Title: The Queen and the Soldier
Author: Sairalinde
Type: RPH/RPS
Pairing: Liv/Sean B. and Viggo/Orli
Rating: Explicit Sex
Warning: A.U. fairytale type thing.
Beta: Glorfindel
Website: www.lordsofgondor.com
Live Journal: www.livejournal.com/users/sairalinde
Disclaimer: This never happened...if it did well let's just say I'd be really surprised! Basically this story is based on the song The Queen and the Soldier by Kate Rusby and Kathryn Roberts. The story is original and I look at A.U. like I was writing a movie and if I was going to use the cast from the LOTR what parts I would have them play. I am only using names and physical descriptions of real people, but don't know them blah, blah, blah. This was written in fun that's all.
Feedback: Yes, please send to Sairalinde @ hornofgondor.com
Archiving: Anywhere you want it just let me know.
Notes: Set in a somewhat mixed Colonial/Medieval era. The Queen is 18 and the Prince is 19. Sean is 30 and Viggo 32, just so you can understand the references to age that are made in the story. I know it's not accurate it's A.U. remember? ;-)
Summary: War has raged between the Northern and Southern nations for the past 25 years. The young Queen Olivia of the North and the young Prince Orlando of the South want peace, but there are some who don't want peace. Viggo, Sean, Orlando, Miranda, and Liv have to work together to bring peace and overcome Liv's controlling Uncle Hugo. (Apologies ahead of time to Hugo and Karl fans.)
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Lyrics that inspired the story as performed by Kate Rusby and Kathryn Roberts can be found here: http://www.livejournal.com/users/sairalinde/13067.html

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[Chapter 1] [Chapter 2] [Chapter 3] [Chapter 4] [Chapter 5] [Chapter 6]

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Chapter 4

Viggo came to the palace, the next evening after setting his part of the plan in motion. He wanted to be within the walls as their plan was revealed. He would protect Liv from Hugo's wrath if he could, just his presence in the palace was enough to deter the other man. Viggo suspected him to be a coward when dealing with another man.

Liv was yet again standing at her window watching the battle field.

"You are worried about the Colonel?" Viggo asked putting his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder.

"Very." Liv admitted.

"He knows his way around a battlefield." Viggo answered trying to reassure her.

"I know…but tomorrow he is going to go against all the other officers." She whispered.

"I know, Orlando said that his troops will lay down their arms before noon." Viggo answered.

"I don't want to see any more die, on either side." Liv answered sadly.

Viggo pulled her closer and kissed her cheek. "It will all work out, Liv."

Hugo's voice could be heard outside the door.

"I don't understand why you must insist on announcing me…it's not like there are any other people here!" He chided Miranda.

Viggo quickly pulled away from Liv and sat at the table picking up a book.

"Ah, Lord Mortensen. I did not expect to see you here." Hugo said standing shocked. Miranda was behind him with a smirk on her face but he shut the door on her.

"I would suggest you get used to it, sir." Viggo answered smartly and Hugo frowned. Perhaps Mortensen was not such a good match for Liv…he has been harder to control as of late.

"I should?" Hugo asked.

"Yes, we were just discussing the wedding. Liv would like red flowers, wasn't it red, my love?" Viggo asked over the top of his book.

"Yes, red roses. Next month in June the garden will be filled with them. What do you think, Uncle?" Liv asked playing along with the joke.

"Next month? Short engagement isn't it?" Hugo asked warily.

"Not when you consider the fact I have known Liv since before she was even born!" Viggo teased and Liv giggled.

Hugo began to wonder how long the two had actually been together, if it was as long as he suspected then Mortensen was a rogue. He couldn't help but like that idea though, good blackmail material could be had from that.

"So what brings you to the queens chamber?" Viggo asked setting his book aside.

"I…uh. Nothing, just wanted to say good morning." Hugo answered but Viggo could see him gripping a riding crop tightly. So that was why he came…Cate must be in horrible shape and now he has to take it out on Liv.

"Going riding then?" Viggo asked noting the crop.

