Damien was indeed flogged the next morning. After the punishment was inflicted, Aragorn ordered him back to his cell and had his wounds tended. The healers obeyed begrudgingly, seriously displeased at the trouble this squint had caused their king and his family. "You're lucky, you know." One of them said to Damien. "King Elessar could've easily severed your thick head from your neck if he wanted to."

"Stupid." Damien gritted his teeth stubbornly as salve was put on his wounds.

"The king granted you mercy! Lesser men would've been much more severe, if they hadn't killed you first." The other healer pointed out. "King Elessar is fair, and giving you more leniency than you deserve. If I were not sworn to my sacred duty as a healer, I'd thrash you myself! Drink this, it will help ease the pain." The healer gave Damien a draught. Damien supped it then scowled.

"You two are real idiots, you know that?" He scoffed. "You tend a criminal like any other patient, save for the heated pleasantries. You all are weak, just like your lousy king!"

"You know, I seem to recall hearing those words before." The first healer said. "Someone has obviously filled your head with his own agenda, for all the good it has done you. You might want to think on that."

"Once he finds out I am being held against my will, he will come for me. Together, we will overthrow the throne!" Damien argued.

"Shut it." The healers barked at him. They were normally very compassionate and tenderly speaking with their patients. But this man was an exception.

Eomer had returned to Edoras, and Faramir had to Ithilien. Aragorn told him to, to be with Eowyn and look after the Love Home. Both men were making inquiries of suspicious activity anywhere in or around their lands, and were dangerously vigilant over any strangers traveling there. Legolas and Arwen, along with Gimli remained to support Aragorn and Alasse. Aragorn was grateful for their presence. Arwen was a great comfort to Alasse, and Aragorn knew he had two good hands about to help if any more trouble occurred.

Aragorn was finding it more difficult every day to not tell Alasse about Merlyn. She knew he'd promised to tell her, but when he was silent, she would gaze intently at him with pleading eyes. Aragorn would nearly spill everything, but he didn't have the guts to tell her. He just couldn't! Not 'til he knew if she and the baby would be alright.

Alasse was healing quickly, her bruises were mostly gone and almost completely faded. But Erana still ordered her to stay in bed. Finally, after a week in bed, Erana declared she and the baby were well enough to be up and about. Arwen and or Tatsu shadowed Alasse everywhere she went. At first, she thought they were overreacting, but then they informed her that Aragorn had ordered her to be escorted everywhere after what happened. "To be honest, I am grateful this time of him being so protective." Alasse sighed. "I was so afraid something had happened to the baby! I do not wish to be put through that again!"

Elrond had replied to Aragorn's letters, specifying that the young king was doing his best under the circumstances. "But?" Legolas prodded when Aragorn told him and Gimli what Elrond had said.

"He wrote to warn me that he has had a vision." Aragorn gulped hard. "He has foreseen Merlyn, marching on Minas Tirith, but not as we would expect."

"Then how?" Gimli puffed on his pipe.

"He could not say, for that part was not clear." Aragorn said defeatedly. "He only told me two things: that Merlyn will cut us off guard with his cunning, and that I must face him, once again."

"Let him come then, the scoundrel." Gimli growled. "I'd like to give him a kiss from my sweet ax."

"Then Merlyn is coming." Legolas stated.

"It appears so, Legolas." Aragorn nodded, rubbing his forehead. "Legolas, what word from your father?"

"Nothing." Legolas frowned. "I cannot understand it. I expected a fiery letter in reply, but he has remained silent."

"Pity the poor souls whose ears he is barking to extinction with his suppressed anger!" Gimli shook his head dramatically.

"He is not that bad." Legolas said sheepishly. "He only looks as if he could."

"Bah!"

"Excuse me." Aragorn sighed.

Aragorn went to find Alasse. He needed something pleasant to lay his eyes on, to relieve his mind from the constant worry battling inside his brain. He found her and Arwen in the nursery that was only partially painted. "Oh, excuse me." Arwen grinned. "I think I shall find Legolas. That spritely wood-elf has been evading me for far too long." She snickered as she brushed passed Aragorn so they could be alone.

Aragorn gave a small smile as he stepped toward Alasse and gripped her hands. "You look well, dear." He praised.

"You do not, Estel." Alasse shook her head.

"Eh?"

"You have barely slept at all. Your eyes look as if they are about to tumble from their sockets!" Alasse exclaimed, gently prodding with her thumb under his eyelids, which were stormy gray. His eyes were bloodshot.

"I am fine." Aragorn said, holding his head high. "I am the picture of health."

"Oh?" Alasse narrowed her eyes. "Then why do you feel hollow of bone and flesh?" She poked his stomach and he flinched. She grinned, knowing he was ticklish there.

