Of Stone and Silk

by PenLady

Summary:

“It would be a fair share of Thrors horde, your Grace," Gandalf nodded sincerely, nudging Thorin shut when he grunted his displeasure at the prospect. "Lord Balin here has drawn up the contract -"

"Five percent of the horde seems rather miniscule considering the Crown Prince will be taking a large part of my army to almost certain death, facing a Firedrake!" The Maharajah of Rhun-Agar waved his arms dismissively. "I do not expect most of my men to return. And you would be marrying one of my own daughters!"

What a mess he was in. Thorin needed an army, since Dain refused to help. And according to his own grandfathers law, he would need a bride and an heir in order to rule as true King under the Mountain. And he would be damned if he reclaimed Erebor only to require a bunch of self appointed noble-dwarves as his council!

This was Gandalf’s solution, and this army would certainly be precisely what he needed.
Now all he had to do was marry the daughter of the King of Rhun-Agar, stick a baby in her, slay a dragon and kill the the orc filth chasing after him.

Easy right…?

Notes:

This is a yet another Thorin and Shobha story.
But they are quite different, Shobha is much younger and naive, Thorin is also older, set in his ways, and much more self-centred.
It’s sort of an arranged marriage, so they don’t entirely like each other to start with.
And it jumps from pre-quest, to when they get to Lake Town and on with the quest.

It’s a test work, I have written a few chapters, but depending on interest will carry on.. so please let me know your thoughts …

Chapter 1

 

 

Thorin tilted his head in acknowledgement of the hospitality of the Eastern King, who sat before him. He was a thin, tall man, apparently wearing many yards of rich silk beneath his ceremonial armour, and strange curled slippers to match. But then the heat in the lands beyond Rhun was so exceedingly unbearable, that he too wished he could swap his heavy boots for such fancy, breathable footwear.

 

"It would be a fair share of Thrors horde, your Grace," Gandalf nodded sincerely, nudging Thorin shut when he grunted his displeasure at the prospect. "Lord Balin here has drawn up the contract -"

 

"Five percent of the horde seems rather miniscule considering the Crown Prince will be taking a large part of my army to almost certain death, facing a Firedrake!" The ruler waved his arms dismissively. "I do not expect most of my men to return. And you would be marrying one of my own daughters!"

 

"But she would be Queen -"

 

"I am not some young virgin to be hoodwinked! I am the Maharajah of Rhun-Agar!" He growled in irritation. "Your people will reject her, and you will take another wife or mistress, once my daughter has given you an heir."

 

"What is it that you wish for then, your Grace?" Thorin interrupted Gandalf, attempting to keep his own tone calm, and his face neutral. 

 

"One fifteenth." 

 

Thorin stared for a moment at the Maharajah, suppressing the frown that threatened to break. 

 

"I would only claim a thirteenth of the share myself-"

 

"Then how will I compensate the men who return, or their families when they do not?" The Maharajah spoke passionately. "Or look after my daughter when you are done with her in your bed?"

 

"No female, wed to the King of Erebor, would ever want for anything!" Thorin growled back in reply. "What if she does not give me an heir? It would be not unheard of -"

 

Balin gently placed his hand on Thorins shoulder, silently reminding him to temper his tongue. Thorin nodded very slightly, accepting his advisor and friends advice. He was not wrong, they needed this army at least in the first few months. 

 

"My children are not barren. My daughter's mother bore me twin sons after I bedded her only once." The Maharajah proclaimed proudly. "You see I had seven wives by then already. And little patience for a younger inexperienced bride. But our women only get better with age, particularly where it matters the most!"

 

The Maharajah laughed at his own lewd joke although the others only managed a forced chuckle in politeness towards their host.

 

"Do not forget that you too are rather old, and it is more likely any inability to conceive is a flaw related to you!" The eastern man spoke in his unusual accent, and a dismissive manner, almost as though he expected such a fate in Thorins case. 

 

"Perhaps, we may need to discuss this further..." Gandalf glanced over to Balin and then Thorin, something which the latter found irritating! 

 

"Balin, where is Dwalin?" Thorin whispered leaning in. 

 

"Outside seeing to the ponies."

 

"His opinion would also help, here..." Thorin snapped. 

 

"Thorin, you do not need Dwalin to see that we need this army," Gandalf attempted to reason. "We can offer to pay the sum in divided fees. Once he sees that his daughter is happy, he will relinquish any further payment, I am sure of it."

 

"I do not trust him. What if the daughter in question is one he wishes rid of...?" Thorin curled his lip at the prospect of marriage to an ugly wench. He had his fill of rounded dams with their ample bosoms and their luscious hips, that could take a thorough seeing to - with the vigour that he quite liked to dish out. There was plenty of ripe fruit in their modest settlement of Ered Luin for the taking. So surely if he became King under the Mountain, the lasses would be lining themselves up just to spend a single night in his bedchambers! "Must I marry his daughter? Perhaps just the gold alone will suffice...?"

 

"Och laddie, that will not be looked upon kindly...he has offered you his hospitality and his army in return: the gold is probably nothing for the greatest King of the East, ruling over the largest city this side of Arda." Balin explained brushing his fluffy white beard. "No, he requests an ally. And the marriage would act as a true union between kingdoms-"

 

"I must speak with Dwalin." Thorin made to get up, but Balin was quick to slip away instead, leaving him to discuss things with Gandalf. 

 

......

 

Dwalin sat under a tree by the gathering of their three ponies and the Wizards tall horse. The beasts had already grazed plenty, and now drank water from the large trough set out for them.

 

The ruler of Rhun-Agar had received the comparison of being similar to Thror in his love of riches, but it was clear that he also used it to better the welfare of his citizens: there were many trees here, despite the naturally arid lands, and now Dwalin realised it was because of their very sophisticated watering systems! There were many fruit trees that adorned the great city also. And none of her people looked unhappy, unclean or abjectly poor. 

 

He carefully unwrapped a handkerchief with several pieces of dried venison and apricot, satisfied that he would gain enough provisions for the journey back from the ruler here. 

 

Just as he observed his little treat, barely containing his salivation, a worn leather ball knocked the contents of his hand over.

 

"Oi!" He growled, half wishing he could stab the silly ball! "Who threw that!" 

 

"Oh my lord! Forgive me Sir! The young children were playing -" a young woman stepped over, bearing a gentle smile. "if you will permit us our ball..."

 

Dwalin frowned at the slip of a lass. He could only hope that Thorin fared better in the woman he was proposed . 

 

"Why are the younglings out? They should be in school should they bog!" Dwalin grunted looking up at her to find she wore brightly coloured silk clothes. They were too elaborate to be associated with a school or orphanage and instead imagined she must have been from the palace itself. 

 

"Sir, they are the orphaned children. This is most fun they get -"

 

Dwalin growled at her angrily, looking from the ball to the young woman, when he caught a glimpse of her big brown eyes. They were pretty, decorated in that black paint, they wore here, but filled with mischief! It made him look at her again! 

 

She was young, perhaps only just of marriageable age for men, and very slim, and taller than other women from the east. Her skin was darker than many of the other women they had seen here also. But she was dressed elaborately indeed, in a deep pink pair of baggy trousers, as was customary here, but her top was rather short in comparison, baring much more of her toned abdomen than he had seen on others. The material of her clothes was richly embellished with embroidery in fine gold and sparkling jewel like pieces of glass. Even the necklaces she wore had small rubies studded in them! 

 

There was something a little wild about her, with her long raven hair cascading down her back but for two sections pulling it back from her face. 

 

She was too young for his taste, but there was something about her. She was certainly no ordinary woman from the city!

 

"So, who are ye really?" He grunted holding the ball, refusing to return it just yet. 

 

"I am just a humble servant, who looks after the children from the orphanage..." She bowed her head elegantly. "Please my lord will you kindly return the children their ball, and I shall give you a snack to replace what you have lost..."

 

"Och aye?" Dwalin raised an eyebrow, with a chuckle. "Do ye go around offering many men snacks too eh?" 

 

"What? It is just something to replace what they kicked out of your hand..." She pointed out frowning, clearly his lewd insult had been lost on her. 

 

"So do lasses who work here dress as well as ye all the time?" He smirked looking at her again. 

 

"Oh! This old thing?!" She exclaimed in an all too well rehearsed tone, as though she had been caught out. "It's our Sunday best - you know, since we have some sort of Prince... Or Duke, or important person and his stuffy old fuddy duddy crew visiting..." 

 

Her words wiped the smirk off his face, as he realised she had just repaid his insult back. 

 

"My Princess..." A small voice called up, as a little boy had arrived to her rescue as the other children still huddled together further behind, watching anxiously. "Are you in need of assistance, my lady..." 

 

The little boy, clutched at her pantaloons, looking up at her, but somewhat bravely holding a toy sword made of crudely fashioned sticks tied together with twine. He pointed it towards Dwalin, and scowled. 

 

"Ah! My brave knight! Thank you, but I think this good Lord from far afield will give us our ball back, very soon?" She smiled at Dwalin hopefully. "I mean how could you say no to such a brave knight as this? It must be in your Warrior code of honour right?"

 

She patted the little boys shoulders gently, as he clutched at her again, and smiled up at Dwalin.

 

It was a disarming smile. The sort that would have easily moved his father, or Thror, or Thrain for that matter. 

 

"Why would ye say I am a warrior?" Dwalin looked down at the ball again. "And how can I be certain ye will not forget to return with some food, eh, Princess?"

 

She turned to the children, out of the group an older child, ran towards another tree where they had put their things together and brought forward a shiny metal container, in side which was a small wrapped parcel, and gave it to her. 

 

Slowly she walked over to him, the little lad following behind and still holding his wooden sword pointed at Dwalin. And then she offered him the tin. 

 

"They are the sweetest dates you will find in all of Middle Earth..." She offered them up again, urging him to take it. 

 

So he offered the little boy his ball. 

 

"Here ye go master swordsman..." 

 

The boy looked up at Dwalin surprised before taking the ball and rushing back to his waiting peers. It made Dwalin smile, as he fondly recalled a time when their lives were filled with the laughter of Fili and Kili as younglings.

 

She stood watching him as he scrutinised the food, unwrapping it and sniffing it. Then finally he picked one of the sticky brown pieces out and popped it in his mouth. It began to melt on his tongue, oozing with sweetness. It was sweeter than anything he had ever tasted before!

 

"Och aye -" he grunted. 

 

But before he could thank her an older woman had come out to find her, speaking harshly in her own language, and frowning at him, before chastising her further. 

 

"Your father will be cross if you go gallivanting off again while he expects your presence in court!" The older woman chastised her again before turning to the children. "Go back home or you will get her in trouble again! Oh la la la! Look at your clothes, they are all messy!" 

 

"Who cares, they are here for Nandita."

 

"Then why would he request your presence...?!" The older woman scolded the young woman again. 

 

"Ugh" she scowled as the woman began to pull her away.

 

"Princess..." Dwalin grunted, bowing his head, hiding a faint smile as he watched her being pulled away, to which she shrugged her shoulders and smiled again. 

 

"Brother! Ah! There you are!" Balin called out as he approached the tree where Dwalin stood. He was out of breath, his pink cheeks contrasting against his fluffy white beard. 

 

"How's it going in there? Donnae tell me he's fecked it up..."

 

"Och no! But it's not going great..." Balin panted a moment again. " He wants ye in there brother. He's not keen on marrying the lassie...."

 

"Well has he seen her yet?!" Dwalin grunted in dispair. The truth was they had ALL been bachelors with benefits for FAR too long! 

 

"Nooo! None of us have!"

 

"Och! Well... Come on... I think there will be one he will certainly fancy if I know anything of his tastes!" 

 

......

 

Dwalin and Balin arrived to watch Thorin as he looked at the young woman seated beside the Eastern Lord.

 

She was fair and short, of slim build. Her nose was sharp, and her mouth wide, with full lips. The woman blushed looking down at first before lifting her hazel eyes up to meet Thorins scrutinising gaze. 

 

She wasn't ugly by any means, in fact, she would have been considered very beautiful for a dam, with similar features, even if she had no beard. But Thorin, whilst managing a polite smile and bow, let out a very quiet sigh. 

 

"My third daughter, Nandita," the Maharajah announced proudly. "She can weave so beautifully, in fact many of our tapestries in the hall are made by her own hands. And her voice is unparalleled in Rhun-Agar. There are many who seek her hand, but I will honour you, Prince Thorin..."

 

"I am honoured, your Lordship.." Thorin began. "As the Queen consort of Erebor, she would be required to speak, to our people..."

 

"She certainly is skilled in learning languages fast, but public speaking is skill that is easily learned, wouldn't you say?" 

 

Thorin grunted something to Dwalin, who replied back silently, and Gandalf frowned at the two of them, embarrassed by their debate about the woman right in front of her. 

 

The Princess herself, appeared to lose her smile as she watched them clearly debating over her silently. 

 

"Your daughter is very beautiful, and highly prized, but is she the only one of marriageable age -"

 

But before Thorin could finish, they were all interrupted by the arrival of several princely looking tall, young men, behind whom walked in the younger woman that Dwalin had met earlier.

 

She was too preoccupied whispering to one of the Princes to have noticed them at first. And it was not until they all came to stand in a set order behind the raised seats occupied by the Maharajah and his daughter, that she spotted Dwalin in the group. 

 

Her eyes widened in horror as she realised who exactly she had been talking to!

 

But the Maharajah interrupted their discussion to greet his sons. Their sister waited behind them, until their father had spent time properly greeting them each, falling into lengthy discussion, friendly chatter mixed in with intermittent laughter.

 

It gave Thorin the chance to turn towards Gandalf angrily.

 

"Gandalf, this is not working," Thorin whispered harshly. "I cannot marry that woman..."

 

"The marriage is more important than the money you would pay him if you succeed-"

 

"It's well enough for him to say, he is fleecing me!"

 

"If you marry his daughter, and produce an heir, he will almost certainly waive any further payment," Gandalf reminded him sternly. "And you have little choice, since none have answered your call to arms..."

 

"And what makes you think an army from the east will succeed against a dragon?" Thorin hissed sceptically.

 

"They have fought off their own beasts successfully: There are far older and fouler things that creep in hidden places on middle earth," Gandalf warned ominously. "But it is not only the dragon you must worry of, once it is driven away, there may be others who attack, drawn by the need for gold. You will need an army for that too."

 

"Besides which none will accept you as true King under the Mountain, unless you have an heir, laddie. It's in Thrors contract." Balin added solemnly. "And Fili will not count. The other dwarves will not respect your rule, even with the Arkenstone."

 

Thorin growled in frustration. This was not a situation he wanted to be in. 

 

"Och Thorin, they're all pretty lasses..."

 

"Then YOU marry one!" Thorin snapped at Dwalin. 

 

"Well... Can ye choose which one?" Dwalin suddenly asked Gandalf. 

 

The wizard looked at the dwarf warrior puzzled.

 

"But there are NO other daughters..." Thorin began looking at the group angrily, his voice threatening to sound loud enough to be overheard by their hosts.

 

But Balin had already observed what Dwalin was hinting at, and a gradual smile lit up his face.

 

"Actually laddie, there is another lass..." Balin patted his shoulder to garner his attention. 

 

Thorin carefully looked at the large group gathered, spotting the woman, who stood at the back, attempting to almost hide herself from view. She was younger and thinner than he liked his women, but childbearing often fixed that.

 

"She is younger than I would care for..." 

 

"Och aye, but she IS beautiful..." Balin whispered. 

 

"But she may be inexperienced, and I do not know if I will have time to be patient with her..."

 

"Look at her Thorin! Donnae tell me she doesn't get yer thing up?!" Dwalin mocked Thorin. They had known each other for as long as they could hold training swords. And he knew his friend enough to believe this might just work. "And she is tall and would look fine beside you..."

 

Thorin thought for a moment. He would be lying if he claimed he didn't find her very attractive indeed, but what about everything else. 

 

"What if she is boring...?"

 

"I promise ya - she will not be." Dwalin grinned, sure his friend would accept his recommendation for now, until he explained things later. "Do ye trust me baheluh?" 

 

"Aye..." Thorin finally replied after some hesitation, wondering what made him so certain. "Very well..."

 

Thorin turned to Gandalf, who was now acutely aware of the predicament of asking the Maharajah whether he would give away his youngest daughter.

 

"And you are certain of this?" Gandalf frowned looking carefully at the future King under the Mountain. Dwarves indeed had a One, but he was not sure whether Thorin felt this way about the girl or not, and there was a danger of all failing if he changed his mind once more. There were many challenges to face before he could place Thorin on Thrors Throne, and how the crown prince would face these was a true worry, the dragon sickness was among these. 

 

Thorin nodded sincerely. She was certainly enough for now.

 

"Then leave the talking to me. This will need to be handled with some degree of delicacy and tact. And most certainly with a significant amount of charm..." The wizard winked at the three dwarves.

 

It was almost as though he knew they would be approached as Gandalf stood, the Maharajah walked over to them. 

 

"Why make any decisions on an empty stomach eh?" He stood tall and patted Thorin on the back.

 

"Aye Thorin! Would be rude not te eh?" 

 

"Yes... I think we are all famished, and tired. We have made a very long journey." Gandalf smiled as the Maharajah came to stand beside the wizard. "Would you...?"

 

"Ah not at all Gandalf! We were going to pull out the pipes after luncheon," he gestured as they led the way, followed by Dwalin, Thorin and Balin, each taking as much chance to sneak a subtle glimpse at the woman as she took the arm of one of the Princes, whom they imagined to be her brother. 

 

The three dwarves looked at one another, falling behind Gandalf and their host.

 

"So Arun, how have you been? I see your youngest daughter has grown into fine young lady now... I recall when she was a little girl - she loved my fireworks... "

 

They heard Gandalf speak fondly as the two walked ahead. 

 

Thorin and Dwalin both silently looked over to Balin, both clear on their request to him. 

 

"Aye lads," Balin sighed, frankly a little fed up of it all. They had been searching for a bride for Thorin since the first year that they settled in Ered Luin with little success. "I shall sit close and see what I can learn about the lass."

 

The Maharajah had hosted a grand feast for lunch, and although famished, Thorin had found his appetite hindered by his anxiety over the matter of this marriage. 

 

The wizard and Balin were both right, they needed the army, but with each subtle glance at the youngest daughter of their host, he found the prospect of marriage to her older sister more and more unbearable.

 

And so once the feast had ended, he had been grateful for Balins return to join them both.

 

"The Maharajah has known Gandalf for many years now." Balin began, much to Thorins irritation. Given he would have to bed whichever daughter was given in marriage to him, his patience was exceedingly limited! "And she is very much his most favoured daughter. He doesnt say as much, but it is clear in how he speaks of her. I am gathering she is also a free spirit -"

 

"Aren't we all - that is until we have to agree to these bonds!" Thorin grunted. 

 

"Aye, but he doesn't seem happy to part with her - of course Gandalf has not asked directly." 

 

Thorin fell silent, ready to call off any such agreement. 

 

 

"But don't despair yet laddie, there is one thing - the Maharajah is worried for the future of his kingdom. He fears the smaller tribes have been mounting some sort of attack. He doesn't speak of it much but he seems to have had several attempts on his life and a few attempts at kidnapping his daughters." Balin explained, his voice become quieter still. "And he is marrying his daughters off for political allegiances."

 

"So it maybe possible.." Dwalin peeked over at Gandalf again as he chatted with their host. 

 

Everyone sat on soft cushions chatting and smoking, as gentle music played and a woman sang a soulful tune filled with strange notes strung together in an entirely different language. 

 

"Well, it's all in the hands of the wizard now..."

 

......

Chapter 2: The Arrangement

 

Gandalf sat in a large armchair by the fireplace in the grand room, which was shared by all four of them. Their host had made them all comfortable with luxurious beds and a bathroom in what was a grand drawing room. And while they had been offered separate rooms, the mistrusting dwarves had chosen to stay together for safety, and so Gandalf had been included in this request. 

 

"He warns that she is not to Iike his other daughters -" Gandalf began after several painfully silent minutes of puffing away on his pipe. 

 

The wizard had spoken to the Maharajah about proposing marriage to a different daughter to what he had offered. But after returning Gandalf had remained silent in thought for a while, with each of the dwarves looking from one to another hoping for some clues as to how the conversation might have been received.  

 

"Aye and thank Mahal for that!" Dwalin commented, from where he sat on a stool sharpening a dagger. 

 

"He means that she has not been raised in the same manner and is not of the same royal line as her step sisters," Gandalf corrected. "So he is uncertain whether your people would accept her as a Queen."

 

"Ah then my enquiries were correct," Balin concluded sitting by the fire on a large pouffe. "I gather she is the daughter of the King's most favoured courtesan, and not one of his formal consorts. And as such is considered of a lower status here than the other princesses. Although her father has gifted her with royal titles. I suspect he very much loves the lass' mother - maybe even more than his other wives..."

 

"But that does not matter. Any woman I should choose as my consort will be accepted as Queen, and none can say otherwise." Thorin spoke sternly. "In any case, how might anyone learn of this? Their Kingdom is so far, perhaps even beyond reach of our furthest travelling merchants."

 

"Yes, but you must be prepared." Gandalf warned Thorin again. "She is undoubtedly his favourite daughter, and she has been allowed to grow with more freedoms than the other children have been permitted. Also he will may turn into a great enemy should he come to believe that you do not treat her well." 

 

"This would never be a concern."

 

"He also has a further condition," Gandalf added with the hint of a grimace. "Without fulfilling this, he will deny your marriage and his offer of an army..." 

 

The three dwarves watched Gandalf with baited breath until he blew several more rings of smoke before finally speaking. 

 

"So if you are sure of your choice, then he has allowed you a few moments to speak with her tonight. You must convince her to accept your hand in marriage," Gandalf explained looking worried, for he was sure tact and charm were not the strongsuits of the Durin Heir. "And I cannot do it for you. She must meet you and agree to your proposal herself. That is the Maharajah's condition. And that is also what I am worried of. Unfortunately, now that you have rejected his other daughter, should this young lady refuse your hand, there is no going back..."

 

"Mahals hairy bollocks he's good!" Dwalin huffed sheathing the dagger back in its scabbard. "Well... It looks like we will nae be gettin an army then..."

 

Thorin quirked an eyebrow at his friend surprised. 

 

"Why not? You think that I cannot suitably charm that silly little girl?" 

 

"Well laddie... It's the fact that you even call her a silly little girl that troubles us..." Balin glanced at his brother nervously. "You are only used to our dams, who accept ye as our King. This girl will need to be won over, and perhaps she may not even find ye attractive...?"

 

"A woman not find ME, Thorin Oakenshield son of Thrain, son of Thror attractive?!" Thorin snapped growing ever irate by the direction of the conversation! 

 

"We're in trouble - see!" Dwalin rolled his eyes.

 

"Right! Where is the girl waiting, Gandalf?" Thorin stood up from his chair where he had sat brooding all afternoon. 

 

"Perhaps we should all calm down first..." Gandalf puffed out another ring of smoke. 

 

"I am perfectly calm!" Thorin raised his voice. "Very well, I shall search for her chambers myself -"

 

"There is quite no need. I shall accompany you." Gandalf stood up muttering.

 

"Do you think I am incapable of charming the girl either Gandalf?"

 

"No, but there is much at stake here, Thorin, son of Thrain, son of Thror! And I will assure you that should you fail, neither Fili nor Kili will be crowned either!" Gandalf chastised him sternly as he hurriedly put his pipe away, again muttering something about the 'stubbornness of dwarves'. "Come let us go..."

 

"Not without me -" Dwalin hurriedly stood up himself. "I have to watch this caravan wreck!" 

 

"Brother!" Balin set a firm hand on his younger brother and stopped him from following, much to his annoyance. 

 

And Thorin thoughtfully followed Gandalf as they left the room to the complaints of Dwalin, who could be heard reminding his older brother that he was the first to suggest the girl.

 

Thorin glanced at Gandalf as he focussed on recalling his directions around the grand palace. The halls which were filled with light during the day, were lined with glittering marble, and mosaics with intricate murals in places. And then where there were bare walls painted in white, there were often ornate tapestries hung. It was a very grand palace indeed. Perhaps even more so than Erebor, although it was far too ornate for Thorins taste. It made him wonder what the girl would expect or how she would dress. 

 

His head had begun to race, and he had started having misgivings. After all he had only glimpsed her briefly during their luncheon, where as her sister he had seen face to face, even if he had not heard her speak.

 

Gandalf had taken a longer time to navigate the long ornate corridors and Thorin had almost talked himself out of his choice for the Maharajah's youngest daughter, when they suddenly appeared in a large courtyard. 

 

Above was a starlit sky, and the whole palace seemed to be silent here. The open corridors surrounding the courtyard had decorated pillars and archways that faced them, and in the centre was a large fountain from which sprouted a gentle water flower. The sound it made was nothing like he had ever heard before, it was soothing.

 

At first he just stood there admiring the view and then as he took several steps in, his gaze happened upon a figure standing by the fountain. 

 

She was tall and appeared to be dressed in a different style to her sister. He couldnt quite put his finger on it, but it was certainly less ostentatious. There was some sort of large fur at her feet, in an exotic white and black spotted colour, which he had never set eyes on before. 

 

His heart raced a little, as he realised what was now at stake - his ancestral kingdom and all that was owed to him! It would all come down to whether this young woman gave her consent to be married or not! 

 

Taking a slow, steadying breath, he adjusted his clothing, standing up straight, and wide, as he was always told by his father when being presented at court. 

 

Surely this should not be such a problem, most women were enamoured by him, and his mother had always told him what a handsome dwarf he was!

 

"Gandalf -" he began turning to look for the wizard, who seemed to have now disappeared as if by magic! 

 

He looked all around him but still found no sight of the old pilgrim. 

 

"Right, up to me now..."

 

He began to walk over to her slowly, not wishing to frighten her but as he approached her the large fur she seemed to have dropped on the floor appeared to move!

 

Under the starlight it morphed into a large black and white cat! It stood between him and her and let out a low rumbling growl, not unlike a warg!

 

"It's okay... He won't hurt you..." She turned to look at him. "My father said you wished to have a word with me, but I am unsure what you would wish to discuss, your Highness; I do not know my sisters well, so I could not give you any advice with regards to them..."

 

"Well... In truth Princess..." He approached cautiously, as the beast stood a little taller still and growled louder, now bearing it's razor sharp teeth. It made him automatically place his hand on the pummel of his sword, incase he needed to unsheath it. 

 

"Rajah," she chastised the creature, which seemed to immediately heed her words and slink down wrapping itself around her legs exactly like a cat seeking affection, only that it would have overpowered her if it had chosen to! "Oh! Come here you big brute!" 

 

To his utter shock she stroked the creatures head and neck like it were a pet! Seemingly the girl had no fear at all!

 

"Now Rajah, go back to our room, I will be there in a bit." She spoke to it, and it seemed to lower itself at her feet. "No. You listen. Or else I will put your bed outside on the balcony for the next week." 

 

The creature seemed to understand and it began to slink away, moving with grace and agility, before stopping once more and growling at Thorin briefly, until it disappeared altogether into the shadows.

 

"What is that thing?"

 

"Thing?" She turned to face him fully, her big brown eyes twinkling in the starlight. "Oh! You mean Rajah? He is a white Jaguar..."

 

"A white Jaguar? And you allow such a wild beast to roam the palace?" Thorin was unable to help his tone. "Does it not attack anyone?"

 

"Rajah? Attack anyone?" She chuckled as though what he had suggested was entirely preposterous - like if he had asked her to put her shoes on her head and dance around the fountain, shedding her clothes along the way. "Never. My father found him as a cub abandoned in the wild. And well... I guess, we have grown up together since. I doubt the poor brute would even know what to do if he were to be released into the wild... But, you are not here to speak about Rajah my lord, are you..."

 

"Aye. Well..." He cleared his throat again. "I seek a consort... And while your sister is a most worthy choice..."

 

He paused hoping she would meet him halfway, without having to spell it out. 

 

But instead he was met with her rather curious gaze. 

 

She was darker than the other princess, and much darker than any dwarf or man of the north. But Mahal, she was attractive. She was tall, and slender. And standing near her made him wonder how she would feel in his arms.

 

"She is a most worthy consort..." The woman repeated and then paused, prompting him to resume where he had clearly bumbled off. 

 

"Aye. Well...I am led to believe you would be a more suitable consort and queen for me and my people..." He spoke the final sentence with an heir of clear confidence, power and masculinity that made him feel rather satisfied with himself. Any dam would gladly accept such a proposal! 

 

"Oh. Was it your warrior friend who advised you on this matter...?" She asked a little surprised. 

 

"No. Well..." he frowned, realising that she had meant Dwalin. So she must have met him before? Now his choice made sense! He made a mental note to ask him for details of their encounter. 

 

"And why would you need to discuss this with me?" She clutched at the shawl draped over her shoulder. "This is a matter for you and my father is it not, your Highness?"

 

"Aye... No... I mean, I have already asked for his permission, but he believes the decision must be yours.."

 

"Does my sister know?" 

 

"Yes... Well... I imagine she suspects by now... Or that someone has informed her..."

 

"Oh." She frowned a little before sighing. "So you must marry one of my sisters in order to be given an army by my father to reclaim your kingdom. And you think I am the most suited of my father's daughters....?"

 

Thorin nodded under her scrutinising gaze. She was much sharper than many of the dams who were from noble blood lines, that was for sure. They were only interested in politics to better their own social standing. 

 

"Aye, my lady..."

 

"You need to know that I am not like the other princesses: they are crown princesses, born to the wives of the king. Where as, I am the daughter of the king's courtesan..." She spoke in as neutral a tone as she could muster, but the truth was she was a bastard child. It was a fact that her sisters and many of those in court had reminded her on a daily basis, often in a very cruel manner. It was only because of the fondness of her father that she had even been granted a royal title and her mother and herself hadn't been packed off to some far away village! "That makes me of lesser heritage-  of a weaker blood line..."

 

"That matters not to me. Nor will it be ever known in Erebor." He reassured her. "You would be treated the same."

 

"You wish for me as a courtesan..?" She asked again to allow him the chance to change his mind in case he was unaware of the truth. 

 

"No. I would like to marry you." He spoke the words a little more irately but then added the final bit in a softer tone. "As my wife." 

 

She stared at him, her face harder to read in the dark, but he was sure he saw a combination of surprise and uncertainty.

 

"And what if I am to refuse your Highness?"

 

He had expected her to accept his proposal, so it had taken him some time to register the words she actually spoke. Her speech was clearer than that of her father and possibly any others he had spoken to here. But her words had floored him briefly. 

 

"Then I will not leave here with an army or an ally." He bristled, clasping his hands behind his back and staring coldly in her eyes. It was not his wish, for she looked so soft, but all the same he was not used to being denied what he asked for. And so after a little pause he added some more for good measure. "And your father will not gain the wealthy allegiance of the greatest dwarven kingdom."

 

She sighed in defeat, finally looking away. 

 

"This will have grave implications on the power and stability of Rhun-Agar, since so many small tribes try to overthrow the king and govern by council instead." She looked up at the water flower that gently sprayed above them from the grand fountain. "And that will mean the innocent of this city will no longer have a safe haven. The men will be forced to wage wars they do not believe in, the women will lose their freedom, and the orphans will be turned into slaves... Which means I have no choice."

 

He grunted in smug satisfaction, but as he glanced at her pretty face, his victory suddenly felt hollow.

 

"Surely marriage to a King should not be seen as such a pitiful state...?" He offered soothingly. Perhaps if he were a little softer it would make bedding her easier, when the time came. 

 

"I always imagined, since I am considered a lesser Princess, that I would be the last to be selected or might marry for love..." She spoke quietly. It felt like a silly girlish thing to admit, but she could envisage her life changing entirely. "And that I would never have to leave Rhun-Agar or my mother..." 

 

"When you are settled, and Erebor is rebuilt, I will send for your mother. On this I give you my word." He offered in consolation. "And Erebor is as comfortable as Rhun-Agar, that too I promise..."

 

"And how would this work? Because you are still a King in exile is that right your grace?"

 

He murmured an agreement, not liking how he felt belittled by her words. 

 

"I would have you travel to Erebor once we succeed..."

 

"My father will not agree to this. Who is to say that you would not renege on your word? Perhaps marry another instead, but also having used my father's army?" She frowned thinking to herself how things might pan out. "No he will expect you to marry me before you leave I guess..." 

 

"But we have no witnesses of our own..."

 

"Then I will be sent to our wedding accompanied by the platoon that had been promised to you." 

 

"But it will be dangerous for you until we have rid Erebor of..."

 

"The Firedrake?" She completed for him, when he hesitated. "It is nothing to be ashamed of, I have heard of this being discussed between my father and one of my step brothers. Besides which if I am to be your consort I will need to know about the kingdom..."

 

"But you don't seem scared?"

 

"Well no. We kind of had something similar ourselves... Sandworms." She explained. "At least it was outside our city, but we would have starved to death unable to have merchants and farmers bring in food. The platoon you have been offered includes those who have faced the wyrms..."

 

"Sandworms..."

 

"Yes; they are great serpent like creatures that devour the earth and anything near them. Many had perished outside the city walls... And many fearsome warriors were taken before they were able to kill them." She explained calmly, but he could see from the horror on her face that it had been something akin to war. "It is not a fight I would wish upon a greatest enemy. But despite this, the small tribes outside, still wish to destroy our city and all the freedom it stands for. And I know you too are here because you fight for your home - your people. So you must understand how important this will be to my father, and to us all..."

 

Her words seemed to pierce his very soul. Suddenly, she didn't seem like such a silly little girl, only interested in frivolities such as love and enjoyment. To him, she seemed to have all that it took to be a Queen. 

 

"My Prince, you have my consent..." She finally concluded, a little nervously. It was not an easy decision, and then question had been entirely unexpected. But she was here now and would quickly need to understand what was expected of her to survive. Her whole life had been about that - survival. Her mother had protected her as a babe and a child, from the threats and attempts to harm her then, particularly from the King's jealous wives. Then she had learnt to survive in court amongst vicious nobility. Now, just as she was learning to blend and disappear, things would change again. "What would you expect of me as your consort, Sire?"

 

He looked at her again closely, her brown skin looked like warm honey in the starlight, and there was so much of it exposed, it was distracting. Her belly and arms were bare, and the tops of her small breasts were visible, drawing the eyes with the pretty Ruby necklace she wore. He quickly looked away for fear that he might be perceived as perverse in his tastes. If she agreed to be his, he would be permitted to look all he wished at her. 

 

"There is only one thing that will be expected of you, my lady: that you bear me an heir," he glanced at her, spotting the disappointment in her face. It made him wonder whether she was not attracted to him. "It is an archaic rule I know. But I cannot change this until I am King, and this is our law. Children are the most precious things of all, for Durins folk. And so next to Kingliness is fertility. If you are unable to bear me a child, then I have the right to annul our union. But without an heir I cannot rule as sovereign, and will require a council. And that can be even more... Difficult..."

 

He looked up at her face, realising that somewhere during that conversation he had started staring at the ruby necklace that sat so very deliciously close to her breasts, and cleared his throat a little uncomfortably. 

 

The Princess who had been watching him with great intensity, smiled softly in return, but he was not sure whether it was because of his words or because she had caught his eyes wondering. Had his mother or sister been present they would have surely smacked his head for such a perversion!

 

"I...see..." She whispered nervously. 

 

He could feel himself blushing now so was grateful for the dark. It was one of those embarrassing moments, where he wished the ground would open up and swallow him in that moment... Or that Gandalf might magically appear and rescue him from making a tit of himself!

 

How in Mahals name was one meant to tell a virgin, that becoming king meant sticking his cock in her and relieving himself repeatedly until she would eventually conceive! And she was certainly a virgin, judging from her reaction! He imagined it would not be an arduous task at all for him. In fact considering that he had not lain with a lass of any kind for some time now, combined with the likelihood that she would be rather a tight squeeze, he imagined that he would probably climax rather quickly without trouble!

 

A further moments silence passed between them as he searched for what to say. 

 

How could one follow up from mention of an ancient law that requires the king to repeatedly bed his consort?! 

 

He cleared his throat again uncomfortably.

 

"And...by heir...I imagine you mean a son?" She asked her voice barely a whisper, which meant he had to move in a little closer to hear her while staring at her luscious lips. 

 

"Ah...well... Aye, my lady..." He answered grateful for any question at all. 

 

She gulped as she understood what he meant, and nodded. For her it might mean that she would have to repeatedly endure being in his bed and having many of his children until they had a son. 

 

"Of course most children that result from dwarven unions are almost certainly male..." He attempted to reassure her as she looked at him nervously and smiled. "I do not know the reason for this. But it appears to be so..."

 

That was partly the reason why he had travelled so far to Rhun-Agar in search of a suitable consort. The Maharajah's lineage, 'The House of Silk', had in the distant past formed an old alliance with Erebor, when, ironically Thorin the first, an old King, had taken a daughter of the Maharajah at that time, as his consort. 

 

Of course like Dwalin had reminded him not too long ago, he could have simply married Dains daughter, who was rather plump, and monstrous in her looks as well as beastly in her manner. But the idea of bedding THAT, was repugnant to his very soul!

 

"Very well then. Of course I will help you as best as I can." She solemnly agreed nodding, still clearly nervous of what she might be getting into. 

 

The innocence of her words made him smile. Genuinely. Not a fake smile - he couldn't manage those any longer. It was a strange feeling, for he had not smiled for a long time. Perhaps not since he had met Gandalf a few months ago in Bree, after he had been searching for his father.

 

"Och Princess, I doubt there is much ye need ter do but fer lettin him get his leg over ye!" 

 

Thorin shut his eyes in annoyance as he heard Dwalin chuckle at his own bawdy joke!

 

"Good evening Princess!" Dwalin and Balin, the latter who had just caught up to his younger brother, both bowed together. "At yer service.."

 

"Now brother, we must behave ourselves." He could hear Balin admonishing Dwalin behind them. 

 

"Good evening, Sirs..." She acknowledged, looking a little confused by the intrusion. 

 

As Thorin frowned at them, he could see the older brother dragging the younger to a stone bench far behind to take a seat.

 

"We will be here should you need us..." Balin called out. 

 

"Forgive the interruption my lady." He wanted to groan, but, given they had been discussing the matter of having relations not too long ago, he refrained, in case it might have sounded inappropriate. 

 

"And you are certain it matters not that I am the daughter of the King's Courtesan...?" She asked again fiddling with her hands. "You realise that means...that she is the King's -"

 

"Yes." He reached out to touch her hand not wishing for her to use the word he anticipated she would. "All children of any union are recognised and valued, among our people, for babes are rare and precious." 

 

He felt a tinge of pity for her, it was clearly a sticking point in their court. Perhaps he was doing her a favour too, taking her out of Rhun-Agar.

 

She nodded again. 

 

"So...what happens next..?" She asked quietly. This was not something she had ever imagined would happen to her. Of course she was aware of what happened between a man and a woman in their marriage bed. But the exact details or how to get there was a little more sketchy. 

 

It didn't matter, she set her mind up; for this union was important. Two kingdoms were depending on it!

 

Thorin tilted his head in acknowledgement before attempting to answer her question.

 

"Well..."

 

 

Notes:

So I got a little carried away and ended up writing the next chapter immediately! 🙈
Hope you enjoy….
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season and Xmas 🎄 x

Chapter 3: A Union of Sorts

 

The town they had rode into, was mostly built on the waters edge, hovering precariously in some parts over what could only be freezing cold water. 

 

There was a general unpleasant smell, even in the cold, which had a hint of old rotten fish and vegetables that she couldn't shift from her nose. 

 

Between the nerves and this she felt quite sick. 

 

Even her horse lurched from time to time, unhappy about its own journey in. 

 

They had received word from the Wizard some weeks ago that they were to arrive in the town by the Lake, and wait there until the dwarves arrived in Erebor. 

 

But it appeared that the dwarves had arrived much earlier than they had anticipated. And now the town had lined up to watch as she had been paraded in, accompanied by a small troupe of soldiers, a minister loyal to her mother, and Arvind, her favourite step-brother. 

 

She peeped from under the hood of her cape and shawl, hoping she could get a glimpse of her future husband, because it had been so many months since she had last seen him, that she couldn't, in truth recall what he even looked like. She had heard he was older, and recall seeing some grey in his hair that night, but they had met under starlight, and stupidly she had paid so little attention to him at luncheon. 

 

Her stomach proceeded to do somersaults, and the silence amongst the people who watched in awe was horrifying. All she could hear was the loud thumping of her heartbeat mixed with the sound of the jingling her anklets and bangles made under all her clothing, and the steady clip-clop of her giant white horse, covered in ceremonial regalia. 

 

Nandita would have been thrilled by the chance to be admired and displayed in this manner! Perhaps she may have even requested a more formal procession, complete with eastern acrobats, and even an Oliphant. But she just felt cheap now; like a royal whore! And the thought made her insides turn even more. 

 

The number of times she had been ridiculed since her eleventh birthday by various members of court, even her step-sisters, about being nothing but the daughter of the Kings whore, and being one herself, had been so numerous, that it had made her despise court, and even the throne room! Her mother would soothe away the tears, reassuring her that their paths in life were not ones they had chosen for themselves, and that with time a certain numbness to the words of others would quietly set in. But for her it never did. 

 

The journey was painful, but she didn't want it to get any quicker, for her final destination was no better. 

 

The honest truth was she didn't want to marry this arrogant dwarf-Prince. And she was almost entirely certain he shared her sentiments. 

 

Heart pounding, and almost in her mouth their horses came to a halt. Her horse pawed the ground and whinnied in protest as she gripped her saddle tight between her thighs to stop herself from flying off her horse for not paying attention. 

 

Shah Aaman, the minister was the first to dismount, followed by her step-brother. But she was surrounded by a mounted guard, which meant that she still could not see ahead unless she really leant to the side. 

 

There was a long pause, with much discussion ahead. It didn't sound positive, and she wondered whether Thorin had now decided against marrying her. She wouldn't be entirely disappointed if he did.

 

She glanced around her taking in the soldiers that flanked her. They were dressed in their best armour today, but it was clear that they were still completely alert.

 

The final few weeks prior to her departure had been filled with numerous attempts at kidnapping her! It had meant her father had imposed a constant guard on her, which had left her miserable at the loss of the final few weeks of her freedom.

 

"Sister, here, give me your hand..." Arvin gently offered her his hand. "It is time..."

 

"But I thought it sounded like they had changed their mind?"

 

"For a beauty like you, dear sister? Never!" Arvind smiled with a cheeky wink. "Gandalf is not here yet, but they have been expecting us. Prince Thorin, has accepted the hospitality of the Master of Esgaroth. And they are preparing a wedding feast in your honour, before the company of Prince Thorin will set off for the lonely Mountain. So we have little time left to negotiate any additions to the final Wedding contracts."

 

She took his hand and carefully slid down the side of the horse, to land gracefully on her feet. While it was indeed a long distance, she was actually quite capable at dismounting well, even if she had not been a very strong equestrian before setting on this long journey. But now, after so many weeks spent on her horse, she had found her entire body had changed. Her legs and balance had grown stronger, and she herself had grown a little more confident. 

 

"And our men?"

 

"They are not far now. Perhaps a few days more to journey." He looked at her concerned knowing her thoughts were on her pet. "Do not worry, Rajah is well. But I cannot negotiate his place in the contract. That you will have to ask of your husband, when you are wed, and then I am sure he will agree to your request."

 

"What if he does not?" 

 

Arvin stopped her as he held out his hand formally, into which she placed hers. 

 

"Might I suggest, my dear sister, that you relay your request regarding your pet, when you lay together in your marriage bed?" He smiled cheekily at her. "He will wish to look at you undressed. Perhaps even undress you himself. Do not be afraid, you have been told of what is to be expected, but husbands and wives often speak gently during such times, and favourably towards one another. It is most intimate. So I would suggest that you take the fullest advantage of this. Particularly on the very first night."

 

She nodded nervously. She had never been apart from Rajah since the day he arrived in their palace as a cub. 

 

"Perhaps he will lose interest in me...?"

 

"Why would you think this way?" Arvind stopped her again, pretending to adjust the sheer veil and tikka she wore. "It is in your best interests that he sees you for who you truly are. So talk to him tonight..."

 

"How do you know so much?" She whispered to him. "About all this sort of stuff?"

 

"Well, for one, while you are off gallivanting with the orphans, I am listening to those who have advice!" He chuckled. "So perhaps one day I shall make a good husband."

 

"Well thank heavens for older and wiser brothers, who will indeed make the perfect husband." She began to walk forward with him. Soon she was able to catch a glimpse of the Prince and his company as they stood there surrounded by so many men from Esgaroth, until she was covered once more by the large banner bearing the sigil of the Maharajah which Shah Aaman held up proudly.

 

"So what happens now?" She asked worried genuinely.

 

"Well, today you will be presented before your husband. According to dwarvish custom you are permitted a some time to make any requests from him which Lord Balin is to include in the marriage contract, if Thorin should agree. But I would suggest that you use this time to just talk." Arvin advised her again solemnly. "I do not know Thorin, but I imagine his mind is on the Mountain now, and anything you might ask may be perceived as a trouble..."

 

She nodded, ignoring the sounds of gasps and whispers as she walked past the people of the town who had clearly never seen anyone from afar. They genuinely looked poor, their faces gaunt and their clothes worn. It made her feel sad, particularly for the children. Even the poor orphans in Rhun-Agar had more than the people here. 

 

"I am scared, Arvin." She clutched his arm tight as they neared the Prince and his company. 

 

"Do not be, dear sister, he will not harm you," he reassured her. 

 

They finally stopped, and one by one the guard parted, with Aaman stepping aside last of all, to reveal Thorin and his group ahead. They stood on a set of steps that led up to the grandest looking building in the square they had arrived in, although in truth all the buildings looked like they had long since seen better days!

 

He was by far the tallest of the dwarves, and she hadn't realised how short the others were, until now. He was dressed in a long deep blue velvet coat, although it was not as rich as what he had worn last time, and he had little in the way of armour on.

 

It was probably the first time she had properly seen him in normal daylight. And while he was an older dwarf, it was hard to deny just how handsome he looked! 

 

It made her wonder why he had never married before, for surely he had no lack of women or dams interested for that matter?

 

Beside Thorin stood Dwalin, whom she recognised well enough now, and realised had to thank for landing her in this horrid mess. She also recognised the dwarf with the fluffy white beard as Balin. She had spent several long hours going over his detailed contract written on yards of folded up parchment. Her 'duties' as Thorins wife had been clearly set out! And she had stared furiously at his signature, for several equally long hours, before finding the courage to sign it. 

 

It was an iron clad binding contract, with plenty of scope for Thorin to find ways of rejecting her. Of course, as a husband he too had much to live up to, but she would be living in HIS kingdom, and doubted very much that he would ever be found fault with!

 

"Welcome, Prince Arvind, and my lady," Thorin finally spoke, his cold blue eyes fixing on her, his face apparently unmoved by her arrival. "The Master of Lake Town has prepared supper for us this evening. I expect you are all weary from your travels...?"

 

He stood watching her for a moment, and then extended his hand out to her. 

 

At first she was unsure what she was supposed to do, but Arvind was quick to intervene, offering her hand which he held out to Thorin. 

 

It was strangely symbolic, although she was not entirely confident Thorin would look after her in the same manner, her family was handing over the keep of their daughter to the care of Thorin, Prince of Erebor, soon to be king.

 

After a moment of exchange, she carefully walked up the steps beside Thorin, who kept his pace deliberately slow, in part to show off his bride, decked in rich silks and gold, and partly to help her. He would have been lying to himself, if he too had claimed in that moment that he had not felt a stirring within him at her touch. 

 

The Masters Lodge had been a dingy building, although it was decorated in a very pretentious manner! 

 

She couldn't help herself from glancing over at Thorin as he led her along. But he had never once looked at her.

 

Their evening meal had been a quiet affair, with only Thorins company, and herself, Arvind and Aaman at the table with the funny looking master and his even more odious deputy. 

 

But even throughout dinner, Thorin had barely spoken to her, although he had been very attentive to filling her glass or offering her food. 

 

It had felt quite uncomfortable, as if he was strangely observing her, and any appetite she had, was consequently lost. 

 

So finally when they had all stood from their seats she had found it quite a relief. Thorin had already joined Balin, and was deep in some sort of serious discussion - apparently he couldn't wait to get away from her! 

 

She looked over to where Arvind and Aaman were, and apparently they too had found company! Her brother was preoccupied with listening to a younger looking blonde haired dwarf, and Dwalin, who was still stuffing his face from a plate he had pilfered from the dining table! While Aaman had been apparently taken hostage by a fancily dressed dwarf, who was busy admiring the Shah's clothing along with a younger dwarf. She glanced around the room but found no friendly faces other than her bodyguards, and so she purposefully pulled on her warm Cape and moved towards a large window. 

 

It was cold here: Even inside, with two great fireplaces with roaring fires, it was still cold. 

 

Finding a quiet window seat, she peered out. They were high up, and the town below had a little life in it. There was a gathering of people downstairs, who appeared to be collecting the leftovers that were being sent down from the table. While further beyond, she could see the dark body of the large lake. It's still waters glimmered under the light of the moon. 

 

It made her realise how quickly the day had gone and how short it was. 

 

She wondered about her mother, and what she would be doing now. The truth was that her mother was her closest friend. As much as she resented her mother's relationship with the King, she was the kindest, wisest and most non-judgemental person she knew. And now, as things stood she wondered whether she would see her mother again. Nothing about it had been written into their marriage contract. 

 

But one thing was sure, until she had given Thorin a male heir, she would probably not even be allowed to run away! 

 

This was a political marriage, and she had once heard an older brother of hers bitterly laughing about it stating that it was easier for a workhorse to escape it's bridle than for a prince or princess to escape the yoke of a state union! 

 

"He's not as terrible as he seems, you know, your Highness..."

 

A quiet voice interrupted her thoughts.

 

Looking up from her seat she found a small man standing there with a gentle smile on his face. On first glance she had nearly ignored him thinking him a child, before she noticed his waistcoat, jacket and cravat. It was like something out of one of her story books from the far western lands! His face was also not that of a child, although still fairly youthful, he had the markings of stubble on his chin and a few grey hairs amidst his mass of wavy brown hair.

 

"Forgive me, Sir, my mind was far away..." she stood, but he was quick to offer a bow from the waist. It was a little excessive, and awkward even, but he clearly meant well. 

 

"Bilbo Baggins.. uh.. at your service, my lady," he smiled as he stood waiting to be invited to sit beside her on the window seat. 

 

"I am Sh - I mean Princess Shobha, daughter of the Maharajah of Rhun-Agar." She had practised this line in front of a mirror so many times recently in preparation for meeting the many important people that she would have to speak with as Thorins wife - or at least as she had expected before. 

 

Suddenly she realised the poor man hovering there with expectation for an invite. 

 

"Please... Master Baggins..." She gestured to the window seat. It was large enough for them to share respectfully, not that anyone would notice anyway. "You are with... Prince Thorin?"

 

"Yes... Well... I have agreed to help them on their quest..."

 

"And what would that be Sir?" She asked out of curiosity. He was so small, and weakly built, it was hard to imagine him fighting or doing anything of any use. In fact, if she were being truly critical, she would imagine SHE was more useful to Thorin!

 

"I am to help them get into Erebor...and obtain something for them..." 

 

"From inside the Mountain?" She asked surprised. "Where a dragon lives..?"

 

"Well, who is to say he lives or not..."

 

"Dragons can live for centuries. In fact one of my father's wise men said, they might have existed for millennia..."

 

"Yes... Well... The trick will be not to wake him then..." The little man stuttered a little nervously. "At least not until your army are ready...they are ready aren't they?"

 

"My brother tells me our men are perhaps one or two days journey away still. They have much war machinery to bring along..." She shuddered at the various large contraptions they had used to face down the sandworms. "And they will not fight unless....we are married and the contracts finalised. Although I guess that pretty much is done.. I mean its not going to be a wedding really. Not like at home, I suppose..."

 

The little man smiled at her, his eyes kind and soft. 

 

"You speak Westron very well..."

 

"Thank you, but my mother would disagree with you, she says my speech can sound quite unrefined at times.." she smiled. It had been the orphans who had taught her to swear and curse, an association which her mother begrudgingly allowed. She missed those little children a lot. "Are you also a dwarf?"

 

She spotted his strange hairy feet, trying hard no to stare and wondered whether Thorin had feet like that too!

 

"Oh no, your Highnes-"

 

"Please...Master Baggins, you don't need to refer to me with such titles."

 

"Thank you my lady..but I have never met a REAL princess before... It is something out of a story book really..." He smiled trying to keep the excitement out of his voice. "But I am a Hobbit. From the Shire. Well...Bagend actually." 

 

She suddenly realised what this poor man had been set for and her heart sank. 

 

"You are to be sent in to retrieve this precious stone from the mountain?"

 

"Yes, my lady..." 

 

She didn't want to hear any more. The thought made her feel sick. Thorin, and his mighty group of warriors were to send this poor creature in after the stone! 

 

"I cannot abide by such cowardice!" She frowned. "Why does HE not go and get it for himself! And send you instead..."

 

"My lady, it's quite alright..."

 

"No! I cannot have it. And I am meant to wed him... Ugh or worse to submit myself to him!" She found herself fuming suddenly and looking around the room for her brother or Aaman. She would annul this union immediately. 

 

"It's alright, my lady... Gandalf said the dragon would most likely not even notice me - and unlike the dwarves, he wouldn't know my smell. The shire has never had dragon trouble before..."

 

"The wizard?" She didn't like the sound of this. "You know that creature will melt your flesh in seconds do you not?"

 

"Yes... Yes..." He gulped at her straight words. He liked her. But he certainly didn't want to cause any trouble in their marriage and the role of her fathers army in this. "But there is a plan.. I promise... And I am in no grave danger - Thorin has offered to come to my aid should I need it..."

 

He lied, trying to sound as convincing as possible, if nothing other than to see her pretty face smile again. 

 

"Do you trust that he will?" She whispered staring into his eyes for his honest thoughts.

 

"Um... Lass... You haven't travelled with a healer have you?" A smiling dwarf with a funny looking hat interrupted them, before bowing. "Bofur, at your service, your ladyship..."

 

"Oh... No... But I can take a look if you like..." She smiled standing up, as the Hobbit accompanied her. 

 

"Aye... That would be good..." 

 

She slipped out of the crowded dining room to follow the dwarf. And then she turned to look at the two giant men that stood not far from her. "Dabur, maybe you should stay... I have Adbi, and this gentleman, Master Baggins to chaperone me. Otherwise it will be obvious that I am out."

 

"My lady, you are not to go running off at a whim. This is not our land. And we have seen the way that some of these men stare at you -"

 

"Very well! I promise to be on my best behaviour, and let Abdi pummel anyone who comes within ten feet of me to a bloody pulp..." She chuckled, as the dwarf and hobbit both looked a bit ill at the thought, given how giant all her bodyguards were. "But Master Bofur here, needs me to look at the wound of one of Prince Thorins company. And it will be my duty now, as his wife to do this.."

 

Both guards looked at one another and sighed, giving in to her requests. In truth, apart from her mother, her body guards were her only friends - even if she did give them the run around sometimes. And they too had grown fond for her, like a naughty little sister.

 

"Come on... Master Bofur - lead the way..."

 

She had followed the dwarf along several dingy corridors, before arriving in a reading room. 

 

A young dark haired handsome dwarf sat on a chair looking down at his knee where an older grumpier looking dwarf sat on a footstool examining it. 

 

As they all arrived in the room the young dark haired dwarf looked up startled. 

 

She could see from where she stood that he looked as though he was in great pain.

 

"Make room for the princess!" Bofur announced proudly, as though he had done something amazing. 

 

The older dwarf grunted something as she approached, but she was not sure it was in westron. 

 

"We need supplies, not a princess you idiot!" The old dwarf grunted out loud.

 

She peered down at the wound that had been exposed. It looked black! 

 

"How long have you had this?" She asked worried, reaching for his forehead to check his temp. "It looks like gangrene, but I know it cannot be, since it does not smell..."

 

"I have had it no more than two days, my lady... But it is nothing truly. Master Oin will wrap it up..." The young dwarf tried to sound dismissive. "Will be as right as rain in a few days -"

 

"Abdi, please could you bring our medical bag..?" She looked up at her guard, who stood unmoving for a moment. "They are warriors and Prince Thorins company -"

 

"Very well, your Highness." He said disappearing quickly.

 

"Who's your giant friend there?" The young dwarf asked. 

 

"My bodyguard..." She helped Oin roll up his trouser leg to get a better look. 

 

"That will need much cleaning. Even curetting the wound will help?" 

 

The older dwarf looked at her with curiosity. 

 

"I will show you. But first we should get you a strong drink...Sir... Um... What should I call you?" 

 

"Kili, at your service -" he tried to hobble up but she pushed him back into his chair, to the amusement of both himself, the other dwarves and the hobbit. 

 

"Oh you are Prince Thorins nephew?" 

 

"Aye. But I am not important..."

 

"You are a Prince!" She smiled at him but he seemed just as sad as she was! She wondered why.

 

Abdi arrived fast with a small leather bag, and he was apparently rather happy to see she hadn't given him the slip!

 

"How do you know about all this lass?" The old dwarf asked her still not entirely sure what she was going to do.

 

"We had many casualties among our men who fought against the sandworms. Too many for our healers. And my mother used to help, so I spent a lot of time as a girl following her in the sick bays. I ended up helping out." She pulled out a vial of liquid and dropped it over his wound, making him hiss in pain. "It turns out that I am not so squeamish, as many other folk. So, Prince Kili...you had better drink some liquor..."

 

She watched as Oin pulled out a small flask and hand it to him. 

 

"The strong stuff lassie... Not this weak ale..." The old dwarf clarified.

 

"Good. Some more please my Prince." She pulled out a shiny silver spoon. "This is a curette... My healers use it a lot when the flesh is infected or contaminated with dirt... I think you had better drink some more..."

 

Kilis eyes widened as he slowly realised what was about to happen and took several more swigs. 

 

"Would you like something to bite on?" She asked briefly as Kili held on to the chair arm tightly, his knuckles turning white, and shook his head. "This may hurt a little..."

 

She was lighting fast, cleaning out the wound, as Kili groaned in agony, one hand covering his mouth, the other gripping the chair. 

 

"A little?!" Kili cried out after she stopped. "Is it done now?" 

 

"Yes." She dropped the blackened flesh into one of the old bandages. "How did this happen?"

 

"One of the orcs shot me with an arrow." Kili explained. 

 

"I fear the arrow head may have been dipped in some sort of poison. I have seen it before," she glanced up at the older dwarf who nodded in agreement listening to her through his ear trumpet. "There is an experienced healer who accompanies the men, but they are a few days behind -"

 

"We shall have to wait and see I think lass. These people here in Lake town have nought - not even any real medicine. But I shall tell you I have never seen anyone do that with a spoon before," he sounded genuinely impressed, while watching her bandage the young dwarfs leg."Oin, at your service me lady.."

 

He bowed with a flourish of his hand still holding his ear trumpet. 

 

"Thank you... It is quite sad isn't it. I suppose this was a prosperous town once when Erebor was thriving..." She couldn't imagine how painful life must have been for those who had no choice but to stay. "Maybe it's something we can help change..."

 

Kili looked at her with dozy eyes and smiled, while Oin nodded thoughtfully. 

 

"Oh, my Prince, I think we had better get you back to your room, so you can have a little nap?" 

 

"There are no rooms. We kipped on the floor on bed rolls," Oin explained. "So you may as well put your feet up here Kili lad..."

 

"No rooms... Then I guess we are back in the tent tonight -" 

 

They were all interrupted by Thorins arrival, as he stood in the doorway to the room looking rather morose. 

 

It had made Bilbo jump briefly. 

 

"My lady..." He stood with his hand held out, while she finished adjusting Kilis legs on the footstool with Oin and Bilbo's help, before walking towards him. It was as if she were a dog and expected to sit at his heel upon his gesture! 

 

"My lord..." She stood looking at his outstretched spade like hand for a moment.

 

"I would be grateful if I could have a word please," he finally spoke the words through his teeth. It made her wonder whether he hated her as much as she was growing to dislike him!

 

"Of course," she reluctantly placed her hand in his, glancing nervously over her shoulder at the others briefly. 

 

Abdi began to follow keeping some distance. 

 

"Is there any need for him?"

 

"We are not yet wed, my lord," she replied. "Abdi goes everywhere I do..." 

 

"Apart from when you are running around with the orphaned children though, that is, right?" Even he had found himself somewhat amused by the story of how Dwalin had met her first. His friend had shared this with him during the long hours they had been trapped in Thranduils prison! It had strangely given him hope, something to look forward to - to meeting her again. 

 

"Oh that?! Um... I fear Abdi had no choice in that, my lord," she suppressed a cheeky smile that was threatening to break on her lips. It was easy to push it back down though as she thought of the freedom she once had, that was now lost. "Don't worry, Abdi is most discreet, and entirely loyal. His duty is only to protect me." 

 

Thorin growled something she didn't understand under his breath. She could only imagine it was in his own language. 

 

"Very well. Here," he led her to a quiet balcony where he stopped and initially looked out into the dimly lit square in the town below. "I expect there is a certain decorum with which women folk in your kingdom are expected to behave?" 

 

She turned to look at him. Her brothers were much taller than Thorin, although none were built so wide, or so muscular. And as it turned out, she too was as tall as the Dwarf-King herself. In fact she wondered, if she stood entirely straight, with the sort of posture her mother would correct her on, whether she might even be a smidge taller than him!

 

"Um...yes my lord," she answered finally after finding herself frozen in his direct, icy stare. "I am not sure what -"

 

"And yet there you are, my wife to be, sharing a cosy window seat with another male, in front of all and sundry. Before then, running off to expose and tend to my nephew..."

 

"Oh... I... Master Baggins is hardly a rival, my lord. He is the size of a child. And surely it would be my duty to look after your nephews anyway, if I am to be your wife..?" She looked down at her hands, that had been decorated elaborately with henna, and thought of what advice her mother had given her, squirming under his unwavering scrutiny. "I apologise if I have done anything to offend you my lord. It was not my intention..."

 

"Hmmmm..." He simply grunted still staring at her, his own irritation burbling up within him. 

 

She was so young, and so untouched. Any dam at home now would have already begun to flirt with him by now, flaunting their cleavage or batting their lashes at him. This girl was too tall, with only small pert breasts, and was much harder work than he was used to. 

 

She looked back up at him, finding he didn't even look away. His cold, blue eyes just looked angry, although he didn't appear to have any sort of expression on his face. 

 

"Well I am unable to offer you protection, we barely have any proper weapons. And tomorrow I must leave for the mountain, and strangely while it would be safer to take you with me, I cannot in case the dragon should still live..." He spoke with rising irritation in his voice. "I asked that we might be married after the mountain was taken back, but your father will never offer his army unless we are wed..."

 

"Yes. I understand these are not the best of circumstances. But if you place yourself in his shoes too, you will understand that there is no guarantee for him unless there is a marriage first. I too have accepted this. While you are an honourable dwarf, another man may use his army and then marry another woman - there is nothing to stop you. Rhun-Agar is so far, it is hardly worth his while to march another army on you and declare war," she began trying to explain only to find his hardened stare meet her gaze when she looked up. "I suppose, I am trying to say, I understand, and I have long accepted my duty in all this."

 

He looked away this time, clasping his hands behind his back. It was a very formal stance, and only made him look broader, and rather magnificent. 

 

"You speak of understanding and accepting your duty. Does this mean that I am not the choice you would have made for yourself, had you chosen a husband..?" He wanted to know whether her resistance to what he considered his natural charm was because she had another in her heart. But he didn't want to sound anything more than curious. 

 

"My lord, I am not sure I would have chosen any at the moment. I am the youngest of all my father's daughters, and I am not of the highest birth. I sincerely cannot say I expected any suitors so early," she watched him this time. Even on profile with his strong nose, he looked handsome. It made her wonder why he chose her, for surely he could have selected any of her unwed sisters! She wanted to ask him the same question, but was too scared of an honest answer. 

 

"Very well, then. I must ask you whether there is anything that you would request from me? Any special wishes or demands I must fulfill which will require our marriage contracts to be amended?" He spoke again at first looking away, before then turning to face her fully.

 

"Um... No... " She hesitated nervously trying to hold her tongue, but with each passing moment found herself struggling. 

 

"That does not sound as though you have nothing at all to ask of me." He stepped closer, until he was able to smell the ambery perfume that lingered on her skin. He was close enough to touch her, to even kiss her, and as he watched, she appeared to shiver a little, her big brown eyes widening, like a doe, so unspoilt. "You can ask me for anything you wish..."

 

"Well it's not really a request - but I do not think you should be sending in Master Baggins to the mountain," she blurted out unable to temper her words better out of a mixture of nervousness under his stern scrutiny, and general weariness. "He might die, and worse yet awaken the dragon..."

 

"He knows what he signed up for, and will be rewarded handsomely in return -"

 

"Why do you not retrieve it yourself?" 

 

"Because I am more likely to wake the beast from its slumber!" He hissed angrily stepping closer to her still. They were now close enough that he could kiss her. "Besides, what do you know of dragons or of reclaiming kingdoms! You are nothing but a silly little girl!"

 

She had made him angry, and now she felt stupid. 

 

"Do you think me a coward?" He hissed at her fuming. He wanted to teach her a lesson - preferably on her knees! "Do you think you know anything about what it is that we must accomplish here?" 

 

"I... No...I don't..." She took a step back to find herself now against the wall. 

 

But he still remained so close that his body was touching hers. It made her heart race.

 

"Perhaps you should leave such decisions to me..." He positioned his legs around her, now trapping her in place, as she desperately tried to press herself against the wall. Dark eyes dilated, and her breasts heaving, with the strange thrill he brought. "Easy now, little one... You have nothing to fear from me..." 

 

He carefully placed a hand on her belly, to steady her, as if she were a jittery pony. Of course he couldn't help but enjoy the feel of her. Perhaps tomorrow would be the send off that he needed. After all it was the memory of her face that had kept him from giving up entirely while trapped in Greenwood. He wasn't sure exactly what this was, but it stirred something strangely primal within him. 

 

"Perhaps...you should be more concerned with preparing for tomorrow...and performing your 'duties' then..." He spoke in his rich deep voice, his lips so close to her ear, she could feel his breath on her skin.

 

It made her close her eyes, half expecting him to steal a kiss from her and made her feel a thrill that she hadn't felt in a long time. 

 

It was something dangerous, like when she had crept out of her father's palace once late at night to see the town then. It was like an entirely forbidden city after dark, as hidden brothels, rowdy and debauched tavernas opened up, with their bar maids, that were clearly a bit more than that, courtesans and dancing girls in full swing. Watching the lusty and nefarious activities that went on was a thrill, for if she had been caught, she was certain that some terrible fate may have befallen her. Of course, she had found her very angry mother waiting for her on her arrival, and the Palace had been searched several times over by her guards with the Maharajah informed. But for a few hours of adrenaline fuelled danger, the punishment of being grounded had been entirely worth it! 

 

This moment with him, now, felt like that. Her heart beat out of her chest, and she found herself unable to catch her breath, with her body pressed against the wall and her eyes closed.

 

She wasn't sure what to expect next, as she felt his hand leave her abdomen and gently brush her cheek. 

 

And then she waited, and waited, in this state for what felt like an age. 

 

Until she found her heart and her breathing slowly returning to normal. 

 

But when she opened her eyes, he was gone, and she stood alone on the balcony under the pale glow of the autumn moon. 

 

....

 

"May your union bear the strength of these chains..." Balin spoke as he wrapped the heavy iron around her wrist and then Thorins. "May our father Mahal bless and protect the strength of you both. Let what was forged in fire and cooled in water be as strong as stone." 

 

She held still, although the chains pinched at her skin, and kept her eyes down on her wrist, although she could feel his eyes boring into her. 

 

They stood in a grand banquet room that had been opened out to allow the townsfolk to stand watching. 

 

They had already signed the contracts, where Thorin had whispered something to Balin and her brother at first, and the fluffy haired dwarf had nodded, crossing something out and amending it. And after that, Thorin himself had lifted her sheer veil which just covered her face before they had started the ceremony. 

 

She was dressed in a suit her mother had chosen for her, with a more open neckline, but longer waist and sleeves, and lots of elaborate gold embroidery on dusky rose silk and brocade. It was truly a magnificent piece, and had been made to fit her in a more figure hugging manner with laces at the back that her brother had tightened a little too well. And so the inbuilt bralette cupped and pushed up her breasts in a more uncomfortable way than she liked, although from the look on Thorins face, it cleared had the desired effect. 

 

When she had first set eyes on him where they stood at the top of the room after her brother had walked her in, she had found her body reacting to him just as it had yesterday. Her heart had begun to beat faster, and her breath quicken, expecting him to provide the same thrill that he had done last evening. 

 

And so out of fear that her fast breathing had made her breasts heave quite openly as they sat much prouder than she had ever worn before, she had decided to make as little eye contact with him as possible. 

 

There was to be a grand wedding feast soon after. But not for her. She was to be whisked back to her tent where she would begin her wedding night early with Thorin. It was apparently the one thing he had amended yesterday as a request. And so after getting dressed for her wedding, she and her guards had prepared her bed, with extra furs and blankets, rose water and lavender to fragrance it all. Her brother had then set a side table with wine and goblets, advising her that although she didn't drink, that it would be wise if she did partake in a single glass that evening, quoting that dwarven males were thicker in girth and better endowed than men! It was something her mother had talked to her about when they had picked outfits for her back in Rhun-Agar, but she had thought her mother had said it in jest. To be fair her mother had quite a wicked sense of humour, and had been hooting about something else of a bawdy nature at the time. 

 

So now she was even more nervous, expecting that she would suffer quite some pain on such an impaling, when he consummated their marriage. And judging from the way he looked at her, she imagined he would be quite rough with her. She had asked more from her guards whom she trusted to tell her the truth, but most of them rarely remembered a time when they had been interested in sex as they had all been castrated as young men.

 

She was snapped out of her own thoughts as she felt the pinching of the chains when Thorin grasped her wrist. 

 

"You are mine. And with my sword and hands, I vow to honour, protect and provide for you. With my blood I swear this," Thorin spoke the words in that deep voice of his, which threatened to make her feel breathless again. "Let what was forged in fire, and cooled in water be as strong as stone."

 

"Now lass, repeat after me," Balin smiled at her kindly. "I am yours..."

 

"I am yours..."

 

"With my body and heart, I vow to obey, love and comfort you. Being faithful to only you...."

 

"With my...body and heart, I vow to...obey, love and comfort you. Being faithful to only you..." She didn't entirely like what she was saying, but she had no choice. 

 

"Now grasp his hand lass," Balin gently prompted her. But the chains were tight, and cutting into her skin. Fortunately Thorin had helped her by letter her wrist go and moving his hand to allow her to place her hand in his. The chains jangled and clinked as they bit at her soft skin. It was probably going to bruise her. 

 

"Let what was forged in fire, and cooled in water be as strong as stone." Balin smiled and nodded as she repeated him.

 

"Let what was forged in fire and cooled in water be as strong as stone." 

 

"The marriage is blessed. Now as I remove these chains, may the bond that forms between you continue to grow." Balin prompted, removing the chains. "With a kiss it is sealed..."

 

She suddenly looked up to find his piercing blue eyes still on her. They stared at her with an intensity that made her blush as she now expected that kiss. 

 

Slowly he stepped up to her and leant in. Her heart raced again, and she closed her eyes. It was hard to imagine he would kiss her passionately in front of so many like that. 

 

But he seemed to take his time, wrapping an arm around her waist, while the other rested on her back as he pulled her in slowly. Then very carefully he pressed his lips to hers.

 

She had never kissed anyone before. And he was gentler than she expected, but just as his lips made contact with hers the soft bristle of his beard made her gasp into their kiss. This was all he needed, as she parted her lips he slid in his tongue, pressing her more against his body. 

 

His tongue exploring her mouth made her moan softly, which he seemed to enjoy, as he deepened their kiss. For her it was a thrilling ride, with her heart pounding away as she clutched onto his chest.

 

There was a cheer from the crowd, which seemed to pull him out of the moment as he quickly chastened the kiss before letting her go.

 

He stood beside her, still holding her hand, and turned to address the crowd.

 

"I thank you for your generous hospitality, and the supplies. Once we reclaim Erebor, I promise to restore our trade routes, and repay your generosity to rebuild your town!" He announced. "Now please enjoy the feast tonight before we set off on our final quest tomorrow."

 

Again the crowd cheered loudly as he began to lead her through to the door, pausing briefly to speak with Dwalin. 

 

"Get everything packed and ready," Thorin whispered to his friend. 

 

"Aye, what about Kili? He's nae in good shape." Dwalin spoke in a hushed manner. "He can only barely walk..."

 

"We cannot risk everything now. Kili stays. Leave Oin to help him." Thorin replied hurriedly now eager to get his new bride back to their marriage bed. "We must get there before the sun sets tomorrow."

 

"Aye. And we shall send a couple of plates o'food in ter yer tent shall we?" Dwalin chuckled ribbing his friend.

 

"No! We are not to be interrupted." He gave her a sidelong glance, hoping she was not able to hear anything over the din of the crowd. "I need an heir and an army."

 

"Aye... And a good send off eh?" He patted Thorin on the back before winking at her. "Bet yer glad ye met me eh Princess?!"

 

Thorin grunted something at Dwalin before leading her on again. There was now an almost strange urgency about his movement, although he was still careful not to pull her along.

 

They had almost made it to the door when Arvind stopped them briefly. 

 

"Balin tells me you have refused any witnesses?" Arvind sounded strangely relieved, as she tried to make sense of what he meant. 

 

"Aye. I can see it is a relief for you. I did not think it proper..." Thorin grasped his shoulder in reassurance, although in truth he had only refused witnesses so he could have her as many times as his body and hers would allow it. And he was now looking forward to it, almost semi-erect in anticipation even!

 

"I am grateful of course. But unless we confirm that...the marriage is as it should be the army will not arrive, and if what the locals say is true, we will be in great peril when the beast awakens -" Arvind sounded worried about it all now. He was usually not one to be so nervous. He had fought many sandworms himself, when he had been new to battle, and it was because he had earned his father's highest respect that he had been sent to accompany the Maharajah's youngest daughter. But now he was beginning to regret his decision to accept. He could handle himself, but he feared for his youngest sister. He had always been most fond of her of all his siblings - even more so than his own true sister by birth. "Even then you are placing the life of an innocent girl at risk. You have heard this from me already -"

 

"Aye. And that is why you are here, Prince Arvind. As soon as we leave, you keep her safe - take her to Greenwood if you must." Thorin replied bitterly. "Remember my future heir will possibly be in the same danger -"

 

"If your age is not a problem that is." Arvinds reply was not harsh in his tone. In fact it was spoken in a very distinguished manner, but there was a hidden dismissal. Of course, he did not believe Thorin would make a good husband to his most favoured sister. She was carefree, kind and generous, where as his experience of dwarves was that they only thought of one thing - themselves and their riches. 

 

"I am sure your sister will reveal what a thorough seeing to she has received tomorrow," Thorin growled back quietly. "And don't worry I will give you your proof before the night is done." 

 

He glanced at her again, realising that she may have been growing more nervous with each exchange. And that was not good. If he wanted to enjoy her, he would need her to relax.

 

"All is well, I give you my word, Prince Arvind," he reassured softening his tone. "I have sworn before Mahal and all those who are witness to protect her. And that I will. I would never bring shame upon my line by neglecting my wife...now why not go and enjoy the meal. I shall provide you with proof in time." 

 

Arvind paused for a moment as though he had yet another objection, and then decided against it himself, nodding solemnly.

 

"I offer you my congratulations and best wishes for a happily wedded life, my dear sister." He took a moment to embrace her before moving on. 

 

And with that they stepped out into the dull town square, where everything was quiet. 

 

Notes:

Dear All

Thank you for following so far - as always your thoughts make my day :) ❤️

And in advance I wish you all a very happy healthy New Year xx

Chapter 4: Consumed

 

 

She sat at the small table taking her jewellery off as he watched impatiently, sipping on a glass of wine. 

 

 

"Why do you not come over here..." He patted the mattress beside where he sat. He had taken his boots off and watched as she too had slipped off her shoes and walked about on the soft rug they had placed on the floor of her tent. It was quite spacious but also warm considering how cold it was outside. "There is no need to hurry with taking those off..."

 

He rather liked the way she looked bathed in her necklaces and the strange head dress that was draped over her hair, and wondered what she might look like in nothing but her jewels.

 

"Some of these are on loan. So they must be kept safe and undamaged." She wrapped up a few of the pieces in several velvet rolls carefully before peeping through the flap of her tent and handing it to one of her guards. 

 

"Are they necessary out there tonight?" Thorin asked again realising that her guards stood within earshot of them. "I am hardly going to harm you..."

 

She laughed at his comment nervously. 

 

"They are there to guard us both now. They have been in service to me since I turned twelve..." 

 

"But they will hear us," he objected again hoping against hope that she would understand what he meant. It was not always easy to control what came out of one in the throes of passion. "Is it not strange that they can be trusted to safeguard you, and yet they too are men, with...natural urges..."

 

"Oh...no, my lord. They have been...erm...I don't know the word for it in westron." She wracked her brains. "Where the...Um... Crown jewels have been removed."

 

She gestured to the nether regions, making Thorin laugh at first as he watched her, before realising they had been castrated. 

 

"And they were willing for this?" He sat up asking in surprise. 

 

"It is a great honour to guard a princess royal." She confirmed walking over to the side table and eyeing the glass of wine he had poured out for her with uncertainty. "Their families will be given wealth and status and always looked after by the crown. And to be honest they are more like my big brothers really..."

 

He watched her with a light smile on his face as she walked about slowly. It was one of his rare genuine smiles. He would not insult her with feigned happiness, after all she had no where to escape, she belonged to him, whether she liked it or not!

 

Perhaps she might have not been his choice, had he been given one. But perhaps if he had the choice he may not have sought out a bride at all, let alone one as young and unspoilt as her. 

 

Tonight he was just a man enjoying his new bride, all other troubles could wait until tomorrow morning. And by Mahal would he enjoy her! 

 

"What did he mean by witnessing the marriage? Isn't that what they did already?" She asked out of curiousity, slowly picking up the glass. She had so many questions for him, and yet they had so little time. And she knew what awaited her!

 

He stood from the bed with a groan, uncertain how to explain a custom even he deemed quite archaic.

 

"Well, it had been the custom for both our peoples that when a royal is wed, that the consummation of the marriage is witnessed by important elders or members of court - usually ladies, but it was not always the case," he watched her eyes widen at the thought. "It would have been your brother, but I do not think he was too keen. And I have little doubt that the slimy master of Esgaroth would have requested a view too, which would certainly have affected my ability to enjoy myself..."

 

He moved closer to her gently picking up a lock of her black hair. It was the colour of the purest jet, and felt like silk in his hands. He had not given her any warning and expected her to flinch, so was pleased that she hadn't. 

 

"You do look beautiful..." He spoke softly to her, watching as she took a gulp of the wine, apparently surprised that he was even capable of a compliment. "I hope you did not think me improper yesterday..."

 

She shook her head, attempting to stop her rapid breathing.

 

"So if we are not going to be witnessed - I mean I am very relieved at that too, but... How do you show proof?" She pondered looking at the wine - it wasn't truly to her taste, but it was certainly strong. 

 

He smiled loosening her sheer veil that also acted like a stole, watching her shiver at the lightest of his touch, before gently folding it over a table. 

 

"Has your mother, or anyone told you what to expect tonight...?" He asked pouring himself another glass. "I imagine you have never been with another man..."

 

She shook her head when he turned to her.

 

"Have you...ever..." He thought carefully how to ask this, and took another sip of wine to stall for time, watching her take a sip herself. "Touched yourself..."

 

She shook her head, trying to hide a quizzical look and taking another sip.

 

"Have you ever climaxed...?" He drained his goblet and moved towards her. 

 

"No..." She whispered back worried. 

 

"Ah..." He brushed her cheek with his hand. "We shall have to remedy that then tonight..."

 

"Oh..." She quickly put the goblet to her lips and had the last of it herself wondering whether what he spoke of was to be painful. Perhaps she should have eaten something earlier when her guards had brought her a plate, because she found the wine was making her head swim a little. 

 

"It's nothing to be afraid of, little one...I promise you will enjoy it..." 

 

She stumbled back as he walked towards her, landing on the soft mass of furs and blankets.

 

And of course he was quick to follow, shedding his coat fast and coming to lay on the bed beside her.

 

She lay there for a minute, feeling the rush of excitement that seemed to overcome her each time he came so close. Closing her eyes for a moment she took in a few deep breaths, as he trailed a finger along her jaw, down her neck and between her breasts. 

 

He felt her shiver under his touch again, to his great delight, and couldn't resist kissing her. It was not a gentle kiss though, but rather filled with a burning hunger that was raw and feral, a feeling he was unaware dwelled within him, that she seemed to be quite capable of stirring in him. 

 

"Have you ever kissed another before..?" He whispered between kisses, his hands wrapping themselves around her leg. 

 

"You mean like my mother or father -" and then she blushed realising that was not at all what he had asked. "Oh... Another man... No..."

 

He kissed her again, this time pulling her over to sit on his chest, her thighs and legs splayed across him. 

 

"You are very good...a natural," He bit her lip, drawing a little moan from her, as he slowly began to undo the laces on her blouse. "And you taste so sweet..."

 

"Dates..." She pointed somewhere, but neither seemed to care, as they carried on kissing.

 

Her head swam and her heart beat out of her chest so fast that she was sure it would explode. And he carried on loosening her blouse, so that he could gently brush her nipples by running his fingers along and just beneath the plunging neckline. He was delighted to see just how deliciously she arched her back each time he did.

 

Despite the assault on all her senses, she couldnt help herself as she began to gyrate her hips. 

 

"Ah..." She whispered nervously and a little alarmed. "I think the wine...may be poisoned..." 

 

He broke their kiss, worried about her, but watching her, it was clear she was rather enjoying herself, and not unwell at all.

 

"What do you mean my little dancer...?" He carried on brushing her nipples and grinding himself against her, as she sat in his lap, eyes closed and steadying herself on his shoulders. "Open your eyes little one..."

 

"I...feel funny..." She sighed throwing her head back, before opening her big brown eyes and looking at him. "Like something is happening to me...to my body..."

 

He smiled kissing her again realising she was close. 

 

"How about this...?" He trailed a hand down her stomach and to her waist, continuing further and lighting brushing further down still over her clothes. 

 

"Oh...that makes...my whole body feel as though...." She watched him earnestly, her eyes clouded with pleasure. "I am going to explode..."

 

"That...is good..." He slipped his hand down the waistband of her trousers to continue what he had begun before against her softness. She was so wet he wanted her right away, but he knew this would pay off. She screwed her eyes tight. "No no...I want you to let go..."

 

She gasped as he touched her, letting her head fall back, a soft mewl escaping her lips.

 

"Yes..that's right..." He watched her unblinking. He had never brought a woman to climax so easily before, and he had barely undressed her or touched her for that matter, and he could sense she would climax at any moment now. "Do not be afraid, let go...for me...scream if you feel it...say my name..."

 

"Ah! Thorin!" She cried out as she trembled in his arms. "I think I am going to collapse..." 

 

He was quick to catch her against his body, kissing her as her first climax washed over her. He had never heard a female cry out so delightfully when he had brought them to completion. And he rather liked the way his name sounded from her lips. 

 

They lay there for a few minutes, as she recovered.

 

"My lady..." He whispered in her ear but she was still catching her breath. He began to take his tunic off, when she grasped it and helped pull it off. "If you enjoyed that...I have something more I think you would enjoy..."

 

"I have never felt that before..." She smiled at him half lidded while he quickly pulled off her blouse to leave her breasts exposed, her nipples already standing proud. 

 

"And to think you had never kissed nor had you been touched..." He lay her on the bed, and slowly began to slip her pantaloons off, growing eager in every sense to taste her more. But she just lay there with a smile of her face and her eyes closed. "My lady...are you well..?"

 

"No... I told you I think this wine is poisoned. For I feel strange." She reached out blindly for him. "The whole room... Is swimming..."

 

"How much wine have you had?" He began to kiss his way down the soft brown skin of her belly before arriving precisely where he desired. 

 

"Only one goblet..." she mewled under his movements, but her eyes were still closed. 

 

"And how much do you normally drink?" He spoke into her, making her gasp.

 

"This is my first time..."

 

"Oh..." He sighed realising she was probably very intoxicated indeed. 

 

Initially he tried to carry on as he had begun. Her naked body was so sensitive to his touches, kisses, licks and bites. But her soft sighs were soon, ones in her sleep. 

 

"Oh my dear wife..." He crawled up her delicious body, sporting a painful erection, so desperate to plunder her and with his tip at her entrance, so wet and ready, he paused. 

 

All it would take was the gentlest of pressure and he would be inside her. With the way in which she had been so unspoilt, he could only imagine just how tight she would be. And she would not feel any pain tonight either. 

 

Perhaps it would be for the greater good too - they needed proof of consummation, and he needed his release, or he would be a mess tomorrow. 

 

He hovered over her for a little while, teasing his throbbing tip just at her entrance. 

 

And then he realised he simply couldn't do it. 

 

She was exhausted from the first climax he had given her coupled with the intoxication. And he had quickly realised that perhaps with just half a goblet of wine to relax her, from the way she had moved last night, so freely, he would thoroughly enjoy deflowering her, with her as an active participant. 

 

She certainly danced in a strangely erotic way that he had never seen before. He would love an encore perhaps next time when she was fully nude!

 

He sighed kneeling over her and beginning to palm himself as he looked at her body. 

 

Perhaps this night would have to wait, and he would have to make do with spilling himself over her for tonight.

 

Now he had two problems to deal with presently: firstly he was still rock hard, but that would be an easy fix, looking at her. The second problem was how to provide proof that they had consummated the marriage, that would require a little more subtlety. 

 

......

 

She woke up to the sound of Thorin dressing. 

 

Her head ached, she felt sick, and she was frankly in a bad mood. The cold air against her naked skin was somewhat soothing. 

 

And then she remembered last night!

 

Quickly she pulled a blanket up over herself. 

 

"Good. You are awake..." Thorin grunted without looking at her. "At least we had some rest last night..."

 

That would not have been the case had it been his choice. She had tossed and turned, often talking in her sleep and rolling her long, smooth legs over him, or pressing her body to his for warmth. It had been pure torture. Had he his own way, he would have taken her several times at least. But instead he had been forced to take care of himself several times!

 

Suddenly realising what a state of undress she was in, she pulled the blankets around herself, sitting up. 

 

"There is no need for that, I have seen, touched and tasted all you have to offer already," he grunted in irritation. "We must leave for Erebor now..."

 

"But I am not coming?" She frowned recalling so many different conversations. 

 

"You are hardly of any use to anyone." He snapped back, and then regretted his choice of words. Still he said nothing to soften the sting.

 

She fell silent and pulled the blankets up tighter. 

 

"Listen to me, this is very important," he sighed and sat on the bed beside her in his tunic and trousers glancing at her sidelong. "The lives of so many depend on this. I imagine you will have some moral objection, as you cannot recall what happened last night...but you are to say that we have consummated the marriage -"

 

"What about proof?"

 

"I showed them a blood stained bedsheet and claimed it was your virgin blood." He explained fast. "I know it is a lot to take in, but you had foolishly consumed too much wine and your head will be feeling worse for wear -"

 

"What truly happened?" She asked quietly. 

 

"Well, you experienced the best climax of your life," he smirked, recalling how she had lost all inhibition after the wine and gyrated her hips for him. Had this been normal circumstances he would have found it endearing, and he could have finished the task in the morning. But these were not normal times. "And then you passed out.. which means you owe me my finish..."

 

"Why am I sticky?" 

 

"I had to cut myself perhaps it's the blood..." He had made a small cut on his chest, which had bled more than he expected on the sheets. But the true reason was not this! "Let me have a look..."

 

Perhaps he could convince her to let him see her body. But he certainly was not ready to reveal the truth!

 

She just sat there and shook her head and pulling her blanket tighter. He hadn't sounded happy about their night already, and it had made her feel like she had not been able to please him. Perhaps he had found her repulsive. 

 

He remained watching her closely. There was a chance he may not ever see her again.

 

"Do not worry about it," he dismissed quickly. "I have little time left with you, so it is important that you understand what I am saying... If your father's army does not arrive, many men will die. Do you understand?"

 

She nodded quickly.

 

"Of course, I will tell them that our marriage is...consummated." She repeated. 

 

"Do you even know what that means?" He huffed angrily. 

 

"Yes," she looked at her arms decorated in henna up to her elbows and frowned. The patterns which looked red on her sisters fair skin, looked dark on hers. It was all a bit pointless, and not exactly what she would have wished for had she any choice in the matter. "My mother told me the first time would hurt, but I did not know I would be expected to bleed..." 

 

"Don't worry. I have no such expectations of you. But it was needed to prove that I have claimed you." Thorin spoke gruffly now standing to pull on his coat. "But you are still my wife, and all this means is that we are to finish the task once you are brought to Erebor... Is that clear?"

 

She sat up on her knees now, clutching the blankets and looked at him worried. 

 

"Will you be safe entering the Mountain while that beast sleeps... I have seen what the sandworms do..." She spoke up quietly worried. She didn't particularly care for this horrid man. But he was now her husband. And she knew what happened to young widows among her people. Some were ordered to be burned on the funeral pyres along with their cruel husband if it had been written into their final wishes, while others were forced to live in nunneries outside the city walls far away from their loved ones. A pardon from her father would be the only thing that might save her. But it also required enough noblemen to agree. And she was less certain of that. Her many step mothers hated her for the affections of her father that she was seen to steal from them. But worst of all now, Nandita hated her, accusing her of stealing a suitor from her. And Nanditas mother was a powerful woman. So if Thorin died, she would have no home to return to.

