His Queen

Chapter 34 - Kitra

The soft glow of moonlight bathed the gardens below in silver, and the gentle breeze carried the scent of the surrounding trees and flowers. Kitra stood gracefully in the softly lit room, adorned in a gown that seemed to float around her. The dress, a pale lavender hue, draped elegantly over her form. Its deep V-neckline plunged daringly, accentuating her figure while maintaining an air of regal sophistication.

The gown's bodice hugged her torso, gathered artfully at the waist with a delicate twist of fabric. From there, the skirt flowed to the floor in gentle folds, creating an ethereal silhouette. What truly set the dress apart were its gossamer-like sleeves - or rather, cape-like extensions that flowed from her shoulders, cascading down her arms and nearly touching the ground. These diaphanous panels added a dreamlike quality to her ensemble, as if she might take flight at any moment.

Kitra's hair was styled in an intricate updo, with a few soft tendrils framing her face. The simplicity of her jewelry - a bracelet on one wrist - allowed the dress to be the focal point. As she stood there, bathed in the warm glow of candlelight, Kitra embodied an otherworldly elegance, like a vision from a forgotten age of romance and magic.

She stood there, watching the stars glimmer above, feeling a sense of peace that seemed distant from the world of war and danger they now faced. She turned to find Aragorn lying on the bed nearby, his eyes closed, his face relaxed in a way she hadn't seen in months. A smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she walked over to him, her heart swelling with the love she held for him.

"My love does not wax and wane," Kitra said softly, her voice filled with warmth. "It is mine to give to whom I will. Like my heart." She leaned down, brushing a tender kiss against his lips. "Go to sleep."

Aragorn, his eyes still closed, smiled slightly. "I am asleep," he murmured, then opened his eyes to find her standing over him, her features bathed in moonlight. A look of realization crossed his face. "This is a dream."

Kitra smiled down at him. "Then it is a good dream," she whispered. She leaned down once more, pressing her lips to his in a kiss that lingered, filled with the unspoken love they shared. As she pulled back, her hand lingered on his cheek, but concern flickered in her eyes as she gazed at him, sensing the weight he carried even in this dream.

Aragorn's hand came up to stroke her face gently, his touch familiar and grounding. His expression softened as he looked at her, but Kitra's concern remained. She kissed him again, her way of offering him comfort, and whispered against his lips, "Sleep."

He closed his eyes, surrendering to the peace of the dream. Kitra stood slowly, moving away to the edge of the balcony. She gazed out at the gardens, her heart heavy with the knowledge of the path that lay ahead for them both.

Behind her, Aragorn's voice broke the stillness. "Minlû pendich nin i aur hen telitha." His voice was soft, his Elvish words flowing gently in the night air. "You told me once that this day would come."

Kitra's heart tightened at the memory, and she turned her head slightly to look at him over her shoulder. "You, like all your ancestors before you, will lead the people around you to victory," she said, her voice steady but filled with affection. "But unlike them, you are stronger than they were. This has always been your path, Aragorn. Only now is the fog lifting for you to see it clearly."

Aragorn sighed and stood from the bed, walking over to join her at the balcony's edge. He slipped his arm around her waist, pulling her close as he looked out at the night sky with her. "Dolen i vâd o nin," he said quietly. "My path is hidden from me."

Kitra leaned into him, her gaze still fixed on the gardens below. "Si peliannen i vâd na dail lîn," she replied, her words both reassuring and firm. "It is already laid before your feet. You cannot falter now."