A/N: new chappie! finally! the block has been lifted...apparently. enjoy!


Chapter 11: An Execution

Eomer stood on the balcony facing the courtyard as Harko was led in chains to his executioner. He was grateful that both Eowyn and Isolde remained in their chambers so early in the morning. This would not be a pretty sight. As it was, he wished he didn't have to be there, but as king, it was his duty.

Harko's chains rattled sharply in the morning air as he knelt to his knees and Eomer's four generals looked to him from below. He stared at the man in the black hood with a huge axe, standing next to Harko before looking to his generals below.

All he did was nod and the four men looked away and Herne called, "Harko, son of Hayden. Do you have any last words?"

"I do," Harko shuddered as he trembled in anticipation and stared straight at Eomer, catching the king's eye before he shouted, "Long live King Eomer!"

Eomer swallowed as he held Harko's gaze. That was a curse and he knew it. He was surprised Elias didn't draw his sword to take the traitor's life himself. The man had gone to Eomer before his wedding to beg the request to be his executioner, but he had denied him. The last thing Eomer wanted to do was feed the bloodlust of his men with matters such as this. Their battle was with the Orcs, not Men.

He took in a breath as he watched the executioner step behind Harko and lift his axe in the air. Just as it came swinging down, Eomer turned to head back into the manor, only needing to hear what came next, and when the sounds ceased, he shuddered. Knowing his newly appointed generals would take care of the rest, he headed directly back to his room.

Once he reached the door he quietly opened it to sneak into the room and, just as quietly, shut the door behind him, sighing tiredly. He smiled when he noticed Isolde tangled up in the sheets of their bed, still asleep as he stepped toward the bed and sat on the edge, pulling off his boots. He crawled into the bed with her, wrapping his arms around her as she instinctively curled up against him in her sleep. He smiled as she snuggled against his chest with a sigh and pulled her a little closer to press a kiss her temple.

"Welcome back, my lord," she murmured, making his smile widen.

"How long have you been awake, little one?" he whispered into her hair.

"Since you left," she sighed. "I tried to go back to sleep, but I couldn't. It seems I find it difficult to sleep without you near me."

"As it should be," he smirked. "Did you sleep well, my dear?"

"I did, my lord," she smiled, snuggling closer to him still. "Did you?"

"Yes." He lifted a hand to tilt her face toward his, giving a slight scowl when he found her eyes still closed. "May I see your gorgeous eyes, my dear? I've been looking forward to it since I awoke."

Isolde's eyes slowly opened to reveal a sleepy glaze over her sea-green eyes and they smiled at each other as Eomer moved his hand over her face, moving a blonde curl from her cheek before gently stroking it.

"You are beautiful in the morning light, little one," he whispered, lowering his arm to hug her closer. "After this morning's events, you are a welcome sight."

"Please, my lord, do not speak of it," she breathed, making him frown at her tone, but he said nothing. "I can tell you hate what has happened. Think on it no more. Allow me…to distract you from it."

He smiled warmly as he lowered his face toward hers slowly, murmuring, "And what a lovely distraction you make, my lady."

She drew in a breath when his lips met hers and she slid her arms around him as he pulled her closer.


Later that Morning...

"I will come visit when Eomer sets a date for your coronation," Eowyn assured Isolde as they walked arm in arm into the stables. "And I will visit whenever I can."

"Do not inconvenience yourself, my…Eowyn," Isolde replied as they stopped next to her horse, nearly calling her 'lady' and it made Eowyn smile as they turned to face each other.

"It is no inconvenience to visit my brother and sister in-law, Isolde," she assured her, patting her hands as such. "Perhaps Faramir will join me next time I visit! That will be great fun, will it not?"

"I'm sure it will be," Isolde nodded with a sweet smile.

Eowyn smiled in return before wrapping her arms around Isolde to hug her closely, whispering, "I will miss you, Isolde. But to know that you are being taken care of by my brother, and that you are taking care of him in turn sets me at ease. I have worried about him for some time."

"I fail to see how I take care of him, Eowyn," Isolde admitted as they stepped out of their hug and Eowyn placed her hands on Isolde's shoulders. "How would a woman, the weaker vessel, 'take care' of a man?"

"Her presence alone may serve to take care of his heart and soul," Eowyn replied. "To have someone to speak to, to hold and to love. These are things women are best at. Trust me, Isolde, you have helped my brother more than you realize."

Isolde smiled and nodded before they both turned at the sound of boot steps heading toward them to see the very man they were speaking of stepping into the stables.