 

"Aye..." He paused to look at her surprised by her question. He had not been particular kind to her, and yet was it even possible that she could care for him? "I have faced Smaug before." 

 

"And Master Baggins? You will keep him safe?" She added cautiously not wishing to upset him. 

 

"Aye. He will be, so long as he doesn't do anything foolish." He lied to pacify her. He didn't care for her fondness of the hobbit, and yet he didn't like seeing her face so sad nonetheless. "Now do you remember what you are to say?"

 

"Shouldn't I be ready to see you off...?" She suddenly got out of bed, even though her head still felt funny. 

 

"Here... Drink." He handed her a small vial. He would not force her to see him off publicly - it was enough of a spectacle thanks to the master of the town as it stood. "Oin, prepared some for you." 

 

"Oh." She took the small glass bottle, but started standing up, still clutching onto the blanket, even though he could see her shapely bottom and her narrow waist from behind. "And what about Kili? He is not well enough to travel. I mean, I fear for him, my lord."

 

"Kili will be looked after," he suddenly stood in front of her grasping her arms tightly, so that she understood the importance of what he had to say. It startled her enough to let go of the blanket she clutched, leaving her attempting to scramble for it, but he stopped her, watching her soft deep brown skin prickle with goosebumps. "There is no need for modesty now: You are my wife. But it is really important that your brother takes you away from Lake Town after we leave...do you understand?"

 

"In case you awaken the dragon..." She looked at him concerned, and she suddenly clutched onto his chest. "But what about all the children and the elderly of this town? Please! We must evacuate them all then? There are babes... They would not survive a long journey or such cold! My lord, Thorin!"

 

But he simply held her naked body against himself, hushing her as though she were just a hysterical creature. 

 

He wouldn't be able to hold her for too long, without growing rock hard. And he didn't need that before his quest. 

 

"This is why your father's army is essential. They will arrive at daybreak tomorrow, ready for when we enter the mountain. So let us all pray it does not come to that..." He smirked still holding her. He rather enjoyed it. Even if she didn't love him, or he love her, he could at least enjoy her until they had an heir, after which they could agree to lead separate lives if that was her choice, and he could go back to having whomever he chose in his bed. "I could make time if you wish to be quick though..."

 

Suddenly realising the compromising position she found herself in, as she felt his calloused hands moving down her back, she quickly pushed herself away from him. 

 

"Don't dismiss me as if I am some silly little girl talking about something hysterical!" She picked up the blanket and wrapped herself with it, hurrying over to a chest from which she pulled out several items of clothing and quickly began dressing. "These are innocent people with nothing!"

 

"Now look here, woman," Thorin had quickly moved over to where she stood. And while he couldn't tower over her like he did most other dwarves, for she was too darn tall for anyone's good, he was broad and muscular enough to frighten her, being at least thrice her width. "Do not go around frightening everyone. They will only turn on you! I would not purposefully put everyone in danger. Remember my nephew is still here, and will be unable to travel either..."

 

He stared into her big brown eyes and he held her firmly. 

 

"Besides, Smaug would have eventually awoken..." He tried to reason with her a little more gently this time, fighting a desperate urge to plunder her body hard in that very moment. "So be a good girl, get yourself dressed, and move camp today."

 

"I am not a girl!" She protested quietly. 

 

"No, you will not be, once we have had a proper wedding night." He smirked again letting her go and adjusting his coat so that he disguised his arousal. "Until then, and perhaps even after, you are still young enough for me to put you over my knee and take my belt to that pretty little backside of yours. And you would do well to remember that."

 

And with that he began to walk out, leaving her to finish dressing. 

 

"Do not feel obliged to see me off..." He grunted lifting the tent flap. 

 

"Oh you'd like that wouldn't you...?"

 

.....

 

She hadn't taken long to get dressed, and as she left the tent she found all four of her guards sitting outside waiting. 

 

"Are your things packed, little lady?" Abdi asked. "Is there anything you need?"

 

"No - packed? No.." she was surprised. "But thank you, I just need to see Prince Thorin..."

 

"Prince Thorin and His Highness your brother were both clear that we were to move out as soon as they set off..." Dabur looked worried. And then he asked a little more shyly. "Are you...in pain... My lady? There was quite a lot of blood on the sheets...and we had heard you cry out, but it sounded..."

 

Dabur and Abdi both paused, blushing profusely. 

 

"Shut up you fools!" Karan, one of her older guards snapped at the other two overhearing their conversation. "Of course she is unharmed. Prince Thorin is not a young inexperienced man. Besides what did you expect that she would be unable to walk the next day?" 

 

"Oh! So that's why he didn't want me to see him off?" She tutted. Really it should have been hilarious that Thorin wanted to show off how thoroughly he had bedded her. 

 

Annoyed by his sheer arrogance, she began to march up to the small pier where the dwarves where preparing a small boat to head onwards to the Lonely Mountain. 

 

The crowds had gathered just as Thorin had predicted. But they seemed to part allowing her through. 

 

As she arrived she could over hear Thorin talking to Dwalinn.

 

"Well... Ye look like a younger dwarf! Got a spring in yer step eh?" Dwalin chuckled as he tied up a couple of swords together safely and tested carrying them over his shoulder. "See I told ya she was good fer ya!"

 

"Aye. I concede I couldn't have picked out a better lass..." Thorin admitted begrudgingly. "What she lacks in experience she makes up for in spirit and energy."

 

"Och! A firecracker then! I knew it!" Dwalin ribbed his friend again. "Well, there are few of us old dwarrow who could handle a younger lass, but I knew you had it in ya Thorin! All that mopin about over the last few years...I am glad. Ye deserve a lovely lass like that! And a princess no less eh!" 

 

"Well she isn't my Mara, and I will say it's a shame she has no beard, but she has a bonnie face." Gloin patted Thorin as he too loaded up some food. "So where is your pretty princess then? Isn't she going to see you off?"

 

"She is probably unable to walk today..." The youngest looking dwarf, she recognised as Ori spoke up then blushing profusely. "All the town's folk are talking about how much blood there was on the sheets -"

 

"Eh? Ye were gentle with the lass?" Dwalin looked surprised. 

 

"Ugh the Master was there when I spoke with Arvind..." Thorin grumbled at first before spotting the look on Dwalins face. "No need to worry I was gentle - But she still enjoyed herself very much..."

 

"They are talking about how you gave it to her good!" Ori tried to sound like one of the men he had heard it from, but still couldn't help blushing. 

 

"I am not one to boast Master Ori," Thorin and Dwalin looked at one another smugly, the former about talk of how virile he was, while the latter about how he had made the perfect match. "Let's just conclude that she was a girl when I married her. And now she is very much a woman."

 

The dwarves all cheered to that!

 

"Well, did you not wish to draw her a soothing bath?" Dori asked helpfully, as he gave his youngest brother a chastising look for spreading gossip. "Perhaps some of Oins healing salts...?"

 

"No, Master Dori, I thought it was best to let her rest -"

 

"Good morning my Lord!" She smiled as sweetly as she could given how annoyed she was for having overheard their conversation. "I wanted to wish you a safe journey..."

 

"My lady..." He winced as he turned to greet her with a gentle kiss wondering how much of their armour-room chatter she had overheard. "I thought you were too tired to see me off..."

 

"Of course. But I had to come and see you off...and check that you hadn't strained your thing, giving me such a good time dear husband.." she smiled innocently as Dwalin and Gloin hooted with laughter.

 

"Och Thorin! Yer in trouble now!" Gloin laughed again.

 

Thorin stopped what he was doing, assessing and passing weapons, and moved to stand very close to her. At first he observed her suspiciously before leaning in to whisper in her ear, wrapping an arm around her waist to feign affection.

 

"Just couldn't get enough of me or my thing, hmmm my lady?" He whispered so close it made her shiver, despite feeling incensed. 

 

"No I wished to admire you male pride and listen to your tales of my conquest," she whispered back quickly. 

 

"Would you prefer I shared details of how my bride got drunk senseless on our wedding night and passed out?!" He hissed back angrily in her ear. "Or how I felt instead of claiming your virtue in that state, that I cut myself and claimed it proof. When any other man would have claimed you anyway...?"

 

He watched as her pretty brown eyes widened in surprise. She had not realised that she had become intoxicated, since she had never drunk wine before. 

 

"I am sorry - I was advised to have a glass of wine to prepare my body for... Well... You..." She whispered back hushed. "I thought you poisoned my wine to make me sleep so you could do as you pleased..."

 

"You think me such a cad, my lady?!" 

 

"I am sorry, my lord," she whispered ruefully, placing a hand on his chest.

 

"How much did you truly drink?" 

 

"Only a glass..as instructed.."

 

"perhaps it was very strong..." 

 

He pondered silently for a moment watching her carefully.

 

"How much did you eat?" He observed her face carefully to seek for any signs of lying, but it appeared she was telling the truth. 

 

"Nothing since the morning, I had so much preparation..." 

 

He suddenly felt a twinge of pity for her. Perhaps she had been too nervous to eat.

 

"That was the problem. Next time have only half a glass. And if you are hungry you ask me, as your husband it is my duty to ensure you are safe and well," he whispered back holding her a little closer. Her slender, taller frame did truly did fit so well in his arms. "But you should certainly dance for me as you did last night. I have seen nothing like it before... It is most seductive..."

 

He watched with smug satisfaction as she blushed profusely, pleased with the effects of his words, knowing the others would be watching closely. 

 

"In truth I need your permission, my Lord, Rajah is arriving with the army..."

 

"I am not allowing that wild animal to stay in Erebor!"

 

"I could set up a camp for him with shelter nearby and take him left over scraps. That is all he needs. Please?" She begged. "He will not survive in the wild, and he truly is harmless... I would look after everything and it would cause no headache for you... Please, my lord, I beg you?"

 

He observed her face again, and couldn't allow her to pine away for a creature if she needed to carry his babe safely. 

 

"Very well, but it stays outside. And when you conceive you are to relinquish your caring duties to one of your gaurds. I cannot risk my future heir. Is that clear?" 

 

"Of course. Thank you." 

 

"Now turn around and kiss me, to show them..." He put both hands on her hips, moving her into a better position and whispered in her ear again. "And do it like you mean it..."

 

Just grateful to be able to keep her Jaguar, she closed her eyes and leant in, wrapping her arms around his neck. She could feel his arms wrapping around her waist and pulling her tighter against him. Ignoring the sensation, she pressed her lips against his. He was very quick to respond kissing her back passionately as though hers would be the last ever lips he would kiss on middle earth. And with that so many thoughts came rushing to her mind; of how he had been kind to her last night; of how much she looked forward to seeing Rajah again after so many weeks of travel alone; and of what he life might become should Thorin fail his quest or die trying. Her heart ached for them both and how they found themselves in such a terrible predicament. This marriage and union was not just for them it was for all their people...

 

And then she could taste him, and his breakfast. It was sweet, like apples and a berry preserve. She licked his tongue, chasing that sweet taste. She could hear a low groan that rumbled from deep in his chest. 

 

For Thorin, what had begun as a simple agreement and the promise of a few nights of guaranteed pleasure, momentarily felt different. Her kiss was sincere, and wild. It was as though she had forgotten that there was a small audience. It almost made him feel sorry for her - for doing nothing but using her as his stepping stone to reclaiming his Throne and Kingdom. 

 

And then suddenly it was all interrupted by the gentle squeeze of her bottom, by his wandering hand. It was a habit he couldn't help - for he had tasted too many loose dams, freely giving it away, and far too eager. Apparently she wasn't like that, she let go and snapped up straight as if his touch had burned her bottom instead!

 

"Um...thank you my lord," her hands flew up to her lips self-consciously. "Please be safe..." 

 

She blushed as she stepped away from him pulling her Cape tighter around herself. 

 

"Very well, my lady," he tilted his head, keeping his face neutral, and now once again chasing out all this silly lust out of his head. That was one thing so many years of battle and hardship had taught him to do; learn to immediately focus on what had to be done. It was both a skill and a gift. "You remember what I said..."

 

She nodded watching him return to his task, helpless, when the familiar hand of Dabur gently tapped her shoulder.

 

"Mistress, here," Dabur offered her a small bunch of heather. "The locals believe it brings good luck to those on journeys. It grows on the rocky lands here."

 

"Thank you Dabur...this is very thoughtful," she smiled, and began by tucking a small sprig into his coat lapel. "I think we all need some today..."

 

"Ah, good morning, Princess..." Bilbo Baggins came to stand by her. "My congratulations to you..."

 

He sounded nervous and looked at Thorin and the other dwarves. 

 

"Good morning Master Baggins," she smiled taking a sprig of heather and gently tucking it into his breast pocket. "Although I cannot say it is such a good morning..."

 

"You must be missing your husband already," Bilbo acknowledged. "Heather my lady?"

 

"Yes, for a safe journey," she explained, now realising Thorin had stopped what he was doing and was watching her. "But you dont look entirely happy either... Will you be alright entering the mountain?"

 

"I..um..well now... I think so..."

 

"Very good Master Baggins," Thorin moved towards them, interrupting abruptly, and giving her a stern look. "Where is everyone else we must leave now..."

 

"Um...well..."

 

"We are here..." Kili called out quietly as he hobbled over with Fili. 

 

"Kili, my nephew, this journey is difficult- stay, rest and recover," Thorin spoke gently, placing his hand on Kilis shoulder. "You have been invaluable to us, but all the same, we cannot risk any further harm to you. Oin will stay with you and see that you are healed -"

 

"We could stay with Prince Kili.." she offered quietly trying to be helpful. "Then we can all help Oin. I have Arvind, Aaman and my guardians. There is strength in numbers after all, yes?"

 

"My lady," Kili smiled gratefully, but he did not look well. "I would have liked to look upon the halls of our great-grandfather -"

 

"Aye, and you will! In time." Thorin spoke soothingly again. "Once you are better -"

 

"But I began this quest with you all.." The young prince protested quietly again. "Please uncle?"

 

"And that is why you must not risk yourself in this manner," Thorin grasped his shoulder firmly and gave him a hug. "After everything we have had to endure, it would be terrible if something terrible were to befall you! No, you must stay, my nephew." 

 

Kili stood on the pier beside her, his face fallen, and now revealing the pain he was truly in. 

 

"Thorin, we could carry him between us easily..." Dwalin spoke sympathetically as he came over to join them. "He wouldnt delay us..."

 

"No. We have so little time left. It has been wasted on frivolity, negotiating marriage contracts," Thorin snapped at Dwalin. "I have gained more encumbrances still, and so I must achieve this at all cost, or everything j have suffered would be in vain..."

 

Dwalin, suddenly couldn't help notice the sorrow etched on the young bride's face at Thorins cutting words. She appeared to pull her Cape tighter around herself, trying subconsciously to keep her composure. 

 

The large bodyguard shuffled closer to her in solidarity, it was clear those goons had known and guarded her since she was a child. 

 

And now Dwalin himself felt bad for her. She had lived a relatively carefree life, and was now ripped away from those she loved, only to suffer unnecessary callousness from her husband, and to possibly live life in a guilded cage as his wife.  

 

"Fili, come and take over -" Thorin commanded as he moved another bunch of weapons to the gang plank.

 

"No Uncle." Fili replied sternly, helping his brother. "If Kili is staying then So am I." 

 

"You are Thrors heir - just as am I. Your place is by my side, when we first set foot within the mountain once more -" Thorin began again sternly, but the young blonde dwarf was quick in his response. For him, there was only one clear choice.

 

"No Uncle. My place is with my brother." He shook his head stepping back to help Kili. "I swore to my mother that I would protect him. I will not forsake my word..."

 

"Very well - have it your way then," Thorin dismissed, turning back to packing the provisions that were needed and now ignoring both princes and his bride. "We only take what is essential."

 

"Thank you lassie," Balin smiled as he offered her his coat to tuck the heather in his breast pocket. And Dwalin too stood in line waiting for her, feeling heavy hearted.

 

"Take no notice of him for now, his head is on the task at hand," Dwalin whispered as she placed a sprig of pale pink heather in his coat pocket. He struggled to say much else, and she too remained silent, her mind half on her old life, that which she could never return to.

 

She had stood there patiently, as each of the dwarves had feigned loading some sort of item into the boat they were taking up the river, whiled stopping off with her to receive a sprig of heather.

 

And then finally Thorin returned to her, a persistent look of irritation on his face still. He had hoped to have driven her away by now. But she had stood there patiently, her pretty smile long gone and while she had clearly tried to hide it, he could see the heavy sadness in her eyes. She hid it well. He probably would not have known it, had he not seen her yesterday, so free and happy when she was intoxicated. She had the same mischievous look in her eyes then as when he had first met her that starlit night in the courtyard of the palace on Rhun-Agar.

 

She managed a weak smile, as she helped herself to his pocket before he even gave her permission to touch him. It was a forced smile, so that he would not see how much she ached inside. But he now knew it. And it made him regret his actions instantly. 

 

"Travel safe."

 

He just stood there for a moment watching her. And then planted a chaste kiss on her cheek close to her ear so he could whisper.

 

"Please promise me you will leave this place as soon as you can. Take Fili and Kili with you if you insist on helping them," he whispered in her ear before pulling back to assess her face again.

 

"Of course, my lord. I do not wish to me more of an 'encumbrance' than you must be 'suffered' to 'endure'." Her reply was devoid of emotion. It was numb. And yet he knew the words he had used. Hearing them now, they cut down to the bone.

 

But before he could say another word, she had stepped away, engulfed by the crowd eager to see off the dwarves so that Lake town might receive some of the money from Thrors hoard. All he could see was her body guard, whom he was grateful for now, even if last night he had cursed their refusal to leave their places outside her tent, which had made enjoying her properly much harder anyway.

 

He had joined the others, as the boat had been unmoored and began drifting up. 

 

Looking up, he could see it clearly now. Everything he had worked for over the last year since setting off to look for his father - the Lonely Mountain. It rose out of the mist and clouds like a giant, standing still, alone and proud. 

 

The unmistakeable gates with the carvings of dwarven kings were visible from here. It was funny because when they came to settle in Ered Luin, he never believed he would see Erebor again. And yet the memories he had spent nearly a lifetime trying to forget, were so tangible now, as though they had only been made yesterday. It felt like his parents, and Grandfather were waiting inside.

 

Now all he had to do was find the secret entrance and sneak the hobbit in....

Notes:

I know you expected more from the wedding night…😈 sorry for being such a tease and not delivering! Lol!
So I am going to change the next bits of the story a lot from what will be expected just to spice it up…

Chapter 5: Raid

 

"We need to hide..." Dabur nudged her into a doorway, as several strange creatures seemed to hurry past. They were lightning fast, and she would have nearly missed it if she hadn't been looking. 

 

She peered around the door, past her guard, who stood covering her. He was an enormous man, towering over her and almost as broad as Thorin! But she was worried about him, and the others.

 

"What are they?" She whispered.

 

"Orcs." He hissed back. "You need to hide."

 

"We need to warn the others -" she suddenly clutched at Dabur. "Kili! He cannot run or fight as he is!"

 

Before Dabur could stop her she had dashed out from behind him running silently along the rickety old walkways. Her guard was not as nimble although quite capable of silently keeping her in sight. 

 

Fortunately for her, she spotted the three dwarves not far ahead, catching up to them as they helped Kili hobble along. 

 

"My Lady?" Fili glanced at her as they carried on hobbling. "What are you doing here? Thorin was clear that you are to leave the town -"

 

"Orcs!" She spoke hurriedly between breaths. "Need to hide Kili -"

 

"I can fight, my Lady!" Kili protested with a groan. 

 

"No laddie. She's right." Oin agreed sadly as they all looked around. 

 

"Here." Fili gestured at a door nearby before banging on it. 

 

The door swung open and a young girl stood there flanked by an adolescent boy who looked cross. 

 

"No!" The boy answered sternly before shutting the door, only to have Fili put his boot in the door and stop it from shutting entirely. 

 

"Please?" She spoke up from behind. "The orcs..." 

 

"Orcs? Where?!" The boy frowned. 

 

"We have spotted a handful of scouts. More will follow soon." Dabur added standing behind more forcefully. "I must hide the princess here, so if you do not open the door and let us in, then I will have no choice -"

 

"It's alright Dabur." She quickly interrupted. "Please? Help me? Help us? Dabur will have to go warn my brother and the other guards. They will easily fight them off. But I think the young master of this house will need to warn the town -"

 

"They fought us near the river." Fili revealed. "We thought we lost them there. But it seems not."

 

The girl exchanged a look with the boy, both a little hesitant.

 

"Da will kill us -" the girl sighed. "But -"

 

"We can't turn the lady away..." the boy agreed looking at his sister. "Come on in then. Hurry!"

 

They all quickly piled in, while Oin and Fili moved Kili onto a sofa and laid him down. 

 

Dabur stopped at the door looking around again, unbuckling his heavy coat to reveal an entire arsenal of rather vicious looking weapons tucked away. It had even surprised her.

 

"This would be my wedding period...you weren't relaxed even for then?" She took in his various daggers and knives with wide eyes. 

 

"My lady, weddings and funerals are precisely the time to get tooled up - more than usual!" Dabur chuckled. "I am guessing you have not worn your travel sword today?"

 

She shook her head. The truth was, until their journey to Lake Town, she had never carried a sword or dagger. 

 

"I suppose only a few hours ago, you wore pretty much nothing!" He winked at her cheekily handing her a dagger - which in her hands was more like a small sword. "There are children in this house, so you will need to use it. Also, keep an eye out for the windows and roof; the filth can climb very well..."

 

She looked around the tiny apartment, and at Kili who looked as though he was about to pass out from pain and then she worried once more about her brother and the other three. 

 

"Go warn the others Dabur!" She took the dagger. "We will be fine. Prince Fili is a strong fighter. And we will barricade ourselves in. But I cannot bear to lose anyone today, of all days... So please be careful."

 

She did not refer to her wedding or to missing her husband. But rather she referred to how horrid Thorin was. If she was to endure their hateful marriage, where he considered her nothing but a burden to be suffered, then She would need as many loved ones around her as possible. Perhaps she may even be able to convince Arvind to stay and for Thorin to offer him a role in court as an advisor or ambassador. 

 

"Are you sure, my Lady?" He asked again looking around. 

 

"Yes." She answered in her most determined voice, and that was all he needed. Nodding, he quickly set off, as she shut the door. "I need to barricade this door -"

 

But before she could look for anything to block the door, there was loud knocking. 

 

Heart racing and still holding the dagger, she opened the door a little to peep through. 

 

"Oh hello your ladyship! I didn't expect to see you here..." Outside stood the rather smiley dwarf, with the funny hat, whom she remembered was called Bofur! He blushed on seeing her face. "Have they left?" 

 

"Uh... Yes!" She looked around and grabbing his hand, pulled him in. "They have all left, and we have just spotted orcs... So you'd better get in!"

 

"Oh my! Princess!" He smiled in half a daze, as if she had kissed him - having already forgotten his disappointment for having missed out on joining Thorin on the final leg of his quest! 

 

"Kili..." She remembered suppressing a half chuckle at the dwarf. "Help me - we need to get this door shut firmly. And Kili is very unwell."

 

They both heard the young dwarf groaning and rushed over. He was pouring with sweat, his eyes screwed tight in pain, and his face now pale.

 

"So that was a poisoned arrow." She sighed. How could they find the antidote without knowing what the poison was. "We need an antidote -"

 

"Kingsfoil!" Bofur cried out. "I think I saw some around here..."

 

"Aye. They feed it to the pigs around here - it's just a weed!" The girl agreed as she looked at the dwarf terrified of what the orcs might do if they got in, if that arrow wound on Kili was anything to go by.

 

"Right... I am going... Open the door for me when I get back, my lady, please..." Bofur hurried along his hat bobbing as he rushed out.

 

"Hurry back..." Shobha opened the door and shut it right away before looking at the girl who pottered about the house nervously. "Lock the windows please..."

 

"Aye..." She nodded rushing about pulling in the shutters and bolting them. And then she seemed to suddenly remember something. "Tilda? Where are you? Tilda? Come out now!"

 

Suddenly a very young girl, no bigger than seven or eight emerged from where she was playing apparently under the table with her doll.

 

"Alright Sigrid! Keep your bloomers on!" She shouted back as she emerged, before realising that they had visitors unbeknownst to her! "Eh! It's the Princess who married the dwarf King!"

 

She blinked surprised at her guests.

 

"Hello little lady," Shobha smiled at her. "What's your name?"

 

"Uh... I'm Tilda..." The little girl smiled back shyly. "You don't have your crown today..."

 

"Crowns are kind of boring when you wear them all the time... Don't you think?" Shobha winked at her, only to receive a wide grin back.

 

Suddenly there was a bang on the door as one of the creatures tried to burst in! Shobha threw her weight against the door, and the young boy raced over to brace the door too. 

 

The creature seemed to push harder again and it grasped the door with a clawed hand. 

 

"Come on lady, push harder!" The boy shouted hitting the orcs hand with a rolling pin making the creature yelp in surprise. 

 

She looked at the dagger in her hand and it connected in her head at last. She had never needed to use it. Taking the dagger in her hand as she pushed harder against the door, she jabbed it at its hand. 

 

With another loud yelp, the creature pulled its hand out and they slammed the door shut. 

 

"Here..." The boy placed two large blocks into the door, locking it in place.

 

"What's your name?" 

 

"I'm Bain, that's my sister Sigrid." The boy explained a little flustered. "And you have already met Tilda - I'm sorry, my Lady, we should have introduced ourselves -"

 

"No, Master Bain. You are all very kind to allow us in in our time of need. We owe you our gratitude..." she corrected quickly, before looking around the room. "But those things are coming back now... And Dabur said they could climb..." 

 

And just as she began saying that, they could hear scrambling above them on the roof. 

 

"The windows!" Fili pointed out quietly, and soon they were all rushing about checking all the shutters again. 

 

"Get under the table - hurry now!" Shobha called out to the children. "Please .."

 

"No! I am going to fight like a man!" Bain whispered back. "I must protect my sisters!"

 

But there was little more they could do to prepare, as a creature burst through a window without warning. 

 

Bain held a heavy pan in both his hands which he swung, as the creature lunged at him and Shobha rushed over from the door grabbing a stool in hand. 

 

The orc jabbed it's knife out, which got lodged in the old wood of the stool in a manner that took it by surprise. 

 

In turn Bain swung hard several times hitting it in the face and finally Fili finished it off with a heavy boot. The horrid crunch of its skull made the children screw their eyes shut tight. 

 

Another window burst open as yet another orc entered, this time near the dwarves. Fili was quick to kick the creature straight out of the window before it could enter. But two more had entered through the first window. 

 

One had cornered Shobha, she used a chair to push at it. But it simply sliced the piece of furniture in two and grabbed her by her neck pushing her onto a wall, as it pulled out its sword. 

 

She closed her eyes, realising she would probably be dead soon. But instead of the pain she expected, The creature fell to the floor with a thud.

 

Opening her eyes, she saw the orc on the floor with a thin arrow lodged deep in its scarred head, black blood pouring out of its wound. 

 

There were several thuds outside and banging on the door. 

 

"Help! It's me! Princess!" 

 

It was Bofur! 

 

She hurried over, unbolting the door and letting in the dwarf. 

 

Amidst the fight that had broken out on the walkway outside the house, stood two tall figures. They were much taller than the tallest men she had ever seen. The new fighters were exceptionally fast, dispatching many orcs with ease. At first she wondered whether they were women, since they both had long hair. 

 

"Hurry inside Master dwarf!" She almost virtually pulled Bofur in by his clothes as he stood there clutching onto a handful of Kingsfoil looking terrified. 

 

"Oooh, my lady!" Bofur smiled at her again, dreamy eyed.

 

"Help! In here!" She then shouted out at the two tall fighters, with their long hair, as they moved to her with precision and grace. So she quickly ushered Bofur along, who stood there smiling at her. "Come on Bofur!"

 

"Ah! Aye my Princess!" Bofur shook himself out of his dreamy state and hurried over to Kili, throwing a few dishes and anything else he could pick up at another invading orc on the way with very sharp aim. "Here we go - Kingsfoil!"

 

"Come on then..." Oin held out his hand holding a mortar and pestle in hand. 

 

But suddenly the two tall fighters walked in to the apartment. The one with long red hair spun around and severed the head off another attacking creature, as she moved over to where the dwarves lay. She was certainly female, her face bright, and soft in stark contrast to the sharpness of her weapons and her fighting.

 

The second fighter seemed to finish off several more orcs outside the house before following in. This fighter had a harder face with strange pale eyes. But most surprisingly, it was masculine, even if strangely elegant and beardless. She had seen more beardless men since leaving Rhun-Agar to travel here than she had ever seen in her life!

 

Then she spotted their ears, strange and pointed, finally realising these were elves! She had only ever read of elves in books, and seen a few sketchings! She had read about Greenwood, and the woodland King, but her brother had informed her of the feud between the dwarves or Erebor and the Woodland elves, and so she had not expected to see any here tonight. But she was grateful nonetheless.

 

What she HAD read of was their strangely effective healing powers! And her thoughts now we're straight on Kili!

 

"Please, can you help us?" She hurried over to the visitors who looked at her with surprise. They seemed to halt assessing her for any threat before moving on and considering her to be clearly of little concern. 

 

The red haired elf made her way to the dwarves while the pale haired elf stopped to assess her carefully. 

 

"We did not know of any Easterlings arriving in these areas?" He narrowed his eyes at her and tilted his head scathingly. "Speak your business!"

 

"I am the Daughter of the King of Rhun-Agar, and the Consort of Prince Thorin of Ered Luin -"

 

"Our escaped Prisoner!" He spat out. 

 

"Prisoner?!" 

 

"Yes! He and his lying fellow dwarves were held in our dungeons for three weeks," the elf spoke harshly.

 

"On what charges?" She frowned at him. "And who might YOU be anyway?"

 

At first he seemed taken aback to be spoken to in this manner, only to realise that she stood there a few minutes later still waiting in expectation for an answer. 

 

"Well? You are apparently elves - carrying the wisdom of the eldar? So speak then...?"

 

"First YOU owe US a debt for saving your lives. Secondly, the dwarves were taking the road and trespassed," he spoke with a cold disinterest that was intended to sound dismissive. She looked like a young woman, only barely of age. "And I am Prince Legolas, son of the Elvenking."

 

"So lost travellers are locked up in your kingdom are they?" She scoffed to his renewed irritation. "It seems that Rhun and the East have much fairer treatment of people than the allegedly 'wise' elves!" 

 

"They were carrying elvish weapons."

 

"Perhaps gifts?"

 

"With no evidence of them being gifts?"

 

"Oh so their greatest crime was possible larceny at best?" She shook her head genuinely disappointed. "They had no fair hearing before the king? And all you wanted was truly to stop them from going to reclaim their own home! Shame on you." 

 

The tall fair haired elf stood there surprised at her behaviour. He had rarely encountered women before and his knowledge of mankind was that they were uncaring, fickle, and entirely selfish. But this woman was strange. Annoying, but he hated to admit she was right. 

 

So he didnt address her any longer. Instead he spoke to Tauriel in sindarin. 

 

"Tauriel! We must go." 

 

"Wait - I must help him ..." Tauriel protested looking worriedly at the dwarf who lay wounded. "It is a black arrow!"

 

"They are not our responsibility! Tauriel!" Legoland called again from the door. "The orcs are getting away!"

 

"They are hunting Thorin..." Shobha frowned looking at the dead creature lying on the floor. 

 

"Aye, my lady. It was one of them that shot Kili. We thought we lost them." Fili explained looking at her surprised. "Thorin nearly died when we were attacked after the goblin tunnels fighting them..."

 

She felt confused. On one hand feeling sorry for Thorin, who appeared to be fighting an insurmountable battle, and yet on the other hand, it explained why he needed her father's army so badly. It was not just the dragon, he would have another fight on his hands. 

 

In all this, she was just a commodity, and all he had to do was bed her a few times before she too would become like her father's very first wife! 

 

She had seen the Lonely Mountain from afar in all its magnificence, but it was just like Thorin, a handsome, cold, stone-prison. 

 

Then she saw the tall female elf looking down at Kili and rushed over.

 

"What are you going to do?" Kili asked. "I could take off my pants if it helped..."

 

"Perhaps later..." The elf gave him a tight lipped smile. It was a strange look on the once seriously efficient killer she had been only moments before. It lit up her face! "But for now, I am going to save you..."

 

They all watched as she began to chant something repeatedly, pressing her hands over his wound now lined with the ground up herb. 

 

"Hold him down!" Fili cried as the other dwarves held onto his arms. Even Sigrid and Tilda grabbed a limb each, Shobha hurrying to help the smallest. 

 

Suddenly Kilis writhing stilled and the elf appeared to glow. It was like some sort of celestial power had been summoned which had put the young dwarf at ease. He opened his eyes and watched her with a gentle smile which she seemed to reciprocate. 

 

It was now plain to see what had ailed Kili perhaps as much as his wound had been an invisible pain, one which she had cured simply with a smile. It made a stark contrast to the cold marriage she had entered into and made her heart feel emptier still.

 

Shobha turned to look for the other elf but he was gone.

 

"Well, they say the magic of elves is a privilege to witness, laddie..." Oin whispered to Bofur as they walked away, leaving Kili with the elf maiden. He seemed to be saying something to her, his face lit up and free from pain.  

 

"Well, I had better help you clear up in here..." Shobha whispered to Sigrid. "Prince Fili, please could you give us a hand..?"

 

Fili seemed to hesitate leaving her alone with him.

 

"It's futile...how can they ever be together?" Fili whispered to Shobha. "She imprisoned us..."

 

"I doubt she had any choice in the matter..." She sighed to the older of the two brothers. "Help me grab it's legs..." 

 

They dragged out the body of the orc out onto the wooden walkway, but before they could decide what to do with the body, it had rolled out of its awkward position and over the small gap beneath the rail, falling into the water of the lake below with a splash. 

 

"But she is an elf?" Fili frowned looking over the side and watching the body disappear into the icy water. "Even you argued that they had imprisoned us wrongly!"

 

"Yes but did you see the two of them when they saw each other..?" She smiled at Fili. "I know very little about this world, my Prince. But even I can see that love like that is rare, and it would be a crime to stand in their way..."

 

Her words seemed to stop Fili in his tracks. The dwarf stood there watching her thoughtfully as she moved about the house helping Sigrid, Tilda and Bain tidy things up. He had never considered her as anything beyond Thorins wife. Only now had it dawned on him that their marriage was arranged and that perhaps she was not entirely happy. It made him wonder whether Thorin actually cared for her at all beyond his need for an army and an heir. 

 

"Perhaps we should all have a cup of tea?" Sigrid suggested as she pottered about in the kitchen. "I thought Da would have been home sooner..."

 

"I don't want to outstay my welcome," Shobha began worried about her brother. "I should probably see where -"

 

"Not at all, your Highness! We dont ever get royalty visitin us every day," Sigrid offered. "Besides they will need our help..."

 

The young girl gestured towards Kili, Oin and Bofur. 

 

"I think you might be right." Shobha whispered with a soft chuckle.

 

They had spent most of the day there, helping to clear up, and leaving Kili to rest. Dabur hadn't returned for a while, which had troubled her, and so she had decided it was better to stay put than to go looking for them, in case more orcs returned. 

 

Eventually Dabur had returned to collect her. After the day she had, a nice bath and an early nap would be just what she needed. So she had invited the dwarves to join their camp, and gifted a rather heavy gold bangle to Sigrid. It would certainly help replenish their broken kitchenware and replace any clothing and furniture that was damaged too! 

 

"We must be packed and ready to move camp soon, my lady," Dabur reminded her as they walked towards their camp. "The Orcs tried to attack us, but none were harmed. Our tent will need some repairs though. 

 

"We can't go until we know Fili and Kili are safe," she replied worried. "And to be honest I am not certain about the dragon - I fear for the people of Esgaroth."

 

"My lady, the people of this town are not your responsibility - you have now signed a contract and you are to obey your husband now.."

 

"My husband...is not here..." She paused. "He can't punish me for what he doesn't know about, now can he?" 

 

After arriving in her tent, she had spent some time tidying up, had as relaxing a wash as she could, considering she had no proper tub and packed most of her things up, leaving only her mattress and some furs so she could have a short nap.

 

But just as she had settled under her blankets, a loud rumbling set her heart racing again. It was more than a noise. The vibration seemed to rock the very ground rattling everything about their camp site. 

 

It reminded her of the sandworms!

 

Shaking, she slipped out of her bed and got to her feet, as Abdi rushed in.

 

"What is that?" She asked as another rumble shook the ground. 

 

"That is the dragon, my lady!" Abdi replied looking worried. "Hurry and get dressed. We are packing up and moving out. If that thing leaves Erebor, it will no doubt come here -"

 

"Where is Arvind?"

 

"He has gone out to meet the men arriving here to fight. General Moradi who was meant to lead them has sadly succomed to disease as he was travelling. And so they will need some instruction," Abdi frowned looking around. "We must pack this quickly. Hurry, my lady."

 

"But Arvind will get hurt -"

 

"He knows what he is doing, my lady," Karan hurried in getting her to her feet as Abdi scurried around rolling up her mattress and putting away her blankets. "He has asked that we keep you safe - he will return as soon as he has given instruction to the men. Shah Aaman has accompanied him -"

 

"Of course, because Shah is not a middle-aged man who has arthritis and gout." She scoffed helping them now.  

 

"Well, he must do what he needs to without fear that you are harmed. He will be worried if the tent is not packed away when he looks through his far-scope," Karan advised her sternly. "So the only way you can help him is by looking after yourself and doing as you are told! For once, listen, my lady!" 

 

She nodded, and hurriedly began to help. 

 

It hadn't taken them long. They had become experts at packing up camp in next to no time, and prior to her wedding night, she had little furniture in her tent, since two of her guards set their bedrolls just within her tent usually. 

 

The caravan was loaded up and ready. But she couldn't leave. 

 

"We must find the master and warn him!" She begged Karan. He was the most experienced and senior of her guards. "I have seen their warning bells! They must be rung!" 

 

Karan sighed and looked at the other three. Adbi and Dabur would agree to anything the Princess said. They held a fondness in their hearts for their mistress in a way that made them blind to sense, in his opinion. 

 

"We will go with her, Brother -" Abdi began, when Amit spoke up. 

 

"We have enough time, Karan, and her ladyship is correct. It is the right thing to do. These people have helped the dwarves, and hosted us. We owe them this much." Amit explained. He was always the voice of reason, measured and moral in his thinking. Karan found it hard to ignore him for that very reason. "But it maybe best that I accompany the princess." 

 

And so it was decided, Amit and Karan accompanied her to see the Master.

 

They had hurried along the dark and rickety walkways passing from their camp on one side of the waters edge to the town square. During this time a further rumble had juddered through the ground. This time they could hear the disruption in the water as the usual gentle lapping of the lake had morphed into loud splashing waves that beat against the submerged structures that seemed to keep the whole town afloat. 

 

There were a few worried cries from some of the houses as others scurried past her attempting to seek shelter in their homes. 

 

When they arrived in the town square there was a small gathering of worried people, as a man stood by the gates of the Masters Lodge, knocking furiously. 

 

"What is happening?" She asked a few people in the crowd. 

 

"We are trying to hold of the Master, milady..." An old man replied worried. 

 

"This is the fault of them dwarves!" Another man cried out further behind, as they all parted to allow her through. 

 

"What is that? Is it true that it is the dragon?" A younger woman asked her as she held onto a young child.

 

"Let us past!" Karan, who was tall and large, had no problem in taming the crowds that threatened to get too close to her. They all seemed to magically move away allowing them to pass until they got to the front. 

 

"I told you all! The dwarves would only wake the dragon and bring wrath upon us!" The man at the doors to the Lodge turned to look at her, with clear anger etched on his face. She now recognised him to be Bard, the children's father, and one of the few citizens of the town who had been generally unhappy about their marriage! "This will be our ruin! We should never have hosted you or helped them!" 

 

Bard seemed to rush down in a panic to face her. 

 

"What did Thorin tell you he would do?" He asked angrily. "What was his plan? You could have stopped all this -"

 

She had seen this before amongst some of the highest noblemen in her father's court when faced with the sandworms. As he moved closer to her repeating his words again, she simply reached out and slapped him clear across the face! 

 

The crowd gasped and Bard seemed to stand there dazed for a while. 

 

"You are letting your nervousness and panic turn into hysteria!" She spoke out loudly. "Stop this nonsense right this instant!"

 

Suddenly everyone fell silent, and Bard opened his mouth to speak, but seemed lost for words at the same time. 

 

"That dragon would have woken up at some point in the future anyway! If not yourselves it would have been your children! So let's do something about it now!" She spoke up, heart beating and nervous now about the repercussions of her thoughtless actions. "We need to evacuate the town, and prepare for attack!" 

 

"That is why we need the Master! He must agree to sound the alarm!" Bard finally answered. "And you have interrupted that too!"

 

"Interrupted? How long were you there knocking?" She asked, surprised at his accusatory tone.

 

"For a few minutes -"

 

"Longer than that Master Bard!" A man nearby shouted. "We've been 'ere a while now!"

 

"Karan, please could you do me a favour please?" She looked over at her guard, but he didn't even need to be told. The giant man calmly walked up the steps and with a kick, which looked almost effortless he had forced open the heavy bolted doors to the lodge! "Thank you.."

 

She stood back and gestured for Bard, who walked past her and entered the Masters Lodge, only to return in a few minutes. 

 

"He's gone ain't he! The weasel!" The young woman at the front of the crowd cried out angrily. 

 

Bard looked at her, genuine worry in his eyes, although he was clearly trying to hide it. 

 

"You seem to know a lot so, I suggest you make a plan, Master Bard," she spoke to him quietly from where she stood near the door to the lodge. "We need to sound the alarm and evacuate the town - woman, children, elderly -"

 

"We will fight!" An older man stepped forward from the crowd. "This will be for our children and our grandchildren! Let's bring down the beast once and for all!"

 

His words seemed to prompt a cheer from a group of menfolk in the crowd who were clearly up for the fight. 

 

"Then let us do this correctly. We need to destroy the stone bridge. Smaug will look to land there if he seeks revenge upon us," Bard stood at the top of the steps. "We must ready our archers, and douse our rooftops in water, mud and sand. It will hold off the flames for long enough!" 

 

They all seemed to rally around the idea, nodding, cheering even.

 

"But we must send the women and children away in our boats. We need someone to lead them to safety?" Bard searched the crowd but seemed to find no one interested. 

 

"Your lass, she's a good-un!" The older man who had led the rally for a fight suggested, and Bard nodded. 

 

"Then it is done - let us make haste!" Bard began to give out instructions, sending various citizens in different directions to set about preparing and then turned to her briefly. "Where will you go, Princess? The Mountain will not be any safer.."

 

"Our army will arrive soon...we will manage..." 

 

Bard nodded, realising that her place in all this was the most vulnerable of all, since she had no home in Erebor or Esgaroth.

 

A horn sounded loud somewhere far above them abruptly! It took them all by surprise for a moment, before they realised it was the alarm.

 

"We can help Sigrid with the evacuation..." she looked from Bard to Karan and Amit. 

 

"That will be most appreciated, your grace." Bard bowed his head gratefully.

 

"Very well, my lady," Karan agreed with a sigh of clearly having had a silent agreement from Amit. "But we must hurry. And when time is up you must agree to come with us.."

 

She nodded as they set off towards Bards home. 

 

"It is all in hand Karan," Amit replied quietly. "For if our lady does not agree, then we will simply carry her away..."

 

"Right then let's hurry." She hurried on ahead. 

 

........

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 6: Smaug

 

 

"Now you must join them, Sigrid!" She ushered Sigrid and Tilda into one of the final boats with the dwarves. 

 

 

"But what about you?" Sigrid frowned, surprised. "And I can't leave without Bain -"

 

"I don't know if you can wait any longer -"

 

There had been chaos and confusion about them in Esgaroth. Some people had even chosen to stay! 

 

But there was no more any of them could do. Certainly most of the women with their children and babies had been ushered into boats with what they could manage to carry. 

 

"Sigrid!" 

 

They were both interrupted by the arrival of Bard. 

 

"Sigrid, listen to me child, take your brother and sister and go," Bard dragged the boy who had attempted to stay and fight around to face him, placing his hands on Bains shoulders. "Listen to me lad; you must look after your sisters. You here me?"

 

"But Da -"

 

"No buts! They will have no men to protect them. In fact there are many lasses and babes who will need help," Bard looked out at the water where many boats had taken to, heading for the Greenwood shores. 

 

"Now you listen to Da!" Sigrid gave her father a hug, wiping her eyes quickly. "Come Tilda love..."

 

The little girl was quick to follow giving her father a hug also, as she openly sobbed still clutching her doll in one hand. 

 

"Da..." 

 

"It's alright sweetheart. I shall find you all soon." Bard hurried them into the boat shooting a stern look at the dwarves waiting patiently. "You help look after them."

 

But Bard was quick, turning to her and the guards next. 

 

"We are going to destroy the stone bridge which is the only big route into town. It is the largest place the creature could land on," he looked at the two large men that stood close to her. "I am here to tell you that now is the time for you to leave..." 

 

She looked at him surprised. 

 

"You cannot expect me to demand that you stay and fight," he looked at her, feeling pity, for she must have been only a few years older than Sigrid, even if she tried to behave older. Her wildness broke through the facade she presented though, and he wondered what Thorin would make of it in time as he came to truly see what his new bride was like. "Hurry now. I have sent your caravan through already -"

 

The ground shook again. But this time they could hear a strange chorus of horns in the distance. 

 

"That is father's army!" She smiled at Karan and Amit. "They are here!"

 

"Still it will not be safe. Go to Mirkwood." Bard shook his head. "That thing will attack -"

 

"Master Bard, I need to know - what did you say about the arrow? Your son told me the tale of your ancestor and the dragon -"

 

"The Black arrow it pierced the beasts scales, but did not reach further. There is, since, a weakness, for everywhere else, it is covered in black scales like armour that cannot be penetrated!" Bard clarified ushering them to their horses as men hurried about donning armour and preparing to defend their town. "What will you do? It will come for your men, fire, wind and whipping tail, and it will leave none standing!"

 

"Not unless we take it down first." She said with determination. They needed to get this information to Arvind and the army. 

 

It might just save them all. 

 

......

 

The army were assembling their large catapults, canons and other war machinery as they arrived, in the valley of Dale. 

 

Arvind was quick to reach them and equally irate. 

 

"Why have you come here?! You were to go with the group to the foothills. You can hide there -"

 

"You don't understand brother-"

 

"No! I understand well. You are incapable to listening to any other. And as a consequence place so many others in trouble!" He snapped at her. "It may now be too late to hide you -"

 

"Please Arvind! I have important information! The dragon has a weakness!" She quickly explained before he could get angrier. "It has lost a scale where an arrow pieced it long ago! On its chest near its heart!"

 

Arvind stood silently thinking. 

 

"None can aim so high. Arrows will be useless...but we will have to trap it first." He thought again. 

 

"How were you planning to kill it before?" She asked worried. 

 

"We planned to pour burning tar on the creature. It's scales and wings would stick and it would die."

 

"Not quickly enough though." She contemplated what an agonising death that would be. Even for such a vicious creature it somehow seemed cruel.

 

"We are not talking of your pet Jaguar Rajah! This is a ferocious beast. Given a second chance, it will kill you!" Arvind snapped angrily.

 

"What if it breaks free of your tar? It can breath out fire can it not? Why should hot tar be a problem to it?" 

 

"Well then we shall saw its head off! We have brought several tree saws with us!" 

 

"Through its thick scale?" 

 

"Then what do you suggest, my little cleverclogs?!" Arvind retorted growing more irate by the moment. 

 

"It has to be a long arrow or spear through the weakness in it's scales. I have seen the black arrow that Bard keeps in his home. He claimed his ancestors Girion used one like this, and it was what broke the scale! Perhaps a second arrow, had he been given the chance may have been all it needed?" She managed, as the ground beneath them shuddered again. It nearly knocked her off her feet, with her brother keeping her steady by grabbing her arm.

 

"I think it will break free of the mountain soon! Blow out your lights!" Arvind called out to the platoon. And his command appeared to be passed on, as the small lanterns the men brought with them all began to extinguish one by one, until the army of several thousand in their dark red and black armour stood in a sea of black. "There is no time for your escape now! Take her to the back Karan, and keep her out of harm's way!"

 

Arvind quickly commanded her guards before donning a black helmet. 

 

"Load the slings and have them ready!" Arvind commanded out of the silent blackness. "We have dispatched enough sandworms! Tonight we capture a Firedrake!" 

 

She wanted to give Arvind a hug, and ask him to stay safe for her. But it was too late. He was gone. And a pair of arms picked her up by the waist, carrying her away.

 

"Please! Karan! Amit! No! We need to get that arrow from Bard!"

 

"It is too late, princess. The creature will flee the mountain in a rage soon. Those dwarves are not fighters. Prince Thorin, his friend, and his nephews are the only true warriors amongst them, and will make no match for a great wyrm!" Amit spoke calmly as he carried her away. "We keep you safe-"

 

But they had not even moved a few feet away when the loudest rumbling of all shook them all to the ground. The clatter of armour could be heard in the darkness as the many soldiers attempted to keep their footing. 

 

"Hold your ground!" Arvind shouted from somewhere in the mass. "Load your spears into the large shooters!"

 

Karan helped Amit pull her to her feet in the darkness. Their horses had somehow bolted away. Her own white mare had been jittery from the time they had reached Esgaroth for some days. She could only hope that the beautiful creature was safe and out of harm's way. 

 

 

 "Load the blocks of ice into the front catapults and await my order!" Arvind commanded clearly. 

 

Another rumble followed, as several more horses nickered out of fear, pawing the ground. 

 

"Hold your ground!"

 

The three of them were frozen where they stood now. There was nowhere to run. Dale was an expanse of rocky shrubland beneath the slopes of Erebor! 

 

And then without warning, a loud crunching noise, like rock being broken and ground together could be heard.

 

Far away they could see part of mountain open up in the pale moonlight, and out of it, a giant dark shadow partially covered in gold emerged. The gold glinted and glimmered as it shook off the beast in the moonlight. 

 

It seemed to head for Lake town. 

 

"Arrows first!" Arvind commanded. "Volley!" 

 

The arrows couldnt be seen at night. Like their armour the Rhun warriors had arrows painted in black.

 

They were narrow and sharp, and the sound of them flying through the air, with an earie low whistle, was the only thing that indicated their release. 

 

The creature released a loud roar, that unsettled the horses and pieced the darkness of the night. 

 

It seemed to flinch for a moment and then turned back to its course for Esgaroth. 

 

"Another volley archers!" Arvind shouted, sending another round of arrows whistling through the air. 

 

The creature shook itself again, clearly irritated, and let out another roar. But it was upon the town within moments. It seemed to stumble, like it tried to land, but simply had no such luck. 

 

And then it shuddered again, apparently pelted by more arrows, presumably from Esgaroth this time. 

 

He was an enormous creature, casting a giant black shadow beneath it in the pale moonlight, as it soared effortlessly through the night sky. 

 

There was something terrifyingly beautiful it, and she stood frozen on the spot as it glided towards the town. 

 

It shuddered again, shaking off more arrows from the men below, it's movement was clear and fixed on them now. Then it hovered, in a very awkward movement, as though trying to land unsuccessfully, only to pull up again. 

 

"It tried the stone bridge. Bard was right!" Karan whispered to Amit, standing close to her. "We must move away from the men-"

 

But before they could move, to the horror of all watching, it circled around the town and roared. As they watched on, a strange glow illuminated in its chest and long neck, and out shot what could only be described as a fountain of fire! 

 

The town was mostly wood, and old timber for that matter! She had almost certainly expected the buildings to have instantly gone up in flame under such raging heat, but to even the surprise of the beast, none of the rooftops appeared to catch fire! 

 

"What is happening?" Karan asked surprised. "Why is the town still unburnt?"

 

Enraged further, and shaking off yet another volley of arrows, the creature circled again, bellowing down further streams of fire, repeatedly. But nothing appeared to happen, with exception to a few small fires, which were immediately extinguished by the men scurrying about below. 

 

"Bard said they had been planning for this a long time ago. They even built their town on the lake for this reason," she spoke surprised at how it had apparently worked against such a ferocious attack. "They flooded the rooftops with water, mud and sand from the lake. Everything is too wet to catch fire! And it can't land on the town without falling in the lake, now that the bridge is destroyed..."

 

The beast seemed further angered.

 

It circled wider, when Arvind called out in the darkness. 

 

"Front catapult one - south facing. Pull!" 

 

The sound of the catapult being turned could be heard in the dark like a wracheting. Suddenly a large block of ice flew through the air. Its aim was not great but it caught the attention of Smaug. 

 

"Load mudball, make it extra wet. Aim target!" Arvind called out, to the sound of the grinding sound of the machine as it shifted its aim. "Hold... Hold..."

 

The dragon began to glide closer, it's strange serpentine eyes glowing in the dark. 

 

"Fire mudball two!" Arvind shouted as the dark mass flung through the air - this time the beast only narrowly swerved away. "Ice ball one! Ice ball three! Fire!"

 

Just as the beast began to muster up its own flame, swooping out of the way of the first ball - it was immediately hit by the second block of ice! 

 

"Nets ready! Reload the catapults!" He shouted. "Archers fire left! Herd it in!" 

 

The volley of arrows whizzed through the air, pelting the surprised creature, which moved to the right. 

 

"Ice ball right four! Ice ball left one!"

 

But it had little recourse as it was pelted from multiple angles! 

 

"Spears loaded!" 

 

It landed in the valley not far from the men who all stood in darkness. 

 

"Fire spears! And reload!"

 

A volley of sharp metal spears flew through the air. They sounded vicious as some seemed to pierce some of the scales on it. 

 

Smaug shook its wings dislodging the spears.

 

"You fools! Fear me for I shall be your ruin!" Its deep rumbling voice growled in the black. 

 

"Nets fire now! And reload!" Arvind cried out in reply. "Front catapults fire!" 

 

The beast tried turning to avoid some of the pelted balls of mud and ice, swinging it's enormous spiky tail like a mace. But it hadn't anticipated the giant nets. Two flung out wrapping themselves around its body and wings from either side. 

 

Smaug shook attempting to shed the nets, but they were weighted with sticky rocks covered in tar. 

 

"Load up! Have the muzzle nets ready! And ropes to spear across!" Arvind shouted. 

 

Smaug roared loudly.

 

"Shields up!" 

 

Blowing flame, Smaug spun around, but the men had put their shields up now. A few screams echoed through the night where some men had been hurt and several of the catapults that had not been pulled back down had caught fire. 

 

"Muzzle nets now!" 

 

But before either beast or man could truly plan a further move, Arvind had launched several smaller nets which landed around Smaugs head! The stones carried through like slingshot pellets and wrapped themselves around his head. 

 

"Rope!" 

 

The men shuffled around as Smaug flailed, attempting to escape. But they had already harpooned several ropes across the colossal creature and now with its wings and mouth immobilised there was little it could do. 

 

"Tail! Tie down the tail!" Arvind called as it attempted to whip several soldiers, bringing some down that came too close. 

 

There was much shouting as the men hurried around pulling ropes tight and finally bringing the dragon to heel.

 

"Keep the nets ready! And your spears aimed!" Arvind shouted. 

 

Karan and Amit stopped, as she fought to get free to take a better look. 

 

The great beast lay there, under a mass of nets and rope. It had been forced onto the ground, a large black mass. 

 

"Mistress it may not be safe yet..." Amit spoke quietly following her. 

 

She moved closer, while slowly, the men carried on using chains to tie down the dragon. 

 

Some of the soldiers looked on in fear, still behind their catapults and spear launchers. And others hurried removing those who had been injured from the tail and the flame. 

 

"Stay alert!" Arvind shouted at them all, moving through the platoon in its formation to reach the beast. 

 

She was quick too, moving between the soldiers carrying on gathering arrows and spears to be reused and tending to their machines. In fact, she was quicker than Karan and Amit, weaving through the army light-footed. 

 

She had heard the beast, clearly. It was not some dumb brute. It was an intelligent creature. Perhaps overly confident and arrogant, for having defeated so many, so long ago, and thus failing to recognise the strategy of the Rhun-men or the men of Esgaroth. But perhaps it could be reasoned with, instead of killed. 

 

Arvind was already standing before it, clearly examining it for weakness when she finally arrived before it too. 

 

It seemed to sniff the air, and rapidly adjusted it's great head under the various nets, and shackles it was held down by, it's giant snake-like eyes fixing on her immediately. 

 

"What are you doing here?!" Arvind hissed at her, but she seemed to be dead to his words, unable to look away from those amber eyes. 

 

"A virgin...AND a Princess... How delightful..." Smaug growled through its muzzled mouth. "I shall have my prize when I am free..."

 

"You will only find death here, unless you decide on another course of action..." She answered it, her heart beating out of her chest, but still inexplicably drawn to it all the same.

 

The dragon sniffed the air again.  

 

"I smell something on you...the scent of another beast..." Smaug hissed.

 

"Do not converse with it sister!" Arvind warned again before addressing the dragon. "If you wish for parley, then converse with me! For I am the Master and Lord here! It is I that shall decide your fate!"

 

"You reek of death!" Smaug growled under its breath. "But you will not find it so easy to slay me...my scale is the thickest armour, my claws the sharpest swords. I have seen your kind before... You are no master to me!" 

 

It turned its head towards her again. 

 

"But SHE is different... I see that she is already most fascinated by me!" The dragon snarled. "It is her that I will discourse with..." 

 

Arvind marched over to her, lifting his helmet, annoyance all over her face. 

 

"This is not a lost beast, which you can tame Shobha!"

 

"But it might be bargained with. We have defeated it, fair and square. Perhaps it will respect that -"

 

"Or perhaps it will kill us all if we try to set it free."

 

"Just let me speak with it, one last time - please?" She begged her brother, clutching at his gloves hand. 

 

Arvind hated it. He hates placing her anywhere near this creature. In fact he had hated the first time he had seen her, frozen in the path of a sandworm, still only a child, before he had scooped her away to safety. This moment reminded him too much of that day!

 

He didn't even trust Rajah, secretly hoping Thorin would decline permission to have the creature anywhere near the mountain. 

 

But at the same time, he had a fondness for his sister and her bravery. And so begrudgingly he moved out of her way. 

 

Slowly, she took a step closer. 

 

Smaug, now very curious, jerked harder so he could move his large head closer to her, and sniffed the air again. It made the many chains and ropes groan under the strain. 

 

"More rope! More chain!" Arvind yelled. "Keep still, or we will kill you!"

 

Suddenly Smaug strained hard against its restraints. But try as it might, the rocks onto which the rope and chains were shackled could not be budged. 

 

"Aim your spears!"

 

"Wait please!" She shouted, forcing Arvind to halt his command with an outstretched hand, as she ran in front of it. "Do you wish to die? Are you so vain or just stupid?"

 

The beast growled at her and then settled down. 

 

"These shackles cannot hold me forever..."

 

"Yes and before then you will be killed. Most painfully I suspect... They have rid Rhun of Sandworms. Ruthlessly so. And they will probably kill you piecemeal!" She tried to reason. 

 

Smaug sniffed the air around her again. 

 

"Your beast... Where is it?" 

 

"It is being brought to join me..."

 

Smaugs eyes widened as it looked carefully at her face. 

 

"You cannot bear to be parted from it!" Smaug snarled. "Perhaps when I free myself, I might keep you as MY pet!" 

 

"I doubt you will see freedom from the way you speak. Are you really so unable to leave here and never come back?!"

 

"Very well, how do you suppose they will kill me?"

 

"I am not an expert, but they used to catch, spear and then saw the worms. They had large, sharp spikes on their bodies, and thick skin. But our tree saws are sharper. It was likely an agonising end being cut to pieces while still alive," she finished. "If I had to guess, I would say that they would start by tearing holes in your wings, they look the weakest, and then perhaps even saw them off altogether, before slowly pulling your scales off your neck. Then finally using the saw to sever your head. Given what a large beast you are, and how thick your bones must be, I would say that it is likely to be a very long, slow and bloody process..." 

 

Smaug appeared to be listening quietly for a moment. 

 

"You have watched us dispatch a sandworm then, sister." Arvind commented proudly. He had been the first to kill one. Their blood was a strange putrid colour, and smelled equally foul. He still recollected how he had emerged covered in the blood of the beast, and had smelled of it for days afterwards despite bathing four times a day! 

 

"You are not some ravenous, dimwitted ground dweller! You are the great Smaug! Perhaps the last of your kind?" She sighed. "And you are right about one thing, I love creatures both great and small. I would rather not see a rare and intelligent one such as yourself be destroyed..."

 

"What do you propose... Princess?" He hissed. His tone was mocking, as if he was merely humouring her. 

 

"Fly away. Leave and never come back. Menfolk are more destructive than ever. Their machines can destroy much more than you could possibly imagine. You have been resting for too long...fifty years is a lifetime. And Menfolk have learned more and grown bolder..."

 

And then he flared his nostrils to inhale her again, as she stood closer. 

 

"I have missed the smell of a virgin..." He grumbled. "They would sacrifice virgins to me where I came from in the north...but I have never had a Princess. I would keep you instead of devouring you..." 

 

Her heart raced at his comment further. 

 

"You are mistaken! My sister has just been claimed. Last night was her first night in their marriage bed..."

 

Smaug inhaled the air near her deeply. 

 

"My senses suggest otherwise...and yet...there is another scent on you indeed..." And then he snorted in disgust. "Thorin, son of Thrain! He is the one that has claimed you?!" 

 

Smaug began to thrash in attempt to free himself. It was then that the small weakness amongst his scales became clearly visible.

 

"It cannot be! Your scent is still so pure!" Smaug flailed beneath his tethering, angry. "Defiled by such a lowly one! He has snuck into the mountain, and left you here unguarded, while he seeks his treasure?!" 

 

The dragon seemed to find a new hatred within him. 

 

"I should kill him and be done with it!" Smaug roared through his net. He clawed at the ground, and pulled at his shackles until several ropes snapped and the metal groaned under the strain. "And then I shall be back for you! I shall destroy all these lands and lay waste to all until you are offered to me!" 

 

He roared again, pulling at the restraints, as several metal links in the heavy chains failed. 

 

Arvind pushed her aside, as the dragon attempted to reach out to snatch her, one clawed hand scraping its way out from beneath the nets. 

 

"Spears!" Arvind shouted falling to the ground. 

 

The spearmen were quick, several long missiles firing through the night.

 

Smaug let out a piercing screech as it tore through half the restraints, as several spears lodged themselves into his scales. 

 

One wing now free, it began to beat. The wind from it sent more men flying, as if caught in a stormy gale. 

 

Karan and Amit, grabbed her, as a grasping claw tried to claim it's prize. The down beat of the wing, made it hard for them to move, as they tried dragging her out of harm's way. 

 

"Let this teach you, who your true master is, 'beast-slayer'!" Smaug roared as he pulled at the final of his tethers.

 

And then another painful screech from the beast could be heard. A mixture of surprise and pain in its tone, as it tore away from the chains, it's limbs cutting through the net in places. But it's face was still muzzled by two nets, making it claw furiously as these. 

 

And then it let out another cry. This time taking into the air, grasping a few men in its way and letting go. 

 

As it pulled away, she could see a long spear, sticking out of its chest, where the scale had fallen away. 

 

And then as it pulled up into the sky, in the pale moonlight, the ornate handle of a long shiny sabre glinted beside the spear!

 

She knew that sword anywhere! It was Arvinds! 

 

Crawling onto her feet, she looked around as the men rushed around chaotically firing arrows at the beast and shooting several mudballs at it as it rose away. 

 

"Arvind! Arvind!" She screamed. Looking around the men as they ran about trying to gather their shields, expecting the dragon to return. "Arvind!" 

 

But she couldn't hear him anywhere. 

 

And Smaug rose into the sky. His movements were not entirely coordinated. He shook his head attempting to free himself to no avail. 

 

And then flew towards Laketown. His flight path was lower than she had seen last, his limbs flailing terribly, as it tore a path through several buildings, before returning back towards the army. 

 

Amit attempted to catch her amidst the chaos but she was running through the crowds of soldiers looking for her brother. 

 

"Arvind! Please?! Where are you?!" 

 

"My lady! No!" 

 

She could hear Karan behind her. 

 

Smaug was near, dropping low, she expected it to grab more of them and throw them against the slopes of the mountain. Perhaps it would be worse. Perhaps the sharp claws would cleave through them first! 

 

She stood watching as the dragon neared them. 

 

It was so low, that one could not imagine it's landing would be safe. But it didn't matter to her now. 

 

Arvind was probably dead. And it was her fault. All she was left with was a horrible husband. 

 

She remained there watching the great dark mass approach. 

 

Then finally she shut her eyes, expecting the worst, for surely that thing would land on her or eat her soon. 

 

All she could hope for now, was a quick death...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

Couldn’t help myself… :)

Chapter 7: The Arkenstone

 

She was pulled out of the way, as Smaug landed before them with a great crash. Soldiers had fled from their posts only to narrowly avoid the enormous beast. 

 

Sobbing, against the cold armour of her rescuer, she didn't want to open her eyes. 

 

"You are a silly girl aren't you?!" A gentle voice pulled her from her depths of despair. "Just as you were that day when you saw the sandworm for the first time, after running outside the city walls..."

 

Her heart skipped a beat as she looked up, to find Arvind looking down at her. His warm brown eyes filled with concern. 

 

"I thought you were..."

 

"Ha! It will take a lot more than that, baby sister. I am still here as your guardian, until you and happy with your husband..." Arvind smiled at her this time. He had a cut on his face, and his black hair was dishevelled, in a way she had never seen before. And his helmet was no where to be seen. "We had to rescue the catapults from where the creature might have crashed... So it turned out that the stories Master Bard told you were true... And you were good enough to tell me..."

 

A low rumble came from the dragon behind them. 

 

They all turned to assess it, where it lay. But it was still not yet dead, it's limbs just about still moving in pain as it lay there. 

 

She looked at her brother, who groaned in surprise. 

 

"After all that?!" He frowned annoyed again at her. "Good Lord!"

 

"I know. It shouldn't die alone..." It was all she could say. A part of her still pitied the ancient creature, now realising that after all the death and destruction it had dealt, there was never any other choice but to slay it. "It won't hurt anyone now..."

 

"You have a problem you know!" Arvind groaned, letting her go. 

 

"I know." She kissed his cheek, before turning towards the beast that lay on the ground like a large black behemoth. And then she glanced back at Arvind again, who was following her along with Karan and Amit, all three of them had their sabres out ready to attack the dying beast should it move. "I was worried about you..."

 

"I know." Arvind nodded still following. 

 

Reaching the dying beast she came to stand by its enormous head, and slowly reached out to touch it. 

 

The scales that covered it were smooth and cool, in spite of the impression they gave.

 

"I should have given him the Arkenstone, just to watch him be driven mad by it... Like his pathetic grandfather..." Smaug wheezed in his final breaths. "He is not worthy of you..."

 

"No, I suppose he is not." She sighed, fearing there was some truth in what the dragon said. "I just wish you had saved yourself..."

 

She gently stroked its head, as his strange amber eyes watched her carefully. It was like she was something between a meal and a toy to the giant drake. 

 

"I could not. It is in my nature. I take..." He replied. "And I would have returned to take back the Mountain... And you...had I lived..." 

 

She remained silent watching the last of the light fade from his terrifying amber eyes. 

 

"Come. We will need help with the many injured - we are lucky none are dead today..." Arvind slowly reached out for her. "And no doubt so the surviving people of Laketown will need help now too..." 

 

.......

 

They had spent the next day setting up tents for the sick. Perhaps surprisingly, or perhaps because of Arvinds skillful leadership, there had been no dead! 

 

By dawn the people of Esgaroth had made their way to the encampment. And so for better shelter, the soldiers had helped them salvage what they could and turned the ruins of the old city of Dale into a proper shelter for the survivors. There were many women and children who had arrived first, and then the men who had remained to fight had slowly arrived. 

 

She had spent all day in the medical tent, when finally word had arrived that Thorin had sent for his bride! 

 

So she had hurried to find Arvind.

 

"The mountain is still in poor condition and will need to be cleared to make room for all the men," Balin stood explaining to Arvind, when she arrived. 

 

It had been difficult to hide her disappointment, at Thorins absence. 

 

"Ah lassie, Thorin felt you would be better protected from within the mountain..." 

 

"It is still disappointing to see Thorin not arriving himself... We have slayed his beast for him after all!" Arvind snapped irritated. 

 

"I mean do I have to come right NOW?" 

 

Balin looked at her sadly. 

 

"Thorin informed me that I must remind you of what you... ah yes...'owe him'?" Balin repeated the exact words Thorin had used, clearly without knowing what he meant. 

 

She, of course knew exactly what he meant - referring to their actual wedding night. He expected her to let him have her now. In fact it was probably more a demand than a request.

 

And she didn't want any more revealed about it, particularly after Smaug had called her a virgin! 

 

"You do not need to go, sister," Arvind muttered angrily. "It is a disrespect to a wife that a husband does not come to collect her directly. Instead he sits there guarding his hoard of treasure!"

 

"It's fine, brother. There is no need for any fuss. I shall go... I have tended to the sick now. And there are fortunately few injured from Laketown."

 

"No need to worry lassie, I will send some medicines and herbs we found in the infirmary still as good as new..." Balin tried to reassure her. 

 

"Fili, Kili, Oin and Bofur are alive. They were evacuated from Laketown before the dragon escaped." She quickly added. 

 

"But how?!" Balin looked at her with some hope. 

 

"We felt the ground quake," she sighed sadly. "We must find them. The lady-elf, healed Kili!"

 

"Dont worry lassie. We will find them. We must first get you back to Thorin." Balin reassured her. "We can arrange all else thereafter..."

 

"What about Arvind?" She looked back at her brother. "And Abdi and Dabur are with the rest of the caravan -"

 

"I will need to stay here for a while anyway, dear sister," Arvind walked over to her and gave her a big hug. "You are a newly wed bride. He has a duty now to make you comfortable..." 

 

"Who will help the healer with the men?" She worried again.

 

"Shah Aaman has been learning from you. We will manage." Arvind reassured her this time. "Karan and Amit will follow you soon. We will arrange everything else in time."

 

She had nervously pulled on her cape, realising that she would have been covered in mud and blood. She had not changed since leaving Esgaroth, when the dragon attacked. 

 

"Don't worry lassie, we will have fresh clothing for you..."

 

"There is one more thing I need to do first, please Balin," she had turned back to find Arvind again. Then quickly running over to her brother one last time before setting off with Balin. "Arvind!"

 

He turned towards her voice in surprise, as she ran into his arms. 

 

"Arvind! I forgot to tell you something!" She said breathless for having run over. "The Orcs!" 

 

Arvind held her hands as she caught her breath in between speaking. 

 

"The Orcs that raided Laketown were a group of scouts. A pair of elves were tracking them - one was the Prince of Greenwood. They are after Thorin....Why I am not sure.... But they have been following their journey for some time now," she spoke hurriedly. "It was not a spontaneous raid. So please be on your guard. I expect they might attack here!"

 

"Oh dear sister, we will be on our guard now." Arvind chuckled at her. "A few orcs are hardly a worry...they are not the Bashiq clan!"

 

"Seriously my dear brother. Those creatures were well armed. And were under instruction to find Thorin...I am worried they might be part of a bigger group?"

 

Arvind noted the worry on her face, and nodded. 

 

"Of course, I will increase our gaurd on watch and on the slopes, so we can spot anything approaching from afar." Arvind kissed her hand reassuringly. "Now, do not worry about us, little sister, and go and fulfil your wifely duties!"

 

.........

 

There was only one word to describe Erebor from what she saw of it as Balin took her along the many vast and clearly once grand corridors, and that word was 'dusty'! 

 

The statues, paintings, alcoves and floors were all covered in dust! It was strange to see no cobwebs, though, not that she minded. Spiders were possibly one creature that she was not overly fond of, so she was not too upset about the latter. It was not until they got to some of the main corridors that she found they had started clearing up. 

 

"Is there any particular urgent reason I have been called..." She began with a whisper as Balin led her silently along the corridors, and then she regretted her words instantly. There was no need to have her suspicions confirmed. 

 

"Well, lassie... I suppose a husband wishes to be with his new wife..." Balin replied quietly. "He was not rough with ya now was he?" 

 

He looked at her with sincere concern on his face, and of course unable to reveal the truth, she just shook her head.

 

The little fluffy haired dwarf blushed profusely under his wispy beard, and kept silent as they carried on further. 

 

"I was hoping I could find Kili, Fili, Oin and Bofur amongst the people who have taken shelter in the ruins of Dale," she suggested hopefully.

 

"There is no need lass, they will find their way soon," Balin reassured her, carrying on. He felt somewhat unhappy about the unceremoniously hurried way in which she had been brought back to Erebor. After all she was possibly safer with her brother behind the protected lines of his large army than in the mountain. And could only think of one reason why Thorin might have wanted her here so fast. So his involvement in the matter felt like an intimate glimpse into what was to go on behind closed doors. 

 

She felt equally awkward, like an escaped bride who was being forced to return to her marriage bed. 

 

"So...this is Erebor then..." She spoke eventually, unable to bear the awkward silence any more. Then once again felt stupid for saying such a silly thing.

 

"Aye lass," Balin smiled politely. "I am sorry we couldn't clean up a little better before you arrived. It was one of the grandest kingdoms in middle earth once... I think you will be able to see her restored to her beauty soon enough..."

 

He trailed off as they arrived at a set of enormous, carved doors the size of the vaulted corridor! The doors were already open, leading into a grand hallway, with a floor of pure gold, glowing under the dim lighting they had managed for now. 

 

She stopped suddenly, nervous, and feeling a little self conscious now, as she was still in the clothes she had dressed in from two days ago. In a most futile attempt she tried to straighten out her pantaloons and her top, but nothing was going to remove the blood, mud and dirt from her clothes before she was to be presented in front of her husband again. 

 

"Don't worry lass, all the dirt in middle earth cannae lessen how bonnie your face looks," Balin smiled genuinely this time. "Don't be afraid lass..."

 

He gently ushered her into the grand hall. Each step they took echoed through the grand space, where the main walkway was lined by tall, marble pillars the size of large tree trunks. She couldn't help but look up at the dark-veined greenish marble columns in awe as they walked along, nearly losing her balance a few times.

 

The hall was very grand indeed, and their journey to reach the other end, where the grand dais stood was a long one. 

 

Finally they could see the large stone throne illuminated by two smaller torches as they walked on. To her surprise on the throne sat a formally dressed figure, whom she finally recognised as Thorin! He was dressed in a grand fur-lined cloak, and stood when he saw her approach. 

 

"Welcome to Erebor!" He announced as he moved down the steps to the golden floor. "This is the gallery of Kings leading to the Throne of Durin! My Grandfather's throne!" 

 

As he moved closer, he noticed her clothes and dishevelled hair, and his face visibly fell. It was like she was nothing but a disappointment.

 

"You are in a state! Hardly fit to be presented to a husband, let alone a king!" He snapped, appraising her critically again. 

 

"We were attacked by the dragon, my lord. Some of my people were injured, as were many men from Esgaroth," she tried to explain. "I had to help - and I was not given time to change, or collect any of my items -"

 

"You have an insolent mouth," he took a step closer to her, whispering so that only she heard. "Take care that I do not have to teach it a lesson!" 

 

Her heart pounded in her chest, as he stood so close to her. 

 

"Our furnaces are working oncemore - go and wash yourself, so that you may present yourself properly to me," he leant closer still and whispered again in his deep voice, such that it made her stomach flutter, as she recalled his touch last time. "There is no need to wear anything too complicated. I will need to take your clothes off with ease and fast. I shall pick up where we left off last time..."

 

.......

 

She sat in wonderfully warm bath. 

 

Balin had shown her to Thorins room directly, as he had been instructed. But neither Karan or Amit had arrived with her clothes yet. And so she had taken her time, testing out the many scented salts and oils on the shelf by smell first before adding small amounts to the water. Erebor had been unoccupied for almost fifty years, so she worried about using the bath products left behind in case they had turned rancid over time. But some oils still smelt wonderful and fresh, so she had tried them in the smallest amounts. 

 

Eventually she had emerged from the water and wrapped herself in a large dwarven-sized towel, making her way into the bed room after unplugging the bath. 

 

She missed home. It was freezing here. And she missed Rajah.

 

Taking another towel to dry her hair, she looked around for a comb or brush. Eventually she found one one on a dresser, made of a beautiful polished dark wood. 

 

She sat on the giant bed and wondered what she would have to wear. Balin had not told her where any clothing might be kept and she didn't feel right going through the wardrobe in his room, so she sat there combing through her hair and hoping it would dry soon. It was much easier in Rhun-agar where the weather was much warmer. 

 

She wondered over to the fireplace and placed a few logs in there, but there was no kindling and no flint. 

 

Finally giving up, she lay down on the bed and out of sheer exhaustion, and fell asleep. 

 

The sound of deep humming awoke her to find Thorin in their room undressing. 

 

It was dark now, and the fireplace was roaring, filling the room with warmth. 

 

"You did not join us for supper. So I have brought you a bowl of broth," he gestured to a side table. "Have you eaten today?" 

 

Still a little disoriented as she sat up, she shook her head, but he was not looking at her as he continued to undress. 

 

"Have you eaten today?" He asked again a little more sternly.

 

"Uh.. no..." 

 

"You duty is not to look after injured soldiers or folk from the town -"

 

"But you cannot leave them to suffer, my lord," she replied quietly. "Please may I get some water -"

 

"On the side table." He was now only in his trousers. "We still have several problems, the Arkenstone is missing and you are not carrying my child." 

 

She poured herself a goblet of water and drank it all in one go. The walk to the mountain had been long, and she couldn't recall the last time she drank anything.

 

"What about the people of Laketown?" She asked drinking another goblet. 

 

"You are not even dressed." He sighed walking over to her, and gently brushing her long dark hair aside. "Well, there is no need to get dressed now..."

 

Taking the empty goblet from her hands he placed it back down, and wrapping one arm around her waist pulled her in for a kiss.

 

It set her heart racing once more, as he pressed her against his bare chest. 

 

His kiss was hungry, with no gentleness to it from the very start. All she could do was hold onto him as he took control. 

 

Then she could feel his hand trail down her body, before trailing up her thigh, brushing gently between her legs in a way that contrasted so much to his rough kisses. 

 

But it was sudden enough to make her pull her face away from him. 

 

"You had no objection a few nights ago..." He spoke softly, continuing to draw pleasurable tiny circles exactly as he had done before. "In fact, you were deliciously wet on our last occasion... And I recall a certain debt of pleasure you owe to me..."

 

He observed her with his cold blue eyes, and a neutral expression, although he was certain he had won this battle thoroughly with her, from the way in which she had not pulled away entirely. 

 

There was little that she could do now, from the way in which her body felt so inflamed under his touch, but to hold onto his arms, in case her legs might give way, her breathing now heavy. 

 

"Would you prefer that I stop?" He asked again coldly. 

 

But she couldn't answer, her eyes falling shut now as she was so close to the explosion that was building inside her. 

 

And then he dipped a finger inside her suddenly and pulling out stopped all together. 

 

"Open your eyes!" He commanded sternly. "And tell me to stop."

 

Still breathless, and her lips parted from the gasp she was unable to suppress from his quite rough intrusion, she slowly opened her eyes. 

 

"What are you...doing to me?" She whispered breathlessly. 

 

"I can take you dry, hard and painfully. I doubt you will enjoy that much," he spoke to her coldly. "Or I can pleasure you, and when you are wet for me, which apparently doesn't require much, I can have you as I please..."

 

She blinked nervously, for all she could do was listen silently. 

 

"Either way, I must deflower you tonight, and spill myself within you," he smirked at her. There were no smart comments from her now. "So tell me..."

 

He then untied her towel and removed it from her, throwing it on the bed. 

 

"I don't want it to hurt..." Was all she could manage as he moved her back to the bed. "Please..." 

 

"Then keep your eyes open...and on me..." He whispered removing his own trousers now to reveal a large erection. "Here...put your hands on it..."

 

He pulled one of her hands from his arm, still keeping her body steady and placed her tiny cool hand on his cock, rubbing it up and down along the shaft. 

 

"Go on...feel it...I know you are curious..." He hummed as she felt his cock with one hand, eyes widening. Carefully occupying her, he moved to lay her down on the bed, spreading her legs wider as he carried on. And when she closed her eyes again, he slipped his finger deeper inside her suddenly, making her cry out. "Uh uh - close your eyes and I stop the pleasure."

 

Opening her eyes, against her natural desire, under the fire that he was setting between her legs, she decided to focus on what she was feeling. She tried gripping her hand around it, but it was too thick, so she ran her hand up and down again slowly feeling the veins that ran between patches of smooth skin. It seemed to throb and twitch in her hands, as though it had a mind of its own, and she thought of how some of the women in her father's court had often laughed about how some men had thought using their appendage! 

 

Gasping, she threw her head back again, as he carried on taking her her higher and higher until she could barely breath. 

 

Again he paused inserting two thick fingers inside, while using his thumb to carry on with the circular movements. She tried to pull her legs together against the intrusion, but he kept them apart as he lay between her legs now. 

 

"Move you hand up and down..." He groaned, sliding his fingers in and out slowly, the pain he was causing with his rough intrusion, was in contrast to his thumb. "Squeeze tighter..."

 

She tried to follow his instructions, but she couldn't think anymore. 

 

"You are so very, very wet..." His words were a quiet groan as he watched her, warning her carefully. "Keep your eyes on me..."

 

She didn't dare disobey him now, her body so tight, she could no longer breath, as his fingers found a rhythm. 

 

His icy, sapphire eyes with their strange pale flecks, looked darker, his pupils dilated. It was almost as though he was holding back something feral. 

 

And then she exploded, she could feel every part of her pulsating. 

 

But a sudden pain pierced her in that moment, making her cry out again. He groaned as he pushed himself all the way in, then he began to move. 

 

He had no concern about her pleasure, for now he was purely in pursuit of his own. Grasping her thigh, while holding himself up on one arm to stop crushing her, he began to pound himself into her and ignoring her altogether. All he knew was that he was drowning in her deep brown eyes,and buried in her warm, wet, tightness. 

 

He wanted more. But he could not control himself. With several thrusts, he spilled himself inside her with a guttaral roar.

 

Riding out his own climax with several more hard thrusts, he pulled out, and collapsed beside her on the bed.

 

Looking down he could see the sheets stained with patches of blood, where she lay gasping, as if she had held her breath all this time and felt a little guilt for he had enjoyed that better than he had ever done with any other. 

 

Realising his eyes roaming her body, she clutched at the closest thing, the towel, to cover herself up.

 

Again her display of weakness made him feel some guilt, which he instantly dispelled from his thoughts by assuring himself that he had of course ensured her pleasure first, even if he had not given it the time he should have. 

 

He wanted her again, but would not force himself upon her when she was clearly sore. Turning to look at her face, he gently reached out to brush away the hair that had become stuck to her cheek, only to find that she flinched initially, her cheek damp, from a few tears. 

 

"Your tears only make you more beautiful, so do not waste them on me," he whispered to her, wiping them away before trailing his finger along her neck, shoulders and arm. "I will draw you a warm bath, it will ease any soreness you feel..."

 

He stood from the bed lazily, as though he has just taken an afternoon nap and walked towards the bathroom. 

 

She could feel her body relax a little now that he was gone. It felt as though she had been rammed with a hot poker repeatedly, and then her insides filled with molten lava. The stinging sensation still lingered, but she had no intention of moving from the bloody sticky mess of sheets she lay in until he had gone altogether. 

 

After bringing her to the height of pleasure, he had brutishly ravaged her. 

 

She couldn't endure feral poundings like this until she got pregnant. And what if he wanted more children thereafter - an heir AND a spare?! And from what she had read, dwarves did not keep more than one wife! 

 

She heard the taps run for a while, and felt a desperate thirst, but didnt dare get up. 

 

"I apologise for I cannot stay. The King's Jewel is still missing.." he walked over to the large armchair where he had placed his clothes, and began to dress. 

 

"You do not wish to wash, my lord?" Her inquiry was a whisper, in case he expected to bathe with her. 

 

He seemed to pause in response. 

 

"I like how you smell on me." He replied back softly, glancing over his shoulder at her before continuing to dress. "Anyway it is urgent that we locate it. The other clans will not swear allegiance to me without the stone..."

 

"Did Gandalf not ask that you wait for him, my lord?" She spoke nervously, recalling Smaugs words of warning. 

 

"And where is Gandalf now?!" He spat angrily. "He abandoned us when we needed him the most! Probably cavorting with the elves!"

 

She fell silent. She had once liked the old wizard, but had now come to hate him almost as much as her husband.

 

After all he was the reason she was in this mess! 

 

Thorin and Gandalf certainly shared one thing in common - their blinkered view to achieve certain outcomes with little regard for the people they used as pawns to achieve this, like herself! 

 

"It matters not, for you need not concern yourself over such matters," Thorin grunted, pulling on his jacket and straightening out his clothes. "Your only concern is to bear me children..."

 

She held her tongue again, not wishing to upset him, in case he felt the need to lay with her again, just out of spite. 

 

"Very well, my lord.." she replied in a whisper. 

 

"That's a good girl," he replied back smugly, moving over to take a look at her as she lay in his bed. He would certainly be aroused again if he remained there looking at her, so naked and vulnerable. "I will send Balin for you with some fresh soothing oils to add to your bath...your guards will be here soon I imagine also..."

 

She sat up in his bed, hoping to ask about Rajah, but hesitated.

 

"What is it?"

 

"My lord... I wish to ask a favour..."

 

He paused to sit on the edge of the bed, gazing into her big brown eyes. 

 

"There is no need to refer to me in that manner when we are in private," he cupped her chin and tilted her face up to meet his. He enjoyed the way she looked at him. Her features were soft in a way that he had never seen in a dam or a woman before. And while he harboured no feeling for her, it could not be denied that she was a beauty. "What is it you wish to ask?"

 

"I would really like to see Rajah, when he arrives..."

 

Thorin groaned. 

 

"This again?" 

 

"Please, I beg of you... Thorin..."

 

It had been easier to dismiss her before, but today, she spoke his name. It was a plea. He would have preferred to see her beg him, just as nude and on her knees, but perhaps she might be easily taught. She certainly climaxed quicker that any other female he had taken care of. 

 

"You agreed it was not a risk to take when you came to be with child." He sighed as though he were trying to reason with an unruly adolescent. "You may be with child now -"

 

"It is my first, it is too soon! I know that much." She countered, trying to keep her voice as soft as she could, in spite of her feelings.

 

"We shall see when the beast arrives..." He couldn't bring himself to deny her entirely. After all he had thoroughly enjoyed himself with her today, but he was aware that he had been far from gentle with her. "And do not fear me. Our coupling will grow more pleasurable, as your body gets used to me... It is what all female folk must endure when they are wed."

 

And with that he stood and walked out of the room, shutting the door behind. 

 

.......

 

She had been quick to have a bath, and then found a clean dress to wear which actually fit her in an old wardrobe. Balin had never arrived, as she had expected. Nor had any or her guards, and so she had chosen to explore Erebor for herself. 

 

Carrying the tray with the bowl of broth, she walked along the dimly lit corridors, finding her way using footprints left in the dust or the odd sconce holding a lot torch. 

 

She had been walking for what felt like almost half an hour when she spotted a small, familiar figure she was glad to recognise!

 

He seemed to be huddled over examining something he was holding. 

 

"Master Baggins!" She whispered excitedly. "Oh thank goodness!" 

 

The hobbit almost jumped out of his skin on hearing her harsh whisper. 

 

"My lady!" He whispered back startled, hastily putting something away in his pocket. "I...I am surprised...and delighted... to see you!" 

 

She quickly set the tray on the floor and threw her arms around him in a big hug. It was a little like hugging one of the older children in the orphanage, but she was grateful for some genuine affection.

 

"And I am glad to see you Master Baggins!" She whispered again. "Did you meet the dragon?"

 

He paused for a moment, inspecting her face. 

 

"Hmmm...you look different..." He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but there was certainly something different. "And yes I did - he was quite...terrifying I assure you."

 

"I met him too..." She replied to his shock. "Yes I agree, although if he were not so cruel, I would have thought him rather magnificent. It is such a shame..."

 

"Balin said that he saw the beast laying dead in the valley of Dale...it must have been quite a battle -"

 

"Arvind is very experienced. He has slain so many worms back home. Maybe they were not dragons but they were equally deadly I think..."

 

"Arvind told Balin that you spoke with Smaug?" Bilbo asked her, unable to hide the shock from his face. "I too could not look the beast in the eye -"

 

"In truth I tried pleading with it to go away and save itself. But it refused...it was shackled and trapped under many nets all the while of course," she concluded. "But it warned me that the Arkenstone drove Thror mad with greed for gold and jewels! And then he warned me that it would do the same to Thorin..."

 

The hobbit paused to observe her carefully. 

 

"Tell me please, my lady, what is different about you?" His curiousity was running wild in his mind. She was indeed very different.

 

"Well, I have faced a dragon, become a wife, and all sorts in just the last few days..." She lied. The truth was that she was sore, but trying to sound nonchalant about it. But more importantly, she was desperate to go outside and find Rajah. She was sure that her Jaguar was here. Then she spotted Bilbos behaviour. It was odd to say the least. He kept reaching into his pocket to fiddle with something. "You are different too, Master Baggins..."

 

"I... No..." He stuttered. 

 

"Very well then, it is clear that you do not trust me. And so I will part from you as an acquaintance, and look for the kitchen instead -"

 

"Wait," he hesitated. "Can I trust you, my lady?" 