"I, uhm...have lost track of time, including meals I suppose." Aragorn shrugged.

"And your hair!" Alasse tousled his scruffy strands. "You look as if you are a ranger again, tromping through the rain and heat of the day. If your subjects see you like this, they are bound to suspect I am responsible for your unseemly appearance."

"You flatter me." Aragorn kissed her. "Have long have you been on your feet? You could do with a rest. After all, your are nearly halfway through your ninth month." He remarked, patting her stomach.

"What I want more than anything at this moment, is a nice, warm bath!" Alasse's head leaned on his chest.

"At once, my lady!" Aragorn exclaimed.

Tatsu assisted Alasse into her silken bathrobe but she begged for Aragorn to accompany her to the bathing chambers. He ever so carefully helped her step into the large tub and gently helped her lower herself down into the water. She threw her head back, breathing deeply as the warm sensation lapped over her sore body. Aragorn kissed her on the mouth and she wrapped her arm around his neck. "Mmm. Come closer, Estel." She moaned. Aragorn obliged, and she tugged him forward. He tumbled down into the water next to her, in his royal tunic. Alasse laughed merrily and he joined her then clasped her in his arms and they made out hard.

Then Aragorn lay his hand on her bare stomach under the water and could feel movement inside her massive belly. The baby was kicking. Apparently, the baby was either enjoying the bath or protesting at its parents' mushy stuff.

Aragorn trudged out of the tub and sent for Tatsu to look after Alasse. The maiden stared at him with her hands on her hips, taking in his soaking royal clothes. "I think a nap will do you good, my dear." Aragorn told Alasse. "I will see you later."

"I'm drifting off as we speak." Alasse murmured.

Aragorn was heading to his suite to get changed when one of the castle servants came rushing to him. "Your Majesty!" He bowed breathlessly.

"Fynn." Aragorn nodded to him. "What has you hurrying so to find me?" He asked curiously.

"My lord," Fynn panted, looking more scared than exhausted, "you should know, there is an army standing outside these walls, on your doorstep!"

Aragorn gaped in dismay. "An army?!" He gasped. "You must be mad!"

"No, my lord! They just marched right into the city like they owned the place!" Fynn explained.

"Find Prince Legolas, and Gimli right away!" Aragorn urged the boy. Fynn bowed and ran off as fast as he could. "Stephan!" Aragorn yelled, so that his voice bellowed through the halls.

"My lord?" Stephan, the armory guard came into view. Thankfully, Aragorn was near the armory when he'd called.

"Gather the full garrison, and put a full guard around my private chambers! Immediately! We are under attack!" Aragorn told him.

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Aragorn drew Anduril, forgetting entirely about his sopping wet appearance and hurried toward the main entrance of the palace. His heart was pounding in his ears. Merlyn was here! Elrond had been entirely right: Merlyn had completely cut them off guard! He was more cunning than Aragorn could've hoped to guess, and now he was here, before they had a plan! Alasse! Valar, he could not get to Alasse!

Aragorn choked down his fear and let his veins run hot with fury. He bladed his stance and held Anduril highly in his hands, ready to fight Merlyn head on, to the death! He would protect what he loved most! That maggot would get nowhere near his beloved wife and unborn child! The mere thought sent chills down Aragorn's spine.

Aragorn inhaled with all his strength, mustering all the courage he could channel. Then, standing tall and very angry, he marched out the main doors into the courtyard of his palace, ready to face off his evasive foe!

He froze, completely bewildered at the incredible sight before him. It indeed was an army that lined the streets! What Fynn had failed to mention was that it was an Elven army! Aragorn could barely breathe properly, his heart was beating much too fast from the true scare the boy had just caused him. He recognized these elves, clad in their green and silver armor. He slowly lowered his sword and tried regain control of his erratic shortness of breath. He'd thought for sure it was Merlyn!

Unless…

What if these weren't woodland elves at all, but only another ruse of Merlyn's to make Aragorn feel secure until he was attacked? Aragorn's head was spinning frantically. Was this a trick?

Then a large figure in shiny armor on a horse trotted to the center of the courtyard. Well, that was certainly no trick! Aragorn could barely find his voice as he held his chest, trying to calm his heart. He had never, ever been so relieved to see Thranduil in his entire life!

"King Thranduil," He croaked, not at all sounding like a regal, confident king. "We were...not...expecting...you. But...you're...most welcome." Aragorn panted painfully.

"Save your breath and your pleasantries, Aragorn." Thranduil said coldly, his icy blue eyes boring menacingly into the ranger/king. "I have come to collect my daughter."

Don't know about you, but I would really not wanna be Aragorn right about now!