"What? Oh yes, lovely day for it." Hugo answered having forgotten about the crop upon seeing the other man.

"You should ride out and greet the troops, I hear we were victorious again this morning." Viggo answered.

"Perhaps." He said, "Good day." Hugo turned on his heel and fled.

Liv looked at Viggo and he began to laugh. "We couldn't get so lucky as to have him ride out to the battlefield so the Colonel could 'accidentally' shoot him in the back could we?"

"Him? He's too much of a coward to even set one foot in that direction." Liv said laughing harder.

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Sean had talked to his men, passed the word amongst the ranks and now word was traveling quickly among the enlisted men. Tomorrow at noon they would all just stop fighting. It was a simple plan, just lay down their arms and stop.

He hoped this plan would work, but really what could the officers do? The men when pressed would easily turn on them. Especially after the way some of the officers treated their men. It would be easy and no one would say a word.

"Sir, I just heard that word has reached the second battalion. By dawn the entire army will know the Queen's plan." Ensign Wood explained in hushed tones.

"Good. Keep it from the other officers, you know which ones, Wood, and no drinking tonight. Spread that word too, we need no loose lips if you get my meaning." Sean warned.

"Yes, Colonel." The young Ensign said quickly snapping a salute and heading back amongst the enlisted men.

Each company Sergeant or Ensign who Sean knew could be trusted had been given a decree signed by their Queen and the Prince of the Southern nations. They knew the validity of the Colonel's request from that piece of paper alone, and could use it to persuade unbelieving soldiers.

The battles that day and night were half hearted on both sides. The troops on both sides of the war were biding their time. Many expert marksmen deliberately missing their marks or inflicting only minor flesh wounds. It was all coming to an end.

Noon the next day could not arrive soon enough for the Light Company and when it did officers all around were in shock. The enemy and their own men simply stopped fighting. The silence as they say was deafening for several moments.

Some officers began shouting at their men to pick up their arms, but the men ignored them or pulled them from their horses and tied them up. Colonel Bean was the highest ranking officer left on the field not tied and gagged. He met with the General from the Southern nations and they exchanged their swords in a gesture of peace.

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Hugo burst into the Queen's chamber.

"What's happening out there?" He cried trying to shove Miranda off who was tugging at his arm trying to stop him from entering the Queen's chamber.

Liv was standing at the window watching with Viggo, both of them smiling.

"The war has ended." Viggo answered turning toward the other man.

"What? Who gave the order?" Hugo demanded.

"I did." Liv answered.

"And so did I." Another voice answered from the doorway and Viggo's face split into a huge grin.

"Lord Hugo Weaving, I don't believe you have ever met Crown Prince Orlando Bloom, of the Southern nations." Viggo said cordially.

"What? How?" Hugo stammered.

"I have been requesting a peace meeting with the Queen for months now, but all of my requests have been denied. A few weeks ago one of my dispatch riders was intercepted by one of your officers, who brought the dispatches to the Queen's attention. Who then gave the dispatches to Lord Mortensen to present at the council of war review. They authenticated the dispatches and last night the Queen and I met in secret and notified the troops of a cease fire. It's all very simple, Lord Weaving. The war is over." Prince Bloom explained.

Orlando smiled at Viggo. Most of it was the truth, and the only reason he was here now was one of his spies in the war office warned him that Hugo had heard a rumor and was on his way to the palace. He knew his presence would be needed to prevent Hugo from inflicting his wrath on the young Queen.

"I trust you are happy to know we are at peace now?" Orlando goaded.

"Happy?" Hugo spat then stopped himself. "Oh yes, very happy. I am sure your sire will be happy as well."

"He is quite happy." Orlando assured him.

"I must go and tell my wife." Hugo said then heading for the door.

"That might prove difficult. Last night Aunt Cate went to the Western nations to visit some old friends of hers." Liv informed him. She knew she would have to move Cate or Hugo might kill her in his rage.

"What?" He screamed angrily. This was too much! He spun and advanced toward Liv but Viggo stepped in front of her.