"There you are, little one," Eomer smiled, wrapping an arm around Isolde's shoulders to kiss her temple. "I was worried you would miss my sister before she left."

"I would never allow it," Eowyn smiled as Eomer lowered his arm from Isolde to wrap both arms around Eowyn for a tight hug.

"It was enjoyable having you here again, my sister," he smiled as she hugged him tightly as well and he pulled away enough to look down at her smile. "Send Faramir my regards and brotherly love."

"I will," she nodded before standing on her tiptoes and kissing his cheek, making him chuckle as he left a kiss on her temple and she stepped out of his arms toward her horse.

"I will send word in a few days with the date of Isolde's coronation," he reported, lifting his arm around Isolde's shoulders to keep her close as they both watched Eowyn mount her horse. "I expect to see Faramir this time when you visit."

"I will tell him," Eowyn laughed and she gently kicked her horse to make it walk out of the stables, Isolde and Eomer trailing behind as she met her escort back to Minas Tirith.

"She will be well with only one escort with her?" Isolde wondered, neither one taking their eyes off her as she turned and waved to them and they waved in return. "What if they run into a band of Orcs?"

"Eowyn is not defenseless, darling," Eomer reminded her and she looked up to see his expression. Just as she realized it, he voiced, "However, that does not stop me from worrying."

"Nor would it me, if I were her brother," she assured him, turning back to watch Eowyn and her escort disappear over a hill. "But, I am sure they will take safe routes and be as cautious as possible."

Eomer looked down at her just as she looked to him with a sweet smile and he gave a smile in return before pressing a kiss to her forehead and hugging her close.

"I am certain you're right, little one," he replied, turning them to head back into the manor. "Shall we have something to eat? I'm famished."

"As am I," she smiled up at him. "What do have planned for today, my lord?"

Eomer sighed before muttering, "Training. There are some new recruits that need it. I would tell my four new generals to take care of it, were it not that I must see these men myself. I must know every one of my men's faces. 'Tis a rule of mine."

"A very wise rule, my lord," Isolde nodded in agreement.

"You play at my ego so, and you shall find yourself back in our chamber with me," Eomer grinned, leaning down enough to nuzzle his face into the crook of her neck, making her giggle and try to shove him away, a blush over her cheeks.

"My husband is wicked!" she giggled as they strolled into the empty kitchens.

"You proved yourself just as wicked last night and this morning, my sweet," he shot back, turning to wrap his arms around her waist and pull her close. "Were I a barbarian I would throw you over my shoulder and carry you to our chamber now. In fact, I may do that anyway, but now, as I said, I am hungry."

She giggled as he pressed a kiss to her lips then released her to take her hand and lead her to one of the tables, sitting her down before he went to a cupboard.

"Where are the servants?" Isolde wondered, noticing the kitchen empty.

"Gathering food for dinner tonight, most likely," he replied, retuning with bread and fruit then heading back for drink.

"My lord, let me—"

"Sit," he ordered, playfully as he returned with two mugs and a pitcher of cider. She plopped back into her seat and gave a slight pout as he explained, "You know I'll not be waited upon if I can get things myself. My wife will not be my servant, either."

"But…it's my duty to serve," she murmured as he sat next to her. He moved to pour the cider but she took the pitcher from him and served them both, first him, then herself. "At least let me do this much. It's not that hard."

Eomer said nothing as he smirked and she served their food as well before they began eating.

"My lord, may I accompany you to watch you train with the men?" she wondered, nibbling at her bread. "I'll have nothing to do all day. Besides, I would like to know your men as well so as not to be fooled by intruders."

"A fine idea, darling," Eomer smiled, shifting to face her and lift a piece of fruit from her plate to feed it to her. "You shall stay by my side the entire day then, if that is agreeable?"

"It is, my lord," she smiled, plucking the fruit from his fingers and he smiled before leaning toward her and pressing his lips to hers, feeling her smile on his lips. This was going to be a very good day.


Later...

Jasper helped Isolde to sit on a root under a shady tree before bowing and heading toward the groups of men in full armor, testing the weight of their swords, Eomer among them.

"Is she watching?" he muttered to Jasper who frowned at him in wonder.

"She is your wife," he smirked back. "Of course she's watching. But why would you strive to impress her further? You've already married her."

"This is why you shall never marry, Jasper," Eomer chuckled, rolling his wrist and his sword with it. "Your goal is to capture them, but you give no regard to keeping them."

