His Queen

Chapter 24 - Kitra

As they ventured deeper into the forest, the towering trees seemed to converge and create a canopy above them. The sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and pine needles. Finally, they reached a secluded pool, nestled amidst the trees. The crystal clear water reflected the greenery around it, creating a peaceful oasis in the midst of the dense forest.

Aragorn reached over and took her hand. The touch of Aragorn's calloused hand sent a shiver down Kitra's spine, his fingers intertwining with hers as they sat at the edge of the serene pool. She glanced up at him, her heart fluttering in her chest as she met his steady gaze. Those piercing eyes seemed to see straight into her soul, reading every fear and vulnerability that she tried so hard to conceal.

"Kitra," he said softly, his voice low and soothing. "What troubles you? I can see the shadow of unease in your eyes."

She hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to put into words the horrors that had plagued her mind. But as she looked into Aragorn's face, seeing the genuine concern etched into his features, she found herself opening up. Kitra's heart raced with fear as she hesitated before recounting the haunting nightmare that plagued her. Aragorn sensed her distress and wrapped a comforting arm around her, his presence a steady anchor in the face of the darkness consuming her thoughts. The air around them felt heavy and charged with emotion as Kitra finally shared her fears with him under the moonlit sky.

Kitra took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly as she began to recount the chilling details of her nightmare. "I was lost in darkness, suffocated by despair. And then I saw it - the tower of Barad-dûr, with the Eye of Sauron fixed upon me." She shuddered at the memory, her fingers unconsciously tightening around Aragorn's hand.

"He called to me, his voice echoing in my mind. I tried to resist, but then I saw them - my parents, changed into wraiths under his command." A single tear slipped down her cheek as she remembered their blank, soulless eyes. "My mother...she's alive."

Aragorn listened intently, his brow furrowed with concern as Kitra described the horrifying details of her nightmare. His heart ached for her, knowing the pain and anguish she must be feeling at the thought of her parents under Sauron's control. He gently brushed away the tear that trailed down her cheek, his touch a silent gesture of comfort and support.

"But know that you are not alone in this darkness. I am here with you, as are all of our companions. We will face this evil together." he said softly, his eyes filled with empathy.

Kitra leaned into his touch, drawing strength from his steady presence. She took a shuddering breath, trying to calm the tumult of emotions raging within her. "I fear for what lies ahead, Aragorn. What if I'm not strong enough?"

Aragorn cupped Kitra's face gently in his hands, his eyes locked with hers in an intense gaze. "Kitra, you are one of the strongest people I know. Your courage and resilience never cease to amaze me." His voice was low and earnest, each word spoken with heartfelt conviction. "The darkness may try to claim you, but I have faith that your light will prevail."

Kitra felt her heart swell at his words, a flicker of hope igniting within her. She leaned into his touch, savoring the warmth of his rough palms against her skin. "Thank you, Aragorn," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "Your belief in me means more than you could ever know."

A ghost of a smile tugged at the corner of Aragorn's lips as he gently brushed a stray lock of hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear with a tender touch. His fingers lingered for a moment, tracing the delicate curve of her cheek as he gazed into her eyes. In that moment, the world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in this secluded sanctuary.