 

"Let me put it this way, I will need your help - so in return I will keep whatever secret you wish if you promise to help me."

 

Bilbos eyes pricked up. They looked up at her like small, twinkly, hazel coloured marbles.

 

"What do you need of me, my lady?" He asked in a whisper. 

 

"Something very dangerous..."

 

He paused at her words. He had quite enough danger for a lifetime already. And yet, he wanted to help this poor girl, for this was what she was in comparison to Thorin. 

 

"Then let me burden you with my secret..." He whispered. "and with that you will have my agreement to help you in any way that I can..."

 

She nodded slowly, wondering what great and treacherous secret such a meek creature could be harbouring. 

 

And so without any further words, he slowly pulled a small item out of a hidden pocket in his coat. It was something rounded and well wrapped in a piece of cloth.

 

Carefully he revealed it, unwrapping one corner at a time.

 

There in his hands, was a large rounded stone, which even in the dim light, shone with the brilliance of so many diamonds. She had seen many large and precious jewels that belonged to her father, but never anything like this! It seemed to glow of a light of its own, that sparkled like a rainbow in a fine drizzle! 

 

Finally she realised what exactly he was showing her and gasped...

 

 

Notes:

You can expect whatever plan she is concocting will be bad news!

Chapter 8: The Plan

 

"You have had it this whole time!" She quickly wrapped it back up and shoved it into her chest. "Hide it! Or he will surely kill us both for certain!" 

 

Her heart raced as she looked around. 

 

"Does anyone else know?" 

 

"No." 

 

She wrung her hands together nervously. 

 

 

"I see a change in him since entering the mountain." Bilbo explained. "The elves called it a gold sickness. And the men of Laketown called it a curse on the hoard. I do not know what to believe...but... Well, frankly, I think there is some truth to it..."

 

He then registered the look on her face,  before trying to recant his specific words. 

 

"Well...not exactly a sickness...but...perhaps a sort of temporary alteration...of moral viewpoint..."

 

"Really, Master Baggins, there is no need to tiptoe around me..." She explained. "For I need you to help me escape..."

 

"Escape!!!" He yelped briefly, and covered his mouth nervously looking around. "Escape...?! Now THAT truly will get us both killed!" 

 

"No it won't - I will take full responsibility, and you can say that you were entirely unaware of my intentions!" She whispered back. 

 

"Why exactly do you wish to escape? And what specifically do you need from me?" 

 

"You entered through some secret route did you not? ...I could escape through that same way..." 

 

"No! It is too dangerous..." He thought for a moment. "But...perhaps...you could disguise yourself...?" 

 

"How?!" 

 

"As a messenger...for your brother's army, wear a helmet..." Bilbo frowned trying to imagine her. 

 

"There is one problem with that plan - where can we get armour from?" 

 

Bilbo found his hand in his pocket again as he stroked the cool metal of the ring. There was something strangely comforting about it. And then the thought entered his head. 

 

"I shall get it for you...do not worry I have my ways..." He thought, already hatching a plan to leave while wearing the ring, so that none would see him.

 

They were interrupted by footsteps approaching, so she quickly ducked down and picked up her tray. 

 

"Ah! Master Baggins! There you are!" 

 

It was Thorin. He not only wore the very regal fur lined Cape, but also now, a golden crown with two ravens. 

 

He walked over with a stern look before spotting her standing behind the hobbit, and then regarded the two of them with some suspicion.

 

"What are you doing here, my lady?" He asked coldly. "I have just sent Balin to find you, I apologise for the delay..." 

 

And then he paused to assess what she wore with care, irritation crossing his face briefly as he turned to her.

 

"I am sorry, my lord, I thought I would find the kitchen and see whether there was anything else -"

 

"You should have had your broth while it was warm. We have little else for now," he snapped at her. 

 

"It is no matter, perhaps I can ask my brother whether he could send some food in -"

 

"There is no need!" He cut her off. "Bombur has found the larder entirely well preserved. It will suffice. You are not to leave the mountain. Is that clear?" 

 

She found both herself AND Bilbo nodding in response to the stern command given. 

 

"It's fine, my lady, let me take this to the kitchen and get you something warm," Bilbo interjected. "I will bring it up to you...go and meet Balin.."

 

"Where did you get that dress from?" Thorin growled at her. 

 

"Uh...I.. it was in one of the wardrobes in your room, I am sorry...I had no clean clothes..." She explained worried now as to whom the dress belonged to.

 

"It was my grandmother's..."

 

"I didn't know - I am sorry -"

 

"She was from Orocarni," Thorin mused sadly. He was clearly fond of his grandmother. "She died some years before my grandfather. But he kept all her things as though she still shared his room... She was tall and slender like you - the envious would say that she was half man for that very reason. But she was beautiful, even in her dotage..."

 

He fell silent as he looked her up and down. 

 

"Sorry...my lord... I...will go and change..." She replied quietly. 

 

"There is no need. You might as well make use of her clothes." He snapped sternly. "Balin will check on you now..."

 

"Bilbo, I am concerned," he turned to the hobbit as though to exclude her from his discussion. "I cannot find the Arkenstone. We have been searching for some days, but I wished to know whether you saw it..."

 

Thorin began to usher a somewhat nervous looking Bilbo away, as he looked back over his shoulder at her. 

 

"Do not be so concerned for my wife..." Thorin ushered him along with a stern warning. "Balin will see to her..."

 

.......

 

She entered his bedroom after finding her way back eventually and found Oin and Balin standing there talking in hushed voices. They turned to look at her, their faces worried, as Balin hurried over and shut the door. 

 

"Oin! You are back! How is Kili -" she began but she was interrupted by the two very concerned looking dwarves. 

 

"Lass, I know you are frightened, but we promise to keep all you say here a secret..." Oin began, before looking over to Balin. 

 

"Did he...hurt you, Shobha?" Balin asked, half hesitating, half worried. 

 

She paused, gulping down a knot in her throat as she looked from Balin to Oin who held his trumpet pointed to her like some sort of strange one horned beast. 

 

"Uh...I..." And then she spotted their bed, covered in patches of blood. "Oh...you mean that...?" 

 

"Aye lass..." Balin winced glancing over again. 

 

"I mean...I have been told it hurts..."

 

"We wouldn't expect so much blood on this occasion..." Oin corrected her with a frown 

 

"Please don't worry... I am fine...a little sore...but fine..." She sighed, seeing them waiting for an explanation and not wishing to give it. "I...do you promise this stays between us?" 

 

She sighed. Perhaps she had to trust them.

 

Balin and Oin both groaned at her words, the latter muttering some harsh words in their language.

 

"It's nothing so terrible really..." 

 

They both groaned again, Balin even covering his face with his hands mumbling 'Mahal'! 

 

"No! No! You don't understand! I had a whole glass of wine on our wedding night, and ended up tipsy and falling asleep before Thorin could..." She blurted out the first bit and then hesitated, unsure how to describe the act or the exact details. "Before he could...finish the act..."

 

The two dwarves were now scowling, with utter disgust on their faces.

 

"You fell asleep in the middle of it...?!" Oin exclaimed. 

 

"No! Goodness! No! He...did that thing...which...made me feel funny...but he only...put his...thingy...in my...thingy last night..." She sighed hoping that she had explained herself suitably. 

 

"Oh! Thank Mahal!" Both Oin and Balin sighed in what could only be described as utter relief based on the looks on their faces. 

 

"Why? What did you think he had done...?" She asked curious - grateful that they had understood her half-witted description. 

 

But both dwarves immediately backed away, muttering various things between them.

 

"Och nothing to trouble yourself with lassie," Balin blushed mumbling. "Everyone favours different tastes..." 

 

"Nah I didn't think so either! It doesn't seem his cup of tea," Oin shook his head at Balin.

 

"What does THAT mean...?"

 

"I don't think you wish to know..." Balin whispered, turning a shade of deeper red now. "Or ever find out..." 

 

She looked at them again with curiousity wondering what they spoke of. 

 

"So, this was your first time lass?" Oin asked blushing a little trying to truly clear it all up. 

 

She nodded sheepishly.

 

"So what did he do on your wedding night...?" Balin asked recalling the blood on the sheets. 

 

"I think he made a cut on himself and used the blood -"

 

"Well that explains the stories of so much blood..." Oin sounded reassured again. "It would have been nice to have a dam explain these matters to you, but since there are none here, we want you to know that you can come to us with any questions..."

 

"No need to be shy now, lassie..." Balin added with a reassuring smile.  

 

She nodded at first staying silent for a moment to organise her thoughts. There were so many questions indeed. 

 

"He is very large..." She began blushing. "How can I make it...a little... better...for me next time..."

 

They all blushed again, and the two dwarves remained in thought for a little time themselves before Balin spoke up. 

 

"Well...you could try..." He turned much redder again. "Being on top..."

 

"Aye, and...us dwarves...well...like it a bit...rough," Oin revealed shyly. It was a strange reaction for such a gruff old dwarf, to blush and squirm like a little girl. "You could take over...push him around a bit...?"

 

"Och aye Master Oin! He will like that very much I imagine!" Balin chuckled nudging Oin, who looked very pleased to have suggested it. 

 

"And...what about preventing myself from having a baby...?" She whispered taking a step closer to them and looking over her shoulder and whispering.

 

"Have you spoken to him about this, my lady?" Balin asked worried. 

 

"No - I mean - he is not concerned in any way with me..."

 

"No. It seems he is a little preoccupied these days," Balin trailed off worried about Thorin clearly, but he seemed reluctant to discuss the matter much further. 

 

"Do you think he is changed then...?"

 

They both fell silent, deep in thought and worry. 

 

"I know the best thing for you lass," Oin revealed quietly. "It is milder than the other potions the dams take... But it should be fine so long as you do not...partake repeatedly...I shall go and make you some now..."

 

"Aye, and I had better hide these sheets for now." Balin hurried over to the bed collecting the evidence. "Your marriage is consummated. And that is all that matters."

 

And with that she was left in the room on her own again. 

 

.........

 

"Right you look...quite passable...actually..." Bilbo grimaced. "Although perhaps you should stay in the shadows, away from light..."

 

She could feel her heart racing. The hobbit had, true to his word acquired some armour used by the royal messengers to her father's army. Although they didn't fight, they did have to carry messages between groups of fighting soldiers, and so were always in armour themselves.

 

She had quickly changed her clothes in a remote corridor while Bilbo had kept guard. Karan and Amit still stood guard outside Thorins corridor without realising that she had given them the slip again!

 

And now for this to work, she would need to be back before Thorin noticed her gone. 

 

He had not been back to see her on her second night, but he had joined her for breakfast. And yet there was something strangely different about him. With each day he had seemed more concerned about the Arkenstone, which had worried her even more. She could only hope that Gandalf would arrive soon before anything terrible happened. 

 

"Hurry!" Bilbo whispered, once she was dressed. He had led her down several corridors that appeared disused. It had been something of a maze, and she could only imagine he had been exploring Erebor continuously to have discovered them. "This way... Quick now!" 

 

They had taken several turns, and dark stairwells down, where she had to hold onto Bilbo a few times, for being unable to see from under the helmet in the dark! 

 

Finally they had almost made it to the gate, now fortified with large rocks the dwarves had found nearby.

 

"You will need to climb up - the stone steps here..." Bilbo pulled her up the uneven steps. "And you will need to use a rope to climb down...will you manage?"

 

"Yes - I am fine with climbing. I am getting used to this armour now," she stopped and looked at the whole construct. "When did they do this?"

 

The front gates had not been so heavily fortified when she had first arrived no more than two days ago! 

 

"Thorin had them build the wall up high only this morning, my lady... Do not worry it is a very strong structure..."

Bilbo trailed looking at her as she continued to climb. "He is not it himself, I fear..."

 

She fell silent, worrying about what would happen now if she got caught. 

 

"I have tethered the rope to a rock on the end there," Bilbo pointed, crouching down behind another rock as she hurried along to find the rope. "I have clambered down it and know it is a strong tether..."

 

He stood up and looked behind to check they were not followed. 

 

"Please only stay for as long as you must.." Bilbo warned nervously. 

"It is getting late, so you must be back before nightfall."

 

It was evening and the sun had already begun to set casting dark shadows amidst the rocks.

 

She would only have half an hour at best now to find out where Rajah was being kept. 

 

Quickly she scrambled down the rope into the darkness below. She hid behind a rock nearby and looked out at the encampment her brother and their men had made near Erebor.

 

Sticking close to the wall of the stone bridge she hurried along. And then she joined the first group of soldiers camped, listening to what they spoke of, but still moving with purpose as if she carried a message for someone.

 

She had reached quite far into their camp when she heard of the last of their supplies and 'the Princess' beast' being brought over in two days time. 

 

With a heart filled with disappointment, and heeding Bilbos warning she quickly turned back.

 

She had managed to get this far, and rather than risk getting caught on this occasion by staying out, when Rajah was still not here, she chose to turn back. 

 

Stumbling in the dark now, she made her way back to the fortified wall. And then feeling her way along the edge, found where the rope had been hidden out of sight before holding on to it and climbing up. 

 

Her armour jangled on occasion, so she slowed down, in an attempt to keep her climb as quiet as possible. 

 

Then finally she flung herself over the top onto the makeshift ledge they had used, ducking behind a rock to catch her breath. 

 

It was eerily quiet, and dark, but she didn't dare take her helmet off for now. At least not until she reached the safety of a dark corridor. 

 

Bilbo seemed nowhere in sight. 

 

At first she worried about it, but then realised that, had he been caught, he would have had to return back in order to avoid any suspicion.

 

Leaning out, she carefully pulled up the rope, wrapping it up carefully and hiding it behind a rock. 

 

Then as she stood up, she felt something sharp held to her throat. 

 

"Move and I will slit your throat open."

 

She recognised whom the deep voice belonged to. It was the last person she wished to meet right now. 

 

"Identify yourself." 

 

She remained silent worried that even if she tried to speak in a deeper voice that he might recognise her. 

 

So she pulled out a small note she had written herself and held it up. 

 

"A messenger?" He growled. "Are you armed?" 

 

She shook her head slowly. 

 

"Turn around." He moved his dagger away and commanded again. "Turn around!"

 

Lowering her head, she turned around slowly. The helmet she wore covered most of her face, and the mail beneath covered her chin, so she hoped he would just send her back down since she was clearly not a threat. 

 

"You trespass into my Kingdom, and parry messages I have not permitted?!" He snapped, snatching the note and glancing at it briefly. Before setting the point of his dagger to the small exposed part on her neck. "Do you have a name...messenger?" 

 

All she could hear was the sound of her own pounding heart, as she tried to think of a way to avoid speaking. 

 

And then she had an idea. 

 

Using one hand she tapped her throat and shook her head. 

 

"You...cannot speak?" Thorin scoffed. "A mute messenger...now I have heard of everything..."

 

He lifted his blade under her chin and pressed it against her forcing her to lift her head up. 

 

"Show yourself properly."

 

She lifted her face as little as she could, certain now that he would recognise her. 

 

"Messengers are not allowed to trespass..." He grasped her hands together and bound them with a piece of rope. "Lets go...let us see what your mistress has to say when she realises your punishment..."

 

Her heart pounded as he dragged her down the steps and then along several corridors. She still didn't dare speak. 

 

Finally he had pulled her into the dungeons. 

 

"Are you still lost for words, messenger?" He grunted pushing her into a large room in the dungeons. 

 

The dark rooms only bore a single small torch between them. 

 

She looked up, glancing around to spot the many chains and shackles that hung along the walls and the variety of what looked like sharp and painful torture instruments!

 

She suppressed a gasp, finding herself beginning to hyperventilate at what might be implements waiting to be used on her! 

 

Then turning her to face the wall, he cut her binding free. 

 

She was about to breathe a sigh of relief, hoping that his intention was only to give a fright. But then he suddenly pulled up her hands, locking them into the metal shackles chained to the ceiling. They made a horrifying clanging noise as they locked.

 

"Still nothing...? Well you have very soft hands for a messenger..?" 

 

She was sure she would pass out soon. Certainly she could no longer concentrate on his words.

 

He moved across to the wall where several chains dangled.

 

Grasping two chains together, he pulled on them gently, and with a grinding metal sound the shackles began to lift her up by the wrists, until she was on tiptoe. 

 

The cold metal bit at her skin and the shackles pulled her wrists painfully. She was utterly sure that if he lifted her further, that she would pass out from the pain. 

 

Her breathing was now ragged and she could feel the perspiration dripping down her neck. 

 

But then miraculously he seemed to stop and lower her a little. 

 

Then he moved to stand close behind her. 

 

Taking his dagger again, he cut the ties to the breast plate she wore, followed by the ties to the chainmail, letting both fall to the floor at her feet and leaving her only in the black silk tunic. Then gently he ran his hand over the silk tunic covering her chest and brushing her sensitive nipples through the fabric making her gasp.

 

He only stopped at one point to remove the helmet from her along with the chain mail that came with it for the lower half of the face. Her hair came loose falling down her back and tumbling below her shoulders.

 

"Did you think I would not recognise you...my wife?" 

 

Standing close behind her, as he carried on teasing her nipples, quickening her breath again, he smirked.

 

"I told you, not to go outside. If you had simply asked me, I could have sent a message on your behalf." His tone was chilling, and yet she couldn't help the strangely pleasurable ache that he was begging to create between her legs as he continued to brush, tease and gently pinch her nipples through the silk. He leant over to whisper in her ear, gently nipping the skin with his teeth, making her cry out. "Oh...you are so very delicious...my dear wife...your father was right - you are not like other women...you are disobedient...but I shall enjoy that I think..."

 

She could no longer keep herself from moaning, as she felt his hard erection pressing against her back. 

 

The sensation he was building up between her legs, knotted and tightened within her, desperate to explode and find its way out. 

 

Then he slid his hand down her trousers.

 

"Mahal...arent you so ready for me..." He hummed, clear delight in his voice at her arousal.

 

But just as abruptly as he had begun, he stopped, pulling his hand out. 

 

"I am a patient dwarf, so this is my warning: disobey me like this again, and the next time I will fuck you held up in these shackles," he growled at her. "Although I shall quite enjoy that, I suspect..."

 

She sighed in agony for lack of release, having held her breath for the last minute. 

 

"Did you wish me to continue?" He whispered in her ear, pressing himself against her back, before licking the fingers that were covered in her arousal. "You taste so sweet..." 

 

Then he paused to watch her catch her breath as she shook her head. Her pretty features were a mixture of lust, arousal and disgust.

 

"Do you miss your brother?" He suddenly asked softly feeling a little sorry for her - he too had a brother once, and he still missed Frerin. And he wondered whether her excursion outside had been to find Arvind. He would have been lying if he had not admitted to liking Arvind himself. "If it might be of comfort, I can arrange for him remain in Erebor once we are settled. Give him a place as a high advisor. There are few who might vanquish a dragon so efficiently as he did..."

 

He released her hands from their bindings, watching as she held onto the wall for balance, still feeling dazed and breathless.

 

"Here," he stepped over to her, watching her flinch at his touch. So ignoring her, he pulled off his large furlined Cape, and wrapped it around her. And then he scooped her up into his arms. 

 

"No! I miss my brother, but I find you a brute!" She pushed against him, struggling to get out of his arms, finally slipping out, only to have him trap her in place against a wall to stop her from running off into the darkness and getting lost. 

 

"You are not of your right senses -"

 

"YOU did that to me!" She cried, tears spilling from her eyes. "You are an uncivilised, vile, beast!" 

 

He held her in place, but she shook her hands free of him trying desperately to push his rock like form away. 

 

"I am uncivilised?!" He laughed, a hollow booming sound echoing through the dungeons. "It is YOUR father who agreed to trade YOU for power and gold remember? His favourite, youngest daughter...born to his beautiful whore? Is that not what they call you in -"

 

His words were halted by a harsh slap, which she couldn't stop herself from landing on his face, although she thought better of it now, as fear flooded her. 

 

The weight of her hand barely dented his ego, as he stood there a moment before looking at the trapped young woman who had landed it.

 

She had expected him to hit or punch her in return, but instead he lunged forward and kissed her violently. It was a strange feeling to hate him, and yet find that she just melted in his arms. 

 

"You bring out something...savage... in me..." He rasped, kissing her again pulling her in against his body. "And when you fight, or defy me, you make me hard...you make my cock twitch and make me want to bend your supple body over right now and fill you with my seed...but know that I would never hurt you..."

 

"Other than brutishly treat me like a prisoner or bed-slave?" She replied quietly wiping her eyes. "I have seen animals couple with greater care."

 

He brushed the tears from her cheeks. 

 

"You have watched animals couple?" He raised an eyebrow at her, hiding a chuckle. Apparently he had a sense of humour. A dark one perhaps, but a sense of humour none the less. 

 

"I..." She shook her head, a few more tears spilling down her soft brown cheeks. "That is not the point I made!"

 

"I am not worthy of your tears," his reply was strange as he gently wiped her tears away again. "It is cold and dark here. And you do not know the way back. Let me take you back."

 

It was not a question, once again he scooped her up into his arms wrapped in his soft warm cape. This time she did not resist. 

 

"It is not safe for you to wonder outside unguarded - there can be no argument on this. Perhaps the lesson I taught you was a harsh one, but I imagine it is one you will remember..." It was all he said as he silently carried her back to his room. "I should truly punish the one who gave you those clothes - Next time I will."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 9: Thror’s Hoard

 

She had spent the next day in her room, having given up all hope of getting out of the mountain. 

 

Balin and Bombur had visited her with food, but she had no appetite. All she wanted to do was sleep. 

 

Thorin hadn't returned to see her all night and the next day. In some ways she was grateful for that, even if it meant she was alone most of the time.

 

After another day had passed in this manner, she had managed to pluck up the courage to explore a little more.

 

......

 

Carefully leaving Thorins grand room, she had quietly made her way along the corridors, opening random doors that took her fancy.

 

She had also stumbled upon the King's Study and a small banquet room, which was probably used for private functions, and then the royal library. 

 

Slowly she continued in the dim light, until she eventually reached the main corridor. Ahead there was some sort of scuffle as she approached to find Thorin wearing an even grander Cape than he had done before, speaking harshly to Balin. 

 

"Someone has betrayed me, Balin!" He hissed angrily. "They have taken the jewel for themselves -"

 

Her instant reaction when she saw him was to freeze and run away. But this time it was too late. 

 

"Ah! Here comes my pretty wife!" He spoke spotting her immediately. "It has been some days since we last..."

 

He walked over to her, in his Kingly attire. There was no doubt he looked terribly handsome and commanding and yet something was not quite right. 

 

"I think I shall return to my room..." She began as she turned around. But he was quick, catching her hand and pulling her over to him. 

 

"Do not leave so soon... I have something for you..." He smirked grabbing her waist and pulling her against his chest, before whispering to her. "I did miss you, my wife...very much…"

 

He kissed her hungrily, before pulling away to examine her face. 

 

"I realise that I have not given you a wedding present..." He tugged at her hand, leading her in to the vast room that he had just come out of and gesturing sweepingly at the space. "This is my grandfather's hoard!" 

 

Her heart was pounding as he had kissed her, and it took her a little while to register exactly what he was gesturing to. But then she had to blink again for the sight before her was unreal!

 

There piled up like mountains in a room so large, neither the ceilings nor the far end of the room could be seen, was gold and precious jewels in every form imaginable.

 

He pulled her further in along the narrow path between the mounds of treasure, before stopping at a grand table which stood in the centre. Beneath this were piled many ledgers, presumably documenting every coin and gemstone to pass into these halls.

 

"Where are we going, my lord...?" She asked nervously. His behaviour felt more erratic. He certainly did not behave as though he had taken her to the dungeons when they last met! 

 

"I am going to give you something." He replied, glancing at her, with a smile! 

 

"Oh my! Right here?!" She couldn't keep the clear worry out of her tone. "It's not very...private..."

 

He seemed to pause suddenly, realising what she was worried about.

 

"Oh you are rather humourous," he chuckled at her, before pausing to look at her again hopefully. "Did you truly wish for me to...give you...that particular present then? Right here...?" 

 

Heart racing again, at the fear of being ravaged amidst all this treasure, she shook her head with some urgency. 

 

"Ah well...perhaps another time..." He whispered hurrying her along again, until they arrived at the large table. He looked around noting that several of his company had now abandoned their search for the Arkenstone and were watching the new couple instead with avid interest. "Can we have a moment please? Bombur is making muffins - he has found the good flour at last. And I am certain there will be some tea awaiting you in the kitchens..."

 

They didn't need much more convincing apparently, with the exception of Dwalin who waved at her, they all quickly cleared out, finally leaving them alone in the treasury.

 

"Let me see..." He appeared to think out loud, first looking at her and then looking around. "Yes..."

 

He moved her to the far side of the table where there was a large chair and seated her in it. There was no gentleness about his actions, but fortunately the chair was well stuffed, cushioning her landing. 

 

Then he moved about exceedingly fast lifting, what could only be, several small heavy wooden chests onto the large table.

 

Once again he turned to her, tilting her chin up, so he could look at her face. 

 

"Most women or dams, have a colour that may suit them well. A colour that would favour them, above all others," he explained quietly. "It is the same with male folk also, although we are less concerned over such matters. But in your case, it is harder..."

 

"Oh dear...what does that mean?" She looked worried. She had been insulted plenty before - often called inferior or ugly by the other women in court and scorned even for her darker complexion. But she hoped he would not have such unkind words for her - after all he certainly chose her. 

 

"You, my pretty wife, I suspect will look beautiful in many colours..." He stroked her cheek softly. "Perhaps it is your darker skin, or pretty face...? I do not know. But I know jewels, and I can tell just as any other with two eyes that you would look stunning adorned with most precious gems."

 

She found herself lost for words. It was not what she had expected from him, or come to expect from his harsh ways. 

 

He opened the first chest and pulled out several pearl necklaces, holding them against her neck before placing them in her lap, and then pulling out more gold necklaces, followed by chokers and various other necklets. 

 

Then without warning he tutted and pulled down her neckline further, to expose the tops of her breasts. 

 

"You will need to bear a little more skin, to wear some of the heavier jewels..." He loosened her dress a little more by running his fingers just down the neckline from left to right. While he didnt intend it at first, he brushed her nipples several times, making her sit up a little each time. It seemed to stir something in him again, carrying on now teasing her nipples over and over, before suddenly slipping a finger into her mouth when she gasped. "Mmm...how I would love to have you suck my cock in here..."

 

Her eyes widened at the intrusion of his thick digit into her mouth. It was not only unexpected, but also she was ashamed to say she did not know what to expect or do, but he simply left his index finger there for a moment, resting on her tongue. Then he began to move it in and out a little. 

 

"Have you ever done that before...?" 

 

Unable to answer she shook her head. 

 

"Hmmmm...." He smiled, relishing the chance to teach her. Most other women or dams had been tainted by advice or preferences of other male folk. It was not always what he enjoyed. Whereas this girl, was clearly unprepared and unspoilt - a beautiful blank canvas, just asking to be trained to exactly what his needs might be. 

 

He groaned feeling himself harden at the thought. And then he stopped for if he carried on like this, he would want her right here indeed. 

 

Once again he turned suddenly to the chests to pull out rubies, pink sapphires and yellow diamonds. 

 

"Take these all, and wear them as you please..." Then he handed her, possibly the most beautiful necklace of all, with large deep blue sapphires and brilliant diamonds. "This one, is for when you dine with me..."

 

And then he paused again to look at her, scrutinizing carefully, before delving into the next chest and emerging with another beautiful necklace with blue sapphires.

 

"This one is for your head..." He reached up and arranged it gently on her crown. "It is not the same as the head dress I have seen you wear - as worn by your women folk, but it will suffice until we bring back our jewellers and craftsmen, when I can truly dress you as you deserve..." 

 

He watched her curiously as she attempted to gather herself, after he had teased her. 

 

She still clutched onto the chair handles, with difficulty, her hands gripping so tightly that her fingertips were pale. She even pressed her legs together, her eyes still shut tight as her breathing slowed. 

 

"Oh my...what is wrong...?" He smirked finally realising her problem. "Have I excited you...?" 

 

She gulped, her heart still pounding. 

 

"Is that this fire you light...?"

 

He moved closer to her chuckling.

 

"What fire...?" 

 

"It makes me feel as if my whole body is burning..."

 

A low rumbling chuckle escaped from his chest again. It would have been a truly pleasant sound if she hadn't found herself in such a predicament.

 

But before she opened her eyes, he had picked her up and placed her on the table, not caring that all the necklaces and jewels on her lap had fallen to the floor unceremoniously. 

 

Then quickly and efficiently, he ducked under her skirts so his entire torso and upper body were hidden under the mass of material.

 

Her eyes flew open out of sheer shock, but he was faster, drawing her bloomers down and instantly running his tongue along her. 

 

Try as she might, she simply could not suppress the moan the left her lips. It was half a plea to continue, and half a protest for allowing himself free access to her body. It felt utterly dirty. 

 

"What...are...you...doing?" She managed between pants and gasps. 

 

"Would you like me to stop...?" He spoke into her, sending even more stimulation to her most delicate centre. It made her snap her thighs around his head, which he easily held apart with his hands only to turn his head and bite the inner side of her right thigh. "Keep your legs open..." 

 

It was all too much for her as she fell back onto her arms, and he took full advantage of this, delving his mouth and tongue over her. 

 

He felt painfully aroused now, unable to tell how much of the moisture pooling around her was from her or from his mouth, when she shuddered on his tongue, crying out his name. 

 

He no longer cared about any of the jewels. Once when he opened these doors he wished to dress his bride in many of these - to even perhaps fantasize about bathing her supple, naked body in jewels alone, which he could pick away one by one, perhaps revealing her bit by bit before he took her. 

 

Now, all he cared for was to be inside her. It was more intoxicating than the best wine he had ever tasted, or more exhilarating than the greatest victory he had won in battle, and even more soothing than the best pipe-weed he had smoked. 

 

And he wanted it right now. 

 

Pushing the chests aside on the table to make more space, he picked her up. She was clearly so overcome, that she was unable to stand, but that suited him fine. 

 

Turning her body with ease, he lay her face down over the side of the table. Then hurriedly, he lifted her skirts to expose her shapely bottom, before unlacing himself and thrusting fully into her. Her cries were muffled into the table ahead of him, but they only stood to drive him wilder. 

 

He attempted to simply stay there enjoying the feeling of her ebbing climax throbbing around him, but he could bear it no more. 

 

He would have his release now. 

 

Perhaps she was not experienced, but she was exactly what he needed. 

 

"Thorin...?" Everything was happening so fast, she could barely manage a whisper. 

 

He leant over her, gripping her hand in one of his, while still holding onto her hip with the other.

 

"Hush now, wife," he spoke soothingly, moving slowly several times simply enjoying the feel of her. "I am giving you that ‘other present’ after all..." 

 

......

 

She threw the jewellery onto the bed with disgust, striping out of her dress as fast as she possibly could. 

 

Then rushing over to the bathtub she pulled on the lever to the pipes, filling the giant stone tub with hot water followed by cold. It was hard work, and she understood why Thorin had always done it for her now. 

 

Eventually she had filled the tub suitably - it didn't help that it was such a giant tub either. And so she moved to the rack where she had found some of the bathing oils and tested a few more bottles out. 

 

Eventually finding one that smelled like sandalwood, she poured a little into the water, followed by a bit more once she was satisfied it hadn't gone rancid. She would have once been surprised by this, but now found that the dwarves clearly had dealings with many distant parts including the Harad, where she knew sandalwood grew!

 

Finally she began to feel relaxed again, after her encounter with Thorin in the treasury. And looking forward to a bath began to remove her half-corset, when the door to the bathroom opened.

 

To her horror, Thorin walked in as though it was the most normal thing to do.

 

"Ah, very good," he gestured to the bath without asking. "Had you not run away so fast, I would have accompanied you and drawn the water for you..." 

 

He had already begun to strip himself, but he was far more orderly about it, placing his clothes on a chair, where she had simply tossed her dress on the bed. 

 

"I shall join you."

 

Trying to hide her irritation at his inability to give her any time to herself, after he had been so rough with her again during their coupling, she turned away to pretend that she was collecting towels. 

 

But he was already standing behind her now, and undoing the laces on her corset. 

 

"I had never seen one of these until I saw your clothing..." He observed as he undid the garment with surprising agility and gentleness. "I cannot say I have ever been interested in women's undergarments. They are often more complicated than I would care to observe. But I rather like yours..." 

 

He moved closer to her, moving his hands around the corset to the front, just beneath her breasts and lifting it over her head carefully. 

 

Her heart began to race again. It made her feel disgusting just how much he thrilled her, even though she found him so cruel and callous. 

 

Holding her corset in one hand he wrapped his arm around her waist pulling her into him and cupping her breasts with his other hand. 

 

"My wife..." He hummed into her skin pressing his naked body to hers.

 

She found herself short of breath again, and worst of all could feel his very hard erection against her body.

 

Still holding her against him, he gently tossed her corset onto his neatly laid pile of clothes. And now with two free hands he let himself explore her breasts and abdomen better. Her skin was so soft, and it prickled under his touch. Her pants and gasps made the gentle jiggle of her small breasts more delectable. He squeezed them both, one in each hand as he inhaled her skin. 

 

He wanted to be inside her again. It was not something he experienced with other dams or women he had bedded in the past. They were harder to please and often once was enough for him. But with her, his appetite was almost insatiable. 

 

"Take your bloomers off." He commanded gruffly. 

 

"Please...Thorin..." She begged between gasps, as he carried on squeezing her breasts. 

 

"TAKE THEM OFF. Or I shall tear them off." He slid one hand down her stomach and into her bloomers again. It made her reach out and press her hands to the stone wall in front of her. 

 

"Please...I am still sore..." 

 

"You are also very wet." He pointed out exploring her with his fingers, once again quick to start his pleasurable assault on her. "We are both here. You are so very ripe for the taking right now, and it would be a waste if we did not..." 

 

His voice was deep and velvety. But his words were arrogant and demanding. It was clear that it was not a request but rather a command, and he was merely reasoning with her to grant him permission. 

 

"Now take them off..." He growled, biting at her neck from behind.

 

"Please..." She panted.

 

He growled in frustration, stepping away for a moment. His impatience with her was clear, but it seemed he momentarily pitied her also.

 

"Turn around." He grunted at her, and when she stood frozen, he grasped her hips and moved her. Although she was tall, she was also slender. He could have easily manipulated her body like a ragdoll if he so wished. "Why do you insist on disobeying me? I shall not hurt you -"

 

"That statement is questionable..."

 

"Aye - that smart, pretty little mouth of yours needs some real work..."

 

She looked at him nervously. 

 

"Get down on your knees." He commanded gruffly again. And when she hesitated he added a warning. "Or would you like me to force you onto your knees too?"

 

Slowly she complied, watching him with wide eyes wondering what he was planning. But seeing her looking up at him with those big brown eyes half nude, only stood to arouse him more.

 

"Good girl," he smirked stepping forward, holding his cock in one hand. "I realise you may not have done this before...but I shall guide you...now take it in your mouth..."

 

She gasped. It was not entirely unheard of to her. She had seen such an act between one of her brothers and a courtesan after a particularly raucous banquet. In her attempt to escape the torment of the many nasty jibes made by her sisters at her, she had found solitude, which apparently one of her brothers had found before her! Fascinated, she had watched initially, only to run away, as he had begun to groan. 

 

"You are a brave man to put such an organ anywhere near my teeth aren't you...?" She quipped, only to have him shove it in her mouth nearly gagging her. 

 

"You are merely repaying me the pleasure I gave you not long ago." He replied very mundanely as though he was teaching her to clean the hearth or stack dishes. "Now you can run your hand up and down as I taught you before, but use your mouth also. Suck, but gently, and the deeper you take me the better I will find..." 

 

She looked up at him, as he brushed her hair back, smirking down at her. 

 

His cock was now very much in her mouth, and there was no escape for her. So she thought back to when she had seen that courtesan with one of her brothers. Although the woman was the one on her knees, her brothers pleasure was clearly in her control entirely. She merely had to channel this. 

 

Slowly she swirled her tongue around the swollen tip. There was something bitter and almost salty about it. But as she guided it further into her mouth running her hands along the shaft, she could taste something different.

 

"Very good," his words were almost a deep groan, momentarily noticing the surprise on her face. "You may be tasting yourself...I have been inside you not long ago..."

 

She swirled her tongue further and sucked a little. It was not easy considering his girth. And she had no intention of letting it get much further into her mouth. 

 

Her hands explored him further, as she continued to suck and swirl. And she could see him watching her, half lidded, apparently enjoying himself very much. 

 

"Your insolent little mouth is better at this than I expected..." He hummed, gently stroking her hair, when a knock on the bathroom door interrupted her. And when she stopped briefly, his words were almost begging. "Don't stop..."

 

But the knocking came again, and she had now stopped out of the sheer possibility of being walked in on, while in nothing but her bloomers and on her knees, with his cock in her mouth. 

 

Grumbling he stepped away from her and without any concern over covering himself, he marched over to the door and opened it. 

 

She used the moment to quickly slip her remaining underwear off and slide into the bathtub. The water was still very warm, but she hoped she had avoided him now. 

 

"Thorin..." 

 

It was Dwalin, who seemed a little taken aback by his friend and King standing at the door sporting a rather striking erection, without a stitch to cover him. 

 

"Och Thorin! Ye could at least put yer thing away when ye come to the door!" He grumbled. "Ye donnae got any towels there...?!"

 

"What is so urgent Dwalin?" Thorin snapped back. 

 

"I have inspected the weapons and armoury - there is enough to keep us safe. But we donnae have enough fighters if our gates are breeched." Dwalin answered his question. "I have brought up yer armour - it is in perfect condition still, but maybe ye better try it on, in case yer gut is too big after all these years...or yer head for that matter!"

 

"Very well Dwalin," Thorin cupped his hands over his crotch and tilted his head gratefully. Somehow even with barely a stitch on, he still managed to look majestic! "Thank you Dwalin. I am truly grateful for your help - as I have always been..."

 

Dwalin paused at the door, realising Thorin was thanking him for much more than the inspection of the armoury and grinned. 

 

"Och laddie, I knew she'd be good for ya..." He grinned proudly calling out through the door at her. "Forgive my interruption Princess!" 

 

Thorin bowed his head again and stepped back in, shutting the door before turning back to look for her.

 

But she was gone from where he last left her, and now sitting in the bath.

 

"You have moved." He grunted unhappily. 

 

"I am sore." Her reply was genuine enough to make him sigh out of frustration. 

And so displaying clear irritation, he walked over to the tub and slipped in. "Come here..." 

 

He held out his hand to her, where she sat away from him. But she hesitated. 

 

"Why must you always disobey me?" He grumbled still holding out his hand making himself comfortable against one side. "Come here!"

 

"What are you going to do with me...?" She took his hand cautiously as he guided her over to him. 

 

"Enjoy a bath with you..." He replied laying her on himself. 

 

He was gentle this time, running his hand around her as he opened up his legs, for her to feel more comfortable. 

 

"Try to relax your body..." His chest rumbled against her skin when he spoke. And he trailed a hand along her front, between her breasts, until he reached between her legs. 

 

"Please..."

 

"Just let me touch you..." He soothed in her ear. "I will make you feel better..."

 

But she held onto his hand, desperately trying to hold him back, for each time he had given her pleasure, he had also helped himself to her body. And she was now rather sore. 

 

"Please, can we just lay here... Thorin..." She tried again, when to her surprise he didn't persist. 

 

He didn't reply, simply grunting in agreement reluctantly and wrapping his arm around her waist instead. It was as if he was trying to keep her from moving away.

 

At first she too felt tense. She could feel all of him against her skin. From his firm, broad, muscular body, to the hair on his chest gently scratching against her, to the still very hard erection he was sporting, making it hard for her to lay comfortably between his legs. 

 

But slowly with time, and perhaps out of sheer fatigue of being so tense, she finally leant back against him. 

 

He lay there, enjoying the water for a moment, occasionally running his hand along her arm, or pouring water over her breasts, where they had just peaked out of the water. 

 

"I am worried about the orcs that were chasing you," she stated turning in the water to kneel between his muscular thighs and lean on his chest. "Arvind is out there with his men, they may be attacked any moment..."

 

Thorin who had begun to relax himself, opened one eye to look at her as she leant on him. She was all wet, and her brown skin glistened as her small breasts emerged out of the water, teasing his eyes.

 

"You need not worry about the orcs. They will not breach these walls." He dismissed, before opening both his eyes to fully take in the image of her nude form emerging out of the water and laying on his chest. "And I very much doubt your brother and his army will find a pack of orc a challenge after bringing down a Firedrake." 

 

"They were not just a mindless, stray pack of orc, Thorin. They were organised. They were scouts." 

 

"How do you know this?" He sat up, running his hand over her glowing, brown skin. He felt his fire stirring again as he watched her. 

 

"They attacked Lake Town after you had set off for Erebor. But when they realised you were not there, they quickly left," she ran her fingers nervously over his chest, tracing his tattoos and scars. "What if they return with an army?" 

 

He sat up further, his cold blue eyes scrutinizing her carefully again. She found it hard to read him usually, but she was sure that she had noticed a flash of worry cross his handsome features for a moment. She wondered whether it was on hearing that the orc may have attacked her, or whether it was on learning that they were chasing him. 

 

"Then we shall vanquish them also." He spoke with complete conviction.

 

"What if they attack with an army?" 

 

"I shall call upon Dain. And he will come now that we have reclaimed Erebor." He answered directly. 

 

"And you would go into battle...?" She asked worried, as she noticed the many scars on his torso, that she could feel under her fingers. 

 

"I must - it is my duty to defend my Kingdom." He tilted her face up to meet his, searching for what feelings she may have truly held for him. "We must ensure you are protected also. Your guards have taken care of you all your life is that right?"

 

She nodded. 

 

"If they were able to protect you, even with your level of disobedience, which I am certain got you into unspeakable amounts of mischief throughout your life, then I imagine they will keep you safe in the event that I must join the battle." He gently stroked her face. "I shall have Dwalin find you some armour also..."

 

And with that he stood from the bath, moving her aside, and got out of the tub. 

 

Then grabbing a soft blanket he began to dry himself, without any further concern over her, while she lay back in the bath, worrying.

 

Finally he looked at her before collecting his clothes. 

 

"I could provide ample distraction for your worries, if you so wish?" He moved closer to the tub turning to face her. 

 

He was still very naked, and now semi-erect, standing there looking like some sort of god with his broad muscular form. 

 

When she didn't respond, he replied. 

 

"The more we lay together, the less sore you will find yourself..."

 

And with that he walked out of the bathroom. 

 

She wanted to relax, but she now worried about her brother. And Rajah.

 

Carefully she climbed out of the large stone tub herself, pulling out the plug to drain the water and wrapping herself up before following into the bedroom to find him. 

 

He was now almost completely dressed, glancing over at her as she walked in. 

 

"Changed your mind my wife?" He smirked walking towards her as though she were something to eat. 

 

"Thorin...I understood Rajah would be here in a day or so-"

 

"This again?!" He groused, turning away to pull on his velvet jacket as if dismissing an annoying child that was badgering their parent for something frivolous. 

 

"Please...he seems like a wild beast, but I am sure he would not survive in the wild here..." She moved around to stand in front of him again, still holding onto her blanket. "And I am not certain it will be safe to keep him in a holding outside..."

 

"We shall decide what to do when the time arises..." He suddenly took a step closer to her but refrained from touching her. It would have been easier to appear imposing, had he been taller than her - but he wasn't. In fact she was as tall as him. "If I were to grant your request...what would you be willing to offer me...?" 

 

"Anything..." She whispered without thinking at first, before realising the error of her reply. 

 

He smirked, cupping her chin in his hand again. 

 

"I may hold you to that..." He replied with smug satisfaction. Then turning he walked towards the door, stopping to gesture to a small wooden chest. "Here...these are also for you..."

 

And with that he left before she could say another word. 

 

Angry and still a little achy from his treatment towards her body, she moved towards the small chest he had left on a chair. 

 

She stood there for several minutes before reaching out carefully and unlatching the lid. 

 

The wood of the small chest did not look like the others she had seen in the treasury. It was lighter in colour, and polished so much that the surface was almost a little shiny. 

 

Slowly she ran her hands over the smooth wood, before slowly opening the lid.

 

Inside the velvet lined chest lay a necklace of brilliant white gem stones. They were not large. On the contrary the jewels were all small held together by ornate fine golden chains, twinkling brilliantly like stars strapped in golden gossamer webs.

 

She had seen many exquisite, and rare jewels in her life, gifted or bought, but she had never seen anything quite like this!

 

The sound of strange distant horns startled her. They were not the horns of Rhun.

 

Quickly she began to dress. 

Chapter 10: The Debt

 

Quickly she got dressed, and then tutted at her reflection in the mirror. Parts of her hair was still damp, preventing her from effectively pinning it up but it wasn't going to delay her from finding out what was happening. It had been an odd ask from Thorin, that she pin her hair up, since she often wore it loose even at home!

 

Hurrying out into the corridor, she carried on, ignoring Karan and Amit's warning to stay in. 

 

And so with the two large men following her closely, she had finally joined everyone on the battlements above the main entrance to the Mountain. 

 

Below stood a small sea of elves in shiny gold armour and strange helmets. They were lined up, almost like the toy soldiers she recalled her brothers playing with, in perfect lines. 

 

Then they all took a step away, in such perfect unison, that it was almost like they were connected of one mind. 

 

As she watched on, a fair haired elf, rode through the centre, on a large elk, the colour of freshly fallen snow. He wore no helmet, but a circlet instead, and a haughty expression, that made her want to slap him. 

 

Behind him, rode Bard on his horse.

 

She could see Thorin and many of the other dwarves bristle at the sight of the elves. 

 

"King Thorin, son of Thrain, son of Thror, King under the Mountain," the elf called out.

 

"King Thranduil." Thorin called back in a half hearted acknowledgement. 

 

"We see that you have reclaimed what was once yours," the elf spoke, as he rode forward. "Now we come forth to ask for what is ours..."

 

"There is nothing here that belongs to you!" Thorin called out. He was dressed again in his grand fur cape and wore the golden crown bearing two ravens. "This is my grandfather's mountain, passed down to me, its rightful heir -"

 

"And yet you hide behind walls built up high, like a thief..." The elf called out, with the faintest smirk on his face. She didn't know him well, and was sure Thorin probably deserved chastising, but all the same she found him quite repulsive!

 

She came to stand beside the hobbit on one corner of the ramparts. 

 

"Who IS he?" She whispered to Bilbo.

 

"The King of Mirkwood, my lady," Bilbo whispered back. 

 

She thought back to her encounter with the elves, realising he was the father of the other elf who had helped them that day in Esgaroth. 

 

"Perhaps that is because you come marching here with an army, like a gang of bandits looking to plunder what is ours!" Thorin called out. 

 

"We do not ask for more than what you promised us, King Thorin!" Bard called out suddenly from behind. "Our people have lost their homes and all that they had. Our bairns are starving. Please will you not hear our plea?" 

 

"Be gone I tell you!" Thorin called out again. 

 

"We have nowhere else to go!" Bard called out again. 

 

This time her thoughts immediately found themselves back at that day, when the devastation of the town had occurred. And worst of all she remembered hearing the cries of the hungry children and babies, as they waited for the food her brother's army could share with them.

 

"I don't know about that silly elf - but those poor people need help!" She whispered to Bilbo. 

 

"We agreed to help bring you better trade and wealth through craft and industry." Thorin called out. "The weapons you gave us were too few and useless. And we paid for what little supplies we received with the only valuables we carried. They were personal treasures too... I suggest you find your master who had several chests filled deep with coin!" 

 

She couldnt understand why he refused to help. At least she could help, by giving what gold and jewels she owned. It would certainly be enough to help them buy food and rebuild some shelter. 

 

"Why doesn't he help them?" She clutched at Bilbos arm. But the hobbit could not answer either. 

 

Finding herself unable to bear the thought of all those poor people dying of cold and hunger, she rushed towards Thorin. 

 

Karan, Amit and Bilbo who had all clutched at her attempting to hold her back had missed entirely again, as she hurried over to him. 

 

"Please, Thorin, those poor people will not survive such a winter, if you do not help them!" She half sobbed, as she clutched onto him. "There are babes in arms, and very young children who will surely perish..."

 

"Then they should not have taken such risks without considering all this." He hissed at her angrily grabbing her wrists and pulling her off himself. "They signed no contractual agreement. Unlike what you have with me! The agreements which you are currently in breach of!" 

 

"If you will not help them then please let me..?" She pleaded, as he pulled her away from view. "Please, my Lord, I am begging you... Let me give my jewels to them. The ones that I brought from home...?" 

 

"Be gone!" Thorin shouted back down at them holding her aside with one arm wrapped around her waist. "Kili fire a warning shot at them! And Balin - get this woman away from here!"

 

"Come on lassie...this is not the place for you..." Balin spoke to her soothingly as he attempted to coax her away. 

 

"No please, Balin. It would not affect anything - my father would send more if I told him of this... Please?" 

 

"Hold her!" Thorin barked, as Dwalin helped his brother pull her away. This allowed Thorin to grab Kilis bow and arrows, where the young dwarf had hesitated. He aimed at the two attempting to bargain below, but last minute he lowered his aim. The two arrows he had fired, struck in quick succession at the feet of both animals the elf and man were riding, making them both jolt back. "That was a warning! The next one will land between your eyes!" 

 

"Very well! But we shall not leave without what we are owed..." 

 

But Thorin had already turned away. This time he grabbed her wrist tightly and dragged her away to an empty corridor. There he pinned her against the stone wall staring at her with murderous blue eyes. 

 

"Never interrupt me, when I speak to others! Do you hear me woman?! I am King!" He grabbed her chin roughly, forcing her to look at him when she turned her head away. "Those people are not your responsibility! Your duty is to ME! Remember, however beautiful, and kind you are, disloyalty and treason are punishable offences!"

 

She felt terrified by him now, as he barked at her. 

 

"They shared no shelter or food with us, when the dragon first came and we were left with nothing!" He spoke angrily. "And yet we too had babes and children. Many who DID perish for lack of food and shelter!" 

 

"But you are better than them Thorin! And we are able to help..." She pleaded again weakly. "Please, my Lord...?"

 

Having watched her all the while, he suddenly felt a yearning for her again. Slowly he trailed his index finger between her breasts and down to her waist. 

 

"And what would you give me, if I granted you permission . .." he smirked. "Since you are so good at, bargaining, let us see whether you might convince me...?"

 

He pulled at the ties on her winter blouse, opening the neckline. Then he slipped a hand in roughly, grabbing a beast hard, while he began to unlace his trousers with his free right hand. 

 

"I...can't...what if...someone sees..."

 

But he pushed her back against the wall, biting her lip in a fierce kiss. 

 

"It matters not. Remember their lives depend on how well you convince me... And perhaps I shall send them some coin..." 

 

She shut her eyes, realising what he expected from her this very moment. 

 

Then he slipped one hand down her trousers making her gasp.

 

"I am going to have your tight little cunt right now." He growled as he turned her around to face the wall, pulled her pantaloons down and spread her legs apart. "And I do not care for your pleasure today. Is that understood?" 

 

She shut her eyes as she awaited what was to come realising she had little choice in the matter...

 

.......

 

She lay on the large bed crying, precisely where he had left her. 

 

After having his fill of her in the corridor he had momentarily felt sorry for the way he had selfishly used her body, so roughly for his own pleasure. And so he had carried her back to his chambers, placing her on their bed. 

 

But seeing her laying there sobbing silently, her clothes still partially undone and looking so vulnerable, he had found himself very aroused again. 

 

And so he had taken her again, this time, stripping her completely bare. He had enjoyed the power of watching her beautiful face, as tears trickled down her soft cheeks. 

 

In the end she had fallen asleep in his arms out of sheer exhaustion, after he was done. 

 

And so he had silently got dressed and left her to rest.

 

She had not expected marriage to be like this, not that she truly had any expectations of marriage at all. 

 

But now she was in this predicament. If she did not fulfill her marriage then her people would lose what gold Thorin had promised. And she was sure if not for her brother and his army, that the men of Lake Town would have suffered greater losses. 

 

There was a knock on the door just then which interrupted her thoughts.

 

Her heart began to beat, as she feared it was Thorin again, for his sexual appetite appeared to be insatiable! 

 

At first she cursed herself for not having dresses sooner. But then she accepted the reality that if it was Thorin, the state of her clothing would be immaterial, since he would undress her as he pleased anyway. Besides, he would probably not knock anyway. 

 

The knocking came again. 

 

And so she quickly wrapped the blankets around herself, just in time as the door opened very slightly.

 

"My lady...?" 

 

She could hear Bilbo speaking quietly. 

 

"I... I just wanted to check up on you..." Bilbo asked, as he peeped into the room nervously. 

 

"I'm here..." She replied quietly, clutching onto the blankets.

 

"My lady...?" He followed her voice in the large room, but turned a bright shade of pink when he spotted her. "Oh my! Is Thorin...coming back?" 

 

He gulped nervously. All that covered her nudity was a blanket that she had wrapped around herself. And while he felt terrible for this young woman, he had no intention of being caught on Thorins bad side. 

 

And this in particular would be very bad indeed!

 

"I'm sorry...I'm not dressed..." She apologized, adding quickly. "He left, and I suspect may not come back for a little while at least..."

 

Bilbo looked at the door nervously pondering whether he should leave.

 

"He has...had me at least four times today... And believe it or not he is almost two hundred years old," she frowned at the thought, almost in disbelief. "I cannot imagine he still has the energy for more..."

 

Of course this time they both glanced at the door briefly, uncertain of what to expect any more. 

 

"My lady...I am..." He felt sympathetic towards everything he imagined the woman had gone through. When he had tried to follow her earlier, after Thorin had taken her away, the two large guards who usually guarded her had blocked his way. They had both worn saddened expressions and Balin had ushered both him and Dwalin away at that point. They had overheard their voices in the distance, but nothing that was intelligible.

 

Bilbo wondered how he had treated her, for Thorin was certainly changed now. Even he could see it as clear as daylight.

 

"I cannot stay like this anymore." She spoke, slowly getting down from the bed, still keeping the blanket wrapped around her. "I know he is changed. So I have to do something. Those people need to rebuilt their settlement soon before winter truly sets in. And I do not know what that elf is after, but I do not like it..."

 

"My lady...I..."

 

"Any war the elf wages will be fought by my brother!" She thought out loud. "They are immortal, so surely they have waged many wars over centuries..."

 

"I think..the Elven King wants some precious jewels...rare gems..." Bilbo thought again carefully, tapping his finger on his lips attempting to jog his memory. "I think he mentioned something like...gems of starlight...white light...pure starlight -"

 

She frowned thinking over his words, as slowly realisation set in. Keeping her blanket together with one arm she tiptoed over to the wooden chest Thorin had gifted her and carefully opened the latch, lifting the lid. 

 

"Like this...?"

 

The hobbits eyes widened as he peered inside the small chest noticing it's contents. 

 

"Yes..." He nodded stuttering again. "I..think...that...that may be it..."

 

"Good. I will need to put together a plan -"

 

There was a knock on the door again. 

 

It made them both jump. Except this time, Karan opened the door partially.

 

"King Thorin is coming down the corridor." He looked pointedly at the hobbit and then disapprovingly at her. It would have made her laugh, had she not feared Thorin. 

 

"Oh gods!" She quickly shut the chest. "You need to hide!"

 

They both looked around the room desperately. But the only wardrobe there contained mostly Thorins clothes.

 

"There is no time! Quick! Under the bed!" She hurried him, almost physically pushing him underneath herself. Then she quickly adjusted the sheets again to hide him, before looking for her own clothes scattered all over the floor where Thorin had discarded them.  

 

As she picked up her top and pantaloons, she noticed that her blouse had been torn, which made her heart sink. She had given away some clothes to some of the women who were unable to carry anything more than what they had for their children. And some of her old clothes were irreparably damaged. Which meant that this was one of three suits she had left. 

 

The door opened, and Thorin marched in, pausing for a moment to assess her. 

 

"You are awake..." He shut the door behind him, sounding pleased and moved towards her. 

 

"Yes, Thorin...sorry - I was just about to get dressed..." She once again ran one hand over the torn blouse. She was not sure she could mend this. The material was an ornately embroidered silk. And he had somehow managed to tear the material rather than one of the seams. 

 

He moved closer to follow her gaze at what she was looking at. 

 

"Did that happen by my hand?" He thought out loud before dismissing it himself. "Well...we can find something equally beautiful that will fit you here, I am certain.. perhaps a dress again, so that I may take you while lifting your skirts with ease...do not despair over such a trivial matter..."

 

She didn't dare look at him, as he stood very close by. 

 

"In any case, there is no need to get dressed right now," he smirked, pulling the blanket out of her hand and unwrapping it from her body. "I would even say that there would be no need for you to wear clothes at all when you are in this room..."

 

"Again..?" She looked worried. 

 

"Hmmmm..." He took off his jacket and threw it on the end of the bed, running his hand over her abdomen almost lovingly. It was a strange contrast to how roughly he could treat her at times. "I must have an heir...it is now more important than ever. So I must fill you with my seed...regularly."

 

That was his reasoning. But the truth was he couldn't get enough of her. He wanted her in every possible way. 

 

"Need I remind you that, you have an obligation also..." He spoke into her ear, as he ran his hand between her legs. 

 

"But you have...filled me...a lot...today..." She was careful not to sound as though she was complaining. The last two occasions had been rushed, and it had been very painful for her. But he had neither cared nor taken his time. It was as though something had come over him. 

 

"Your...wild pet is here..." He added. "I imagine you have not forgotten our agreement..."

 

His fingers moved in tiny circles. It was unexpected pleasure, given how brutally he had treated her earlier.

 

And as he moved her fully into the bed, stripping down to follow, there was a small squeak.

 

At first Thorin seemed to pause, as though he had heard the noise. 

 

Her heart now beat wildly, between the stimulation he was giving her, the fear of him discovering Bilbo, and attempting to think of how to distract him as fast as she possibly could. 

 

Suddenly she remembered the advice Balin had given her. 

 

She reached down and ran her hands over his very erect manhood as boldly as she could. It looked like some sort of weapon, in this state, as far as she was concerned. And he did wield it like one against her at times. But she pushed these thoughts aside.

 

Her movements seemed to pique his attention. He had never seen her so wanton other than the first night, when she had become intoxicated. 

 

"Has Rajah arrived then...?"

 

"Hmmmm...." He growled. 

 

"You are not concentrating..." She teased him this time, opening up her legs wider as he knelt between them. "I want your full attention..."

 

"I thought you were sore...?" He teased her with his fingers watching her flinch several times. 

 

She was sore. But she was more worried about Bilbo being discovered.

 

"Well...I wanted to try something..." 

 

Her words seemed to interest him further.

 

"I am most intrigued..." He raised an eyebrow, while positioning himself happily between her legs, paying greater attention to drawing pleasurable circles over her sensitive skin.

 

But she pushed at his chest hard, until he played along rolling into his back. Of course, she would never have overpowered him, unless he was happy to allow it. 

 

Curious he watched her with his cold blue eyes, as she carefully climbed on top of him, placing her hands on his chest. 

 

His muscular body was broad, forcing her to spread her legs much wider than she anticipated. She had not planned to sit directly on him, but now had no choice, and the hair on his body scratched at her most sensitive skin that was very much exposed. 

 

She didn't like it. But the thrill of it all made her heart pound. She had never attempted to seduce a man before!

 

"You are very wet." He ghosted his fingers over her with smug satisfaction. There was no need, he could feel her arousal where she was splayed open against his abdomen. And it was now driving him wild. He had never had a dam or woman like this.  

 

His eagerness was clear as he moved his calloused hands onto her waist, desperate to position her as he pleased and begin her movement. 

 

"I approve of this very much," he openly let his eyes move up and down her body. "Now...why don't you show me just how much you wish to see your... 'pet'..."

 

................

 

Carefully she snuck along the dark corridors, feeling her way, to the stables. She had kept some of the meat from her dinner plate, which she had wrapped in a handkerchief. 

 

Thorin had very much enjoyed her attempt at seducing him. It had worked out well for her. Their last coupling had been far less painful for her, even though he had taken more control as he neared his climax.

 

But most crucially, while Thorin had refused to allow the animal in the mountain, he had offered to house it in the large and entirely unoccupied stables. 

 

She had been heartbroken to see Rajah, who looked thinner and more tired for his long journey. 

 

Thorin himself had escorted her to see her jaguar when it first arrived. It had also been lovely for her to meet Arvind then. And she had noticed that the her favourite brother and her husband happened to speak fondly to one another then too, which had been very important to her.

 

Slowly she opened the gate and walked in.

 

"Rajah? Where are you...?" She whispered. 

 

There was a quiet growl, and the beast appeared. 

 

He lowered his head as he emerged from the shadows, and made a deep rumbling noise, almost like a purring and came padding over to her silently. 

 

"Here...my precious one..." She set out her handkerchief on the floor. And when Rajah moved over and sniffed the food she knelt down and stroked his head. "Come on poor baby...this is all the meat I have. Arvind said he will send more tomorrow. But his will be hunted meat. Like what you aren't used to eating! I mean I can't really cook it here. But we will figure something out soon... I promise..."

 

Rajah quickly ate the pieces of meat from her own dinner before moving over to nudge her again. 

 

She knelt down and stroked his beautiful white, spotted coat again. 

 

The jaguar himself leant into her. 

 

"You poor baby..." She stroked his neck as he lay out now on the dry straw. "I will bring you a blanket next time. Good boy, you lie down now and sleep..."

 

But when she stood up to leave, the large cat was quick to nudge her back down again. 

 

"I know you don't like it," she stroked his head again as he lay it in her lap. "But we have to be good... Because this isn't home you know."

 

But when Rajah refused to get up, she gave in. 

 

"Come on then, I shall lay down here..." She piled up some of the very dry hay into a mound, and then tutted. "We need to get something better for you..." 

 

She stood up, as Rajah wrapped himself around her legs in protest. 

 

"You can't sleep on this...thousand year old hay!" She stroked his coat softly again. "And you need a brush - well I have two!" 

 

She quickly scurried back to her room collecting a couple of old looking blankets and a brush. It didn't take too long for her to return and make up a soft bed for the jaguar. 

 

He too seemed to quickly snuggle into it after giving it a quick prod or two with his paw. 

 

So she lay down against the back of the large beast. It was chilly, but the blankets helped even if they didn't cover her. 

 

And soon rocked by the rise and fall of the large animal's torso, as it inhaled and exhaled, she fell asleep.

 

She woke up with a jolt, feeling disoriented. 

 

Blinking she looked around in the dip light of the small lamp she had brought earlier and looked about. 

 

There covering her body, was the grand cape he wore. It truly was made of the softest velvet. The edging was broad and decorated in gold embroidery, while the shoulders closest to her face were covered in a soft fur. 

 

She had seen men wear furs before. They were often warriors and trappers from Rhun. But their furs were never as soft as this. 

 

She couldn't help bring the fur closer to her face, it was truly as soft as Rajahs coat. 

 

And she could smell him. It was a mix of pine, and cloves and tobacco. Perhaps she could even smell the faintest hint of his sweat. But this time it seemed to surround and engulf her.

 

She had smelled him, when they were together, but there were often other distractions and assaults on her senses too, so it never felt like this. 

 

This was a strangely heady sensation. 

 

Then her thoughts immediately snapped out of her half sleepy daze.

 

If his cape was here, it meant he had seen her here!

 

Her heart began beating faster. 

 

He was not her gentle lover. He was the husband she had no choice but to marry. He was not kind. 

 

And worst of all, he had warned her that she had set times to spent with Rajah - specifically meals, and exercise. 

 

Surely if he had seen her like this, he would be livid! 

 

She sat bolt upright, her heart now beating out of her chest. 

 

Careful not to wake the creature sleeping soundly, she gathered his cape and got to her feet quickly. 

 

Hurrying along the dark corridors, she finally arrived at his room, and paused. 

 

Everything seemed quiet and dark. 

 

Perhaps he had not been there. 

 

Heart still pounding, she opened the door as quietly as she could, and slipped inside. Closing it carefully behind her. 

 

Then she paused again, scanning the room in the dark in case he was here.

 

It was genuinely difficult to see. And so she attempted to quietly move closer to the bed.

 

"So you finally return to our bed..."

 

She nearly jumped out of her skin at the sound of his voice. 

 

It came from the near end of the room, where she knew by memory that there was a large armchair. 

 

But it was hard to see, for the only source of light was the fireplace on the far side or the room. 

 

"My - Thorin...I...fell asleep..." She panicked at first until she realised the strangely thoughtful action. "Thank you..."

 

"You may take more blankets for your beast tomorrow."

 

"Thank you..." She said, still clutching onto his cape. "I didn't mean to wake you...it's late I imagine..."

 

Then suddenly out of the darkness, like a flash, he was beside her. 

 

"I cannot rest. They are all after the treasure..." He grumbled, putting his hands on her waist. "And you looked so...beautiful sleeping there..."

 

"Why don't you get some sleep, Thorin? You need to relax to clear your head..."

 

And then, he was tugging at the skirts on her dress again. But she would be damned if she let him ruin this dress too, which she had spent several good hours searching through various wardrobes to acquire. 

 

"I need to be inside you...that is when I am truly relaxed..." He whispered in her ear. It made her skin prickle with goosebumps. 

 

"I think you need some sleep..." She continued to move him to the bed. She could see the dark circles under his eyes, and she wondered whether he had slept at all for the past few days.

 

"I will fall asleep if you let me have you..."

 

So she sat him down on the bed this time, taking his boots off herself before he could get angry, and removing his jacket. 

 

"Just lay with me here. For a moment." She urged gently. If she had settled an agitated Rajah, she was sure she could coax this apparently mad dwarf to sleep too. And so she pushed him onto the bed carefully. 

 

He seemed to comply, watching her greedily in the dark all the while. 

 

But as he lay down he grabbed her too, pulling her down with him in a partially tangled heap. 

 

He chuckled as he pulled her down, catching her on his arms. It was a deep rumbling sound and not altogether unpleasant. But she was not ready to overlook his rough treatment of her yet. 

 

After a little while of shuffling around she was able to make herself comfortable laying against his chest. 

 

But soon his deep breathing sounds were replaced by the sounds of soft snoring. 

 

And so she lay there thinking in the near darkness, listening to the sound of the crackling, dying fire.

 

A lot of people would die if someone didn't do something. And perhaps that someone was her. 

 

It would be dangerous, but maybe it might prevent her brother and his men waging war with the elves...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 11: The Trade

 

She walked back, a little happier, for having visited Rajah. It seemed that the jaguar was slowly getting used to his new surroundings. 

 

Even Thorin had been too occupied in the last two days to be concerned about her. Apparently he had been fully energised from the slumber, that she had coaxed him into, and was combing through the treasury anew for the stone. 

 

The thought often made her stomach churn, because she knew where it was. She was particularly worried that somehow he would be able to see through her eventually. 

 

As she slowly returned to the main corridor near the throne room lost in her thoughts, she could hear an animated conversation taking place. 

 

She just wanted to walk on and perhaps she should have. She had enough to worry about. But she had to stop when she heard a voice that was too familiar to ignore. 

 

It was Arvind. 

 

She walked closer and stood by the large doors listening. 

 

"Thorin, we did not agree to fight a war with elves!" He spoke plainly. "They have made camp just beyond us and do not move. It is disconcerting to my men. The least you can do is allow them better rest and food in here -"

 

"They are being paid! I have already sent additional payment for all your men. Do you wish for more?" Thorin spat back. "You Easterlings are all the same in the end, enough gold will buy you -"

 

"No! They do not wish for more!" 

 

She could just about make out Arvind standing before Thorins grand throne. 

 

"In fact no amount of gold will make them wage war against elves!" 

 

"Are they fearful?" Thorin laughed goading him. "The cowardice of men is amusing...considering how short your lifespans are and hence how inevitable death is-"

 

"I hope you have greater regard for your wife...than others of the race of men!" Arvind retorted back. "The bravado of dwarves is no greater though is it, King Thorin? Or your own Kin would have pledged themselves to your cause! So yes, while we do not ask for more money - and perhaps my men should - you are getting the best bargain a dwarf could ask for. And so, let me be clear, should the elves choose to attack, I will request that my men do not engage!"

 

"Very well, but you are a foolish man if you believe their kind to be discerning..." Thorin scoffed. "These are the sort who hunted petty dwarf for sport!"

 

"We shall see..." 

 

"In the meantime I shall withold my next payment, until I have had a chance to send word to your father!" 

 

"Do as you please. My men will not follow order from the King unless I am in agreement," Arvind stood his ground. "Now I would like to see my sister please..."

 

"Well, she does not wish to -"

 

She cut off Thorin as she walked in through the grand doorway having heard enough. 

 

"Arvind...?" She called out as she walked in further. "I thought I could hear your voice..."

 

The throne room was grand indeed. The whole vast chamber was carved into the mountain with ornate marble pillars taller than several houses. And the great central gallery was gilded, while the great stone throne was probably large enough for a troll! 

 

The whole layout was designed to intimidate guests and subjects. 

 

Arvind didn't seem in any way daunted, however. But she certainly felt it!

 

Both her husband and her brother watched her in complete silence as she approached. It was unnerving. 

 

"My dear Arvind! I have missed you!" She smiled hurrying over to him and throwing her arms around him in a warm embrace. "Is everything alright

..?"

 

She looked from her brother to Thorin, the latter watching her with a mask like expression, that made her feel like she had clearly done something wrong. 

 

"I wanted to see how you were settling into life as a married lady?" He smiled at her fondly. Despite many days camped out, Arvind still had a mischievous grin on his face. His warm brown eyes crinkled with his smile, and his usual chiselled features were still just as handsome even though he looked a little tired. He clearly hadnt been afforded the time or facilities to maintain his usually clean shaven face, as he had thick stubble covering his cheeks and chin. "It is good to see your smiling face once more, my little sister."

 

"You look tired, Arvind," she reached up and brushed her hand against his bristly cheek. "Perhaps you would like to stay and have something to eat, or even wash up...?"

 

She glanced at Thorin, who did not reply, but simply stared at them. 

 

Arvind looked at her and smiled apologetically. 

 

"I cannot stay long, sister. I am merely here to speak with the King, then I must join our encampment," he offered her the best explanation he could, to avoid upsetting her. It was evident that something about their interaction had upset her new husband, and he did not wish to see her saddened. "Perhaps we can find another time to converse for longer..."

 

She glanced over at Thorin again, who now had a darker look about his handsome features. And so she accepted her brothers decision. 

 

Arvind was always capable of reading others well. Even those who were emotionally constipated! And she certainly had plenty of brothers who were just that, as well as being born to consorts with greater power. It was a devastating combination.

 

She wasn't sure of Thorin in this capacity. He had never truly expressed his emotions to her other than when they were coupled. So apart from being quite unhinged and his sole purpose of producing an heir to be crowned King under the Mountain, she had no idea whether he truly even liked her or not. 

 

"May I walk my brother to the gates, please, my Lord?" 

 

Thorin looked at her with a scowl initially, before agreeing, apparently a little begrudgingly with a nod.

 

Arvind gave her a chastising look, before bowing gracefully to Thorin and turning to offer her his arm. Of course she knew Arvind had done this for the benefit of her husband.

 

"How are you? Really?" She whispered before they had even left the throne room. 

 

"I am a little tired but not too bad. The men are getting comfortable. We have received more supplies. Food is always something to cheer all up and we have paid help from the men of Esgaroth," he replied back quietly. "Is he treating you well? He does not look or seem himself..."

 

"He is treating me well..." She hesitated, which he picked up on immediately stopping her in the corridor. 

 

"If he dare lays a hand on you -"

 

"No! He has never!" She corrected. 

 

"Then what is it...?" He frowned. "Are you afraid of coupling...? Because I have been told the first time is always painful...of course I am not a woman, and have never had the…pleasure of a...virgin..." 

 

"By the Gods! I did not need to hear that!" She blushed. "But he can be a little rough with me..."

 

"Do you mean when he beds you? But he does not beat you?" Arvind frowned again, to which she shook her head. "And does he make you…achieve…rapture…”

 

She almost choked on hearing his words and could do nothing more than to nod in reply.

 

“Then you are simply unused to it little sister…” 

 

He then chuckled lewdly. 

 

"I am not the most experienced lover, but I can tell you sometimes both men and women enjoy...the act...with a little more passion..." He began walking again. "If you are sore, let him know. It is a shame you did not get a chance to speak with a courtesan before you left home..."

 

This time Arvind blushed. 

 

"If I were to be very crude, I shall admit that courtesans touch...themselves...very well. I shall not ask you whether you have - ever! Nor would I wish to hear the truthful answer to this. But I would suggest you take the time to try..." He seemed to choke on his words with a little embarrassment. "And the more you touch and enjoy yourself...well the greater the body is prepared for the act..."

 

She was fascinated now and wish she had spoken properly with her mother or one of the other courtesans. Although her mother had seemed to shy away from it with her. 

 

"I might also add one more thing before I try to erase the thought of that old dwarf bonking my baby sister..." He gave her a cheeky grin. "Male folk enjoy watching this...so perhaps the next time you do...enjoy the royal bedchambers together...perhaps permit him to watch you...it is a most sensual display for any male to watch..."

 

"Has Gandalf arrived yet?" She changed the subject as he blushed. It was clear from his face that his memories had raced back to a specific event he had enjoyed in the past.

 

"No." He frowned worried about that. 

 

"And the people of Laketown?" 

 

"They are dry, and warm as can be in the old ruins of Dale. But we have helped them build a large camp. The children and babes have food. But we do need to help them make better repairs. If there is a storm we will all be in trouble, for our camps may not do well. But one thing must be said of Thranduil, he has brought his craftsmen who are helping to rebuild Dale."

 

She nodded making a note of it all. 

 

"So the elves are reasonable?" She looked at Arvind worried that Thorin was being beyond unreasonable. 

 

"They are arrogant. But do not wish to fight at the moment..." He sighed in frustration. "It is better to speak with them than to wage war..."

 

"I need to meet with their King...in secret..." She whispered as they reached the gates finally. "I think I know what he wants." 

 

"I am not sure I like this very much, Shobha. You will be taking a great risk…”

 

"But I must try - Thorin is beyond any sort of reasonable discourse, and maybe I might prevent unnecessary war..."

 

......

 

She followed behind the hobbit carefull as they picked their way through the dark. It was late at night and quiet. Eerily so.

 

Her brothers men had established a large camp just on the foothills of Erebor. They had access to the stream for fresh water, and were protected by the mountain behind them. There were many small tents up, much like they would have in the deserts beyond Rhun, when they had to fight off invading tribesmen. And small camp fires burned here and there.

 

The camp was quiet but it was clear the men who were on watch were still vigilant, as they continued to creep along the edge.

 

She stumbled at one point, when Bilbo caught her hand. Although he was the size of a child for her, he was surprisingly strong. 

 

He held her hand a little longer than he should have. She had small soft hands for someone as tall as her. 

 

"Thank you -"

 

"Yes, my lady... well...we should have light really -"

 

"And get caught by Thorin?!" She hissed looking over her shoulder out of habit when mentioning his name.

 

"This is suicidal enough as it is." Bilbo grumbled, letting her go as she pulled her hood on tighter. 

 

"Have you any better ideas?" She snapped. 

 

But the Hobbit could only shake his head in the darkness.

 

"I think death may be a good outcome if he catches us," she sighed following him as they set off again. "But we can save ourselves or save hundreds of others..."

 

"If we are planning to get back, then you had better not hurt that pretty face of yours by falling." He held out his hand, which she took. "I am certain he will be kinder to me if you ask..."

 

"That is NOT because of my face, my dear Bilbo," she grumbled quietly as they picked their way along the uneven ground in the darkness. She recalled his threat from when she had last left the mountain without his permission. 

 

Eventually they had reached the elven camp. Both woman and hobbit had taken a moment to straighten out their clothing, to look as regal as they could, while about to possible commit a treasonous act. 

 

Their guards were equally sharp as they stood watching the odd pair, as though they posed no threat whatsoever. And while the two discussed how they might approach the Eleven Kings tent, more soldiers had begun to watch them, almost like watching deer or some form of rare birds! 

 

"Right - I am just going to demand an audience, as Thorins Consort-" she stood up as straight as she could and was about to march towards the guard elves, when a firm hand on her shoulder made both of them jump!

 

Bilbo even let out a small scream, which neither had expected. 

 

"It's just me!" Arvind chuckled as they both spun around to catch the Prince from Rhun, looking quite handsome in his more formal armour. "You didn't think they would take you seriously without me did you?" 

 

"Why the devil not, dear brother?" She tried to sound as authoritative as she could. "I am the consort to the King under the Mountain -"

 

"He is not yet King. And you two look a right pair - a girl and a child..?!" He stifled a laugh trying not to sound too harsh, and then quickly changed his tone out of pity for them. "Besides, these elven sorts are not really about talking to females...or...shirefolk..." 

 

"I dont have the best impression of Elves right now..." Bilbo muttered. 

 

"That maybe the case, but they certainly love the Grey Pilgrim." Arvind concluded. "So perhaps the Great Ones are behind you both tonight..."

 

She nodded nervously, not contemplating what he meant, but more concerned about what she was going to say. 

 

"And you are certain you wish to make this trade?" Arvind inspected his sister's face again. "It is still not too late - you can return to the mountain and I can vouch that you visited me...and you wouldn't incur Thorins vexations as much as when he discovers the true reason for your visit..."

 

She paused narvously, glancing at the hobbit for a moment. Bilbos warm hazel eyes twinkled in the dark as he smiled at her nervously. 

 

"No. I am going to do this..." Her words were definite. “They belong to Thranduil’s wife, and they were gifted to me, so they are mine to do with as I please.”

 

Arvind sighed and held out his hand, which she took. And with that, he led them into the camp. This time the guards bowed their heads as they made way for the small group to pass in and another guard held open the flap of the large tent ahead. 

 

As they entered the space it was clear this was the Woodland Kings tent. While the grand space was sparsely furnished, the few tables, and stools were ornate. And in the centre was a grand armchair with a high carved back - rather like a throne! 

 

The tall arrogant blonde elf moved towards them from the back of the tent, where another tall figure stood pouring over a map.

 

"Welcome, Prince Arvind," he bowed his head. "And to the Queen Consort under the Mountain..."

 

She stood there taken aback by how polite the elf was.

 

"Thank you for your welcome, King Thranduil -" Arvind began when she interrupted him. 

 

"If we do this, I would like your word that you will no longer bear a fued against the dwarves of Erebor. Whether it's Thorin, or his heirs." She spoke lowering the hood of her cape. 

 

Her words received sharp looks from both her brother and Bilbo, as the elf certainly stared at her with narrowed eyes. Neither had expected her to launch straight into it without any polite pleasantries. But she wanted it all done, so she could return to Erebor before she was missed.

 

Bard too had now joined them and was watching, all agog. 

 

"That is quite a demand, Princess..." 

 

"If I give you what it is that you are after, then that is a simple price to pay is it not...?" She spoke with certainty now, since she had validated the history between the elves and the dwarves of Erebor, with both Balin and Gloin who had been without doubt the greatest minds amongst Thorins company. 

 

"You have little idea of what you speak of child." He moved closer in order to look down at her. "I have lived hundreds of times the life that you might ever hope to live. And I know precisely what wrong was committed -"

 

"Good. Then you will remember that you never did pay for the gold or craftsmanship that you commissioned..." She resisted the urge to step back from his towering form as he stood there scrutinizing her, desperately hoping that he would not hear the pounding of her heart. "Fortunately the dwarves are excellent craftsmen - and in your case it was King Thrors Queen herself who did the work. And they are also excellent record keepers. So I have exact details of how much gold and silver used as well as the time the Queen herself took for the artisanal work. And it is quite spectacular is it not.."

 

"You have no idea of what you speak." Thranduil pressed sternly. 

 

"Actually, I think I know exactly what it is you seek. But most of all, I am aware of its true value..." And with that she unbuttoned her cape, revealing the necklace that twinkled and glimmered like a galaxy of stars as it hung perfectly around her neck. "And without the perfect art of polishing and setting the stones, that is all they would be: Sparkly Stones!"

 

A quiet cough from the back of the tent, interrupted the stunned silence amongst her audience, as Gandalf stepped forward, hiding a smile behind his pipe. 

 

"Well, my dear, you present a very valid point," he moved across to stand by her. "I think the time has come to calm down, and discuss this matter with the proper grace it deserves...after all it seems the Princess is here to offer a valuable gift with a generous amount of good will...perhaps it is time that we should repay it..."

 

The elves had been quick in arranging several chairs around Thranduils grand throne-like chair. 

 

But she had also been quick to explain that she was here to return the necklace. So there was little need for lengthy discussions. 

 

"All I want is your word that all bad blood is erased...and that we have your support if we should ever require it." She was clear on the last point. If there were orcs hunting down her husband - however mad he was currently, they would need more help than the dwarves that had come on the quest with him could offer.

 

Thranduil watched her like a hawk for several minutes, clearly he was contemplating his options, when he finally spoke after glancing at the necklace that rested around her neck again. 

 

"Very well. But my offer of support is at your disposal alone, my lady." He tilted his head with an arrogant majesty that reminded her exactly of her own husband! It nearly made her laugh, as she contemplated the number of slightly unhinged but handsomely majestic malefolk there appeared to be in these western kingdoms. 

 

"And for you, Master Bard, I have something to help with rebuilding your people's town..." She pulled out a velvet roll from a pocket in her dress and opened it out on the table they had set out. There displayed were various necklaces and head-dresses with large rubies, sapphires, amethyst, and citrine stones set in gold filigree work. They all belonged to her, and many had been gifts from her mother or father.

 

"This is too generous..." Bard looked at her a little saddened, as he realised the jewels were from her homeland. 

 

"Those are from your mother..." Even Arvind could help but whisper in surprise.

 

"These jewels were given to me by my mother, and some by my father. They belong only to me," she explained. "Consider it payment for hosting our wedding also..."

 

The truth was that by giving her own jewels she knew Thorin couldn't be mad at her - although she couldn't count on how rational he could truly be about it all. 

 

"This is still more than what we would expect in payment," Bard was unable to hide his surprise. "It would rebuild our homes three times over..."

 

"In that case, there is something more you could do..." She looked from the elf to the Bargeman. "We need a safe place...temporarily of course..."

 

"For what...?" Bard was the most suspicious, questioning her immediately.

 

"For this..." It was Bilbos turn to stun them into silence this time, as he carefully unwrapped the brilliant jewel that shone like a thousand rainbows even in the dim light of the tent. 

 

"And who might you be...?" Thranduil appeared to notice the hobbit with fresh interest suddenly.

 

"Bilbo Baggins..." He introduced himself.

 

"YOU are the missing member of Thorins group..." Thranduil declared thoughtfully. "And now I am gathering that you were also responsible for their escape..."

 

"Erm that..." Bilbo squirmed. 

 

"I would argue it was wrongful imprisonment..." She frowned, only to received a sharp elbow in her side, from her brother. 

 

"Hardly, after seeing all the death and destruction caused so far..." Thranduil snapped back, staring at her with his strange pale eyes. "In fact I would say it was quite spot on..." 

 

"Destruction perhaps - but not death." She corrected. "And besides which the people of Esgaroth have now been aptly compensated so that they may live more prosperous lives, instead of living in fear forever at the dragon emerging again at some point. So I would say you were wrong in your judgement, King Thranduil..."

 

The elven king merely snorted at her with disdain, before giving a disapproving look in the direction of the grey wizard, who was watching with an amused look on his face. 

 

"And you have permission from the owner of this have you...?"

 

Bilbo stuttered nervously for a moment when she interrupted. 

 

"Yes." She confirmed again. 

 

Thranduil paused to speak, when there was an interruption at the entrance to his tent. 

 

A guard entered the tent and spoke something quietly to his King.

 

Thranduil too appeared to look at Gandalf, as though they were communicating silently before returning his gaze to Arvind and Shobha. 

 

"It appears that King Thorin wishes to have an audience with us..." 

 

“At this hour….” Arvind frowned.

 

Bilbo and the woman both fell silent each contemplating the worst possible outcome they might suffer at the hands of the Dwarf King. 

 

"Here..." She began to take Thranduils necklace off when he stopped her.

 

"It will be safer on your neck for now..." He looked at her with some irritation. "I will keep your husband's jewel safe in return...although I am doubtful that the distance will improve his madness."

 

The next few moments had sped by and before she knew it, she found herself, being pulled up onto the large white antlered beast the Woodland King rode upon. 

 

And in the darkness they moved towards the stone bridge that led up to the great gates of Erebor. 

 

......

 

Thorin paced the corridor outside the throne room as he waited for the others to return. He was fuming and could barely keep himself distracted.

 

Then out of the darkness Nori, Balin and Dwalin returned. 

 

"No, Sir," Nori panted."I could not find her anywhere..."

 

Balin and Dwalin were slow to reply. 

 

"The lass could be lost somewhere...?" Balin offered sympathetically.

 

"She is not in the stables with her beast. It was the first place I checked..." Thorin growled at the others, as Gloin slowly joined them from the treasury. 

 

"I think we are overreacting, laddie..." The truth was that Gloin had gone through the details of some of the ledgers regarding the values of some of the jewels - in particular the elvish necklace. He suspected what she was doing, but would not give her up for it. "I imagine she will turn up somewhere -"

 

"Turn up?!" Thorin snapped angrily, before suddenly grabbing Gloin by his fur collar. "You are in on this! I see what you are doing! Betraying me?" 

 

"No! Thorin! I swear on my life!" Gloin raised his hands up expecting an attack of some sort.

 

"I can see precisely what is going on!" Thorin snarled at everyone. "Well... I know exactly where that treacherous little bitch is!" 

 

He marched past them out onto the ramparts where his nephews and a few others stood watching. 

 

"She will be punished. But what I want to know is who else will be in sopport of her...?"

 

"Thorin...I do not know..." Dwalin began fearing himself of what the girl might have done. "I know that she is headstrong, but I do not think she would betray you -"

 

"YOU of all people would have to say that, Dwalin! She was YOUR choice!" Thorin carried on watching in the darkness as the group slowly approached them. "Well...you can watch as I expose her little scheme..."

 

He paced impatiently on the ramparts, when Fili spoke. 

 

"They are almost here..."

 

"That's far enough!" Thorin shouted at the group. "You have something that belongs to me!" 

 

"Thorin, son of Thrain, the raven crown of your grandfather becomes you..."Gandalf called out. 

 

"Gandalf! It is a surprise, given how all else that came highly recommended by you have been nothing but a disappointment!" Thorin called down. "Your burglar, finally appears to have done just that and helped my bride escape! Which is a marvel given what an incompetent encumberence he has been since the moment we left the shire!" 

 

"You are not yourself Thorin..." Gandalf spoke quieter this time. 

 

"No! I am not! Because the wife you bartered for me has betrayed me!" Thorin shouted, his deep voice reverberating through the night. "Where are they both, the two cowards?!" 

 

There was an uneasy silence from below. And despite the darkness he could see her well as she sat on the white elk, Thranduil holding her with one arm wrapped around her tiny wasit. The mere sight of it made him see red. 

 

"The halfling has nothing to do with this, my King!" She called out finally finding her courage somewhere between the darkness and her pounding heart. Part of her feared him. And yet part of her relished the thrill of annoying him too after all that she had been subject to! "I am solely responsible!"

 

Thorin swore under his breath at her disobedience. He could have had his pick of dams from the blue mountains who would have never questioned him let alone defied him! And they would have accepted him keeping a mistress all the same!

 

"Then return to me, my Queen!" He called out, keeping his tone even so as not to reveal his anger. "You may be willing to give away your own jewels like a wanton whore, but you still belong to me!"

 

He clenched his fists at his side as he watched the elf drive his large white elk closer to the mountain, before getting down and helping her dismount. It made him sick with disgust to watch Thranduil touch her at all. 

 

"I want Master Baggins left out of this - " she began but he cut her off. 

 

"I shall do better - I declare that from this moment forth, if he ever sets foot in my mountain again, then I shall throw him over these very ramparts!" 

 

"The halfling stays with me!" Gandalf commanded sternly. 

 

"And I want your word Gandalf - an oath that my bride has remained untouched while in the elf camp!" Thorin suddenly spat as he leant down to watch them. "It has not gone unnoticed that you have no hesitation to dress my bride in your wife's precious jewels - that which, you were willing to go to war over -"

 

"This is not you Thorin! I will not have you insult the Princess like that!" Suddenly Bilbo shouted from where he sat behind Gandalf on his white maress. 

 

"She is MINE to do with as I please!" He yelled back now openly fuming. 

 

It made her panic as she imagined him doing unspeakable things to her in the dungeons! 

 

"And have you 'sold' away my Arkenstone too, wife?" He called down to her. Although his words were now calmer, they dripped with venom. "That which is MY birthright?" 

 

"No! Please, Thorin! No more lives need to be lost or hurt -" 

 

"Perhaps it would have all been fine, had you returned the jewel to me, my poisonous little shrew!" 

 

"And you will have your jewel returned once the Princess is safe!" Thranduil offered.

 

But their words were interrupted by the shrieking of a particularly large raven, who came to land beside the Dwarf King. 

 

It was hard to see in the dark and from so far below, but she would have sworn that Thorin was having a quiet conversation with the bird. 

 

It made her mind sink into despair further at the thought that he might have been entirely devoid of his sanity!

 

"Get back on the Elk." Thranduil warned her sternly. "Right now."

 

He was quick to help her up even while she was not sure entirely what was going on. 

 

"We are about to have company." Thranduil spoke quickly as he returned back to join the others in the small group. "And the dwarves from the Iron Hills have much less consideration for discussion that their more royal kin of Erebor...but I have given my word to your brother - and I intend to keep you safe."

