His Queen

Chapter 65 - Alana

The golden light of the setting sun bathed Minas Tirith in a warm, serene glow, but Alana's heart remained heavy as she stood at the edge of the Citadel. The city was slowly recovering from the devastation of the war, and she had thrown herself into helping where she could, trying to distract herself from the one thing that weighed on her most: Kitra. Her cousin still hadn't woken up, and no matter how much progress the city made, a part of her remained anchored to that bedside, waiting, hoping.

Soft footsteps approached from behind, but she didn't turn. She already knew who it was. Faramir's presence was as familiar as her own breath now. When he stepped beside her, she felt the warmth of his presence ease some of the tension in her shoulders, though the ache in her heart remained.

"You're lost in thought again," he remarked with a gentle smile, his eyes dancing with playful energy.

Alana raised an eyebrow, her gaze still fixed on the sprawling city below. "And you're not? You've been tirelessly assisting Aragorn all day."

He chuckled, taking a step closer to her. "Ah, but I'm quite skilled at juggling multiple tasks. I can think, rebuild, and worry about a certain someone all at once."

She couldn't help but laugh at his lighthearted banter, finally turning to face him with a mischievous smirk. "Worried about me? I seem to recall it was you who nearly met his end in a dramatic blaze of glory."

Faramir placed a hand over his heart, pretending to be deeply hurt. "Oh, my lady! Your words cut deep. But let it be known, I was very heroic - almost died in a grand and dramatic fashion." His eyes twinkled with amusement as they locked with hers.

Alana shook her head, a soft laugh escaping her lips as she looked at Faramir with adoration in her eyes. "Oh, of course. How could I forget your 'dramatic' near-death experience?"

Faramir grinned, eyes sparkling with genuine affection and amusement. "Well, you could make it up to me by taking it easy tonight. Rest, maybe even allow yourself a smile? You've more than earned that after everything you've done today."

She uncrossed her arms and leaned against the smooth stone railing, the cool texture soothing against her skin. "A smile? Is that an order from the valiant Captain of Gondor?"

"Captain?" Faramir's voice took on a more playful, intimate tone as he stepped closer to her. "I aspire for much more than just a title, my dear."

Her heart fluttered at his words, the air between them suddenly charged with unspoken emotions. A teasing glint danced in her eyes as she met his gaze. "Oh? And what exactly are you aiming for?"

Faramir's expression softened, though his eyes still held that familiar flirtatious spark. "Well," he said, closing the small distance between them, "I was hoping for a title that involves more than just duty... something like 'your husband'."

Their closeness intensified as they both felt their hearts racing with excitement and anticipation. Alana couldn't help but wonder if this was the beginning of something truly special between them.

Alana's breath caught in her throat, her teasing demeanor faltering as the weight of his words sank in. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could say anything, Faramir reached into his tunic and pulled out a small ring. It glinted in the sunlight, a delicate band of silver adorned with intricate etchings of intertwined vines.

As she took in the beauty of the ring, Faramir's words washed over her like a gentle wave. His voice was soft yet filled with emotion as he declared his love for her. Memories flooded her mind - the battles they had faced together, the moments of laughter and comfort they shared. And now, here he stood before her, offering his heart once again, but this time with the promise of forever.