Chapter 3
The king’s stamina is wondrous... awakened multiple times throughout the night, for a few sessions of passion, I can barely keep my eyes open.
He’s left me, and returned hours later, staying in my rooms, until the early hours before the sun had risen.
I’d managed to get in a few more hours of sleep before he’d returned, his kisses awakening me.
Bathed, and refreshed before the assembled masses, there’s another celebration, in honor of the alliance between our houses.
Seated next to the king, his hand on my thigh, his fingers laced in mine, neither of us says anything. We watch the good-humored crowd, with disinterest.
“Maybe we should retire to my rooms.” He says, at my attempt to stifle a yawn.
“No, I’m sleeping alone tonight.”
I’m in need of a good nights rest, without interruption.
“You can share my bed, I’ll let you rest.” He says, with a small smirk.
“Prince Legolas.”
The announcement, leaves me empty-handed... literally. The King’s released my hand, as Legolas makes an appearance.
A few females smile invitingly, as he passes, heading in our direction.
A slight bow to his father, before his attention is turned to me. “Princess...” He says, offering me the same greeting.
“Your father told me, that you’d left.”
“I did, but I couldn’t... not before I honored our arrangement.”
“You’re free to do as you please, you... owe me no allegiance.” I state, trying to be as delicate as possible.
“That may be so...”
“But my son will honor the arrangement.” Interrupts Thranduil.
I’m at a loss for words...
“After everything, I’m to be passed along, like some common whore!”
“It was just one night.”
“Yes, where you bred the hell out of me.”
“Lower your voice.”
“No, don’t tell me to lower my voice! I’ll scream it to the whole Kingdom...!”
“My son, would be better suited for you.”
“Oh... really?”
I’m beside myself with anger and delirium. “What... wha...”
Giving up, my back to him, I settle for trying to keep my tears contained.
“You’ll marry, within three days time.” He says, with finality.
“If you want to stay in Mirkwood.” He adds.
“I thought that you at least cared for me, felt something for me.” I state, trying to keep the hurt from my voice.
“You mistake lust for love.” He says, after some time.
“News from Thyssari... father sends his blessings.”
On a leisurely stroll through the forest, I’m resolute at the Thranduil’s rejection of me. He tossed me aside as if I meant nothing to him, used and discarded like refuse.
“Sister, please... you’ve been like this for days. Whatever is the matter?”
Our horses stopping to graze, I make my decision. I am a dark elf, Princess of Thyssari, I am not to be taken lightly. He will give me what I want.
“I cannot marry him.”
“Not this again.”
“King Thranduil has shared my bed.”
“Then why would he give you to his son?”
I won’t be used... he may love his son but he’ll love me more!
“I don’t know.”
“I warned you. You’ll marry one of them tomorrow, or father will disown you. You cannot return home unwed, Sarya.”
Shoving the letter from father into my hands, with a yell she charges back to the palace at full gallop.
Reading it, I’m not upset or sad. If you want something, sometimes you have to fight for it.
The guards watching from a distance, I call forth my magic sending them into a deep slumber.
Leading my horse in the opposite direction of the palace, my heart is light.
The journey is long and I’d thought that I’d put a great distance, between my location and Mirkwood.
“Two elves, to what do we owe the honor?”
The attendant remarks, upon someone’s entrance. The guest’s of the inn keep with their bawdy conversations and merriment.
Motioning for her to pour another cup of wine, she does so without hesitation. Watching him his eyes slowly perusing the crowd comes to a halt on me.
Making note of his slender frame, long flaxen hair and beautiful countenance, images of Thranduil comes to mind.
The anger at his betrayal consumes me and my drink shakes in my hand.
“Do I upset you so?” He inquires.
“I was expecting your father.”
Taking a seat, we’re both silent listening to the whispered treachery behind mugs.
“I see... and did he promise you his heart?”
“No, he didn’t.”
“Well, maybe I can give you mine instead.”
“You know nothing about me, why would you do such a foolish thing?”
“You were going to marry me and you knew nothing about me.”
He’s right, that was until I’d met his father. I want him...
“Perhaps we should get to know each other and we can decide then if we want to be joined as one.”
It wouldn’t hurt to entertain him, to see what I’d be giving up.
Resting, a fire’s blazing high and gathered close to him, I think of my time spent in Thranduil’s arms.
His chest rising and falling with each breath, my fingers gently fiddle with his locks.
He sleeps but I’m unable to. Our destination is my home but things aren’t going according to plan.
Legolas is sweet, caring and doting. He’s been the perfect gentleman, enough so to sway my heart just a little from its course.
Angry with myself, for allowing Thranduil to force me to return to my willful ways, I push away from his embrace.
“What’s wrong?” He asks alert, his hand going for his sword.
“We need to leave now.” I state, gathering my things.
“In the dark?”
“How is it that I can see clearly and you cannot?”
“I didn’t say that I couldn’t... You miss him, is that it?”
His statement stops me cold.
“I remind you of him?” He inquires.
Yes and yes...”
“We’ll arrive at your home in a few days time, I hope by then you’ll have accepted me as I’ve accepted you.”
Leaving me to put out the fire, I follow him at a fast pace, trying to keep up with him.