 

"Will that not make matters worse between you and Thorin?" 

 

"I am hardly worried about that," he replied in his usual arrogant tone. 

 

"You are itching for a fight, aren't you?! But you gave me your word that all your feuding was in the past -" she fought him at first, but he merely strengthened his hold around her waist.

 

"Not with the dwarves of the Iron Hills," he smirked. "And make no mistake, they will attack first - you shall see..." 

 

Just then the ground began to quake with a rythmic beating from the north. 

 

"Oh Gods! What is that?!" She clutched at his arm, that was wrapped around her waist. It reminded her of the sandworm she had once encountered, long ago as a child. The memory was etched into her mind as if it were only yesterday. And the sound of its approach - that pounding of the earth just before it emerged, still churned the pit of her stomach.  

 

"It is the sound of the dwarves marching here -" he spoke calmly as they joined the small group with Bard and Gandalf.

 

"Sire! A second army marches up from the south!" An elven guard rushed up to meet them, calling out hurriedly. "Goblins, and wild wolves..."

 

"Prince Arvind?" Thranduil questioned. 

 

"The Prince is preparing his men already. We have informed the men of Laketown but they have few weapons to fight with. And there is little to spare." The guard replied. He was tall even against the unnaturally large white elk. "But we are gathering what we can, and the Prince has offered what he has to spare..."

 

"They are taking shelter in Dale - where they will be exposed to attack," she suddenly remembered. "There are women, babes and children there!" 

 

"I will not allow unnecessary losses of our people on the battlefield by spreading my warriors too thinly." Thranduil replied to her coldly. "The men of Laketown will die five days or fifty years from now -"

 

"So the lives of men are worth less than that of elves?" She cried out angrily. "Let me go and join my brother then - I would prefer to spend my final moments with those who consider me of value -"

 

"Do not be foolish girl! You know nothing of war! I offer you my protection. And even when your husband is defeated, I offer you sanctuary in my halls," Thranduil held her tightly, preventing her from attempting to wriggle out of his grasp. Even if she were a strong rider, he could not imagine her dismounting from his elk without sustaining an injury. 

 

"As what?! Your whore? Your pet?" She scoffed. "You think you are so noble and generous?"

 

"I am honest." He hurried his elk down to join his elves in their shiny armour as they stood poised with their incredibly long and deadly looking swords. "Afterall, your brother is no different. You were given as a prize to Thorin, in exchange for the alliance between your kingdoms... and I imagine no small amount of Thrors horde. And even if Thorin does not value it, what a prize you are. You brother is here to protect what he cares for."

 

His words, as cold and callous as they were, left her in silent thought over the reality of her fate. 

 

"My offer remains," he continued. "And you would be my guest..."

 

The sound of several horns made them all look to the north, as dwarves in their broad armour with their even broader shields and shiny spears lined up along the northern ridge. 

 

The dwarven horns were followed by the familiar conch horns of Rhun, which reverberated against the mountain deafeningly.

 

She covered her ears, shutting her eyes tight, while Thranduil joined the front lines.

 

"I want to see my brother! Right now!" She attempted to escape suddenly. 

 

"Listen to me! Your brother predicted this very scenario. He is in truth an extremely talented general and warrior. And when he arranged your meeting with me the day before you arrived, I gave him my word to keep you safe - irrespective of the fate that may befall your husband," Thranduil hissed at her. "So I need you to stay on my Elk - there will come a time when I will have to fight. Then my elk will keep you safe." 

 

She stopped fighting Thranduil, for she understood why Arvind had requested this. He did not expect to live. 

 

Tears slowly fell from her eyes, as the dawn began to break somewhere far over the valley. 

 

"Take the reins," he offered them to her gently. "He will keep you safe. Is that understood?" 

 

She nodded wiping her eyes quickly and accepting the reins. 

 

"I am going to let go of you so that I may use my sword soon," he waited for her to nod before loosening his grip on her waist. "Good girl. Now compose yourself, you are about to meet your husband's cousin..."

 

His words were almost a snigger, as she now glanced back to where Gandalf had dismounted from his white horse and stood amongst the front lines of the elven soldiers facing the dwarves 

 

Just on cue, a rather broad and quite ferocious looking dwarf galloped forward on a particularly large boar. His helmet and even his beard were adorned with tusks and spikes making him look quite like the wild looking pig he rode!

 

"Good morning! If I might just have a wee moment of yer time there - I'd be very thankful!" He spoke with a thick accent, and an air of sarcasm. "Now, I would like to ask you lot standing between me and me Kin over there to very kindly bugger off, or I will water the ground with yer blood until the Celduin runs red!" 

 

"Dain Ironfoot, there is no need for this. All debts past and present have been settled!" Gandalf called out stepping forth.

 

"Ah! Gandalf the Grey!" The dwarf called out, as Gandalf, half bowed his head in greeting. "It appears not all matters have been settled..." 

 

The dwarf was quick to set his gaze on Thranduil. 

 

"Och look...a Princess with a Princess riding on a Moose!" Dain spat out disdainfully. "Now, if ye could kindly ask this faithless woodsprite to stop playing fairy-god-mother, hand over my cousin's wife to me, and take this rabble with him, I would be most grateful!"

 

"I will not hand her over like some cheap possession," Thranduil smirked back. "I have sworn to protect the Princess, and will only hand her over to her brother or her husband - if he is suitably dignified enough to come out here and claim her!" 

 

"Perhaps his hair or his Princess crown is blocking his ears from hearing properly? Or perhaps it's just old age? But maybe if he can't understand, I should split his pretty head open...?" Dains words were more of a heckle this time. "Let's see him smirk then!"

 

"I would like to see him try!" 

 

"This is not helping!" She whispered harshly. 

 

"He will not care for your safety," Thranduil warned. "If you happen to die out here, then they shall have the advantage of proposing one of their own ladies in court as a wife to Thorin, who is unlikely to have any heirs with a dwarf, given his age. And they will gladly hand the throne to Dains son, given the connection." 

 

"Why would you care?"

 

"Because believe it or not, I have found Thorin and his ancestors more reasonable to deal with than his northern kin!" Thranduil whispered back. "And YOU, are an even better ambassador, quite like the consort of Thrain the first, who was another Eastern Princess... I might even wager that you are, this very moment carrying Thorins heir, which would mean that even if Thorin died, rule of Erebor would go to you, until your child was old enough to take the throne..."

 

"This is madness! Stand your army down!" Gandalf called back. 

 

"I will do no such thing!" Dain turned his boar and began to gallop back. "Right lads! We're on! Spare only the bonnie lass!"

 

"You cannot be truly considering this, Thranduil?" Gandalf called out. 

 

"The girl is mine, until her husband or brother claims her from me!" Thranduil smirked at Gandalf before turning to Bard. "Go, have your men defend Dale against the goblins!" 

 

The sound of the elves marching over to form a line facing the dwarves drowned out the cries of Ironfoot as he shouted at his army in their harsh language. She had heard some of the dwarves conversing in this manner, but had never openly spoken in their tongue in front of her. Even then hearing such harsh cries made her skin prickle, as she had grown accustomed to Thorin grunting out words in the height of his rapture!

 

The great elk pawed at the ground, as though preparing itself. 

 

"Easy now..." She loosened the reins and gently stroked its neck. "Let's look after one another now shall we...?" 

 

The large white beast seemed to understand her, as it leant its head back to take a good look at its new rider. 

 

"Whats your name...handsome one?" She stroked its neck again gently. 

 

"Daer," Thranduil replied back quietly surprised at the beast. "And he appears to like you too..."

 

"Daer..." She tested the creatures name on her lips. "What does that mean?" 

 

"Great one - in Sindarin."

 

"Well, my handsome lord of the forest, Daer, what a fitting name for you..." She whispered nervously trying to distract herself.

 

Suddenly several large spinning contraptions were set off into the air by the dwarves. The strange noise they made as they hurtled through the air was eerie. 

 

"Leitho!" Thranduil shouted steering the elk up and down between the front line and the archers. "Leitho I Philinn!" 

 

Then with lighting speed the archers had aimed several volleys of arrows which went whistling overhead slicing through the offensive contraptions. 

 

"Send in the goats!" Yelled Dain in reply, as the sound of thundering hooves began down the mountain. 

 

"Hold your ground...now into formation, shield - shield, spear..." Thranduil shouted, his elk racing up and down the troop.

 

The thundering grew closer, as the dwarves emerged out of a dustcloud riding enormous horned rams!

 

"Those are NOT goats..." Bilbo sounded distressed as he unsheathed his own sword beside Gandalf. 

 

The goat-riders drew closer and closer...

 

"Swords ready! Spears ready!" Thranduil called. "Hold your ground..."

 

Watching, she was certain that she would be sick. 

 

Then just as the charge was about to attack Thranduil shouted once more. 

 

"Spears up!"

 

The elven spears rose like a a wall, from those pointed to the front, forcing the dwarves to leap, but many animals were instantly brought down on the spears, some injured, some dead, as they wildly scattered their riders, who were swinging their axes at the elves who drove them back with shields and swords. 

 

But no sooner had the battle commenced, than the new sound of marching rumbled underfoot. 

 

The dwarves had noticed it first, many holding their weapons mid attack and turning to look back. 

 

The elven warriors too fell in line fast turning to face the new threat arriving from the south. 

 

"To the front!" Dain shouted, as their soldiers moved away to form a new line of attack. "Where is Thorin? We need him!" 

 

The familiar sound of her brothers Akhal horse made her look back as he rode over to Thranduil. 

 

"They are breaking line to flank the town!" Arvind shouted over the din of the approaching monsters. "Get her to safety! We will hold the gates!" 

 

Thranduil was quick to nod and command his own warriors in sindarin.

 

"Be careful Arvind!" She cried watching her brother return to his men. 

 

"You especially!" He shouted back over his shoulder setting his horse into a gallop. 

 

Her heart ached as she wondered whether she would ever see him again. How she would have loved to embrace him one last time. 

 

"Swords! Ready!"

 

The elves appeared already low behind the shielded row of the dwarves who held the front line facing the goblins. Behind them rows of trolls growled loudly. They were almost as large as Mumakhil, and each step they took made the ground shudder.

 

But this time the charge came from the goblins. 

 

She felt helpless, merely clutching onto Daer, and hoping that the Elk would know which way to go.

 

As the goblins burst through the front line, Thranduil rode in, slicing and cutting down creature after creature running at them. 

 

As horrid as they were, her heart ached at the thought that these creatures too had once been men or elves as her father's Wiseman had once told her. 

 

.......

 

Thorin stood angrily over the stable doors, as her white Jaguar threw itself at the wood repeatedly. 

 

"Even the beast knows our loved ones are in danger out there Thorin..." Kili spoke angrily. "I cannot bear it any more!"

 

"Calm yourself! You brute! I am having your mistress rescued!" Thorins words only appeared to anger the beast further, as it attempted to jump up at him in response, before turning it's anger back on the heavy doors again. 

 

The wood was begging to splinter and groan under each of its attempts. 

 

"Rajah will hurt himself escaping, Thorin! He loves her! And will fight for her!" Kili warned. "She will never forgive you if you allow Rajah to hurt himself..."

 

"Fine. Then turn it loose!" Thorin commanded, but when Kili looked at him surprised, he himself turned the gate wheel, raising the doors! "Be gone! See how you survive in our wild!" 

 

But as the gates began to open, Kili fell down into the enclosure. 

 

Rajah, who had once been facing the opening gate, immediately spun round, growling and hissing at the young dwarf. 

 

"It's me! Your mistress' friend!" Kili held his hands out at the approaching beast. 

 

But the gates had risen further, and the jaguar, as though entirely focussed on his mistress now, turned and escaped from the stables, much to the releif of both King and his nephew. 

 

Thorin jumped down after Kili, letting the gates fall shut once more.

 

"Come. Let us get you back -" Thorin pulled Kili out of the stables getting him back on his feet again. It reminded him of when Kili was still a youngling, always falling and having to be picked up. 

 

"Thorin! I cannae take this any more!" Dwalin had marched over to them, half donning his armour. "I cannot leave the Princess out there on her own - I doubt that tree shagger will do much to protect her - or if he does he will keep her fer himself!"

 

"See!" Kili agreed angrily. 

 

"I am going out there - ye donnae need me anymore!" Dwalin spoke fastening on his breastplate. "I am gonnae see whether I can bring her back safe and sound -"

 

"I am with you Dwalin!" Kili suddenly shouted angrily. "I cannot let others fight my battles for me, Uncle! It is not in my blood!"

 

"Kili! Dwalin!" Thorin commanded suddenly. His deep voice echoed through the cavernous corridor they stood in, making each dwarf halt. "No. It is not in our blood..."

 

Thorin seemed to suddenly change, his eyes ablaze with clear conviction as he marched out to join the others stood by clearly moping. 

 

"She is my troublesome wife, so you would be forgiven if you did not wish to join me..." Thorin began. "But I will ask whether you will join me once more, to go out there and find that treacherous little thief of a wife of mine...?!"

 

At first confusion spread across each of the faces watching their King. While they all had the same sentiments of finding their new Queen to be, they were not entirely sure of the energy their king directly towards her - let alone his choice of words! 

 

But soon, one by one, each of his company were on their feet clutching the weapons they had held on to all the while. 

 

.........

 

Chapter 12: The Battle

 

 

Thranduil had slain many orcs, while commanding her towards Dale. They had also rescued many of his elves who had become cornered or were under attack by many at once. 

 

 

At one point they had come face to face with a troll who had attempted to grab her, when Daer had gored the witless creature with its enormous antlers. Until then she had believed the elk was amongst the most beautiful things she had ever seen. 

 

Soon they could see Dale. 

 

Goblins were pouring into the town through a breach in one of the walls, and along the great bridge road. 

 

Daer, halted as he looked across the road filled with goblins. It pawed the ground nervously and snorted. 

 

Behind them was Thranduils Elven army. 

 

"We need to clear the bridge," Thranduil commanded impatiently. "Come now. Drive forward. Daer will know what to do."

 

Heart racing, she looked ahead. Their arrival hadn't gone unnoticed, as the goblins on the bridge road turned to face them. 

 

"Forward!" Thranduil urged with his legs, and the Elk suddenly snorted, lowering its head and beginning his charge. 

 

She could see the goblins running at them, once again Thranduil's long swords slicing off limbs and heads such that she couldn't dare look. 

 

And Daer had proved to be particularly vicious, goring and driving yet more goblins off the bridge. 

 

But far ahead she could see archers and presumably, an ambush group laying in wait beyond the entrance!

 

There was little time. 

 

"Archers! Ahead! Archers!" She shouted looking back at the elven king briefly. 

 

"We must clear the way!" He shouted back firmly. "Lower your head but don't stop!" 

 

Her heart raced at the thought that the great elk she rode on, so majestic, strong and brave would be felled. 

 

Looking around her she spotted more goblins approaching. They were heavily armoured. 

 

Her heart pounded, as she tried to think quickly. 

 

Carefully she wrapped her right leg into the saddle straps, and the reins around her left wrist and arm. 

 

This time when Daer gored several more goblins in his great antlers and lifted them clean off the ground continuing his gallop, she leant forward and grabbed two of their shields. 

 

"What are you doing?!" Thranduil shouted at her. 

 

"Protecting Daer!" 

 

They were almost at the entrance. She could see the crossbows aimed, and the steep precipice either side of the bridge. If she fell she would be dead before long. But this was her only chance. 

 

Balancing carefully, she first wrapped one of the shields around her own neck and then leant forward, wrapping the second shield around the elks neck. 

 

Finally, hugging his neck, she leant her head onto the great Elk's head so that the shield around her own neck would cover his head. 

 

The beast had the softest fur against her cheek, in stark contrast to what they would soon face. 

 

Holding the shields in place and balancing precariously, they galloped on into Dale. 

 

"Stop!" Thranduil commanded, jumping off the elk, and landing in front, as a group of goblins surrounded him. 

 

But with a few effortless and graceful movements he had dispatched the entire group! 

 

More elven warriors then flooded in past her on the elk as the two of them stood there panting and catching their breath. 

 

Slowly, she sat back down letting go of the shields, which fell to the ground with a clatter. 

 

"I did not know you were such a brilliant rider, my dear!" A familiar voice surprised her. 

 

She jumped in her saddle as the tall grey wizard approached her carefully, with Bilbo following. The hobbit wore an expression of clear shock.

 

"I...had to learn fast during my journey here..." She blushed as she recalled the number of times she had nearly fallen off her horse. 

 

"But you are a handsome and brave lord of the forest aren't you?" She gently brushed the elk's neck. The great beast appeared to understand what she wished for and knelt down carefully on its front legs, to allow her to dismount, before standing once more. She held the reins, brushing it's soft, silvery white coat with her hand. "How bad is it?" 

 

"Well, the people of Dale are fighting the goblins off...but the dwarves and elves have suffered great losses at the foothills..." Gandalf glanced at her worried.

 

She wanted to fall to the ground on despair as she thought of her brother and his men amongst them. 

 

"Is there nothing you can do, Gandalf?" 

 

"I have asked for help...we shall have to wait and see whether they may arrive..." Gandalf looked worried, when the sound of a large horn appeared to shake the very city of Dale. "It will be of little help when Thorin sits in his mountain doing nothing..."

 

They all rushed over to a large breach on one of the walls nearby to see what was happening. 

 

She was the last to join as she coaxed the elk along with her, half terrified of what more she would see.

 

Suddenly the large bell in Erebor sounded, and they could hear his cry all the way there within the city walls!

 

"It's Thorin!" Bilbo shouted triumphantly. "He's making a charge! And look at the others!"

 

"They are rallying to their King!" Gandalf smiled proudly peering out above him. "Your brother is among them, my dear! I see him well!"

 

"Where?!" Her heart leapt for joy and she suddenly fought past the wizard and hobbit for a better look. 

 

The wizard was right!

 

She recognised her husbands frame well, even in his armour as he headed a charge on foot! 

 

And there flanking the group, in his black armour, and still on his Akhal Stallion, that shimmered like metal was Arvind, a true Prince of Rhun. And beside him, still hanging on despite his age, and charging with the standard of his own house, now fallen, was none other than Shah Aman! 

 

The group of warriors clashed with the on coming goblins, trolls and wolves like two angry waves. 

 

And she could no longer watch. 

 

Turning away she suddenly saw the bodies of the dead strewn across the ground - goblins, some men and even a few wolves! 

 

"All these poor souls..." She looked at the wizard in despair. "Did we ever have a chance of sparing any of this bloodshed...?"

 

Gandalf sighed, choosing to stay silent. 

 

"What if I had refused Thorins proposal?" She wondered. "Then he would have little choice but to abandon his plans to reclaim Erebor, without an army, would he not?"

 

"And perhaps worse eyes would have looked upon the mountain and the dragon..." Gandalf warned her. 

 

"Sauron..?" She frowned. "What do you mean? Like Ancalogon..?"

 

Gandalf continued to watch the battle rage on in the foothills of the Lonely Mountain in silence. He did not wish to look at her, for she had an unearthly ability to coerce the unpleasant truth.

 

"Gandalf speak?! Please?! You have sacrificed many lives in this union you have made for us!" She pressed him. "I should like to know what it is that you see? This is more than merely helping the dwarves reclaim their home!"

 

Suddenly Bilbo frowned looking up at the wizard himself. It was like a torch had been lit behind his eyes, as some sort of realisation occurred. And then he felt stupid for not having considered such a scheme himself. 

 

"Is this true Gandalf...?" Bilbo huffed angrily. "You...this marriage...has clearly caused the Princess some great distress...I mean Thorin has been vile of late! The Princess deserves better... And...even I have been roped into this...so we need not be spared the truth...!"

 

"You two meddle too much for your own good!" Gandalf muttered. "Of course it is important. Why do you think there is a price upon Thorins head? He is the true heir here! And yes - a shadow spreads from Mordor! It gathers force with every passing day..."

 

"But it has been years since the last battle..."

 

"No. There are more of those who would worship the dark lord! Who offer up tribute! Your father has been having trouble holding off many challenges to his Kingdom by Saurons followers!" Gandalf replied sternly to her. "Do not think that I have come to these conclusions so lightly!" 

 

She frowned thinking. 

 

"So if Erebor fell, then there would be little to hold back the armies of Gundabad and Mordor from joining to march upon most of these lands...?" She suggested. 

 

"That and a fire drake as an ally would provide a great advantage for any form of army..." Gandalf finally admitted. 

 

"Well, I hope you are happy with this trade off of our lives in order to vanquish the dragon!" She grumbled, recalling Smaug. 

 

"You are a silly little girl to take pity upon such a beast. Do not think I have not heard of how to attempted to reason with it..." He chastised her. "Smaug is not some beast for you to tame like your jaguar! Even if you were led to believe otherwise when in his thrall!" 

 

She fell silent at that, recalling the great dragons threats on how he would return to capture her, laying waste to the lands as he did!

 

"What are you doing?!" The angry words of the Elven King made her turn back to find he had returned looking for her. "And why are you standing there?! It is still not safe here for you!" 

 

"She is quite safe in my presence, my friend..." Gandalf commented wryly.

 

"I think it is best for the Princess to return to my halls, where she may stay until it is safe..." Thranduil explained. "I have guards there...and you will be well looked after...perhaps the halfling might accompany you?"

 

Bilbo looked at Thranduil sceptically, given the treatment he had offered to the dwarves.

 

"There will be no dungeons this time, master Hobbit," Thranduil added for reassurance. "You have my word."

 

"In that case, I can agree to that." Bilbo nodded.

 

"No...not with everyone fighting -" she looked to Gandalf hoping he would agree, but the old wizard was not entirely agreeable to this either. 

 

"Perhaps, King Thranduil is right. It would be safer..." Gandalf hesitated still deep in thought. 

 

"There are too many losses, we will need to start retreating..." Thranduil explained to Gandalf. 

 

"Gandalf look! Thorin is leaving the valley..." Bilbo suddenly interrupted them all from the vantage point. 

 

The wizard peered out of the large breach in the wall again. 

 

"Yes, and he is taking Fili, Kili, Balin and Dwalin with him..." Gandalf added. "To Ravenhill...They are going to take on Azog..."

 

"Ada!" 

 

She spotted the tall, pale haired young elf Prince she had met in Laketown rushing towards them. And he was followed closely by the red haired elleth, Tauriel! 

 

"Legolas?" Thranduil looked relieved for a moment as he assessed his son. 

 

"There is a second army of goblins marching from Gundabad, and it will be upon the mountain soon!" Legolas revealed. 

 

"They intend to flank the mountain, Sire. And can be cut off along the pass if we hurry now-" Tauriel added with a bow. 

 

"We have suffered too many losses as it is. I will not spare any more of my people." Thranduil replied coldly to them both. "We do what we can to help Bard and then will fall back..."

 

"I will not leave! If they capture Erebor, Greenwood will soon follow!" Tauriel protested. 

 

"Do not be foolish! You followed the dwarves from your own lands chasing some folly!" Thranduil snarled at her. "Legolas return to your halls. we must secure our borders once more."

 

He turned to leave before glancing at Shobha one last time. 

 

"My advice to you stands. You will find a home in my halls. Unconditionally." He turned to join his warriors and added one last warning to her. "Unless you plan to travel to Greenwood, do not leave Dale without me, Princess. You are unarmed. It is not safe."

 

"Gandalf, please tell me you have some sort of plan to help?" She looked at the old wizard desperately. 

 

"Why bring in a second army?" Bilbo frowned at her. "It seems unnecessary...."

 

"Because they plan to kill everyone here." She glanced at the battlefield speaking almost detached at the horror of the realisation. "Dain and Arvind are there and now Thorin has been drawn out to Ravenhill... It may be a..."

 

"Trap!" Bilbo finished for her looking worried as if he could now read her thoughts exactly. "It is too dangerous for you, my lady... I mean... What if... You are...with child..."

 

"I have to warn Thorin!" She looked around determined. The journey to Ravenhill was relatively clear, and away from where everyone fought on. Even if Thorin had been vile of late, she was certain her fate might be worse if he or his nephews were to die today.

 

"How will you travel there?" Gandalf questioned. "It is too dangerous. You have no armour or weapons..."

 

And then Daer slowly stepped towards her and nibbled her shoulder gently. 

 

"My handsome King of the forest, I can't ask you to risk yourself..."she reached up and stroked his head. 

 

But the giant elk then nudged her back with his head forcefully and taking another step, knelt down to allow her to climb on. 

 

"Then I am going with you!" Bilbo added. 

 

"Thank you, my dear Bilbo..." She said climbing on and beckoning o to the hobbit. "There you go Gandalf. I have my protector."

 

"Stay out of sight and return straight back once you have let him know." Gandalf warned them both. "Thranduil was right in his desire to keep you safe in Greenwood."

 

Like the wizard always did, he had clearly come to some sort of conclusion regarding her fate. And whether good or bad, he had no intention of telling her. She made a note to probe him later, but she was certain that he would likely remain evasive about the whole matter. 

 

The elk was now standing up with the two on them in its saddle. And starting to trot back out of Dale and towards the keep at Ravenhill.

 

They were quick taking the rockier paths up, which were easy for the elk but too hard for goblins or wolves to travel. Bilbo clung on to her, shutting his eyes tight on several occasions and glad of her lead.

 

As they approached higher they could see the strange sails, being used to signal the army. 

 

"Are those sails made of some form of hide...?" Bilbo asked squinting up. 

 

She took one glance and looked away out of the horror of the realisation she had come to. 

 

"That is not animal hide." She whispered back feeling sick to the stomach by it. 

 

Bilbo drew in a sharp breath as he too realised what she meant, when his blade began to glow.

 

"In coming..." He whispered silently unsheathing it. 

 

Several goblins jumped out at them, but Daer was quick to charge and gore them with his large antlers. Bilbo too struck several down with his sword.

 

But it didn't end, further goblins came streaming out from hiding places along the hillside. 

 

And it looked as though they would have been overpowered when a terrifying growl pierced the air. 

 

"What...what...is that..?" Bilbo whispered nervously as the goblins all stopped in their tracks looking around. "That is no Warg..."

 

In that brief moment, while the goblins were distracted, she charged Daer ahead, he swung his antlers back and forth throwing more that stood in their way off the mountainside. 

 

"No, my dear Bilbo!" She beamed kicking several goblins they passed out of the way. "That is -"

 

Before she could finish, a large wild beast in a pale white spotted coat had jumped out, viciously attacking several goblins at once like they were nothing but ragdolls!

 

"Rajah!" She cried out in delight. 

 

Having seen wargs up close now, it was clearly evident that her Rajah was much larger!

 

"Well...I have never been happier to see your beast, my lady," Bilbo sighed in relief. "But I shall certainly decline joining you when you visit to feed him next time!"

 

She chuckled, slowly lowering herself down from the elk as the jaguar padded over to her quite happily. 

 

"Oh my Rajah! How on earth did you get out?!" She wagged her finger at it, as it slunk near to her and wrapped itself around her legs, like a very oddly large and ferocious looking cat! "It's dangerous out here...and look at you now Rajah! Your beautiful fur is covered in blood -"

 

"I think that is hardly his worry, my Lady." Bilbo remarked. "And I wouldn't say it was too dangerous for...a vicious thing like that..."

 

"Don't worry about grumpy old Uncle Bilbo...he found riding on Daer here too scary...so he's got his knickers in a twist..." She carried on stroking the jaguar, ignoring Bilbo as he sat nervously on the Elk. 

 

"Princess!" A familiar voice called out, but Rajah immediately turned to face the new arrival of Dwalin with a ferocious growl. 

 

"Stop that Rajah! It's just Dwalin!" She chastised the beast, who was still not quite ready to stand down yet as it crouched low in front of her ready to pounce. 

 

But Thorin had followed Dwalin now and looked ragingly mad at her arrival.

 

"It's a trap! You need to leave here right now!" She cried out at them urgently without giving either dwarf a chance to speak. "There is another army of goblins marching from the north! Get Fili and Kili out of there!" 

 

"What are you doing here?!" Thorin barked at her angrily, storming over. "Decided to betray your elf too did you, my little strumpet?" 

 

He came to stand close in front of her, only regretting how tall she was. If she had been a dam he would be towering over now in a very imposing manner, but this girl was simply too tall for him. 

 

"I came here to warn you!" She huffed back at him. "None of this would have happened if you had just paid the men of Laketown, and returned the necklace to Thranduil!"

 

"Is he your lover then?" He tried to keep his tone as disinterested as he could. "None of this would have happened if you had just LISTENED to ME and done as you were told!"

 

"I should slap you for how you have treated me..." She scoffed at his behaviour. But instead of shouting at her angrily, he leant in closer. Close enough to kiss her.

 

"And I should tie you to my bed, and have my way with you, exactly as I please..." He lowered his voice still and whispered in her ear. "And I shall keep you naked and tied up for the next month.."

 

His words, the tone of his voice and his proximity filled her stomach with butterflies, and made her heart race. She blushed at how mad she felt by it.

 

"But I recall you cannot tie me to the bed if you wish me to do what we did last time...which you claimed to rather like..." She whispered back, watching his eyes widen in surprise at her boldness. 

 

He looked at her torn between the anger he felt at her decision to negotiate in secret with the elves, and his desire to have her. After all, it was the reason he had finally joined the fray - to reclaim his wife - and then give her delicious behind a thorough spanking before he had his way with her. 

 

"I must go and help Fili and Kili." He finally stated. 

 

She wanted to ask him to be careful, but he had already turned away to leave, when he turned back to face her. 

 

"Where do you think you are going?" He growled at her, grabbing her wrist. 

 

"I am safe with Bilbo and Rajah." 

 

"I have no intention of letting you go running back to that elf!" He pulled her along. "Dwalin! I need cover -"

 

"Wait! I need to help Bilbo down-" she looked back over her shoulder. 

 

"Hurry then!" Thorin barked letting her go.

 

She was quick, rushing back to the great elk.

 

"Well, my lovely Daer, let me lighten your load..." She stroked his nose and then its neck, as the beast nuzzled her gently, before slowly lowering to allow Bilbo off. "And you are free to return to the woodland, to be safe."

 

The elk remained there pawing the at the ground and refusing to leave. 

 

"Come now, I am certain we will see each other again soon..." She stroked it again and wrapped her arms around its neck, pressing her cheek to it's soft fur. "I have to go before I land in more trouble. But be safe for me..."

 

The elk seemed to understand and nuzzled her head again before she turned to find Thorin pulling her along again. 

 

"You and your animals..." Thorin muttered as he led the way, pulling her along by the wrist. 

 

After a little while further, he paused, glancing back at Dwalin. It was as though they could read each others mind, because Dwalin nodded back silently and moved to flank her and Bilbo. 

 

They moved quickly to hide behind a large rocky outcrop. 

 

"This is the frozen river - the ice may break at any time. But the caves around Ravenhill are more dangerous - so you are safest here." Thorin warned her, whispering while watching her face to see how much she was taking in. "Dwalin and I need to find Fili and Kili, so we need you both to stay here..."

 

"Bofur and Balin are not far behind." Dwalin agreed. "Just donnae make a noise and no one will see ye."

 

"Wait Thorin!" She called as they set off. When he turned to frown at her angrily. "Be careful..."

 

There was every chance that at the end of this she may have lost both her brother and her husband. 

 

"Aye woman." He whispered back before hurrying up into the ruins of the old keep built on Ravenhill. 

 

"Dwarf scum!" 

 

A shout came from somewhere above. 

 

Bilbo and Shobha both looked up to spot a large orc with scars across his face dragging Fili out to the edge of a rocky ledge. 

 

"Here is your filthy bloodline!" It held Fili up by his armour, and while it pointed with the stump of its other arm, which had a terrible blade emerging from it. 

 

"That is Azog -" Bilbo whispered only to find that she was no longer beside him. 

 

Suddenly out of the blue a large stone came hurtling towards the orc, knocking it squarely in its head. 

 

The stone was in no way large enough to cause any injury, but appeared to take it by surprise. He suddenly let go of Fili who ran at the next orc, knocking him down and grabbing it's sword. 

 

Another stone landed on the orc, this time in the face, making him growl angrily in some horrid language and look around carefully. But it was followed by several more which hit him again and again before he could truly find the culprit. 

 

Suddenly he turned and swung his sword at Fili, the blade plunging into the young dwarfs side, and pushed him off the ledge with his leg. 

 

"I shall deal with you soon! You easterling bitch! There is only one good use for women of your kind - and that is on your knees or your back!" The orc pointed with his bladed arm at where she stood by the stones down below. "I will kill your brother first, and then I will mount your pretty hide onto my sails once I am through with you!"

 

She scurried down the steps looking desperately for where Fili had fallen. 

 

"Fili!" She whispered harshly hoping for a reply. "Fili?"

 

But no reply came. A sickness was building inside her stomach at the thought of what might have happened to the young dwarf. 

 

A fine mist still hung in the air, while she could hear the eerie shouts, and the clatter of the fighting in the valley far below. It was a strange silence. 

 

Stumbling and scurrying around, she finally found him. He lay there as if he were dead. 

 

Quickly she touched his face.

 

"Please...Fili...open your eyes for me..." She begged. 

 

"You were meant to stay hidden!" Bilbo hissed at her angrily as he joined her.

 

"And let him die?" She was struggling to unbutton his armour, while blood oozed from his side. Her hands were frozen for having touched those freezing stones, but she had never been more grateful for the hours of throwing stones she had spent with the orphans back home. 

 

"Here. Let me..." Bilbo took over loosening the buckles and straps feeling sorry for her. "They know where we are, so we must hurry..." 

 

"Bilbo, please, I need you to tear my petticoat." She blushed lifting her skirts to offer up the soft material beneath. "My hands are frozen stiff from the stones..."

 

"Here..." Bilbo tore off a piece, which she quickly pressed into the wound on his side. 

 

The pain made Fili groan. 

 

"Not again!" Bilbo sighed, watching his blade glow. He stood and turned to look around, when several orcs moved towards him. "Stay back or I shall cut you!"

 

Suddenly as one orc lunged forward the other fell and behind stood Bofur, his hat rather askew and covered in mud and blood. 

 

"At your service, mi lady," he bowed and beamed. "Master Baggins!"

 

"More! Behind master Bofur!" She warned in time then she turned to look at Fili, who was slowly opening his eyes. "Oh gods! Fili! You are hurt... Can you hear me...?" 

 

He looked at her dazed and she pressed the cloth further into his side making him groan again.

 

The sound of metal clashing filled her ears as Tauriel had joined in very efficiently dispatching several more orcs. 

 

"Kili is up there!" Shobha cried out to the red haired elleth, who seemed to understand. She watched as the elf fought her way through. 

 

Bilbo shouted again to alert them. But this time a menacing growl, followed by a horrid crunch made her turn to spot Rajah mauling an orc that had pinned down the hobbit! The jaguar viciously shook the creature like stick before tossing it aside. The pale fur on his face was now smeared with black blood. 

 

Rajah was quick to come padding over looking rather pleased with himself. 

 

"My lovely friend..." She stroked him as he came to stand beside her. 

 

"Lassie!" Balin had joined them now. "What are you doing? You are open to attack here -"

 

His words were cut short when he saw her seated beside Fili. 

 

"He is still alive, barely, but my brother's healer will be able to help!" 

 

"We must get him back..." Balin looked at her worried. "Where is Thorin?"

 

"He went into the ruined keep to find Fili and Kili..." She grew quiet, her gaze fixing somewhere across the ice and her face displaying clear terror.

 

"Lassie..." Balin followed her gaze to spot Thorin facing the giant pale orc. 

 

And to their horror he had fallen onto his back far off on the ice, as the orc aimed his blade down towards Thorins chest, with only Thorins sword between them. 

 

Shobha grabbed Balins arm, watching on out of fear, when above enormous birds glided over.

 

It distracted them all, and the orc appeared to force his blade closer to Thorins chest. It lowered it's voice and appeared to say something to Thorin, who glaced over at her momentarily. 

 

Then slowly he moved his blade out, and just as the orc pushed his blade into Thorin's chest, a loud growl distracted them both.

 

Apparently out of nowhere, Rajah had leapt out at the orc! There was little the large orc could do as the jaguar had clamped it's jaws around his throat. All that Azog could do now was to flail as he attempted to breath. 

 

Thorin was quick on his feet. He approached the orc with caution, fearful of the jaguar himself. But Rajah was quick to tear away his throat. The large orc grasped at what could only be described as a whole in his neck. It was in vain, as dark blood gushed out while he gurgled. Rajah growled at Thorin, still focussed on the large orc. 

 

"I am no threat to you, my friend..." Thorin offered, with his hands out. "I do not think you wish to eat him either. I cannot believe he tastes very good..."

 

Rajah growled at the orc, who attempted to lash out again, at the beast, who lunged back and bit his bladed arm. 

 

"Rajah! Go to your mistress! She needs you to guard her!" Thorin commanded sternly. 

 

And Rajah finally let go, backing away before turning  back towards her. 

 

Thorin stood there looking at the orc again for a moment before finally walking over and plunging his large blade firmly into its chest, and watching the last of his life ebb away from his eyes. 

 

Finally Thorin turned towards where she knelt by his sister's son, making his way over careful not to reveal any pain.  

 

He was hurt. Very badly so. But he did not wish for her to worry. 

 

He stepped closer and paused to look down at the valley below. Each breath he took was painful, but he could see from the quiet up here, the eagles and the large bear-man had now joined the battle. There was little the army of orcs or even trolls could do against them all. 

 

He, then turned back to her, watching as she pressed on the wound Fili had sustained in his side. She had torn more of her petticoat and was using it to bandage Fili's wound now.

 

"Thorin...? Are you hurt?" She asked looking up at him. 

 

"I am not in pain." He lied. Sitting down. "You are unharmed and that much I am grateful for..."

 

"The eagles..." She looked up in wonder at the giant birds. "They are helping us...?" 

 

"Aye," he watched her face, now realising what an affinity she had for animals. It was surprising he had not noticed it before. And the fear on her pretty face, he wondered briefly whether it could have been for his safety. A felt a little saddened that he would not get a chance to find out more about her - for with his wounds now, he was surely for the tombs soon. "Gandalf appears to call upon them..."

 

She had now turned to Thorin suspiciously. 

 

"You are hurt..." She knelt in front of him now, opening his jacket to look for herself.

 

"And you are helping yourself to me, my lady. This is not our bedchamber." He quipped, a little regretful that he might not get to have her one last time. "And you have run out of your petticoat..."

 

A flash of horror ran across her face as she assessed his wounds. And for a moment he wondered whether it was because she could possibly care for him.

 

They were deep wounds to his chest, oozing with blood. She hurried to press on them, making him wince, as she tore more cloth from her dress. 

 

"Balin!" She cried out.

 

"Hush!" Thorin silenced her. "Balin cannot help..."

 

A low growl sounded from beside them both, with Rajah slinking over by the dwarf. 

 

"I guess he likes you after all.."

 

"He is here for his mistress." Thorin corrected her, reaching out to touch her cheek. "Are you with child?"

 

She pressed harder on his chest, making him groan. 

 

"Thorin - I don't think this is the time for -"

 

But he grabbed her wrists, forcing her to look at him. 

 

"You must tell them that you are. Do you understand?" He watched her carefully. "You will be crowned Queen in my stead. Keep Balin close. He will advise you. And Dwalin likes you, he will guard you well..."

 

She pressed harder on his wounds again making his grit his teeth. 

 

"Must you torment me in my final hours woman?" 

 

"That is for calling me a wanton whore," she said pressing again. "And this is for calling me a poisonous shrew..."

 

"Well, I hope you have trusted the Arkenstone to safe hands..." He whispered running his hands over her neck and chest, where Thranduils necklace still sat elegantly. "I wish I could have you once more..." 

 

But their moment was interrupted by the arrival of Gandalf and Thranduil, along with a troop of elven warriors. 

 

"Help!" She cried out at them, prompting both wizard and elven king to hurry over to her. "Fili is hurt over there, he has a terrible wound in his side, and has knocked his head from the fall. I have stopped his bleeding, but it is not good. And Thorin is hurt..."

 

Gandalf moved from Thorin to his nephew, while Thranduil assessed Thorin, much to his dismay. 

 

"Do not touch me!" Thorin growled at the elf, who merely ignored him and held his hands above Thorins wounds chanting something quietly. "What is he saying -"

 

"Hush now. Just look at me," she whispered. "Think of the many ways you may have me once you are healed..."

 

Thorin held his hand out to protest again, but she slapped it away, and bent down to claim his lips in a long kiss. 

 

"When you are quite finished, we will need to move him." Thranduil interrupted her. "I have only managed to stem the bleeding - although you had done much of that yourself. His wounds are grave, and we will need to hurry if we are to save him -"

 

"I do not need saving! I have reclaimed Erebor! And as rightful King, I offer my Throne to my consort until our child is grown." 

 

Thranduil tilted his head, reluctantly accepting the dwarfs dying words for her sake. 

 

"I don't care if you are King of Middle Earth! Please, heal him, if you have the power." She looked up at the elf, much to Thorins irritation.

 

Thranduil himself was unsure whether this was indeed within his power, but found it hard to refuse the pleas of this small woman. Her big, brown eyes, filled with tears, for a brute so unworthy, moved his usually rational heart. 

 

"We need to find a way down..." Thranduil began but she was already up on her feet and waving her hands aloft to the skies. 

 

"Help!" She cried out to the broad shadows of the eagles that flew among the clouds. "Please help!" 

 

"I do not think they will..." Thranduil began to remark, but fell silent as two large eagles appeared to take an interest, circling lower overhead before swooping down to land carefully on the rock.

 

The eagle that landed, cocked its head to look at her curiously with its amber eyes. 

 

"Wait for Gandalf! Do not get so close -" Thranduil attempted to warn her but she had already hurried over.  

 

"I would be very grateful for your help, good Sirs of the skies," She stood close at its feet and bowed her head. "My husband, the King under the mountain, and his nephew are badly wounded and needs to be carried down to the valley. Please could you kindly help us?" 

 

She glanced back at Thorin who sat there gasping. Both dwarf and elf looked worried at her interaction with the large birds of prey, who could have easily swallowed her whole is they so wished. 

 

But the bird lowered its head a little more, so that it's face and rather vicious looking beak took an even closer look at her. It remained there for a few long moments, unphased even by the silent approach of the large, blood stained, and curious jaguar.

 

"Prince Fili, is also hurt," she pointed to where he lay. "I know it is a lot to ask, when you have all been so gracious in helping us already in battle..."

 

But it seemed to understand, initially screeching at her, before nudging her with its beak to move her behind its wing. Then carefully it lowered it's body and nudged her again. 

 

"Oh I see..." She replied nodding and moving to climb onto its back carefully. "This is more than what I could ask for...I am really worried about Thorin and Fili... And I thank you for your kindness."

 

The eagle screeched in reply and took off into the sky, before circling once more and swooping down to pick up Fili in his talons. While another eagle flew nearby and she peered out to spot Thorin in its talons.

 

She rested her head in the creatures soft feathers, desperately worried.

 

Of course Thorin was arrogant and uncaring, but he had on occasion agreed to her requests. And she was not ready to become Queen in Thorins place. He was born for this - and there was much that needed to be done to Erebor before the dwarves could live there. She could only hope that his strange madness might have eased following all this. 

 

She could see the battle field from so far above. The bodies that lay in the mud, dirt and blood. The goblins had been defeated. And all that remained now were those who had come to search for dead or injured friends and brothers in arms. The fighting had not reached as far as her brothers camp, and the elven camp also remained undamaged on the western border of the valley. 

 

The great eagles carefully placed each body they were carrying one by one outside the elven camp. Then finally the eagle she was carried on landed and lowered itself to the ground. 

 

Slowly, she too slithered off the great creature and once again ran her hands lovingly along its plumage before coming to stand in front of it. 

 

"Thank you for your help," she bowed her head, as the bird watched her with its strange amber eyes. 

 

To her surprise it did not simply fly away, but rather remained there for a moment. It then moved its head towards her, and she too reached out to stroke its head gently.

 

"I am not sure I know how to repay you for your kindness." She whispered, stroking the birds head. "Be safe."

 

The eagle screeched again as it straightened up, spreading its wings out in preparation for flight. So she moved away before it took to the skies again. Then with one last screech it circled above before finally disappearing into the clouds. 

 

She rushed out to check on the two dwarves that had been delivered safely. Fili was still unconscious. While Thorin kept his hand on his chest, still clearly in significant pain. 

 

"Do you recall all that I said before?" He rasped, suddenly clutching her hand. "You must rule in my stead. Erebor must not pass to the hands of the iron hills clans...do you hear me woman? You can find a suitable heir when you are ready." 

 

She inspected his wounds again.

 

"It has stopped bleeding..." Then she began to search his body for other injuries. "Where else are you hurt...?"

 

"Why don't you use those lovely hands to check my cock..." He coughed weakly with a smug smile, as she carried on checking him. 

 

Gandalf was next to arrive with Bilbo on another eagle, while Thranduil was not far behind on his great elk, followed by Rajah. And soon they were surrounded by several elves who helped to move the two wounded into a tent where they had several cots set up. 

 

They had begun to strip down the two bodies with a cold efficiency, that she had come to find was synonymous with their kind. 

 

But then Gandalf too turned to her at the entrance, guiding her away.

 

"I think it is best if you return to Thranduils tent," the tall wizard stopped her, as she peered out at them worried. "We shall take care of them, and call you soon..."

 

"I have helped in the healing rooms back home...I have a strong stomach and can be of help -"

 

"I have no doubt about it. However, I think you should rest a little," Gandalf instructed her more firmly, turning to Bilbo. "Bilbo will keep you company."

 

"But -"

 

"Princess Shobha! For once, do as you are told!" He towered over her, raising his voice. "We have no time for your arguments and defiance!" 

 

She could swear that the air around the grey wizard darkened for a moment, and it made her take a step back. 

 

Unable to find words to reply, she crossed her arms and frowned, clearly unhappy.

 

"Come on my lady," Bilbo held onto her arm and coaxed her out. 

 

Thranduils tent was not far, and two guards stood nearby waiting for them, while others rushed about, some returning to another tent with other wounded elves. 

 

"I cannot sit in there waiting around, Bilbo." She sighed. "And I have no idea where Arvind is either..."

 

She turned to leave the camp, but the two guards that stood near Thranduils tent now blocked her way. 

 

"Gods - you all move fast don't you..." She stood waiting for them to let her pass. 

 

"We have been instructed to guard you, Princess." One of the guards spoke. 

 

"Fine. But I wish to find my brother," she spoke sternly. "Since I am NOT your prisoner, I insist that I go and find Prince Arvind. You can either come with us, or stay here." 

 

She put her hands on her hips, hoping that it would give her a greater air of authority. She had no intention of sitting around and waiting for her husband to die or to be sent word of her brother's death either. At least this way, she could help the wounded on her search.

 

The two elven guards looked at one another, consulting each other quietly in Sindarin. Then they turned back to face her. 

 

"Very well, my lady. But we accompany you and the halfling, and will join the healers who are combing the battlefield..." One of the guards spoke.

 

And without much further fuss, they had made their way out of the camp and into the valley.

Chapter 13: Aftermath

 

She held a water skin to the dwarfs lips, as his head rested on her lap. He was already in his final gasps and his lower torso almost completely crushed by something, she didn't want to imagine.

They had spent hours making their way through the western half of the battlefield. Many were dead already, but they had helped over a hundred dwarves, and elves. The men had been fewer - she imagined that it was because few men fought here. A large troop of soldiers had been kept outside Erebor, to prevent any goblins getting in. But she had seen many of her brothers men charging alongside Thorin.

"I feel cold...lassie..." The dwarf whispered. "Will ya hold me closer..."

So she held him closer to her chest, gently stroking his fiery hair. She wanted to cry, but after having done this for so many already, she had no more tears left in her.

She continued to stroke his red hair for a few more minutes.

And then he was gone. Just like that.

The elves behind her signalled for one of the dwarves to collect the body, and they had arrived placing him in their large cart.

A group of elves had been piling up the bodies of the orcs and setting them alight. But there were so many of these - the piles were plentiful like burning mounds here and there.

"My lady..."

She heard a voice from nearby as she finished saying a silent prayer for the dead soul that had been taken away.

Turning to look up from where she knelt, she found a young red haired dwarf regarding her with suspicion.

"While your efforts are commendable, I must inform you that to touch a dwarfs hair or beard is considered an intimate act..." His words were in no way intended softly and were weighed with much disdain. "It would be somewhat akin to my touching your breasts..."

She blinked up at him numbly trying to assimilate what he was saying after having watched the ends of life passing on her arms, mere moments ago.

"I can see you have much to learn, and shows just what a hasty marriage the King has taken up -"

"I assure you my lord, that I am perfectly read in the customs of the Khazad," she began to stand up from where she knelt. "Which is more than what can be said of you it seems... However, I think kindness is the sole custom that matters in one's final moments."

"Surely disrespecting ones customs cannot be kind in one's final moments...?" He narrowed his eyes at her.

"The dwarf that gave his life to fight as part of your army, asked me to hold him closer in his final moments," she finally stood up, to find she was almost three inches taller than him. "And while my own custom forbids me from touching any other male folk besides my husband, or my male relatives, I held him to my breast because it would be cruel to let him die alone. Perhaps I would have to touch fewer of your warriors if you helped by example, no?"

The young dwarf stared at her coldly for a moment. His cold blue eyes reminded her of Thorin. He was a little perturbed by her height.

"Thorin Stonehelm, son of Dain, son of Nain," the dwarf tilted his head. "I suppose there is little I can say, where a dwarf makes a dying request of you. But I am uncertain what your King and husband would say of your willingness to please dwarrow...?"

"I am humouring an otherwise stranger now, am I not, Lord Stonehelm, of the Iron Hills?" She stated bluntly. "I cannot imagine, my husband, the King, would begrudge me this. Of course you are within your rights to accuse me of such. I have several witnesses here who can vouch for how proper or improper I have been..."

She looked back at the two elven guards and Bilbo, who were all quick to nod in agreement.

"Well, it appears I mistaken of the place in court my cousin gives you in Erebor. But you would do well to keep in mind that there are Iron Hills warriors, and so any trial of wrong doing would be heard in our court..." His cold eyes looked calculating as they briefly looked her over from head to toe. "And we give little place to riff raff in court, let alone those who are illegitimate daughters of courtesans, and whomever they have seduced into agreeing with them..."

She paused to think about what he meant.

"Perhaps then, my lord, you could lead by example and help the brave warriors who pledged themselves to your causes..." She concluded bowing her head to him before glancing at the elves who were waiting to usher her on. "Although judging from the state of your armour you look like you have knelt less in the dirt than I have. But as you say perhaps such a role is only suited to illegitimate daughters of courtesans."

She bowed her head gently to him once more and allowed the elves to guide her onwards, where their healers had begun to help another wounded soldier, this time a man.

"Do you ever wonder whether a goblin could ever live as we do? In our villages - working to earn coins...perhaps even marrying...?" She mused as they moved several dead creatures aside so that one of the elves could collect one of their own dead this time.

"I guess we don't give them much choice in the matter either." Bilbo sighed. "If only they enjoyed a good book, or tea... Or a nice day in the garden..."

"I suppose there aren't many gardens in Mordor either..." She felt pity for the dead creatures. Their lives had been solely bred for wickedness, and they never had a choice in the matter. They were just fodder for the fight.

"My lady, perhaps we should get you to your brother's camp sooner." One of the elven guard spoke quietly with her. "It will be dark in a few hours and you have barely stopped to drink, let alone eat..."

"Thank you - I am anxious to see my brother, but I cannot eat knowing there are so many who lay here still injured or dying..." She shook her head. Frankly, she felt sick at the thought of eating now.

"We have more helping us now..." He glanced over at the iron hills dwarves who had suddenly increased in number. "It appears your words were not entirely unheeded, even if you would be sneered at in their court. Although there is less royal blood amongst their clan..."

"What will happen when nightfall comes...?" She knelt by another dead corpse of an elven warrior. His long brown hair trailed from beneath his helmet which was now askew. And his strange grey eyes looked up at the sky, lifeless. Carefully, she shut his eyes and sighed.

"Our King will punish me, if I do not have you returned to his tent, by nightfall, Princess," the elf spoke calmly. "The fires will burn through the night, and likely keep away any wild animals coming to feed off the dead. It will allow us all to work through the night. But it is no place for you my lady...nor the halfling."

She knelt silently by the elven warrior as another group of elves collected his body carefully.

"I realise my opinion will not be of great value, but I can see why our King protects you. Unlike the kin of your husband, I believe a Queen such as yourself, will have greater following and allies amongst both men and elves." The elven warrior extended his hand to her, helping her up from the mud, dirt and blood she knelt in, even where her own knees had given in now. "And I would vouch for your conduct in helping that dying dwarf. I do not see any lowliness in your bloodline, my lady..."

She blinked up at his strange green eyes that watched her, as she wiped away the new tears that welled up, always threatening to fall, but run dry for how much she had shed before.

But to her utter surprise, the elven guard did something entirely unexpected.

He smiled. It was the faintest of smiles, and like all the elves she had met so far, it seemed controlled, even cold.
But it was a sincere smile, touching even his eyes.

"But I suppose your dwarven lord believes that I and my fellow warrior too, have been seduced by your charms..."

The second elven guard nearby nodded in silent agreement. His smile was more of a wry one, however.

Bilbo chuckled quietly from nearby.

"Well...I too would be the same then..." He came over to pat her arm.

She smiled weakly at them, wiping her eyes using her upper arms, which were still tear stained.

"Come on. I need to find my brother, my guards and the Shah before nightfall..."

Bilbo moved closer to her and patted her arm gently before scowling at her use of her own upper dress sleeve as a handkerchief.

"I would offer you my handkerchief...but sadly forgot mine at home. And I shudder to offer you the substitute that Thorins company gave me!"

.....

She stared out at her brothers camp far away. The fires on the fields burned brightly where they burned the bodies of the goblins and wolves.

They had reached the line up to which the men from her brothers camp had been combing through looking for their wounded and dead. And so between the iron hills dwarves combing through the east of the field, the men of Dale dealing with the south, her brothers men looking through the north and the elves dealing with the western field had found all the injured and dying.

And just as they had decided to move towards the Rhun encampment, they had received word that Prince Arvind was unharmed and busy with the wounded himself. So the elven guards had turned her back to their camp.

She was still worried about her own guards, but had no choice as night fell.

So even while she bathed, redressed, and sat there, she was unable to eat or sleep. And to make matters worse, there was still no word from Gandalf about Thorin or Fili, nor was there news of Kili.

She could only hope the others were safe with Lord Dain too.

"You are still awake..."

She turned to find Thranduil, pouring himself a glass of wine. He must have entered from another flap, unseen.

"Can I see Thorin now?"

"He still requires more herbs and enchantments..." Thranduil turned to look at her and sighed. "Gandalf did not feel it was time yet..."

"He is my husband!"

"He is still delirious..."

"I cannot leave him to die alone..." She confessed.

"Even if the only reason he wanted to rescue you was in order to deal out your punishment himself..?" Thranduil drained his goblet and set it down before turning to inspect her with greater interest. "Even still you would not attempt to escape? To accept my offer of sanctuary?"

She sighed heavily looking down at her hands and feeling ashamed..

"I have no freedom. My marriage to Thorin is an important alliance for my people. I cannot jeopardize this." She said quietly. "Even if I were to accept sanctuary with you, what if he wages war upon you? I could not live with myself for that. And what if I discover that I am with child...HIS child. Then he will hunt me down to the ends of middle earth to find his heir."

Thranduil listened quietly as she reasoned out all that which she had time to think of in some previous attempt for freedom.

"There is no freedom for me. "

"And yet you would not wish him dead?" Thranduil raised an eyebrow.

"And have those iron hills brutes looking over my shoulder. No." She shook her head. "His bloodline is of Kings, and I can see they are lesser. Even if he is a monster - he is my monster. That part I shall learn to live with."

"You have a brilliant mind. And yet you have not found your way out of this yet...?" Thranduil moved closer to her now, watching her face carefully. He wondered if, in truth, she had no desire to escape from the dwarf at all.

"Not yet. But things will, undoubtedly change, when Erebor is rebuilt." She concluded. "I will have to consider all these things...and who knows, perhaps Thorin will grow tired of me, once his favourite dams are returned to the Lonely Mountain? And maybe then I too may find my way out..."

"A male willing to wage war and risk his throne and life for a woman, will never lose interest in her." Thranduil moved closer still to look carefully at her face. He was just as much the man he described as Thorin, and they certainly had that in common. "And you will win over many I imagine when Erebor sees the dwarves returned. Just as you have done with my own elves..."

She looked up at him a little confused about what he meant. Then she realised it was about the cold elven guards and healers who had come to accommodate her company throughout the day.

"And Fili...?"

"He too is very unwell. It is possible that he may have long standing ailments following the fall..."

She fell silent at his words again.

"I have heard your brother is unharmed. I am glad of that," Thranduil drained another goblet of wine before turning to her again. "But I think you should get some rest now..."

He gestured towards a large bed all laid out with soft blankets. It was too large for her, and then she realised he was offering her his own bed!

"I couldn't..."

"Do not fear. I am not offering that you share with me..." He smirked, before cupping her chin in his long fingers and tilting her face up to meet his. "I can help you drift off..."

She froze briefly under his strange gaze before quickly taking a step away.

"I...there...is no need...your highness," she looked out at the large cot that was made up for her on the opposite side of the room. "That should be fine for tonight -"

"I fear it will be longer than expected," Thranduil observed her still for any sort of reaction to indicate her true feelings. "Please take my bed. It is warmer, with softer blankets..."

Before she could reply, he had already coaxed her into his cot, and tucked her in gently.

He then paused, hovering awkwardly for a moment above her, and lightly ran his hand over her silky hair.

She froze, watching him back from where she lay beneath finding it difficult to read him.

His tenderness could have been almost as much paternal as it could have been so much more, and he could have just as easily have bent down to steal a kiss from her. It was the last thing she had expected of him and had taken her very much by surprise.

She hadn't particularly found the elves to be the calm, wise and thoughtful beings she had read of as a child. In fact she had found they were as cold and cruel as anyone else. And what's more, she had found their strange pale eyes rather unnerving. They were the furthest thing from her mothers pretty warm, brown eyes, dressed in khol or some powdered jewel dust. And she had always considered her mother's eyes as the most beautiful she had ever seen!

It wasn't that he was unpleasant or ugly, but rather that he looked very different to what she had ever considered to be masculine. Even the most handsome of noblemen in Rhun did not possess such long hair. And as for Thorin and the other dwarves, despite their longer hair and braids, they were broad and bearded, which made them unmistakeably male. These elves were a little different. Perhaps some in her land might have even considered them to look a little more effeminate! And yet she couldn't deny that Thranduil was most certainly a king, and a male at that...!

It appeared that Thranduil too had found himself briefly distracted by thoughts of her. But he also seemed to have gleaned what might have been running through her mind!

And so, smirking at her as she lay there looking so small in his royal cot, he stood in one fluid movement and disappeared away.

She quickly closed her eyes, feeling her cheeks heat up, pulling the blankets tighter around her, hoping that this would have been enough to spare her embarrassment. But she had then spent at least an hour unable to sleep afterwards, thinking of all the poor souls she had come across on the battlefield.

To make matters worse, she could smell Thranduil all around her in the soft bedding. And he was not wrong in how soft the blankets were against her skin!

Eventually she had drifted off out of sheer fatigue, into a dreamless sleep.

.........

Thorin lay in a deep sleep, and Fili lay in another bed nearby. Both looked ghostly pale. And something about them worried her. Perhaps it was the stillness in how they lay. Or perhaps it was her own fears for having seen so many dead and dying so recently.

Slowly she reached her hand out and touched his forehead and then his cheek. But Thorin lay motionless, and if not for the warmth of his skin, she would have imagined he was dead.

"He was fortunate that, King Thranduil was able to stem the bleeding fast," Gandalf muttered puffing on his pipe as he sat on a stool nearby.

"So he will be alright then," she whispered, stroking her hand over his silver streaked, wavy hair. He had never let her touch him like this while he had been awake. And she had been too afraid to truly look at him - but now she could see just how handsome he was.

She had worried at some point last night that despite her attempt to prevent herself from conceiving using the garlic flower potion that Oin had given her, Thorin had been far more zealous with his numerous plunderings of her body. And it was more than likely that she was with child already. Until her next bleed, she would not know.

And although Thorin expected her to rule, she had now met the heir of the Iron Hills, who would undoubtedly attempt to take the throne from her - of that, she was sure.

And in her land, unwed mothers and widowed mothers had almost no place in society, unless it was those fortunate few who were able to secure a second husband for their wealth or their exceptional beauty.

In the end, she expected the dwarves would be no different - and she had little hope of another who would have her as a wife.

She wasn't even sure Thorin even liked her or found her particularly attractive beyond his own ambition to produce an heir!

"It is still hard to say, my dear, but we are trying our best," Gandalf replied gently pulling her out of her thoughts.  

"He almost allowed that creature to hurt him!" She choked out quietly. "I saw him! But why?"

Gandalf watched her thoughtfully for a moment.

"I suppose he imagined it was the only way he saw to kill Azog..." The wizard mused. "After all he survived a worse injury inflicted by Thorin long ago, when all assumed the orc dead..."

"And Fili...?"

"Is no different." Gandalf grumbled, puffing a few more rings of smoke into the air around him, before glancing at her again and feeling a pang of regret for his sharp words. "Of course, he is fortunate that you got to him on time. And if anything makes a difference it will be this -"

"There is no need to rub salt into my wounds and be patronising Gandalf." She wiped her eyes and stroked Thorins hair once more, before turning back sharply and leaving.

Outside the healers tent she stood, for a moment breathing deeply, trying desperately to eradicate the stench of the wounded and dead that lingered in her nostrils of the various smells that hung in the air. The battlefield had almost been cleared of the dead, but their blood was soaked into the soil.

"He was quite right. Your quick thinking helped his nephew."

A familiar voice made her look up, to find those storage pale eyes watching her intently.

It was Thranduil.

"The defiler would have certainly killed him, had you not distracted him," Thranduil smirked, taking a step closer. "And while they were not arrows, your aim was quite remarkable. Thorin too owes his life to that savage beast of yours...but of course that too should be attributed to you - after all, the creature would not distinguish friend from foe if not for your gentle training..."

"Rajah is a very intelligent creature - not unlike Daer. It was entirely his own bravery that led to his attack on Azog at such a critical moment and all credit must be given to him alone." She corrected the Elven king. "And one hardly needs to train anything or anyone, but to treat it with kindness and respect..."

"Your mind is truly quite remarkable. I hope your husband appreciates you for all that you are..." Thranduil watched her again, with those strange pale eyes. She couldn't help wringing her hands together feeling unsettled under his scrutinizing gaze.

When she remained silent, he took a step closer, standing a little behind her.

And then she suddenly realised that she still wore the necklace she had meant to return!

Suddenly reaching back, she struggled to undo the intricate clasp under pressured silence for a few moments, when a cold pair of hands landed lightly on her fingers, halting her.

"I thank you for taking such care of it..." He began. "But it suits you so well, perhaps you would like to keep it...?"

She froze, her fingers feeling their way around the delicate necklace.

Turning briefly, she looked at him, where he stood behind her. Was it possible that he was testing her or that it was some sort of trick?

He made her nervous.

"I neither deserve this, nor could I keep it in any good conscience..." She whispered once again returning her fingers to the clasp. Now her hands truly felt like jelly. Her heart pounding wildly as she attempted to undo it, with him standing there so close behind.

He took a step closer still, this time gently halting her fumbling hands again. But he carefully moved her hands away.

"Allow me please..."

She stifled a soft gasp, as he delicately ran his fingers over the back of the necklace, untwisting it first, and grazing her sensitive skin at the back of her neck.

"I have come to realise that my wife left me so much more than just these precious jewels..." He sighed, carefully unclasping the necklace and lifting it over her head. "My son looks like me, but his heart is his mother's...and I was foolish enough to be blind to the love he held in his heart for one I did not approve of. And now because of my own vanity, he travels north, to overcome his own heartache, having helped her avoid such a fate..."

"You are fortunate to be blessed with so many years. So you must let him know that you too love him. No matter what or how long it takes...and he will return back to you some day..." She replied quietly, feeling sorry for him for the first time. "So you would give your blessing for Tauriel and Kili..?"

"I have made her aware that the dwarf will die, whether in fifty or one hundred and fifty years from now. All that awaits her love is heartache too. But I cannot deny her wish, for she has shown willingness to give her life for him." Thranduil sighed. "Her father is one of the Avari. He briefly followed her mother and attempted to make a life with her in Greenwood many years ago, before giving up and returning to his own kind. But her mother could not follow him back, for she realised she was with child then, and sadly lost her life giving birth to Tauriel. I made her a promise that I would look after her babe, and raise her in my court. But I have yet again failed another, to whom I made a promise..."

He lifted the necklace over her head and gathered it in his hand, wondering why he ever wished to wage war for such a small item.

"I can see now that your long lives are more of a curse than a blessing. That makes you all believe that you have a choice in matters of life - but the truth is that you have none."

He moved around to take a better look at her.

"Perhaps you are indeed right..." He watched her again for a few moments before speaking. "Now, you will need your cape - your presence is needed for a more delicate matter..."

She looked up at him nervously wondering what he meant but he remained watching her silently with those strange pale eyes. Her people had warm brown eyes. They ranged from hazel and amber to the darkest, richest browns that easily looked black. And they all felt like home. Thorins azure eyes were like the sea of Rhun, deep, dangerous and cold (even on the warmest day). But she was used to them too now, for he would be rougher with her body if she did not obey him and stare into their cold depths when she lay with him. Even still they made her feel cold and bare.

Thranduils eyes looked inhuman altogether. It felt as though they bore through her skin and pierced her soul, even when she tried her best to guard herself against them.

"I have not been informed regarding the nature of the matter." Thranduil explained before she could ask. It was as though those inhuman eyes had read her thoughts. "Of course, your brother is awaiting you closer to his camp... And I am happy to accompany you throughout, if that is your wish?"

"Thank you. I think I would be grateful for that..." She hurried to fetch her cape and found the two guards who had accompanied her yesterday were now behind her, as Thranduil guided the way.

The battlefield was completely clear of corpses now, but still looked scarred from the battle as they made their way north towards the mountain itself from Thranduils camp.

Arvind had been waiting for them as they arrived and while their meeting had been a warm and happy moment for her, it has been far too breif.

"My dear baby sister, I am truly sorry that we cannot sit together and talk, as we should after such a terrible time," he had smiled, gently brushing her cheek, in the same way that she could recall him doing since the time that she was a little girl. "But I trust that you are well and know that the Elven King has indeed kept you safe."

Thranduil bowed his head towards Arvind in that moment, from where he stood just to her right.

"But now I must lead you on into my tent..." Arvind then paused as Thranduil moved closer to her for a moment.

"I did ask King Thranduil to accompany me..." She glanced at the elf for a moment, but for the first time since she first encountered him, he appeared to yield to her brother.

"I understand and shall wait outside for you, my lady..." Thranduil offered. He was clearly not happy about it, but appeared to begrudgingly accept that he was neither her formal guardian nor her husband, and so did not belong in what was likely a formal discussion.

It was the first time the normally proud elf had backed down, and it made her wonder what was behind this.

"I can ensure her safe return to your camp, King Thranduil." Arvind offered.

But the elf remained there, statuesque and firm.

"It is no inconvenience, my lady." Thranduil reassured her.

And so turning to Arvind she began to follow him through into his tent.

As they entered, several dwarves, whom she recognised as having been part of Thorins company moved out to stand by the entrance and bowed to her. She too was quick to reciprocate. And then the tent flap was shut behind them, while the dwarf with the funny hat, whom she recognised as Bofur moved around lighting a few more lamps.

She hesitated at first.

"Arvind, what on earth is this about?"

"Come through sister," he paused and offered his hand. "You trust that I would protect you at all times do you not?"

She nodded after a slight pause before taking his hand and moving through to a large table set out inside.

Slowly as more lamps illuminated the tent she realised that there were many of Thorins company seated around the table, as well as Bilbo and Gandalf!

"Not too many, or it will be noted that we are gathering." Arvind warned before squeezing her arm gently. "You will have to make do with a little darkness, for we cannot let the Iron Hills clan know of this gathering."

"What is this about?" She looked around very worried indeed.

"Lassie..." Balin began softly. "There is no need to fret, but we need to prepare for the possibility that Thorin may not survive..."

"No. I...saw him...he...will be fine..." She looked around the room. "Gandalf - tell them - Gandalf…?"

"And if he is we donnae worry and we say no more, eh?" Dwalin moved over to give her a pat on the back supportively. "No one need ever know about it..."

"Aye but if we do not, then we may find our mountain taken over by the Iron Hills Clan." Balin gently warned. "And neither you, nor your Thorins heir will be given a place in their court..."

"Dain has a weakness for eastern courtesans, but he never keeps the same one for long. And Thorin Stonehelm will see to it that ye have no place at all." Dwalin growled disapprovingly. "And donnae think he will be payin yer brother and his men either. But they played no part in reclaiming the mountain - "

"Alright brother, the lass gets it," Balin interrupted. "The point is, we must do this to safeguard Erebor..."

Balin placed a long parchment before her on the table.

"We all agree that you should be Queen, in his stead, should the worst happen..." Balin added gently as she read through the details. "And I heard what Thorin said to you - his wishes were clear -"

"But I know nothing about ruling -"

"You will not be alone sister. You will have all the company who are in support and myself and the Shah." Arvind moved closer. "But you have one of the best minds I know - and I believe you will have the capability without a doubt!"

"And you agree with Gandalf?" She asked the wizard who sat in the corne deep in thought. "But I thought you are doing your best to save him? So why should the worst happen?"

"The worst has already happened! They are all fools for not telling you what they see!" Gandalf muttered angrily. "Thorin IS no longer himself."

"When did Thorin sign this?!" She looked at the parchment and frowned again worried, especially after hearing Dain’s son not long ago. "Balin! You have forged this?! Would I not be found as committing treason?!"

"Lass! Come now! I am a lawmaker! I would never do such a thing!" Balin winked at her cheekily.  

"Aye - that would be me...." The well dressed dwarf, she recognised as Dori stood and bowed. "Besides, all in this room alone agree that this was signed on this night of your wedding, prior to Thorin setting off for the mountain...and you are carrying Thorins heir -"

She closed her eyes and held out her hand to stop him mid sentence, now fearing the consequences of her actions. This was no longer the time for secrets.

"In the spirit of honesty between us all - I have..." She looked around to spot Oin before continuing. "I have been taking a potion to stop myself from...well…having a baby -"

"Foolish girl! Why would you do that?" Gandalf snapped angrily. "You were meant to do no such thing!"

"Why Gandalf? Was it not enough to force me into this…this…oppressive marriage and being his bed slave -"

"It is of little consequence - Master Oin informs me that he gave you the garlic flower potion, which would work under normal circumstances where he visited you intermittently. But it seems he rather...enjoyed...your...erm...time together..." Balin explained, blushing, as she felt her own cheeks heating up upon the revelations of her most intimate moments. "And so, it is likely that the potion does not work on you when you are so thoroughly...erm...”

“Plundered…? Mined for the goods? Drilled to the core -“ Dwalin grinned as he offered up explanations only to be interrupted by an ever reddening Balin.

“Alright brother! I think the lass understands fine….”

"Of course, we must factor in that Thorin is nearly two hundred now...and has never even illegitimately conceived a child," Oin commented gruffly from where he sat, as though he were debating something terribly mundane, rather than the intimate lives and fertility of the King under the Mountain. "But then the little lass here is also very young, and a child of man, so it is entirely possible that she more than makes up for what he lacks. A most clever choice Gandalf."

"So you mean...the Princess... may be with child as we speak now..?" Bilbo questioned nervously. His own worry stemming from having put her in danger by helping her open discussions with the Elven King, whose motives in aiding her he deeply distrusted. "That is...perfect..."

"It matters not either way. You are the best choice for the throne here, until... Thorin has regained his mind." Gandalf urged her. "Dain will leave, once you show proof that Thorin has left this in place. And you have your brother and his army - you will find none braver, or more loyal to protect you….”

"You could offer a generous fee to help Dain with his wounded...he will like that..." Gloin added, stroking his beard thoughtfully. “Besides he has a weakness for lasses like you…”

"And it appears that you have managed to charm both Thranduil and many of his elven warriors. So you will have their support too, should another threat march upon the mountain." Gandalf agreed. "But I suspect your strength may be in using your words and your mind to vanquish any foe rather than through warcraft..."

She sighed looking carefully at the decree on the parchment. If Thorin died, she didn't want further imprisonment in this horrid mountain - she finally wanted her freedom! And this certainly felt like she was about to sign away her freedom.

"You once asked me, why I had reasons to protect Erebor. Those reasons, while I have not revealed in their entirety, remain unchanged." Gandalf spoke, as he stood up. "And you, my dear, are most certainly part of that..."

She frowned again at the parchment laid out in front of her and with a sigh, carefully reached for the quill.

...........

Chapter 14: Her…

 

His chest ached. 

 

It was a sharp pain that gnawed at him with every breath, even in his strange state of drowsiness.

 

The Grey One had been there - applying herbs and casting his enchantments. Why

 

And the elves - constantly poking and prodding at him! This was not something he particularly cared for. 

 

In fact death seemed better right now.

 

But amidst all the pain, blur and chaos - SHE had been by his side! 

 

He could smell her - that fragranced oil she used on her skin. Sandalwood. 

 

And she had TOUCHED him! 

 

He had never let her touch him like that before. 

 

It had been gentle - perhaps even lovingly so - despite how roughly he had possessed her. Repeatedly.

 

Had he been fully of his senses, he most certainly would have found himself aroused. 

 

They had won. Erebor was now theirs. 

 

She belonged to him too! 

 

If only he could awake from these enchantments placed upon him by the wizard and the elf...

 

......

 

"We came to Thorins aid, lassie! And we will stay until he is well!" Dain puffed at her, from where he sat across the large table.

 

"It's not meant in offence, cousin," Balin offered gently, shooting Dwalin a look. They had all sat either side of Shobha, who had largely remained silent for most of the time and allowed the dwarves to do the talking. 

 

Dain, Thorin Stonehelm and another two of his senior noblemen from the Iron Hills had all sat opposite them in the large room in Erebor. 

 

The table they sat around was a large oblong made of the same marble found in the Throne room. It was spectacular and also very intimidating with clear intent. She imagined there were many visiting dignitaries and ambassadors who had been entertained in this very room over the many centuries by the Kings of old.

 

"It sounds very much like we are being told to 'sling your hook', to me, father..." Thorin mused openly, staring at her. "I do not think Cousin Thorin would do this, had he been here..."

 

"And are we to assume that YOU are to take the throne then?" Another nobleman piped up sarcastically. "She is not even a dwarf!"

 

"Aye! I say we stay - and we challenge this claim!" The second dwarf-lord sitting beside Stonehelm added with an arrogant smirk. 

 

"Now, you know as well as we all do, that this is Thorins wish, and it is legal. What you would be doing is going against the King, and his laws!" Balin spoke up a little more sternly.

 

"Our Lord Stonehelm, has more right to that throne -"

 

"Enough!" Shobha finally interrupted, raising her voice slightly, but still trying to keep her tone as low as possible. "I am sorry for the way in which, my husband and King summoned you all, but I need to focus on helping him recover. Had he been well enough to sit here, then Dain would have this conversation alone with him now. And I cannot imagine any of you challenging our King."

 

The Iron Hills dwarves appeared to be stunned into silence by her entry to the conversation. 

 

"There would be no reclaimed Erebor, if not for my brother, Prince Arvind and his army, who vanquished the drake - a task which you refused, need I remind you," she steadied her nerves, forcing herself to speak her words a little slower, despite her beating heart. "My husband is recovering from his wounds thanks to Gandalf, but has left me clear instructions and support from his company in the meantime as we will be expecting dwarves from Ered Luin to arrive soon. Therefore, I need to focus on oversight of the repairs and preparations, as well as the recovery of my husband and Prince Fili..."

 

She stared back at the dwarves, hoping that they fell for her pretence. 

 

And while Thorin Stonehelm opened his mouth wishing to say something, he simply closed it again in silence. 

 

"I would like to offer you assistance, and compensation toward the dwarves who are injured, or to the families of those brave warriors that lost their lives..." She placed her hand on her chest out of respect. "And I would like to invite you to visit us in the spring, at a time that I might be able to host a proper banquet, and welcome you all in honour of all our dead warriors, and in celebration of this hard won victory."

 

Dain, who had been quietly listening to her with avid interest, slowly smiled, his fiery beard and moustache twitching up to one side. 

 

"Och well, lassie, I can now see why Thorin picked ya out...little ember, aren't ya...looking cold on the outside, but as hot as flame underneath," he chuckled, making his whole abdomen shake with the sound of deep rumble. "And I suppose ye have a plan if I said we were to stay and challenge ye for the throne...?"

 

"Well, there is hardly any need. The throne still belongs to Thorin. I am merely executing his instructions as his Queen Consort," she met Dains openly lascivious gaze with a slight smile. "But if you still insist on challenging me, then I have the allegiance of my brother's army, and the Elven King of Greenwood, who will be ready to meet you in battle once more. But this time, my people have several machines they used to catch the drake which will easily disable much of your army before you even make your way to meet them..."

 

She stood away from the table this time, to indicate the end of any discussion, watching the faces of the Iron Hills dwarves turn a little pale at her words. These were easier to speak of, since she was not lying. 

 

"I am merely trying to avoid any bloodshed, and unnecessary distress..." She added. "Afterall, it will be an offer that I will make to all your warriors who would be expected to fight once more. I will not only offer then sanctuary if they choose to abandon you, but also meaningful employment under the Mountain, and a permanent home here..." 

 

Dain growled something clearly offensive in their dwarven tongue under his breath in response. 

 

"Well boys, I think we know when we are no longer needed lads..." Dain stood up, only to be followed immediately by the rest of his clan. 

 

Dwalin and Gloin already stood by the door, as Balin and her own brother stood next to her in a show of solidarity. 

 

It appeared that most of the Iron Hills dwarves got the hint, making their way out of the room. But Dain was slower, moving over to the door mirroring her movements. 

 

"Well, little lassie, I think I rather like you..." Dain chuckled holding on to his belt, looking like a large barrel that had sprouted limbs and a head! "I bet yer husband doesn't miss a night in ya bed. But then this lot have probably told ya I have a thing for dusky lasses from the east eh?" 

 

He laughed this time, watching her flush as his words. 

 

"Of course, I prefer it when they suck my cock, rather than tell me what to do. But I imagine Thorin will give you a good spanking if ye did that to him eh?" He winked this time. "Well, it appears you've saved some bloodshed this time. But I hope that you do not require any assistance from my army again, for ye shall not receive it .."

 

He bowed his head, watching her reciprocate and took another few slow steps to the door. 

 

"Perhaps, but the truth is, that should we fall to such a foe as we faced this time, I have no doubts that the Iron Hills will soon follow," she bowed her head once more as he finally reached the door beside her. "I think in the end, you will do what is in your clans best interests."

 

Dain seemed to pause for a few moments there in front of her, staring 

unabashedly. To her it felt like an eternity of returning his gaze, in order not to appear submissive. 

 

And then finally he left.

 

........

 

"Get your filthy hands away from me!" Thorin snarled at the elven healers. His chest ached. In fact, his whole body hurt and he felt weak. Too weak to run. But he would be damned if he let them near him now. "Where am I?!" 

 

He attempted to get out of bed but nearly fell flat on his face. 

 

"My Lord, please do not strain yourself, you will burst your stitches," one of the healers held his hands out, although he remained several paces back. "You are still only just recovering from your wounds..."

 

"Where is Gandalf? Where is my wife?!" He roared toppling a nearby side table that held a tray with various ointments and bandages. "Where are my sisters-sons?!" 

 

Still unable to fully stand, from pain and dizziness, he lunged at several elves who simply stepped back out of fear, when Thranduil appeared. 

 

"You?! I should have known?!" He spat, clutching at the bandaging on his chest. "I am not your prisoner - my army and Kin will wage war upon your precious forest if you should keep me -"

 

But Thranduil also merely stepped away, to reveal HER! 

 

She hurried towards him and to his surprise did not fear, nor flinch on her approach. Like a graceful creature, that could only be something from a dream, she leant down to grab his arm and help him up. 

 

"Please for all our sake, listen to me. You are in no danger," she spoke soothingly. The sound of her voice, drawing him from his delirium. "Settle back down, you still need your rest..."

 

He did not fight her touch, as she helped him with great difficulty back onto the bed. The elves hurried to tidy the fallen items and glass around them, as he looked down to notice her feet were bare. 

 

"Thorin...you were hurt when you fought Azog..." She trailer off slowly, coaxing him to lay back in bed as she hurried to look at his wounds. "They were only going to change your bandages..."

 

He watched her avidly as she began to undo the layers of cloth on his chest, delicately with her small hands, supple fingers working away. 

 

"You have cut through one of your sticthes..."

 

He saw her wince at her own words, as she gently assessed him before applying an ointment handed to her and carefully bandaging him up again. 

 

It was night, and the many lamps the elves used cast soft light and shadows on her pretty face. Her eyes looked brighter against her skin in the dim light, almost twinkling. And slowly as she settled him down, he found she simply rested her hands on his bare chest. 

 

Her cool palms against his burning skin, were like the cool breeze at the end of a scorching summer's day. 

 

"You are here..." He groaned as the ache burned in his torso again. 

 

"Yes, my Lord, where else would I be..." She sighed, stroking his face gently. "You have a fever..." 

 

She glanced to a side, clearly at one of the elves, all who appeared to scurry about at her word. 

 

"You still need to rest..."

 

He watched her for a while again. It was indeed the middle of the night, but she was dressed, even if she looked tired, as though she had been asleep. He wondered where she had been. They were clearly not in Erebor. 

 

"How are you here...it is not safe -"

 

"I am safe. You defeated Azog. The orcs are gone. Erebor is yours, once you are better..." She frowned, feeling his head again.

 

"And are you...?" He looked up at her, reaching out to play with a lock of hair that had fallen over her shoulder. "Still mine...?"

 

She appeared to be taken aback by his words, shyly meeting his eyes for the first time. Her big doe eyes seemed to light up and she gently stroked his beard. 

 

"I belong to no one else, my lord..." Her words were almost a whisper and she leant down, seemingly to give him a kiss, when Gandalf appeared.

 

"How did he break out of the enchantment?" The wizard frowned in the dark. "Give her that vial there -"

 

And suddenly he found a small vial placed to his lips, her hands slowly raising it so he would drink.

 

Gandalf stood over holding his hands above the dwarf and muttering something quietly. 

 

"No. I do not need sleep..." Thorin struggled.

 

"Hush now...I shall be here for when you wake..." She whispered soothingly again, her hands delicately running over his chest. 

 

He tried with all his remaining strength to stay awake, but his eyes felt heavy, and his breathing deepened. 

 

"Promise me..." He whispered back, clutching her hand and pulling it to his chest, so that he might pull her into his arms.

 

"I promise..." She replied steadying herself and stroking his beard softly again. "Now rest..."

 

Holding her hand to his chest, his breathing grew heavier, and he watched her image fade into his dreams once more...

 

.........

 

He slowly opened his eyes to spot a familiar ceiling above. 

 

He lay in his room, on his large, grand bed. The ache in his chest had dulled, and as the morning light crept in through the drapes, he found he was a little clearer. 

 

Breathing, was all he could do for a few moments. 

 

Then he turned to find her laying there beside him. Still dressed, with her long dark, silky hair, flowing around her like rivulets of the purest jet and a small hand reaching out to touch him even in her sleep.

 

He wondered if she ever could truly care for a monster like him, or whether it was simply her nature to care for all manner of beasts. 

 

Slowly he turned towards her, careful to keep his movements slow so that it didn't cause pain for him or wake her. 

 

And then facing her, he lay there watching her sleep. She was relaxed. Her beautiful features completely at ease and her luscious lips ever so slightly parted as she breathed in and out, gently. He often had bad thoughts when he looked at those lips. Ferral thoughts, which he pushed back down.

 

Carefully he reached out to gently remove a lock of hair that had fallen on her face.

 

And then she sighed.

 

"Thorin..." 

 

It was barely a whisper. But he recognised his name on her lips.

 

"Thorin..." She sighed again. "Please..."

 

He was not sure yet, but he seemed to rather like the sound. 

 

Thorin gently shifted closer. 

 

"What is it, my wife...?" He whispered back. 

 

But she simply sighed again in her sleep. 

 

She sounded sorrowful.

 

He watched her for a few moments again. It had reminded him of the very first night he had spent with her. He had enjoyed watching her sleep even then. 

 

And then her eyes slowly fluttered open.

 

At first it appeared that she wasn't fully awake. She held his gaze, with her big, brown eyes and smiled drowsily. 

 

"You're...awake..." 

 

And then her face seemed to register that he was truly awake. 

 

She sat up. But he pulled on her arm again so that she had no choice but to lean down towards him.

 

"I should go and get Gandalf..." She hesitated nervously, under his stern gaze. Even injured it was hard to deny he was every bit a King. 

 

"So you stayed, my wife..." Thorin spoke quietly. 

 

"I could not leave you so..." she whispered back.

 

"No, my pretty wife..." He slowly caught some of her hair in his hand and wrapped it around his finger. "You would not leave until you had given away my Arkenstone...or the wedding jewels I had presented to you...is that not right...?"

 

He proceeded to wrap her hair tighter around his whole hand, reeling her in closer. 

 

Finally she lay twisted, her face close to his, as he studied her pretty features, now distorted in pain, and breathing fast.

 

She was like a doe, subdued. 

 

Had he been well enough, he would have surely wished to have her now. To tear her clothes off, and plunder her body, until he was entirely spent.

 

"No...my pretty wife...you have no where to go, have you..." Thorin grunted, feeling the tenderness in his chest wound. "Not now, with your father requesting some of his men returned to defend their city from new marauders..." 

 

She gasped at his words, and then finally understood why Arvind had entrusted her safety to the elves. 

 

Thorin coughed, a partial smirk appearing on his face. 

 

"Your dear, protective brother, has not informed you, has he?" 

 

"Please...my lord..." She finally found the words, through tearful eyes. "You are hurting me..." 

 

Her words seemed to move him, as he let her go slowly.

 

"You could have let me die..." He grunted. "For that I owe you..."

 

She seemed to almost completely throw herself as far from him as she could, the moment he let her go. But he caught her hand again, stopping her from escaping entirely.

 

"You are still my wife - and mother to my future heir." He clarified, biting back his own pain from his sudden and strenuous movements. "You will always, only ever truly, be safe by my side..."

 

Her heart beat fast, and tears slowly streamed down her face. She felt utterly stupid for having believed that he had perhaps changed. 

 

"Tell me...are you with child...? Have you bled yet?" His tone was low and menacing. "Tell me the truth..."

 

"No...my lord..." She hesitated, imaging she would be treated cruelly for it, but decided to tell the truth in case he interrogated her further. "But it is not yet my time..."

 

"Good girl..." He slowly let her wrist go, and instead trailed his hand over her abdomen. "And have you let any other touch you...?" 

 

"No! My Lord!" She again attempted to move away. But he had already moved over to partially sit on her dress, so as to prevent her from pulling away.

 

"I shall need to fill you with my seed again soon..." 

 

"You need to get better first, my lord..." She attempted to stop his wandering hands. "You had a fever just a day ago. And you tore through several stitches... But we need our King..."

 

She could be genuine in her last statement. She had been making decisions in Thorins place for the last few days. And even with the help of Balin, Dwalin, Bilbo, Gloin and Gandalf, she still felt out of her depth. Thorin on the other hand was born to do this!

 

He thought again for a moment. 

 

"Very well then. If I do all as I am told, when I am fully well...you shall submit yourself to me...?" He smirked at the flush that appeared on her cheeks. "To allow me to do as I please with you...?"

 

Her breathing was quickening, which made him very happy indeed. He didn't care whether it was fear or arousal - he would be happy with either. 

 

"I agree, my lord - but you must be completely healed..."

 

Happy with what he perceived as a minor victory he let her go. 

 

But neither could speak of the matter further, as Gandalf walked in, followed by Balin and Dwalin. 

 

"Thorin! It is good to see you awake..." The wizard spoke, stooping through the door. "Now, we must tend to those dressings..."

 

........

 

She carefully slipped into their bedroom, hoping her tardiness would not be noticed. 

 

Thorin had requested that she personally changed his dressings, since Gandalf had accompanied Thranduil to obtain some rare medicinal herbs for him.

 

But ever since their last encounter when he first awoke, she had not spent any time alone with him other than to share their large bed. Even then she would wake up early to set about her tasks. 

 

And any time they were together, they were also in the presence of others. Balin and Gloin often had lots of official business to deal with as they prepared Erebor for the winter months and the new comers from the Blue Mountains. 

 

She had gladly stepped back from her role in place of Thorin, with her tasks being to survey the food stores, and over see cleaning tasks. Often with a lack of women to help from Dale, she would often step in to do some cleaning herself. 

 

The last week had seen much change - she had taken over helping to care for Fili, who worrying still had not regained consciousness. Gandalf had reassured her that he would in time. But it was of little comfort for Kili or herself. 

 

And Arvind had returned back to Rhun, following the Maharaj's request, with some of his men - just as Thorin had said.

 

It had meant that she had felt very much alone. 

 

So having surveyed yet another set of grain stores, followed by checking in on Fili to change his dressings, she was late returning to Thorin. 

 

Bombur had already taken him some food, while the others all sat around the room. Dwalin tended the fire, while Gloin, Balin and Bofur sat around several tables pouring over a variety of parchments.

