His Queen

EPILOGUE

Five or six years had passed since the fall of Sauron, and Middle-earth had been blessed with a peace unlike anything Kitra could have imagined during the war. The weight of those dark days felt like a distant memory now, replaced by a warmth and joy that filled the air of Gondor. The White City had been rebuilt, its walls stronger than ever, and life had resumed in a way that Kitra had only dreamed of during the long, difficult battles.

Kitra stood on one of the terraces of the Citadel, her hand resting lightly on the rounded curve of her belly. She gazed out at the horizon, the sun setting in shades of gold and crimson, casting a warm glow over the city. Minas Tirith was vibrant, alive with the laughter of children and the murmur of families going about their lives. The world had moved forward—healed. And so had she.

Her thoughts drifted to her wedding day. The memory was still vivid, the joy of standing beside Aragorn as they exchanged vows under the archways of Gondor. The whole city had come to life in celebration, and Kitra could still hear the sound of bells ringing, the people's cheers, and Aragorn's soft voice as he whispered promises of love and devotion. He had looked at her as if she were his world, and even after all these years, she knew she still was.

Kitra smiled to herself, glancing down at her two children, who were playing in the gardens just below. Eldarion, their eldest, was a spitting image of Aragorn, with dark hair and sharp features, though his eyes—his eyes were all hers. His younger sister, Eleniel, followed closely behind him, her little hands grasping at the flowers as she tried to keep up with her brother. Kitra's heart swelled with love for them both, and the tiny flutter in her belly reminded her that soon, they would have another little one to join their family.

"Mother, come see what I found!" Eldarion called up to her, his voice full of excitement.

Kitra chuckled and waved to him. "I'll be right down!" she called back, feeling the familiar ache of happiness in her chest. Life, it seemed, had become so simple—so beautifully full.

A rustling behind her drew her attention, and she turned to see Aragorn approaching. He smiled as their eyes met, the same love and adoration shining in his gaze that had always been there.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, his voice gentle as he placed a hand on her belly, his fingers brushing lightly over the fabric of her gown.

"Content," Kitra replied with a soft smile. "Happy."

Aragorn's smile deepened, and he leaned down to kiss her forehead. "As am I."

Together, they stood in comfortable silence, watching their children play. But Kitra's thoughts drifted beyond their small family, to the people they loved and the friends they cherished.

Alana and Faramir had flourished in their marriage. Their bond had always been strong, but now, with two beautiful children of their own, their love seemed even more unbreakable. Kitra often spent time with them, watching Alana chase after their little ones, laughing and shouting as Faramir pretended to be the stern soldier but ultimately failing as their children's joy broke through his resolve. Seeing them so happy brought Kitra endless peace. She knew how hard they had fought for this life—how much they had sacrificed—and it warmed her heart to see them basking in it.

There had been more good news recently, too. Lyra and Éomer had finally married, uniting Gondor and Rohan even further with their love. Kitra smiled to herself, thinking about the last letter she had received from Lyra. There had been no hiding the joy in her words as she described their life together in Rohan. Lyra had always been full of fire and passion, and it seemed Éomer was the perfect match for her.

Kitra's heart swelled further with the memory of a farewell she had never quite expected. Legolas and Arwen had sailed to the Undying Lands, their love carrying them across the seas where they could live in peace. Kitra had known from the start that their time in Middle-earth would be temporary, but still, it had been hard to say goodbye. Yet there was a beauty in knowing that they had found their place, just as she had found hers here.

Then, of course, there had been the departure of Frodo and Bilbo, who had also taken the ship to the Undying Lands. Gandalf had gone with them, and Kitra had wept, knowing that a piece of Middle-earth's history was sailing away. But it was time. Frodo had done more than any of them could ask, and he deserved the peace that awaited him across the sea. Bilbo, too, had earned his rest.

Kitra's thoughts turned to her brother, Carth, who had returned to his home safely. He had written to her often, describing how peaceful life had become for him and his family. With two more children added to their growing household, Carth seemed to be thriving, just as Kitra had hoped. She could almost see his smile in his letters, and it brought her endless joy to know that he was happy.

"Kitra," Aragorn's voice brought her back to the present, and she turned to him, smiling.

"Yes, love?"

He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and looked out over the city. "I think we did it," he said softly, his voice filled with a quiet sense of wonder.

Kitra followed his gaze, her heart swelling with love and pride for the life they had built together. "Yes," she agreed, her voice soft. "We did."

And in that moment, standing beside Aragorn, watching their children play in the gardens of the White City, Kitra knew that no matter what challenges might lie ahead, they would face them together, with love, strength, and the unbreakable bond they had forged in the fires of both war and peace.

The future was theirs.