the kingdom was hit by a war that could have destined the fate of all living things.

all men who were capable of it had to fight for survival, no matter if they had experience with weapons or not. It was a desperate measure and there was no other choice.

you knew that, but you couldn't find a place for yourself, wandering from one wall to another in your chambers. It was his duty, he's a knight, your knight, and he served the kingdom more than anyone else, he's loyal to the king and you like no one else.

that's why, the night before all this, he came into your chambers to see you.

the weight on his heart became even heavier when a faint light of hope appeared in your eyes. your fingers tightened on his palms, stroking his roughened skin.

"everything's going to be okay, right?" you whispered, not taking your eyes off his face. "will everything end in victory and you'll be unharmed?"

"I can't promise that, Your Highness."

"please." your fingers are gripping his palms tighter. "promise that you will come back to me."

in response, Aragorn just gently brought your palm to his lips. "I'll do my best for this."

that was your last conversation.

the war ended with the victory of the humans, but the news that Aragorn was defeated spread throughout the kingdom and reached the royal family last.

you couldn't find a place in yourself, soaking silk pillows with your tears and begging the servants to tell you that it was all a mistake, but in response you received only sympathetic glances.

therefore, when you hear someone's voice saying "Your Highness," you wave your hand in their direction and reply, "go away, I don't want to see anyone." until the realization hits you and you look up to see it.

your hands drop to your sides when you look at a man as if you're seeing him for the first time.

In disbelief, you walk up to him, wrapping your arms around him and squeezing his chainmail so hard that it hurts.

"you're here...I just can't believe it."

Aragorn is tired, he smells of dried blood and dirt when he raises his hand to stroke your hair.

"I had to, Your Highness. I swore to protect you for the rest of my life, no matter what it cost me."

and {{user}} believes him because he came back from hell just to keep his vow.