 

"So there are several apartments readied now, Thorin," Balin confirmed. "And some stalls cleared in the lower halls... But we are not ready for those wishing to set up more yet. The tailor and seamstress stalls have not yet been assessed. And it will be an important part of returning to Erebor -"

 

"How good of you to join us, my wife," Thorin announced her arrival after finishing his last spoonful of stew. He was angry with her, but would not openly show it. In truth the anger he felt was due to her regular absences. He wondered where she had been, and why she was so late. But would not dare ask her for appearing like a jealous husband. "You may change my dressings now, once we have concluded our meeting.."

 

"Well, it's no trouble for us, let the lass change your dressings, Thorin. Perhaps we might be able to help...?" Balin offered quietly. 

 

"There is no need. She can wait until we are done." Thorin dismissed right away. "Perhaps my queen can also inform us about the inspections she was meant to make?"

 

She moved over to pick up a basket that sat on top of a large dresser and moved over to where Thorin was seated up in bed. 

 

"I have now inspected all ten of the large stores this week. Only five were filled with grain. One with wheat, which has sadly been infested with mould, and the rest eaten by vermin. Two stores filled with barely, and another with some mixed grains by some miracle. And the final store was in fact a dry larder with some cured sausages, venison, bread and a few other dried foods. I have taken Bombur to inspect all this, and it appears that the food is all perfectly edible. However, it may be a task to transport some of that grain up to the kitchens, since the pulley carrier normally used is not in working order at the moment." She concluded. "But Bifur has kindly offered to look at it - and maybe he might be able to mend it before more dwarves settle in the mountain."

 

Dwalin grinned at her proudly, from where he stood at the fireplace.

 

"In the meantime, lassie, we'd all be glad to help carry up a few sackfulls at a time," Gloin gave her a nod of support.

 

"Well, actually...I was hoping that, since we have an abundance, that we could offer hot meals for the women who help to clear up and prepare the apartments, and other parts of the Mountain - as well as the soldiers left behind." She asked glancing hopefully at Thorin, before looking to Balin. "It would really encourage more to help out, and the remaining soldiers are a little short on supplies, since the men travelling back took more..."

 

Thorin stared at her angrily, and so she carried on preparing the dressings needed. He had been hoping that she would have been unprepared, or that she had not completed her inspections, so he had a reason to be angry at her. 

 

Of course he had entirely underestimated her intelligence and her efficiency. In fact Dwalin had  warned him that she was nothing like the dams he usually enjoyed for that very reason. He had also been regaled of her successful exchange with Dain and his lords of the Iron Hills, by Dwalin! But he had not expected her to know enough regarding grain inspection to have completed the task he had set, let alone to have an opinion on whom to provide additional meals for!

 

She was proving to be much more his equal than he cared to admit. 

 

"And if we use up all our grain and food, then what will we do if the winter proves longer and harsher than we expect?" Thorin snapped.

 

"You have ample gold to buy new stocks in spring," she offered. "Besides, this food has miraculously lasted so long, I think it is best to use it up sooner rather than have to throw it away for it turning..."

 

Thorin huffed something under his breath.

 

"Well...?" Thorin snapped grumpily at the other three dwarves. "I imagine you all have an opinion on my consorts suggestions...?"

 

"I think it's a brilliant idea!" Dwalin was the first to reply. Once again he was grinning, but quickly turned back to the fire to hide his expression, when Thorin shot him a stern look. 

 

"We certainly have enough gold to buy ample supplies in spring..."Gloin added quietly. 

 

"And if the winter is so severe, then it is unlikely that we will receive many more dwarves from the Blue Mountains..." Balin added. "So it is unlikely we will run out of stocks in any  case."

 

"Very well then." Thorin agreed begrudgingly. "Have Bombur report to me so that I can find out what he requires for all this. If we are feeding many more mouths - I imagine we will require many more helpers in the kitchens..."

 

"On that matter, my Lord, I wished to ask, whether we could offer some of the soldiers quarters to my brothers men who have stayed behind to guard the mountain. If they are better rested, have better training halls and better food, they will make for better guards," she asked. "They have been camping in the cold for a long time. Some are recovering from their wounds after fighting for you, many are starting to miss home or have not had a decent meal - and now the days are growing colder, they will struggle more. We are not used to the cooler climes of the north."

 

Thorin sighed irritated at her requests. 

 

"And they would be of help in restoration, clearing and even on the kitchens." She quickly added, glancing up at him. His cold eyes met her unabashedly, and they made her feel naked. But what she asked was not an unfair request. 

 

"They have all fought for you valiantly Thorin. And I could oversee their training and guidance while Prince Arvind is away," Dwalin suggested.

 

"Aye. Very well." Thorin grumbled. "And are there enough rooms for them?"

 

"Most certainly," Balin agreed. "Our army was once the greatest of the northern kingdoms. And what's more they can help clear their own rooms."

 

Thorin fell silent as he watched her continuing to lay out all that she needed to change his dressings.

 

"I think there is nothing else we need to discuss today, Thorin." Balin looked at her. "So let us allow the lass to change your dressings..."

 

Thorin who had already been watching her intently, moved to the edge of the bed to allow her easier access to change his dressings. 

 

Her heart began to pound in her chest. 

 

It often did when she was near him.

 

There was something frighteningly wild about him. It was both terrifying and alluring at the same time.

 

With exception to his the bandage that covered part of his chest, he was bare-bodied, wearing only soft pants. And she resisted wondering whether he wore any underpants beneath these, out of fear that her face might betray her thoughts!

 

His chest was wide, muscular, and covered in tattoos and scars. She had always wondered what each of the inkings indicated. But was too afraid to ask.

 

"Do you wish for a hand, my lady...?" Gloin offered quietly, only to fall silent, at Thorins angry look. 

 

"Nonsense. She has done this many times." Thorin was quick to reply. "I imagine you have plenty to get on with Master Gloin, and if not - Bombur can do with an extra hand I imagine, since my wife is generous enough to feed all and sundry." 

 

She stood there looking at his dressings again. And although she had now done this alone enough, and with Gandalf, yet more, it felt as though all knowledge of anything had left her head, when she stood there so close. 

 

He too watched her avidly, wondering why she hesitated and what particular thoughts were occupying her so. 

 

A sudden tapping on the window, made her jump. 

 

And she was quick to investigate, as well as grateful for the interruption! 

 

Moving quickly across the grand room, she carefully opened the latch, and to the surprise of all, in hopped a particularly large Raven.

 

"You have had a long journey, master Raven..." She offered out her arm and the giant bird, quite happily hopped on with care. 

 

The bird, a shade of midnight black, cocked its head down, almost as if giving her a bow, and cawed at her a few times. 

 

"Good news from the King's sister? Well now, it is kind of you to deliver this to us urgently..." She gently stroked its head. A gesture the bird was more than happy to receive.

 

The bird looked up and cawed again a few times at her. 

 

"My goodness - the Princess has set off for Erebor already!" She smiled at the bird as it offered up its leg to her. "I think your hard work must be rewarded...I shall pop up and refresh your seed and water." 

 

The bird cawed at her again, holding out its leg as she removed the small notelet tied on. Balin was quick to collect the tiny parchment, inspecting it under his eye-glasses. 

 

"Aye...Dis has left Ered Luin..." Balin offered the note to Thorin, looking rather surprised at her. "How did you know that lassie..?"

 

She suddenly looked around the group of dwarves that stared back at her intrigued...

 

"You mean, that you cannot understand the Ravens...?" She looked from one face to another. 

 

"No lassie...Thorin can, but he is a direct descendant of the King. I very much doubt that even Fili or Kili might understand," Balin explained. 

 

"So you understand…?" She looked over at her husband.

 

"Leave us." Thorin commanded the others, who were quick to obey. And just as he had commanded the dwarves, so too the Raven seemed to follow. It hopped off her forearm and took off quite gracefully through the window! 

 

She frowned, watching the large bird escape.

 

"Only the direct blood line of Durin can understand the Ravens of Erebor," Thorin lifted his arms, inviting her to change his bandages. "Although it appears this also includes you…it makes sense since you have a…predilection to all manner of beasts.. "

 

She complied, approaching him cautiously, and starting to cut away the dressings on his chest already.

 

"I suppose this explains how your beast is so fond of you..." He watched her face, while she worked silently and efficiently. "And you have been going up to the keep....?" 

 

She continued in silence for a few minutes longer, before she answered him. 

 

"I found my way there last week..." She replied quietly realising he would find out the truth one way or another. "More are arriving to nest for the winter, so it may be nice to find them some old rags or hay to keep warm. And perhaps to clear up in spring."

 

He groaned as she reapplied the ointment Gandalf had left for his healing wound. 

 

"And you have been feeding them our grain...?" He hissed again as she pressed some fresh gauze to the healing wounds, only to have him catch her wrist roughly for a moment. "You are enjoying this a little too much, I suspect, my wife." 

 

"Could I be blamed, for the way in which you treat me, husband?" She looked into his piercing eyes at that point. 

 

Had she been a dam, she would have been forced to look up, but instead she was a tall Easterling woman, and so HE was the one looking up. The people of Rhun were always a mixed bag, many of the women were smaller, while their men could range from being not much taller than dwarrow to being almost as tall as the elves! 

 

"Why can you not simply give me what I want?" He growled.

 

"Because I am not sure what it is you want of me..."

 

He pulled her a little closer so that he could stare into her big brown eyes. There was a specific delight that came out of knowing that those big, beautiful eyes, just like the rest of her, belonged to him!

 

"It is simple. I want an obedient wife, who will do as she is told, please me in bed, and bear me a child." He summarised arrogantly, as though it were a simple request, and she was the stupid one!

 

"And for that you could have chosen my sister, but instead, you chose me..." She replied back irritated. "Despite the warnings from everyone..."

 

"Perhaps I might be enjoying the challenge of taming you -" Thorin hissed, as she placed the new dressings on him and began to finish her bandaging. "Easy now woman!" 

 

"I shall go easy, when you choose not to take risks on the battle field." She huffed, tying the dressings at the end. 

 

But before she could step away, he grabbed her wrist once more, pulling her closer. 

 

"What do you mean by that?" He frowned at her, truly surprised. 

 

She hesitated, glancing up at him. And when she realised that he truly appeared not to know what she referred to, she decided to explain herself. 

 

"Why did you let that orc stab you?" She was unable to keep her voice from sounding angry. "I saw you - he said something and you were holding him back - blocking him with your sword. And then you moved it out of the way...?"

 

He watched her face closely, as her eyes slowly fell to his chest. She was clearly still visualising Azog pierce his chest, and she appeared traumatised by it. 

 

It made him wonder whether she could possibly care for him. 

 

"It was the only way I could kill him." His reply was cold. Even a little harsh, if not dismissive. 

 

She looked back down at her hands, resigned to what she believed was his callous attitude towards her. 

 

"The filth looked at you, and told me that once he was done with me, that he would claim you as his spoil..." Thorin finally revealed. His voice was quieter and less self assured than usual. "And ghay he would force himself upon you, until any unborn children of mine that you carried were destroyed, and until the day you happily succumbed to the scum..."

 

He had not wished to tell her the truth, but strangely enough, he did not like the expression on her face, which she had tried to hide. 

 

She covered her mouth with one hand to stifle her involuntary gasp and looked up at him.

 

His usually stern face, and icy cold eyes, bore concern and something softer which she did not recognise on him.

 

"So you see, I knew then that the filth would somehow keep returning - unless I killed him once and for all," he explained on. "And in that very moment I realised that the only way he would drop his guard was to allow him to believe that he had succeeded in killing me..."

 

Tears streamed down her pretty face, her eyes downcast as she desperately attempted to wipe away the big droplets. He wondered again who those tears were for.

 

"What if you had died?" She asked again quietly. She was truly not certain why such a hardened soul, whom she had come to despise, had moved her so much to tears. But she saw a moment of complete self sacrifice and it moved her to the core.

 

"Then I could leave this world knowing that I had done the best by you and my people..." He replied quietly.

 

She had hated him all this time, but at that moment, seeing him so vulnerable, with his wounds bandaged, and the arrogance gone from his usual tone, she couldn't control herself. 

 

Slowly she lifted her hands up towards his face, softly stroking his beard, and gazing into his eyes.

 

He enjoyed her like this, but he had only ever noticed her disdain for him, and her gesture took him by surprise. 

 

He shut his eyes briefly, enjoying her gentle strokes over his face and beard.

 

And despite his open enjoyment, she didn't stop. 

 

It was more than gentle. He wanted to imagine the manner in which she stroked his face was almost loving! 

 

And then, to his surprise, she slowly leant down and pressed her soft, full, delicious lips to his...

 

...............

 

 

 

Chapter 15: Her Monster

 

He frowned at Kili who barely made eye contact with him.

 

"I do not care what in Mahals name you do with that elf. My wife has foolishly convinced me that you somehow need time because of Fili. But you need to step up for everyone tomorrow." Thorin growled at him angrily. "Your mother will be here in two days by noon. And you are to be waiting for her with me by the great gates."

 

Kili was already glancing towards the door of his study, ready to run off again, he imagined. 

 

"What in Mahals name is wrong with you?" Thorin spat again. "You cannot be balls deep in that strumpet, such that you have forgotten your duties to us altogether...? You are a son of Durin!!"

 

"Yes Uncle." His reply was bathed in apathy, and the young Durin all but sighed. 

 

"Do not take that tone with me." Thorins growl was low and menacing. It was a warning. 

 

Kili simply turned and began to make his way to the door. 

 

"Kili!" Thorin called out, but the young dwarf had already left, and he was still not sufficiently agile enough to follow and catch up to his nephew as he once could. His injured foot still ached, and he knee often hurt too. It meant he used a cane to help him mobilise. "Kili!" 

 

He cursed under his breath, and then as his anger bubbled over, his thoughts instantly focussed on her. 

 

It was an inevitable urge. To feel her hands on him. A feral need to plunder her body and take what he wanted. 

 

It had taken him some time to recover after the battle, but then she had begun to make herself more scarce. 

 

She was often too busy during the day, falling asleep early sometimes, on their chaise even. To add insult to injury, he was no longer able to carry her to bed with his injuries. And she had always risen with the sun. 

 

It had all meant that he hadn't had her for sometime. And it had left a strange hunger in him that niggled away with each passing day.  

 

Of course there had been times when he had not lain with a female for many weeks. But he had not felt himself so starved before. Not like this. 

 

Once again his renewed anger and frustration focussed on her!

 

Had he never experienced her tempting little body, then he would not have found himself craving her so. Of course Gandalf and Dwalin was also partially to blame. But punishing her for it was so much more delicious. 

 

He knew that she hated it when he treated her so roughly. But it helped him clear his mind.

 

And he wanted her right now. 

 

He needed her right now. 

 

Straightening himself up, and testing his bad leg a bit, he began to walk out of his study.  

 

He didn't like his cane, even if Bifur had carved it very ornately indeed. 

 

It was fit for a great King: An old King. 

 

She, on the other hand, was not made for an old King. No. Rather, she was fit for a young, virile King. 

 

It would not matter. She belonged to him and was clever enough to know that she could not escape. 

 

The thought of claiming her again made him straighten up a little more as he carried on down the corridor. 

 

.....

 

She carefully combed Fili's golden hair. It was soft and wavy. Perhaps not as soft as Thorins, but just as wavy.

 

Finally, she carefully braided his hair as it was before and placed the beads on the end. 

 

It had been three weeks since the battle, and he still had not woken up. His wounds had healed well. But he remained unconscious. 

 

Each day she returned to help Dori and Ori attend to him. His wounds were healed, only the scabs had not fallen. So each day after they had helped to wash and dress him, she would clean and apply an ointment to the scabs. 

 

Twice a week though, she would wash, dry, comb and braid his hair.

 

Gandalf had visited the Prince on several occasions, renewing his healing enchantments and supplying her with ointments. But he hadn't returned for a week now. 

 

The door burst open, as she began to braid his beard, it made her drop the silver bead she held in her hand. 

 

Muttering a curse in her own tongue, she fell to her knees searching for the bead, when a pair of boots came to stand in front of her. 

 

"I do not need you defending my actions, Princess!" 

 

Bumping her head on the end of the bed where she had reached for the small precious item, she stood up to come face to face with the younger Durin brother. 

 

"What are you doing?!" Kili glowered at her. And then impatient at her silence, he snapped again. "Did you hear me?" 

 

"My Prince..."

 

"He doesn't care if his hair is messy-"

 

"Every day we bathe and dress him," she spoke quietly. She had never seen Kili angry before, and had frankly considered him softer in nature. "And I wash his hair a couple of times each week..." 

 

"Why...?" He glanced at her surprised. It should have been his task to do. He was Fili's brother. And now he felt guilty. Guilty over not doing what he should have and guilty for being angry at her. 

 

"Because someone has to," she looked at the bead in her hand. "The others won't do it, because they believe it wrong to touch his hair, when they are not his flesh and blood."

 

"Nor are you..." Kili stared at her, a mixture of anger and resentment. "And you can get in trouble if my Uncle sees you..."

 

"That is why the others do not stay while I do it," she held out the small carved bead in her hand. "But I cannot watch him decay slowly..."

 

Kili blinked away a few tears reaching out to collect the shining bead from her palm and place it back on Fili's braid which she had completed.

 

"I did not need you to make excuses for me!" Kili ground out between gritted teeth, his anger at seeing his brother renewed again.

 

"I did not make any excuses for you, Kili." She replied quietly before gathering up the comb and the scented hair oil she had used. "I merely told your Uncle that you need time to deal with the pain of your brother's injuries in your own way..."

 

"Well let me tell you that I am not running away! I was never meant for these responsibilities. They were always for Fili!" Kili turned on her again, the anger in his heart bubbling over once more, because it was easier to accept than the guilt. The guilt that he had survived, while his brother lay here like a ghost of his former self. "I can't just wash him, and dress him, and comb his hair like I am his handmaid! He would neither want not care for this!" 

 

He watched her walk away from him and place the oils and comb she had used, carefully on a dresser by the window. 

 

"Did you hear me, my lady?!" He shouted at her. "What do I tell my mother, when she arrives - do you think she will look upon you kindly for touching his hair? Simply because you tended to his wounds?! You...are a woman!" 

 

She remained silent, turning slowly to meet his chocolate eyes filled with sorrow and rage. The darkness in his voice was palpable. 

 

"No! She will see you as an outsider! Your only purpose is to bear my uncle a son. That's all! No one cares about anything else with regards to you! You mean nothing else but that - a vessel for his seed! Even if you died after that giving birth, as many women of your kind do - no one would shed a year over you and you will be soon forgotten!"

He spat angrily again. "So stop interfering with MY family. And MY life!" 

 

She bit down on her own tears threatening to flow again. She had been so alone since Arvind had left for Rhun again. Throwing herself into anything she could muster had kept her body busy, even when her mind could no longer be distracted. 

 

Once some time ago, she had considered Kili honourable, kind and gentle. But she could see that he too possessed the cruel streak that ran through the Durin lineage, even if he did have a valid reason for it. 

 

"You asked me why I do this? Because no one else will, and because Prince Fili needs it. And because I do not know of what else to do to help him... At least I am doing something." She swallowed the lump in her throat walking past Kili to the door. She needed to get out of there before she could cry. And she would not give him the satisfaction of seeing her reduced to tears. 

 

"He will punish you for touching another male's hair when he hears of this!" Kili called after her as she reached the door. 

 

"I understand that you feel terrible - that perhaps you could not be there to help. And perhaps you feel anger too. But remember when your mother arrives, that she has perhaps in part, lost a son already. She will arrive here on Friday looking for you; she does not need to lose another son too." Shobha offered her words gently. "If you are able, for I am not - perhaps you might ask one of King Thranduils healers to come and check on Prince Fili? Gandalf has not returned in over a week." 

 

Kili stood there watching her, angry and unable to shout back at her words, which had been nothing but the painful truth. 

 

"It is fine. I understand that I have broken your customs. I was aware fully of what transgressions I was making when I first washed and braided his hair. So you can tell the King anything you wish." She opened the door and took one last look at Kili. Even if Thorin banned her from attending to Fili now, she no longer minded. He had healed well, and his mother would be here to carry on as she had in two days. "I have little left that can be taken from me now, my Prince... I do not fear any punishment that you or my husband should declare upon me..."

 

And with that she left, shutting the door behind her. 

 

She hurried down the corridor back to her room, tears now spilling from her eyes. The image of the young prince falling from the ledge of Raven Hill, still etched clearly into her mind. It could have just as easily been her own brother laying there now.  

 

Quickly wiping her face with the back of her hand, she held her breath as she carried on until she reached the safety of her room. 

 

Shutting the door behind her, she moved to the chaise, where she fell onto the soft cushions, sobbing silently.

 

The tears had slowly died away after a few minutes. There was no escape from this mess. She was a prisoner.

 

The only way she could survive for now, was to accept her fate.

 

The sound of Thorins heavy steps and cane, as they neared their room, made her sit up. 

 

Not knowing what to do, and not wishing to be spotted crying, she quickly picked up a book she had been reading, that she had left under the cushions of the chaise and opened it at the page she had placed a small parchment in. 

 

She must have reread the first paragraph three times, her heart thundering in her chest, when he let himself into their room. 

 

Pretending not to hear him she carried on reading and hoped that he would simply be returning for a rest, as he did on occasion. 

 

He had been up and about, but she knew that his injured leg still gave him a lot of pain. 

 

But hope as she might, he came to stand before her, and cleared his throat.

 

She looked up and watched as he stood there looming above where she sat with his broad shoulders and stern expression. 

 

"Forgive me, my Lord, I was lost in my book..."

 

Thorin grunted as she stood up slowly. 

 

"You are a poor liar, my wife..." He liked that she had already given him a reason to punish her. "And you shall have to learn to greet me properly with a courtesy when we are next in court before my subjects." 

 

"Forgive me, my King." She replied rising to her feet, before lowering herself gracefully into a curtsey. 

 

He circled around her to look at her hoping that he could correct her, but she appeared to have learnt this well, from Dori and Balin, he imagined. 

 

Finally he came to stand in front of her, satisfied at last that she was bowed, allowing him to stand taller for once. Slowly he reached down and tilted her face up, silently giving her permission to stand. 

 

She wore a deep wine coloured dress in a thicker velvet. The bodice was embroidered which gave it a richer look, while leaving the remaining dress plain, such that it was practical enough for daily wear. It was clearly the sort of tasteful but fancy sort of clothing Dori would have picked out for her. 

 

He moved around to admire her, but did not actually compliment her.

 

And then a familiar scent reached his nostrils. He had always wondered who had taken care of Fili's hair, for whenever he visited his nephew, he did not look as injured as much as he did sleeping. 

 

"It is you! You have been caring for my nephew's hair?!" He came to stand in front of her. 

 

She remained silent, feeling a little betrayed, as she imagined by Kili. She had imagined his threats were out of anger rather than true, so had not expected him to carry them out.  

 

"Well? Speak up woman!" Thorin grunted. 

 

But what could she say to that? She was a bad liar as he had revealed before, so there was no sense in denying it. And yet she wouldn't give him the outright satisfaction of her confession either. 

 

So she merely held his icy gaze with her own.

 

"Very well. Then remain silent." He stepped closer to scrutinize her. "It brings you some sort of comfort...doesn't it...?" 

 

He stared at those big brown eyes, that were like deep pools, leading into the very soul. It was that which he wished to posses completely now, and his urge was growing with each moment.

 

"Hmmmm..." Lifting a hand to cup her chin, he ran his thumb over her lips. "I recall you stroked my hair on several occasions when I lay injured... But of course Fili is neither your husband nor brother..."

 

He began walking her back towards their large bed with a well placed hand on her abdomen. 

 

"Perhaps I should show you, precisely who IS your husband...?" He pushed her further until the backs of her legs touched the bed. "So that you might never forget..."

 

"No - wait -" she began as he made to lift up her skirts hurriedly having cast his cane to the side. 

 

But he only grew more determined to have her for her hesitation. After all she was his bride. And he was King under the Mountain. 

 

He batted her hands away, straddling her legs so that she was trapped and couldn't pull away. 

 

Nobody would refuse him!

 

"Please...I am bleeding." She grabbed at his hands, her voice desperate. And to her surprise, he stilled. 

 

Having focussed solely on gaining access to her, beneath the many layers of material she wore, he halted at her plea. 

 

Her skirts were partially lifted, her face flushed and she was panting, when he released his grip.  

 

Slowly, he looked up to meet her eyes. Those big deep, pools into her very soul. And to his surprise, he was sure, that he saw sorrow in them. 

 

It was unexpected, since he had imagined that she wanted to prevent such a conception. 

 

He had, after all, seen her hiding the small vials in one of the drawers of her dresser. So while she had taken a bath, he had smelled the contents, concluding it to be garlic flower. 

 

It had initially angered him, but then he upon discovery that it was not a very strong prevention, unlike many of the other herbal concoctions his rage had abated. 

 

And so, he had taken it upon himself as a challenge: it would mean he would have to enjoy her delicious body even more! For if he filled her with enough of his seed, the garlic flower would be of little help to her. 

 

He stepped back and leant against the bed, as the ache in his right knee and foot began to return.

 

"You sound regretful...?" He asked quietly, adjusting his clothing to cover his arousal. 

 

But she remained silent, until he picked her chin up in his hand and gently turned her face to meet his. 

 

"Shobha...?" 

 

She was taken aback, as his tone was unexpectedly gentle. Perhaps even loving!

 

"My lord...in truth... I have found myself a little confused...of late..." She answered quietly. It appeared that she was just as surprised by her own feelings.

 

He perched gingerly against the bed, beside her, clearly attempting to keep the weight off his aching leg. 

 

"I think we know each other well enough now, that in private you may call me Thorin," he reached out and brushed several strands of hair from her face and behind her ear. 

 

"Why would you be kind to me when I have just told you that I haven't conceived yet...?" She examined his face carefully, with some degree suspicion. 

 

"You may hate me for doing my duty - but I am not the monster you believe me to be," he glanced at her, as he came to perch on the bed beside her.

 

She was now looking down at her hands, smoothing out her skirts, attempting to hide the tears that were threatening to fall once more.

 

"I thought you had no desire to conceive...?" His frustration  seemed somewhat quenched by her tears. 

 

"I...how would you know of this....?" A look of surprise and worry crossed her features. She even seemed to recoil from him ever so slightly, as she clearly feared his response. 

 

"I have known for some time now. I have seen the concoction that you drink before," he replied continuing a little quietly, since he had no intention of appearing insensitive towards her, when she seemed to be growing a desire to carry his child. "I have had other women before..." 

 

"And you... are not...angry...with me...?" 

 

He handed her a handkerchief from his pocket to mop the tears that fell onto her soft brown cheeks. 

 

"I can be forgiving...the effects of the potion you drink is readily reversible." He smirked at her. "If I should have you more...fill you with my seed more...then I can overcome its effects. And if not for recovering from my injuries, then I would have indeed had you more - and with child by now."

 

She seemed to shiver at his words, understandably given how roughly he had treated her. 

 

"Do not think it is your bleeding that stops me now," he continued. "But rather your despair. For in truth, I rather enjoy your supple body...perhaps more than I have enjoyed any other. So I too have no qualms with the challenge that your potion presents me. For I will have you plenty in time...and perhaps you too will come to welcome me into our bed with wantonness and open legs." 

 

He gently swept a lock of hair from her face and pressed his lips to hers. It was not gentle, but it was also not as possessive as she had come to expect. 

 

"Perhaps I am a monster...but I am your monster...and know that I do not intend to cause you undue pain..." 

 

......

 

 

 

Notes:

Dear all

Sorry it's been so long! (And perhaps a little shorter this time) will try to post again sooner.
Hope you enjoy this xx

Chapter 16: Confusion Arriving

 

She carried on along the corridor towards the great doorway. There was no sense in hurrying now that she was already late. Besides which, she secretly enjoyed how much her tardiness would anger her husband. Of course, it was a dangerous game since she would have to pay a forfeit for her insolence at some point (usually in the bedroom). But he was often rough with her body anyway.

She could just imagine his face now; he would wear that expressionless look, which frankly made him look a tad constipated, but he would then hold his hands behind his back, clearly to hide that he had balled them into fists, and his jaw would clench. The first time she saw him like this, she had been quite nervous. But now, having realised that every little thing often angered him, she kind of started to find it a little funny. It was almost akin to a young child having a tantrum.

In fact, in the last few weeks, she had challenged herself to often attempt angering him. The only problem with that was that he had already torn open a bodice of hers in anger.

And to make it all that much harder, she had to make sure that she didn't burst out laughing after angering him like that.

Today, they were expecting the very first arrivals from the Blue Mountains. Thorin had planned a grand welcome for the first dwarves to return home, and Dis was expected to be amongst them.

Now that made her a little nervous, but she had never been popular even in Rhun-Agar, amongst her own people. So she certainly had no false expectations that she would win the hearts of the dwarves of Erebor, let alone her sister-in-law.

"Yer late princess..."

Dwalins warning as he stepped out from a nearby doorway, snapped her out of her flight of thoughts.

"He'll be angry..."

"But I had to check on the guest suites to make sure they were all as he demanded. And then Dori insisted I wore this dress." She sighed. It was a partial protest. The dress was very beautiful indeed, with a finely embroidered corsette, that was laced together. But it has taken her a little longer to dress, and so Dori had taken it upon himself to dress her. This too had caused delays, as he had spend a painfully long time fussing over her.

"Well princess, it becomes ya very well..." Dwalin glanced over at her, blushing a little. "Ye look every bit a Queen in this..."

They both picked up the pace slightly completing the final distance to the newly rebuilt entrance, where a small crowd stood gathered.

Amongst them were several of her brothers guards dressed in their formal armour. Two soldiers stood at the very entrance holding flags. She immediately recognised the Rhun standard, but the other was a new one, in deep blue bearing a silver crown in the middle. Above the crown sat seven stars and below it were crossed hammers over an anvil. The flag shimmered even in the dim winter sunlight.

Further out in front, the first caravan had arrived and a group of dwarves were clambering out, with some of the dwarrow helping the dams. Those who had already disembarked, were adjusting their clothing and waiting for their travelling companions before presenting themselves to their King.

Among the welcoming party gathered stood Ori, Gloin and Balin in front. Surprisingly Kili stood behind them. He turned to look back at her a little morosely as she arrived. But he too had made an effort and was dressed in a fine blue velvet suit.

But what immediately set her heart racing was Thorin, who sat dressed in his grand fur-edged cloak and Raven crown. For a dwarf he was taller than the rest of his kind, as well as being broad. But his cloak and crown seemed to make him appear taller and broader still. 

 

She had not seen him dressed like that since before the battle, and while he was undeniably handsome like this, it also brought back memories of his sharp cruelty. It troubled her that she was not entirely certain that the fog of his gold sickness had entirely lifted. Only time would tell. 

Instinctively, she paused on seeing him, all her previously bravado certainly lost in an instant.

Dwalin who had taken a step forward already, stopped to watch the girl, guessing at what thoughts may have run through her mind. Having noticed Thorin’s grand suit, it was hard not to shake the memories of before himself. But he needed to act fast. If they both lingered there, everyone would soon turn to look, particularly since she was dressed like that, if would be hard not to look at her. So he stepped back to stand beside her. They were both late, and she would draw all eyes to them, so he decided to make a grand entrance of it.

"Here..." Dwalin held out his arm, which she didn't hesitate to take. "A Queen should have an escort..."

As they stepped out together and into the gloomy wintery daylight, just as he expected, the whole group turned to look up at them. 

 

Needless to say there were several gaping mouths as they immediately noticed her. Then as he continued to escort her forth, the whole group, except for Thorin, of course, turned back towards them, ignoring the arrived dwarves, and bowed to their King’s Consort.

Dwalin even heard gasps and whispers from the group of dwarves near the caravan further ahead!

“And that’s how ye make an entrance…” Dwalin winked at her as they walked forward gracefully, finally coming to stand beside Thorin. It was only on finally noting their Kings stern glance, that the company turned back towards the oncoming dwarves.

Thorin was quick to hold out his hand, as the two friends transferred the girl from one to another in a seamless manner, and Dwalin stepped away to join his brother in front.

“You are late.” He whispered coldly, his blue eyes assessing her appearance carefully.

“Forgive me, my lord. But it took a little while for me to get into this dress…” she whispered, feeling her heart pounding. 

 

It didn’t help at all that Dori had done up her corset particularly tight today. It meant she couldn’t take any deep calming breaths at the moment. But it also meant that her smaller breasts had been pushed up proudly on display with a more open neckline, and each time she took a breath they moved delicately. This had not escaped the attention of Thorin apparently who openly let his eyes linger over her tightened bodice and her chest before travelling up to hold her gaze. 

 

Between the tightness and her rapidly beating heart now, she was having trouble focussing, and apparently he too was picking up on this.

 

Quickly realising they had an audience, she bent into a low curtsey. Despite her tight clothing, she performed gracefully, and as she stood back found hints of approval in his hardened features.

 

The formal display seemed more important than ever since the dwarves that had arrived from the Blue Mountains were all watching avidly now. 

 

"Forgive my tardiness, my King," she repeated. "I wished to personally check on the suites for our guests..."

 

"Well, a Queen should have a crown, do you not think...?" He turned to her, and before she could reply, pulled out a beautiful gold coronet. It was much smaller than his but still bore the twin ravens. And unlike Thorins large crown, which was only made of gold, this was studded with many small but dazzling blue sapphires. Carefully he stepped forward and placed it on the crown of her head where he lingered a little to adjust it carefully while whispering to her. "I also hear that Dori took a particularly long time to dress you..."

 

As he stepped away, he spotted her eyes wide with worry over his comment regarding Dori. 

 

"It is not his fault, my lord - I couldn't manage myself which delayed matters - and this is such a complicated garment -" she began but was halted as he cupped her chin gently in his hand. 

 

"There is no need to accept blame for him. Master Dori has done an impressive job on your dress..." His eyes once again drifted down her long tanned neck and over the soft swell of her breasts, which heaved subtly every time she was excited. "I am indeed pleased."

 

"Oh." She blinked surprised as he took her hand and turned to face the group that had now gathered and continued to watch them in pin-drop silence. 

 

"I had hoped to give this to you in the privacy of my study...but you were late..." He whispered to her as the group of newly arrived dwarves each walked past, bowing to their King. 

 

His words caught her off guard. They sounded as though he almost cared. 

 

"I would have enjoyed giving you another gift too..." He whispered out of the corner of his mouth and giving her another sidelong glance. 

 

He watched her cheeks flush as she realised what he meant, to his utter satisfaction. 

 

During this time they had small families of dwarves or a few individuals being presented to them by Balin. 

 

And despite his lascivious whispers they were both able to appear as though they paid attention, nodding back, as each group of dwarves bowed and continued on. Since it was neither a formal introduction in court and the newly arriving dwarves were clearly exhausted they seemed more keen to move on and get settled in to their new apartments.

 

"Hmmm...and perhaps Dori may be permitted to dress you..." Thorin whispered again as the last few groups of dwarves from the second caravan carried on. "Tightening up that dress of yours... But only I must take you out of it. Is that clear, wife?" 

 

His words made her breath hitch again, causing the exposed tops of her breasts to softly move. Again he watched her with avid interest between their newly returning subjects. His eyes unashamedly settling intermittently on the delicious movements of her chest. 

 

"Are you alright, my wife?" He whispered mockingly. "You seem somewhat...flustered..." 

 

He smirked at her.

 

"Dori has tightened this dress too well, I fear, my Lord..." She managed, and couldn't help but wonder how these dams were able to function with sound mind, having so little air in their lungs! 

 

"You are indeed wrapped up tightly like a gift..." He concluded satisfied. "I even quite enjoy how it gags that pretty mouth of yours from your usual insolent remarks."

 

There was a pause after the first two caravans arrived and moved on before the next group of wagons pulled in. 

 

Suddenly a very flushed looking Dori joined them. 

 

"Oh thank Mahal that I have not missed you, my lady..." He hushed out of breath moving next to her. The flamboyant dwarf appeared to have changed himself, and now wore a rather smart looking velvet jacket in a deep green, lined with a shiny silver piping. "I have set out your dress for tonight's dinner on your chaise, my lady. And I have chosen matching jewels from the chest on your dresser." 

 

"Another change...?" She didn't wish to sound ungrateful to the dwarf, but feared what sort of tighter contraption he might have planned for her.

 

"Well, I think your choice of dress today is most impressive, Master Dori!" Thorin leant around her to acknowledge him. 

 

"Forgive me for the interruption, Sir." Dori bowed his head, grinning at the compliment. "And thank you...and I hope you do not mind my personally attending your wife..."

 

Thorin waved a hand as if granting permission for Dori to proceed, although he reserved himself from permitting the dwarf free access to her. Of course, he was aware that Dori would not be of any threat to him, but he couldn't help his jealousy at the thought of him tightening her corsets up so. Then he wondered just how much adjusting Dori might have done after all. Thorin imagined that after tightening her each time, her breasts might have required to be gently lifted out by a well placed hand...a thought that riled him indeed.

 

"And will our lady require your assistance in dressing again before dinner tonight, master Dori?" 

 

"Tonight's dress is more in the fashion of the dress of Rhun, Sir," Dori glanced over at Shobha after replying to the King, and he was grateful to receive a smile from her in return. "I thought it would be more elegant for the evening. After all, I must confess, that I shall never forget your wedding dress, my lady..."

 

Dori smiled dreamily at his own memory. 

 

"I only wish I could see the high fashions of your Kingdom my lady...."

 

"Oh Master Dori, perhaps one day I may show you my home land, myself, for all the kindness you have shown me..."

 

"Ah here they come..." Thorin was quick to interrupt their soppy interaction holding out his hand for her to take with a sternness that she responded to with a huff. 

 

They all fell silent as several particularly well dressed dwarves stepped forward. 

 

The dwarves wore rich suits, perhaps not a well fitted as Dori's, but still smarter than simple travel clothes. And the dams wore matching dresses to what Shobha assumed were their husbands.

 

They stepped forward again in pairs or groups; some families with their little dwarflings, others just as couples, as Balin introduced them again. 

 

They were clearly the more important families, as Thorin greeted them with more than a nod of the head. Either he offered a welcome or a few pleasantries were exchanged. Then, the individual travellers were introduced. There were several male dwarves, three or four older, and another handful of younger dwarves, not older than Fili. They all greeted the king again individually, but each of the younger males snuck a partially curious and partially admiring peek at their new Queen. 

 

She attempted to strain her ear to hear what everyone spoke amongst themselves about as they carried on into the mountain, but they were too busy with the new introductions.

 

Then finally a group of very important looking dams stepped forward. They were led by a taller, dark haired dam, with a sharp nose and brilliant blue eyes. 

 

Shobha was quick to recognise the dam who could only be Thorin's sister! 

 

She stepped forward and immediately embraced Thorin, while Shobha stepped away to give them a moment, watching them as they exchanged words very animatedly. Watching their interactions made her smile, as it reminded her so much of how Arvind was with her. 

 

Dis briefly touched his chest where he had been wounded in battle, a more worried expression gracing her features. And her own thoughts were taken back again to that terrible time.

 

Then their conversation had turned light again, as they chuckled together at something that apparently Thorin had said. 

 

It was fascinating watching them, for in those moments Thorin seemed so warm and perhaps even open. A stark contrast from his darker moods, which he frequently unleashed upon her, often as they lay together in their marital bed. 

 

And then clearly something had been mentioned about her, as both Dis and Thorin turned towards her. 

 

"And you must be the famed bride that Gandalf chose for my brother?" She stepped over and gently rested a hand on Shobhas cheek, taking a good look at her from top to toe. 

 

Shobha suddenly felt a little self conscious, but Dis' assessing look was only filled with warmth. 

 

"Och ye've got it all wrong! The broad that the old wizard had chosen was a dull, stuffy dame! Yeuck!" Dwalin cut in chuckling. "I am the one that spotted this one - attempting to escape the palace too!" 

 

"And what fortune that your eye did catch her! You know Thorin so well..." Dis lewdly hinted. "I could not think of a more perfect woman to truly satisfy my perverse brother, and become a Queen while at it!" 

 

"It is a pleasure to meet you Princess Dis..." She smiled, feeling her cheeks flush again. 

 

Thorin had stepped over to join them now, placing one of his hands possessively around his bride's small waist. 

 

"Yes, if only you knew how she delighted in inflicting pain upon your dear old is brother, while changing his dressings..."

 

"Pain! That might be only from the strain in your britches brother!" Dis jibed. "Do not think it goes unnoticed that you are unable to keep your perverse hands off her!" 

 

Shobha hid a grin as this time it was Thorins turn to blush briefly. 

 

"Nonsense! Every word of compliment is true!" Dis smiled again, taking her hand. "I have heard of how you personally looked after him when my brother was so terribly wounded in battle - Balin wrote an account of it all to me... No. Thorin is most fortunate to have you..."

 

Dis smiled as Thorin then stepped away to greet several other dams himself.

 

"And my beautiful son!" Dis immediately turned to Kili, pulling him into tight embrace. "Why have you not written to me, my beautiful lad..."

 

Shobha slowly moved away from the mother and son, permitting them some time to speak between themselves in private. 

 

Kili looked pained and she could see the guilt he felt for simply surviving the battle when his brother was so terribly hurt. It was almost easy to forgive his harsh behaviour towards her, as she recalled that day how Fili lay lifeless in a pool of blood, even as she pressed on the wounds, like she had been taught back home when they were fighting the sandworms. It could have been Thorin laying unconscious still in that bed now. 

 

Thinking of her husband, she looked over to spot Thorin now, he was in a deep conversation with a another dam. She was perhaps almost head and shoulders shorter than him, and smiled up at him admiringly, placing a hand on his arm from time to time, and he too appeared to be very much at ease with her. 

 

She was voluptuous and rather attractive with curly chestnut hair and sideburns that had been pinned up in an elaborate do. Even her dress was in a deep blue, similar to Thorins suit, with gold edging, and she stood a hair's breadth from pressing her ample bosom against his chest.

 

It was a strange feeling to watch him like that, for she had almost hated him for so long, particularly for the way in which he had treated her. But also she had convinced herself that she had developed no feelings for him over these many weeks of being forced into a marriage with him. After all he was never intended to be her husband, but rather her sister's. 

 

And yet she felt a twinge of something seeing him like that with another. 

 

She stood there alone, looking down at her stupidly tight dress and feeling like she really could do with taking a big breath at this point. Then she glanced over at the group of dwarves being led away by Bofur and Ori, presumably to their new apartments and wished she had something to do to occupy her confused mind.

 

"My lady," a dwarf in leather travelling trousers and cloak with blonde hair, bowed in front of her suddenly bringing her attention back. "Erol, son of Pelor, at your service..."

 

She bowed her head in acknowledgement. 

 

"Pleased to make your acquaintance, my lord Erol," she replied politely unsure of what to say. With exception to Thorins company, she had never been approached by any of the other dwarves, especially those from the iron hills. "Welcome to Erebor... Do you travel alone?"

 

"Aye, my lady..." He glanced up at the great entrance, before looking back at her. He was probably a little older than Fili, but also had blonde hair with a short beard and several braids either side of his face, very similar to Thorin. He was taller than most dwarves, perhaps almost as tall as her, and had brilliant emerald eyes that twinkled mischievously. "I was a wee lad when Smaug attacked, but I recall this mountain well. Sadly my mother and father did not survive the attack, so my sister and I were raised by my uncle in the Iron Hills..."

 

"So you have travelled from the Iron Hills...?"

 

"No, my lady - I returned back to the Blue Mountains several years ago. The Iron Hills were not really...for me..." He seemed to hold his tongue regarding his true feelings. "In truth, I offered my sword to our King when he searched for those to join his quest, but he requested that I remain in Thorins Halls to help continue in its govern, should they fail."

 

"That sounds terrible, but I am glad that you are safe... And your sister is still in the Blue Mountains?" 

 

"Yes my lady, but she intends to join me when I am settled..." He smiled warmly at her. "And how are you finding Erebor so far, my lady...?"

 

She sighed thinking of all the work that had gone into their preparations so far, which felt like nothing compared to the seemingly insurmountable task list that was yet to be completed. 

 

"I fear there is still so much to do..." 

 

"Perhaps so, but I hear you have handled much of the challenges with far more skill than expected..." He leant closer, lowering his voice a little. "Just between us, there were many waiting for you to fail in the Iron Hills. It was not just you - I imagine there were some hopes that Erebor would be run by those governing the Iron Hills while our King was wounded..." 

 

"Oh I see..." She wanted to speak more frankly, but she held her tongue for now. Or at least until she knew him better. "I merely did my duty as instructed by my husband..." 

 

"You are being modest, my lady. News of your particular display of strength was quick to spread to the Ered Luin. You see, the value of a dam amongst the Iron Hills Clan is certainly not in government. Dams are not even permitted to further study beyond a certain age and there are often problems for those who inherit their familys estate...however, there are many dams who live and manage independent lives in the Blue Mountains, so you are gathering a small following already..."

 

Her gaze drifted again, subconsciously towards Thorin. Now the dam was unashamedly gazing up at him, smiling seductively, although this time, Thorin appeared to be more interested in watching her. 

 

So she quickly turned her back to him, facing the young Erol in an attempt to avoid watching whatever was going on between her husband and that dam.

 

"I am truly surprised by such news, my Lord Erol..."

 

"I realise it may all be much to take in, but I merely wish to say that on behalf of my sister, and myself...and in truth many, many others...I am truly at your service, my lady," he bowed again. "And should you require any assistance at all, please do not hesitate to ask..."

 

"Thank you - that is very kind..." 

 

And with that Erol continued into the mountain to join Ori, as he was set to take the next group of dwarves to their apartments.

 

So she was left standing there alone again, and unable to help herself, glanced over at Thorin, only to find that they had resumed another conversation. He even seemed to be amused by something she had told him, when a gentle hand on her back diverted her attention back again. 

 

"The life of being the King's wife is not an easy one, lassie..."

 

Balin stood smiling at her sympathetically. 

 

"I am not certain Thorin ever intended on having a consort...I suppose most Kings have more than one wife or courtesan..." He stopped short of pointing out her own father. 

 

"You mean they had...I mean they have..."

 

"A history...brief...but a history nonetheless..." Balin revealed about the dam Thorin spoke with. 

 

"Does this now mean that I am...released of my responsibilities...?" She asked quietly, glancing over at them again, feeling a little confused. This should have made her happy - free even. But she was plagued by an alien sensation, that she could not quite admit to. 

 

"Sadly, no, lassie..." Balin shook his head. "You are still his consort - and dwarves do not take second wives. Only your legitimate children will be accepted as heirs to the throne..."

 

She sighed out of frustration. But of course it was only a half sigh, no thanks to the tight corset that strangled her. 

 

"He's only trying ter see whether yer get jealous, lassie. Trust me - he's an ijet . I know, because I know him better than he knows himself. And he fancies the pants off yer! So donnae fall fer it. Yer doing perfectly at the moment..." Dwalin came to stand beside her. "And donnae listen ter my brother..."

 

Balin rolled his eyes. 

 

"Who is Lord Erol?"

 

"He owns the two biggest mines here in Erebor - well his father did. And he found an old mine in the Blue mountains. He has done well for himself, and it helped us greatly at the time..." Balin explained. "He offered to join Thorins quest, but Thorin refused him - for he is even younger than Kili..."

 

"And he is his sister's sole guardian." She finished Balins words, to which he nodded with a sad expression. 

 

"Why does he take yer fancy lass?" Dwalin quirked an eyebrow in clear surprise. 

 

"No! But he came and spoke with me that's all."

 

"Come on, Princess..." Dwalin chuckled, holding out his arm out to her again.

 

"Brother, I do not think you are helping the lass..."

 

"Utter rubbish! He can't keep the princess out of his mind. He is trying, but he was very worried about the young Lord Erol talking to yer...I saw him very well!" Dwalin chuckled to himself, as she took his arm. "And if yer feel bad - then Balin and me would gladly have a threesome with ye..."

 

"A what...?" She asked innocently, but with great curiosity. "Is that some sort of game?"

 

"Donnae worry..." He muttered again, blushing, as Balin rolled his eyes at his brother, and the three of them set off inside.

 

.......

 

"I am impressed...the girl has done well, brother." Dis looked at the tea set neatly stacked on a side table carefully. Her own trunks were yet to be unpacked, but even her finest tea set was no match for this one she had chosen. "And in rather quick time -"

 

"She paid the women of Dale to come and work here." Thorin stated a little irritated at her efficiency. "And offered to feed them and their children luncheon for free."

 

"Our stores were suitably preserved enough...?"

 

"Aye, and Bombur is convinced we should use up most of it, and restock afresh for next winter," he quickly explained, impatiently. "What I really wish to know is what you think of her, sister?"

 

"She is very young...and very pretty..."

 

"She was dressed up by Dori." Thorin grumbled again, surprised by his own tone of irritation surrounding this. "He spends hours dressing her, or designing clothing for her, as though she is his doll..."

 

"You cannot possibly be jealous of Dori?! He prefers the intimate company of other males, you do realise do you not...?" Dis mocked. 

 

"Yes well..he is yet another that she seems to have wrapped around her little finger..." Thorin grumbled again, no longer attempting to hide his irritation. He imagined Dori dressing her up carefully, tightening laces around her waist, adjusting her breasts, running his hands along the waist of her soft dresses. What if Dori were to contemplate kissing her soft lips, or undressing her...what if Dori changed his mind and chose to sample what a woman had to offer after all...?

 

"You are jealous?! Of Dori?!" Dis laughed openly at her brothers ridiculous thoughts. 

 

He turned to look out of the window into the snowy valley below, muttering a curse under his breath.

 

"Well, I rather like her..." Dis replied turning to assess her brother better. "Mahal! You..actually...LIKE...her?! You do!!!" 

 

Thorin gestured for her to settle down. There was no need for Dis to get excited about this woman when he was trying to convince himself that this was all just a temporary infatuation.  

 

"I do not know her well enough for that. So you can cool your battering rams, sister...she is younger and thinner than I care for, and so stubborn it makes my blood boil. Not to mention inexperienced where it counts..."

 

"And yet you cannot stop thinking about her, can you brother?" Dis smirked in victory. She was starting to like this girl more by the moment. "Otherwise you would not be discussing her with me right now..."

 

Thorin huffed something clearly offensive in khuzdul before sitting himself down on a nearby couch heavily. 

 

"Oh my! Then it is worse than I believe... She is like an itch that you needed to scratch. The innocent virgin to be plundered by my brother the great King and Warrior...and you have had her in every way imaginable...so you should have grown bored of her by now...after all that is exactly how you have felt with all the rest that came before where you were bored after mere nights...but somehow you can't get enough of her this time. You want that tight little body, over and over still...in fact you just can't get her out of your mind - like a sickness of some sort!" Dis described, to Thorins horror, almost exactly what he had been thinking. Of course she could see that, although he tried his very best to keep a neutral expression. "I will grant you this, she is indeed beautiful, and in an unusual manner - I have never seen another like this before...she is darker of complexion than even most Easterlings."

 

Thorin stood up again and began to wonder around the royal apartment that Shobha had allocated to Dis. It had been rearranged, but it was still familiar. It was their parents apartment, and where they grew up as younglings. 

 

"She is an arrangement. A trade in exchange for an army and our kingdom. Once she is with child, all my desire for her will be tempered..." Thorin repeated what he had been telling himself all this time. "Until then I shall have my fill of her and more. Like eating fig cake every night for supper. Eventually I will get sick of it."

 

"And yet you moved her into your own room, dear brother..." 

 

"It was the cleanest place available after reclaiming Erebor. I will not treat her like a common beast."

 

Dis paused smiling at the area in the generous apartment where they once played and younglings.

 

"She did not wish to keep this apartment for herself either...? That is very generous." Dis wondered into the large bedroom. "I assume you offered it to her...?"

 

"She said she could not in good conscience deny you this. After all she is not with child yet -"

 

"Even after all your...plundering?!" She raised an eyebrow.

 

"I caught her taking essence of garlic!" Thorin chuckled. It was accompanied by his sister's laughter at this also. 

 

"Poor innocent child. But so long as you fill her with enough seed, she will not be able to delay the inevitable." Dis laughed and then seemed to recall something and stopped. "It was her then who tended to Fili..."

 

"Aye. What gave it away?"

 

"His hair..." Dis was surprised at the gentle care that had been taken to wash and dress him. And Kili had confessed that he had not found the strength to do so himself, but he had not revealed who had contrary to his threats. And Thorin, she expected had been too busy. But now she realised that her sister-in-law must have been just as busy as her brother preparing the mountain, and yet found a way to care for her son. 

 

"Aye."

 

But she was not upset by this news. In fact, she admired the young girl more for it. 

 

"If you care for her, do you really wish her to be with child?"

 

"I must rule as King supreme. I must quell this desire for equal govern by the Iron Hills lords who deseperately want a piece of Erebor. Just as Thror did. So I need an heir Dis. Why do you say this?" 

 

"It is unlikely that she will survive such a birth." Dis spoke sadly now recalling her mother's words from a long time ago. "There are few unions between man and dwarf that have led to both mother and babe surviving. Usually mother sacrifices her life for the babe, but sometimes both succumb."

 

"This cannot be. How do you know of this?" Thorin kept his tone neutral so as not to reveal his disappointment. "And why did Gandalf nor Shobhas father know of this?"

 

"Perhaps they too are unaware? I recall Amad speaking much of the matter when we were very young. A woman from Dale was with child from an Erebor dwarf. Sadly he had died fighting in something or other as a hero. And despite Amad repeatedly warning her, she had the babe anyway for the love she bore for that dead warrior..."

 

"And what happened?" Thorin frowned, although he knew what would come next.

 

"She died." Dis shook her head sadly. 

 

"And what became of the babe?"

 

"Amad raised him...do you remember we had that tiny fair haired babe stay with us for some years...?" She smiled at the memory. "That was him... And then when he was old enough she gave him to our uncle to raise him along with his own son..."

 

"Ah yes I have some memory of this now. But how do you know so much of this- you were even younger than me at the time?"

 

"Because I married him!" Dis smiled, at the memory of her husband which was mixed with so much love and heartache in how he had fallen in battle. 

 

"I would have never guessed that his mother was not a dwarf..." Thorin spoke quietly, seeing his sister lost so deep in her memories. She rarely ever spoke of her late husband.

 

"I think she might be good for you..." Dis quietly mused. "So perhaps we should consult the best midwives and healers before you have her with child..."

 

"I cannot wait for their permission. She must give me an heir." Thorin cut in sternly.

 

"And what if both she and the babe die during the labour?" 

 

Thorin fell silent at that. It was not a thought he wished to consider. 

 

"Will you marry another? I saw Lady Elise throwing herself at you today...I can see you are planning to rekindle your little affair with her." Dis complained. "Or were you perhaps attempting to distract yourself?"

 

"I can bed whoever I wish, sister. I am King. And Shobha is a mere girl who was forced into my bed, so that I may have an army to fight Smaug!" Thorin snapped. 

 

"Oh so you are merely attempting to make her jealous then?" 

 

"Perhaps I am thinking of Elise's ample breasts while she sucks me to completion.."

 

"So then you would not complain if your wife were permitted to take a lover too?" 

 

"No. Not until she gives me an heir." He had quite enough conversation with his sister now, and began walking towards the door.

 

"Where are you going Thorin?"

 

"To see if Elise is settling in to her new apartment..."

 

Dis opened her mouth to protest, but then held her tongue. There was no point in telling Thorin about anything. He would simply have to realise the truth for himself.

 

Leaving Dis' apartment he stood in the corridor willing himself to seek out his mistress from so many moons ago. 

 

Elise was a comfortable choice. She would most certainly do anything to please him, and require almost no guidance from his part. 

 

His wife on the contrary required much more work, and came undone far too many times before he had finished.

 

With great difficulty, against the wishes of his own manhood's pull, he turned in the direction of Elise's apartment. 

 

They had two hours before supper was to be served in the grand banquet hall, that would permit ample time for pleasure before he had to change.

 

Then as he carried on a little further, feeling less enthusiastic, he thought of Dori helping her undress. He imagined the little dwarf having to undo all those tightly strung laces to open up her bodice, and her small but proud breasts would be freed, their brown peaks pebbling in the cool air. Perhaps even her brown skin would prickle with gooseflesh as the soft material was stripped from her skin, leaving her vulnerably nude. 

 

And then he thought of that tight dress, and what it would feel like to lift her skirts take her roughly, while she still wore it. To watch her come undone so breathlessly, with her breasts spilling out.

 

The thoughts filling his head were like a siren call, and he could feel himself hardening at the mere possibility of her.

 

All he could think of in that moment was how much he wanted her. And he could punish her for being late as well as for openly speaking with that young dwarf. That would offer him reason to treat her roughly - not that he needed one. 

 

Thoughts of any other dam long forgotten now, he immediately turned back and hurried towards his room.

 

 

 

Notes:

Dear All

I think he is still not fully over his gold sickness. I think it waxes and wanes.

And maybe it’s a little disappointing, because she is kind of a prisoner of sorts, but I think she may be developing feelings for him…

Hope you like it…

Chapter 17: A Bargain and a Warning

 

He stormed down the corridor and along the steps into the outer parts of the mountain where the stables had been carved. 

 

A set of stables had been set aside for the white leopard alone, but he was surprised that the beast had not found a way to enter the rest of the holdings and devour a pony! 

 

Each day she fed Rajah with cooked meat no less! And morning and night! Then she even found time to replenish the grain for the ravens in the keep. If she ever missed the latter, Roac  himself would arrive early in the morning and tap at their window, regardless of whether he was balls deep in her, and persist in his tapping until his mistress had come to the window. On the other hand if the creature noticed his mistress asleep, then it would slink away. It had begun to amuse Thorin as much as it had irritated him at first.

 

As he drew closer the lights were dimmed, so he stopped to pick up a lit torch.

 

And as he turned the corner and into the stalls, he found his rage boiling within him. 

 

She was not meant to attend to her beast so late. Instead he had expected her to be waiting for him in his bed, undressed. Ready to fulfill her wifely duties to him. 

 

Tonight he had not only found an empty bed, but also he had waited for too long. 

 

"I should tie you to the bed posts!" He muttered to himself, almost in approval of such an idea. "I am a patient dwarf but this is -"

 

As he walked into the stables his words and rage were all lost as he saw her. 

 

She lay with her head against the beasts belly like it was a pillow, her long dark hair cascading around her, soundly asleep. It was cooler inside the stalls, but she wore a large cape which she had used like a blanket over them both. 

 

Even the beast looked at ease, like a large furry child sleeping soundly.

 

Seeing her like this, made him pause for a while. She looked so vulnerable as she lay there, it made him feel like an utter brute for considering the things he had in mind for her body that night. 

 

And just as he felt the fire in him calm, she seemed to make a soft sighing sound in her sleep.

 

It was so gentle, that suddenly his desire seemed to be renewed. His own mind and thoughts and thoughts were often dark and confused of late, and she was like the cooling waters that quenched those fires. 

 

He needed her, and that was it. 

 

Despite his best attempts to renew his desire for Elise, a night with her was as appealing as eating Bomburs meals from last week. Stale. 

 

But he was determined. He would not be enslaved by this woman. And he intended to treat her cruelly enough to drive her away. 

 

He scooped her up into her arms, wrapping her cape around her body. 

 

She was as tall as him, which made it awkward but she was thin, and for a dwarf blessed with Mahals strength, it was certainly nothing.

 

At first he was gentle instinctively. But he soon took less care, even being rough on purpose so as to wake her. 

 

But contrary to his expectations, as he carried her along the many corridors back to their chambers, she nestled against his neck still sleeping softly. 

 

This spurred him on even more. As he returned to their bed chambers, he all but threw her onto their bed.

 

Then very quickly he pulled away her cape, followed by her shoes and bloomers, before bunching up her dress and burying himself in her, having unlaced his own very throbbing member. 

 

He closed his eyes as he felt the calmness wash over him for it, even though it made her cry out due to the sudden, rough intrusion. 

 

She was very much awake now, and she clutched at his jacket in surprise. 

 

"Good. Since you have fallen asleep outside of our perfectly comfortable bed..." He carried on without any regard for her. "I fear I have no time to attend to your needs..." 

 

But she seemed too shocked, and in pain to fight him, instead screwing her eyes shut tight. 

 

And to his own dismay, his own enjoyment seemed lost without those eyes looking back up at him. 

 

It appeared that without seeing the pleasure and the pain etched in her eyes, his own satisfaction was lost. 

 

"Open you eyes and look at me..." He grunted, stopping to unlace her bodice and grasp her breasts roughly. 

 

But she seemed too focussed on her own pain. 

 

"Open. Your. Eyes..." He commanded this time biting down hard on her left nipple. 

 

Her eyes flew open, as she gasped, the sensations he inflicted on her were in contrast to the soft hair that fell onto her skin. 

 

He moved again, speeding up, chasing after his own completion. But something seemed to stop him once more. 

 

So with a groan, he slipped a hand down to begin playing with her and soon found her responding sufficiently for him to carry on.

 

Speeding up once more, he still had no intent of allowing her to find release. 

 

She bit her lip as he continued to ascend higher, this time a hand reaching up to cradle his face. 

 

He was still suitably rough enough that what little pleasure she seemed to feel was dosed with equal measures of pain. 

 

And most importantly he could swim in those deep, dark pools, that bore into her very soul. 

 

He climaxed with a groan continuing a little longer until he had spilled himself into her completely. 

 

"Take you dress of and return to bed in your undershift..." He grunted at her. 

 

"But my Lord...I have not bathed..."

 

"Tonight you will sleep with my seed inside you." He finished conclusively. He too stood only to beging undressing yourself. "Besides, I may have you another time yet before daybreak..."

 

She didn't seem to contradict him, as she stood up and began to undress, slipping her breasts back into the top part of her soft shift. 

 

And then something seemed to draw her to the window. 

 

It appeared that the large Raven from the keep was outside. 

 

"Good evening Master Raven...I have not seen you in some weeks..." She stopped in her tracks as the creature cawed to her gently. "Thank you for telling me..."

 

Although the bird was quiet, Thorin had heard what he had to say. 

 

She listened carefully and shut the window, as the large bird disappeared into the night. 

 

"Come here..." He held out his hand, now undressed and in bed. 

 

She slowly returned to the bed. 

 

"You should be happy that Arun is on his way back should you not...?"

 

She briefly looked up at him surprised he heard the birds much quieter cawing today. 

Then with her eyes lowered she made her way back to his bed, carefully getting in. 

 

"My father was injured in an attack. He is not badly hurt...but his eldest son, from his first consort will ascend to take the throne early, until he is completely well," she explained quietly. 

 

"And you are worried?" Thorin asked, feeling stupid that he even cared so much as to ask. "About your father...?" 

 

She glanced up to meet his cold, blue gaze and nodded.

 

"But you yourself stated it was only until he was better..?" 

 

"The attacks must have been worse than I was informed of for my father to ride out with them." She explained quietly again as she lay down on the pillow beside him. 

 

"It is good for a King to do so in times of greater trouble. It makes his people fight harder." 

 

She turned to face him, laying on her side and studying his face better in the dark. It made the shoulders of her flimsy sift dress slip away, and threatened to allow her breasts to fall free again. 

 

It was starting to make him hard again, and he could not being himself to cause her any more pain tonight, when she was clearly upset by her news.

 

So he lay there looking up at the ceiling this time. But he could feel her eyes on him now, carefully studying his face apparently. 

 

"It still worries me, my Lord. He is not young...and sustained a terrible injury fighting the sandworms, which often plagues him even so many years later. If makes it such that he cannot ride him horse well and fight.."

 

Thorin lay there silently listening, and then let the silence prevail for a little. 

 

"Tell me...why do you not address your eldest brother as such?"

 

"He is the firstborn son of my father's first Queen. She is the most important and powerful of his wives. And she had made it clear sometime ago that I am never to address him as my brother..." She finally replied back in response. "My mother is merely his favoured courtesan, Sire..."

 

It made him pity her a little, because her voice was tinged with sorrow. 

 

Still not looking at her, he slipped an arm around her frame and pulled her close against his chest and closed his eyes. 

 

He did not wish her to think he greatly cared but all the same he could bring himself not leave laying there so cold and alone after he had used her body so, and thoroughly enjoyed it too! 

 

She smiled against his chest, and ran her hands gently through the soft dark hairs on his chest. 

 

"Go to sleep now, or I shall wish to have you again. And this time I will be harder." He warned her, pulling her tighter against him. "Here..."

 

He grasped the wrist of her wondering hand tightly and pulled it down to press on his now hardened manhood, pressing firmly through his undergarments. 

 

"This is what your body writhing against me does to me..." He growled low. Then he took her hand and slipped it down inside so his burning cock lay in her hand. "Now you can finish off this job, as I have taught you before...or I will have your mouth finish it for me..."

 

She attempted to get up onto her knees, so that she could get better purchase. Her body had suffered enough tonight, and her heart felt too heavy with worry to displease him. 

 

But he stopped her from moving away, bringing his free hand over to slip down into the top of her shift and begin playing with her breasts. 

 

"No." He grunted. "You can learn to do it as you lay there..."

 

......

 

 

 She wondered around the market stalls in the grand hall with Dwalin, Balin and Dis. Karan had insisted that he was present to ensure her security, but Dwalin had insisted on taking over his role that morning. 

 

The dwarves who had moved back had already begun to occupy and open up small trading shops. Of course not all the stalls were still occupied and many were being prepared but this underground market hall had been a completely different place a mere week ago when she had mistakenly found herself there.

 

"I cannot believe this!" She looked around in wonder. "An indoor market? It is such a wonder!" 

 

"Our ancestors were the most skilled of builders, lass..." Balin explained with pride. 

 

"Most impressive Lord Balin! But I actually meant that having a market hall entirely protected from the elements...well...is surely excellent for the monetary success and growth of the kindgom! It means there must be excellent sales all year round - even in the height of summer or the height of winter or on rainy days for instance...?" She looked around still amazed.

 

But her explanation seemed to have surprised Balin. 

 

"That is a very fine observation, lassie..." Balin sounded genuinely impressed. 

 

"See! I told ya brother! Her face isn't the only beautiful thing...the princess has a 'fine' noggin too!" Dwalin waggled his eyebrows and elbowed his brother, apparently very pleased with himself. "I told you - that I why Thorin can't control himself around her!" 

 

"Alright brother! This excessive gloating is getting rather tiring!" Balin complained to him. "Yes, yes brother. You were indeed wise in choosing her -"

 

"Well - it would be nice for once to be acknowledged properly when ye've been bested. Otherwise he would have been saddled with that dumpling!"

 

Shobha stepped away from them annoyed. The truth was that it was Dwalins reason she had to tolerate marriage go such a could tempered beast! She was still sore from his rough coupling last night. And to make matters worse she had felt frustrated by it. In spite of the pain, he had initially brought her frustratingly close to her own completion only to stop in her final moments. So she had been unable to sleep for some time. 

 

Her thoughts were interrupted by Dis' arm slipping through hers and pulling her away. 

 

"Come... Leave them to bicker like old women." The dam winked at her. It was unnerving how similar she looked to Thorin, and yet how different they were in temperament. "And you will come to see that they bicker about everything..."

 

Shobha glanced back at the two dwarves who were now arguing about it indeed! Balin was openly rolling his eyes and tutting, while Dwalin was now poking a finger into his brothers chest. 

 

"Come let us have a wonder about here..." Dis ushered her away. Slowly, they began to walk around the various stalls, until they stopped at a stall which sold fabrics. "Perhaps there is something that catches you eye here. We could have Dori or one of our tailors make something up for you?"

 

She looked at the various beautiful silks and velvets. 

 

"You get soft silk here?" 

 

"Aye, your highness...all the way from...well...Rhun..." The dam that ran the stall waved her hand over a section of materials behind her counter. "From Agar..."

 

"How is it possible?" 

 

"I have a trade consignment with Hamza -" 

 

"He supplies silk to the Maharajah!" Shobha cried surprised. "But he does not trade with simply anyone..."

 

"Aye. He came out to meet me once. I had to travel to Bree...but a kind gentleman he was too, your highness..." The dam explained. "And he has his deliveries sent to me every three moons. I wish he would not charge me such taxes though..."

 

"Lelin, there is no need to discuss, all our business..." A dwarf stepped forward from further inside the stall, stepping away from a book he was reading, only to halt as he saw Dis and herself, and bow deeply. "Melin, son of Trelin at your service, your highness."

 

"We will buy some of your silks Lelin - there is no need for your help, Mellin..." Dis stepped in, gracefully tilting her head - very much like Thorin often did! 

 

The dwarf seemed to disappear into the back again as they looked at some of the silks. 

 

"I think Dori often dresses you in pink. Perhaps these turquoises and teals may suit you too..." Dis smiled gently. "And you do have such a pretty deep complexion...not like most of those from Rhun..."

 

"No...I take after my mother I guess...she was from Umbar..." Shobha replied hesitantly. She did not readily open up about herself out of habit. Back at home, she and her mother were a well known scandal. The King could have courtesans and as many as he wished. But it was not expected that he would move a favoured courtesan into his personal apartment, nor was it considered proper that he sired a child with one and openly accepted such an illegitimate child alongside the many children of his proper wives. There were those in Rhun who despised her consequently and yet there were those who considered her the fruit of their kings one true love. 

 

"And a fine thing it is too...one thing Dwalin said is right. My brother is rather taken with you. Even if his rockbrained mouth cannot say so..." Dis waved at several materials which were brought down for their perusal. "And those clothes from your homeland would look so pretty in these  colours..." 

 

"What additional taxes are you charged? Hamza is usually a very fair and honest man. Perhaps it is his middle man that is taxing you?" Shobha frowned as she looked at the pretty silks. But she had dealt with Hamsa many times, as she hated being dressed for events, and knew him very well.

 

"I have arranged my trade directly with him. Mellin says he has even raised the taxes recently..." Lelin replied sadly. "I have been giving myself a pay cut to keep going but may not be able to keep trading if this carries on...so I am hoping our stall here will help sell more." 

 

"Have you not written to Hamza? He is very reasonable. And I did not think he would charge such high taxes let alone taxes at all!" Shobha asked now getting suspicious.

 

"Well...truth is your highness...I...cannot read or write..." Lelin confessed, lowering her voice and looking back over her shoulder. "So I am lucky to have my brother to help look after all this...and he did write to Hamza but said he did not hear back?"

 

"Well you tell your brother that he is to immediately write and let Hamza know that you are now my favoured supplier to me for my clothing. And he is to immediately halt any taxes upon your trade. Or I will ask the Maharajah to look into this matter." Shobha replied. "And please could you kindly send all these silks over to Master Dori...and have your account books sent to Master Gloin? I will arrange for you to have your taxes refunded..."

 

The small dam who looked thinner than most looked up at her as if some sort of miracle had just passed, with tears in her eyes and bowed her head deeply. 

 

"I thank you from the bottom of my heart, your highness... I have two little ones, and I could not afford to bring them with me. And it has been breaking heart...now I shall send for them immediately before the snow deepens." She bowed again holding one hand to her chest. 

 

She moved away from the stall and looked at Dis, surprised to realise that Dis seemed to know what was going on all along. 

 

"That poor dam is being cheated by her own brother?" Shobha asked. "And why does she not know to read or write?"

 

"It is not permitted for dams to continue in school beyond adolescence. And some are not sent to school at all, if their parents cannot afford it." Dis said clearly disgusted by it. "It happens everywhere. In fact there are so few dams that in the iron hills they are required by law to be married by the age of seventy, which is slightly prior to the adulthood, so that they may have young early and continue our population."

 

"But even in our society where a man is permitted many wives who are often treated like chattel, girls are still allowed an education. Of course some do not believe in education, but many others learn well..." She was genuinely shocked. "Did you know about this?" 

 

"I had my suspicions..." Dis raised an eyebrow at her, but showed little emotion. "Lelin's situation is not unique, sadly..."

 

Suddenly Shobha looked around the market place. There were many dams working but none were alone in their stalls. There was often a dwarf who appeared to be taking a more authoritative role, while also doing very little!

 

"Are these dams not being paid as they should because few can read or write..?" She felt riled by it.

 

"Or because they are unable to settle their account books..."

 

"And Master Gloin - he is now the treasurer. Does he support this?" 

 

"No... In fact Mara is one of the few other dams like me who did receive an education..."

 

Suddenly Shobha realised what Erol was hinting at. 

 

"And...Thorin...? He is in agreement with such archaic rules?" 

 

"Not really - our grandfather did not agree. But he had much opposition, particularly from the Iron Hills. It affected some of our trade between clans. It was an old grudge and a long standing one. It was the reason Thorin received no support from them to reclaim Erebor, but they only came later to aid him with hopes that my brother may fall in battle leaving a perfect opportunity for a power grab..." Dis sighed, sounding exhausted. "So Thorin is hesitant in taking action..."

 

"But a few changes will help all of society, surely..." She needed to do something about it. "Maybe I can convince Thorin...? But this cannot go on! Many men in my land treat their women horribly. But they would not deny them a book or the chance to write a letter to their loved ones!" 

 

Dis watched her silently, her face revealing nothing still. 

 

"And this is similar to what I have been told of inheritance then, my lady?" 

 

"Aye. Women have little power over their own family's estate. It is provided, often as a much smaller allowance through a process of custodianship."

 

"I need to find Thorin right now..." She suddenly felt a complete conviction of her being to change this. If he could have her body as he wished and clearly derive pleasure from her, then he could also grant her this.

 

"I hope you don't mind, but I will stay here...and maybe I shall keep Dwalin and Balin off your trail..."

 

"I am quite good at giving my guards the slip - well, let's just say that I have good experience." She looked around the market hall, which was slowly receiving new customers walking around, milling around in places chatting and those buying various items. Then she looked back to find Dwalin and Balin were still arguing animatedly. 

 

Finding a way out without Dwalin or Balin seeing was easy. She would need to find a way to convince Thorin now. 

 

........

 

She had found herself in such a temper over the educational facilities for these dams that she had walked straight into Thorins office without even pausing to knock. 

 

He stood by his desk with Bofur and a several other dwarves, apparently from the mines (given how much they were covered in dust), all pouring over a large map. 

 

Her interruption, initially seemed to surprise him, but his expression quickly shifted into something else. It was not quite irritation, but nonetheless should have scared her. 

 

"I need something urgently, my Lord," she blurted angrily. His reaction made little difference to her, as she was still so riled up that she stood there with her arms crossed. 

 

Bofur seemed to look at her worried, still paused with his finger over the map for several long moments, when Thorin grunted something at them, clearly in Khuzdul. And the dwarves surrounding him were quick to leave, shutting the door behind them.

 

Thorin himself, seemed to leave her standing there in silence for what felt like a very long time as he carefully rolled up the map from his desk, placing it in a chest. 

 

It gave her some time to calm down, and as she did, she began to realise the rashness of the actions she had taken. 

 

Her heart was still racing. But his presence often did that. And she couldnt have him savage her body again. She was already still sore from the last night.

 

Finally, after what began to feel like an agonizingly long time, Thorin turned to her. 

 

"So, my wife...you have interrupted an important meeting, to request - no, demand, something from your King?" He spoke slowly, moving towards her. "Is that correct...?"

 

It was hard not to feel like she had just entered a lion's den. But she could not remain silent about this. There were few things that she asked of him, and it was her intent that he granted this.

 

"Yes, my lord. And it's urgent that there is no delay in this."

 

"Hmmmm." He smirked as he took a step towards her, scrutinizing her closely, his eyes moving to the neckline of her dress and then down to her waist. "Very well..."

 

He strangely enjoyed seeing her like this. There was a wildness in her, a fire, that he wanted to tame. He had seen it on the first night they had met, and then every time she wilfully disobeyed him. 

 

He took another step towards her and reached up to the ties on the bodice of her dress, only for her to push his hand away. 

 

"No Thorin. This is important to me and to your people." She spoke firmly. She would probably pay for it dearly, for she had never denied him from touching her before. 

 

"Oh? Is that so?" He was now openly irate, but contrary to her expectations he did not try to touch her again. 

 

Instead he walked back to the large chair that stood behind his desk and moving it away from his desk, sat down. 

 

"Very well then...as you are so inflamed by this, my Queen, I shall grant you anything you wish..." He had initially worried about how young and inexperienced she was in life, but her rebelliousness and optimism was now enthralling. Equally, at times he felt like she was a naughty child, in need of a thorough spanking. 

 

"And you do not wish to know what it is...?"

 

"Aye. Anything... As I said before - it must be very important for you to have interrupted a meeting, instead of waiting to speak with me tonight...and you will be waiting for me tonight because of this rude interruption. Completely unclothed and ready with your legs spread for me, is that right?" He smirked. It was an much a warning as a counter demand. She understood enough of negotiation to realize that. 

 

She stood silently contemplating what it was that he wanted from her. It was stupid of her to wonder, in truth - for the answer to that was blindingly obvious.

 

"You are no longer a naive, innocent little girl. And we both know you are probably clever enough to give many of the best minds in both our kingdoms ample challenge..." He smirked again, glad now for the chance encounter with her. His day had been very challenging indeed, as they had planned to begin some of their mining activities. It had required some inspection and considerable discussion regarding which mines to choose and so on. She was exactly what he needed to help revive his mind. "So...I think you know what I require of you in return, my wife..." 

 

Hesitantly she moved towards him. She didn't like it that he did not care to hear what it was that he wanted. 

 

"Come now...I have not got all day," he beckoned to her. "Take your bloomers off. And this time YOU can untie your bodice, since you do not wish me to..."

 

"Do you not wish to hear what it is that I require?" She asked standing in front of him. 

 

"Very well, if you wish to tell me then you may. But only while you bring me to completion..."

 

So she slipped off her bloomers as he watched before carefully unbuckling his belt and releasing him from his trousers. 

 

He sat forward in his chair at first, as he watched her touch him, only to have her sit on top of him, grabbing hold of his shoulders and push him back. 

 

"I need to set up a school..." She began lifting her skirts and guiding him underneath her. She had done this a few times before now, and could confess to enjoying this, so she focussed on what she had to say as best as she could. 

 

"But we already have a school..." He slipped his hand between her legs. "You grow more wanton when you are angered about something...did you know that? Right now you are sopping wet..."

 

"No I want to ensure that girls are taught properly. But I also..." She stuttered briefly as he began to stimulate her further. So she pushed him back and kissed him firmly, biting his lip as she lowered herself completely onto him. "I want the dams who had no chance to learn. Many work and run stalls but cannot do simple numeracy or even read..."

 

"Faster..." He grunted, now wishing for their conversation to be over and partially regretting his decision to grant her request. "They have been fine all this time. Why do you believe there is a new need ?" 

 

"Your agreement was that I brought you to completion. We did not enter into an agreement on how fast." She slowed her pace down a little more until he grasped her hips in frustration pressing her down harder onto him. So she began to unlace her own bodice, opening up the top of her dress, which appeared to make him forget about any hurry he was in, as he watched her somewhat hungrily. "Many dams who work hard are being forced to rely upon others to perform the necessary book keeping tasks, which mean they are often being cheated out of what they deserve..."

 

"A bit like the agreement I made with your father then...where I must pay him to have the privilege of looking after you and keep you...?" He took her hands away from her clothes and placed them on his shoulders, only to continue unlacing her dress himself, until he could slip his hands in. "Get moving..."

 

"No you received an army led by a great warrior who defeated a firedrake that plagued your kingdom for half a century, when even your own kin wouldn't dare to come to your aid! And you now have a consort who must bear you a child to ensure that you claim the unwavering allegiance of your subjects! And she is not paid anything for her part. I would say that you got the better of those negotiations..."

 

"Is it not the same for women in your land?"

 

"No. We may be down trodden, but at least we are taught to read, write and run a household, which means looking after money. And mothers who are educated will be better able to help their children learn. Even their sons would benefit." She continued to hold his gaze, watching his once blue eyes now darkened by his dilated pupils.

 

"I must maintain my support with the Iron Hills - and this will not help..." He admitted the truth, slipping his hands either side of her legs before he thrust up to meet her movements. "I will permit you a school for the girls, but I will not allow it for dams. Besides they cannot spend all day at school when they have work to do. And that is my final offer."

 

He planted his feet firmly on the ground, picking her up in his hands before stepping forward against the desk and laying her down on the desk top. 

 

She had held onto his neck, wrapping her legs around him for fear of falling, but that only helped him further.

 

"No more negotiations now. Let us see how your school goes first," he kissed her roughly to silence her. Watching her come undone would be the delicious death of him. "You are close...so now I shall conclude matters for the both of us..."

 

......

 

She unpacked the freshly washed shifts and tunics that had been left for her and Thorin on the large armchair by the door. 

 

Her day had been filled with various meetings to plan and arrange many things for Erebor. As per her husband's requests she was to organize a grand feast to celebrate Durins Day within the next few weeks. And she was also busy with arranging the set up of the school for girls. 

 

The latter had led her to an introduction with Mara, Gloins wife, who as it turned out was a very beautiful, cultured and educated dam indeed! She had made the perfect pairing with Dis to help with planning the school. They would keep the timetable simple for now, but Shobha hoped they could add some loftier lessons in time; At home, she had been privileged enough to learn some science and the teachings of the wisdoms of the Guardians, as it was referred to, by the old one, Alatar, one of the Blue Wizards. He would travel on occasion to Agar, and stay at her father's request for several months on end, during which time he taught her brothers. And her own curiosity had been piqued when she had met him for the first time as a little girl, such that the kindly old one, very much like Gandalf, had welcomed her to stay and listen.

 

Mara would make an excellent teacher, as she herself had volunteered, and they had found Gloin very generously supportive in funding the school (which was a little unlike him considering how usually stingy he was as Treasurer)!

 

Arvind had still not arrived yet, and his journey had been delayed, which made her feel very lonely indeed, particularly since Bilbo was visiting the Greenwood elves.

 

And Thorin had taken to dining with Elise on occasion. She had known this day would come, but it didn't help her. And despite it all, he would still arrive in their bed chambers hungry for her, which made her feel worse! As though she was nothing but a consolation prize. 

 

She shoved his tunics in his dresser drawer, as that image entered her thoughts, and pushed it shut with enough force to make the sturdy piece of furniture wobble. Then she chastised herself for thinking about it - after all this is what she wanted! Wasnt it? 

 

Carefully she placed her own shifts and clean undergarments in her own small dresser. She had hoped for her own room by now, but to her surprise he had moved in additional furniture for her. It had made her stay in his chambers a longer for now. But it still did not feel permanent. It was as though she were his courtesan being made comfortable for now, but her place in his chambers was much like in his heart, only temporary. 

 

It was was yet another thought that should have made her feel happier. After all it was a union that had been almost forced upon her. So why did she not feel happy about an end to it?

 

She picked up one of the dresses that had also been washed. It was one of the thicker winter garments she wore often of late. But as she hung it, noticed a small parchment protruding from a pocket, and had no memory of placing it there. 

 

Laying it on the bed, she took it out and opened it, wondering what notes she had left in there:

 

 

Princess of the East,

 

Your life is in danger. 

Seek counsel with the wizard or his friends, but keep it secret (even from your husband).

Trust no one unless you are certain of their allegiance to you.

 

From one who cares for your welfare.  

 

 

 

The writing was neat, and small, but none that she recognized.

 

She popped her head out of the door, but found only Abdi on guard. 

 

"Princess? Is anything the matter?" He stood up as she looked around. 

 

"Who delivered our laundry, Abdi?"

 

"It was the woman from Dale - Leena, as always..."

 

This only made the note more mysterious. Leena lived in Dale, and would have gone home by now. She would need to question her about this - but in secret.

 

What did the note mean..?

 

.....

Chapter 18: A Happy Marriage

 

The note still troubled her.

She had found Leena in the laundry rooms the very next day, where the poor old woman had revealed that the note had been left for her with money. So she could not reveal who had written it.

With a sigh of frustration she walked towards the new schoolg rooms. Mara and Dis had been very resourceful in organizing it all. It had meant that she could continue with the work of overseeing her many other duties as tasked by Thorin.

Finally she arrived at the large wooden doors. Lessons should have commenced by now. She had chosen to avoid a grand opening ceremony as she had been advised by Balin, in order to avoid irritating those dwarves that were against it.

Suddenly she felt a flutter or nerves in her chest as she stood outside wondering how many girls had been sent. Mara, who was very popular among the commoners and nobility alike had taken it upon herself to speak with any dam who had a daughter. So she imagined the rooms to be full!

Holding her hand out to the door she knocked gently and then entered, pushing the heavy doors open.

Still nervous, she walked in...and to her utter surprise found six little dwarven girls sitting at the front engrossed in the lesson that Dis had commenced.

Her heart sank, surprised to see so few girls.

And then a hand tapped her arm gently. Turning, she found Mara stood there a little irritated herself.

"It seems that some of the nobility have offered generous payments to the families of many girls in exchange for holding their daughters from the school..." Mara whispered. "Would you like me to ask Gloin to offer them double to gold for the opposite...Thorin will not even know that was missing from the hoard -"

"No. I shall pass a royal mandate, that they are to send their children." She declared, feeling her disappointment turn into anger. "After all...what use is it being Queen Consort if I cannot make such a simple demand!"

Mara looked worried at her.

"I fear it may be only Thorin who can announce such a mandate..."

"What is the point of me..." She trailed off. It seemed that all those times she had surrendered herself to his rough possession were all in vain. More recently she had begun to find some comfort in the possibility that she could affect some change and perhaps even help those who were most downtrodden.

"Shobha..." Mara sighed, almost in understanding. "I'm sorry..."

But she too was halted by another knock on the door of the school.

The doors opened to reveal Thorin standing there looking around as he entered the school.

The children all stood immediately, turning to bow to the King, along with Mara and Dis, leaving her standing there fuming. Thorin of course walked over to her, an arrogant look of victory on his face.

"My Queen..." He bowed his head gracefully towards her. "I thought it would only be proper of me to observe the success of your endeavours today..."

He stood in front of her, clearly expecting her to curtsy.

Taking a deep, calming breath and closing her eyes to avoid his piercing orbs, she lowered herself as expected.

"My Lord..." She replied quietly, feeling very defeated now.

Of course, Thorin knew all about the counter from the Dains lords!

He had come here to gloat!

And then something no one was expecting happened.

The corridor was filled with the sound of footsteps, as a large group of dams appeared in the doorway. They lined up in a row, each curtsying to the their King as they filed into the room.

It was undoubtedly a surreal and stark contrast to the almost empty classroom that had stood before her mere moments ago.

The dams, who she now recognized as the many dams she had met working in the various stalls, carefully took their seats one by one in a quiet and orderly manner, until the classroom was now almost completely full.

Thorin frowned as the last dams sat down, ready to protest, when Gloin, Balin and Dwalin followed.

"What is the meaning of this Balin?" Thorin hissed angrily. "I specifically stated that none of the dams who are responsible for working in the market stalls can attend. Who is running the market now?"

Shobha instantly bristled at his comment, ready to talk back, regardless of the consequences it may have upon her. But Dwalin, who stood beside her, placed a hand on her arm, halting her.

"There was a flooding in the market hall today, laddie. A most unfortunate incident, which has led to the stalls being closed for the day until the necessary repairs and cleaning can be carried out." Balin replied quietly, as Dis began her lessons once more. "It seemed like a waste not to allow the dams to use this opportunity. And your subjects pride themselves for supporting you as a great King, much like your grandfather..."

Balins careful words seemed to calm Thorin, holding him back from making the comment he had initially intended to make.
Dwalin, now unable to keep himself from grinning, glanced at her, giving her a quick wink.

"Very well then. Carry on." Thorin grumbled. "But will there be any more such incidents on a regular basis...? It will not be favourable for trading..."

"Perhaps we may permit these very hard working lasses several evening lessons, Thorin?" Gloin mumbled quietly. "My wife will be happy to take these. And it would only require early closure of their stalls on two or three days a week..."

Thorin shot her an angry look, before fixing his gaze back on the rotund, red-haired dwarf.

"Very well, Gloin." He agreed. She could tell he was irate even though he did not show it. "But if it interferes with trading, or I hear of enough complaints, I will rescind my agreement..."

He turned and took a few steps away, before pausing and turning back.

"Will I have your company for supper tonight, my lady?" He asked, glancing over to her.

She was surprised at his invitation, since he often dined with his old flame, Elise.

But a sharp nudge from Dwalin shortened any hesitation.

"Yes, my Lord..."

"Very good, my lady. I expect you to join me in my study a quarter hour before supper. And I shall escort you to the grand hall. It will do our subjects good to see us dine with them..." He instructed, giving Dwalin a sidelong glance. It was better to clarify himself, in case the girl believed his invitation was because he was growing fond of her. Of course he had every intention of plundering her body after supper once he took her back to their room. And he knew precisely how he wanted her tonight, he had been thinking about it for some days now. "And wear the blue dress I had sent to you two days ago...with the large Sapphire necklace..."

She had wondered why he had gifted her that dress. It was indeed exquisite. In a deep blue that matched one of his most favoured coats, and with a heavy velvet and a particularly open neckline that would have exposed a much of the tops of her breasts. She had even tried it on - and it had been a perfect fit, down to every little detail. There was only one thing he intended to do with her in that dress.

"Very well, my Lord..." She nodded, although secretly it thrilled her that he had gone to such lengths as thinking of what he wished to dress her in before he violated her body. She was even ashamed to admit that the thought seemed to slightly ease the thought of how roughly he often took her body (even if he did eventually grant her pleasure).

"Och lass...that sounds like a shag-me dress..." Dwalin let out a brief cackle, nudging her again, watching her cheeks flush. "Well...well...has our king charmed ya...?"

"Stop your idle gossip Dwalin, and come and join me. We have some problems to discuss..." Thorin called at him from the door.

"Thorin, ye don't need to pretend...Its plain ter see ye have feelings for the Princess. There's no shame in it..." Dwalin patted his friend on the back, only to receive a harsh look back.