"I don't want to keep one," Jasper muttered.

"You'll say that, until you find the right one," Eomer retorted.

He turned to look at Isolde and she smiled sweetly as she waved, making his smile widen before he waved in return.

"She is a distraction," Jasper warned him, making Eomer look to him in wonder. "Not only for you, but for the men."

He nodded to the men gathered in the field and Eomer looked over to see them all waving at Isolde with dazed grins on their faces. When they saw Eomer glaring at them, they stood at attention, instantly looking away from Isolde. Eomer looked back to find her smiling, slightly at the entire scene, a hand delicately placed over her mouth to hide the giggles before she smiled, sweetly and set her hand back in her lap.

"Distraction," Jasper repeated, making Eomer growl, slightly at him as he turned to his men, spinning his sword.

Isolde watched as Eomer began talking to the men, noticing his tone was firm, an only slightly laced with irritation, making her smile again. She wondered if she should step away so as not to distract the men, but she realized Eomer would probably be upset if she did after she'd told him she would remain close by.

"A beautiful day, isn't it, my lady?"

She jumped with a gasp as she looked to her left to see Faolan smiling down at her as he approached.

"I'm sorry, my lady, I didn't mean to startle you," he smiled, stopping next to her. "Do you mind if I have a seat?"

"Of course not," she smiled, gesturing to her left and he nodded before sitting next to her. "And please, call me Isolde."

"Oh, I wouldn't be so presumptuous, my lady," Faolan smirked. "You're our king's wife, now. Soon to be queen. I don't think I could ever call you by your name."

Isolde nodded, swallowing hard, the prospect of being queen suddenly hitting her.

"My lady?" Faolan frowned in worry. "Are you alright? You look pale."

"I…I'm alright," she nodded, hesitantly before looking up to see Eomer, Elias and Jasper training with the men. "Shouldn't you be there as well?"

"I'll be training them in archery next," he replied, then gave her a wink as he added, "Have to save my strength."

Isolde gave a small giggle before looking back at the group and noticed Eomer glaring at Faolan, and she bit her lip before murmuring, "I believe our king has become irritable, seeing you sitting here with me."

"He has no reason to fear, and he knows it," Faolan smirked, waving, cheekily to Eomer. "He just likes to be sure we all know who the alpha male is."

"I doubt you need reminding," Isolde smiled, looking back to the group, seeing Eomer resume training the others. She gently bit on her lower lip in thought before turning to him, calling, "Faolan?"

"Yes, my lady?" he smiled back, frowning when she looked to her lap, wringing her hands. "Are you well?"

"Oh, yes," she nodded, glancing up at him before looking back at her hands, twiddling her thumbs. "I was just wondering…do you—? I mean…you and the other generals—do you all…like me?"

Faolan frowned in wonder before giving a slight smirk and leaning close to her, making her slowly move back as she took her turn to frown at him. His smirk widened at her reaction, making her frown deepen.

"Are you certain you want to know the answer to that, my lady?" he murmured.

Realization came upon Isolde, making her frown disappear as a matching smirk crossed her lips and a frown suddenly came over Faolan's brow at the reaction.

"His Majesty told me you had a quick tongue," she smirked, making his frown fall and he matched her smirk as he leaned back again. "Fortunately I'm not the type of girl to take everything said to me so seriously, or Eomer would be here now, throttling you."

"Only if I'm lucky," he shot back. "For instance, if you'd screamed, I possibly would have had a sword cleave my head open a moment later. Unless he'd prefer a slow, torturous death for defiling the future queen of Rohan."

"Merely embarrassing the king's wife would warrant such a punishment, I'm sure," she shot back, making Faolan laugh, heartily, and she gave a giggle at herself for being able to make him laugh.

"Too true, my lady," he nodded before adding, "To answer your question: Yes, we do like you."

Isolde nodded, slowly before recalling, "I only ask because…at the wedding banquet you all seemed rather…standoffish."

"Ah," Faolan nodded, knowingly before giving a small sigh, looking to his boot to flick some dirt from it, idly. "Well, if you'd like me to be honest with you, my lady—which I think you would—we were…unsure of your intentions."

"I see," she nodded, casting her gaze down and he sneered at himself.

"Lady Isolde, I didn't mean—"

"It's alright, Faolan," she smiled, sweetly as she placed a hand on his shoulder, making his gaze meet hers in wide-eyed surprise. "I completely understand. He is your friend. Friends must look out for each other when it comes to matters of the heart. I imagine you were afraid I was merely after station and wealth, yes?"

