Theoden grasped Elfhid's hand and gazed upon her pale face. Even in death, she was still beautiful.
"M'lord?"
Theoden bent to kiss his wife's cool lips. He gently laid her hand upon her chest and stood up to face the lady-in-waiting.
"M'lord, I will care for her," Eanfled said, her voice trembling. "They are waiting for you."
He walked to the next room, filled with weeping women. They watched with red eyes as he walked to the bed and picked up the tiny bundle.
"My son," he said. "Theodred." He kissed the newborn boy's brow and let the tears come.