Author’s note: Okay, here’s a more detailed summary of this story.

I always hated it that Théodred had such a small part in both the movie and the book(s), so I wanted to create a story especially dedicated to him.

Some events are true to the movie version, but this is mainly an AU fic!

The people of Rohan are at the edge of peril and King Théoden has fallen under the lies of Grima Wormtongue. Théodred is the only one who sees the truth...but once the King realizes Grima's betrayal, it's too late…

The truth has been twisted so many times into lies…that by the time the battle is about to begin, the lies become the truth and the truth itself becomes but an excuse for delusions and madness…

Disclaimer:I guess it’s kind of obvious, but I do not own the characters of Middle-Earth. They belong to J.R.R. Tolkien and New Line Cinema. However, any characters you do not recognize, do belong to me!

BROKEN – Prologue
By Ranayana

Edoras, Late January3017

Èowyn looked up at her older cousin and frowned. He was tall and beautiful, with golden hair and crystal blue eyes...but that beauty and pride was overshadowed by something else. Something that pained him deeply.

Èowyn looked into his radiant eyes and saw the hurt and sadness in them. That sadness had been in his gaze ever since his father, the King, had fallen under the spell of Grima Wormtongue, and Èowyn was afraid her cousin was beyond redemption.

Now as she stood there in front of him, looking into those eyes, the memories of the past few days appeared in her mind. Théodred had walked into the great hall and warned the King of roaming orcs at the borders of Westfold. He had said that they moved freely and unstopped across the lands, burning villages as they went. They bore the white hand of Saruman on their helmets.

The King had been upset by the news, but Grima Wormtongue had simply snorted. “That is not possible. Saruman, the white wizard, has ever been our friend and ally...” The advisor bent down beside the King and looked at Théoden. “It seems that your son can no longer discern enemy from ally...and dares to twist it into lies.” He then looked at Théodred, who didn’t flinch. “I guess the pressure of promised Kingship has overtaken our young prince...which is quite understandable, but...those are harsh words to be said about an ally.”

Théodred, who had been quiet until then, said with rising loath and anger towards the King’s advisor. “And what about you, Grima...how long is it since Saruman bought you to poison the King’s mind...”

“Enough.” Théoden looked up from his throne. “Son...I don’t understand you. Grima is loyal to Rohan and a friend. How dare you accuse him for betrayal? Maybe he is right. Maybe you are the one I should fear. Théodred, I love you...but what you’re saying is senseless.”

The worm sneered secretly at the prince, who was taken aback by his father’s words.

“My liege...” Grima said to the King, ignoring the Prince. “May I suggest treatment for your son. He has been disobeying your orders and rambled on about orcs from Isengard quite a long time. Perhaps he is suffering from some strange illness. Perhaps he needs medicine against this madness.”

That was enough for Théodred. He grabbed the snake by the throat and pulled him against the wall. Grima gasped for air and got it as two of the King’s guards pulled Théodred gently, but determinedly away. Grima made his way up to the King again and looked angrily at Théodred. “Do you see what I mean, Sire? Your son is out of control, but…” He walked up to Théodred, who was being held by the guards and said in a cold voice, “I will fix him…”

Èowyn shook the though tout of her mind and concentrated on her cousin. He had once been the pride of Edoras...the fair crown prince of Rohan. But, now Grima had him in his grasp.

“Théodred, I...” She couldn’t find the right word. He hadn’t yet spoken to her. Not since that day, and now he refused to look at her. It pained her to see her cousin in that state, but she couldn’t ignore the fact of Grima’s words. No one could. Not when the King’s advisor had informed the whole city that the prince was severely ill and would need treatment to recover.

The first days Théodred had fought the snake, but now the fire in his eyes was fading and he no longer cared to resist. Èowyn embraced her cousin and whispered into his ear, “Everything will be all right, dearest cousin. “ And for the first time in many days, Théodred responded. “No, Èowyn. Nothing will be back to normal again. Ever…”

So, tell me what do you think? Reviews are more than welcome!!!