"Well…" he trailed off as he cast his eyes down to his boot in guilt and she lowered her hand to her lap again.

"If it will put your mind at ease, I only came here to take care of Lady Eowyn as her handmaiden," she explained. "I had no intention of having anyone's favor, let alone the king of Rohan himself. I care not for wealth, power or prestige."

"It does put my mind at ease, my lady," he nodded with a warm smile. "We had seen that in you the night of the banquet, and how happy you make our lord Eomer. However…there is one thing we worry about."

"Tell me, and I will do what I can to put your worries to rest," she urged, then added, "If it is about my being crowned queen—"

"My lady, soldiers have no use for politics, and we do not worry on it," he cut in. "Forgive the interruption, but I could not let you get ahead of yourself. You still want my honesty?"

Isolde nodded, riveted to what he may say next as Faolan gave a sigh, glancing toward Eomer and the other as they trained.

"We worry that it is all infatuation between the two of you," he explained. "It all happened so quickly."

She swallowed hard as her heart began to pound, her cheeks reddening.

"I see," she murmured, looking to her lap again, and making Faolan's shoulders slump in guilt. However, before he could apologize, she placed her hand on his shoulder again and looked him in the eye with a determined gaze. "I cannot tell you anything of my own feelings, but I can tell you that I would never be disloyal to him."

"That is very good to hear, my lady," he smiled, then joked. "But I'm sure know, it would most likely be treason if you were caught in any case."

She gave a small laugh before adding, "No doubt, but it would be treason against my own heart to ever be disloyal to a man who has been so kind and caring to me. He would not deserve any deceit from me."

Faolan smiled at her and nodded as she lowered her hand but he quickly took it, making her frown at him in wonder. He lifted her hand to press a chaste and respectful kiss to her hand before smiling, "I will be proud to pledge my loyalty to you as a general of Rohan and call you my queen at your coronation, my lady."

Isolde smiled, shyly in return as he released her hand and they both turned back to watching Eomer train with his men. He turned and looked to the pair with an irritable gaze before waving Faolan toward the group.

"I think he's had enough of me stealing your attention from observing him," Faolan smirked to Isolde, making her giggle as he stood and Eomer marched toward them. "Alright, lads! Time for your archery lessons! Bring out the targets!"

Eomer and Faolan passed each other, the king glaring at his general who only gave him a wink in return as Eomer stopped next to Isolde. She stood as he approached, dusting herself off as Eomer watched Faolan round up the men with Elias and Herne.

"What were the two of you talking about?" he asked, turning to her as she looked up at him with a warm smile.

"I only asked if he and the other generals approve of…me…" she trailed off as he pulled his tunic off to cool down after his exertion. She swallowed as her heart thumped and vivid memories from that night and morning raced through her mind. She felt her cheeks flush as Eomer sighed, tiredly then looked to her, making her look up at him with wide eyes before averting her gaze. He smirked, mischievously before taking her hand and stepping around the tree they were standing under to hide from the view of his men, making her frown in wonder as he led her. "My lord—?"

She gasped when he gently pulled on her hand to press her back to the tree, placing his hands on either side of her on the tree to block her escape. She stared up at his charming smirk as her heart thumped in her chest and he gazed down at her.

"Why would it matter whether or not my generals approve of you?" he wondered, still smiling. "You make me happy, and I've chosen you. That should be enough for them."

"They are you friends, Eomer," she replied, almost breathless from how close he was, and her body's reaction to it. "I must have their approval as your friends. They worry about you."

"I see," he nodded, closing in on her to murmur," How thoughtful of you, darling. A think a proper reward is in order, don't you think?"

"As you like it, my lord," she breathed, her heart thumping louder and louder the closer he came to her. His lips were a breath away from hers—

"Your Majesty!" Jasper called, making Isolde pull back from Eomer as he gave a growl of irritation.

"What?!" he snapped, making her jump, slightly.

"We're waiting for more orders!" Jasper called, and they could hear the smirk in his tone, as if he'd known what he'd interrupted.

Eomer sighed in exasperation before looking to Isolde and feeling himself calm as she met his gaze, her sea-green eyes pulling him in and pleading with him to stay, but as much as he would've liked to, a King's duties were never done.

"Dress in your riding clothes after supper tonight," he smiled, making her frown in wonder. "I have a surprise for you. Something I think you'll like."

"Very well, my lord," she nodded with a smile of her own. "I shall do as you ask."


A/N: reviews?