"I think you forget yourself, Hugo." Viggo warned icily.

Hugo stopped and turned on his heel heading back out the way he had come.

"He's a dangerous one. Perhaps you should stay here a few more days, Viggo." Orlando offered.

"Yes. I will be with you at your palace soon, love." Viggo answered.

Liv stood there for a moment and then shook her head. "No, Viggo, go with the Prince. You owe me nothing, and you two should be together. My servants will be returning, and my guard commanded by the Colonel. I will be quite safe." Liv assured.

"I don't want to leave you while he is still free. He may be a coward but he is smart. He will kill you for this." Viggo answered.

"I will be fine. It's time I start acting like a Queen and as your Queen I am giving you an order, Lord Mortensen. Go with your lover." She answered regally.

Orlando smiled at her. Now he knew why Viggo cared so much for the young Queen.

"If you need anything at all the Southern nation is at your disposal, Queen Olivia." Orlando answered.

"Thank you."

Viggo and the Prince stayed until Sean arrived. It was as if they weren't even in the room when the handsome Colonel burst through the chamber door on the heels of Miranda; who was hardly able to announce him before he was across the room wrapping the Queen in his arms and kissing her breathless.

Viggo and Orlando stood smiling at the couple when finally they broke their kiss.

"Colonel Sean Bean, of the Light Company, I would like to introduce you to Crown Prince Orlando Bloom, of the Southern nations." Liv said breathlessly trying to look as regal as possible even though she was blushing wildly.

"Pardon me your majesty." Sean said bowing to the Prince turning a brilliant shade of red. He hadn't expected the young Prince to be there, or Lord Mortensen.

"Excused, Colonel. Thank you for helping us to bring peace to our nations. Lord Mortensen has told me of your loyalty to your Queen. A leader should always have such loyal subjects." Orlando said smiling at the handsome man who obviously adored his Queen as more than a loyal subject.

Sean smiled and both Viggo and Orlando could see the warmth and kindness radiating from the soldier. The young Queen would be very safe with him, though Orlando couldn't say as much for her virtue.

Miranda cleared her throat and then said, "Your servants have returned my Queen. They are in the courtyard, awaiting your word."

"Oh, yes. We should not keep them waiting." Liv said crossing to her friend and taking her hand. The Colonel stood looking somewhat lost until Liv turned back and grabbed his hand.

"Come along, Sean." She admonished softly and he laughed.

Viggo and Orlando followed behind smiling at the servant girl hand in hand with her Queen and the soldier on the other side hand in hand with his love.

"That would be worth painting, love." Orlando said with a wink.

"Yes, it would." Viggo agreed taking Orlando's hand in his own and kissing the olive skinned hand.
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Once the Queen met with her servants she asked the Colonel to speak with her.

"Colonel, I would like for you to do something for me." She asked.

"Anything you wish, my lady, you know that." Sean answered.

Liv smiled sweetly at him. "I wish for you to oversee my guard. You know the men best, I will need a number of trustworthy men to protect me." She began.

"Yes, of course. I already have men in mind actually. Men I know can be trusted." Sean answered.

"Good, oh and, Sean?" Liv asked. "I don't believe a Colonel can head an army, only a General or King can do that."

"Oh." He answered softly.

"So gather your men, bring them to the courtyard and this afternoon we will have your promotion ceremony." Liv answered.

Sean stood there shocked for a moment and then smiled. "As you wish, my lady."

That afternoon Sean had gathered his men in the courtyard for the Queen. Lord Mortensen and Prince Bloom attended as well as a few other Lords and secretaries from the war council to record the proceedings.

The ceremony was short and simple. Sean was now General of the Northern nations. His first assignment was to secure the palace.

He handed out a few promotions himself to men he knew were deserving such honor and assigned his friend Lieutenant David Wenham as Captain of the Royal Guard and personal bodyguard of the Queen. He trusted no one more.

Once the servants were settled back in to palace life, and the guard was in place Sean set about getting the rest of the army in order. Releasing many of the conscripts and enlisted men and those who wanted to stay he assigned to different areas.

