His Queen

Chapter 16 - Kitra

In the early hours of the morning, before the sun had fully risen, Kitra stirred from her sleep. She blinked away the remnants of a dream, one filled with stolen kisses and tender touches, only to realize that she was still safely cocooned in Aragorn's arms. A soft smile played on her lips as she carefully turned to face him, not wanting to wake him just yet.

In the dim light of the campfire's dying embers, Kitra studied Aragorn's sleeping face. The lines of worry and responsibility that often creased his brow were smoothed away in slumber, making him appear younger and more at peace. Gently, she reached up and traced the curve of his jaw with her fingertips, marveling at the rare moment of tranquility they shared amidst the chaos of their quest.

As if sensing her touch, Aragorn's eyes fluttered open, his gaze immediately locking with hers. A sleepy smile spread across his face as he pulled her closer, his hand splaying across the small of her back. "Good morning," he murmured, his voice still rough with sleep.

"Good morning," Kitra whispered back, her own smile mirroring his. She leaned in, brushing her nose against his in a tender gesture, before capturing his lips in a soft, languid kiss. Aragorn hummed contentedly, his fingers tangling in her sleep-tousled hair as he deepened the kiss, the world around them fading away as they lost themselves in the intimate moment.

Reluctantly, they parted, both aware that they needed to rouse themselves before the others awoke. Kitra sighed, resting her forehead against Aragorn's chest for a moment longer, savoring the last few seconds of their peaceful sanctuary.

"We should get up," Aragorn whispered, his fingers tracing soothing patterns along her spine. "Gandalf will want to set out soon."

Kitra nodded, stealing one last kiss before untangling herself from Aragorn's embrace. As they rose, stretching out the kinks from sleeping on the hard ground, the camp began to stir.

As Kitra gently roused Alana and the hobbits from their slumber, she couldn't help but smile at their drowsy, disoriented expressions. Pippin, in particular, seemed reluctant to leave the comfort of his bedroll, grumbling about the early hour and the chill in the air.

"Come on, Pip," Merry chided, nudging his friend with his foot. "The sooner we get moving, the sooner we can have breakfast."

At the mention of food, Pippin perked up, his eyes brightening as he scrambled to his feet. "Breakfast, you say? Well, why didn't you lead with that?"

Kitra chuckled, shaking her head at the hobbit's predictable enthusiasm for meals. She turned to Alana, who was already rolling up her bedding, her movements efficient and practiced.

" I saw you were making friends with Boromir last night." Kitra said quietly.

Alana paused, a faint blush coloring her cheeks as she glanced up at Kitra. "He's a good man," she said softly, a hint of defensiveness in her tone. "I know you and Aragorn have your doubts, but I believe his heart is true."

Kitra sighed, reaching out to squeeze Alana's shoulder reassuringly. "I don't doubt his intentions, Alana. It's just... this quest, the Ring... it has a way of twisting even the noblest of hearts. We must be cautious."

Alana nodded, her expression somber as she resumed packing her gear. "I understand. But I also think it's important to have faith in our companions."

As the camp came to life around them, Kitra found herself pondering Alana's words as they finished breaking camp and prepared to set out once more. Faith in their companions was essential, she knew, but the weight of their quest and the ever-present danger of the Ring's corrupting influence made it difficult to fully trust anyone outside of their tight-knit fellowship.