"Feelings...? Is that what you think this is?" Thorin stopped walking and turned to face the dwarf he had considered as a brother for much of his life. "I bed her, night after night so that I may have an heir, as I was promised. And yet...I still have none. So she is the burden that I must bear for possessing a small number of her father's army."

"Are ye bluffin with me...? Come now baheluh...I see how ye look at her. And now dressing her in yer very own colours... and dining together..." Dwalin frowned, shocked at Thorins turn. He was still sure that this woman was perfect for him. "There is no harm in admitting that...ye love her..."

"You think that slip of a girl has bested me? Has dominated my heart...?" Thorin laughed bitterly. "Then you are a bigger fool than I thought Dwalin. Aye I enjoy bedding her. But I have paid for her so I should be entitled to dress her or have her in any way I please!"

Dwalin looked at him speechless and saddened by his words.

"And you should be focussing on the problem of the orc raids we have been having in the north on the route to the blue mountains." He snapped angrily. "Perhaps you would have known of this sooner had you spent less time running around after my bride and trying to play matchmaker!"

"I told ye that we should send a guard party to accompany any crossings." Dwalin replied back angrily. "And perhaps I too should remind ye, that ya wouldnt have a bride, if I had not pointed the Princess out to ya!"

"And what a fine job you have done too: I am still heirless." He had no intention of discussing this any further with Dwalin. "And you can send a guard to protect any gold or mithril loads but nothing else!"

"But the families making the crossing must be guarded -"

"The gold and mithril Dwalin. Nothing else."

.........

He led her down the corridors back to their bed chambers. Supper had been a simple affair, although every dwarf in Erebor had been there. And true to Thorins expectations they had all been please to see their King and Consort dine with them.

She had been too excited to eat much, although Thorin had been very attentive to her. It had made her feel as though she had been the only one in the room with him.

"That dress becomes you very well indeed," his lips pulled into the slightest smile as he paused to look at her again.

"Thank you it is exquisite...and it fits perfectly..." She smiled back running her free hand down over the lower edge of her corset. "Even Dori was surprised..."

She wanted to ask why he had this dress made for her but she held her tongue. He had been in a foul mood after the opening of her school. And she still needed to ask him to make it compulsory for the girls to attend.

"So...your school has been a success..." He admitted stopping now, and pulling her against him. It was an empty corridor, for apart from his chambers some adjoining rooms that were unoccupied and his study, no one else used this corridor. And he knew he had her to himself now. "Are you happy now, my wife..."

"Yes...but...some families were bribed into witholding their girls..." She whispered back, more nervous about what he planned to do with her currently.

"And what would you like me to do about it...?" He pressed her against his body, so that she could feel his muscular frame against hers. But her eyes were closed now, in anticipation of his usually possessive kisses.

They stood there, with her in his arms, as if she clung to each breath she took, simply waiting for him to kiss her. Her body tingled with excitement, and her skin prickled with goosebumps.

"Tell me...What do you want me to do...?" He whispered against her ear, his lips barely grazing her skin, and making her shiver.

Her breath fell in little gasps now, but she was completely tongue-tied.

"Oh...and there are so many things I could do..." His voice was particularly deep and quiet. "...to that body of yours..."

She closed her eyes now, hands wrapping themselves around her own bodice in a desperate attempt for support. Part of her craved his touch, but part of her also knew all too well the tinges of pain that such pleasure accompanied.

"Wh...what...will you....do to me..." She managed, as he pressed her gently into a wall behind her, and kissed her neck.

"Oh my dear..." He smirked, scooping her up suddenly into his arms. There was no desire to await a response. He hurried along the corridor and quickly entered his bedchambers, where he threw her on his large bed, before leaning over her to claim her lips possessively again. "I will do anything and everything to grant you pleasure..."

She sat up breaking their kiss to catch her breath and scrutinize his cold blue eyes, now darkened with lust.

"And you, my Lord...what is it that you wish...from our...night...?"

"I want you to give yourself to me...willingly...completely..." He spoke, watching with a hunger that terrified her. "Give yourself to me freely, and unfettered, in every way..."

She lay there on the bed half sitting, in his arms, her breath falling fast, and her body on fire with an excitement that she had never felt before.

He too leant over her, having half lifted her skirts, but halted at her words, and gently brushed his thumb over her soft lips.

No female had ever asked him what it was that he wanted. They had either received graphic instruction, or made an assumption.

He wanted to tell her that, but he didn't wish to ruin the moment. It was clear however, that she seemed to visibly relax in his arms at his words.

"But I have always been completely yours..." She replied, kissing him back. It seemed to take him by surprise, but it also made him smile, in a way that he didn't usually. It was an unrestrained smile.

Grabbing her by the waist, he rolled onto his back and sat her on top of him, running his hands up her thighs. He felt completely at ease, and didn't care that he had let his guard down around her for a moment.

"And yet you have resisted giving yourself to me completely all this time..." He looked up at her, playing with her long, inky black hair that fell around her in soft strands.

She thought for a little while he lay there watching her, apparently quite content not to hurry things along just yet.

"But did you not say that you enjoy the challenge I offered you...?"

A rumbling deep chuckle vibrated through his chest and he pulled her down for a other kiss, before snaking a free hand up her legs to commence his pleasurable stimulation on her core. Tonight he truly wanted all of her. And this was a perfect test to gauge the extent to which she would be willing to surrender herself to him.

True to her word, she spread her thighs wider around his body, his fingers continuing to play with her, while her eyes fell shut.

She was unable to hold back a soft moan.

"Why, then, permit a monster like me, all of yourself...?"

He was very quickly stirring a raging fire within her. So, steadying herself by placing her hands firmly on his chest, she opened her eyes to find him watching her with eagerness and curiosity.

"Perhaps because...even monsters need love..."

.......

 

She lay against his broad chest, her legs were still tangled in his and his muscular arms wrapped around her waist.

"Are you thirsty?" He skimmed a hand up her torso over her abdomen and between her breasts lazily.

"Yes, but could we stay like this for a moment?"

"Aye, my lady..." He raised an eyebrow, surprised by her request. "Have I ever denied you a request?"

"No..." She hesitated. The truth was that anytime he agreed to any of her requests, it often came at a price. But tonight she had given herself to him completely and he too had seen to her every pleasure in ways that were once unimaginable to her! And tonight had felt different.

He tilted up her chin up to plant a gentle kiss on her lips.

"Why was this school so important to you?" In truth it had been a question he had wanted to ask her for sometime. But they had never truly had such an intimate moment together.

"You malefolk are able to do anything you please..." She sighed. "You are afforded more opportunities than us. Even the simple pleasure of reading an interesting book, or learning about something new - or writing a letter to a loved one could not be possible for those who cannot read or write...could you imagine that...? And yet they must run a household, pay for a family's needs, and even work without such a fundamental skill."

He fell silent at her thought provoking words. It had not been a matter that had ever been explained in such detail. Of course his own sister had raised the need with him before, but for the first time he seemed to understand.

She turned onto her front so that her frame lay fully on top of his broad body. Her soft breasts pressing against him and her narrow waist contrasting against her hips and pert bottom. He simply couldn't help his hands from wondering over her body. But he was also just as curious about her now.

"How do you know of such plight? You have grown up only in the palace have you not?"

She fell silent for a few moments before the spoke.

"I know what a difference learning to read and write makes for the orphans at home..."

Suddenly Thorin recalled Dwalins story of how he had first met her that fateful day in Rhun-Agar.

"And my mother...she was from the Harad, but her parents died when she was very young. She was so young she cannot recall much but it sounded like their tribe was raided. And so she was sold as a servant where she spent much of her childhood serving a wealthy family. She spoke of how hopeless she felt, and then one day when she was almost thirteen the eldest son of the family had taken an unhealthy interest in her, so that when he attempted to rape her, and she fought him back, they had her beaten, cut her hair, dressed her as a boy and sold her to a Corsair ship..." She ran her hands over his chest tracing the many scars and inkings that adorned his skin, while he too listened avidly. "She was taken ill soon and that is when the captain realized she was a girl...perhaps he felt sorry for her, but he took her in as his own and taught her what he knew, to read, write and navigate using maps...she told me how it changed her life...so it was important to her that I learned to read and write also..."

"So your mother is from the Harad..." He gently brushed her hair from her face. That explained her darker complexion, but he was now even more curious. "And how did she meet your father...?"

"The Corsairs she sailed with were destroyed by a Gondorian vessel, so she was captured. Along with the gold and treasures on board, she was offered to the Gondorian court as a spoil. But it happened that the King of Rhun was visiting Minas Tirith at the time, and offered to buy her..."

She trailed off briefly, to glance at Thorin.

"You need not tell me if it makes you uncomfortable.." he offered quietly feeling some guilt. For him it was curiosity, but for her, it was her dignity.

She lifted herself up on her elbows to examine his handsome face. There was a softness in his usually cold blue eyes, in such a way that she had never seen before.

"They treated her with cruelty there, for she was unwilling to submit herself to anyone, and so they had her chained her by the neck, claiming she was a savage..." She spoke sadly. "My mother led a difficult life. And except for the Corsairs, my father was the only one who showed her true kindness."

"But she showed great resolve to have survived such a life. I can now see where you get your determination from." He stroked her cheek gently, before pulling her in for yet another tender kiss.

"I have a crude question to ask of you..." She blushed.

"I think after tonight, there is nothing that you cannot speak with me about," he smirked suggestively.

"Why did you spill your seed over my body, instead of within me...?" In truth it had taken her by surprise, since he had been so adamant before in his desire for an heir. "Do you...no longer...wish for me to bear you an heir...?"

"My wife...do not think yourself so easily released of your duties..." He chuckled, although he was shocked by her curiosity. "But tonight was about your pleasure, and not about an heir for me. Of course if you wish I can have you once more, and fill you with my seed...?"

"You are not exhausted after last night?" She was quite aghast at the prospect. Her body was worn out after all the pleasure he had directed upon her through the night.

He did not reply but instead smirked at her once again. There was no doubt he was tired, but he wanted her again, and for her he could muster the energy for anything right now.

"Are you happy, Thorin?" She whispered, wondering out loud.

Again he was surprised by her question, it was not something he had ever been asked.

"You are not the most obedient wife, a dwarf could ask for...but I think a few nights like last night will make reparations towards that..." He chuckled, teasing her. "In truth, I am not sure I have ever considered my happiness. My duty to my people has always come first...and then my wish has always been to become a great King. Perhaps even greater than my grandfather..."

He trailed off, lost in thought momentarily, before looking down at her, where she lay on his chest. She was a beautiful sight, even after having been thoroughly loved through the night.

"Your grandfather lost your Kingdom, and you reclaimed it, my Lord. I think you have already claimed your place amongst the greatest of your Kings for that." She reasoned.

"How are you so beautiful, and clever, and fuckable all at the same time...?" He smiled at her running his hand down her body. "I am truly most fortunate that Dwalin met you by complete mistake that day...and that he knows me better than I do."

She smiled at his veiled complement. It was hard to deny that her own opinion of him had changed of late. And for the first time since she met him, last night had truly felt like he too had changed. Her heart felt so content in that moment, that the words simply slipped out, without any thought.

"I...love you, Thorin..."

The words seemed to take him completely by surprise.

"And I think your love makes me a better dwarf..." He smiled kissing her. "But take care, for you give your heart freely to a monster..."

She was not sure how to take his reply, having not thought her confession through. But he seemed to sense this, and did not give her a chance to fall too deeply into thought over the matter - he slipped his hand between her legs, groaning at his discovery.

"And you are very wet..." He flipped her over onto her front in a flash, pulling her hips up before lining himself up at her entrance. "I can have your delicious body a few times yet, before the sun rises."

.......

"Why must you humour your wife like that...? Now the seamstresses don't work on a Wednesday afternoon. Why? Because they are going to school!!" Elise laughed coquettishly. "If Mahal intended for dams to learn then he would have given Malefolk the task of child rearing-"

 

"And what do you know of childrearing, Elise?" Thorin interrupted her. He had stood by the window all this time, very distant, so his sudden change took her by surprise. "You had maids to cook, clean and even raise your son. If you had it your way, you would have a maid even give birth to your child!"

 

He was needless to say a little annoyed. He had enough work on his plate, and now he had been interrupted. The one good thing about Elise had been her lack of interfering in his life. Their relationship had been a separate entity. There had been no need to fit her into his busy life. She would have been equally happy had he turned up at her door for a quick shag as much as for dinner. She did not trouble him with her moans and he did not discuss anything with her. It had been convenient and pleasant. 

 

Thorin stood by the window looking out so simply avoid having to interact with her, while she was having a moan. It really wasn't something he cared for. 

 

"Why is this such a sore point...? This school thing is simply unnecessary...I wasn't schooled and I am fine...but now I am bored on a Wednesday afternoon because most of the marketplace is closed...and some of the other dams are joining Mara's lessons..." Elise pouted attempting to look seductive. 

 

Unfortunately it only made him wonder what he ever saw in her. Perhaps he never had a chance to see in her daylight properly, since they had always only ever met late on the evenings.

 

"Why could you not occupy yourself?" He was going to suggest she should read a book, but the irony would have been lost on her. He turned back to look out of the window. 

 

During this past week, he had been getting through his work as efficiently as possible so that he could train, and meet his new bride for dinner. 

 

Seeing her pretty face light up each night, upon seeing him had been a craving that grew throughout the day. And while he had been tempted to summon her on a couple of occasions to his study, he had never done so, instead hoping in secret that she might interrupt him of her own accord as she once did.

 

"Well...that IS why I am here...to occupy myself..." She said moving closer and wrapping her hands around him. "It has been so long...and as you mentioned before when we dined together...your marriage is... a task...so allow me to provide you with some relaxation..."

 

At first Thorin was 

 

She trailed a hand lower down his abdomen, finding the waist of his trousers and slipping in...

.....

 

Shobha had hurried along the corridor. 

That week had been filled with sweet gestures from Thorin. They had dined together twice in the great hall with everyone else, but he had also arranged two quiet dinners in the small parlour room adjoining his bedroom and he had shown her his own private library, handing her a key so that she could use it any time she wished.

They had often spoken for hours each night, made love and even woken up in each other's arms. Their marriage had gone from disdainful to desirable almost overnight!

Last night he had asked her about a festival from Rhun that the soldiers had been talking of. It was to coincide with the arrival of her brother. So he had encouraged her to arrange a celebration here in Erebor for those soldiers who remained. 

 

 

It had meant that she had set about looking to source as many candles and lamps as she could, in addition to finding a troupe of musicians from the Rhun soldiers to play. After all, the festival of nine nights was also a festival of prayer, music, dancing and light. It would be a perfect way to welcome back Arvind!

She had felt so happy this past week. And for the first time in a long time, she felt as though she might be able to do some good in the world as Thorin's Consort.

They celebrated the nine nights twice a year at home, in memory of the mother goddess and her battle against evil. The first nights began with fasting, prayer and meditation. Then with each night, just as the goddess's battle raged on, the festivities would build up, until the final nights when they would have song and dance, ending in a night when lights were burnt through till daybreak in celebration of the victory of light over darkness.

She had begun to feel as though her light had won over Thorin's darkness of late. It seemed to have overcome even the darkness that she held within her - that hopeless, gloom that she had once felt when she first arrived in Erebor.

After several nights, expecting to find him changed back towards her in the morning, she had finally allowed herself to believe it. And this afternoon she had felt positively giddy with excitement about seeing him before they usually met for dinner.

Knocking hastily on the door to his study, she opened it to let herself in without thinking.

 

Smiling and excited to see him she stepped in, her scrolls in hand of her plan for the nine nights of festivities. 

 

But what she found was in no way what she had expected. 

 

He stood pressed against a wall, eyes screwed tight, trousers fallen around his boots while a dam knelt before him, her mouth fully engaged around his nether appendage and apparently doing her best attempt at swallowing it whole!

 

Confused and quite frankly shocked, she stood there for a moment frozen. Then slowly she began to feel quite sick. 

 

He screwed his face, half pushing her head away, before he finally looked at Shobha. 

 

But she had no desire to stay another moment longer. 

 

Immediately turning on her heels, she picked up her skirts and began to run. 

 

It was a strange feeling. She felt as though her throat burned, and she couldn't breathe. She needed air.

 

Her feet seemed to carry her, detached from her head, along corridors and stairs while her hands pulled at her skirts. They were an infernal hindrance to anyone attempting to truly run (it was no wonder so many dams died when the dragon invaded for their inability to escape!)!

 

Finally she emerged out of the main entrance. Gasping and doubling over as she caught her breath, she could see the plumes of condensed air that left her lungs in the crispness of the winter.

 

The guards nearby looked at her worried but she simply waived at them to signal that she was fine. Even though she felt as though she was dying inside. 

 

And although she was frozen to the bone now, she walked on further towards the stone bridge.

 

Then there amidst the snow, she could see a familiar outline from afar, as it travelled closer. 

 

With its tall frame, and wide antlers, she instantly recognised the unmistakable figure of Daer the enormous white Elk. It made its way towards her, in spite of the clear commotion its arrival was causing amongst the guards of Erebor. 

 

But it felt like a sign. Kismet, as her people often said. And she was drawn towards it. 

 

Frozen and still feeling broken inside, she finally met the creature halfway along the stony bridge, and extended a shivering hand to stroke it's head. 

 

However, the beast lowered it's head to nuzzle her, before then lowering itself completely, as it had done before when it offered to carry her. 

 

Oblivious to the arrival of her husband at the entrance to the Lonely Mountain, she clambered onto the enormous creature and lay her self against its warm body. She could feel his soft fur against her cheek like, and finally the tears that had been long welling in her eyes began to fall. 

 

Carefully Daer rose to his full height, and turned away from Erebor. 

 

"Take me away, please, my dear old friend...anywhere but here..." She whispered, half sobbing. 

 

And with that the large Elk set off, quickly gathering speed. 

 

.......

 

 

 

 

Chapter 19: Consequences

 

 

She couldn't recall how long the Elk had galloped at speed for, but by the time he stopped and lowered himself to allow her to dismount, she had felt completely frozen to the bone. 

 

The clearing in which they had stopped was in the middle of Greenwood, and covered in snow. But beyond this she was too frozen and dazed to orientate herself.

 

Within moments of her taking her first steps, a large warm cloak was wrapped around her and she was scooped up. 

 

Tired, frozen, and unable to stand any longer, she collapsed into blackness...

 

When she awoke, she found herself wrapped up in many soft, warm blankets, laying on a large bed. Still feeling quite weak, she slowly sat up. It seemed to require incredible amounts of strength to do such a simple task, but finally she managed, sitting propped on her pillow and attempting to gain her bearings. 

 

Her hair had been let loose, and was still a little damp but no longer cold, and she had been stripped of her cold wet clothing and dresses in a simple shift. 

 

She had no idea where she was, other than to note that everything looked larger. And then she recognised some of the fine carvings that were similar to the patterns on the woodland elves armour. 

 

At least the fire was roaring and warm.

 

"Are you cold my dear...?" A voice startled her from somewhere in the room.

 

She looked around in the dim light to find a figure standing in an archway to one side. 

 

It had been a long time since she had heard his voice, or even seen him from afar, but it was unmistakably the Elvenking. 

 

"It appears that my Elk, has taken a liking to you and carried you away..." he walked over to her. "He lingers here still, I imagine he is worried about you..."

 

Instinctively she panicked. She had run away from Thorin, and without thinking ended up in Greenwood! He would no doubt be livid! 

 

She clutched the blankets to her chest. The shift she wore was thin, and she felt naked and vulnerable. 

 

"You have nothing to fear from me here...you are safe. And if you are fleeing your husband..." He spoke arrogantly in an almost 'I-told-you-so' tone. "Well, even my guards are not aware of your arrival. You are in my private chambers, and I dressed you myself. Your dress and undergarments are still drying by the fire..." 

 

He looked towards a large armchair that had the dress draped over it beside the fire, before turning his strange, pale gaze towards her again. 

 

"I must leave..." She finally spoke. But she was not certain she had the strength to do so right now. 

 

"You are in no state to do so, little one." He sat down on one corner of the bed and reached out a hand to touch her forehead. "You have a fever. You should not have left in such haste without proper clothing. It is fortunate Daer found you."

 

Everything was a mess, and she wanted to simply lay down and sleep. Forever. 

 

"I have requested some hot soup...you will need to rest, eat and gather your strength before you return. I insist." He concluded as if it was final. 

 

Feeling powerless and tired, she curled up again in the middle of the bed, attempting to hold back her sobs.

 

"You need not say a word, but I can see that the dwarven oaf is not worthy of you," he tucked another warm blanket over her. "I can offer you sanctuary. Perhaps you may refuse it today...but my offer will remain..."

 

He was careful to keep his distance, as though she were some sort of wounded animal he had found. 

 

"Why...would you help me?" 

 

"Because I have not forgotten the courage and generosity you have shown in returning my only memory of my wife." He stood, careful not to appear to be prying or too familiar with her and took a few paces towards where he had first emerged and turned back to her where she lay curled up so small. It almost pulled at his heartstrings, but he did not need any further bad blood with the dwarves. "As I said before, you are safe here. My private study is over there, where I shall remain, should you require anything. Rest, gather your strength and I will take you back when you are ready. If that is your wish."

 

.......

 

She carefully slipped out of the bed and moved towards the fireplace. The flames still burned brightly, dancing and flickering to a tune of their own. 

 

Moving on unsteady feet, she poured a goblet of water out for herself and took a sip. She had slept for at least a day and a half, waking only for a bowl of soup. 

 

Watching the flames dance, she stood there sipping the water carefully. Her head still throbbed, and her eyes still felt swollen, but she had cried silently each time she had woken up. 

 

A strange rasping sound, made her almost drop her goblet. 

 

So steadying herself, she turned to find the tall figure of the Greenwood King, slumped asleep in a large armchair, with his feet up on a footstool. He no longer wore his strange crown, or any of his ostentatious clothing. It made him look strangely relaxed, in a way she had never seen. 

He appeared to be snoring!

 

She turned back and poured herself another goblet, drinking a little quicker this time so that she could return to the bed, before he woke up. 

 

"Feeling any better...?" 

 

Apparently it was too late.

 

She set the goblet back and turned around, carefully getting back to the bed and throwing a blanket around herself, blushing, for the shift that she had been dressed in was indeed rather thin. 

 

"Forgive me, but I had nothing else that would fit you. My winter shirts are thicker and less comfortable..." He spoke coldly. 

 

"I suppose, I should be returning..."

 

"Not if you do not wish it." Even half asleep, he was arrogant!

 

"You would risk war upon your people and perhaps mine, for me?" She blinked surprised. "Why?"

 

"Why not?" He dismissed her, as if she was a child, worried about a monster under her bed. "Have you so little value of yourself?" 

 

"No. But my marriage was a duty to my people, and the dwarves...and their lives, together with those of your elves, are surely more valuable in group than mine alone?"

 

He seemed to sit up and look at her with interest. 

 

"They would get lost in the woods attempting to find us...and those who reached our gates would be worn, tired and brought to their knees, in no state to fight." He tilted his head, watching her climb back into his large bed. "Tell me this...why do you return to him, if he hurt you? And there is no need to lie. I have seen the tears you cry silently, when you think no one sees you..."

 

"Out of duty...." She mused herself. It was hard to find a reason, beyond her knowing the consequences of what it would mean, if she did not. Thorin was not a kind or forgiving man. And there would be consequences. Even her mother would be in danger, now that her father was taken ill, and her step-brother was ruler. "And what good would I be here, your highness? Where would I live?"

 

He looked at her as if surprised by the question - as though it was stupid that she even wondered. 

 

"Just as you are, of course."

 

"I would spend the rest of my days here, in your bedchambers...?" She clutched the blankets tighter to her body, feeling disheartened. Her mother had taught her to read and write, and given her the chance to live her life freely, in a way that even she had not been. And yet, in the end all that she would be was a concubine to that horrid dwarf, or this ancient elf! "Wearing next to nothing...?"

 

Thranduil laughed at her. 

 

"You would be most welcome to stay in my bed chambers, wearing next to nothing always. But I am quite busy maintaining my kingdom. I posses no magic rings. So you would be waiting for me much of the time...although you would never have any complaints from me. It would be a most welcome sight after a long day..." He smirked at her, as if she had offered herself to him. "Or I could make you more comfortable, in any way you wish. You would find my halls are much more welcoming than the lonely mountain."

 

She pulled another blanket over herself. The idea of being as far from Thorin as she could was wonderful, but she had no desire to be a concubine to this arrogant elf!

 

"Unlike your vile husband, I would not force myself upon you. You would be free to stay as my guest..." He stood up avoiding her gaze, that reminded him of an injured doe. 

 

He would have been lying to say he was not in the slightest bit curious as to what she would feel like in his arms. He had after all undressed her completely from her wet clothing. Nor could he deny that seeing her entirely unclothed had not set his heart racing in a way that he had not felt in a long time. But she was nothing but a girl, compared to him. And a mortal. 

 

Falling in love with her would have serious and lasting consequences. Ultimately she was of the race of men, and their hearts were easily turned. 

 

"I should return, really. For the sake of all."

 

"Then let me offer you a place to return to if you should ever wish to...escape your turmoil for a day or two..." Thranduil extended a hand with an elegant movement.

 

She turned to catch his gaze again. His pale, cold eyes seemed to bore into her. And it reminded her of the strange and unexpected kindness he had shown her once after the battle. 

 

Slowly she slipped out of the bed again, as he watched her with great curiosity, and then she slowly walked over to him where he sat. 

 

"This is not the first time you have been kind to me in a time of need," she paused by him, before leaning up cautiously and planting a gentle kiss on his cheek. 

 

It seemed to take him by surprise. He had never allowed a man in his kingdom for long, let alone this close to him. She had been different from the moment he had met her, but he had also liked her brother. And now she had, unfearing of him just walked over and kissed him!

Not knowing how to respond he wrapped a long arm around her waist, snaking under her blankets so he could almost feel her bare skin through the soft, thin shirt he had dressed her in. 

 

His touch was light, such that it did not feel as though he wanted anything more to come of their strange interaction. At least not for now. Although she couldn't help but wonder why he would ever show someone like her such kindness, particularly since he has behaved so cold and arrogantly towards her.

 

"Why would you be so kind to me?" She looked up at him, observing his face closer. His features were finer than the dwarves, but not as handsome as her own father or Arvind. And his eyes looked cold. And his face looked hard, with his Stony pale skin. Slowly, she reached out her own hand and touched his left cheek, which looked different to his other side, as if by some old scar that was concealed in some manner. "What happened to your cheek?"

 

Her small cool hand on his cheek, made him draw in a short breath, closing his eyes, and bringing his own hand to cup hers. 

 

"You are able to see that?" He sounded taken aback. 

 

"Forgive me - I hope I have not overstepped myself -"

 

"They are old scars from an old battle with fire drakes... But they are hidden by enchantments, and you should not be able to see them."

 

"I cannot see them, and yet...I think I can...feel them…” She stroked that side of his face. "You should not need to conceal them...real beauty comes from in here anyway. And most people can see that." 

 

She let her hand trail down to his chest, where she lightly pressed her palm against his large, firm muscular frame. 

 

Then she slipped out of his arm taking a short step back to the bed. 

 

"May I spend one more night here...before I return?" 

 

"As you wish, my lady..." He waved his hand, trying not to appear in any way affected by her touch from before, or that he was still thinking of it.

 

She quickly clambered back into the bed and wrapped herself up, watching him attempt to settle in the chair. It was clearly uncomfortable, but he did not complain. 

 

Suddenly she felt sorry for him. For all his prejudices and the burdens he bore from his lifetime, he had found an ounce of kindness to save her and permit her this time of respite, or she would have been handed back to Erebor, to face whatever consequences Thorin had in store for her. And she had no doubt, Thorin would punish her for fleeing.

 

She watched him again as he attempted, silently to find a comfortable position to fall asleep in his chair.

 

"There is enough room here for you..." She spoke without thinking, and then worried that it sounded like an invitation to bed her! "I mean there is ample space...I can move over -"

 

"You would share a bed with me?"

 

"You have given your bed to me. And you were kind enough not to take me back right away." 

 

He carefully positioned himself to lay on the very edge of the bed, leaving a space between them. It was not difficult to do so, since she was so small in comparison to the large bed. He lay on his back looking up, lost in silent thought, while she watched him through half closed eyes. 

 

"Why do you honour your marriage to him, when he does not afford you the same?" He finally spoke, still looking up at the ceiling. "It is common in many races where unions of alliance are formed, that both husband and wife take lovers."

 

She remained silent, pondering this herself for a moment. Was he offering himself?

 

"In truth I never considered marriage to another unless I had fallen in love. I am not of a high born mother, nor am I considered one of my father's most beautiful daughters according to our courtiers," she confessed. Her life would have been far simpler had it remained that way. She had Gandalf, Dwalin and Thorin to thank for her current circumstances. "I suppose I also always imagined that once Thorin had his usual court returned, that he would quickly tire of me, or bring a former mistress back."

 

She just hadn't anticipated that she would in the meantime fall in love with him and have her heartbroken.

 

"At least you have given me the chance to gather myself, so that when I return, I may do so with some grace," she whispered, realizing that she would also have to face the consequences for running away. "And find a way to carry on."

 

"Then, sleep well, Princess of Rhun." He seemed to smile as he closed his eyes, although he did not look at her still. "And know that should you ever need respite again, then my chambers and halls will always provide you sanctuary..." 

 

......

 

She had arrived to a great big furore. Thranduil himself had taken her to Erebor on his while elk, where the guard that had blocked their path had quickly parted as they saw her. 

 

So she had been met half way by a rather sour faced Dwalin. And that was when the very smug Thranduil had finally allowed her down from his Elk. Even the Elk had initially snorted and pawed at the ground as if threatening to charge the guards of Erebor at first! 

 

"We have been worried sick, Princess!" Dwalin groused. 

 

"You were most fortunate that she crossed into the woodland realm. Her Highness was frozen to the bone, and spent the last two days being treated by my own healer." Thranduil called out haughtily from atop his Elk. He had come dressed in his most flashy cloak and crown. 

 

"What in Mahals name made ye run off like that?!" Dwalin whispered. 

 

"This is not the place to discuss that." She snapped at him quietly, before bowing her head to the elf quickly. "Thank you, King Thranduil..."

 

But he too didn't seem to let it go, quickly disembarking from his Elk, and towering over the sea of dwarves and men, he halted Dwalin from guiding her back. 

 

"Will you be safe, my lady?"

 

"Aye! Why wouldn't she be safe?!" Dwalin growled, from beside her. 

 

"Please. I will be fine. Thank you." She replied, although part of her wanted to stay in his room. 

 

"I am always at your service, my lady." He gracefully bowed his head once more before finally mounting his Elk again and turning back, as they watched for a while. 

 

"What is going on here?" She looked around at the rows of guards who were all dressed in armour. It was unusual to see so many like that together, at least not since the great battle!

 

"Well...in return for your impertinent disappearing act, your school has been sealed shut!" 

 

"What?!" She stopped straight away. "Why would Thorin do that...? Or allow it?"

 

"Because your tracks were found leading to Greenwood, and with no sign of return!" Dwalin grunted back. "So he was angry -"

 

"Oh?! Well he didn't tell you then that as I arrived to discuss the festivities planned for his royal approval I found him with his pants around his feet, and some dwarrowdam attempting to swallow his...his...his...man sausage!!" She whispered angrily, watching Dwalins face redden at her description. It was hard to tell whether it was from rage or from embarrassment. 

 

"Elise!" Dwalin spat out angrily. "But I thought ye two were really getting along -"

 

She stopped briefly, feeling afresh the sadness she had first felt, clutching at her chest and closing her eyes momentarily to swallow down the tears. 

 

"Lets go together Lass - I will sort him out -"

 

"No."

 

Her words stopped him this time due to the utter shock of it. 

 

"What dya mean no? Eh lassie?" 

 

"He is right. He didn't fall in love with me...I was always something he had to tolerate for the sake of my father's army...I was foolish to have ever allowed myself to think otherwise," she shook her head sadly. "He was always going to have a mistress. And after all, I am not even considered the prettiest or most capable at tapestries or anything like that...I was such a fool for falling in love with him -"

 

"You love him?" Dwalin pulled her over to a quiet corridor now and looked around, before stopping. "You told him?"

 

"Yes."

 

"You told him? How?"

 

"I think I love you..?" All she could recall was how he had not said anything other than questioning her!

 

"What did he say?"

 

"Nothing...I should have known all along. I am the foolish one..." She wrung her hands together in frustration. "I think I was so miserable before, I wanted to believe that perhaps some part of him loved me too..." 

 

"Och lassie, but he DOES love ya! He is just too much of a gormless coward to believe it himself.” 

 

She remained silent to that. 

 

"Come princess. Let's go and talk to him -"

 

"No. I don't want to talk to him or look at him. I need to move into another room...at least if he doesn't love me, he should not force me to sleep in the same bed every night..." She pleaded with him. "YOU! It's because of you that I am in this mess! Help me please?!" 

 

"Very well, lass, let me talk to Dis. Ye can stay with her, I am sure she would help." Dwalin offered. "Come let's go and collect your things..." 

 

They quickly made their way back to his bed chambers, where she began collecting the few things she had arrived with. 

 

"Better hurry lass - he will have seen ye arrive. And he'll be pissed ye didn't come to see him first." Dwalin warned. "I will talk to Dis and return immediately. Will ye be alright?"

 

After a slight delay, she looked at Dwalin, apparently distracted and nodded.

 

She had found the Sapphire necklace he gave her. It reminded her of the few times he had been kind or gentle. And it made her want to cry again. Placing the jewels on the large dresser, she forced herself to return to her task as hand. 

 

She would take a few of her new dresses that Dori had made for winter. The practical ones. And her capes. 

 

For the sake of their people both in Rhun and Erebor, she could not leave. But she was sure Daer would collect her again if she needed it. Even the Elvenking, for all his prejudices and arrogance was more tolerable than her husband!

 

 

"Going somewhere, my lady...?" 

 

She froze briefly. It was him.

 

"Or perhaps I should really ask...where you have already been?" He sounded angry! 

 

Well, she was livid too! She spoke without turning to greet him. 

 

"Yes, my Lord. I am moving to another bed chamber to permit you better freedom. After all, our union is nothing but...a burden to you. So you may as well enjoy your bed with whomever you please-" but before she could finish saying what she needed to he had come to stand right behind her. 

 

"I asked you, my wife, where you have been all these days?!"

 

"I lost my way through Mirkwood and nearly froze to death, but the elves found me and I was attended to by their healer who revived me," she replied, but when she tried to move away, he merely stopped her with a firm hand to her waist, pressing her to the dresser behind her. "Surely it matters not to you anyway?"

 

"Oh it matters. It very much matters to whom you have been whoring your little body out to," he snarled, moving closer and inspecting her face carefully. "It matters to me where you have been sleeping. And you will no leave my bed unless it is by my permission-"

 

"Get away from me! You vile brute!" She pushed against his chest, finally letting all her anger out. "There was no need to shut the school! You promised me!"

 

"Just as you promised to be my wife!" He yelled grasping her wrists firmly. 

 

"This is not a marriage!" She snapped back. "I am just part of a trade to you - and one you cannot even bear to honour!" 

 

"Honour you! My wife who whores herself  away to elves or any other kind..but then I guess you are nothing but your mother's daughter-"

 

"You beast!" She pulled her wrists away, twisting in his grasp, to slip out and without thinking, she slapped him!

 

In the silence of his large bedroom, it made a resounding noise. And they both seemed to realize too late what was about to happen but each was too shocked to do anything about it. 

 

His face twisted to the opposite side with the momentum of her hand, and her palm stung with force of their connection. But he didn't let her left wrist go, and didn't seem to be particularly affected by it, other than to feel some level of humiliation. 

 

Her heart began to race in her chest. She almost expected him to slap her back, so she attempted to pull away, but his vice like grip only tightened on his ensnared wrist further. 

 

"And apparently you haven't been taught any manners either!" He pulled her onto the bed, pressing her front down onto the sheets and bringing her hands back behind her back making it hard to move. 

 

At first she attempted to kick out, but it only allowed him to press her further into the bed and immobiliser her better, until she finally gave in, like a trapped animal. 

 

"Let me go you monster! Let me go!"

 

With his hands pinned behind in the grasp of one hand, she heard him unbuckling his belt with the other. The clinking sound made her heart beat still faster, until she felt positively as though she would soon faint. 

 

"Are you going to beat me with your belt? Go ahead - I couldn't care less if you killed me!" She shouted, turning her head to one side attempting to see what he was doing. 

 

But to her horror, he didnt beat her. 

 

"No. That would release you of your duties to me. It would make it far to easy." He growled in anger. 

 

Instead she felt the thick, cold leather wrapping around her wrists tightly. He wrapped it around several times binding her tight, so that she couldn't move her arms. 

 

And then he tore her dress open from the back, pulling the thick velvet away like it was a thin worn rag. 

 

Suddenly her breath caught in her throat and she felt sick. 

 

"You are right about one thing. I am a monster. But you have never had the pleasure of meeting my monstrous side..." He sounded eerily calm now and it was even more chilling than if he had been angry. "You see, we dwarves value our agreements and contracts to the letter...and hate it when others break an agreement made to us..."

 

He continued to tear away her dress bit by bit. It was almost leisurely now, as though he was unwrapping a present. 

 

"And you have broken your duties to me, King under the Mountain! The greatest of all dwarves! So I am going to take my payment from you..." He seemed to pause briefly. "So if you are wearing a shirt that belongs to the Elvenking... Then I can only expect that you have slept in his bed. Of course there is no point asking you -"

 

"He didn't touch me! What about you?! You are a dirty hypocrite," she desperately struggled one last time with all her strength.

 

"Oh? Elise...? I did not bed her. That is why I have you sleep in my bed. You know I return to you each night..." He tore the elvish shirt away finally leaving her completely naked laying on nothing but a few tatters of her old clothing that she once wore, with her wrists bound together tightly and her legs now parted between his. "She merely attempted to tempt me, by sucking my cock. Something I wish you would learn to do... My, to have your lips around my cock, would be a fine way to wake up each morn..."

 

He paused again briefly to fiddle with something. She turned struggling to see what he was doing but it was all futile. 

 

She was bound and exposed to him, completely. It was humiliating and horrifying all at once. 

 

"Of course...Dwalin is right about one thing. I have no interest in Elise...even if I tried to..." He now stroked the naked skin of her lower back and buttocks as though it were a work of art. "No...I would not scar this soft skin of yours...do you know that Dain had a bedslave from the Harad once...beautiful, with skin like yours...and with a fire inside like you too...I set eyes on her for the first time when I visited him some many moons ago. I was younger and had better stamina then and had I the chance I would have enjoyed her all night I imagine too. He could never get her to bend to his will though - she would always fight him. And he would always force her...one day, he gave her to me for the night. And she was so worn and broken, I felt sorry for her. So I let her rest rather than service me. In thanks she sucked my cock like no one has ever done....oh Mahal...to this day thinking of her, much like you, gets me hard. Dain was cruel, used to beat her. And her beautiful, deep brown skin was carved up with pale scars throughout...it was very sad...so you see...so you see I would never beat you and mark your beautiful brown skin like that...NEVER." 

 

Her gently began to draw circles over her core, lazily running his fingers through her, despite her resistance and protests. 

 

"You are perfectly positioned and bound...but if you keep protesting I may just gag you...?" He pressed his cock to her entrance, hushing her as if she were a jittery pony. "You are not ready, I know. And it will hurt. But we can consider it fair payment, for your betrayal, hmmm? And next time you will learn NEVER to run away..."

 

Suddenly she stopped fighting him, knowing she had no choice, softly sobbing into the covers where she lay on one cheek.

 

"What is it that you wanted to say...my darling wife...?" He lowered his face beside her, pressing his frame against her, so she could feel how erect he was. "Go on...I am nothing if not fair..."

 

"You ARE a monster..." She sobbed, her anger now spent, with no way left to fight. He used to be rough with her when they first coupled, as if he had something repressed within him desperate to get out.

 

He brushed the hair out of her face, that had fallen around her during her struggle. For a brief moment there was even something tender about how gentle his touch was, that she closed her eyes. 

 

So he pulled at her hair, forcing her to open her eyes and look back up at his face.

 

"Aye, but I am YOUR monster...and I will make sure you NEVER forget that..." 

 

Completely helpless and exhausted, all she could do now was give in, and await what was to come next...

 

Notes:

Dear all

Wow thank you for your comments! I was so inspired that I wrote this chapter quicker. This one is for you Mrs Oakenshield, Memo and FlyingSquiryl! xx

Chapter 20: Enduring

 

He had often been rough with her when they lay together, until the last week. But now, she expected worse.

 

She lay there feeling every sensation, including the feel of his burning hot hands, and the feel of his beard and breath against her naked skin. It was strangely arousing as much as the anticipation was terrifying.

 

First he had stripped himself, then he positioned her, taking his time, as if she was being posed for a masterpiece of art.

 

Then finally she could feel his rock hard cock, prodding at her entrance.

 

"Try to relax...you may even enjoy it," he whispered leaning over her body and running his hands over her skin. "I know I shall thoroughly enjoy myself."

 

Suddenly a loud knock on the door interrupted him. 

 

Cursing, he grunted something in his harsh language at the door, which she imagined was tantamount to informing the guest to leave in no uncertain terms. 

 

But after a moment the knock came again. And then again! 

 

He turned to head for the door - and then stopped, turning back to her so that he could cover her with a blanket first.

 

It was a strangely tender thing  to do, considering how he had bound her up and what he himself was about to do to her.

 

He walked over to the door and opened it - unconcerned about his own state of undress or arousal, apparently. 

 

"It's you?! What is it?" Thorin answered the door sounding irate. 

 

She strained to listen.

 

"Uncle...Mahal…forgive me for the...interruption...but the guard asked me to inform you that there had been some sort of robbery in your study!" 

 

She recognised the voice! It was Kili! And he sounded taken aback, presumably to see Thorin like that.

 

Thorin paused briefly looking back at her and then groaning. He had been suffering during her absence, even though it had been only a few days. She had not permitted him to bed her while she had bled on her last cycles, so he had not had her for some days then also. It had made him grumpy each time, but at least he could hold her on those nights. 

 

These last few days he had spent in an empty bed, without her had been agonising. But he would not let her know that. After all it would only be a matter of time before he tired of her. He could hold on until then.

 

He quickly dressed himself and left with one last glance back at her, shutting the door behind him. 

 

At first she thought she was all alone, and so she began to twist her arms to get out of his belt. It made her wrists raw but didn't seem to help her bid to escape other than to throw the blanket off her. 

 

And then, the door opened again, making her freeze.

 

It was quieter this time, so she struggled to look back. 

 

"You need not fear me, my lady. I am here to release you..." It was Kili. He sounded like he was stifling a laugh. It was not unexpected given the situation she found herself in.

 

He walked over quickly and quietly and picked up the blanket she had dropped in her struggles, only to pop it over her lower half.

 

"Well...you are rather...tied up aren't you my lady?" He didn't hide his chuckle this time. But it sounded somewhat bitter. He rapidly untied her and continued to rib her about it. "This is his favourite belt. You must be very honoured...so…he has to tie you up in order to bed you eh?”

 

Slowly she moved her stiff arms, wrapping the blanket around her self as she staggered onto her feet, with a little help, whilst trying to maintain her modesty. 

 

"Thank you..." She finally whispered looking around still dazed and ignoring jibes. "I need to get dressed..."

 

"Would you like me to wait here for you? I know you came from Greenwood... I followed you back." He shrugged his shoulders. "Tauriel noticed his elk lingering around - normally they return to the wooded enclosure. But that elk often does what it wants a bit like him...thats when we had the help of a certain friend and burglar from the shire -"

 

"I wondered where he was -"

 

"He was spending time visiting us as our guest to see Greenwood...and I suppose his curiosity made him look further...he saw Thranduil carrying you into his room and feared that you were dead or gravely injured." Kili confessed. "Tauriel insisted that we followed you back. Of course I think Thorins anger in response to you seeking shelter with THEM is expected...but he is also not himself. He has formally informed me that I am not permitted to live here in Erebor-"

 

"Even with your mother?" She looked at him surprised, but of course with his back turned she could not see his face. 

 

He simply shook his head. 

 

"Why? Because of whom you love? The Elleth?" 

 

"Aye." He mumbled reluctantly. "So I am going back soon. And should you wish to return with me then I am certain Thranduil will happily keep you for himself -"

 

"And what do you mean by that? That I am just some whore?" She bristled. 

 

"No...I..." He fell silent for a moment. "Look I'm sorry. I know you tried to help my brother - and I know you havent deserved the treatment I have directed towards you. But it should have been me or Thorin in his place..."

 

"But then the Iron Hills clan would look to take over Erebor."

 

"Well, not really. They would have no right. Only the King can grant another right to rule in his stead," Kili looked back toward her as she finished dressing. “And he already has…”

 

He was clearly referring to her, and they both knew it. 

 

"Me? But I am no ruler..."

 

"Well, that is not what I heard," Kili reminded her. "There are great stories of how you faced down Dain, or how you help the women and children of Dale. And now the dams of Erebor who work - we have known that they have been swindled out of money by their book keepers for a long time." 

 

"Even Thorin?" She raised an eyebrow.

 

"It actually bothered him the most. Once, a long time ago." Kili shook his head sadly. "But he thought appeasing the Iron Hills would mean that they would help him reclaim Erebor in time."

 

"But they only came to his aid during battle."

 

"And even that was in hopes of staking claim on the throne if Thorin fell in battle. What they did not know was that he had been wed to you, which meant that you may become Queen under the Mountain, if anything happened to him." Kili reminded her. "I think he was lucky to have chosen someone as quick witted as you my lady, for your beauty alone would not have helped." 

 

"You dwarves are just as greedy as men aren't you?"

 

"Aye - even more so." Kili added. "And as for your fear of ruling - you wouldn't be alone. Just as Thorin has Balin, Dwalin, Gloin, and his company - you would have too! Myself included. They followed you once, when they feared Thorin may die. They would do it again." 

 

She thought for a moment, surprised at his change. 

 

"So...stage a coup?" She looked at Kili.

 

"You have my bow, and my service," he bowed his head. 

 

She thought carefully again, realizing that what ever staged robbery was going on, would only afford them a very short time until Thorin returned. 

 

"Come let us go to Filis room, quick!" She spoke. "He will return anytime soon."

 

They hurried along the corridor and slipped into Filis room. There inside, they found Dis, tending to her eldest son's hair. 

 

Seeing them enter, she immediately stopped combing his hair, and rushed over to Kili and gave him a hug. 

 

"Oh my boy!" She cried, tears filling her eyes as she held him in a warm embrace. "My beautiful boy! I have not seen you in so long..."

 

"Amad, I am sorry."

 

"I know what my brother asked of you. There is no need to explain..." She replied, pulling away and looking at Shobha sadly. "I am sorry about the school, but Dwalin explained everything to me, and I understand now why you left, even if it was ill advised - but I cannot go against my brother. He is my only family -"

 

"Even if he is the reason for my banishment?" Kili pleaded.

 

"I know he is not himself -"

 

"That is an understatement mother." Kili huffed.

 

"But we dwarves have tolerated worse. And Erebor is only just reclaimed. It will be bad for our people to have Thorin killed -"

 

"Killed?!" Shobha exclaimed looking at Kili worried now. Fortunately even Kili looked worried at that. 

 

"Is that what Dwalin is planning mother?" Kili asked urgently and worried. "Try to recall carefully - is that what he said to you exactly?"

 

"No..." Dis thought frowning. "I mean...I thought that is what you would all plan..."

 

"Oh dear gods!" Shobha wrung her hands nervously. "I must find Thorin right now!" 

 

Her heart raced! The last thing she needed was a dead husband she hated! Amongst her people widows that chose to remain unmarried beyond a year of mourning when they had no children were considered unlucky, and if she were to return home, she would be forced into marriage again, or worse sent to a nunnery that housed women like that who refused enslave themselves to yet another man!

 

She rushed out of Filis room, and towards Thorins study, with Kili following close behind. 

 

Sure he had just tried to force her, but the alternatives would be worse! 

 

"This is a terrible!" She panted as they ran. 

 

"Please don't panic, my lady! My mother is often prone to unrealistic extrapolations and ideations!" Kili called to her, panting himself as he ran behind. "Dwalin is Thorin's closest friend and ally, he would never betray Thorin in a million lifetimes!" 

 

"Why would you mother say that then...?!" She shrieked still running. 

 

"My mother..." Kili panted. "For all her education...can be...ditsy...and prone to flights of fancy..." 

 

They finally both paused a moment, as Shobha turned to the youngest Durin. 

 

"I do not like saying this about her, but she can be a bit...crazy...she sometimes does things in unspeakable ways - with some hidden reason behind it that i could not always understand. But I am certain that Thorin is safe -"

 

She still felt sick. The idea of a coup had been hers, and if something happened to him, then she would feel responsible!

 

Unable to calm the sickening feeling that built within her, she ran towards Thorins study, and burst in through the door.

 

The study was indeed in a complete mess, books pulled down, scrolls parchment and ink spilled everywhere. It was a complete mess. 

 

She had seen plenty of political intrigue whilst in her father's court, for the seat of Rhun-Agar was highly coveted amongst many. But never had a raid in search of something been this messy. 

 

No, this had to be staged! But by who?

 

And in the middle of the mess stood Thorin, Dwalin and Balin taking in the mess, all three very genuinely shocked!

 

They all turned to look at her and Kili. At first Thorin looked angry, but it seemed the apparent look of sheer relief on her face seemed to appease him.

 

"My lady...you look worried..." He walked over to her with a smug satisfaction on his face, that made her even regret her worry for him. Then he leant in towards her. "You simply couldn't stay away, could you...my eager little wench..."

 

”Don’t flatter yourself.” She whispered back, although she was so glad to see him alive, her first reaction was to want to kiss him. And that made her feel even sicker about herself considering the vile way in which he had treated her!

 

"And my nephew, you are in breach of your banishment...and I suspect, that you have been responsible for aiding my wife to escape?" Thorin frowned at Kili.

 

She looked worried from Kili to Thorin, suspecting that the young prince may have always intended to help her escape again. 

 

There was one thing now that would work to distract him from Kili and she would need to use it.

 

"Please Thorin..." She forced herself to place her hands on his chest, as affectionately as she could muster. "Allow Kili to visit his mother and his brother...he only helped me come and find you - because I feared your life was in danger."

 

Her words seemed to make him pause briefly, drawing his focus from his nephew back to her.

 

"You were worried about me...?" He cupped her chin and carefully scrutinized her face with much suspicion.

 

"Yes..." She revealed a little nervously. It was not entirely a lie. She simply needed some time to concoct a plan. "And Kili helped me find you..."

 

He gave Kili a suspicious glance before returning his piercing cold gaze back to her. 

 

"You would care for me...even though I was about to...punish... you?" He whispered to her leaning in again. 

 

It was hard to ignore the fluttering in her stomach that occured each time he leant in close to her like that. It was a strange visceral reaction she seemed to have, clearly from how attracted she felt to him. And yet she also found herself sickened at herself each time she felt this way, after all he was truly a monster! 

 

"Yes..." She forced herself to run her fingers lightly along his arms and take one of his hands in hers. "Please allow him to return, if not to stay, then at least permit him to visit his mother and brother?" 

 

What ever she did, appeared to be working. He was now watching her with smug satisfaction. 

 

"Show him some mercy and kindness, for he feels the loss of his brother, his dearest friend greatly...I know you understand that feeling..." She whispered, but regretted her words as she watched something darker flash in his eyes in reaction. 

 

He moved closer to her now, wrapping an arm around her waist, as though none of the others were still in the room. 

 

"Very well, as it is your request.." he whispered in her ear. "But what will you do for me in return...?"

 

She closed her eyes. She knew exactly what he desired, although she had no wish to be bound and trussed up on cushions ready to be penetrated purely for his pleasure. 

 

But all the same, she needed him alive, and perhaps permitting Kili to return would change Dis' allegiances also. 

 

If she planned a coup, she would need as much support as she could get amongst the highest ranking nobility in Erebor. 

 

Until then she would have to bide her time. 

 

"Show me how I can please you...with my mouth...?" She whispered, feeling her cheeks heat up. 

 

"I need you to say the words to me." He whispered back wrapping his arm around her waist tighter.

 

"I would like to...suck your cock..." She blushed, her brown skin heating up. 

 

He seemed to close his eyes, as if relishing some perfect wine. 

 

"And is that it?" He gently pressed her against him. "You are requesting much from me, but giving me so little in return, my lady...it seems like such a poor trade."

 

She thought carefully, the penny finally dropping regarding his desire to dominate and rule over everything. It was not what she wanted but perhaps there was a way she could make it pleasurable for her also. 

 

"You enjoyed tying me up, did you not...?" She whispered, a little worried about what she might be offering her. 

 

"Aye. You would allow me to tie up that delicious body of yours?" He whispered back raising an eyebrow as though it was some sort of trick. 

 

She gulped again at the thought, before willing herself on. She had to remember that she had a greater plan, and just like in a game of chess, she needed to find a way to move the pieces into place without him realizing what was going on.

 

"Yes...in a way that may that perhaps I may enjoy also..." 

 

It appeared to be all that he needed to hear.

 

"Very well. Kili you are permitted to visit your mother and brother as you wish, but you are still not permitted to remain here." Thorin turned and addressed Kili first, before turning to her. "My lady...?"

 

He held out a hand to her. It was a formal invitation to fulfill her promise. 

 

After a moment of hesitation, she slowly took it and he began to lead her out of his study. She would be giving herself to a monster. Perhaps there were rules, but they were his, so she would need to find a way to protect herself. 

 

"Thorin lad? What about the break-in? Should we not be worried?" Balin called out. 

 

"Nothing is missing. But Dwalin should look into how someone was able to break in unseen...this is a failure of your guard..." He turned back to briefly warn them both, and then carried on leading her out. "Come my lady...it is time to make good on your promises..."

 

She was able to catch one last glance back at Dwalin and Balin who watched her puzzled as to why she would agree to return to him. But Kili nodded. He seemed to understand. She had one on board. 

 

"Come now, my wife...there is no need to worry about them...they are all safe, I assure you...your concern for us all truly touches me. Perhaps is even softens the callousness of my being a little," Thorin gently pulled on her hand to hurry her along. "But we have an agreement...and I have so many plans for you and that body of yours..." 

 

She was indeed dancing with a demon now. And there appeared to be no turning back.

 

 

Chapter 21: Pleasure, Pain and a bit of Piss

 

She writhed under his lips. It was a combination of the sensations and the anticipation. 

 

He had stripped her, tearing yet another dress open quickly and mercilessly before binding her wrists with his belt above her head and securing it somehow to the head of their bed. The efficiency with which he had executed it all had been too great for it to be a first time.

 

And once she lay bound and tied on the bed, he had blindfolded her using his shirt. 

 

It meant that she had become aware of every sound, touch or smell. She was surrounded by him: his touch, his taste and his scent.

 

First he had begun by kissing her as she lay there, helpless, and then as he chose to explore her body, the kisses had turned into a combination of kisses and bites.

 

Finally, after teasing her body, for an agonizingly long time, he had brought her to climax.

 

That is when he had taken what he wanted from her body, releasing her ties to the bed, but still keeping her wrists bound. 

 

First he had made her thoroughly taste him, watching as she took him in her mouth, blindfolded and wrists bound. There had been something about her vulnerability in that which he had enjoyed.  Then he had finally buried himself in her with a desperation and wild abandon that had shaken her to the core. 

 

It had been much more pleasurable that she had expected, and he too had enjoyed watching her come undone. But neither had given in too easily or forgotten the wrongs. 

 

And so despite all his pleasurable teasing, he had repeatedly brought her to the brink, only to stop completely. 

 

It had been such frustrating torture and precisely what he wished her to feel, after she had left him for a few days - a fair exchange in his eyes. 

 

And when she had fallen asleep at last, after being so completely spent, she had awoken to an empty bed. 

 

He had left her in the morning entirely naked without even a sheet to cover her and her wrists still bound. And although she had been able to stand and move about she had not been able to release her own ties. 

 

She had been fortunate that Dori had paid her a visit, or she would have been forced to call upon one of her guards (which would have been very embarrassing indeed - and likely what Thorin had intended). 

 

The flamboyant and well mannered dwarf had fortunately been nonjudgemental about her using nothing but a blanket to cover her modesty and having him cut her wrists out of extremely tight bindings.

 

And so after she had dressed and arranged some preparations for the upcoming nine night celebration with Dori she had marched to the dams school. 

 

She had taken her two guards, and Mara. 

 

They all stood outside the large doors that had been sealed with enormous wooden batons. 

 

"I want these opened." She commanded the guards. 

 

They looked at her terrified at first, clearly worried to go against the word of the King. 

 

So she had taken a heavy axe from one of the guards and dragged it to the doors.

 

"I am not sure we should do this, my dear." Even Mara was worried. 

 

But after last night's humiliating sensual frustration, and having to suck on his member, until she gagged, only to be called a 'good girl' (not to mention being left bound in the morning and unable to get undone) she was determined to reopen her school!

 

"It is all on me."

 

She grabbed the axe handle and swung it as hard as she could, watching it crash against the wood. 

 

The first strike barely landed against the baton. But as her arms got used to the weight and swing of the axe, she had shattered and splintered at least two of the large batons that barred the doors. 

 

By this time, she had accumulated a small audience, and her clothes and hair were all disheveled.

 

"Would you like some assistance, my lady?" 

 

A voice from behind her stopped her just before she was about to take another swing.

 

Turning around she found, Lord Erol preparing himself. He was removing his coat, and rolling up his shirt sleeves as though readying himself for hard labour.

 

"If you take part, then you too shall have to face the wrath of the King, Lord Erol. I am not sure I could live with such consequences on my conscience," she huffed, before turning back to swing the axe again. It struck the door this time, shattering the ornately carved wood. 

 

But then before she could swing the axe again, he stopped her, with him placing his hand over hers. It was strong and large, not unlike Thorin's, but his skin was much rougher. 

 

"Any consequences I face are my responsibility alone, my lady, for I support your school on behalf of my own sister." He concluded taking the axe from her and swinging it. He was perhaps very slightly shorter than her, but he was clearly strong, for with three further strikes he had cut down the remaining batons, as if they were nothing but firewood. "And would you like the doors opened, my lady?" 

 

"Of course she does laddie!"

 

This time, Dwalin had arrived to join the group. 

 

"And if ye know what's good for ye, then better let me do the rest lad!" Dwalin stepped forward this time, and kicked at the doors a few times, only to then stand back and watch them give way. "His highness is on his way. 

 

"Lord Dwalin, I am no coward and will gladly accept responsibility for my assistance." Erol chuckled, patting Dwalin on the back. "But I am not sure I would have managed to open the doors with such style."

 

"Ach thank ya laddie." Dwalin grinned. "Well, my lady, your school is open..."

 

She walked in and had a look around. Fortunately nothing inside had been destroyed. 

 

"You should know that you have support amongst a group of us...?" Erol spoke quietly to her as he came to stand beside her. "Not just with the school but also with other endeavours..." 

 

She gave him a sidelong glance. 

 

"Look lad, I don't know what ye mean-" Dwalin cut in, apparently not entirely trusting the young dwarf. "But if ye're looking to become the Queens lover, then the lass is not interested -"

 

"Its fine Dwalin. If you truly are a supporter, then I wish to know who else is a supporter." She quietly replied.

 

The sound of more footsteps out in the corridor, made the small crowd gathered to part, allowing a group of soldiers to come forward, clearing the way for Thorin. 

 

"Well...this is most impressive, my lady," Thorin looked around, examining the door before coming over to stand with the three of them. "And I hear much by your own hand...even after last night?"

 

Thorin took time to inspect her wrists, where the leather had bit into her skin, drawing attention from both others to the fact that he had clearly bound her wrists, by making a point to inspect them, before looking up into her face satisfied to see the flush of embarrassment registered there. 

 

This little display seemed to catch the attention of both Dwalin and Erol who couldn't help but stare at her tiny wrists, with some element of curiosity as well as surprise. 

 

Satisfied with the effects of his display on both dwarves, he turned his focus on them further.

 

"Lord Erol? And Dwalin, my dear friend, please do not tell me that you are also involved in this...?"

 

"My King," Erol bowed his head, while Dwalin remained silent. 

 

"I shall forgive you both on this occasion as having been led astray by my consort. But you will face greater consequences should you find yourself involved with my wife's ill-considered ideations hereafter." It was a warning to the dwarves before he finally turned to her. "It will be upon my final decision when the school re-opens, my lady..." 

 

And then he turned to leave again. 

 

But after all the humiliation she had been subject to by him, she was now adamant more than ever to have her way with the school. 

 

So, waiting for him to begin walking back through the crowd, she rushed to him, catching up and falling to her knees, at his feet. 

 

If he wanted a display of sorts, then she too was willing to play that game. 

 

"Please my Lord, these lasses do so love their lessons, and you are such a compassionate, generous and kind King," she sobbed loudly looking up at him, from her knees and clutching his trousers, dangerously close to his crotch. "Please do not punish these girls and dams for my error as a new wife..."

 

It was ironic how she had been in this very position only just last night with a blind fold on and her wrists bound! 

 

It was too much for him. He could feel himself growing aroused very quickly, and soon the crowd would notice also!

 

Instinctively, he rested a hand on her head, before he attempted to pick her from where she looked up begging in front of the whole crowd. 

 

She had also chosen a dress with a deep neckline in case of this very reason, he imagined. 

 

And she watched as he was unable to help his gaze drifting down to admire his view. 

 

The crowd too appeared to be highly taken by her display of humility, sighing and some of the witnessing nobility even shedding tears openly. 

 

He too had noted this. And so raising his hands he quietened the group and took her hand, picking her up off the floor.

 

"My wife, your pleas touch the very depths of my heart..." He began by addressing the crowd loudly, before turning to whisper the last few words in just her ear. "And my hardening cock..."  

 

He waved his hands again as the crowd responded to his first words.

 

"And so I shall grant you this school open once more," he announced grandly as the crowd cheered, before he turned to his wife and whispered. "Well played, my little vixen...I did not know you had it within you to engage in such games. Then, I look forward to seeing you in my study before the hour is passed, since you so desperately wish to suck my cock again you can finish what you started...and wear that dress."

 

But when they both pulled away from each other, the crowd had begun to shout at them requesting a kiss for their King. It had very quickly built into a chant.

 

Thorin who obviously enjoyed the attention, grabbed her waist and pulled her in for a kiss, pressing his aching erection against her for some relief. 

 

As he deepened the kiss a little more, he allowed his hand furthest away from the crowd and hidden to slip into the neckline of her dress and squeeze her breast. It drew out a little moan from her. 

 

Finally, the satisfied crowd had clapped and cheered, allowing him to carry on, but not before he had whispered a reminder.

 

"I look forward to seeing you on your knees soon, my lady..." 

 

.......

 

 

She brushed Rajahs coat again, when she paused to listen carefully. Sometimes Thorin joined her in the evenings before she had finished tending to Rajah because of his impatience to usher her into their bedroom. But he was not quiet in his approach. 

 

The sound quietened again, so she slowly began to tidy away the leopards enclosure. The beast himself purred as he followed her around. It was strange how he was so much like a domestic cat much of the time. 

 

"I know, my poor love. I wish you could roam around our bedroom too, but grumpy old Thorin will complain..." She paused again at the sound of quiet rustling. It was closer this time. "I know you are there. So I shall give you a chance to step out before I allow Rajah to take care of you -"

 

"Very good, Princess. But I think ye should have guards with ye all the time." Dwalin whispered. "If I was able to sneak up close, then someone else could too."

 

"Not with Rajah -"

 

"Lass, what if there were two of me eh? One to tackle the beast, and one ter catch ye?"

 

"Then you both make a much louder noise on approach."

 

"Aye but ye haven't even got a dagger with ye! Will ye at least learn how to defend yeself?" Dwalin grumbled. "I donnae have time ter argue with ye. Thorin will be expecting ya soon. I donnae like that either-"

 

"But he has to think that I have given in to him."

 

"Well, todays stunt won't have helped ya."

 

"No, but if I give in completely then he will suspect something too, right?" She whispered. "I just need to know whether you are with me -"

 

"I am with ye. And so is Balin and Gloin. So you have the chief advisor and the treasurer. And you have my army. But know that when ye make a move that Thorin will fight back. He will likely have his own nobility who will follow him." Dwalin sighed. He didn't like the idea of a coup. Thorin was his oldest friend and they had unconditional trust up until now. "If he fights back, will ye be willing ter kill him? Because I think he will be willing to die to reclaim his throne..."

 

"No. We don't kill anyone." She was certain on that. "Anyway we must wait for Arvind to arrive and for Durins Day festivities to be done first..."

 

"Very well. Do ye trust Erol, lass? I am not sure about him..."

 

"Yes. He has been nothing but kind to me. And he is popular amongst the nobles. He may be useful yet."

 

"Well, I donnae like the way he looks at ye..." Dwalin didn't like the young dwarf. He was too charming and too handsome. And the princess didn't need a distraction like that. 

 

"I am frankly more worried about Dis..." 

 

"Leave Kili to work on her. She knows what favours you have given in exchange that she may see her son." Dwalin reassured her. "And she likes ya regardless. I know her..."

 

"Then why did she suggest that you were going to kill him? It was clearly a lie- I almost shouted as I got to his study."  

 

Dwalin frowned in the darkness of the stables, unsure of the Kings sister and her motivations. 

 

"She is not an easy one though, so yer right to be cautious around her for now."

 

Shobha stood up, now genuinely worried about the time, there was no need to give Thorin any further reason to punish her poor body again tonight. But she would have been lying in part if she didn't confess that she did enjoy his touch on her body - even on occasion his roughness. 

 

"We must find a better way to meet..."

 

"Och aye - next time I'll pencil in a coup-meeting in the Queen Consorts diary at midday eh?" Dwalin groused. "Make sure ye come for some training with me, lass. If ye mean to be serious about this, ye need to be able to defend yerself."

 

............

 

 

"Well, what do you think?" Bilbo gave a twirl in his new suit. It was a rich brown colour, with deep red velvet waistcoat and a deep green pair of trousers. His shirt although he didn't show it off too much was made of a fine elvish linen, obviously a gift from Greenwood. 

 

"It is perfect, Master Baggins," she smiled, standing up from the large stool she had made herself comfortable on. Then she ambled over to the cravats that Dori had laid out while he fussed about two other small coats that had been made for the hobbit too. "Here..."

 

She walked over and began to tie a cravat on him to match.

 

"So you have included the Durins Day feast amidst your nine nights. That is actually rather -" 

 

"Ingenious. But that is what makes our lady such a wonderful Queen," Dori added. "Now I think you are ready, Master Baggins. So first I shall get dressed and then come and attend to our lady here..." 

 

"Come then, Master Baggins," she offered her arm to him. "Let us walk over to Thorins Rooms. I am hoping he will have been ready some hours ago. He has many inaugural duties as King so will be needed long before I will..." 

 

Bilbo nodded happy with this explanation.

 

"You are certain though that he will not mind my attending you, while you...well...you know...dress..." Bilbo blushed again. 

 

"I don't think he can worry too much. After all he has enough dams fawning over him...he is welcome to spend the night tormenting them instead." 

 

"Somehow, I do not think you truly feel that way, my lady," Bilbo was always the voice of reason. It was often both enlightening and annoying all at once. "If only we could find a way to return the Thorin who once arrived in Rhun and asked for your hand in marriage...you said he was not quite as unpleasant then didn't you?" 

 

"It was so long ago, Bilbo, and frankly it was for such a short time. I do not know what I recall of him now. He was still as arrogant I think." She had been a different woman back then and indeed so had he. "Now be truthful, and tell me, as you always do. Is what I embark on, a bad idea? Honestly?" 

 

Bilbo walked along with her silently for a while carefully thinking. The grand marble corridors echoed their footsteps.

 

"I actually think that this is why Gandalf took Thorin and Dwalin to your father's court, instead of arranging the marriage for you." He concluded. "Gandalf the Grey works in mysterious ways. They are rarely straightforward and equally often his intentions on the surface are rarely what he truly intends. So I think he always intended for Thorin to turn down your sister, and choose you. But what we didn't understand is that Gandalf also believed that if something happened to Thorin, that you would find a way to rule in his place."

 

She sighed. It was all quite possible with the Grey One. He was as tricky and cunning as he was kind and sweet. 

 

"What I don't understand is why you play along still. You had the perfect reason to leave his room..."

 

She gave Bilbo a sidelong glance. He had once again deduced what none of the others had. 

 

"If I tell you, will you think of me as lesser or weaker?" She blushed. 

 

"You have no judgement from me, my lady. In fact you have nothing but my allegiance!"

 

"Bilbo, I fear that I might be with child..." She could feel her cheeks burning. It had been so soon to conceive, but Thorin had instilled so much of his seed within her, it was always an inevitable eventuality. "But this is a secret between us. Promise me?"

 

Bilbo nodded. He was bursting with excitement but also with worry. He had overheard Dis speaking with Oin about a woman carrying a dwarven child, and although he had not heard all the details, it had not ended well.

 

"I solemnly give you my word," Bilbo bowed his head. "But I fear it is not the sole reason..."

 

"Well, it is in some ways preserving a charade...but sometimes...when he is kind and gentle..." She paused with a sigh, wondering whether he would ever be as tender as he was that week before she had run away. It was a stupid hope, but she did anyway, deep down inside, that he would show her affection like that again, one day. "Well, when he is like that...it is actually quite...pleasant." 

 

She sighed again. She could spend a lifetime with that version of Thorin. She could love him with all her heart.

 

"But when he is also cruel, he can be a monster." She concluded, almost attempting to warn herself of the dangers of allowing her unguarded heart to orbit his being. "Besides, I cannot go back. My father is ill, and while he recovers, my step-brother is King in his stead. And I know he would have me banished. So I have no choice." 

 

"Could your father not help at all?" 

 

"My mother says he is very poorly indeed. Even if he could help, I would not wish him to be troubled at this time. He must recover for the good of our kingdom. No, Bilbo, my battles are mine to fight at the moment..."

 

"Well, you are not alone...you have me as long as I can be helpful..." Bilbo patted her hand as they carried on towards Thorins bedroom. He couldn't help but feel sorry for this woman. Ever since they entered the mountain once more Thorin had changed, and he could only wonder how he treated her when they were alone. 

 

"Why do you still call it his room?" Bilbo mused out loud. To him it was a clear sign that Thorin had intentions for her, and perhaps even true feelings, but that he had been too cowardly to acknowledge them despite being the great warrior and King under the Mountain that he was!

 

"Because it IS his room. I am merely a temporary companion..." 

 

But when she opened the door, she was surprised to find Thorin inside. 

 

"My Lord! You are still not ready!" She looked worried as Thorin registered her chaperone, a flash of anger flitting across his handsome features on seeing the girl with the hobbit. 

 

"No. And neither are you my lady." He huffed looking at her clothes laid out on the bed. It grated him deeply still, that Dori dressed her. And now he wondered whether the hobbit had planned to watch or help! To imagine both their hands on her while she was half nude, having her bodice tightened, with her breasts proud, and her hair brushed and adorned, it vexed him beyond words. And he didn't care for the reassurances of his sister. And he didn't care how many times or how innocent Doris attentions towards his wife were. "Thank you for escorting my wife, Master Baggins, but now I would like to request her company and assistance to get dressed, if you wouldn't mind." 

 

Bilbo and Shobha were both surprised by his demand. Although she imagined it was because he wanted to have her before they got dressed. 

 

"Of course..." Bilbo bowed. "I shall see you in the great banquet hall, my lady..." 

 

And with that the hobbit had turned and started back down the corridor towards the festivities.

 

She stood still by the door, watching him walk away for a moment, attempting to suppress the flutter that stirred in her stomach whenever she came across Thorin. It felt like a sickness, for how cruel he could be at times towards her. In truth she should have borne a disdain for his behaviour!

 

"Are you going to stand there all the while, my lady?" Thorin grunted at her. "You know that they will not begin the dancing without us. So we must be there to open the dance floor in another hour." 

 

She carefully shut the door and walked in. 

 

He stood buttoning up his tunic, while watching her in the mirror. 

 

"What can I do to help you dress...?" She asked, a little uncertain of what he wanted.

 

"Well perhaps you could come a little closer...?" He snapped, watching her again with those intense eyes. "And perhaps you should also consider undressing...I do not think you have much time to get ready either." 

 

She carefully moved closer, wondering what exactly he wanted her to do, when he reached out and took her hand. Silently he pulled her towards him, and pressed her body against his. 

 

"Or would you like help, undressing?" He whispered in her ear, before kissing her lightly.  

 

"But all you would do is to tear my clothes open, and that is not helpful." She replied. "Now we should get you ready."

 

But he held her wrist so she couldn't move away.

 

"I want you to help me with my hair." He handed her a comb and sat down at her dressing table.

 

She stood there for a moment surprised by this turn of events, before she moved to stand behind him. He had never requested anything this intimate before. 

 

"I thought hair was sacred for your people? And not to be touched by outsiders...?" She carefully began by carding through his dark and silver strands using her fingers alone, while he continued to watch her in the mirror with his piercing gaze, which often felt unyielding. 

 

"But you are my wife, and soon I imagine, will be the mother of my children." 

 

She could smell the perfumed oils he used to cleanse and soften his hair. She had only tended to his hair a few times while he had been injured. But he had never requested her to do so before. 

 

Then slowly she passed the comb through his silver streaked, dark hair. She had grown to appreciate the softness of his mane more, during their recent night together when he often blindfolded her. His soft hair, trailing over her body was often a stark contrast to the rough ways in which he penetrated her. It was like the soothing touch to the burn he created. 

 

During this time, he had watched her face in the mirror with the intensity of a thousand stares. 

 

Finally after braiding the strands around his face, as he had instructed, she had set the comb down on her dresser, only to find him standing close behind her. 

 

His eyes were filled with a darkness and that terrified her. 

 

"What's wrong? Did I...do it wrong?" 

 

"No." He grasped her waist and claimed her lips. There had been something in him that had been stirred by her gentle touches, and the tenderness with which she had cared for his hair. It had brought him to the point where he could no longer ignore it. "I must have you now -" 

 

"But you will crease your clothing!" She warned, as he moved her to the bed with urgency. "And I can't afford to have another winter dress destroyed! Poor Dori cannot keep -"

 

"Never," he pushed her onto their large bed, until she landed in a soft heap, cushioned by the blankets and her skirts. "Ever. Mention Dori again, when I am about to have you."

 

"Oh-" 

 

That was all she could manage, as he had quickly unlaced her clothing and pulled off her dress, leaving her cold and completely exposed on the bed. Her brown skin prickled with goosebumps and her nipples grew proud in the cold mountain air. 

 

But this time, unlike previously, he had not needed to tie her down, for he knew her body inside out. And he had been quick to begin his assault down her most sensitive path, until his mouth found her core. 

 

With that any and all her resistance had fallen away as he devoured her, even her legs opening wider for him, of her own will. 

 

Neither had even noticed as Dori himself had entered the room to find her entirely nude, fisting the sheets tightly, while their King knelt between her legs, splayed wide.

 

And that had also been the last time Dori had ever entered the room without waiting for her reply!

 

.......

 

 

She made her way to where Bilbo sat, quite contentedly smoking his pipe after dinner. 

 

After dinner, as was customary, Thorin had opened the dancefloor with her. But contrary to her thoughts that after the first dance, he would either change partner or stop, it turned out that he had actually enjoyed dancing! They had danced for almost an hour, when he had finally moved to join a group of nobles, listening to stories of their travels back from Ered Luin.

 

Of course, it hadn't taken long for the dams to surround the King! Laughing and giggling, trying to catch his attention. 

 

She had no intention of being around them, taking the chance, instead, to thank many of the dwarves and dams who had helped to arrange this grand feast and ball. She certainly had no desire to sit there and watch Thorin decide on a mistress! 

 

Finally she had made her way back to Bilbo, whom she had planned to sit with originally, although Thorin had changed it so that she had been stuck next to a nobledam instead. The dam had barely spoken to her all evening, which had forced Shobha, and Thorin too had been less talkative this evening, even though he had been attentive enough.

 

"My dear Bilbo! Am I glad to see you." She whispered sitting down heavily on a chair beside the hobbit.

 

"My lady, I am sorry that I could not sit with you," he smiled puffing away. "But I must say your evening has been brilliant! And I certainly enjoyed myself- you on the other hand looked positively miserable!" 

 

"Oh dear was it that obvious?" 

 

"A little." He chuckled mischievously. 

 

"Well I was seated between Sir Grumpy and a teapot!" She chuckled back. 

 

"Why a tea pot?"

 

"Honestly? I suppose...because she reminded a lot of a teapot my mother has..." She laughed shrugging her shoulders. The dam had barely regarded her and simply ate and drank all evening, leaving her to only try talking with Thorin. And that was not easy since every time she looked at him, she couldn't help blushing, since he had spent the previous half hour doing unspeakable things to her southern regions! "It's a very pretty teapot, if that makes any difference?" 

 

Bilbo sat up and looked around the room to spot the dam in question as she chatted away happily to several other dwarves and nodded in agreement. 

 

"I can see the resemblance. And yes, a very handsome teapot indeed. Beside her teacup friends!" He blew out a puff of smoke and turned his attention back to her. "And who would have guessed that Mr Grumpy is an excellent dancer...?"

 

He paused watching her reaction again, as she briefly glanced over at Thorin and quickly looked away again. 

 

"If you are with child, we need to contact Gandalf with haste..." Bilbo took another draw on his pipe. He didn't like what he had overheard from Dis about the woman who had borne a dwarven child, and he was certain that Dis too had been pained by it. "Or perhaps Thranduil...he seems to like you a lot...?"

 

She frowned at the hobbit, feeling a little bothered by the subject of the elf. 

 

"If you are fishing, master Baggins, then nothing happened between us. Besides, his prejudices and arrogance would never permit me even as a lover!" She was not sure why the subject irritated her so much, but it did. "He is just as bad as Thorin."

 

"But if he did...would you...accept his affections, as a lover?" Bilbo always had a knack of getting to the utter truth in such an efficient way that their relationship always felt so stripped down. 

 

"I...am not sure..."

 

All her life she had been treated as a lesser creature, either for the weakness or her sex, or for her upbringing as the illegitimate daughter of a courtesan, or for the darkness or her skin. For whatever the secret desires they harboured for her, neither Thorin nor Thranduil were any different. And perhaps it the pain of that truth that struck her. 

 

But this was her life, and she had to find a way to make it better for her and perhaps for any babe she might carry. 

 

"Well, I am not sure I feel happy about this."

 

"Neither do I! But once the washerwoman from Dale, told me of putting lemon tops inside me before he bedded me. And he discovered it! How his...dong...is so sensitive I simply can't fathom...but he pulled it out of me, and told me if he ever caught me with another lemon top inside me, that he would have the washerwoman taken to the dungeons!" She ranted before realizing that poor Bilbo had positively turned completely red! "Sorry..."

 

"Well...I mean...I suppose, I am your friend...and there for you to speak of your sorrows..." Bilbo coughed out.

 

She was quick to pour out a tankard of ale and pass it to him. 

 

"Let us not panic too early yet though, it has only just gone past the month yet, perhaps it will be nothing." She clapped her hands over her face. "He is after all almost two-hundred years old..."

 

And they both paused for a moment deep in thought. 

 

"Bilbo...I hate to ask this of you...because I think you have already carried out your duties to us all..." She paused again to look at the hobbit. Ever since she arrived in Erebor, she had always been alone, except for the company of the hobbit. 

 

"Well, I am your humble servant, my lady..."

 

"Actually I was hoping that you were my friend." She smiled. "And I was hoping I could ask you to stay on a little longer...perhaps even...until...after I delivered...?"

 

He smiled back at her words, leaning in and patting her hand.

 

"I am, always, your friend, my lady." He beamed at her shy confession and then tapping his pipe clear or any ashes, he quickly put it away in his pocket, stood up and held his hand out. "May I have this dance, my lady?" 

 

She smiled, and stood up, taking his hand. 

 

Bilbo although smaller than Thorin, was nimble and a very good partner. His style was much lighter, such that soon they were chuckling as he twirled her, and skipped along on the dance floor.

 

"Now, my lady, I too have a rather more serious question to ask. Your plans for...the...future...?"

 

She blinked at him surprised that he knew. 

 

"Who told you?"

 

"Well, I am the slightest bit hurt that you did not ask me to join..."

 

"Kili then." She sighed. "Of course it must be! But you must realised that it is very risky. I imagine if he found out, he would kill me -"

 

"Not if you are carrying...'baby Grumpy'..."

 

"Ah...that is really cute..." She cooed at the thought briefly before her face twisted in worry. "Oh gods, do you think any babe we had would turn out all morose and hairy like him?"

 

"You are both very handsome. I think any babe you had would be quite the looker - but also I do not think moroseness is a worry with you as a mother..." He mused. "Besides, I do not think even he would kill you if you did bear his child - in fact, I would say that might work in your favour!"

 

"No. He would keep me alive until I had the baby and then kill me after I gave birth probably." She countered quietly as they twirled about again. "Which is why I asked that you stay until I do...and that I kept you out of it. If anything happened to me, I would hope that you would help raise my child?"

 

He felt touched, and wanted to embrace her and reassure her that all would be fine, but Thorin was Thorin, and she would be staging a coup. It was very risky business indeed. Suddenly he felt miles away from his old life in Bagend, with his regular meals, his delightful garden and his books. 

 

"It's a bit too late for that, my lady. Who do you think ransacked that office in order to create a distraction to get you out?" He whispered. "Kili and Tauriel truly feared for you that day..."

 

"Master Baggins!" Thorin interrupted, patting him on the shoulder warmly. Although she was not entirely convinced that he was not a little suspicious. "I am glad to be welcome you back from your travels..."

 

"Well a few days in Dale was hardly a travel Thorin. But I am honoured to be back."

 

"And Greenwood too?" Thorin regarded curiously at first, but she knew he was suspicious now. 

 

"Yes, Tauriel had invited Bilbo. Isnt that kind?" 

 

"Yes. Very kind." Thorin dismissed. "Now you must forgive me, but I would like to steal my bride away from you."

 

It was not a request. 

 

"Of course!" 

 

But he hadn't even waited for an answer as he took her hand and began to lead her away. 

 

"Let us retire, my lady."

 

 

..............

 

 

She awoke with a jolt. 

 

It had been the same nightmare. The one of her as a child as she stood there frozen while the giant sandworm approached her. She had been eight years when it had happened. But she had never forgotten. 

 

Sometimes she wouldn't see the creature in her dreams for months and then suddenly she would see it every night for weeks on end, until she could not sleep. 

 

That morning she had slept in later than usual. And waking up from such a nightmare had left her somewhat disoriented. 

 

Blinking, she looked around still surprised that she was not in Rhun. 

 

Thorin had already left, but to her surprise this particular morning he had not left her tied for the first time in while! 

 

Almost every night he had tied her up. At first he had started by using leather straps. It had chafed and bitten at her skin, which to her surprise he had noticed with each passing night. Soon, it had led to him changing the leather to silk straps. 

 

Similarly, she had found herself feeling strangely more and more aroused each night almost as soon as he had begun to tie her wrists. It had been the anticipation. 

 

He had not always been rough with her though. Some night he had been so tender, she could have sworn he cared for her, while other nights he would mercilessly plunder her body, only chasing his own climax, as if possessed by something darker. But each night he had always spent in their bed afterwards, often holding her, even if he had left her still bound.

 

It often left her feeling tired, sore, confused and on occasion used in the harsh light of the morning. 

 

But today had felt a little different. Last night had felt gentle. He had cut her bindings early on, and held her through the night.

 

Now in the morning after he was gone she had wondered what had changed about their relationship. 

 

It had left her feeling a little suspicious about his motives. Or perhaps he had simply been a little merry with all the ale. 

 

The doors swung open, shaking her from her lazy morning. 

 

"My dear...you have not been for breakfast for the last few days." 

 

It was Dis! 

 

"So I thought I should bring some breakfast to you." She wheeled in a trolley. 

 

She instinctively clutched the blankets to her body, watching the dam enter the room and bustle about.

 

"I am really fine, thank you." She attempted to sound neutral, but in truth she had stayed away from Dis since that day. 

 

"Come now my dear, I need your help today - with Fili's hair. You seem to have done it so well, I had to ask whether you could do it again," she smiled at Shobha, bringing the trolley closer. "Besides it is not good to miss breakfast if you are trying to conceive."

 

She clutched the blankets tighter. 

 

"Please?" Dis asked again. 

 

She sat up and watched her husband's sister moving around their room before slipping out of the bed with the blankets around her. 

 

Dis was clearly not intent on accepting a polite decline from her as an answer. And could she decline helping Fili, truly? Her heart aches every time she thought of the young Prince as he lay there in his sleeping death. 

 

"Let me have a bath, and get dressed." 

 

She had not taken long, but Dis had taken it upon herself to tidy up their clothes from the previous day that had been strewn over various items of furniture. It was usually what she did each morning, since Thorin barely allowed her any time to do so contemporaneously. Most nights he would strip her of her clothes, barely managing not to rip them off! And if she ever undressed while he was in the room, he took it as an opportunity to satisfy his perverted urges!

 

When she turned down breakfast, apparently Dis was not entirely satisfied. But she made it seem as though her central worry that morning was to help Fili. 

 

So they had both walked to the young Princes room together, in a slightly awkward silence. 

 

"You seem lost in thought my dear. Does anything trouble you?" Dis asked, although she was clearly fishing. 

 

"There are still many preparations to be completed. And I worry about the safe return of Arvind."

 

"Of course. But I sense that you no longer consider me a friend..." Dis spoke closing the door behind her as Shobha approached Fili. 

 

"I am not sure how I should respond to this, my lady?" She replied coming to sit by Fili's head. His hair had already been washed and a small vial of oil placed by his bed along with his comb.

 

"Come now, let us clear the air. I know you are not entirely happy with my brother.." 

 

But Shobha remained silent. 

 

She had once hoped Dis would have offered her support when she had wished to move out of Thorin's room, but instead found her siding with her husband instead!

 

"I like you, so I will be perfectly honest with you - no games. Thorin is hard, and selfish. Will he be ever as great as our grandfather Thror? I could not see it. But now, with you by his side, I think he stands that chance. And that makes me like you more." Dis walked over to watch as Shobha paused from combing out Filis hair carefully. "But that day I lied about Dwalin and a plot to kill Thorin, because I needed to know whether you would..."

 

Shobha stood silently listening - she would not justify that last comment with a response.

 

"And I think it is I that should apologize to you for even doubting the purity of your heart. Just as you cared for my son, as if he were of your own blood, I see that you would never harm my brother..." Dis confessed. "So I am here to care for you in the same way...it is important that I know whether you are with child..."

 

"What?!" Shobha jerked away from Dis as if pushed by some invisible force. "Its none of your business -"

 

"Please. Thorin says that you have not bled for thirty days yet...?"

 

This time Shobha put down the comb, and stood up from where she had begun to comb Filis hair. 

 

She was incensed! He was a complete sneak! 

 

Sudden it all made sense - his insisting on sleeping in the same bed as her every night and the recent tenderness (most likely because he thought her with child)! 

 

And now she felt like a complete fool! He had only ever kept her in HIS bed chambers so that he could spy on all these things, even the nights she had considered him kind for holding her when she bled. 

 

She wanted to leave and go back to bed. 

 

Dis and Fili could be damned for all she cared now!

 

"Please don't go!" Dis held her hands up, pleading. "If I did not care for you - why would I tell you this?" 

 

"How can I know that this isn't another one of your tricks? Like what you did last time?" She moved towards the door, as if Dis would at any moment cut her off and lock her in!

 

"I am telling you everything...because..." Dis seemed to pause and think for a moment before continuing. "Because it is important that the moment we know you are with child, that we inform the elves...they are the only ones with healers who may help you. A gestation with a dwarven child when you are of men is dangerous...and at first I thought perhaps my brother would not be able to conceive...but now perhaps it is true...and...I know what it's like to watch my children grow without a father...to raise them without a husband...and that is why I am grateful for everything that Thorin has ever done for me...but HE is also the reason my husband is not here today...he took him to the front lines...when I pleaded him to be kept behind!" 

 

Dis began to sob. She pulled out a velvet handkerchief, and used it to muffle the sounds she made, dabbing her nose intermittently. 

 

"And we are all broken for it! But I cannot imagine how my boys would have grown up, if they had no mother!" Dis sobbed again. "So we must ensure you have the best care, when you are with child...and when your labours come...and my brother - I have warned him - but he is too obstinate to see or accept my words - to call on help for your health -"

 

Suddenly she frowned. 

 

"It was YOU! YOU wrote that note! That I am in danger!" Shobha cried. "Why couldn't you just tell me?"

 

"Because I would have sounded mad? Or as though I were telling you never to have a child with Thorin?!" She sobbed again. "Kili told me you have offered yourself for him - so that he may visit me. He is all that I have left - and I fear for our sake you may have conceived..."

 

Shobha still regarded her with some suspicion. She would need more time before she trusted Dis. For all she knew, Dis may have overheard her whisper to Bilbo. 

 

"Very well. How do you tell then, if I am with child?" She would have to go along with this for now. After all, she would need Dis on side too, if indeed she planned a coup! 

 

"Well, everyone thinks the sickness is telling, but in truth it will be your breasts. Are they firmer than usual? Tender when they are touched?" Dis pointed, before running to a corner of the room and bringing over a basket. "And this is an old trick the elves would do...they do not lay with one another other than for begetting children...but they believe if you are with child, this wild wheat will bloom..."

 

The dwarrowdam waved her hands over the basket as if the contents within were magic!

 

Shobha had seen plenty of old wives remedies and ways of detecting pregnancy or even guessing whether the babe was a boy or girl! But this magic wheat was a new one.