By the time the sun set that night Sean was exhausted. For the first time he found himself alone in a small parlor and wondering where he was to sleep. He had been in the army so long he had no home, he had no place to go to.

He looked up from the paper work he was going over to find the Queen smiling at him.

"My lady, forgive me I didn't hear you knock." He said standing quickly almost upsetting the small table he was using as a desk.

The Queen giggled and said, "That is because I did not knock. You look tired, General. Are you hungry?"

"Actually I am." He answered honestly.

"Then join me for dinner. Prince Bloom and Lord Mortensen decided to stay until morning and I would like your company as well." Liv invited.

"Thank you, my lady." Sean answered noticing David standing just outside the doorway. "I see your new guard is taking his job seriously."

"That he is, he wouldn't let me walk in my own garden this afternoon!" Liv said frowning.

Sean almost laughed but thought better of it. "Until the palace is more settled I asked him to keep you inside, it is only for a few days. I do not trust Lord Weaving, my lady. In a few weeks you should be able to walk wherever you want. Your Uncle is sure to come to his senses soon."

"That isn't the point, I…" Liv defended but Sean stopped her.

"Yes, that is entirely the point, my lady. Your life is worth more than a walk in the garden! Please heed my word in this, if not then take a full escort on your walks, it is only for a short time." Sean warned.

"Next time I will drag you along then." Liv answered smartly. Sean swore he heard David stifle a chuckle just outside the open door.

Sean grinned. "T'will not be a hardship, my lady."

"Sean?" Liv asked.

"Please just call me Liv."

"I think it best if when in the presence of others that I do not break protocol." Sean answered warily.

"Sean, I can make it an order." Liv answered smartly and Sean chuckled.

"Yes, my…er, Liv." Sean stammered drawing a chuckle disguised as a cough from David in the doorway.

"Come along, Sean." Liv held out her hand to him. "Let's not keep our guests waiting."

"Our guests?" Sean inquired.

"Of course, the palace is now your home as well. Viggo's father was my father's General and he and his family lived within the Palace walls. Because of my Uncle no General lived here these many years, but now that we are at peace and my Uncle is gone I would expect you to stay." Liv answered.

"I see." Sean answered noting that David was walking along behind them and listening to their every word.

"Although if you do not wish to…"

"No, no. It is fine." Sean assured.

"Good. Also…well that means I will get to spend time with you at the very least dinner each night." Liv added, "It's not an entirely unselfish offer."

Sean laughed. "I see, well in that case of course I will stay."

Liv laughed and tugged him closer and whispered in his ear, "Do you think the Captain will mind if I was to kiss you?"

Sean stopped so suddenly the young Captain nearly ran into him and then backed up.

"What?" Sean asked.

"Well…you had no qualms about it in front of Lord Mortensen and Prince Bloom." Liv stated with a frown.

"I didn't know they were there." Sean defended softly.

"You knew my servant Miranda was. Nearly ran her down before you kissed me senseless!" Liv teased.

Sean grinned and rubbed the back of his neck. "Yes, I should apologize to the poor lass…again."

"You apologize far too much." Liv teased.

"Seems all I am good at." Sean murmured.

"No, General, not all." Liv added coyly and that time Captain Wenham was unable to conceal his laugh with a cough.

Sean turned on him then. "Captain, I assigned you to guard the Queen because I trust you. Do not overstep that bound or break my trust or the trust of your Queen…do I make myself clear?"

"Exceedingly, General." David answered with a gulp. The smile quickly leaving his face along with most of his coloring.

"Good." Sean answered then turned and pulled the Queen in for a kiss, which lasted far longer than was socially acceptable in front of an audience. His point had been well made.

The Queen was still blushing when they made it to the dining hall.

Viggo looked up and grinned devilishly. "Liv, you blush quite often these days…perhaps you should take to wearing lighter weight gowns I think the heat is getting to you dear." He teased and Orlando kicked him under the table.

Continue to chapter 5