Sacrifices

Taking a deep breath he fatefully plunged himself into the sea of emotions that was his wife. Even her screams did not deter him from carrying the princess down the hall and out into the night air. Aragorn had backed him up after all for there were no guards to hinder him, even Elphir did not impede his way.

“If I can not get your forgiveness with words then I will show you with actions.” They stood in the plaza and Eomer began to shout to get the attention of the sleeping villagers.

“Good people of Dol Amroth! I am Eomer of the Mark and I have recently been wedded to your princess.” While he shouted his words Loti had no idea what was going to come out of this. Her anger was now replaced with embarrassment.

“On this night, our first night together I have insulted your princess to the point where annulment is assured if I can not win her back.”

“Do not air our private life to the people Eomer!” She said through gritted teeth. He paid her no attention.

“I let my pride and ego overrule my love for Lothiriel. I did not understand how she should be treated and treated her no different then the men under my command. That is not how to treat a woman as stunning as your princess.”

From somewhere in the night a lone female voice replied. “You just figured that out?”

The king ignored the remark, “She poured her soul out to me in trust and honesty and I tore it asunder in my pride. I refused to listen to her words, hearing only what my ego allowed me to. I told her I married her out of political pressure from my advisors and that I did not love her. That is not the truth.”

He looked to Lothiriel pleadingly, she remained cold.

“Try harder Eomer” he told himself.

“I was the fool and I admit it before all of you good citizens of Dol Amroth. I was a bastard that destroyed the beautiful gift that I had been given and I now plead for your forgiveness. I can not have Lothiriel forgive me until you forgive me people of Dol Amroth.” He doubted even then that Lothiriel would forgive him and not annul the marriage.

“I will proclaim in every village my undying love for my wife. I will admit my follies to anyone that will listen and I will humbly ask for forgiveness everyday for the rest of my life.”

“Do you forgive me?”

The people of Dol Amroth had taken pity upon hearing the pleading in the king’s voice. Shouts back to the couple came quickly, “You are forgiven.”

“Thank you people of Dol Amroth now I must get the forgiveness of my queen.” He looked to Lothiriel and noticed she was not as cold toward him. Eomer hoped that was a good sign.

“Forgive him princess.” Was shouted from every window it seemed. She was silent for a moment.

“The people have spoken Eomer King. The will of the people overrides any will of my own. I forgive you for your foolish pride.” He picked her up and kissed her as the citizens cheered.