 

"Right...so I keep it beside the bed? Or under the bed?" She guessed, trying to suppress a laugh that was building up within her at the sheer ridiculousness of it all. 

 

"Actually...you have to urinate on it." Dis pushed the basket over to her, entirely serious of her request. 

 

"Er...." She couldn't look straight at Dis. It was arguably the wildest thing she had ever been asked to do! "Very well...allow me to get a chamber pot..."

 

"No need, my dear, we have filled the bottom with hay, so you can just go right ahead. It's only us girls here..." Dis paused looking over at her son with a twinge of sadness and mischief. "Fili wouldn't mind..."

 

"Right...here...?" Shobha asked again, wide eyed, sure that she had misheard her sister-in-law.

 

Dis simply nodded, pushing the basket filled with the wheat closer to her. 

 

......

 

 

 

Chapter 22: The Ninth Night

 

They all stood in the dark, but for the glow of their lamps. It was the ninth night of their celebrations, and many of the dwarves had willingly taken part in favour of their Kings bride! 

 

She had lit two hundred lamps, although there were no more than a hundred dams in Erebor willing to take part. The remaining lamps were carried by some of the soldiers who had remained.  

 

The snow outside the mountain had settled completely, and each night a fine dusting fell on top, although tonight the skies were clear. 

 

But it was the silence of the evening that always made this night particularly special.

 

The lamps were traditionally carried by women, back home, in honour of their mother goddess. And each, who carried their light, held their own silent thoughts and wishes that night. They were the sort of thoughts that woke you up at two in the morning. 

 

She worried about her father, who lay unwell at home, and now her brother who journeyed back after having fought in battle. 

 

Many dwarves of Erebor had come to watch, even if they did not take part, and they stood behind the group watching in silence. It was a strange amassing.

 

Arvind was due to arrive any moment. But there was no sign yet. 

 

A path had been cleared in the snow, all the way across the stone bridge and out to the road heading east. 

 

Then she had lit her lamp first. And all the others had lit their lamps from her one. A symbol of how the light had spread to displace the darkness, one lamp at a time. 

 

Thorin himself stood watching. She had felt his eyes boring into her all the while. 

 

Dis had made her pee into her basket of wild wheat the following week also but on both occasions the wheat had not bloomed, much to her relief.

 

They would leave the lamps out in the snow to burn all night, up ahead on the road side. 

She could not afford to use much oil and fat for each lamp, since it was mid winter. So there was little risk of the lamps staying alight for more than a couple of hours. 

 

She took a deep breath and shivered in the chilly air, before looking around her. 

 

All two hundred lamps cast a warm glow that cut through the pitch black of the wintry evening in the silence. 

 

At first she had stood there for the last half hour waiting, but she had decided they could not wait in the cold for much longer like this. 

 

And just as she was about to step forward, she heard it. The distant sound of horses, trudging through the snow. 

 

She had worried that Arvind might have become stranded in the snow somewhere, but now she could breathe a sigh of relief. 

 

Slowly, a step at a time, she led the way. Her light cut through the darkness, as the sea of lamps followed behind, each one moving slowly and carefully. 

 

As they made their way down into the valley in silence, the sound of the hooves making their way slowly was now much clearer. 

 

Finally as they set their lamps down in the snow, all in two long rows either side of the road, they could see the group from Rhun. 

 

They all wore cloaks and hoods against the bitter cold, and their horses trudged along as though they too felt the chill. 

 

It had been a silent reunion. 

 

They had all returned back to the mountain slowly, as Arvind had arrived.

 

Finally their horses had been returned to their stables for the warmth and feed, while the soldiers all carefully filed into the mountain hall for supper. It was a quiet and sombre meal, and seemed to reflect the mood of the soldiers who were weary after their travels and hard won battles.

 

Once supper was finished, Shobha walked alongside Arvind, happy to have him back, but also aware that he was much more withdrawn than he was normally. 

 

"I am sorry, my dear sister, I am exhausted..." He gave her a weak smile. "It is very kind of you to prepare such a wonderful apartment -"

 

"Arvind, you haven't even seen it yet! It really isn't much...so please tell me if you need anything to make you more comfortable." She replied, walking beside him, her arm linked in his, as they often did when she was small. He had been the only one to regard her as a sister.

 

"I am more concerned that you are working so hard, when you may be with child..." He put his free hand over her arm in genuine concern. "I hear that Thorin had moved you into his personal chambers..?"

 

"That does not mean a thing. You know that. I suspect it is more in aid of controlling me! After all, I have no ladies in waiting..." She replied quietly. "And he expects an heir from me..."

 

Arvind sighed. It was sadly the only expectation from any highborn woman. 

 

"How is father?" She asked worried. 

 

"He is injured but he does not appear to be deteriorating. That is important..." Arvind attempted to sound a little up beat about it. "Your mother is the kindest nurse he could have. And I am glad he has her..."

 

"I know your mother would have been there for him too." Shobha soothed. It had been a few years since Arvinds mother passed away, but it still felt fresh to Shobha, so she couldn't imagine how he felt. She too had been a kind woman, and one of the few other wives that the King truly loved.

 

Arvind nodded. 

 

"Come let me help arrange your clothes, while you take a bath. I can shout to you from the room like when we were young." She offered with the best smile that she too could manage. 

 

"You cannot do that, little sister. Your husband will not like it. And you belong to him now..." Arvind grimaced as he stopped and turned to her. He had hurt himself, but had been trying to hide it all evening. He quickly attempted to try and pretend that he was tired once more. " Listen, my dear one. It is imperative that you try your best to make this work. Because now even as the temporary king, Archan will not be merciful towards you, if you return..."

 

She found genuine concern in his face and it made her worry further. 

 

"But my mother? You know Archan's mother hates her right?!" 

 

"But she is safe with the King for now. And there after, I have left her under my protection, with some of my men..."

 

"What do you mean thereafter?" She asked suspiciously. "What are you not telling me about father? Arvind -"

 

But he grimaced in pain again, and attempted to hide it once more. 

 

"You are hurt!" She suddenly began to search his torso for injuries, but they were promptly interrupted.

 

"There you are, my wife." Thorin stood there glowering at them both. 

 

"Arvind is hurt, my Lord," she frowned at her own brother, annoyed that he had chosen to hide it. "His wounds will need tending to-"

 

"Allow me to see to our Prince, my lady," he replied, gently cupping her chin. "He will need a good strong drink prior to this. And I have the perfect choice, why not join me in my study now?"

 

Arvind seemed to hesitate at first, but it was hard to refuse. He was tired from his travels but he couldn't afford to upset Thorin at this point. 

 

"Very well."

 

............

 

 

"Your sister tells me that your father was injured in battle?" Thorin handed the young man a goblet of his best wine, before they both took to two arm chairs by the fireplace. 

 

Arvind hesitated again, taking a sip first as he watched the flames of amber, gold and red dance.

 

"He is gravely injured. But both her mother and I did not feel it right to inform Shobha the truth," Arvind sighed heavily, for now he felt like he bore the weight of the world on his shoulders. "She would wish to return home to see our father - and if she is with child, it would be a most dangerous journey. Not only for the journey, but also there will be many who would wish to harm her now..."

 

Arvind quietened down again, less eager to share all the details. 

 

"Am I to assume that her protection is reliant on the survival of your father?" Thorin balanced his goblet carefully in one hand, watching the young Prince carefully. 

 

Arvind nodded in silence, only giving Thorin a glance. He had already shared too much with the dwarf. 

 

"Then what of her mother? Surely she will come to harm should she remain?" 

 

"Narendra...is under my guard. They are entirely loyal to me and my most trusted men. They will remain with her, and when the King passes, they have been instructed to help her escape through the secret passages." Arvind sighed. "He is very weak now, and it is sure to be soon."

 

"But she knows that her life may be at risk if she remains...?" Thorin watched the young Prince.

 

"Aye, but she remains out of some sense of love and gratitude..." Arvind sighed. Even the Maharajah himself had asked her to leave while she could, but she had refused. 

 

Thorin fell silent, thinking of what Shobha had spoken of to him about her own life and that of her mother's. It reminded him of how she had nursed him, when he was gravely wounded, himself. She too could have left him, to save herself, and yet she had remained. 

 

"And why would you do this for her? After all, she is not YOUR mother?" Thorin asked quietly. He did not often worry about how his questioning sounded to many. But he liked Arvind, and he was curious. 

 

Arvind paused, taking another deep breath and watching the flames distantly. It was clearly a difficult subject, and the reactions of the young Rhun Prince, only stood to make him more curious about the answer. 

 

"My own mother succumbed to a fever, when I was just fourteen. They were years that I particularly needed a mother. And Narendra, was always kind to me - perhaps because I was kind to her daughter...and our mothers were friends...but Narendra was kind enough to care for me as a son. And she made no differences between how she cared for Shobha or me. It is a gratitude that I owe her..."

 

"And will that not place you out of favour...with your new King and brother?"

 

"Perhaps," Arvind drained his goblet. "But I have prepared for this day. Most of my men were unmarried. Those who have other families remaining in the city are provided for. Those who have wives and children have been given instructions and papers. They will travel in the spring to join their husbands here. And if you still require my men following this they will have to find a settlement nearby, if not in Dale."

 

Thorin sighed. He wanted to be angry, but he couldn't. Arvind was merely trying to provide and keep his loyal men safe along with their families - it was precisely the path he had found himself on all those years when Smaug had first invaded Erebor. 

 

"Well they are welcome to join their husbands here, when they are ready." Thorin leant over and filled Arvinds goblet again. "And we shall find room for them in the mountain."

 

"That is most generous. But we will not remain, once you feel you no longer need us." Arvind nodded in thanks, before taking another sip, and turning his gaze back to the flames. 

 

"Your sister is the generous one. She would have found a way to convince me to offer the families settlement, even if I had disagreed at first," Thorin suppressed a smile, covering his lips with his own goblet. "I like you, Arvind. So this way I get to remain your ally and friend."

 

Arvind tilted his head in agreement.

 

"My sister is too clever for her own good." Arvind then looked worried at Thorin. "So I  would be grateful if you kept our discussion to yourself...or she would insist on running home to see our father at least one last time. And he himself wanted it this way so she remained safe."

 

"Very well. You have my word. But how will you break it to her when the time comes?" 

 

"I will find a way. And even then, it may be better that she is angry with me rather than you." Arvinds final words were colder. But he simply wanted to rest now. His journey had been long, and his memory drowning with too many faces lost in battle. Even the rich dwarvish wine was not enjoyable under such circumstances. "Besides it cannot be good for her, if she is with child..."

 

Thorin paused at his words, uncertain of weather he greeted the possibility with happiness or contempt. It's mention by her brother now in the context of such a serious manner, suddenly made the reality of it seem far more harsh. 

 

"Why do you assume that she is?" He wondered, watching her brother carefully for his response. 

 

But Arvind simply shrugged, as though it were a throw away comment.

 

"Perhaps it is me and my travels, or my lengthy absence...but she looks different..."

 

............

 

She frowned at the basket of wild wheat, before fixing her gaze on her sister-in-law once again. 

 

"You expect me to..." 

 

"Urinate on the wheat grass. Aye, girl. It is not as though this is your first time..." Dis put her hands on her hips. She had brought the basket over to her, after her brother's wife had been avoiding her for some days now. And she was certain this time it would bloom. After all, by Thorins own account, the girl hadn't bled for at least five weeks now!

 

And it was much to her own surprise that he had shared a bed with anyone for so long!

 

"My lady, I cannot humour you this morning. I am late as it is." She hurried past the dam towards the door. "I will...water the grasses in the evening -"

 

"So my brother enjoys watching you piss then does he...?" She quirked an eyebrow, halting Shobha as she opened the door. "Because he will ask me later today, and if I tell him that you have not yet done so, I imagine he will very likely insist you do so tonight..."

 

Shobha shuddered at the thought, closing the door again. Clearly Dis was not doing this purely for her own interest. And she had no maids, so she had no doubt that it was Thorin who kept track of her bleeding. He had, in fact for the last two weeks been gentle with her each night when they lay together. It was unusual and felt restrained on his part.

 

She found herself facing Dis again, and had half a mind to accept her fate. 

 

"You think your marriage is your duty?" Dis frowned again. "But your duty is to bear him a son." 

 

"What if I don't? Can he not find another...?" 

 

"Dams bear fewer children still. And he is already older than most. You have been chosen not just for your kingdom and army...do you act ignorant on purpose, just to tire those around you? I have already reminded you why, for your own safety I must know as soon as possible -"

 

But Shobha was tired of this excessive oversight from Dis. And after a pause she simply patted the dam on the shoulder gently and smiled. 

 

"I'm sorry my lady, but think I will take my chances for tonight..." She shrugged, turning back to the door.

 

...........

 

She stood silently, listening in the dark corridor. 

 

Bilbo, her accomplice in many things clandestine, had agreed to meet her here, but was apparently late. 

 

It meant that she stood alone in a very scary place. 

 

There in the dark her senses felt heightened. She could feel her heart racing and the still, cool mountain air around her. 

 

The sound of the slightest movement somewhere along the corridor made her step back towards the wall. And there out of the darkness, Bilbo Baggins appeared. 

 

"My lady, I am sorry to have kept you..." He paused, gently patting her arm, as he looked up at her. "I have found a route out. But it is not easy..."

 

He worried about her falling, and some of the rocks were jagged near the concealed door out that led out of the mountain. 

 

Why she even considered visiting Thranduil, surprised him. But doing so on the day of a feast seemed like complete madness! 

 

Bilbo huffed again, crossing his hands over his chest and blinking at her in the dark, watching her look at him with those big brown eyes that twinkled. 

 

"But really, why must you go and see him, my lady?" Bilbo pursed his lips trying to think of a suitable way to word it. "It may seem... inappropriate...and if you are caught there will be consequences...very serious consequences..."

 

She could see him thinking out loud. 

 

"I mean...can you imagine Thorin...? He may not say it but he is very possessive over you...I see how he looks at anyone who comes close to you...And if he discovered this...you AND I would be in terrible trouble!"

 

But she simply leant forward and placed her hands gently on his crossed arms. Her gesture was not forceful but more pleading. 

 

"My brother is not the same...and Thorin was...different...last night." She recalled how he had merely held her last night, even though he clearly lay there aroused! "I am not stupid. I am sure that my father is gravely ill if not already dead..."

 

She suddenly frowned as though thinking it through in her head at the time. 

 

"Maybe he isnt dead...or my mother would have been forced to leave the palace...and she would have at least written to me to let me know..." She began to wring her hands, for these thoughts were clearly worrying. "And this mountain...living inside here...without any true sunlight...or space...or trees...it's...unnatural...and I feel as if I cannot breathe..."

 

Her words seemed to echo in his own heart, for all the adventure and friendship he had gained in the past year, Bilbo had begun to miss the Shire. It was particularly marked now as the weather turned and the snow fell, casting the lands surrounding the Lonely Mountain to look more barren than before. 

 

So her plea was one that tugged at his own heart-strings, melting any sensibility or fear he had regarding either of their safety, let alone the prospect of the wrath of the Dwarven King. 

 

"I need to get away from this place..." She turned to Bilbo again, clutching at his hands desperately. "Please, Master Baggins...I am willing to risk his punishment for it."

 

He could kill her, or even torture her for all she cared today. Even if he truly did tie her to his bed for some weeks now, it would be no different to what she faced currently. The snow was so deep, she couldn't leave the mountain these days, not even for some fresh air.

 

"My lady..." Bilbo sighed and then holding her hand did something he never thought he could do, ever since the first day he had set his eyes on it: he opened his palm out, offering his precious golden ring. 

 

He couldn't bring himself to drop it into her hand, but all the same, he felt the pain in her voice, and was moved by it enough to be willing to part with it. At least for a short while. 

 

"What is this?" She looked down at it, surprised at first, and clearly trying to fully make out the object that lay in his hand in the dark.

 

"It...well...it will help you...leave the mountain unseen..." He sighed, trying his best to ignore the war that waged within him at the prospect of offering the item that was so hard won in those goblin tunnels so long ago. "Use it..." 

 

He offered his palm up again, before he could change his mind. 

 

"But then give it back, of course."

 

She stood still blinking in the dark at the small gold ring in the dark. Even in the near pitch black it seem to glimmer, strangely. 

 

Again, she blinked, as though it was just a hallucination, before looking up at Bilbo and realising that he was being completely serious. 

 

So carefully she reached out her hand to touch it. 

 

Immediately her eyes widened with terror, as images crept into her mind, almost like a dream. 

 

Terrible images, of her wearing heavy armour and Thorins raven crown, with her brother standing beside her, and Thorin kneeling before her. 

 

That was not all. 

 

She saw the mountain, with black smoke billowing out from the several large furnaces that lay deep within it.

 

And then she saw the woodland elves, their necks in chains, cowering before her while a raging fire, burned the beautiful trees of Greenwood!

 

Gasping, she withdrew her hand from the cold metal, as if it burned her soft skin.

 

"What is this thing you have come to posses, Master Baggins?!" She stepped away from him, half terrified and half disgusted at the images of her potential as a cruel and relentless ruler. "How came you by it?"

 

But Bilbo merely stood there surprised by her reaction, at first he closed his fingers over it, and then shook his head, offering it to her again. 

 

"I…I found on my travels...it helped me move about at times...unseen..." He whispered. "It can help you too..."

 

He held his hand up to her again.

 

But she reached out, careful not to make contact with the item and closed his fingers around it. 

 

"I have heard whispers of such rings, and the ghouls that became of the men, once Kings, who wore them...the stories are so old, they are nothing but tales to frighten children with…although I see now, that they are probably true." She didn't want to elaborate on what terrible things she had seen, ashamed of herself. "I carry the weak blood of those men. They are my forebears...so I cannot wield this ring, Bilbo...you must understand."

 

He blinked up at her surprised by her words. It made him wonder what she feared about the ring. 

 

"But I trust you..." He replied, certain of his feelings. "I trust you, without doubt. Your heart is as beautiful as you are -"

 

But his words only made her gasp. They sounded like the siren call of the ring, she had touched mere moments ago. 

 

She pushed his hand, with fingers closed around the ring, into his chest for good measure, so that it was as far away from her reach as possible.

 

"I fear that may be the very reason I should never touch it...there is darkness within us all, Master Baggins..." Suddenly she worried about the prospect of their plan for a coup. "And if You trust me so, without question - then this ring shall make many others do the same. So I shall surely fall...into darkness..."

 

Bilbo suddenly looked down at the gold ring in his hand again, wondering what made her so fearful. 

 

"No. I will have to find my way out of this mountain following you..." She corrected, and then looked at the hobbit, whom she had come to regard as a trusted friend. "And I hope you don't mind my telling you. But you too should take guard of yourself with that. It is no mere trinket. There is a powerful darkness about it...and if I hear it's call, then I imagine it’s true master will too." 

 

The hobbit put away his ring, back in his waistcoat pocket. It belonged there. And it felt comfortable returned. But he couldn't deny that her words had frightened her.

 

"Very well then, my lady." He replied back with a renewed determination to help her. "Let's get you outside..." 

 

.......

 

 

The Elvenking stood in front of her staring out at the large expanse of scorched earth in front of him. 

 

The elves had burned that woodland - and for the images she had seen not so long ago, she had felt a chill creep into her body.

 

"The trees here we're sick: infected with some poison from the spiders nests. And this was too close to our borders." Thranduil explained as he surveyed the large clearing.

 

"But how could you be certain that the fire wouldn't spread?" She asked quietly from behind. 

 

"We are the keepers of these lands. For thousands of years, and countless moons," he replied arrogantly. "We have knowledge of how to tend to the land and all it's living things. But sometimes that which is too far gone with such sickness cannot always be healed."

 

She closed her eyes feeling sick at the thought. 

 

Daer had been waiting for her, just as she had known in her blood, when she stepped outside the mountain. He had carried her here, to join Thranduil. 

 

"Do not fret. All is not lost, for the fire cleanses the land. And now from this clearing, with the sick trees and the thick webs gone, new growth will return, when the sun touches the land once more..."

 

She felt his hand touch her chin, and tilt her face up. So she opened her eyes, to find herself face to face with his cold, pale gaze. It was only then that she realised that she had been closing her eyes. 

 

"You look different, my dear..." He allowed his gaze to drift over her, from head to toe, before fixing on her eyes again.

 

"I...dont know..." She tugged her cape tighter unable to answer, shivering a little from his scrutiny, rather than from the cold itself. 

 

"Forgive my forthrightness. I did not intend to make you feel unwelcome," he leant down a little, to bring his face closer to hers. "Have you considered my offer to leave the mountain?" 

 

"It would be the same thing, if I came to stay with you..." She held his gaze, even though it made her feel exposed. "I would find myself in your bed. And eventually the boundaries between us would blur..."

 

"That is a very presumptuous conclusion, wouldn't you think?" He smirked at her. There was a teasing invitation in his tone, but all the while being arrogantly dismissive. "Do you believe me so incapable of restraint or your draw so irresistible?"

 

It annoyed her that he was deaf to her words, when she knew he was just as emotional as all other beings that shared these lands although, like the elves she had met so far chose to imagine they were above such feelings.  

 

So she took a step closer to the tall elf, and tiptoeing up, while holding onto his chest, she pressed her lips to his. 

 

Her kiss was initially chaste. But he seemed completely surprised by her boldness. 

 

Then within moments, he had entwined his arms around her waist, returning her kiss, with fervour for a few moments, before pulling away to look at her again, blinking in surprise, this time at himself. He had been unable to help himself, and she too had proved to be far too alluring.

 

"Your point is most eloquently made," he conceded, standing back to his full height, and reluctantly releasing his hands from her waist. From the first moment she had presented herself in his camp, he had wanted to kiss her although it was something he would still never admit to. It was a strange desire for him, for he had felt nothing since his wife had made her final journey. 

 

"So would you still...be...there for me...even if I chose to remain in Erebor?" She was not sure she could use the word friend for him. Apparently she too had been taken by surprise at the depth of his feelings, when she had simply expected him to treat her as a concubine. Now, she was not so sure even about her own feelings towards him and regretted both her boldness as well as her decision to come here today. 

 

He found himself unable to look away from those big doe eyes, as she looked up at him. In truth he would have done anything she asked of him, but he would never admit it. 

 

"You would have my unwavering allegiance, my lady." His words came without hesitation, and were clearly meant to reassure her, despite the arrogance also. "But I doubt you came all this way for such simple reassurance, that I am certain you knew of previously..."

 

She sighed, walking in silence for a little before she spoke. 

 

"Do elves take...concoctions...to prevent... the conception of a babe?" That was not the reason she came either. But she was not willing to talk about it.

 

He seemed to pause looking around the clearing again before returning his attention to her. 

 

"Elves usually do not often mate for pleasure, in the way you mortals do..." He sounded aloof now as he began to walk along the edge of the clearing. Although he turned briefly to face her. "But we have other ways to pleasure...would you like me to demonstrate?"

 

"Did you never wish to explore such pleasures...even in your youth...?" She tried to understand, but it only made her pity him more. And she felt stupid for it, since he didn't want or care for her pity. To him and his kind apparently, her short and insignificant life had as much meaning as an insect's did to a man. 

 

"Perhaps at first...but such urges lessen with time..." 

 

"The wise way right? But I hope it does not lessen your feelings of love." She tried to hold the sarcasm from her voice this time when she spoke.

 

It made him stop and turn to look at her, as if she had poked him somewhere sensitive, with something rather sharp. 

 

"And what of your care for those who serve you? After all, you were willing to go to war over a necklace..." She regretted her bitter words as soon as she had spoken them, as he came to tower over her. 

 

He stood still, his face hardened and callous as she had seen, the first time they had met.

 

"I was willing to go to war over you."

 

He stood facing her down for the sharp words that she had hurt him with first. His words made her look up at him. It was not what she had expected at all.

 

"I am afraid of conceiving a child..." 

 

He smiled at her words. 

 

"I fear it may be too late to do much about it." He replied to her softly, brushing his fingers lightly over her cheek.

 

"And yet you would still want me?"

 

"I would have you and your child, if you wished. But this, you already know. Now, be honest with me and tell me truly what it is that bothers you." He stood so close, and yet he didn't feel threatening. Rather, he felt strangely reassuring. "And let us not both waste each other's time."

 

Her heart began to race. She had not considered the prospect of him bearing any true feelings towards her. Worst of all, she had not considered the possibility that she too might have reciprocated an attraction towards him, at least. 

 

"I feel lost...and I fear the ones that I once could talk to about it may be gone..." Tears began to prickle in her eyes. She wanted to move from where she felt glued to the spot. For whatever confused feelings she had towards this cold and callous elf, she still did not entirely trust him either. "I shouldn't have come here..."

 

Her last words, now a whisper, made her turn around and manage to take a step away from him.

 

But he too stepped closer, behind her, and although he wanted to hold her, he stopped himself. He would not take advantage of her while she was hurting like this.

 

"Our loved ones...even if they are gone...are never completely gone. They always live on within us. And it is particularly strong, when their blood runs through us." His words bore a certainty about them that almost made what he said true without question. "And we all feel lost from time to time. But those are the feelings that reassure us, that our thinking is correct. If we did not feel this way, then we would surely be flawed in our thinking." 

 

Tears now fell from her eyes silently, as she finally accepted the possibility that her father, at least, may be dying, if not already gone. And that she might never see him again. It had not been something she had considered when she had first left Rhun, all those months ago, to be given in marriage to Thorin.

 

"But, you have your brother..." He spoke, moving closer still, until she could feel the heat from his body as he stood behind her. "And you always have me..."

 

"Even if I may be carrying Thorin's child...?" She whispered, leaning back against his muscular form.

 

"Even if you did so...or even if you bore feelings for him..." He answered her, gently placing his hands on her waist and whispering the last words, as though they were a prayer. "And even if you could never give me what it was that I might hope for..."

 

Leaning back against him, she could feel his heartbeat, steady and strong. And for a brief moment she shut her eyes while he gently wrapped his arms around her again.

 

"Motherhood is a sacred part of any females story - you need not fear it...and I shall ensure my best healers and midwives are at your disposal, should you ever require it." He spoke the words with such reverence, that she wondered whether he thought of his wife or his mother.

 

She had not expected such care or affection from the usually guarded, cold and arrogant elf.

 

But this was not a folly that she could indulge, and she needed to return back now, for she was expected at the feast. 

 

She stood straight, took a shaky breath, and turned to face Thranduil. 

 

However, there was no need for her to say anything, he already knew, and so, bowing his head, he gestured with his hand. 

 

And there, in the direction that he had gestured, stood the large pale elk, patiently waiting for her.

 

So, with one last look at him, she left the clearing.

 

........

 

The corridor leading to the grand banquet hall was now quite deserted. Clearly everyone was now seated for dinner.

 

She felt nervous at the anticipation of her late arrival, and worried at how Thorin might react.

 

Once again, Dori had managed to put her in a tightly corseted dress, which had made her breathless. 

 

So she stopped for a moment, in an attempt to gather herself before she arrived in, what she imagined would be a packed hall. But she was interrupted. 

 

"It is a dangerous thing to wonder halls alone, late on nights of grand celebrations..." 

 

She turned to find Dain standing in the corridor, watching her with curiosity. 

 

"A lass could be mistaken as willing towards the amorous attentions of another, while intoxicated -"

 

"I am not drunk." She corrected, quietly, but he didn't seem perturbed by it. 

 

"Unarmed, unguarded and...apparently entirely for the taking..." He moved towards her, slowly but with clear sinister intent. It made her regret not carrying even a small hidden dagger as Dwalin had once taught her. 

 

At first she took another step back, but realised she would soon be trapped against the wall. 

 

And as he stepped uncomfortably close, she glanced over at the great entrance. If only another dwarf or two ventured out any moment, she might feel safer. 

 

"Ye think you're so tough, little lady? But that's because Thorin is soft on ya." He took her chin in his hands to command her attention as he cornered her against the wall. He was undoubtedly the stronger and broader by far, even if she was much taller than him. "Probably because ye make him hard. But an evening with me, and I promise to leave ye in no doubt as to who yer master would be...and a good obedient girl.”

 

He let go of her chin to take a good look at her, when she found some courage. 

 

"Be careful of the enemies you make with ill thought out decisions..." 

 

"Ah! I see you have found my wife." Thorin interrupted them, causing Dain to take a step back. And Shobha didn't need any further opportunity: She was instantly beside her husband, faster than a lighting bolt, as she wrapped an arm around his.

 

"I...was just..complementing your wife-"

 

"Were you not enjoying the fine Ale and feast tonight, cousin?" Thorin interrupted him, looking carefully at her face.

 

"I...was returning to my bed chamber...when I spotted her ladyship. I wished to warn her of the dangers of wandering alone on a night of revelry -"

 

"The soldiers from Rhun do not partake in our Ale. And as such, the old laws of claiming females if caught alone, no longer apply." Thorin replied flatly. 

 

There was no doubt he was King under the Mountain. His word was final and there was no room to challenge.

 

Dain merely pulled his lips into a mirthless smile, and tilted his head.

 

"Then we shall bid you a pleasant evening this Durins Day," Thorin bowed his head, holding his hand out to her. And there was no hesitation. She allowed him to lead her back to their apartment. 

 

Once there was sufficient distance between themselves and Dain, he had quickened his pace. Even his features had hardened. 

 

Finally, when they reached his bedroom, she walked in slowly, while he shut the door behind them. 

 

She could feel his anger, long before he came to stand in front of her, with a morose look on his face. 

 

"Forgive me, my Lord, I was slow to get dressed..." She began, watching as his jaw clenched.

 

"Spare me your lies, I know where you have been. I simply do not understand why you would behave so foolishly?" He moved closer, with a sigh. "Dwalin told me, he has warned you of evenings such as this...where were your private guard ?"

 

"I...permitted them time off to join the feast..." The truth was that she had fallen asleep after dressing, so had been late. 

 

"It was not an important night of the feasts. You could have tested if you were tired." He looked a little concerned, moving closer again. It was clear that she was shaken up from her encounter with Dain, although she would probably never admit it.

 

He took a step closer still, aware of how she must have felt a moment ago in the presence of his cousin. Then he let his eyes drift down her form to assess her carefully. 

 

Her heart beat out of her chest, there was a thrill to making him angry, but tonight he seemed different. And after Dain, and all her worrying over her father and mother, she wanted to be in his arms. 

 

Slowly and deliberately, he placed his hands on her narrow waist, letting his fingers wonder. He felt for the edge of her corset, watching her eyes fall shut. 

 

"It appears you need to be reminded who is your husband..." His voice was thick with lust as he spoke the words against the skin of her cheek. Her lips had parted ever so slightly in anticipation of his kiss. But he barely ghosted over her skin and would leave her there with no kids in punishment for visiting greenwood. "But first..."

 

She drew in a breath out of frustration, and heard him unbuckling something. 

 

Finally, the feel of him wrapping something around her waist, made her snap her eyes open, only to find him buckling a belt around her with a smirk on his face. 

 

"Here after you do not go anywhere unarmed. You wear this. It is my dagger and is extremely sharp. If another even so much as lays a hand on you..." He guided her hand to the handle of the solid dagger, closing her fingers over it and pulling it out. The metal unsheathing made a vicious sound. "Then, stick the blade in and twist like this."

 

He showed her several times, before returning the blade to it's sheath. 

 

"Wear it visibly. It bears my mark, and will make many others think twice before getting too close, when you are unguarded..." He enjoyed the frustration on her face, and enjoyed it even more that she had clearly desired him to kiss her a moment ago. He would comfort her soon enough, but before he did, he planned to frustrate her to the point of desperation. Then he bent down briefly and slowly lifted her skirt running his hand up her smooth leg to her thigh, feeling her skin prickle with goosebumps under his touch. "I will have a smaller dagger made for you to wear concealed, and strapped to your thigh on nights like this..."

 

He then let his hand drift back up to her waist, letting her skirts fall, listening to her breath hitch again, before settling back on her corset. Quickly he loosened the ties to that garment that cupped her breasts perfectly and let it fall to the floor.

 

The thin shift she wore under the heavy corsetted top was sheer, so he could see her breasts, rise and fall with her breath, and her proud nipples press through the material. 

 

But instead of claiming her lips or touching her breasts, as he would normally, he returned to the belt carrying his dagger. He took his time, slowly unbuckling the belt and then tightening it up again. 

 

"Each moon, I shall sharpen your blade myself..." He explained, enjoying the look of frustration on her face. "And I will put some more buckle holes into your belt tomorrow-"

 

"Thorin, I want to visit my parents." She finally spoke, watching his icy eyes, drift up slowly over her body and back up to her eyes. He was clearly aroused, so it was surprising as to why he was taking so long to touch her and claim her body as he so often did. But contrary to her own expectations, her request did not appear to anger him.

 

"No." His reply was firm. 

 

"No?" She repeated. 

 

"No." He grunted. 

 

"Why not?"

 

"The weather has turned now. The roads will be icy and thick with snow for some months now. So it is dangerous to travel." He attempted to keep his tone as neutral as he could. "Besides you may be with child..."

 

"It would be a quick visit. Please? Anyway your sister has been making me pee on that smelly wheat for days now..."

 

"Oh aye? Does the smell nauseate you...?" He smirked, moving closer to her again. 

 

"It is funny smelling." It was now clear to her that he was trying his best to irritate her.

 

"I do not find wild wheat that foul in odour..." He continued to stand tantalisingly close without touching her. His own arousal was painful, and her breathing had quickened. He ached to touch her breasts, so beautifully on display through the thin silk. But making her beg tonight, made his throbbing arousal positively twitch. 

 

"It does not matter. It has not bloomed. So I am not with child." She let the material over one should slip down and watched while he immediately watched the fabric, with hawk like interest. It dropped, lowering the neckline to almost completely reveal one of her breasts. And she spotted him clench his first by his side, clearly in attempt to resist touching her. 

 

"That simply will not do then, perhaps I shall need to fill you with my seed some more." He grunted, voice clearly thick with lust now. "But I think you need rest tonight..." 

 

He was about to turn away, when she held his hand, stopping him. She would not ask about visiting Rhun again tonight. She simply needed him to do with her what he so roughly did on most nights, particularly now. 

 

"What is it, my lady?" He turned back to her, stepping closer. 

 

"Don't go. Please?" 

 

"Do not fear, I will rest beside you..." He quirked an eyebrow at her request, although he knew what exactly it was that she wanted, because he wanted it too. But he would make her beg for it first.

 

"No. I..." She was almost tempted to let her own desperate frustration subside, simply to avoid begging. 

 

"What is it you want, my lady? I need you to clarify the matter.." he whispered again, stepping closer once more. 

 

She let her own eyes take in the handsome dwarf that stood before her, still taken aback by his restraint.

 

They stood there for a while again, each excited but too stubborn to say a word or give in.

 

"I...need you...please..."

 

He stepped closer still until his lips hovered over her cheek. 

 

"What do you need me to do?"

 

She was now panting, desperate and aroused to the point of madness. And he stood so close and yet so far. 

 

"Please Thorin!"

 

"Ask me anything...and I will be your willing servant," he growled in her ear. "But you must say it..."

 

"I need you..." She clutched at his coat now. 

 

"What do you need me to do to you, my wife..?"

 

"I need you to touch me!" She pleaded. "Please!" 

 

"Like this...?" Their frustration had crept into his voice also, but he still persisted with his game. Walking her back closer to the bed, he ran his fingers teasingly up her arms and onto her chest, where he skimmed the tops of her breasts but did not touch her in any significant way. 

 

It made her moan, unable to bear it. 

 

"I need you to touch me all over..." She began to undo ties to her skirts. "I need you to touch me there...or I shall go mad!" 

 

He chuckled at her, but still only just lowered her shift to reveal her breasts. The brown tipped peaks perking further in the cold air.

 

"Where...I need you to be more specific..." 

 

She pushed her skirts down to the floor along with her shift, standing there in nothing but the belt with the dagger that he had placed on her a few minutes ago. It had remained purely because she had been unable to undo the thick belt. 

 

The vision of her unclothed body, with nothing but the dagger on made him chuckle still. 

 

"I promise you won't need that for what you want me to do..." He growled, suddenly finding the image of her like this strangely arousing. "Now tell me exactly what you want...or you shall remain as frustrated as you are now..."

 

So she took his large hands in hers and stepped closer to him until their bodies touched. 

 

"I want you to touch me..." She first took one of his hands and placed in over one nipple. "Here. Please. And the other one..." 

 

"Here..." And she took his right hand straightening out his index and middle fingers and brought them down to her sex.

 

He had not expected that, but she guided his digits through her folds. She was so slick with her arousal, that he was already able to slip his thick digits in, with her parting her legs a little.

 

Her hand still guiding him, rubbing his digits through her, in and out partially, with her desperately wet, made her moan. She closed her eyes, continuing to move him and used her other arm to steady herself by holding  on to his shoulder. 

 

Suddenly he was desperate to get out of his trousers and was no longer sure he would manage to remove any of his other clothing.

 

Quickly he moved her to the bed, never breaking contact with her or stopping his movement. And as he sat her on the bed, she parted her legs for him wider still, so he could see her, and watch as his fingers disappeared deeper and deeper inside her with each move. 

 

Her breathing was falling fast, and the desperate moans, now made him regret his game to make her beg. He also couldn’t help wonder what it was that had made her so wanton.

 

Suddenly he stopped to unbuckle his bed and remove his trousers, freeing his erection. 

 

"And is that all you want?" He growled at her.

 

"No, Thorin. I want you..." She stood blushing, and began to help push off his coat and unbutton his doublet. Clearly, her desperation had gone beyond her own modesty or awareness of her own nudity. "I need you..."

 

"Aye? And how do you need me?" He smirked as he finally stood naked in front of her.

 

"Inside me..."

 

Chapter 23: Deception

 

The dwarf sat holding the reigns still for a moment. He was not as young and able a fighter as he was before, but he could still fend off a stray pack of orc or a bunch of marauders. 

 

"It's all secure, Sirius." His younger companion climbed up beside him at the front of the caravan and nodded quietly, having tied up the leather flaps and the wooden doors to the back. 

 

"Nothing will move lad?" 

 

"It's all packed in steady, no need to fret." He reassured again. "And I will have a quick nap now, so that, we are both alert during night. No stop offs this time - just slow and steady." 

 

The grey haired dwarf looked at the road ahead again, holding the ponies still. It was just another delivery to Rhun, he reminded himself. 

 

"Yah, come on..." He flicked the reigns lightly and set the the ponies into a gentle trot. 

 

"Aye, it's just another delivery..." The younger dwarf repeated quietly, closing his eyes as he leant back. But he couldn't help resting his hand on the pommel of his sheathed sword. There was never any harm in being prepared...

 

.......

 

Three days previously...

 

 

The wooden training sword, flew out of her hand for the umpteenth time, and this time Dwalin looked genuinely annoyed.

 

"What's wrong with ya today lassie...?!" He hissed, picking it up and tossing it at her. "This will leave yet exposed..."

 

She wrung her hands and picked it up from where it fell at her feet. Her head was all over the place and she no longer wished any of this.

 

"I don't know whether I want to do this anymore...I mean...he is the rightful ruler and all..." She replied quietly. 

 

"He is not returning the money we are making, to our people!" Dwalin growled at her, surprised by this turn of events. "And people are suffering!" 

 

"I..." She fell silent. The truth was that she had not been to court or left their apartment, other than to go to the library for several weeks. 

 

She was starting to feel sick in the mornings and often felt exhausted. And then she was worried about her father, since she hadn't heard from her mother in two weeks, which was in itself unusual. 

 

So all she wanted to do these days was sleep. And to make matters worse, Thorin obsessively watched her, whether it was morning or at breakfast or supper. It was almost as if he suspected.

 

Even Dis had stopped pestering her regularly to piss on her magic wheat! Even though the damned stuff had not yet bloomed under her stream. 

 

Dwalin frowned again, his bushy eyebrows knitting together with the lines in the middle of his forehead, as he surveyed her face. And then without warning he took the training sword from her hands and placed them in the small chest at the corner of the room and held out his arm for her. 

 

"If ye feel some sort of pity or compassion for him then donnae worry, we aren't gonna hurt him. But if ye have any doubts then let me clear this up..." He stood there with his arm out for her, so she linked her arm in his as he began to leave their apartment. 

 

They walked to the infirmary first. 

 

The large set of rooms was busy! She had never seen it like this before. The beds were all full and the few healers worked silently and fast, but it appeared there were too many for anyone to cope with. 

 

No one noticed them as everyone attempted to do their best. There were many minor injuries, with dwarves and her own people with arms, legs and other body parts in bandages. 

 

"What has happened here?" She looked around, clearly worried.

 

"There was an accident in one of the tunnels. They had found some precious gems, but Thorin insisted on continuing the mining before the tunnel could be properly reinforced..." Dwalin growled in disgust. "And just as the foreman said...there was a partial collapse."

 

"What can I do?" She wrung her hands in frustration. "Perhaps a campaign to ensure workers safety-"

 

"Even your lass' school is now shut after the fire - he will not be moved even by you. So how can anyone else expect more...?"

 

She looked at the many faces, all injured and in pain, as many looked toward her. It made her ache. But her own self doubt far outweighed any hope she felt of helping these poor souls. 

 

"D...I...don't...please do not ask me -"

 

"Then our plan is off?" Dwalin was unable to keep the disappointment from his voice. 

 

And all she could do was shake her head.

 

"Look lass, he is my best friend - nay - he is my brother. But I cannae watch more of our dwarves suffer because he cannae get his head straight!" Dwalin confessed bitterly. "And we know yer head and yer heart are in the right place Princess, so we are all behind ye. If ye say no - then we understand. But don't say no simply because yer feeling scared or because ye don't see your own capabilities..."

 

"I wish to see my father, Dwalin. I know he came to harm while fighting off an invasion. But I fear he is gravely ill, and neither my brother, nor Thorin are telling me the truth." She finally revealed her own worries to the gruff, old warrior. "If he is gravely ill, then I must see him at least one final time - if not stay with him until the end -"

 

"But lass, ye are the daughter of his mistress. I imagine ye'v got plenty of those who would seek to harm ye, and with yer father weakened it would leave ye exposed eh?" Dwalin looked at her worried. "And we couldn't have ye come to harm - Thorin would wage way against yer kingdom - think of the many lives that would be lost then..." 

 

"Well, I really must at least see him one last time." She wrung her hands together in frustration. "I have to believe that he wouldn't want war over the simple matter of me - when he has plenty of pretty dams throwing themselves at him." 

 

"Are ye really that simple in mind, Princess?" Dwalin snapped at her. "I have known Thorin since he was a lad, and long before he began to take his birthright seriously. And I can promise ya, that he has never slept in the same bed with a lass for as many nights repeatedly as ye! And he certainly has never moved a lass into his room - I mean he has even made space for all yer dresses an all! There is no way he is letting ye go..."

 

She groaned at the evidence Dwalin was presenting. 

 

"Very well. But if all this is true, then have you a plan as to what to do with Thorin when the time comes?" She hissed. 

 

"Aye. We shall incapacitate him - I will tie him up and lock him in his chamber. We have prepared the Queen's chamber and you can stay there. If he resists, I shall stab him in his bad leg, where he took a mace to his knee. His walking has never been the same since and I know it gives him gyp, although he is too proud to use a walking stick." Dwalin revealed, clearly uncomfortable but ready to do what he feels was essential. "The question is are you ready to be Queen?" 

 

She paused briefly, as her stomach churned before stepping away from Dwalin and shaking her head. 

 

"I..." She shook her head again.

 

"Listen, Princess. My brother Balin, has sat in the courts of many Kings and Lords. And I know of few with wits sharper than he," Dwalin rushed to stand beside her, stopping her hasty retreat. "He believes you would be most suited to take over from yer husband. What's more, ye now have many supporters in court. And I for one fear Thorin will eventually become like his grandfather in time. It may begin with a desire to expand our trade in Erebor at the cost of safety towards the miners, or a single-minded desire to sire an heir from yer loins, but I have a chance to ensure what happened with Smaug does not happen again. All I ask it that ye take some time to consider this before dashing our hopes..."

 

The usually fearsome looking warrior, now looked far from scary. He looked desperate, with worry lines furrowing his heavy brows and the lines between his brows deepening. It was clear that he was torn between his betrayal of his lifelong friend, and the one he considered once as King, that he would follow to the ends of the earth, with the troubles he had seen afflicting the dwarves of Erebor so far. 

 

It made the churning within her stomach worse still. 

 

"Very well," she breathed, clutching at her middle, as if it might stop her from being sick. "Allow me time to think..."

 

It was all she could say, as he nodded still looking worried. But she couldn't stay any longer. Throwing her hand over her mouth, she turned and hurried away. 

 

..........

 

Sirius brought the caravan to a halt, much to the protests of the ponies pulling. They pawed at the ground itching to continue. 

 

Although it was broad daylight, they were crossing through a small wooded area, and the proximity of the trees made everyone nervous. 

 

"That was a sharp stop -" the young dwarf sitting in the back moved to the front only to notice what the driver had now. 

 

There up ahead was a large tree occluding the path. 

 

"Alright, lemme get down and move it - won't take more than a few minutes -"

 

"No. I don't like it laddie. We turn and take the road by the brook." Sirius stopped his companion quickly, grabbing his arm as he had turned to climb out. "That tree looks like it's been cut. And that means who ever wished to fell it may still be around..."

 

"It'll take just as long to reverse the caravan."

 

"It don't matter, lad. Listen to me. Neither of us gets off this thing other than to take a shit." Sirius was dead serious. "I told ya. We get paid extra for the cago. Safe delivery is the only thing we can think of Hilo." 

 

"Very well, then better hurry. The road near the brook ain't less scary. We just need to make as much ground as we can during daylight." Hilo agreed quickly. It was hard not to regret his decision to take this job now. But he trusted Sirius's instincts. "Shall I get down and help ya turn the cart?"

 

"Nah the road is wide enough. Just keep yer wits about ye lad? And have yer bow ready..."

 

........

 

Two days prior.....

 

She stood outside the throne room. Once a week, she was expected in court. And today she was late. There was a legitimate reason, but it was doubtful that Thorin would look kindly upon her for it. And yet, part of her secretly looked forward to making him angry. It almost certainly meant that she would receive a thorough loving that night, which she craved more of late. 

 

Gulping at the thoughts that now entered her head, and closing her eyes for a moment in attempt to clear her mind. She took a moment, before quietly letting herself into the back of the room. She was late by not very long, but already a chestnut haired dwarf stood arguing at the front with another that looked frighteningly similar to himself. 

 

The group gathered today was unusually large. So she was hoping to stay at the back of the hall until they had settled this first disagreement and then she would make her way forward. 

 

Further ahead Thorin sat in his throne, looking rather morose. He wore one of his formal suits, in a deep blue, which made him look particularly handsome.There was a little more silver in his hair now, but it only made him appear more handsome still. She couldn't help imagining herself pinned underneath him, as he pounded into her mercilessly, with his hair falling around her, and ticking her bare skin further. The errant thought made her insides flutter. 

 

And he too appeared to have spotted her despite her attempt to hide near a large stone pillar. 

 

Unfortunately, the King's even brief focus on her momentarily was all that was required to draw the attention of the dwarves at the back of the hall towards her. 

 

Soon the whole group had turned towards her, interrupting the argument in full swing ahead and they all bowed. 

 

"Ah, welcome, my Queen, your presence, however tardy is most welcome." Thorin gestured towards the smaller, makeshift throne that had been set beside him. 

 

She too didn't need to be asked again, as the group gathered parted to allow her through. 

 

And she was grateful for the seat, for these sessions often went on for a long time. 

 

But as she glanced over at her husband she could see his demeanor change. He stood up, and she curtsied as she was expected before he moved to kiss her.

 

"You are late." He growled in her ear. 

 

"Forgive me, my Lord..." 

 

"Your errors will be suitably punished." He kissed her again, this time wrapping his arm around her narrow waist. 

 

He now regretted inviting her to court. It was one thing to ensure the dire whining and complaints of his subjects, and more so the noble ones. But to have her seated there on such perfect display was utter torture! She looked so ripe for the taking. It was a waste to be seated like this with her, rather he should have been laying between her legs. And of late, she was most willing towards his advances, with as much of an appetite for carnal pleasures as he did. It was all he could manage to simply make it through the day, before he found her in his bedchamber. 

 

"Lord Gil and Lord Vil, here are brothers. And they have a particularly...sensitive...problem," Thorin began. "Perhaps you would be willing to present your problem before our Lady here, my Lords." 

 

"Your majesty," the first young dwarven lord bowed. "I am Lord Vil, son of Gil, this is my older brother Lord Gil. And he has seduced my betrothed, Lady Amara!"

 

"Seduced! More like she saw sense and chose not to marry an ijet-wet-lettuce like yerself!" Scoffed the his brother. "It matters not because she would clearly not accept my advances if she bore any true feelings for you!"

 

"She is a kind lady - and you have taken advantage of her kindness!" Vil shouted back. "And now you choose to besmirch her good name! You would do no such if you were a true gentle dwarf!"

 

"Perhaps she does not care for yer gentleness brother!" Gil smirked at his brother, only to have Vil lunge at him, with a guard stepping in the way to hold them apart just in time! All the while the group of dwarves watching were all shouting at one another each with an opinion and support for one or the other of the brothers. 

 

"STOP!" Thorin ordered, at which point the chaos seemed to halt almost in mid action. 

 

And the silence that followed was a stark contrast and a true testament to his command over his subjects. 

 

"This really is not a problem for the court. Perhaps you should duel it out?" Thorin offered, clearly appearing bored by this problem. A solution which led to the gasps of many.

 

"Or perhaps I might be able to help, Sire?" Shobha offered seeing the fear on all the faces there. 

 

It was a solution that apparently also irritated him equally. 

 

"Very well, my lady, what do you suggest?"

 

She paused at first, finding the entire court in hushed silence awaiting her words. 

 

"Why have we not heard from Lady Amara? It is abundantly clear that both brothers cannot decide -"

 

"But we do not permit dams in court to settle matters of importance, my dear wife." Thorin seemed to brush her solution aside. 

 

"And why not, my Lord? It does after all concern her, in some great manner." She found the two brothers suddenly nodded in agreement with her, since they clearly feared the bloodshed that Thorin's solution proposed. "I can see that Lords Vil and Gil would prefer this..."

 

Thorin seemed to sigh, unhappily but merely nodded. And with that several guards escorted a small, buxom dam into the grand room. She shyly moved to the front and curtsied low before the King and his consort. 

 

"Lady Amara, we thank you for attending." She smiled at the dam, who seemed to be shrinking into herself by the moment. "Would you kindly tell us whom you feel you would agree to marry?"

 

"Well, your majesty, Lord Vil courted me and asked for my hand in marriage first. But it is apparent that Lord Gil has never been parted from his brother throughout life. And I merely did not wish him to feel left out, or to feel that he has lost his lifelong friend and brother..."

 

Shobha sat silently listening, and it seemed that the dams quiet words had even left the other dwarves there pondering themselves over the matter. 

 

"Then why would you find yourself in Lord Gil's bed?" Thorin snapped at her suddenly. 

 

"I have never found myself in Lord Gil's bed, Sire. Nor have I found myself in Lord Vil's bed for that matter. Lord Gil did however kiss me a few days ago, after he saved me from falling down the side of the Dale road, and I returned his kiss..." She looked down as if she had committed a grave crime. "I cannot confess that I know truly the reason why I did so. Perhaps I have grown somewhat fond of Lord Gil over the times we have spent together..."

 

"So why would you lie Lord Gil?" Thorin now turned on the older brother.

 

Lord Gil stood shocked at her truthful confessions, and as he realized all attention had turned to him, his face began to redden, like a tomato. 

 

"I...I..." He then turned to Lady Amara, and fell to his knee. "I am sorry for this, my lady. You have been nothing but kind and generous to me, and it was not my intent to hurt you in any way..." 

 

Everyone remained silent watching Gil, still awaiting an explanation. 

 

"The truth is that, I too have grown fond of Lady Amara, and to be distanced from both my brother and this wonderful lady, when they are wed would be painful. And in a jealous moment, I imagined that if I came between them that I would spare myself both losses..."

 

"And how do you feel about this Lord Vil?" 

 

"I understand now why my brother behaved so badly." Vil stepped forward and took his fiance's hand. "I too would desperately miss my brother and it would feel as though our union and gain would also be my loss."

 

"Well my dear wife, I believe you have now created a far bigger problem." Thorin looked at her somewhat annoyed as well as bored. He had no desire to remain seated there all day, when he could indeed dismiss court sooner and spend the afternoon in their bedchambers. "Well, I suggest that I offer Lady Amara in marriage to another Lord. She is after all an attractive dam-"

 

"There must be another solution?" She sighed. 

 

"Yes, and if I offer another solution it will be final..." He smirked at Shobha. "My final solution is that Lady Amara is wed to both dwarrow. They may then have their happy family without the brothers being separated. And everyone wins..."

 

"Are you serious laddie?" Balin whispered from beside him.

 

"Very. Please have that written down. In the past they would have had to maintain a secret agreement behind closed doors. Now they have permission from their King to openly enjoy their relationship." 

 

"Very...well...your Majesty..." Balin nodded, writing down something in his scroll. 

 

"Now, let us finish here my lady..." He stood up holding out his hand to her. 

 

"What about the rest of us, your Majesty?" Another dwarf cried out from in the crowd.

 

Thorin seemed to inwardly groan for a moment before turning back to them.

 

"Who here has a problem with their goats being stolen? Raise your hands!" 

 

With that about half the group seemed to raise their hands. 

 

"And raise your hands if you are here because of a dispute over unpaid fees of some variety?"

 

Promptly the other half of the group then raised their hands. 

 

"Is there any other dwarf here that has a different problem or complaint? Please raise your hands now?" He finally asked. However this time no further hands were raised. Thorin couldn't help give her a smug glance. "Very well. Then my solution to these matters are the same. All those who believe the other party has stolen livestock unfairly, shall be permitted to inspect the others livestock. This will be performed in the presence of a guard as witness. If you can show your markings on the animals and prove they were once yours, then the offending party must pay for the livestock. However, those fees paid will go to the treasury in order to support these sessions of court and pay the guards who will help in resolving the issue. As for those who believe they are owed money - you must produce unequivocal proof before Lord Balin here. If the proof is certain, then the other party must pay reparations. However, half of this must be paid towards Treasury. Failure to do so will incur a fine."

 

But there was a sudden grumble that spread across the large group of dwarrow. 

 

"And if you disagree with my terms, then I am happy to arrange a suitable fine for wasting court time." There was no further negotiation to his conclusion. And he turned to her once again holding out his hand despite the unhappy mutterings amongst the crowd of dwarves. "Let us go my dear."

 

"But how will Balin manage all these dwarves -"

 

"He will be fine. There is no need for you to worry about him. Your worries should be focussed on keeping me happy..." He smirked, guiding her away. 

 

.......

 

Sirius pulled hard on the reins to halt the ponies on time. 

 

The two dwarves that stood in the way armed to the teeth looked vicious. 

 

"Halt!" One dwarf shouted. "Get down from your caravan!"

 

Sirius had already unsheathed his sword. But the dwarf that blocked the path now had his crossbow aimed at the driver, and at this proximity he was unlikely to miss. 

 

"Donnae bother if you fancy your life, driver." The other dwarf standing in front of them next to the crossbow-weilding one commanded. "Now get down, the BOTH of you."

 

Sirius looked at Hilo in desperation, but apparently both had no ideas as to how to get out of this. 

 

"Best do as we are told. Things may get wore if the caravan were to roll into the water now." Hilo sighed quietly to Sirius, as a subtle reminder of the cargo they were carrying.

 

"Look, lads, we haven't much of value, just some leather saddles, cast iron pots and horse shoes...." Sirius began to explain as they got down from the caravan one by one. "We aren't carrying much gold either between us - just a few coins for some food and a room - you can take it and let us go on our way -"

 

But the two dwarves pushed Sirius and Hilo onwards.

 

As they were marched towards a thicket not far from the road, to their surprise a group of soldiers stepped out. They were soldiers from Erebor!

 

The soldiers parted then to reveal none other than their King! 

 

"Master Sirius... Master Hilo..."

 

"Your Majesty!" Hilo gasped, bowing deeply.

 

"My King," Sirius followed, bowing, perhaps not quite as low as Hilo. "This is most unexpected, Sire..." 

 

"My dear Sirius, how long have I known you?"

 

"I have served the line of Durin, from the time of your grandfather, Sire," Sirius bowed his head. 

 

"Then I trust you will confess to me truthfully what cargo you are carrying?" Thorin remarked coldly. 

 

"My Lord..." The old dwarf hesitated. "It is our usual cargo, Sire...just some pots, horseshoes and such like..."

 

"Anything valuable from your Queen?" Thorin narrowed his eyes, glancing over at the younger dwarf who was starting to appear much more nervous indeed. 

 

"Ah...oh...Aye! Oh yes, my King! Forgive my old memory," Sirius stuttered, looking over at Hilo. He was more worried about the younger dwarf revealing too much. "It's not what it used to be..."

 

Thorin watched silently waiting for an explanation.

 

"Ah yes...that would be a case of clothes, my Lord. But it is a regular thing. The Princess-Consort always gives a large basket of clothes to be sent for the bairns in the orphanage once a month..." Sirius explained a little shakily. "Maybe it is toys sometimes...or cloth...I do not question her ladyship, Sire. She is so kind to us old folk -"

 

"So you would go out of the way to help her yes? Even breaking rules...?" Thorin pressed. 

 

"No! Sire! I would not break no rules, your majesty!" Sirius quickly added. He didn't want to upset the King, but he would not admit to anything either. 

 

Without warning, Thorin grasped the old dwarf by the arm and began walking him over to the river that lay on the other side of the road. He began walking too fast at first, with the dwarf stumbling several times, and then slowed down as he got to the waters edge. 

 

"Do you know the punishment for smuggling items in and out of Erebor without the proper permissions, Master Sirius?" Thorin spoke coldly again. The old driver was clearly stubborn and a firm supporter of his wife. But he would soon break him. 

 

Sirius merely nodded, as he stood by the waters edge, his round, wrinkled, pale blue eyes watering, as the only sign of fear and sadness. He would rather be banished and lose his beard than betray her. 

 

"Perhaps your younger associate is less familiar with the rules -"

 

"He knows nothing about it all."

 

"I do not believe you." Thorin snapped. "But, perhaps I will spare him...he looks ready to confess after all..."

 

Sirius remained silent, looking across the gentle running water for a moment.  

 

"I am not sure I understand, your majesty." 

 

"Hmmm...bring it forward." Thorin called out.

 

And as Sirius glanced over to his right, following his Kings command, to his utter horror, two guards moved to the waters edge carrying the large wicker case.

 

Thorin watched as the old dwarf gulped nervously.

 

"Still nothing to confess...?"

 

Sirius shook his head sadly - it was clear now that his ruler knew what was going on. All he could hope for was that he would not knowingly do anything terrible. 

 

"Oh Sirius. You are a dear old misguided fool..." Thorin sighed callously signalling to the soldiers. 

 

Then at his command, they lifted the large wicker basket and began walking into the water. 

 

Sirius felt sick. 

 

Tears falling from his eyes, silently, he fell to his knees. 

 

........

 

One moment she lay amongst the soft bedding of fabric in the dark. She had slept all day, and felt as if she could sleep more, even if she her arms and legs did feel cramped. 

 

And then suddenly there was a sensation of water rising from below.

 

Her first instinct was to scream. The water was bitterly cold. 

 

She took several deep breaths to calm herself. 

 

.....

 

The guards looked panicked. 

 

"Lower." Thorin commanded and after a moment they did as they were told, lowering the basket in the freezing water still further. 

 

.......

 

The water began rushing in faster.

 

It was hard not to panic. But there was no time to even scream. 

 

She took several deep breaths and filled her lungs just as she found herself submerged entirely. 

 

Perhaps this was the end. 

 

And then just as her lungs began burning with pain; just as the thought of giving in entered her mind, the lid of the large basket lifted and two strong arms pulled her out. 

 

Coughing and gasping she opened her eyes to find his piercing blue orbs staring at her.

 

She closed her eyes and carried on panting as she lay against his chest. 

 

When she had finally caught her breath, she pushed away from him, but his arms held her right against his chest. 

 

"You brute! Let me go!" She cried fighting him. 

 

"Don't struggle." His commands were firm. "Or I shall have to cut you out of your clothes and remind you who you belong to right here in front of the men."

 

She didn't even dare look around.

 

"Please..." She begged, shivering.

 

"Hush now. If you want your old friend Sirius to not face severe punishment then you will be a good girl and do as you are told." 

 

Immediately she stopped struggling against him, and found herself being scooped up into his arms. 

 

"Did you really think that I would not find out...?" He growled at her. "You will not leave Erebor until you have borne me an heir. It is as simple as that. In fact, let me simplify it further. You shall not leave my bed until you have borne me an heir. Every night, I will have you. Every night."

 

He carried her into the coach readied to take her back. But once they were inside he dropped her on the seat and began cutting her out of her wet dress. The heavy velvet had soaked up the cold water like a sponge.

 

Pulling the dress off her in a few quick, practiced yanks, he left her shivering in her thin shift. The thin white material clung to her body, stirring a fire within him again, as he let his eyes settle on her brown nipples that pressed through the material, taunting him. 

 

"Turn around." He grunted. There was something about the tone of his voice that scared her. 

 

And when she didn't listen, he grabbed her hips and spun her around, before pressing her against him. 

 

"I...just want to see my father and mother. For one day..." She panted as he ran his hand over her belly. "I would have returned immediately after..."

 

"He has passed away...and there are those helping your mother escape. But until all is safe you must simply wait patiently..." He whispered in her ear.

 

The words he spoke, in such a matter of fact way were enough.

 

Grabbing his knife with her right hand, she turned on him, pressing the tip into his neck. All she could feel was the rage in her veins and pounding of her heart in her ears. 

 

Chest heaving with burning anger, she found him watching her with curiosity. His hands still remained on her hips firmly, and apparently he neither feared her nor any horrific injury she might cause him. 

 

"You denied me of seeing him one last time!" 

 

"Had you returned, you would have been in greater danger. Your step-brother would have killed or even kidnapped you for a large ransom. And I would have had to march your brother's army to war against Rhun - all in YOUR name. Is that what you would want? A war in YOUR NAME?" He coldly explained, slowly lifting the sodden hem of her dress with one hand, despite her knife at his throat. "Surely you are more than capable of seeing this, even if you are a little naive and emotional at times."

 

He held her gaze, despite her knife point held against his neck and pulled her closer, slipping one hand up her thigh

 

"But you must know who it is that keeps you safe." He added, slipping his wandering hand into her bloomers. 

 

"So almost drowning me, was to protect me?!" She pressed the tip of his knife into his skin further such that it drew a small drop of blood. "Don't touch me! Or I shall drive your knife right into your throat!"

 

But he didn't stop his wandering hand as it found her, and began its pleasurable assault. 

 

"If you plan on killing me - then allow me to be inside you one last time, when you do..." He pulled her close enough to kiss her, despite the knife she still held. "So, my wife. If you truly intend it...then kill me now..." 

 

Then without warning he lifted her, holding onto her thighs and impaled himself in her. Both of them moaning, with the new sensations. 

 

Without saying a word, he began to move holding a hand out against the back of the carriage to stabilize himself. 

 

She hated him in that moment, for he added to the emotional chaos that raged within her head. And so gripping his shoulder she embraced the pain of his rough intrusion, alongside the emerging pleasure. 

 

Suddenly he paused, pulling away from her to assess her face.

 

"If you plan to kill me, I suggest you go ahead now woman..." He pressed himself in deeper, gritting his teeth at the sensation of feeling his fullness against her opening. "I promise if you do not take this opportunity, you will find when you return that I shall imprison you in my bed for the next week..."

 

She couldn't focus anymore, with her legs splayed around his waist and hips, and his length buried deep inside her. She needed him to move.

 

He ran his hand up her arm and slipped his knife out of her hand, finally kissing her deeply despite her weak protests. 

 

"You denied me of seeing my father laid to rest." She slapped his face as hard as she could muster. "And now you try to do this?!"

 

She attempted to push him away harder now, but he simply grabbed her wrist.

 

"I did not get the chance to lay my grandfather or my father to rest. And my father disappeared without trace. All while I needed to find a safe place for our people - so I could not afford to mourn them either, for my duty was to my people first. So I understand much more than you imagine."

 

His previously hardened face, now looked pained. It made her feel some pity for him. There in that brief moment, where they were so deeply connected in body, it also felt as though they shared a common pain.

 

Leaning in, he claimed her lips again, this time in a violent and possessive kiss, as he began to move again...

Notes:

Dear All
Wishing you all a happy new year!
Sorry I am so bad at updating - will aim for shorter but more frequent chapters soon.
I haven’t addressed her loss just yet. But she has a lot of issues that she has been in denial about and will need to address…all to come…

Again wishing you all a healthy and amazing new year! Xx

Chapter 24: Saving

Summary:

Dear All

Thank you for your patience and sorry for taking so long.
Wishing you a happy Easter xx

 

"She refuses to see anyone...why would you tell her such a lie?" Arvind was angry. But it was not an aggressive or uncontrolled anger. It was careful and weighed and clinical, which worried Thorin more. "She pines for both her father and I can imagine she expects her mother is also dead -"

 

"She mourns, but I promise you that I ensure she eats something for each meal..."

 

"The guards say she barely leaves bed, and that she does not dress..."

 

"I encourage her to rest, but I bathe her each day myself and tend to her hair also," Thorin tried to reassure the young statesman. The truth was that she had indeed fallen into a deep melancholy and barely ate, and could not dress herself. Consequently he had taken it upon himself to feed her lunch and dinner himself. After all it was his lie that had caused all this. And in a similar fashion he would take her to his bath every evening, and washed her hair twice a week. He quickly cleared his throat as the mere thought of her naked body in his arms, glistening and wet, began to make him hard. "You know she attempted to smuggle herself out - it was both foolish and dangerous. I simply had to say it was so. I have told her that you knew nothing about this. That I intercepted a letter. Then she can blame me - or be angry at me. It is better than for her to be disappointed in you."

 

Arvind fell silent at his last comment. It was strangely thoughtful, even though the Dwarf King had been mostly cruel in his treatment towards her.

 

"Then I hope you can convince her to see me by the end of the week. She has never declined to see me before," Arvind thought of the many times when she had got herself into trouble in her father's court or amongst the many important women of the palace on the whole - she had been punished by not being allowed to leave her room. But she had never declined a visit from him even then! "I am her brother, and the reason I accepted to lead this army here in part was in order to ensure my sister was looked after. You once gave me your word that you would not dishonour the House of Durin by neglecting your wife - I shall hold you to that." 

The young prince of Rhun was tall, and looked very much the regal statesman in his silk and velvet robes and jacket. And very much in the same manner as his carefully constructed appearance, came his words. They were not overtly a threat, but there was a clear warning all the same.

 

Arvind bowed his head to take leave, but Thorin stood up from behind his desk where he sat. The only give away of the kings anger was the slight tension he held in his jaw. 

 

"I shall indeed be sure to request that my wife makes time to see you tomorrow. These are after all MY Halls of Stone," Thorin tilted his head in return walking behind the tall prince from Rhun to the door. "But perhaps you might also take that chance to remind your sister of her duties to her new kingdom and husband, and the dangers of running away - particularly to any unborn child of mine that she may be carrying..."

 

Thorin's words seemed to halt Arvind. Thoughtfully, he turned to look at the dwarf. From where he stood, with a closer view he could see the dwarf looked older now, his brow furrowed with worries of running a kingdom.

 

"Do you know why we came to be known as the 'House of Silk', my Lord?" Arvind paused to explain, his warm brown eyes carefully assessing the dwarf King. "Because we look soft, and concerned only of the lavish things - in a similar way to how we welcome others amongst us. But little do they know, as they accept our favour, that silk is stronger than steel. And given enough of it, much like spider silk, you will find yourself wrapped and hung to your demise. For you see, stone may be hard, but, silk can subdue even the hardest stone..." 

 

And with that he bowed his head once more to Thorin, leaving him deep in thought. 

 

.....

 

 

He sighed as he added more logs to the fireplace, before glancing back at her again. She remained huddled in her blankets shivering, but otherwise silent, in the way she always seemed to be these days. 

 

He didn't like her so subdued, but had rather enjoyed the fire that lay beneath the hot embers of her temperament. All it usually took was a stir here or there and she would flame up. He had enjoyed taking advantage of that particularly in his bed. But now she seemed half empty and half broken. 

 

"Why do you not wish to see your brother?" He asked gently, as he walked over to her. These days all she did was sleep, and she would also (as her guards had revealed to him) cry, during the day. 

 

"What is there to say? He should have been honest with me..." She replied. 

 

He normally enjoyed strutting about his large room naked, after they had bathed together. It was freeing to be rid of the chain-vest he often wore. But also he knew that she would often watch him, with clear interest and curiosity when she thought he was not watching. And of course he was sure that she considered himself a fine specimen of a dwarf, even if he was indeed a little older. 

 

"You cannot remain here and mourn for the rest of your days. What of the babe that lays within you? It is now six weeks since you last bled..." 

 

"I may bleed yet. There is no certainty and your sister made me urinate on her magic wheat again yesterday, with no effect." 

 

He turned and hid a chuckle as he imagined her displeasure at having to empty her royal bladder in accordance with his bossy sibling. 

 

Pulling on a soft pair of trousers, he turned to watch her, but much to his disappointment she had not even snuck a glance at him. Instead she sat there very lost, staring at the blankets, deep in thought. Suddenly it was hard not to ignore the guilt within him that had begun as the smallest seedling and was now steadily growing into a monstrous plant. 

 

HE had broken her - with his half truths. And he wasn't sure he could take it back! 

 

"Shobha..." He began uncertain of what to say anymore, or whether he even should say it! "About your father..."

 

He paused feeling nervous. He NEVER felt nervous! 

 

So he moved consciously to the drawers he had cleared for her things and took out a shift and a nightgown.

 

"I am sorry you could not return to visit..." He began quietly, handing her the soft items while trying to hold his tongue about how he would not have required the use of such harsh tactics had she too not attempted to smuggle her way out with such reckless abandon! 

 

Suddenly those big brown eyes of hers looked up at him, blinking in surprise. It made him halt his train of thought and his composure. 

 

"But I think you would feel better if you spoke with your brother." He concluded, no longer feeling capable of revealing his betrayal to her.

 

"What is there to speak of...?" Her initial comment was apathetic, until she glanced up at him again as he looked away again in a hurry. She was sure something about his demeanour was not quite right...in fact the more she watched him, the more she convinced herself that he appeared...nervous? 

 

"He worries about you..." He winced as the words left his mouth, since she sat bolt upright clearly suspicious now. He sounded foolish and in no way himself. 

 

"What IS there to talk about my Lord?" She slid off the bed, now allowing her blanket to fall at her feet briefly while she pulled on her shift and then her nightgown, before his wondering eyes could roam her nude form as he truly desired. 

 

He turned away, pretending to arrange their tea cups, but his heart beat rapidly now. 

 

"Thorin?" 

 

He could feel her standing close behind him now. And he didn't want to talk or to admit his lies. He simply wanted to lay with her. To hold her. 

 

"Please?" Her plea had an edge to it. It was an ache that he remembered all too well when his own father disappeared. "What is it that you are not telling me?" 

 

He turned away from her, but she was too quick and light-footed, coming to stand before him with those big brown eyes. She kept enough distance so as not to clutch at him, but she was still close enough.

 

He stood silent for what felt like an eon before finally answering.

 

"You must understand that all this is to protect you." He looked pained as he spoke the words, only to take an evasive step away from her and towards the bed. 

 

But she too continued to move each time, mirroring his changes to stand in his way, until he finally placed his hands firmly on her hips.

 

"What does that mean? ...Imprisoning me? ...Or is my father alive?" She finally clutched at his chest in desperation. His skin was warm, covered in scars and tattoos, with a run of soft dark hair that trailed into a narrow v that dipped below the waistband of his trousers. His form usually mesmerized her. But not today. "Please, I beg or you to tell me what you know - for the sanity of my own head. Or neither drowning me, nor your army will be able to stop me from running away!" 

 

Now he felt his own anger stirring, as the guilt and pity he had for her slowly washed away. He did not respond well to threats. He was, after all the King under the Mountain, and he feared nothing and no-one. Particularly not this slip of a woman. 

 

He stepped forward now, she was tall, but he was much broader. 

 

"Your father was on his deathbed some months ago. It was his decision not to tell you the truth, for your step-brother who took the throne has little intent on honouring my agreement with your father. If you should return, he was to hold your hostage for ransom of gold, or better yet to sell you for service of another masters bed." His words were cold and harsh, with little room to misinterpret. "And you must know by now, that there are those who would pay handsomely indeed to have you as a concubine. And the moment it becomes apparent that you carry my heir, the price you would fetch in service would rise still." 

 

He stared into her big brown eyes carefully, to make sure his words registered with her.

 

"Your brother barely escaped himself. And should you resist, I am sure, a worse fate would lay before you." He held her firmly by her hips. "And your foolishness actions would cause a pain in the backside for us all!"

 

The nightdress she wore was one of her usual, but he had never seen her in one before. After all, as soon as he found her in his bed, he had rid her of any clothing she wore in mere moments.

 

The soft white material was loose and had many decorative ruffles, but it was also somewhat thin. And the material gave teasing glimpses of her body in places. Her nipples pressed through the material, and even her breasts looked fuller now.

 

"So you lied to me?!" Her words dripped with betrayal and pain. It would have hurt him in the past, but today he simply felt she was behaving like a brat. After all he had done to make her life in Erebor as comfortable as possible, she had nothing to complain of as far as he was concerned. 

 

"Yes. Particularly when I realised you were simple-minded enough to attempt running away!" Between the anger she was causing him and that damned nightgown she wore, he now sported a painful erection to add insult to injury. Ever since she had fallen into mourning, he had not had her. And now all he wanted was to fuck her in that nightgown. "You would do well to remember that if you do not start acting as my consort, I shall have to treat you as my whore." 

 

"You treat me badly anyway. So much for your promises of never neglecting your wife." She spoke stepping away from him, only to have him grasp her wrist and pull her into him. 

 

"I have been bathing you, feeding you and comforting you for these weeks while you mourned, have I not?" He pulled her tighter against him. 

 

"Out of guilt." She corrected watching his cold blue eyes darken. "For the pain you caused."

 

"It is not far from the truth. Your father was not long from death. And your mother was left with several of Arvinds men to smuggle her out of the city. Whether they manage this remains to be seen." His words were cold although his hands pulled her tighter in an attempt to comfort her. "Your brother, the new Maharajah has demanded the remaining payment for your hand in marriage and the army. And he has demanded Arvind must return -"

 

"But you will not send him away, will you?" Her voice was shaky as she feared the loss of her only family. 

 

"No. He is free to decide his own fate." 

 

"He is surely not considering return?" 

 

Thorin knew Arvind had no intention of returning, but perhaps his impulsive bride could be coaxed to speak with her brother using this.

 

"Speak with your brother." He urged again gently. 

 

She nodded slowly. 

 

"Tomorrow." He commanded softly, unable to help himself. To him she was a nothing but a lost little girl, with lofty ideas and a soft heart, who should never have been married off so rashly, although he was secretly glad her father had agreed to her marriage. 

 

Again she nodded slowly, there was a depth to the pain in her eyes he had not seen before. 

 

"Come now, " he scooped her up into his arms feeling yet another wave of guilt and worry over her mourning. Apart from when he had insisted upon her eating, while he sat with her, he was certain she had not eaten. And she certain felt lighter for it in his arms. "Let us retire now. And I think tomorrow, perhaps you might also visit Rajah - your beast misses you...he only accepts food from me as he is hungry..."

 

He set her down in his bed and clambered in himself beside her, while he was desperate to have her, he had decided he would have to accept that she needed more time for now. And while she turned away from him, pulling the warm blankets over her, tiniest smile appeared on her lips at the thought of him taking the time to feed her leopard. 

 

The next day, she had eventually forced herself to dress, after being summoned by the king. She still had no desire to see anyone yet. But she remembered Thorins warning about her brother, and imagined she was being summoned to meet him. 

 

Stepping out into the corridor felt alien after so many days of having felt a terrible numbness at the thought of having lost both her parents suddenly. She still didn't know what to think.

 

Her mind wondering in and out of its own thoughts she wondered the corridors before finally she arrived at the door leading up to the high ramparts, where she knew Thorin often stood, brooding and watching the valley below. 

 

Slowly she made her way up the dark stairway to emerge into the daylight. 

 

She normally craved daylight, like she craved air. But today, she felt nothing. Just emptiness. 

 

His broad frame stood watching out over Dale as she looked around the balcony, which offered no signs of her brothers presence. 

 

"You took your time, my lady...." He sounded irate at first, but seemed to soften as he turned to face her. "Are you well, my lady?"

 

She looked tired and pale, although she was dressed in one of her deep blue velvet dresses. 

 

"You called for me, my Lord?" Her reply was quiet, as she was clearly still a little lost in her own thoughts. 

 

"You have still not spoken with your brother..." He moved closer to her, but his face now much softer, for he truly felt pity for her. 

 

"No, my Lord, but I shall find him right away after speaking with you -"

 

He had planned to inform her that he had also summoned Arvind here to meet her, but the sound of footfall up the steps interrupted them both. 

 

The footsteps along the stone stairwell were accompanied by the familiar clanking of armour, promoting Thorin to move closer to the emerging doorway, coming to stand in front of her even. 

 

The guard emerging onto the large stone balcony however, was not one from Erebor, but rather a guard from Dale. He seemed to carry a parchment.

 

Expecting it to be a message of some sort, Thorin stepped closer, but the guard halted. 

 

At first he seemed to pause in order to catch his breath, but then hesitated. 

 

"You bear a message from Dale then?" Thorin snapped holding his hand out and moving closer still. 

 

She watched the guard closely as he nodded quietly, first glancing nervously at Thorin and then over to her. 

 

It was strange to her, having not seen anyone for the last few weeks since she fell into despair. And the quiet of his replies meant that she could now hear the sounds of the people and dwarves down below as they bustled about.

 

She glanced over the ramparts briefly, before turning back to her husband who was now reading the letter when she noticed the nervousness of the guard. 

 

Then slowly as if from a strange awakening her thoughts drifted back to her own kingdom. It was rare to allow guards of any variety other than the kings own within such close quarters, such that she could only imagine this was urgent. 

 

She watched the guard again as he moved his hand onto his belt again nervously.

 

And then without warning, the man lunged forward, a large blade flashing in the morning sun. 

 

She felt helpless in her own reaction, seemingly incapable of controlling her own self, as his own reaction was delayed by his attention to the letter. 

 

"Thorin!" She gasped pushing him. 

 

The large knife sliced through Thorins arm as she pushed him away, everything moving at an oddly slow pace. But the blade became lodged in the palm of her own hand, the guard still holding on to the handle. 

 

The man appeared genuinely distressed at the turn of events, with no clear intention to harm her apparently. 

 

Her own heart beat wildly, and despite the initial pain, her eyes widened as she took in the sight of the large dagger that now emerged from the back of her hand. 

 

And to her utter shock she barely felt the pain. 

 

"Let go!" The man yelled at her still holding the dagger. But his struggle only pushed the blade through further. 

 

"Argh! You let go!" She cried watching the blade emerge further. And then instinctively she attempted to push him away as he looked on at the unexpected turn of events. 

 

Their tussle ongoing, she seemed to lunge at him in order to get away only to land against him awkwardly, her hand nudging into the only weak spot of his armour at his neck where the leather of his tunic parted above his armour.

 

His pale grey eyes widened at the sudden pain, and he opened his mouth to scream, but no words came out. 

 

Instead there was a splutter from his throat and a gurgle, as blood began to spurt out. 

 

The bloodied knife now dislodged from her own hand and fell to the floor, as she stepped back in horror.

 

A pair of strong arms wrapped around her waist, and familiar blue eyes came into view as Thorin stood in front of her now. He seemed to speak several times before she finally heard what he said. 

 

"Let me see your hand." He barked at her, grabbing her hand to inspect her properly, before pulling out his handkerchief and wrapping it around her bloody palm. "Here. Press hard." 

 

He applied firm pressure, making her wince as a sharp bolt of pain shot through her palm. 

 

"I...didn't mean to..." She stuttered seeing the man as he lay gurgling on the floor clutching at his neck. 

 

Then Thorin picked up the dagger quickly and immediately knelt over him pressing the blade firmly into his chest. The dagger was clearly sharp as it easily slid through his armour and the man finally lay there limp, blood pooling around him in a large puddle.

 

"Why?! Perhaps Oin might have saved him?!" 

She cried out in shock. 

 

"It is the kindest thing to do. Had he survived, he would have suffered losing so much blood." Thorin stood back in front of her pressing on her wound again. 

 

"But why would he do this?! I don't understand..." She looked down at the man where he lay, his eyes still open and staring up at the sky now. 

 

"Look at me now." Thorin barked at her again. "Do not worry for him now. Your hand is hurt and you are losing blood. We need to get you to the infirmary fast."

 

He seemed to pause briefly as another set of footsteps sounded up the stairwell. Quick to turn he stood broadly in front of her unsheathing his sword, when Arvind arrived. 

 

"Some guards dressed as men from Dale have entered Erebor. I hear they had succeeded in injuring the guards at the gate. Thorin we must act fast, the school rooms remain poorly guarded..." And then Arvind himself paused noticing the man on the floor and cuts on Thorin and her own hand. "Shobha?"

 

"This man attacked me after handing me a so called message from Dale. It even bears the seal...or at least a perfect likeness, but it matters not. Your sister is hurt and we must get her to Oin fast." Thorin quickly informed Arvind, who had walked over to Shobha now. 

 

She stood there looking at the man now, her face and dress covered in blood. 

 

"Where else are you hurt, Shobha?" He gently touched her cheek to gain her attention, but she seemed to only look up at Arvind for a moment before shaking her head. 

 

"Only her hand. Much of the blood covering her does not belong to her."

 

"You are hurt also. I can escort you both to Oin-"

 

"I will take her. You must check on the school." Thorin took her uninjured hand and began to lead her down the stairs as Arvind followed. 

 

It had all happened fast, Oin had picked up his healing supplies and followed them back to his room where he had treat her instead. 

 

And after stitching her hand carefully and doing a quicker job on Thorin he had left.

 

"Come now, get out of your clothes." Thorin had begun to draw a bath and returned to her where she still sat on a chair. "We will need to clean you without getting your hand wet."

 

He stood in front of her waiting for a moment, before gently grasping her chin and lifting her eyes up to meet his. 

 

"He would have killed you too, had he succeeded." His words were neither soothing nor harsh. It was simply the truth. "So do not feel pity for him."

 

She looked up at him, but still had nothing to say. 

 

"It is not easy to take a life is it?" He admitted picking up her hands in his gently. "With your own hands...whether in battle or to save your loved ones..." 

 

She watched him for a moment still a little lost, before spotting the bleeding from his arm. 

 

"You are hurt..." She reached out to inspect his jacket, only to have him pull away. 

 

"We will need to have your clothes laundered immediately. No one can know that you or I were attacked." He pulled her to stand in front of him, and held her face in his hands so that he was sure of her looking at him. "If anyone even imagined we were so vulnerable to attack, that would lead to repeated attempts on our lives. Do you understand?" 

 

She nodded, her big brown eyes fixed on his cold blue orbs. But this time something about him had changed. 

 

A slight guilt had crept into his heart. He had been born into this world. He was always anointed to be King under the Mountain one day. And so he had expected such attacks from as young as he could recall. 

 

She was not so. Although she had grown up in her father's royal court, her place was considered of little importance to have incurred such attempts upon her life. And so she had grown up in relative freedom. 

 

He was gentler now, as he undid the numerous ties and laces on her dress, before it eventually slid down her body, to pool at her feet. 

 

She shivered, as the cool air hit her naked skin, watching his eyes drift down her body, while she stood there in only her bloomers.

 

He had not expected her to be without the half corset she often wore. The blood stains were smudged over her face, neck, chest and breasts, that only made her look more vulnerable as she stood there in front of him. 

 

It made him desperate to fuck her. But he felt sorry for her. And even his steadily aching cock was not enough to convince him to cause her any more pain today. 

 

He kicked her dress away before moving her to the bathroom, here is used several small linens to dip carefully in the bath water and wipe her clean. 

 

She watched him carefully, as he did this with surprising gentleness. Until finally he came to wiping her breasts. 

 

His hands were gentler still now, brushing away the blood smears that had soaked through her clothing. And the warm, damp linen left her skin prickling with goosebumps as the air felt cooler against her breasts. His hands and the linen were careful, and light in their movements, working in a circular manner over her breasts, until at last he looked up into her eyes as he finally brushed over her nipples and then carefully down to her umbilicus. 

 

But this time before he could place the linen back in the water, she took his hand in her uninjured hand. 

 

"You too are covered in blood..." She ran her hand over the buttons of his coat, before slipping under and pushing the heavy garment over his board shoulders. It made a scraping sound as it hit the floor heavily, in stark contrast with her clothing. "And your wound is still undressed..." 

 

He winced as she pulled his tunic up with her uninjured hand, before yeilding to her wishes and removing it altogether. 

 

"That is a nasty wound, Thorin..." She frowned, inspecting his arm. "Why did you not stay for Oin to look at you -"

 

"There was little need. It will heal." He grunted watching her with as much curiosity as he did with desire. 

 

Carefully she inspected his wounds, apparently having lost all awareness of her own semi-nudity. 

 

"You will need stitches for this." She frowned again. "I could call on Oin -"

 

"There is no need." He moved towards the top drawer of his dresser, where he pulled out a small, soft, leather roll. "Here..."

 

He held it out to her. 

 

"If you can't then I will simply bandage it-"

 

"No. I can..." She replied quietly. It was something she had never admitted to, all this time, but she had learnt to stitch up wounds when they had to face the sandworms. So many young lives lost of injured. "Come..." 

 

She sat him down on the edge of grand bed before looking around for her dressing gown, when he stopped her again, grabbing her wrist. 

 

"There is no need to get dressed. We will not be interrupted." He commanded roughly, before inwardly admonishing himself. Of course he wanted her, but he would not touch her unless she wanted it. She had been mourning her father, and now she had killed a man, without ever wishing it. But what made this worse was that she had been protecting him in the process. 

 

"Very well." Her response was quiet, as she picked up a cloth and bowl from the bathroom and returned to where he sat. 

 

His cold blue eyes watched her every move calmly. But inside he burned. For her. 

 

Even with one hand, she was efficient. Clearly well practised. And she cleaned the wound gently before pausing as she threaded the needle with her injured hand. 

 

"Would you not wish for a strong drink before I...?" She trailed off moving around to find his eyes trawling up her body to meet hers. 

 

"There is no need." His reply was quick. The pain would help remind him, that her semi-naked body was not to be touched today. He was only torturing himself by having her on display. 

 

"Very well then." Her response was followed immediately by the sharp sting of her needle. 

 

When Oin had stitched him up, he had always felt the thread. A long dragging sensation. And the old healers hands were always harsh and prodding. It made him wonder what he had been like when he examined his bride after their first night here in Erebor. Another sharp sting brought his thoughts back to her.

 

She straddled him on the bed, her brown skin was close enough for him to smell the fragrance of flowers and sandalwood that lingered. It reminded him of that warm summer night he had met her properly for the first time by that fountain in her fathers palace.

 

Another sharp sting made him draw a deeper breath still, inhaling her scent. He could help his eyes as they found their way to watch her small proud breasts rise and fall with each breath she took, her brown nipples peaked. It made him wonder how she could focus, with his lips so tantalisingly close enough to grasp those brown tipped peaks. But for him watching her was the perfect distraction and relief from the intermittent sharp pain. 

 

"It's done." She suddenly announced quietly, wiping his wound with a damp cloth again. "But I will need help bandaging you..."

 

He grunted an acknowledgment, but was completely taken aback by how fast she had finished. It had even seemed less painful. 

 

As she got down from the bed, to fetch the bandages, he glanced over at his arm. Her stitches were neat and the large gaping cut on his arm was closed and clean!

 

"Can you hold this over here please?" She gently placed a folded bandage end over the wound, and once he held it in place with his fingers, she began to wrap it around. "The Sandworm attacks were so bad at one point that even the healers in our city were unable to cope with so many of the injured. So my father opened the palace halls and courtyards to be used with canopies for those who needed stitches and dressings. But then they did not have enough healers, so my mother among others who have lived outside the palace and travelled were able to help. My mother knew to stitch wounds closed so she taught me..." 

 

"And apparently you have learned well." He concluded as she finished bandaging his arm.

 

But to his surprise, when she finished, she did not move away from him. Instead, she came to settle straddling her legs either side of his lap. 

 

He resisted the urge to press her down onto his now throbbing arousal. But she was so close.

 

It began to dawn on him, then that she might be just as aroused as he was. 

 

Watching her breathing speed up, he grasped her thighs with his hands, before sliding one hand up to find the wetness between her legs, making him groan. 

 

"My delicious queen...tease me all you like, but I shall not touch you, unless you are clear about what it is that you wish for." 

 

She moved her hips to meet the entry of his fingers, pleasuring herself on his hand, as he slipped two fingers inside and began to stroke her sensitive bud with his thumb. 

 

He let her rock and grind herself on him, pressing his thick digits deeper as she held on to one shoulder of his with her uninjured hand.

 

And he watched greedily, trailing down from her face, along her arched body to between her legs where his fingers entered her.

 

It was apparent she was close as he could feel her clenching around his fingers.

 

And then she stopped, opening her eyes to look into his. 

 

"I need you to...fuck me..." She reached down to release his painful erection, and slid her dripping wetness onto him, moaning at the fullness. 

