Celebrian, 05th June, Year 67, Fourth Age

Little by little, life in Rohan had returned to normal, as far as that was possible with a new heir. And with the Crown Council. I hated most of those old know-it-alls. My son was not yet three months old and they were already discussing things like having his own household or even his betrothal! Fortunately, however, they couldn't decide anything without my signature. Therefore, after a short time, they had returned to more important things.

Today Théodred and I had taken some time off. The time we spent together outside our bedroom was rare. Nevertheless, we had become accustomed to each other by now. Whether we felt "enough love" for each other, as a good marriage should, I did not know. "Celebrian?" "Yes?" "Have you actually thought about Arnor yet?" "What a question! I worry about Arnor all the time. What are you getting at, my husband?"

"It's just that you are the heir after our son. And Alasdair will become King of Rohan, if Eru wills it. But he will not be able to rule in two places at once. That means Arnor would be ruled by Rohan. And a kingdom without a king is vulnerable."

I sighed. "Do we really have to talk politics now while we're alone?" Théodred's expression softened. He brushed a strand of hair from my face.

"I don't want to see you so worried, mo leannan. But it's about our future. And who knows when we'll next have the opportunity to speak quite openly?"

"All right." I sighed. What do you suggest?" "We have two choices, and both are based on luck. Either our next son becomes the heir to the throne of Arnor, or your mother makes another good match and gives birth. Thus the royal houses would be separated again."

"It all sounds so simple. You talk of another son as if an heir could be bought in the marketplace. Have you ever thought about how many women die in childbirth?"

"Yes, I am aware of that. But you are young and healthy, you should not concern yourself with such thoughts." I knew Théodred was trying to placate me, but I didn't care.

How long had we been married now? About a year. Looking back, I had always tried to do the right thing during that year. But what had I achieved? Yes, I had secured the line. With that, my duty as a wife had been fulfilled for the time being. But there needs to be an heir and a replacement, for both kingdoms, a quiet voice inside me admonished. I clenched my hands into fists and looked at my husband.

"I know my duty very well! But I do not see why we should worry about vague notions of the future. There are far more important matters to be settled now that the succession is assured. I must relearn the tongue of the Rohirrim. What will the people of Rohan think of me if I speak a foreign tongue instead of theirs in the heart of their homeland? I am not naive. If the people rise up against me..."

Théodred did not answer immediately and seemed to ponder my words. "I understand your point of view, or so I think. You prefer to concern yourself with matters that you can directly influence, do you not? But well, then, let us make the most of the time."

"A bheil banrìgh comasach a th'annad?"

This made me smile. Not only had Théodred asked me a really strange question, he had done it in a very broad Rohirrim accent.

"Did you really just ask your queen if she was useful? That borders on treason!"

He didn't laugh. "Yes, and so it will be heard throughout the land if you continue to speak only Gàidhlig. Not only must you change your ways, so must your entire court. You must demonstrate unity, consort."

I sighed. "Bidh mi..." I cleared my throat and put the words down. "Je... vais.... changer... des choses." He was right, I needed to change some things. And I would start with those sacrilegious hairnets.

Before we could continue the conversation, a messenger reached us. "Your Majesty? Please forgive the intrusion, but I have an urgent letter to deliver from Arnor. The Regent instructed me to deliver it to you personally."

"What could Mother possibly want? She only wrote to me last week, didn't she?" I asked, confused, leaning against the cool wall of Meduseld Hall with the letter.

"My dear daughter, I hope this letter reaches you as soon as possible. As you know, I have reliable informants in Gondor. So I will refrain from further explanations, for time is running out. King Eldarion's condition has deteriorated massively in recent weeks. There is talk of an accident and an infected wound. What really happened, we do not know.

The fact is that the Council is ruling the country until the king recovers. Should this not be the case, have mercy on us Eru! Even though Eldarion has been guilty of wrongdoing, he has always been careful to preserve the fragile peace between Gondor and Rohan. He has witnessed the aftermath of the War of the Ring from childhood and did not want to cause more suffering.

But if the worst comes to the worst, dark years lie ahead. Barring a war of the roses between the Crown Council and the royal family, the throne will go to Princess Sienna. She is young and, according to reports, temperamental. Who can predict what she will do when she is in power? Unless she is soundly married off, she is not tied to any man. So it will be very difficult to set limits on her.

Until we know more, however, I can give you no better advice than to prepare for a storm. Do not weigh yourself in false security!"

I lowered the letter and took a deep breath. "Dhia glèidh rìgh Eldarion..." (God save King Eldarion)