Very sweet chapter; obviously Edmund is trying hard to win over his wife. He is going at it well! :-)
But I must say that it really is not realistic to have her succumb to him so quickly after his raping her repeatedly, causing her much pain and mental distress. No matter if she chose her fate, sexual and physical abuse is not something that can be got over lightly and quickly... even though some victims do fall in love with their abusers, it is rare and is usually a psychological reaction to the abuse, in other words, a mental disorder caused by the horrors they have gone through.
I think it's a lovely tale and a great idea, but I would realistically give Lucia at least a year before he would even approach her with anything like sexual appetite... sorry, I know it's not easy to fit something like that into a story's timeline, but if you use something like that (repeated rape and other abuse) in a story, I feel it's important to be honest about what really happens to the victims. You're not. The danger of such stories is that readers may imagine what you portray to be the truth and (I know it's improbable...) act on this belief.
Right. I hope you don't mind getting an honest response, but if you really want to write a good, believable story, edit it and make Edmund work harder to gain Lucia's trust! You might want to research the impacts of rape on a woman's mental and emotional health, too.
I have an account on under the same name, like you, so if you have any response to make, I'd be pleased to read it.
Warm regards,
Eloin

I absolutely love this story. I wish there could have been an epilogue or something though. Please please PLEASE continue writing - I'd love to read the sequel if you ever wrote one.

I can't believe I haven't read this yet! All those Eomer/Lothiriel stories I'm addicted to and the best of them all has been here since 2005! Great story. Edmund, hated him then I wanted to jump him. :) BTW my fanfic name is Shana, I've hounded you for updates on just about every story you've done. Lol! As always, your stories come alive and bring me into each scene.

Well, obviously your message made this possible. ;)

I remember reading this not long after you posted it and despairing just as much at the loss of Rion and at the situation she and Galant are in. It's amazing how well you can hold off grieving when faced with what must be done.

Anyway, thanks again for helping me out. This story in particular really pulls on the emotions, and that makes you stand out from many of the other authors on this site and and around.

Wow... that ended rather abruptly. However, I guess I'm not sure where it could've gone. I would have liked to have read about her having the child and seeing that it truly was a boy. Oh well. I really enjoyed the story though I'll check out any other stories that you post.

shame for merrick but a triumph for everyone else involved! i cannot wait for the sequel, this was a believable and lovely story :)

now THAT was harsh...i suppose it was the custom in medieval times or whenever it is. i forsee some conflict between merrick and edmund though!

idiotic man!! just a shame that her brother had to die as a result of her father's pride. good characterisation :)

I just wanted to say that i loved your story, i think you write very well and you should keep writing.

i love this story! it is the first time i've read anything on fictionpress and i am glad i did! i clicked on the link in your fanfiction profile and this is how i got here! and i already registered to this site so i can read more!

-Michelle Habibi

Hi,I have been indisposed for the past month, but while I've entertained myself with reading your stories, I felt not well enough to sit up and review.

I would like to make that up a bit and just tell you how much I enjoyed this particular story. I loved the character of Lucia very much, and in the end made my peace with Edmund (almost). The end came just too quickly but it is good to hear that there will be a sequel of some kind.

I'm really looking forward to it. Thanks for the lovely entertainment.

that's it??

ah...was that like the ending of the story??

soo good! i luv it! looking forward to a sequel...

What a shame this story has come to an end, but at least there is a sequel in the offing.

I like your Lucia very much, but I have to admit I cannot warm to Edmund after what he did to her, even though you explained his motivation and also hers for forgiving him. He was too sure of himself in the last chapters for my liking. I really would have liked to see extensive grovelling! Or that dog bite I mentioned earlier on.

On the other hand you don't just let it end in happiness and harmony. It's not surprising Lucia should suffer from nightmares after what she went through.

The water gardens sound interesting and your writing is very fluent (as usual!). Thank you for an enjoyable read!