Passionate Anticipation

Thanks for the beta Viv!

For Do Belated birthday wishes! *hugs*

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“Stop fidgeting,” Éowyn said under her breath, not breaking her regal smile.

Éomer quietly growled a response that should not be said in proper society.

Éowyn turned to her brother and retorted sharply, “The King of Rohan should not speak that way to a lady.”

“I would not…to a lady,” Éomer replied. He saw her eyes narrow and knew that if they were alone she would have most certainly had a response that made his ears burn. Lowering his voice to a mere whisper, he implored, “Éowyn, you know how I hate all this pomp and formality. Can I not…”

“It is your own engagement ceremony, Éomer. You cannot sneak out now,” she said, exasperated.

Unable to help himself, Éomer sighed dramatically. Too late he realized his sigh was heard by quite a few sitting near him, including Faramir and Elessar, who chuckled into their fists as Éowyn glared at her older brother. He merely shrugged, which threatened to undo the composure of all of them.

Éowyn cut her eyes to the entrance and Éomer followed her gaze. At last, Lothiriel had entered the room on the arm of her father, Prince Imrahil. All eyes on her, she glided into the room, so gracefully that her gowns barely moved. Éomer watched her intensely until she glanced his way. After a moment, she winked subtly, her eyes full of mischief. Not caring about proper decorum, Éomer rose and walked to her. Imrahil bowed, smiling as he allowed the young king to take his daughter’s arm and lead her to sit beside him.

The couple made no attempt at pretending they were listening to the ceremony.

Lothiriel whispered, “How long before we can sneak away?”

Éomer grinned as he heard Éowyn grumble to Faramir, “They are two of a kind.”