His Queen

Chapter 53 - Kitra

Kitra stood just outside the tent, watching as Aragorn prepared his horse for the journey ahead. The weight of what was about to happen settled heavily on her shoulders, but she masked her emotions, focusing on helping him pack his belongings. She tried to stay calm, even though a growing dread filled her chest.

"I'm glad Lord Elrond got here in time," Kitra said softly, breaking the silence between them. She glanced at Aragorn, trying to draw some comfort from his presence, knowing soon enough they would be parted.

Aragorn paused, turning to her, holding the sword Elrond had reforged in his hands. He lifted it slightly. "You are behind this?" he asked, though his tone held more admiration than surprise.

Kitra smiled faintly. "After Alana departed from Edoras, I sent letters to Carth asking for aid and then a letter to Lord Elrond, requesting the sword be reforged. I knew you'd need it before the final battle."

Aragorn looked at her, his gaze soft but filled with resolve. "I must take the Dimholt road."

Kitra's heart clenched at his words. "I'll gather my things," she said quickly, preparing herself mentally for the journey she intended to take with him.

But Aragorn shook his head, stepping closer to her. "No, your presence is needed here." He placed his hand gently on her cheek, his thumb brushing her lips as she began to protest. "Carth has no relationship with Rohan. You will need to be here to ensure that bond is forged."

Kitra's eyes welled with emotion. "But... what if—" she began, but Aragorn gently pressed a finger to her lips to silence her.

"Please," he whispered, his voice low and sincere. "Do this. For me."

Kitra closed her eyes for a moment, fighting back the fear that threatened to overwhelm her. "I fear that if you leave now, I won't see you again," she whispered, her voice cracking with the weight of her emotions.

Aragorn's gaze softened as he pulled her closer, his forehead resting gently against hers. "I have hope that this isn't the last time I will see you, meleth nin," he whispered, his lips brushing hers briefly in a tender kiss.

Kitra held onto him tightly, not wanting to let go. "Stay safe for me? Please," she pleaded, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I'll come back to you," Aragorn promised, his voice filled with conviction. He kissed her one last time before stepping away, leaving her standing in the tent, her heart aching with the fear of losing him.

As they prepared Aragorn's horse, Eowyn approached. "Why are you doing this?" Eowyn asked, her voice filled with frustration. "The war lies to the East. You cannot leave on the eve of battle. You cannot abandon the men."

"Eowyn," Aragorn began, his voice steady, though a hint of weariness crept in.

"We need you here," Eowyn insisted, her eyes pleading as she took a step closer to him.

Aragorn looked at her with a mixture of compassion and understanding. "Why have you come?" he asked quietly.

"Do you not know?" Eowyn's voice trembled slightly, though she tried to hide her vulnerability.

Aragorn's expression softened, and he shook his head gently. "It is but a shadow and a thought that you love," he said, his voice full of sympathy. "I cannot give you what you seek."

Eowyn's face crumpled with emotion as she backed away, her hopes dashed. Aragorn reached out, gently touching her face with his hand, his fingers brushing a tear from her cheek. "I have wished you joy since first I saw you," he whispered before turning and walking away.