It had been four months since he had seen her. One hundred and twenty nights since he had held her in his arms. The King paced the terrace around Meduseld casting an impatient eye every now and then on the gates of the city. She was expected any minute. He ran his fingers through his long hair. It was damp with sweat around his brow. He was nervous.

From his position high up in the city Eomer was able to see all manner of things going on. An axe man meticulously cutting through a large oak tree trunk. His axe ringing rhythmically to its own beat. Two infant girls running and giggling around their mother as she hung freshly washed linen out to dry. A young maiden of sixteen walking home from market carrying a large woven basket of bread.

He sighed heavily to himself. His thoughts turned to her once more.

Suddenly the King heard the soft whinny of horses beneath him. He looked once more to the large wooden gates of Edoras and felt his heart flutter as he saw the royal standard enter the city. Six armoured Riders flanked the wooden carriage that carried the Queen. His wife always travelled with a large party at his insistence.

The Queen stepped from the carriage with assistance. She wore her hair tightly braided from her stoic face. Her collar worn high on a slender neck. Lothiriel was wrapped closely in a heavy woollen gown with a thick fur lined cloak around her shoulders. She climbed the steps to Meduseld with ease despite her dense clothing. An attire that matched her heavy heart.

As Lothiriel Queen reached the top of the steep stone staircase she met her husband's gaze. He looked at her remorsefully. A look that should have been filled with joy and contentment. As any man would have when he was stood before the woman he loved. She returned his regard with her own frank stare. She walked towards him indifferently and craned her neck up towards his pitiful face. Loyally she placed a kiss to his cheek and left his side for the warmth of the great hall.

It had been four months since he had seen her. One hundred and twenty nights since he had held her in his arms. How he bitterly regretted that night and hoped Lothiriel would somehow forgive him.

~o0o~

Authors Note: I had always wanted to write a story where Eomer was unfaithful. I was listening to "Baby can I hold you" by Tracy chapman and finally decided to attempt this idea. As many ruling monarchs throughout history have kept mistresses. I thought it would be interesting to see how Lothiriel would deal with it. Hope you enjoyed it. R+R of all kinds welcome! Mrs-E x