Journey’s End
Chapter 42
The Days of Peace
I woke from my unusually deep sleep and yawned, smiling as I realised that Aragorn’s arms were curled protectively around me and we both lay on one of the luxurious long couches in his quarters.
We had sat up late last night, talking until the early hours of the morning, and at some point I must have fallen asleep... I shifted a little, so I was lying more comfortably against his chest and looked up into his peaceful face, watching him breathe evenly in his sleep.
Last night, after I had confessed to him, we had returned to the hall, hand in hand. No one except maybe Legolas and Gandalf had noticed. Gimli was too intoxicated, and everyone else was too busy enjoying themselves to notice the glances Aragorn and I kept casting towards each other.
I smiled to myself as I caught sight of the Ring of Barahir on my finger. We hadn’t officially told anyone yet… But I knew a few people would have noticed. I hadn’t made any attempts to hide it last night; I just acted as normally as I could, while inside I was bursting with happiness.
Aragorn stirred a little, and slowly blinked awake.
“Good morning…You’re Highness.” I whispered softly with a smirk as he smiled at me.
“Hm?” He murmured, raising an eyebrow. “I’ll get to call you that before too long, remember?” He smiled a little as he lifted my hand which wore his ring. He kissed the back of it softly as I blushed.
“I never thought I would end up settling down like this… No more adventures for me I guess.” I sighed, resting my head against his chest as he lowered my hand.
“I see this as the most exciting adventure of all.” Aragorn whispered.
“Well, it’s hardly dangerous…” I teased, sitting up and poking him gently in the chest.
“It can be as dangerous as you want it to be.” He said with a smile I knew all-too-well. He sat up and threw a cushion at me.
“Ouch…” I muttered sarcastically, standing and stretching with a yawn. I heard Aragorn stand behind me. “So, what’s on the royal agenda today?” I asked as he hugged me from behind.
“Don’t you think we should officially announce our engagement?” He murmured softly into my hair. I turned to face him with wide eyes.
“To the entire city?”
He laughed a little at my reaction, lifting his hand to gently brush away a strand of hair that had fallen into my eyes, while keeping his other arm wrapped securely around my waist.
“Maybe just a few people, I don’t think the entire population would be willing to march back up here two days in a row.” He chuckled softly, kissing my forehead. I was about to say something, but I quickly forgot as Aragorn gently tightened his hold in my waist and pulled me closer, swiftly closing the gap between our lips.
“Erm…” I murmured as he pulled back after a few seconds, “Shouldn’t I change?” I tugged at my loose shirt to enforce my point. I’d worn it yesterday, and overnight, and that was alright when you were sleeping rough, but probably not alright in the Court of the King… Aragorn smiled, tousling my hair a little.
“Of course, I’m sure there’s something around here that you can wear…”
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