frightened but steadfast queen and raised his sword.
"Well, brother. I wish to have a private audience with you. It is time to name terms."

"This is a celebration, Tairan. And you are no longer welcome here."

"Little brother, please dispense with the pleasantries. I'm sure you are king enough to have a private audience with me. I will lay down my sword, and my men will wait outside."

Araiel watched as Hamir met Tairan's eyes boring into them and searching for any sign of deception. Finally, he ordered his nobles aside, and several guards entered the room to escort Tairan's men outside. Hamir approached his brother.
"You and I will speak in the throne room, but my wife will accompany us."

Araiel walked to Hamir's side, and he took her hand and squeezed it. She was honored that he insisted she come with them. It was a statement of love showing that he wished her to be involved in his life. The trio exited the great hall and made for the throne room where Hamir took his place on the throne with Araiel at his side. Tairan stood before him and held out a sealed scroll.
"These are my terms if you want peace between us. If you reject them, then everything you hold dear will be taken away from you."
Hamir took the scroll and unsealed it swiftly. Araiel could not make out everything that was written, but she could tell from Hamir's expression that the terms would be sorely rejected. He spat and tore the paper throwing it to the ground. Tairan simply grinned.

"Good day, brother. I am certain we will meet again soon."

Tairan made his exit, but as soon as the doors closed, Araiel stood up infuriated.

"Why are you letting him go?" she asked.
Hamir stood beside her and took her hands. "He said that the only way for peace to be made between us is if I surrender my throne to him. I would continue to be Prince, and you could return to Gondor if you wished. He would break his bonds with Hermina tribe if I accepted. But Araiel I cannot surrender the throne to him. I do not believe he would release his hold on the tribe, and he would not be a good ruler for our country. At the most, he would plunge our country into civil war. He has never been friendly to Gondor, and I am certain he would break the trade route with them."

"And why do you not imprison him?"

"Because he has simply made a threat. I cannot take action against him until he acts first. That is our system in this land. I have no basis for a trial against him than mere words on a piece of paper. The tribe would certainly attack if I imprisoned him. And more than that, he is my brother."

"What are we to do?"

"We will resume our feast and then to bed." He lifted up her chin to his face with a soft but firm hand. "I know you are concerned, but I do not wish the smile to fade from your face or the shine in your eyes."

With those words spoken, Hamir covered her lips with his own, and she leaned into him letting his arms surround her body. Her head found his shoulder, and he laid a hand against her head to comfort her. Finally, she lifted her head and took his hand so they could return to the great hall and resume the celebration.

The next few weeks were spent in loneliness for Araiel. Hamir had become continually occupied with affairs of state, but she did not grumble. She knew he was preparing the city incase of an invasion as well as keeping trade with Gondor open. For the most part, Araiel remained out of his business. The most she had learned was that the Prince's couriers and spies had received no information of an attack from Tairan or any other tribe. All seemed to be at peace.

It was nearly the beginning of fall and though she was happy with her new life in the Harad, she also longed to see her family. Araiel missed her sister's fluttering grins, her father's hearty laugh, and her mother's welcoming arms. The most time she spent with Hamir was at night. During the day, she learned to read the Easterling language and explore the city, and at night they eased each other with their presence.

It was on such a night when Hamir released a surprise. She lay happily content within his arms, his strong but gentle hands caressing her hair when he finally spoke.
"Araiel, I know I have not been an appropriate husband to you recently, and I apologize."

"No, Hamir, you are king of this country with many duties."

Hamir sighed. "But my love, my heartfelt duty is to you and more importantly my heart belongs to you. My love for you is unconditional, and no state affair should keep us severed. You are new to this land learning many new things, but you should be learning them with me. However," he followed with a shrug, "there are some state affairs in which I will be grossly consumed in. The council has set many meetings to discuss what is occurring within the city. You could join me if you desire but I believe a visit to your kin would be more enjoyable."
"Hamir!" she instantly sat upright.
"I understand this meets with your approval."
"More than anything!" She threw her arms about his neck, and he held her tightly and affectionately stroked her hair.

"You have been here nearly a year, and yet you have not seen your family in all that time. Oh, my beautiful Araiel, what will I do without you? I shall miss you every day, and all night I will dream of you."

"My heart will always be here."

"Sometime soon, I will accompany you to Minas Tirith. I have long wished to see the White City."

"Perhaps one day, we will go together. The silver trumpets will clearly ring out, and the tower guard will take up the call, 'The Princess of Gondor has returned with her liege lord.'

Araiel smiled at the thought and surrendered into Hamir's welcoming kiss unaware that it would be the last kiss they would share for a long time.

Araiel did not wait long to leave for Minas Tirith. Winter was coming, and she would need to arrive in Gondor before the frost set in. However, she knew Hamir would not see her until the frost was over. It would be weeks perhaps months before they saw each other once again, and their farewell was not brief. They had spent an hour embracing each other. Before Araiel mounted her steed for the journey, Hamir gathered her in his arms once again and brushed a hand across her cheek. She could see the tears within his eyes, and she knew he did not weep often. Hamir kissed her one last time and finally released her.

"My escort will accompany you until you are within the plains of Gondor," the Prince began. "From there you will be safe until Minas Tirith. When you are ready to come home, I will watch for the white doves to bear your message."
"The time will pass quickly, Hamir. Do not worry. I shall always be with you." She squeezed his hand softly, smiled, and mounted her horse.

Hamir stood for several moments watching the company fade away. He kept his eyes upon his wife. Her white garments seemed to shine out within the midst of the royal green ones his soldiers wore. He bowed his head when her figure disappeared beyond the horizon. Finally, he turned to his chief advisor, Suhar.

"Come, we have business to attend to."