 

"This is what you want?" He managed to rasp the words, having trouble holding himself back at this point. So he pinched her nipples in his hands hoping to get her attention, but it only seemed to heighten her stimulation more now. 

 

"Ah...more you could possibly ever know..." She shuddered pressing herself right down to his balls. 

 

The deliciously wet sound it made drove him wild. Lifting her injured hand up, he flipped her over so that she lay beneath him. Then he lifted one of her shapely legs over his shoulder and pulled her down to bury himself deeper inside her with a cereal grunt. 

 

Soon he would be pounding deep inside her with wild abandon, letting the world fall away around him, and forgetting all the fear and worry. 

 

In that moment, where their breathing fell in alignment, and , there was only him. And her. 

 

....................

 

 

Chapter 25: The ‘Streak’

 

She pressed herself against the wall in the darkness, straining hard to listen. The stone of the corridor was freezing cold. But the silence felt more frightening yet! 

 

Her heart beat out of her chest as she tried to ignore the possibility of who or what might be lurking here. 

 

"Lassie, you are alone?!" 

 

She jumped at the quiet whisper of Balins voice in the near total darkness. 

 

"You should have your brother accompany you -"

 

"I had no time. Oin wanted to check my hand and change the bandages, and Thorin insisted he should be there." She huffed. "And he wasn't free until just after dinner - because of the issues with the mines..."

 

"Och they are spooked because of the cave ins recently..." The little white haired dwarf shook his head with a clear sadness which suggested that some dwarves may have lost their lives on those occasions.  

 

"They are not asking for much more gold are they? He should just pay them." She concluded. "They would only spend that money anyway so he would get it back in taxes eventually..."

 

Balin seemed to pause for a moment as he considered her opinion and nodded slowly. 

 

"That is a most clever way of thinking about it lassie!" He chuckled. "I think you would make an excellent Queen...and between the unhappiness in the mines and the markethall, the people are getting a little unsettled about Thorin -" 

 

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of footsteps again, making them freeze. 

 

"So when can we do this then?" Dwalin rasped. "Because we are ready...and now yer brother is here..."

 

"I have been somewhat reluctant at first - it is a dangerous venture to take the throne like this -" Arvind corrected as he appeared behind Dwalin. Both of them seeming almost like ghosts in the darkness.

 

"I think that is most extreme, laddie." Balin interrupted. "IF we do this, it must be done carefully so that the dwarves of Erebor and the Iron Hills accept her. We cannot allow trade to suffer. So Thorin must remain well, and still maintain his crown. Simply that she is the one to make decisions..."

 

"That is much more suitable." Arvind agreed, although they stood in near darkness, it was clear from his voice that he was already very much more relaxed at hearing this. 

 

"But Thorin would never agree to this sort of arrangement." Dwalin pointed bluntly. 

 

And everyone fell into silence. Killing Thorin was not an option for her. 

 

"So we make him." She replied quietly. "He will have to be placed under house arrest until he signs over the crown matrimonial. Afterall, women have been subject to this throughout history."

 

"It is unprecedented but it would give you the legal right, lassie. Well thought." Balin nodded enthusiastically. "Then we will have to get the nobles to like you..."

 

"That is not difficult. They are only after money to keep their lazy lives going without working." Dwalin concluded scathingly. "So when. It must be soon because most miners and merchants are not happy at all. There is much talk of leaving by many -"

 

"Then it must be imminently."

 

All three others strained their eyes to look at her in the dark completely surprised by her sudden change in urgency. All this time she had been slow to take action. 

 

"What are ye not telling us lass?" Dwalin frowned. 

 

"I must go back to the apartment. He will expect me back. He watches me like a hawk..."

 

"Because you are supposed to bear him an heir. That was your original and sole duty." Arvind didn't like the idea, but her position would not be safe until she carried the royal line within her. It was the truth plain and simple. 

 

"Are ye up the duff? Is that the haste?" Dwalin asked unabashedly. 

 

"Brother! Be a little more delicate -"

 

"He has shagged her six ways ter Sunday! She is no shy virgin anymore, brother. I can see the way Thorin walks with a spring in his step and an ache in his limbs - he is after all bloody ancient, even if he looks good." Dwalin growled. "But we need to know if the lass is with child, because IF we do this, we need to protect her. And there is no telling what Thorin will do to keep his throne..."

 

"It is not IF. It's WHEN." She ended the debate or so she hoped. She was simply glad that the darkness hid her face from revealing too much. "And Thorin won't kill me."

 

"You cannot be certain of that -" Dwalin genuinely sounded worried. "I mean, he fancies the pants off ya, but where the crown is concerned..."

 

"I can defend myself if I need to." 

 

"Ye would...stab...him?" Dwalin raised his thick eyebrows. 

 

"Maybe..." She tried her best to sound convincing and hoped that he would believe her. 

 

"I am worried." Dwalin grumbled. "If he kills ya, then it'll be check mate for us."

 

"He won't kill me." She reassured him again, this time managing to sound more convincing. "Now I really must go. If I am not in his room soon, he will begin to ask questions. Just, please be ready." 

 

She gave Dwalins arm a squeeze, and Arvind a hug.

 

"Be careful sister." Arvind whispered before she let go, and pressed a curved dagger into her hand. It was one of the small ones that the assassin army wore, back home. They were small enough to be strapped to a leg or thigh, while remaining well concealed, even if they scaled a wall, or crawled under a carriage box, these little daggers held on well! And the curve of the tip was said to be the perfect shape to slit someone's neck from ear to ear, faster than they could scream! "Wear it always...even in bed with him, while he enjoys you, and remember that if you fail, you will not be afforded the same mercy that you show others..."

 

She nodded, letting him go and tucking the dagger in her dress pocket before Arvind caught her hand again. 

 

"This is very important sister, how do you know he will not harm you?" He put his other hand on her shoulder. It was clear that although she couldn't make out his face clearly, he was worried. "Are you with child?" 

 

"He has not harmed me all this time. Please. For once, my dear brother, you must trust that I know my husband. I know many lives will depend on this - so please do not think this is some folly." She spoke quietly. "Just be ready." 

 

And with that she gave him a kiss on his cheek, before hurrying away along the dark corridors. 

 

The dark corridors seemed endless in this part of the Mountain. She had heard their songs of the dungeons and forges, but had not truly seen any such parts, and now wondered whether this was that part of Erebor. 

 

The corridors seemed never ending and in the dark, they all looked alike. She was even starting to worry that she was going in circles.

 

At this rate she would surely be late to return to his bedchamber. 

 

She suddenly halted, as the thought crossed her mind over how her tardiness would anger him. He would be rougher with her body as a consequence - but the thought of his rough hands and his hard body made her stomach flutter with excitement.

 

Leaning against the wall, her hand clutched at the neckline of her dress, as she attempted to calm her breathing down. 

 

Chastising her perversions, over how she could crave the touch of such an arrogant, grouchy old dwarf, she carried on once again down the dark corridors. 

 

Then almost out of the blue she could hear voices ahead. She found it as unnerving as it was a relief.

 

Slowly she made her way over, thinking of what she would say about getting lost, and then as she emerged into the better lit corridors, she realized she had found her way to the entrance of the mines! 

 

A group of dwarves appeared to be rushing in and out of the mines while another group huddled around something on the ground just outside in the corridor. She moved forward, still remaining unnoticed by the busy dwarves. 

 

Looking around, she imagined it would be easy to pass by this group unnoticed.  

 

But then she saw the dwarf on the ground, his forehead was gashed open, but he appeared unconscious. The group were gathered around him fussing. 

 

Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes, attempting to tell herself that the dwarf was fine, and that no harm would come to him. And then she sighed when she opened her eyes once more, for he didn't look 'fine'. 

 

Slowly she moved towards the group and out of the darker parts of the corridor. 

 

Immediately, as if someone had made a silent announcement, and these poor souls were of a hive-mind, they all stood and fell into a deep bow together. 

 

"Your majesty..."

 

"Good evening." She replied gesturing for all to stand. 

 

They immediately parted away, revealing the poor dwarf on the floor. 

 

"What happened to this poor fellow here?" She moved closer to him. 

 

"The drill we used snapped my Queen. He fell forward and a rock fell onto him." A nearby dwarf explained. 

 

She nodded quickly and knelt down next to the dwarf on the ground. His breathing was heavy and there was a bloody gash that went from his scalp to his forehead. 

 

"Can you fetch a stretcher for him - he will need to go to the infirmary straightaway...then fetch me a medical bag..." 

 

"Princess, there is no medical bag here -" another replied quietly. 

 

She looked up at them surrounding her surprised. They looked tired, and were covered in dust. 

 

"Well...can I have a skin of water at least?" She began to loosen the dwarves collar and wiped his face with her hand. "What protective helmets do you wear? Or gauntlets?" 

 

"You will get your clothes dirty, my Queen..." One of the dwarves commented shyly, his cheeks burning red, visible even through the layer of dust and grime on his skin. "Our King will have our beards, if you get dirty on our account." 

 

"Dirty?! On your account?!" She repeated, frowning and looking around. "This poor dwarf needs help - the King will understand - in fact - the King must ensure you are all correctly paid and safeguarded for the hard and dangerous work you undertake here!" 

 

She knelt down again beside the dwarf, and lifting the top layer of her skirts, tore a strip from the soft underlayer. The resulting gasps from the group of miners was a mixture of shock and worry over seeing their Queens under-skirts and of what further punishments they imagined would be dished out to them as a result by their fearsome King. 

 

"Water please," she requested again, receiving a skin almost instantly. Then using the water on the cloth, she carefully cleaned the dwarf's wound before tearing more material to bandage his head, stopping the bleeding. "He needs to be taken to Master Oin as soon as the gurney arrives."

 

"Aye my lady." Two dwarves bowed, seemingly taking responsibility.

 

"Who is in charge here of you miners?" She stood up looking around, and slowly two older dwarves stepped forward. They were covered in cuts and bruises themselves.

 

"At your service, your majesty," they both bowed.

 

"Your miners need to be safeguarded better." She explained. "The wealth of Erebor - for our forges, or our jewellers...all flows from these mines and YOUR hands, blood, sweat and tears. You should be paid properly for your hard work! And you should have proper equipment for your pains - the Dyers of our land are provided wraps for their face, goggles for their eyes and gauntlets for their hands, so that the sting from hot dyes for the softest silks do not harm them! You too must have suitable protective clothing..."

 

"Aye my lady, but how so?" A quiet dwarf spoke up slowly. 

 

"Well, this poor dwarrow would not have had this cut, nor would he be knocked out if he had worn a helmet perhaps!" 

 

It was as though the miners were slowly awakening to their situation one by one as they began to nod in response to her.

 

"But who will support us, my Queen?" One of the foremen asked. "We have had our audience with his majesty, and he had said no..."

 

"Then you go on strike!" She turned and called at everyone, as more and more of them began to nod in support. "I shall champion your cause to the King!"

 

"How should we 'streak', my lady?"

 

"You do not work until the King pays you properly and ensures you have helmets, gloves and other things you need to work safely!" This time her words generated a resounding cheer!

 

"Aye! A cheer for our Queen!" The miners shouted.

 

"How do we get paid, while we 'streak'?" Another dwarf shouted from behind. 

 

"I will pay you, while you strike!"

 

"Come on lads! Let's all streak!" They shouted again together!

 

Just then several dwarves scurried in with a gurney to collect the injured dwarf.

 

Amidst all the shouting, she quickly turned and began walking back towards the apartments. Her heart was beating wildly, with anger at how Thorin had been treating these poor miners and then her body practically singing at how she imagined he would treat her for rousing such trouble. She wouldn't be able to keep doing this though - soon she would need to make her move. 

 

........

 

 

She opened the door to find the bedchambers dark, and wondered whether he had forgotten or was delayed in some way. So she quietly entered, slipping off her shoes at the door. There was no need to bring in all that dust from the mines. She would clean her shoes in the morning.

 

Silently, she walked in further, feeling the cool stone of the floor under her bare feet. She would need to change her dress too!

 

"You are late." His words, in his deep voice, spoken quieter than usual made her jump. 

 

She looked around in the dark, attempting to locate where he was. 

 

"Come here woman." He beckoned. 

 

She turned towards his voice, imagining he was seated in the large armchair at one end of the room, where he always left his clothes. 

 

"Why are you sitting in the dark?" She quietly answered back. 

 

"Why are you late?" He sounded angry now. 

 

She kept walking slowly towards his voice, until she suddenly stumbled and fell onto him.

 

Within moments, she found herself in his strong arms and surrounded by his broad frame.

 

And when she attempted to push him away, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her against his hard frame.

 

"I went for a walk, you brute! How about you? Why are you sitting in the dark like some sort of lunatic?" She growled at him. 

 

"Because I was waiting for you to return, woman." He grunted back, but this time he pulled her in and kissed her. As much as he knew she was angry with him, he could also feel her body melt in his hands, moulding against him, and he enjoyed that she wanted him as much as he wanted her. 

 

He continued to kiss her, guiding her towards the end of the bed, where he stopped to move her next to the bed and then her around, moving to kiss her neck instead. And when she reached up with her hands to gently stroke him, he grasped her hands and pressed them down into the bed, bending her over in the process. 

 

She couldn't help the little moan that escaped her lips as she felt his arousal pressing against her through the material of his trousers. 

 

"You are in a hurry tonight, my Lord..." She managed to quip, as he began to undo her dress with some urgency. 

 

"I don't like being kept waiting." He grunted finally giving in and lifting her skirts up impatiently instead. 

 

"Then I suppose you should be finished fairly soon then -" she sighed as he buried himself within her in one sharp movement. 

 

"Oh dont worry, I shall ensure you are more than satisfied, wench." He grunted with another thrust. 

 

........

 

She looked in the mirror, and glanced at the basket of wheat Dis had left her to empty her bladder on. At least the dwarrowdam had given up trying to get her to do it while she was there, when meant that she could just wet it with some water. 

 

She sighed again and ran her hand over ever so slight swell of her lower abdomen. Soon she would not be able to hide it, so she needed to act soon.

 

Looking over at the jacket he had left on the arm chair from last night, she let her thoughts drift, only to bring herself back to the problem at hand.

 

Of late there was much dissent and dissatisfaction amongst many in Erebor, she had seen it with her own eyes. So this was the time to do it. But it would be a significant military coup. And Thorin would surely attempt to reclaim his position by whatever means he could. 

 

She turned to the side and looked at her reflection in the mirror, letting her hand move over her lower abdomen again. 

 

Carefully she laced up her corset again before putting on her dress with some difficulty and then tucking the dagger into her pocket again. 

 

Today felt different. Today felt like the day. 

 

Her thoughts were interrupted by a loud knock on the door. 

 

She paused for a moment thinking to herself - she had no engagements planned.

 

"Lassie, it's me, Balin!" 

 

Quickly, she moved to open the door and found the smaller of the Fundins standing there, out of breath with rosy cheeks. 

 

"What happened? Are you alright?"

 

"Thorin is sending for you! The miners are not working, and say you are championing their cause. And so the goldsmiths are refusing to work - and now the blacksmiths also have heard this and are in an uproar about their working conditions...and Thorin is in a foul mood since no one is listening to him and asking for you." Balin puffed. He genuinely looked worried at the woman, who looked as though she had only just dressed. "Och lassie...have you even had breakfast yet - there is something...different...about you..."

 

Her eyes widened for a moment, as she worried it was already too obvious. But then she shook her head. This was indeed the moment. 

 

"It's time Balin! He has lost all the industries here! It's time!"

 

"But what is your plan?" Balin pulled out a hanky and mopped his forehead.

 

"I meet Thorin and tell him it's time for a change. He can remain King, although he can take a step back." She explained as if it were nothing. "And the guards?"

 

"Well the royal guards are still loyal to Thorin, but you have the army. But they are only a handful and will not pose a threat so long as they remain outside the door. Make sure you lock it from within...I shall go straight to Dwalin now. But will you be safe with him?" Balin looked worried now. "He almost threw Bilbo from the ramparts..."

 

"He will not harm me..." She could think of quite a few reasons from last night alone when she had caught his face looking entirely free of worry, which she couldn't quite bring herself to tell Balin. 

 

"And what about the smiths and miners?"

 

"They need better pay, and better working conditions."

 

"So it's true that you visited the mines yesterday?" Balin brushed his beard thoughtfully. "I shall speak with Gloin about what pay we can offer. But first I must hurry and have Dwalin send some men to the Kings Study to protect you."

 

"Right and I had better go to Thorin." 

 

They both rushed out into the corridor and set off in different directions. 

 

......

 

He paced up and down in his study furious. He had summoned her some time ago, and she was doing whatever the devil she wished as usual! 

 

It was all his fault for being so lenient with her. He should have put his foot down long ago instead of humouring her frivolous ideations! 

 

Finally with a knock on the door, she let herself in. 

 

"Finally." He grunted turning away from her and looking at the scrolls on his desk, only to look away - he had fucked her on this desk too! What's more he had thoroughly enjoyed her like that, and it was making his cock hard just thinking about it. And he couldn't afford to think with his nether regions right now. "You took your time..." 

 

He turned to find her lingering by the door. 

 

"What in Mahals name is wrong with you?" He walked over to her when she didn't reply. 

 

She didn't seem herself today - she looked a little nervous. 

 

"Well...? Would you care to explain yourself?"

 

"I...don't know what you mean, Thorin. You summoned me...and I am not sure-" 

 

"All the dwarves have lost their rock-brained minds! The Miners claim to be 'streaking' until their pay and their clothing are proper...they have even chosen to shed their current garments in line with this! The Blacksmiths have also joined the Miners, and appear to be 'streaking', but have chosen to wear just their leather aprons!" Thorin rubbed his head in agitation. "At least the Goldsmiths understand what you mean and claim they are on strike in solidarity. And they all claim that you are their champion and will only return to work...or wear clothes again for that matter...once you, their Queen, have negotiation their pay and working conditions!" 

 

He stood in front of her with his hands balled up in fists and jaw clenched! He couldn't afford to show her how desperate he was to get these dwarves back to work! It was all very serious and every day that went on like this weakened his power as King under the Mountain. During his grandfather's time, the Iron Hills was not a competing power, but rather the Lord of the Iron Hills bowed to the King of Erebor! Now, Dain was ready and waiting to take the Raven crown! It was perhaps not by force, but instead by wealth or power.

 

He watched her as she slowly took in what he said, her face at first rather serious, and then to his complete and utter irritation she burst into laughter!

 

"Streaking!" She laughed out, her hands flying over her mouth as she attempted to stop herself, but in complete vain, as it seemed that she was entirely unable to take control of herself. 

 

"Have you lost all sense of yourself woman!" Thorin snapped at her. The more she riled him, the more he wanted her! "Do you not realize what you have done?!" 

 

She nodded and seemed to finally take control of herself, holding on to her middle and straightening herself up again, she bit her lip in order to focus on him again. 

 

"Right, if you are quite done. You need to go to the three groups, and offer them what we tell you and convince them to return to work again-"

 

"No." She interrupted him out of the blue. It left him quite speechless for a moment.

 

"No?!" He repeated, frowning, as if she had been speaking in some sort of Entish language! "No?! What in the name of Mahals Avil do you mean no woman?!"

 

"I mean no! You have taken advantage of those poor dwarves for long enough! They do all the hard work, and you gain all the profits!" She seemed to suddenly straighten up to her full height. "I saw those poor dwarves involved in the accident last night - what happens to their families if something happens to them? Who looks after then? To you they are all throw away! But they are people with lives, families, hopes and wishes too you know!" 

 

He groaned at her little tirade. He always found himself terribly aroused when she was passionate about political or economic matters - even if in this particular case it was getting a little frustrating. 

 

"I know you feel for them, but we need to keep their turnover of work -"

 

"Then pay them better. And provide them with proper protective items! You give soldiers armour and helmets and sharp weapons! Why are these people any different?" She stepped forward towards him. 

 

He was used to being the tallest dwarf across the seven kingdoms for as long as he knew. So he found it annoying when she stood to her full height. She may have been much thinner than him, but she was around two whole inches taller! 

 

"Where is this madness coming from?! You have no power and no right!" He hissed at her, pushing her back against her door with his hand on her waist. "You serve at my pleasure! And you do as I SAY!" 

 

"No!" She found herself shouting a little! 

 

"What did you say?!" He stepped up in front of her, now absolutely fuming and almost nose to nose with her! 

 

"No more. I think it's time now that Erebor had more sensible monarch in charge."

 

Suddenly when he stepped forward again, he found something sharp poking at his ribs. Looking down he found she had a small, but rather vicious looking dagger pointed into his ribcage. 

 

"You wouldnt dare." He concluded for her in a low, threatening, voice, moving in closer still despite her dagger, as he wrapped one of his large spade like hands around her soft neck. "Even if you jab me with that useless little thing, and somehow manage to injure me, all I need is to call out and you will be facing ten of my fiercest and most loyal guards."

 

"I suppose, this buys me enough time then doesn't it?" She said holding up the key to his study. 

 

"You treacherous little wench!" He tightened his hold on her neck, only to have her dig her dagger into his side with more firmness. "I should have kept you naked and bound to my bed all along, until you fulfilled your duty...Well...is this meant to be some sort of coup?" 

 

"Consider it more of a demand of equal power."

 

He growled at her words in anger. 

 

"You can't."

 

"I have my brothers army, Dwalins men...and apparently the smiths and miners..." She whispered feeling his hand tighten a little more. "So it appears that I actually have you by the balls..."

 

"And what is to stop me from snapping your weak little neck with my bare hands...?" He growled at her. 

 

Her heart raced, as she felt him tightening. He had clearly been gentle with her all this time, but he was not wrong. The dagger would be of little protection, if he truly wished to be rid of her. 

 

She was left with only one choice. 

 

Pulling the dagger away from him, she turned it on herself. He watched in completely surprise, his hand still wrapped around her neck, as she cut open the material from waist of her dress. 

 

He had suspected that she might have been with child for some time, particularly when she had not bled for a moon or two now. And certainly he had filled her with his seed every night, and more. In truth he had expected it to have been an onerous task, as he had heard other nobility describe the responsibility of producing an heir. But the reality was that he had found her a most enjoyable occupation during their many evenings and nights together although he had not admitted to it at any time. In fact she often had a way of riling him up that made it more exciting still. 

 

But now here she was, having torn open her dress to reveal, as clear as day the swell of her abdomen. It was no so large that it could not be hidden by her dresses, but it was also irrefutable! 

 

She let the dagger fall to the ground and ran her hand over her belly lovingly. It made him want her more. 

 

"I know you wouldn't harm me because you love me..."

 

He found her words cut him more deeply than any dagger she could have ever held to his throat. 

 

"You love me and our son...So you will abdicate..."

 

......

 

 

Notes:

There you go…streaks - I mean strikes! Pregnancy reveals! And coups! It’s all kicking off now!

Thank you for following so far 🙏🙏

Chapter 26: His Confession and Her Betrayal

 

"You are sure?" He looked down from her face to her belly still in awe. It seemed for a moment he had forgotten the betrayal she had just laid at his feet. And all he wanted to do was to touch her.

 

"Yes. But I have been waiting until the quickening before saying anything, as is our tradition at home."

 

"You could have told me..." He sounded genuinely hurt. And then his expression darkened. "Why are you doing this to me?" 

 

"It is not personal. I simply feel that since I have been here, I have started to see the direction in which our people should go. And you were merely amassing gold and not really investing it -"

 

"Well you cannot touch my gold - it is mine!"

 

"It belongs to the crown." She corrected calmly. "And I intend to use some to invest in the people. But I promise you will see that returned. I will keep nothing for myself, but now that I carry your heir, I think it's extremely important that the future of Erebor is safeguarded."

 

He looked back up from her belly, surprised by her slightly more clinical tone. 

“You are nothing but a spoilt child and your ideas are a fantasy!”

 

"No. It is you who bears little vision of the future for OUR people! That is why you must abdicate." She added so that he was under no illusion.

 

He pushed her back angrily against the door, now being gentle enough not to hurt her. 

 

"Why would you do this?" He was no longer able to hide his hurt. "I have developed feelings for you! And you betray me?"

 

"Feelings?" She repeated, caught off guard by this particular admission. 

 

"I..." He hesitated and gritted his teeth as if it was something quite hateful. "I think of you through the day. I want to do odd things like to have you lay beside me in my bed. Or to touch your hair. Can you not see woman…? I… I love you!" 

 

"Oh! Well...my deepest apologies for that...it sounded so painful just now..." She laughed bitterly. The truth was that she should have done this before, but perhaps she  too had somehow developed feelings for him sometimes ago, and had hoped that he might have reciprocated them enough to treat her with some kindness. But it seemed that whatever feelings he had were hateful to him! "I feel ecstatic to know how you feel, my dear husband!" 

 

His face seemed to sadden again briefly. There was a hurt in his deep blue eyes this time that even she seemed to feel. It left her regretting her harsh words from moments before. 

 

"Why don't you love me?!" 

 

She was no longer sure that she liked seeing him like this. It was almost preferable to be stabbed by him now, than to see the unpalatable arrogant dwarf she once married, crumble at her hands like this. 

 

"I thought you loved me too?” He asked quietly again. 

 

She opened her mouth but struggled to find a reply, only to be interrupted by the banging on the door. 

 

"There you are: my guards!" He pointed smugly.

 

There was further banging and rattling as the door handle turned in vain against the lock. Her heart beat fast. 

 

"Perhaps now is a good time to remind you..." He slipped a large hand around her throat again, while tracing the fingers of his other hand ever so softly over her belly. Knowing that she carried his child somehow made him want her more. "This is treason..."

 

She shut her eyes briefly in an attempt to steady her breathing. She was unable to control her physical desire for him, upon his touch. It was instantaneous and instinctive. And right now while her head screamed at her, all her body craved was to give in to his touch.

 

"All you need to do is completely surrender yourself to me and call off this nonsense..." He spoke to her in a soothing tone this time, slowly moving behind her while he held onto her throat, and continued to gently caress her belly. "I know your body craves me - I know you grow deliciously wet right now just thinking about it...and I can give you every pleasure you desire or think of..." 

 

The banging at the door came again, and her heart now beat wildly out of her chest, her breathing falling away. The seeds of doubt began to take seed in her mind. Could she really manage this. 

 

"You now carry my heir - our child...so I would not punish you...all would be forgotten..." He attempted to sooth her again. 

She closed her eyes again, as his deep voice made her insides flutter.

 

The banging continued now. If this was the Kings Guard, then she knew she would have to give in. She was pregnant, there was no way she could fight the Kings Guard. And suddenly she imagined an olive skinned little boy with Thorins features and her breath caught in her lungs. 

 

"Princess! Are ye safe?" 

 

Dwalins voice came as a relief. 

 

"You treacherous serpent!" Thorin shouted at his best friend through the door! "I would give up. She carries my babe now! And your attempt to rescue her will only place them both in danger!"

 

"Och give in Thorin! Ye know fully well that ye will not harm yer own babe!"

 

And with that the doors burst open, as he held his own dagger to her throat now, facing Dwalin and his group of soldiers who had arrived. 

 

"Forget it Thorin! Come now just put the blade down -" Dwalin called back.

 

"No! Stay back! YOU are here to capture ME?! For HER?!" Thorin shouted again. "Where is your honour?!" 

 

"Thorin...it is no surprise that we have disagreed with how Erebor is being ruled! Your grandfather would not have approved -"

 

"My Grandfather! Don't you dare talk of him! Where were YOU when I had to ask for his body after Azanulbizar?" Thorin roared. "Where were YOU when I journeyed to the east to search for my father?! And now this? To erase what loyalty you have shown me?!"

 

"That is not fair - I had many to help and care for and we lost our own father -"

 

"Well then keep your pretense of loyalty to yourself, and be honest about trying to worm your way into my wife's bedchambers!" He spat out. "After all, we all recall how SHE was YOUR choice for me eh?! Did you think you could have a taste also? That perhaps we could share as friends?"

 

"Donnae be vulgar in front of the princess. Ye have been raised better than that by your Amad." Dwalin replied calmly watching her face now fall. "Donnae listen to him lass, I knew ye were perfect for him from the start - even if he refuses to admit it he loves ya. And I have never once been anything but proper with ye have I? Now put the dagger down -"

 

"No! Do not step closer!" Thorin growled. "Do not for one moment think that I would not be rid of this treacherous little wench - I made do without a perfectly tight little royal cunt before and I can make do again!"

 

And with that he pulled her hair to extend her neck better as he held his dagger against her skin. 

 

Everyone seemed to immediately freeze and step back for a moment. 

 

"Here Dwalin..." Thorin shouted.

 

"No....No...." 

 

"Catch!"

 

"No! Thorin!"

 

Then, in a most unexpected manner of events, he pushed her towards Dwalin, (and fortunately the dwarf was ready given Thorins prior warning). 

 

As everyone scrambled to pick up their Queen, Thorin seemed to disappear into one of the panels in the wall. She only caught sight of him as he just left - sealing it all behind himself. In the scuffle, several guards ran to the panel only to find themselves unable to follow, while Dwalin got her back on her feet to check her throat. 

 

"I had forgotten about all the many different secret passages available to the King. He has learned well eh?" Dwalin looked around his study. "He is not going to give up so easily lass...we have a battle on now."

 

Then suddenly the gruff warrior seemed to look back down at her dress, a little confused. 

 

"What in Mordors name is this dress you are wearing?" He asked casually before frowning at her exposed belly again. "Are ye...? Have ye...? So ye have got a rock-cake in the OVEN then! I knew it was a matter of time!"

 

"I am sorry I didn't tell you Dwalin...I didn't really want to put any more of a strain on your relationship with Thorin and tell you before I told him...it was better that he saw it as a genuine surprise..."

 

"Och Princess - or should I say, 'my Queen'...donnae worry about it. Besides he is quick to temper, but he doesn't mean any of it. I have known him for a lifetime now..." Dwalin gave her arm a gentle nudge and smiled. "Congratulations, ye will make a fine mother. And now ye had better tell yer brother...among other things..."

 

"Other things...? This alone was a mammoth task!" She walked towards the panel of the wall she imagined he had disappeared into, inspecting it closer. There were no tell tale signs of any sort of secret doors - simply what appeared to look like stone wall! 

 

"Lass, he isn't going to let this go that easily...so now the real work begins." 

 

...........

 

 

It had been like flicking a switch.

 

Within moments, her guards who had come with her from Rhun had been sent to fetch her several dresses to change into, and Arvind and Balin had joined her in Thorins study, while several of Dwalins best soldiers kept watch. 

 

"Thorin hasn't quite given you the crown as yet. So there will be many nobility who remain loyal to him that you will need to find a way to control, if you wish to rule even for the short term," Balin poured over several books that apparently contained the age old laws of During Folk. "However, the moment you give birth to an heir, and provided that Thorin does not challenge you - then you may proclaim yourself the rightful Queen..."

 

"Right. Well then - we simply need to keep ye safe and healthy then." Dwalin crossed his arms over his chest as if the problem had been solved. 

 

"Not quite brother." Balin peered over his spectacles. "Thorin may still mount an attack with any Nobility who are loyal to the King. And then don't forget the problems that we may find if he requests help from Dain."

 

"We have my men also, Lord Balin..." Arvind reminded the dwarf from where he sat, deep in thought near the fireplace. He had gone somewhat quiet since she had revealed her news of the pregnancy, but she would need a quiet moment to eek out his thoughts. "We would face Dain and his men any day -"

 

"Let us not rush to such hasty conclusions. We have faced enough war and loss in recent times. Dain can be handled with proper tact. In the meantime, I have posted Bofur and some of his men up with the Ravens so that Thorin cannae send any messages out." Balin unfolded a larger piece of parchment, which he spread out over Thorins desk. Apparently he has strategized for this very scenario! "But that brings me to a new problem -"

 

A quiet knock at the door interrupted them all, and Dwalin was swift to answer, only partially opening the door to check who it was before allowing anyone in. 

 

This time, in a quiet procession, her two guards Abdi and Dabur arrived carrying several handfuls of voluminous dresses made of various silks, tafettas and velvets all which seemed fit for a Queen. Behind the two extraordinarily giant men walked a shy looking Dori. 

 

"Forgive me my Lady, but I have had a set of dresses made for specifically this time..." He blushed, bowing deeply, carrying a small box in one hand. "And I think I should braid your hair a little more elaborately - if you would allow me that is...my Queen...?"

 

Still rather overwhelmed at the hive of activity that was beginning to swirl and build up around her, like a storm in the deserts of the east, she nodded quietly thanking the dwarf who had taken it upon himself to assist her with many of her tailoring needs since she set foot in Erebor. 

 

"There is also the problem of the nude miners and smiths," Gloin had also joined the procession somewhere along the way apparently. He carried with him a ledger, which looked official. "Their demands are not expensive but complicated...but they are causing much havoc-"

 

"Aye. The dams are all queuing up to see them and neglecting to attend the merchant halls either to work or to buy items." Balin rolled his head. 

 

"It's not just the dams who want to see those hairy, strong lads we have working - exposing their bottoms and chests through leather aprons, brother." Huffed Dwalin.

 

"Oh yes! I have heard of this matter!" Arvind chuckled from where he sat, apparently less bored all of sudden as his warm eyes looked over at his little sister. "It turns out that the ladies are queuing up to watch. As are some of the gents of course. And the miners who have come to realize this have now set up seating, and are having their 'audience' pay for seats to watch their 'show'! It's really quite clever if you think about it.."

 

Dwalin groaned, while Balin chuckled. 

 

"You must resolve this matter fast, my lady. It is not proper!" Gloin seemed to fuss about it. "Our lads should not be prancing about naked and wiggling their backsides at our lasses!"

 

"You are just upset because Mara has been to watch them several times now." Dori mumbled.

 

"And how would you know?!" Gloin snapped back, clearly irritated at the thought of his beautiful wife ogling other dwarves. 

 

She turned to spot Dori returning to fussing about her dresses, but was certain his cheeks were turning a bright shade of red! He was quick of course to begin constructing the dressing screens for her - as it appeared that she would be changed into more befitting clothing right here, after she dramatically revealed her gestational state at this moment. 

 

"Lord Gloin, of course. I will go according to what pay rise you suggest for them, but we should also provide some sort of injury payment. If they are injured due to accidents such as what happened, then we should pay for them to recover and perhaps even help with their families..." She spoke as Dori ushered her behind the screen. "And I have some ideas about protective helmets and gloves for the miners. And perhaps also some goggles or some sort of eye shields...although I think this one will need work from the miners themselves..."

 

"We cannae delay them returning to the mines for much longer really, my lady, so this will need to be concluded fast." Gloin warned. "And we can only offer a simple pay rise -"

 

"Och I think they will accept it if it comes from the Princess though," Dwalin grinned. "Apart from their paying audience, it's only the Queen they love more!" 

 

"Lads, are we going to the mines next then?" Dori emerged from behind the screen momentarily, looking as though he was firmly concentrating on some enormous project. 

 

"Aye. Good idea!" Gloin agreed, looking at the others.

 

"Is that wise? Thorin could be anywhere. What if he mounts an attack?" Balin questioned, turning to Dwalin and Arvind. "Of course it would be high treason to harm a Queen who carries the heir to the throne..."

 

"He could have done that already if he really wanted to." She chipped in from behind the screen. It was hard to forget the look of betrayal in his eyes still. But she was not ready to reveal his admission of love - she wanted to believe it, but then she thought of her own mother who had lived her life as her father's concubine and apparently given her life to look after him in his final days, even though she would likely come to harm following his death. However much he professed to having loved her, he could not save her in the end. And now she took had lost her because of that.

 

"I think we need to be careful. What happened today should never happen again." Arvind gave his conclusion. 

 

"I agree with the Prince." Dwalin added. "I donnae think Thorin ever returned to himself after his sickness, in truth. What's yer opinion brother?" 

 

"I still do not believe Thorin would harm the lass..." He hesitated briefly, brushing his fluffy beard thoughtfully, now taking his eyes off his book and looking towards the screen. "But I don't see any excess in increasing the numbers of Queens Guard - if you have those you feel are truly trustworthy?" 

 

"Och aye! As it turns out, there are many who have fallen in love with the princess." Dwalin mused. "Perhaps some of the nobility will turn allegiance also."

 

"As much as I hate to say it - it would have been easier, had you slit his throat sister." Arvind too appeared to muse over matters. 

 

"On the contrary, it would have been somewhat messy. This is better." Balin frowned looking up over the ledger that Gloin appeared to be calculating the new wages for the dwarves with. "But we must get him to abdicate - and crown you his successor. It will be unpalatable for many nobles, for we have never had a Queen Regent - only a consort Queen. But they will come round -"

 

"And those who aren't can be executed -" Arvind added. 

 

"You are feeling very bloody today, brother?" She frowned to herself, talking from behind the screen, as Dori adjusted her corset gently. Usually he was quite firm and often overzealous, leading to her breasts almost spilling themselves over the top, and him then insisting on tucking her nipples back in just so. It used to make her chuckle since he stood only just taller than her breasts when standing. And it had become apparent on several impromptu occasions of urgent need, that Thorin too had been extremely grateful for how she easily she could be accessed, although she imagined he would not have appreciated the process by which she came to be dressed so. 

 

"I apologize sister. I feel angered at myself for having left you to face him alone." He sighed. "I gave you away in marriage..."

 

"There is no need. It was a task I had to face myself. But also it was our father who agreed to my union. And besides had I remained in Rhun-Agar I would now be desperately trying to leave. At least my marriage to Thorin saved me from such a fate." In truth, perhaps he something of an arrogant brute, but he had also been at times tender towards her, and certainly she too had found herself a willing participant of their trysts. "Right all done. What do you think?" 

 

She stepped out from behind the screen to find her brother, Balin, Dwalin and Gloin all suddenly rise to their feet and smile, some even nodding. 

 

Dori stood back himself smiling with what can only be a contentment that he alone understood. 

 

Her dress was made of a deep blue silk, with an embroidered bodice that had been somewhat shortened to allow for comfort of her growing belly, but also with ample but delicate ruffles at the front to disguise it. The blue matched Thorins favoured colour, making her appear more regal, but the embroidery was gold rather than silver and sat well with the necklace he had chosen. 

 

"You look very much our Queen..." Gloin smiled. 

 

"Thank you," she looked at each face before patting Dori gently on the arm. "And especially thank you! Now let's go and stop the strike."

 

"Don't you mean the 'streak'?" Arvind chuckled as they all stood up and began to leave the study behind her. 

 

"Yes, brother. That too."

 

..........

 

They were met with the most shocking sight on their arrival at the mines. 

 

Several rows of chairs were occupied by various dwarves and dams, who gazed up at a makeshift stage created by a row of neatly joined wooden boxes and crates. 

 

On top of the small platform stood a group of miners wearing leather aprons and boots alone and otherwise entirely nude. The middle group faced the front while the others turned their backs to the audience so that you could see their bare bottoms, and all of them were wiggling their hips in time to a jaunty tune being played from another corner on the fiddles and flute and accordion by another group of equally nude miners! 

 

Several more miners stood around apparently selling tickets and another two that had set up stalls for roasted nuts (ironically!). The smell of the caramelized treats filled the air making it seem rather festive indeed. 

 

The miners themselves were all rather muscular, she imagined from all the hard work they carried out all day long. It made her wonder how Thorin had become so muscular. After all he wasn't wholly a warrior and until recently he was not a King either. Her thoughts drifted, wondering where he was now and what he was doing. 

 

"Do you know what you will say lass?" Balin asked quietly, pulling her out of her own thoughts. 

 

"I think I have some idea..." She replied back. "I just wish I had written everything down -"

 

"You need not make it complicated. We are all simple Durins folk..." Balin smiled gently walking alongside her. "They seemed to love your honesty, and warmth...that is why they have taken a stand - even against their own King." 

 

Suddenly the realization of just exactly what she had done began to sink in. 

 

As they walked closer, they could see the members of the make-shift audience, enjoying their roasted nuts and watching the dancing naked miners! Some had their mouths open in amazement or shock - some of the dams and dwarves clearly were enjoying what they were ogling with their eyes popping out of their heads - some had burning bright red faces..

 

 

And there indeed was Mara! Right at the front no less! Shobha had always thought she was one of the most beautiful dwarrowdam she had ever met, but from this it was clear that was an opinion held by many! She had been given a particularly comfortable looking velvet armchair as well as an unobstructed view! And she appeared to be thoroughly enjoying herself!

 

One by one the group she was with slowly turned to look at Gloin, who still hadn't noticed as he had been nervously glancing through his ledger at the wage calculations he had been going over. Finally as he noticed his wife in the audience, he initially turned completely pale, before then glancing over at Dwalin who grinned back crossing his arms over his broad chest. Very quickly, Gloin changed colour from his pallor, turning a bright, burning hot red, before growling something at the general of the Erebor Guards! 

 

"Oh dear, is Mara in trouble?" She whispered to Balin who stood close. From what little that Shobha had known of Mara after their few meetings, she quite liked her. "She is very beautiful...and such a charming dam...."

 

"Och no lass, she is the true noble of the two. Mara is blue blooded through and through from a very old During family," Balin winked, his pale blue watery eyes twinkling mischievously. "She holds all the power in that union, even if she doesn't show it." 

 

She chuckled at the thought, rather impressed. 

 

Then all the music went quietly, and the miners slowly stopped their dancing and juggling as they turned to line up and now deeply towards their Queen. 

 

"It appears we have been noticed," Balin handed her the small parchment from Gloin that had his newly calculated miners' wages written down. 

 

And with the bow initiated by the miners, the audience too stood up and turned to greet her in the same manner. 

 

"Our Queen, who has been most gracious in her support and kindness for us humble folk has arrived lads! Clear some space!" One larger young miner called from the front of the naked group, sending the others to divide themselves into two groups to make space for her in the centre of their makeshift stage. "Will you offer us some words of support? Please...grace us with your presence..."

 

He smiled over to her clearing the space for her and giving her another bow. He was young and rather handsome. Perhaps not quite as young as Fili and Kili, but close. And he stood taller than the others with dark blonde wavy hair that reminded her of the sand dunes not far from Rhun. Evidently, he was one of the star 'streakers' that many of the admiring audience had come to see! 

 

They were interrupted by the quiet arrival of a familiar face. With his peculiar hat and broad smile, Bofur arrived to stand with Balin, his face turning a little pink. Apparently he took had been 'streaking' although instead of being entirely nude he was in his undergarments instead. 

 

"My lady, I wished to offer you any assistance I can." He whispered with a quick bow. "I am cold, wearing so little, and I would rather be back at work if I am being honest...so I will do anything to end this 'streak-strike'..."

 

"Very well, Master Bofur. I think you may be the perfect Dwarf for the task..." She nodded finding a little courage, for her idea would be if little use without the proper assistance and she had been struggling to think of the right person. "I suppose I had better get up there then..."

 

She walked over to the stage and carefully climbed up, to the hushed chatter from the crowd. Balin and Bofur alone followed while the others waited near the front of the crowd. 

 

So many faces about her watched her with much curiosity. It made her suddenly realize exactly what she had done. Now she was on her own. 

 

"Do not worry about the numbers," Balin whispered leaning over and taking the small parchment from her hand. "Speak from the hart." 

 

Taking a long calming breath, she stepped forward. 

 

"Thank you for your kind words. And thank you for your bravery in doing this. I have seen and felt your plight. And so I am here to say that I have some ideas on protective helmets, gloves and goggles which I would like to have Master Bofur develop these items and more with your help. And Lord Gloin has increased your wages -" 

 

Her words were interrupted with a cheer, so she quickly nodded and raised her hands for some quiet again. 

 

"But I plan to set up fees to cover your wages should you have an accident at work. So I shall make sure Master Lowin who was injured last week is treated the same-" 

 

Another cheer interrupted her, only this time the crowd settled down quickly. 

 

"Work with pride for your mining is one of the backbones of our Kingdom." She finally concluded. "If you are happy with this, I hope that we can conclude the strike can now be stopped....?"

 

"Lads?" The larger, handsome dwarven miner, who had been leading their group called out to the others. For a brief moment they all looked at one another and huddled together to confirm, before nodding soon after. 

 

"Then it's decided, your majesty that's it's an aye from us all!" He called out beaming. 

 

This led to yet another cheer. But this time, to her utter shock all the miners took their leather aprons off and waved them above their heads exposing themselves completely! 

 

"All hail our Queen!" A cheer came from the miners on the stage. 

 

"Oh my!" She took a step back shocked at the number of wiggling bottoms and other appendages of various shapes and sizes on display. 

 

"Quick lass," Balin quickly guided her away. "They are so pleased that they may carry you upon their shoulders! And in their state of dress, it will not look proper." 

 

Gloin had almost predicted this apparently as he moved in front of them like a barrier, while Balin hurried her off the stage carefully.

 

As it turned out there was indeed a victory lap from the miners. And they proceeded to do so as naked as the day they were born! They all seemed to break out into a dance while singing a little ditty. 

 

‘The Queen is the best

The greedy King's the worst 

So we all went a streaking 

Cause our wages need increasing

 

Our bootiful Queen looks after us

Proper wages she granted us

With all her helmets and stuff

We could mine in the buff’

 

"Come now lass..." Dwalin helped her down, while Arvind and several of the guards came to surround her and lead her away. "There will be plenty of ale and rowdiness now. And we dwarves get a little amorous when we drink. And there is no need to see that..."

 

"Oooh! It appears that this is what you have been up to instead of tending to my wheat flower!" Dis seemed to appear out of no where at this moment, slipping in to walk near her. "And you have removed Thorin!" 

 

"Yes well...I was a little busy..." Shobha quickly moved to keep Dwalin between them. 

 

"A little busy to share with me your news!" Dis looked angry and strangely happy at the same time! "Or to piss on my wheat grass!"

 

"Yes! I am not bloody pissing on anything in the open anymore! Because I am Queen now -" she absolutely loathed that wheat grass. "I am sorry I could not tell you sooner. But how?" 

 

"Thorin slipped a note into my apartment. My poor brother feels betrayed..." She hesitated this time. "Are you intent on killing him?" 

 

"No." Her reply was immediate - and she felt surprised by that. She was sure she had absolutely hated him at one point and felt dirty when she briefly wondered whether he would attempt to return to his bedchambers tonight. "I mean it will not be wise to do so." 

 

"Sister, this is a coup. I am not sure he will feel the same of you." Arvind looked worried at her. 

 

"You will need to trust me on this..." She replied, still recalling the brief look of betrayal on his face as he confessed his love. "I think it will be better if we get him to abdicate."

 

"I too could work on convincing him to do so." Dis nodded in agreement, a rare smile appearing on her face. "I beg you not to harm him..." 

 

"Either you are naive, sister, or perhaps it is I that might be underestimating you. But tread carefully..." Arvind quietly spoke. 

 

.........

 

"That backstabbing tart!" Lord Harold growled pouring another glass of wine for Thorin. 

 

"She is still my wife!" Thorin spat back. "And now your Queen Regent! Have some decorum on addressing her."

 

"To some of us she is merely the piece of totty you married!" Harold paced about in his apartment angrily. "Well, there are enough of us to fight back!"

 

"She has Dwalin on side." Thorin confessed, like it was a dirty secret. 

 

"Oh! Well now... How has that love worked out for you eh?" 

 

"You obviously couldn't wait for your wife to pass then..."

 

"We were a political marriage. We knew what we had to do in our marriage and we were free to have our lovers. Lovers who would not plot against us." 

 

"You mean lovers who are as thick as the miners mattocks," Thorin gave him a sidelong glance. "Besides, she is little more than a child...she will not cope as Queen for too long. Just give her enough time and she will come begging for my assistance..."

 

"And then?" 

 

"And then we strike."

 

Harold huffed, before taking a sip, while Thorin drained his goblet and moved towards the door. 

 

"You are surely not leaving?" He asked. "The guards will be looking for you...take my guest room -"

 

"I am grateful, Harold, but I have a few places I must visit tonight," he halted at the door briefly. "Find out for me who is truly loyal and willing to take a stand if need be."

 

"Against Dwalin and his men? And the Rhun soldiers?" Harold's green eyes widened at Thorins request. "This would mean almost sure death...we have only just recovered from the fight against the orcs!"

 

"There, you pledged your loyalty to Dain, in the belief that he would succeed me in battle." Thorin stood tall, looking down at his host. He was at least head and shoulders taller. "And despite this, when your family requested to return and reclaim your stake in the mines, I generously agreed. I even chose to overlook your cowardice in not offering your axe in service of my quest to reclaim our Kingdom. But do not think this has gone unforgotten. And there are many like yourself...Now it is time to repay my generosity..." 

 

Harold gulped silently. Every word was true. At least Thorin had been more generous than Dain in many aspects. And Erebor was far more comfortable than the Iron Hills. 

 

"I am eternally grateful and at your service," he bowed towards his King. 

 

He watched as Thorin slipped out into the corridor and disappeared silently. He could only hope that Thorins initial plan worked and that their new Queen would fail. 

 

........

 

 

Notes:

Dear All

Thank you for all the lovely comments and for patiently following.
Hope you like this chapter too xx

Chapter 27: Surrender

"I do not like that you remain in his bed chambers," Arvind frowned, looking over at Dwalin for some support. "The guards outside your doors will be of little help -"

 

"My dear brother, we have bigger issues to deal with. And I have been sleeping there for the last week with no incident. He is not going to kill me in my sleep, and it is comfortable. Those are the Kings chambers - I am now ruler. Why should I move." She reassured him. "I simply do not understand where he could have disappeared to...?"

 

"There are many hidden passages. He knew of many even before the drake attacked. He most likely recalls them," Dwalin confirmed. "He is still within the mountain - his armour has disappeared from the arsenal..."

 

She nodded thoughtfully. It would be a lie if she didn't admit that she had found herself wondering about him as she lay alone in his bed.

 

"What about the nobility who support him?" She asked Dwalin. "Surely he may have sought their aid?"

 

"None of our spies have reported any unusual activity..." 

 

"Provided they are loyal to us." Arvind added. "We could place some of my men this week, to avoid suspicion.." 

 

"Very well, my Prince." Dwalin nodded. "He will have to make a move at some point."

 

"And what about tomorrow...?" She turned to Balin. 

 

"Meeting with the guild of merchants. They are keen to meet with you," Balin looked over his scroll of appointments for the week. "This is important lass, so you need to get to bed early so we can have something to offer."

 

She stood up and yawned. 

 

"I don't need to be told twice... I am very tired..."

Just as the miners and smiths had already, the merchants would want some sort of gesture from her: A cut in taxes or their stall leases or something similar. She would need to think of a plan by morning, which meant that she would have a sleepless night again. "And the schools? How soon could I get these organised again?"

 

"We don't want to rush into that right away just yet, lass not after last time..."

 

"Right." She struggled to keep her tone neutral. 

 

"We need a positive image, lass." Balin explained, standing up and following her out with Arvind and Dwalin. "You are already very young to be Queen Regent, and having seized power also. We must show strong leadership..."

 

"It's not fair lass, but it is the way it is." Dwalin opened the door to her bed chambers and looked around the room carefully before nodding to Arvind. 

 

"I would prefer it if you had a guard inside your bed chambers..."

 

"We cannae have any scandalous talk, Prince Arvind. It is enough that the Princess is now associated with the nudist miners." Dwalin groaned coming to the door as she followed. "We will have to monitor the situation every day." 

 

"Good. I am utterly exhausted." She hurried them all out. "Then my dearest all, I bid you a good night -"

 

"Do you not require someone to help you with your dress?" Arvind have her a funny look, since the dwarven dresses were often fastened in a more complicated manner. "Dori may be offended if you do not request him -"

 

"No. There is no need - he has fashioned some dresses to fasten in front. He really is a genius with regards to tailoring and dressmaking. Besides he knows I will call for him in the morning to help me select the best dress for the day, considering the formal visits I must make. Now stop worrying all of you and get yourselves to bed. I shall need all your heads rested, alert and ready for tomorrow again." And with that she quickly saw them on along the corridor and shut the door to their bedroom closed. 

 

The candles had all been lit, as she usually had them arranged by one of her own guards and the fireplace was now was no longer lit. The weather was warming up. 

 

She paused again as she slowly undressed, straining to listen for any noise. But all was silent. As it had been every night for the past week, since she ousted Thorin.

 

The feeling of being truly alone had become somewhat alien to her recently, although she had often escaped to find solitude in her own kingdom. Her memories of sneaking up to the ramparts of her father's palace and watching the lights of the night markets and houses below in the cool of night had been magical. In contrast since her arrival in Erebor, he had never permitted her a single night alone. On almost all nights he would have stood there impatiently willing her out of her clothes, or tearing the garments off himself. Only on the nights that she had bled had he given her body some respite, but even still he had not left her to sleep alone. 

 

She felt a little annoyed at herself for feeling lonely all of a sudden, when for all her life, she had valued any solitude she had stolen!

 

"You fool. Do you hope for him to come to you at night like some soppy lover in those books you once read as a girl?" She berated herself stepping out of her dress and carefully draping it over the large sofa as Dori had insisted. 

 

He had once found her dress on the floor many moons ago - a crime committed by her husband in his desperation to undress her. She had merely forgotten to pick it up in the morning before Dori had arrived. But the sight of this had almost brought the flamboyant dwarf to tears, and it had moved her greatly. Ever since then she had taken care always to air out her dress just as he had instructed.

 

Then slowly, she changed into her night gown and careful turned out most of the candles but two, as always, and finally climbed into his bed. 

 

The cool sheets lay heavy on her and silence felt deafening.

 

Her mind raced. So far the week has gone well. Her meetings with the smiths had proven as successful as the miners. She had also chosen to meet with all those dwarves who performed the many small tasks of clearing, laundry and repairs in Erebor, which had also gone well. All groups had been given small raises in their wages which had helped. But she wondered what could be offered to the merchants tomorrow. Gloin had advised against a drop in the taxes, since this was the one way to recover their expenses, so it would be a harder task. 

 

She turned again in bed and shut her eyes wiling herself to sleep. It would prove to be harder than she had hoped, particularly since she wondered where he was now. Or rather who's bed he lay in. Perhaps he had gone to stay with that dam she had seen him speaking with and frankly flirting with openly. Lady Elise!

 

Groaning softly at her restless mind and tossing over to her other side, she threw her leg over a pillow! 

 

She truly felt exhausted now. It had already been late when they had finally left the kings Study, so she imagined it was very late now indeed! 

 

"Perhaps darkness is what I need..." She mumbled to herself, slipping out of his bed and making her way to the large window. First she threw open the heavy drapes so she could see the stars above. It was a clear but moonless night.

 

Then carefully she blew out the remaining candles. She was quite used to darkness and starlight back at home, so perhaps this would offer her some comfort. 

 

Then suddenly she thought of her mother. It had been like a bubbling worry at the back of her mind. Part of her held on to hope that her mother would somehow manage to escape. But the pragmatic part of her also knew better than to hold on to too much hope. 

 

Slowly stepping backwards as she continued to watch the stars, she suddenly stumbled into something unexpected. 

 

"Unable to sleep...?" 

 

She gasped spinning around to find herself in Thorins arms, as he pulled her against his broad chest. 

 

"No. I simply prefer starlight." She attempted to step away but he held her tight.

 

"Oh no, my little treacherous wife, usually you can barely keep your eyes open after I have satisfied your body," he smirked. "Do you... miss me?" 

 

"Yes - like a lashing." But when she tried to pull away he grasped her chin and kissed her hard. 

 

"That could be arranged, if that is your taste..." He ran a hand down to her buttocks, grabbing one firmly. "Although I would be loathed to mark your beautiful skin." 

 

"What are you doing here Thorin?" 

 

"I am checking on you and our babe..." His words seemed sincere in his concern this time, which made her look at him closer. His blue eyes appeared to search her face in the dim starlight. "I have noticed that you do not fall asleep on most days till late. And I do not think it is good for the baby -"

 

"Our son: Thrain." 

 

Her words seemed to catch him off guard. Unable to control himself, he looked down towards her belly, hidden under her large nightgown and ran his hand lovingly over it. 

 

"How can you be certain of that?" There was a flash of greed in his eyes as he ran his hand over her belly again. And for a moment it almost reminded her of his sickness. 

 

"I know. Thrain grows within me and I know." She concluded, secretly surprised by her own certainty. 

 

"Thrain..." He repeated slowly. Uttering the name, as if with great reverence. "You would name him after my father...?"

 

He was attempting to hide the emotion in his tone now. 

 

"Yes. We have both lost our fathers. And I do not think a Rhunic name would do well for a future King of Erebor," she smiled gently at him. It seemed that she was seeing a different side of him that she had not seen before. "I think it is a good name for him. And as I will be doing the hard work of growing him and giving birth, I have also decided upon his name."

 

"It is a marvellous name for him." Thorin seemed to smile at her then. It was a dazzling, and uninhibited smile that lit up his face entirely, making him look decades younger in that moment. "And may I tell you just how beautiful you look...? Being with child rather becomes you...even your skin is glowing..."

 

He leant over gently and pressed a soft kiss to her lips, after taking a moment to stroke her cheek. 

 

"I shall grow fat. And some women suffer from swelling of their feet also. I have seen it." She warned him quietly. 

 

"There are advantages to that also...such as your breasts...they are swelling too..." He kissed her again, gently cupping one of her breasts with one hand as he pulled her closer. "Aye...they are growing quite plump..."

 

He deepened his kiss, plundering her mouth and pressing her body against his, while running his thumb over her nipple that pressed through the material now. 

 

"You are rather perverted..."

 

"It is hard not to be when I have such a delicious wife." He smirked, slipping one shoulder of her nightgown off and down her arm to expose that breast he had been caressing in his hand. "Allow me to pleasure you tonight...and aid your sleep..."

 

The air against her skin made her gasp, as he slipped off the other shoulder also. But now he caressed both her breasts, and much of her rational thought was steadily leaving her. 

 

"What about your hatred of me? And of punishing me...or reclaiming your throne?" She managed quietly, pushing his jacket off his shoulders quickly and tugging at his tunic to hurry his own state of undress. "And what of the horrid things you said, when we last met...or the knife you held to my throat...?"

 

It was a disgusting desire - considering how he had treated her when they last met. But she craved him tonight. It was as though she were sick, but she couldn't help herself. 

 

"We can go back to warring tomorrow. Tonight, let me make love to you." He quickly removed his tunic just as she willed him, before tugging her nightgown down completely, leaving her entirely unclothed and dropping to his knees. "I have missed how you taste..."

 

...........

 

Rolling over she smiled dreamily. Dawn had only just broken and the large window had provided a perfect frame for the burst of colour that that spread gradually through the pale sky. 

 

He chuckled softly as she lay on his chest, with her black hair swirling about her like soft, black, silken rivulets. 

 

"I hope to keep the memory of this very moment in my heart forever..." He softly whispered, brushing the hair from her face. 

"Is this why you continued to sleep in my bed chambers...?"

 

"I..." She sighed realizing this was in fact the true reason for her remaining in the Kings Chambers, regardless of what lies and excuses she made up to the contrary.

 

"Then you do love me...?" Thorin smiled with smug satisfaction. Of course she loved him. He had been the first to claim her body, and he had loved her thoroughly too. If he could evaluate his own act of having her, coupled with her very audible reactions, he would say his couplings with her were his best performances of all. He certainly found that she brought out his creative flair. Her body was like the harp for him, the harder he played, the more he wished to do so! As far as he was concerned what was there for her NOT to fall in love with?! 

 

She sat up, annoyed by the smugness he exuded. 

 

"There is no need to be shy...you will soon be the mother to my child," he carried on leaning up against the ornately carved headboard and crossing his hands behind his head. "Come now...let us forget all this coup nonsense and go back to things as they were. I understand women in your condition get carried away with their emotions, so all will be forgiven. I will even forgive Dwalin, Balin and your brother and anyone else who may be implicated..."

 

He sat there, entirely sure of himself and that he held her heart in the palm of his hands. 

 

"Come back to bed. We still have time...I could bring you to completion at least once more..."

 

Silently, she slipped out of the bed, feeling her growing anger. Quickly she found her own nightgown slipping it on and picked up Thorins discarded clothes. 

 

"I know you need me -"

 

"Here." She thrust his clothes at him. "I need you to abdicate. Otherwise you need to leave before the guards realize you are here. Dori will arrive soon to get me dressed and then Balin and Gloin will arrive to brief me on today's plan - followed by Arvind and Dwalin...they have been instructed to seize you so..."

 

"Instructed...?" He mused walking over to her happily despite being as naked as the day he was born, as if she would at any moment surrender to him, just at the sight of his naked body and offers of pleasure! "By whom...?"

 

"By ME!!!!" She picked up his clothes again and this time pushed them into his arms. "What is up with you dwarves and running around naked?!"

 

"I know you enjoy what you see..." He smirked again, enjoying the flush in her cheeks. Despite the many number of different ways he had her, she was still shy around him, which he took great delight in. But when he reached up to touch her, she smacked his hand away. "Aye, it appears that you are now renowned for talking dwarves out of their clothes!"

 

"Renowned...? Thorin! I am going to call for the guards and soon you will come to be renowned as the King who was arrested in the nude!" She warned, stifling a laugh at that thought. "And I have no intention of backing down..."

 

"Not even after last night...?" He was quick to steal a kiss before she could protest. "I recall you had no qualms surrendering to me then -"

 

A knock on the door interrupted them both before she could find a suitably irritating reply. 

 

"Are you awake, my lady..." It was Dori!

 

"Hurry up and get dressed!" She hissed at Thorin before adjusting her own nightgown. "I am only just up - could you give me a few moments please Master Dori...?"

 

She turned to spot Thorin putting on just his boots. 

 

"Aren't you going to get dressed?!" She sighed. "You could at least wear your trousers?"

 

"Oh I don't know, my Queen...I am starting to appreciate the miners perspective on this..." He winked playfully at her, before gathering his clothes and giving her another kiss. "Besides you have now caused a little stir here..."

 

He gestured towards his arousal and shrugged. 

 

"I had hoped that you would have helped me with this..." He sighed mockingly. "Perhaps Elise is free this morning...?"

 

"Get out you pervert!" She hissed at him again, this time moving away successfully before he finally attempted to steal one last kiss.

 

"I like it when you get jealous..." He smirked, once again satisfied at the effect he had on her. "Perhaps I should bed Elise, just so that I may get your attention for it -"

 

"My lady..." Came Dori's voice again. 

 

"Coming! Master Dori!" She attempted to comb down her love-messed hair with her fingers as she moved to the door, briefly turning back to see an entirely nude Thorin, wearing only his boots walking away. In that moment she would have been lying if she hadn't wanted to watch him a little longer. But she was also rather annoyed at him - and not just at the thought of him running off to Lady Elise! 

 

"I know you are watching me..." He grinned again, from the other end of the room.

 

She was annoyed at herself now. 

 

All this time, she had imagined that he had come to her because he missed her...or perhaps harboured some residual feelings for her. But now she wondered whether he was simply attempting to seduce her into giving in! Or worse because Lady Elise was otherwise occupied!!!!

 

"Ugh!" She took several more steps towards the door and picked up a stray cushion from the floor with a view to lobbing it at him to hurry him on. But she paused. 

 

"Will you be needing my assistance with helping you sleep again tonight, my Queen...?" He asked quietly. But even he could not keep the hope out of his tone. 

 

Clutching at the soft material of her nightgown now, and lowering her aimed cushion, she nodded. 

 

"But I really do have a busy day .... So I cannot be sure of a time... And Dwalin does a sweep of the room each night..."

 

"I know." The corners of the his mouth pulled into a soft smile. 

 

Dori knocked on the door again, so she hurried over to the door in the hopes of stalling Dori in order to buy Thorin more time to escape. 

 

In fact she was not entirely sure how he had entered their room in the first place! 

 

And she was not quite ready to reveal that Thorin had spent the night with her. 

 

"Are you unwell my lady? Should I call Master Oin?" Dori sounded worried now. 

 

She quickly put her hand on the door handle, her heart racing. 

 

Then suddenly, a worried looking Dori burst into the room! 

 

"My lady! I was worried about you!" He spoke nervously appraising her. "Oh, my Queen - you were asleep?! Forgive me! I have told them not to keep you up so late..."

 

"It's quite alright, Master Dori..." She moved in front of him in order to obscure the possible view of Thorin. "But I... I..."

 

She turned to look back - but the room was empty once more with no signs of Thorins nocturnal presence...and she couldn't help but wonder whether he would keep his promise tonight...

 

........

 

The sounds of cheering from the crowd on the vast cavernous market hall sounded louder that she expected.

 

She had not been able to offer great tax deductions for the tradesmen. However she had obtained investment from Lord Erol and support from her brothers army to help build some outdoor stalls to allow the people of Dale to engage in trade. What's more, Bard too had been more than happy to offer stalls for some of Erebors merchants on a Friday and Saturday in their market square, which she would pay the fares of to help any willing merchants get set up!

 

If had been a complicated solution, but it was the best she could manage given Gloins advice. 

 

It had not taken long for the crowd to quickly disperse after her short speech, and they had been expected to walk around the various stalls. There was everything from various foods to clothing, toys, books and colourful trinkets. In truth one could have spent hours wondering the walkways of this great hall simply fascinated by the various items. 

 

While she moved from one stall to the next, she found herself unable to concentrate. She couldn't help but wonder where Thorin was right now...or whether he would visit her again tonight.

 

"My lady...if I may join you..." Erol quietly came to stand by her while she looked around. "I have heard from the servants that Lord Dain plans to visit soon...in a spontaneous manner so to speak..."

 

"Oh..." She looked up to find the young dwarven lord walking with her, attempting to look as though he was making normal conversation, but his face revealed a different story of panic. "He has not written to us..." 

 

"Aye. I fear he may have received news somehow..." Erol explained apologetically. "I had wished to speak with you and Lord Balin quietly this morning, instead of catching you like this, but I missed you -"

 

"Forgive me, my lord Erol, I was late." She explained. "I am grateful again for your help. And your offer with the open market is most generous."

 

"Your ideas and leadership is very inspiring, my lady..." He smiled softly, continuing to match her pace. 

 

"We will find a way to deal with Dain." She reassured him, but the truth was that this news was going to cause her a little extra hassle that she really didn't need at this time. "How is your sister?" 

 

"She wrote to me not long ago. She is very well, my lady and is packing in preparation to travelling here soon. That is most kind of you to ask."

 

"I wish her safe travels and look forward to meeting her when she arrives. I can also find out when our next escort arrives in the Blue Mountains. Perhaps your sister will feel safer to travel with my brothers guards when they return?" 

 

"Thank you my lady. That is a most generous offer I cannot refuse." He nodded, the hints of a nervous look briefly dancing across his handsome features. Clearly he worried about her.

 

"My Lord Erol, thank you for informing me... about Dain..." 

 

"Of course, my lady. I shall keep my ear to the ground and let you know if I hear any further news." He bowed before moving towards another group of dwarves.

 

If Dain got involved at this stage of her only partially achieved coup it would rapidly become a sticky mess indeed! 

 

She looked around the crowd for Balin, when Dwalin appeared. He had elected himself as her security detail for this particular event. 

 

"Princess, are ye bored?"

 

"We may have a slight problem brewing..." she leant a little closer so that she could whisper. Fortunately, everyone else seemed highly distracted to be worried about her. "Dain is planning a visit according to the servants.."

 

"Balin will know what to do. But perhaps we will need a plan in case he decides to come anyway...but we need to resolve the issue with Thorin fast." Dwalin thought out loud his brow furrowing. "Perhaps a formal coronation for you might be a good thing -"

 

"But I got the impression that Dain would still have little respect for any power that I may wield."

 

"Aye, princess. The Iron Hills clan are a funny lot. The only way to manage them is to show em ye mean business." Dwalin pointed out flatly, looking quite openly unimpressed by their kin. "Donnae worry about that though lass. Remember we fought off a dragon and survived a great war. Telling Dain that he will have no say in the rule of Erebor, will be nothing in comparison."

 

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Dis. She was dressed rather grandly indeed in a heavy velvet dress the colour of ruby port. Between her bustling movements, that came from a self importance that she had clearly been accustomed to since childhood, and a presence she possessed naturally, much like her older brother, the crowds seemed to naturally make way for her, many dwarves bowing and curtseying as she swished by. 

 

"My dear, you are working too hard!" Dis frowned at her, moving past Dwalin while casting him a disapproving look. "And you have not had the raw eggs I left for you this morning -"

 

"I cannot have that foul drink." Shobha attempted to encourage her to join them on their walk through the market hall. "Besides it makes me feel sick. And I have no need for help with that."

 

"Thorin said he is concerned for your health. You should be checked over by Oin at least once a day!" Dis admonished walking alongside her as she greeted various merchants in their stalls. 

 

"Why on Mahals good earth would the lass need Oin to check her daily!" Dwalin chipped in from behind. "Other than to annoy Oin of course!" 

 

"So you have spoken with Thorin then?" She suddenly wondered what he might have divulged to Dis (particularly about the last night)! 

 

"He is rather good at dropping me notes - and expects me to keep an eye on you of course..." Dis flashed a smile suddenly. "He worries about you. And I can see you worry about him too...see? Particularly since he feels unable to trust his former dearest friend."

 

Dis was quick to shoot yet another highly disapproving look at Dwalin before carrying on. 

 

"It's not too late to forget all this..."

 

"No!" Shobha and Dwalin replied together. 

 

"We need to set a coronation date." Dwalin grunted as he followed behind, having been bustled out of the way by Dis. 

 

"What if you ruled jointly?" Dis asked again hopefully. "Thorin could crown you as Queen..."

 

She suddenly turned to Dis, piqued by her suggestion. 

 

"That is actually a brilliant idea!"

 

"It is?" Dis beamed, still ever hopeful apparently. "So things can go back to normal...?"

 

"No. Thorin can abdicate and crown me Queen!" She looked back at Dwalin. "That would mean Dain and others would be forced to accept my rule."

 

"That might work...Balin!" He called out, beckoning his older brother over before whispering discreetly in his ear. 

 

"That may just work," Balin seemed to smile immediately and nod at this. "But will he agree...I am worried that he is growing his supporters, who will attack at the most inopportune moment."

 

Shobha stopped, as a merchant came over and bowed at their group. 

 

"My Queen...I would like to present you with this beautiful jewelled pin..." The merchant bowed as she accepted the beautiful golden bejewelled brooch that glimmered even in the dim lights within the vast mountains market hall. "Morven son of Gorman, at your service."

 

"I thank you for this, Master Morven," she bowed her head accepting the beautiful gift.

 

"We are grateful for your efforts, my Queen," he bowed again. "Our daughter in particular, loved her days at your school..."

 

"And I hope it can pick up once more, Master Morven." She smiled, glad that there had been those interested in educating their daughters after all!

 

"May Mahal protect you, my lady." He smiled, bowing as their group continued on.

 

"Balin, how soon can we get the school sorted?" She whispered to him, looking down at the jewelled pin. 

 

"It is not a good idea, until you are more established lass..." Balin replied ruefully. "If you are to show all, including the nobility and the Iron Hills, that your rule is to be respected, then you cannot afford any major mistakes. Otherwise the throne will be at risk of someone attempting to overthrow you too."

 

She pinned the brooch onto her bodice, taking care not to damage the embroidery on her dress. When she returned to their bed chambers, she would keep the brooch where she could see it every day and that would remind her never to give up on her idea of the school for girls! 

 

"Have you given much thought to the Elven King's invitation to their festivities...?" Balin inquired casually. She had received that invitation from him a few days ago, and had chosen to avoid deciding. But they needed to prepare her security if she planned on going. And it would be a good thing if she did plan on going or at least sending someone. 

 

"I am not sure..." Of course she had no true desire to be there. "Although Bard did inform me that he took had received an invitation on behalf of Dale and planned to attend. He clearly will use it to discuss trade agreements. But I just can't see how it would be a good time to barter on the uglier details."

 

"But it may act to soften your relationship with the Elven King in preparation for future negotiations..." He suggested helpfully. 

 

She remained silent as they visited the next stall filled with various pickled foods. The jars were all of different colours and filled with various fruits and vegetables that looked incredibly appetizing!

 

"There is no pressure lass -"

 

"Oh but there is pressure, my dear." Dis corrected him from behind them. "Everyone who dislikes the idea of a woman being in charge will be watching and waiting for you to make a mistake. As will my brother, I imagine. It will give them the opening to weaken your authority..."

 

Shobha glanced over at Balin, to find a flash of annoyance across his face before his features settled to their usual, thoughtful but cheery disposition. 

 

"So you haven't seen Thorin then?" As they left the stall, she turned back to Dis, who had been the constant thorn in her side of late. She did indeed feel under pressure, for all the reasons that Dis spoke of, but she needed to make decisions on the correct basis and priority - not out of fear of what others expected of her. She certainly did not need Dis reiterating this!

 

"No." Dis halted, looking at her with an air of suspicion. "Do you wish to ask for his advice...?"

 

"No." This time Balin answered back in unison with Shobha as she fell back to address her sister-in-law directly. 

 

"And you still wish to be a part of this?" She gestured towards Balin who now stood with Dwalin, Gloin and Arvind. 

 

Dis seemed to take a moment to consider what it was that she was saying, before nodding. 

 

"Aye. And I think you need me." She proclaimed with that air of self importance that was synonymous with the Durins.

 

She was probably quite right. 

 

"Well, if you do wish to be a useful member of my new court - and part of the inner workings. Then I need wholehearted support." Shobha concluded. 

 

There was something about Dis that reminded her of many of her more calculating siblings back home. They could not be wholly trusted. But what they were good at was being loyal to themselves. So long as they benefitted they whatever was needed. 

 

"Very well. I think we can agree on this." After what seemed like yet another unsettling pause (however brief it was), she seemed to agree. 

 

Shobha had not only usurped Dis' brother, but also now carried the future heir - thereby usurping Fili (if he ever did wake up again). Quite understandably, Dis could only be trusted within very specific limits. 

 

...........

 

"So what is the plan, my Lord?" Athor, an older dwarf with a greying beard stood up from where he sat around the table. "Are we to go in to her chambers and capture her at night?"

 

"They would not have guards in with her at night -" Elise seemed to wonder out loud. 

 

"No Elise, she slept in my chambers - so I protected her."

 

"Then better yet poison her!" Lord Jarrold banged his fist on the table. The twinkle in his grey eyes which sat surrounded by a mane of curly blonde hair and matching beard both which had only just barely been pulled together with two ties gave him a rather feral look. "That will settle this all! And besides we respect your rule and you have heirs!"

 

Thorin frowned shaking his head. It was not information that could be shared but Fili lay in a comatose state and Kili had effectively run off with the she-elf, only rarely making an appearance to see his own mother! Neither constituted to an effective heir. And neither would be accepted by Dain's lot! Even if he wanted to kill his little strumpet bride, she carried his one and only legitimate heir. So effectively she had him by the crown jewels!

 

"You cannot feel any mercy for her can you?" Elise quietly urged, placing a hand gently on his arm. "She has betrayed you, Sire..."

 

He shot her a sidelong look, somewhat annoyed at her. But she was right. Why did he feel a sense of utter incapacitation when it came to seizing her?! Any other female who did this would have already found themselves dragged down to the dungeons by now. And he would have personally seen to it! The only punishment he desired to give her was a thorough spanking in bed. And the idea of connecting his palms to her pert, brown bottom only made him long for her more!

 

The group of dwarrow that had gathered at Elise's apartment were now begining to clamour at the idea of attacking their Queen. 

 

"She is not harmed." Thorin's proclamation quelled the gathering into stunned silence. 

 

"But why -"

 

"Because I gave her father an oath to protect her." He looked at the various faces seated around the table as they stared back at him, some openly disappointed, some angry and some simply confused. But he would not reveal that she carried his heir to them. This was not how he intended to reveal this news. And even if she did not carry his babe, he would have still refused to harm her strangely enough. So this was as good a reason. "I am your King! I do not need to justify my reasons. We simply need to think of a way to overcome this."

 

"We fight Dwalin." A rather portly dwarf sat forward this time with the suggestion. He had brown hair, perhaps a few shades lighter than mahogany, and contrasting blue eyes. Thorin immediately recognized him for having fought off a large group of orcs during their journey to the Blue Mountains. His name was Hellor. And that day his actions had saved the lives of Dis and his nephews. "Then we take control of the army. Even if she has soldiers from her brother, she will refuse to spill more blood. I have seen her ideations, your majesty. She believes in peace and negotiation. But that cannot work in this world we live in."

 

"Lord Hellor, that is a good plan. We will need to identify when he is alone typically. Then let me attack him." Thorin agreed. 

 

"So no poison? It would be simpler?" Jarrold asked again, slightly hopeful. 

 

"No. No poison." Thorin concluded. "We must follow Dwalin, but take turns. He will be careful and if he sees any one dwarf constantly he will know something is amiss...come let me plot how you will take turns..." 

 

It was the only idea he could agree to. Dwalin was his best friend, but he had betrayed

him! And if anyone could take Dwalin down, it would be him! 

 

"Let me make warm drinks for all..." Elise stood up from where she sat beside Thorin, with a gentle smile. She admired watching him plan. Had she been his wife, she would have done nothing but support him - just as she did now! And perhaps she could convince him to stay tonight in her apartment for safety...

 

..............

 

 

 

Notes:

Dear All
Thank you for following. I am so grateful for your comments and reviews.
More to come... xx

Chapter 28: Noble Plots...

Pacing in front of the desk was not her style. She had seen many Kings do it. But now apparently it was her turn.

 

The wretched invitation from Greenwood sat glaring at her from the royal desk. And she had to offer a reply soon. Not responding to Thranduil's verbose and extravagant invitation, hand written by him no less, was in no way an option. 

 

Unfortunately that feminine part of her brain, that she had seen so many great women succumb to, was also occupied by Thorin. 

 

Or rather, thoughts of his absence. 

 

He had promised to materialize two nights ago, and failed. Given the last passionate encounter, she had found his absence on the following night unusual. The dwarf, did have an insatiable appetite for carnal pleasures. But to make matters worse, she was now struggling to sleep. There had been something about their strenuous activities of the bed chamber, that had put her into a deep and satisfying sleep. And she had grown sickly accustomed to it. 

 

She let out another huff and stopped to glance at the invitation, mid pacing. The blank parchment lay next to it awaiting a reply, but she still had no decision made. 

 

A knock came from the door. It was quiet. It was Balin. 

 

Without thinking twice, she opened the door to find her gentle advisor standing there. 

 

"Lass, it is late, and much of this week's work it done. You should get some rest..."

 

"I haven't replied to Thranduil's invite." She sighed, glancing back at her desk again. "I haven't even made a decision about it."

 

"Well... Perhaps let us begin with your reservations?" Balin stepped in quietly, as she gestured to a seat. 

 

"I cant be seen as overly friendly with the elves..."

 

"Aye. But we are trading with them so we must keep our communications open." Balin stroked his fluffy white beard as he looked at the dying embers of the fireplace. "And a formal visit can be seen as a way of maintaining good relations."

 

"Thorin would use that against me."

 

"He can try. And he may. But you have now got a large number of supporters." Balin offered calmly, as he always did. He truly was a brilliant advisor and had been invaluable since her coup. "What else worries you, lassie?"

 

"Leaving Erebor even for a day..."

 

"It can be done quietly." Balin offered again. "When King Thror's queen would travel to see her home peoples, she would leave quietly, with only a few trusted guards and no ladies in waiting. This is not even a long journey as such and you would simply need to attend a banquet. If you are not happy you can leave early after the main meal is finished. If you find it is useful, then you could stay on." 

 

She listened to her adviser without any comment. Everything he said made sense. But there was one thing that kept holding her back. 

 

"What truly holds you back lassie...?" Balin asked quietly from where he sat. He took care not to sound too inquisitive. He had his own suspicions but she needed to trust him enough to be honest. 

 

"Thorin..." She sighed. It was actually something between a sigh and a huff. 

 

"Why would you need Thorins approval lass...?" He quietly asked again. 

 

Walking over to the fireplace, she flopped herself into the large chair opposite Balin. 

 

"I...guess I didn't want to upset him... Or perhaps I have been so used to needing his permission to do anything..." Realisation dawned on her as she leaned back into the chair. 

 

It was Thorins chair. It even smelled like him.

 

She closed her eyes momentarily as she inhaled him in. The fragranced hair oil he used and the smell of his pipe. It took her back to one evening when he had taken her on the chair with wild abandon, leaning her forward into the soft leather. But then afterwards he had tenderly cradled her in his lap while he smoked his pipe. The wild contrast had been particularly memorable.

 

"It may be possible that I bear some feelings for him..." She frowned as the horrible realization of it all dawned on her. It felt like utter gobbledygook. She had been obliged into the marriage, and he had often treated her harshly. So how could she have feelings for him? In fact, he was probably bedding Elise right as she spoke! 

 

"Och my dear, you need not beat yourself up about it. It is good that you understand the feelings behind some of your decisions. I think Thranduil may be more forgiving as you are now in rule..." Balin offered without judgement. "But, I dare say that he would also highly value your attendance all the more if you did go..."

 

She nodded quietly. A variety of emotions tormenting her now. 

 

"And there is no pressure to reply tonight." Balin reassured her again. "You have done well to tackle the many tasks of this week. Perhaps you need a little rest before you reply?"

 

She quickly stood from Thorins chair. It smelled far too good and she wanted him more for it. 

 

"Thank you Balin." She concluded as they both stood up and made their way into the corridor. 

 

"Perhaps he might be your one..." Balin offered quietly. There was no judgement in his face. Only understanding. "There is no shame in it. After all we have little control over this...but I suspect Thorin too bears feelings for you..."

 

Unable to admit to anything more, and feeling defeated by it all, she sighed. She would need to rid herself of these feelings if she wanted to be a good Queen. 

 

But first she would need to rid herself of the burning ache she had suddenly developed to have her arrogant husband do depraved things to her! 

 

With a renewed determination she set off down the corridor.

 

"Where is Dwalin?" She enquired. He had been notably absent for a few hours, and that was quite unlike him. 

 

"He wanted to look into an matter regarding the mines. He asked that I inspect your room before you retire, lassie." Balin strongly suspected this was a lie, but he had come to know when not to ask questions from his brother, who was most likely tackling some issue that was far more sinister. Plausible deniability was a very good legal position to be in. 

 

"Did we find out what was happening to the mining equipment then?"

 

"Not yet lass..." Once again Balin could not confirm this with complete certainty. It was highly likely that the Iron Hills clan may have had a hand in the 'failure' of some of the mining machines, but for now he had no firm proof of this. "Bofur and some of the miners are looking into this more carefully. And until then we have more guards around the mines."

 

They carried on down the corridor in silence for a little once more. 

 

"You know, it really is quite unnecessary to search my room..." She offered again. In truth, she secretly hoped he was there and waiting. Preferably naked! She scolded herself silently at this sick desire she had developed. 

 

"It's no trouble lassie. We are all here to protect you," Balin smiled apologetically. "Besides, I would never hear the end of it from Dwalin if I did not. He may even insist on waking you up to check your room himself."

 

She nodded silently, as they continued to walk. 

 

"And have we any idea where Thorin might be?" She finally managed to ask, attempting to sound as unconcerned as she could, even though it was the first question she wanted to ask!

 

"No lassie, I'm sorry..." He replied again quietly. "Would you really have him thrown in the dungeons?"

 

"No. But I think it would look better if he formally abdicated or something equivalent..."

 

"Hmmm... I think I would agree with you...but finding the correct angle that would be agreeable to Thorin might be the challenge." Balin seemed to ponder out loud. "It is a shame that you haven't seen him since your coup...I was sure he would not be able to stay away from you for this long lass.." 

 

"Yes...well..." she hurriedly opened the door to the Kings suite, still not quite able to reveal the details of their night spent together only a few days back. "Perhaps he will attempt to contact me soon..."

 

She could hope so at least! The yearning she had for his touch was becoming too great now. 

 

Turning to allow Balin in, she caught him observing her carefully, but when she looked at him, he simply smiled. It was his usual non-judgemental smile, but she was now certain that he suspected that Thorin may have visited her. Or perhaps that her face revealed too much of what was going on in her mind!

 

"I am inclined to agree with you that Thorin wouldn't hurt you, lassie. But do not lock your door just in case you need your guards..." Balin added as he walked through the room. "There are enough of those who would harm you, however. And you now must also consider the other life you are responsible for..."

 

Her advisor cast a worrying look this time. 

 

"I am guessing that Thorin is moving through Erebor unseen using the secret passageways built for the Kings. What we don't want is for there to be any other who may take advantage of the same..." 

 

Completing his check of the room he stopped next to her and pulled out a small dagger in its sheath and handed it to her. 

 

"Here, lassie, keep this under your pillow." He advised. "And donnae feel ashamed to request for a guard to stay in your room...perhaps your own guard from Rhun...?" 

 

He meant her castrati, since he was sure that there was indeed a secret door within the kings apartment. 

 

While it had been a risk she had considered, it was not one that she had weighed heavily, until Balin had expressed his concerns. He was not a dwarf that took a great deal to heart, and that was what she valued in him. His advice was always balanced, and he rarely found any problem too grave. So on the rare occasions that he expressed any concerns, she would pay more attention.

 

Of course, all this time Thorin had protected her at night. Where was he...?

 

.............

 

Harold opened the door to the young Lord Erol - he felt under obligation. Few nobility turned down a visit from such a powerful noble. Of course, his support of the Queen had much to be desired, but one simple did not say no to Erol. 

 

Apparently it was also now a big mistake!

 

No sooner had he opened the door to Erol, than had he found Dwalin pushing his way into his apartment! Now Dwalin, he liked or respected a lot less - even if he was one of the Kings closest cousin, and former guard (until he betrayed Thorin, that was)! 

 

Dwalin pushed Harold against the wall, face first, while Erol followed behind in a relatively leisurely manner, locking the door behind him. 

 

"Where is Thorin hiding?" Dwalin hissed at Harold. 

 

"You're hurting me! Is this quite necessary?" Harold managed from where he was crushed into the wall by Dwalins bulk!

 

"Stop being a fecking wimp, and speak up or I will adjust ye to crush yer nose against the stone!"

 

"I don't know! I don't know!" 

 

"Is he at Elise's?" Erol asked from behind, as he quickly searched the apartment.

 

"No! I told you I don't know where he is! And he doesn't stay at hers." He groaned.

 

"How do ye know?" Dwalin spat.

 

"Because...she always tries to offer him a bed, but he simply leaves once he has spoken to us. He... He...doesn't even stay for the whole meal afterwards." Harold whimpered. "He keeps it really formal - "

 

"It's all clear Dwalin..." Erol spoke again from behind apparently having inspected Harold's apartment. "Not even a sign of his having been here."

 

"Why are they following me?" Dwalin growled. 

 

"I don't know what you mean -"

 

"Donnae be fecking stupid! Everyone normally avoids me like the plague. But suddenly I have got noble eejits popping up everywhere...even when I go down to the baths!" Dwalin growled, pressing Harold into the wall harder for good measure, just in case he didn't understand. "And they are not there to rub me cock!"

 

"Ow! Thorin... He...wanted us to keep tabs on you...that's all I know! I swear!" 

 

"Then ye can pass on the message to say the next one I catch in the baths will be made to scrub me arse crack clean!" Dwalin spat.

 

"Yaeeerrrrrreeerrrrr..." Harold made a strange noise as Dwalin pressed him into the stone again. 

 

"Your daughter did not make it to the Iron Hills by the way: it was a foolish thing to send her without our guards. But don't worry she is returning safely back home, thanks to our guards: Orcs nearly got her." Dwalin growled. "But I am surprised ye sent her away so quickly - as if ye were plotting. Like there was an attack on the Queen being planned..."

 

"Yes would you know anything about that Harold?" Erol took a seat in one of their hosts chairs and plopped his feet up on a pouffe.

 

"No! No! I swear! Please leave her alone. She was travelling to visit family that's all!" Harold pleaded. "Please do not harm her!"

 

"You would be wise to remember that about the Queen too..." Erol warned from behind. 

 

"We only want to help Thorin. But he too insists the Queen is kept safe..."

 

"And how does he move unseen?" Erol pressed on.

 

"The...tunnels and passages...but we don't know..." Harold sobbed now, quite possibly with relief that his daughter was indeed safe. 

 

"And you're sure no other knows these secret paths?" Erol asked again. 

 

"No! No! I am sure!" 

 

"Good. Now I suggest that you don't take risks sending your daughter out in a hurry like that again. We know you and a few others are in support of Thorin regaining the throne. But the Queen does not believe in the sort of methods Dain uses to eliminate any threats to her rule..." Erol offered, although the reassurance in his voice was laced with something a little more sinister. "And there is something else we need you to do...but you have to be a little discreet..."

 

Dwalin seemed to let Harold go suddenly. The portly Lord turned looking terrified to face the two of them, but nodded as he attempted to catch his breath. 

 

"Aye...anything."

 

"Tell us if they are planning an attack on the Queen..." Erol brushed down Harold's clothing, after Dwalin had been rough with him. "We know you're all planning to take over, and we will be ready... but all we want is to know is if she is in danger...it's only fair since she did not hesitate to send her guards in to save your daughter as soon as a distress message was received from the raven."

 

Harold pulled a handkerchief out and held it to his bloody nose nodding. 

 

"Aye...you have my word..."

 

.........

 

She woke with a jolt, heart racing and sitting bolt upright in the darkness. 

 

Then out of the darkness a pair of hands reached out to hold her, making her gasp!

 

"Hush now, you are safe."

 

"Thorin!" 

 

"Aye, my wife. It was just a bad dream." He soothed her, pulling her into his strong arms and against his chest. 

 

"You were gone, and did not return..." She whispered letting him hold her. "I don't like the darkness of the mountain..."

 

"Forgive me for my absence. But we are at war, my lady. And I had matters to see to," he lay back, pulling her on top of him. It was good to be back in his bed, enjoying his bride as Mahal intended. He liked that she needed him and wanted him, but didn't wish to sound too smug about it. "It is a war you chose."

 

She lay on his chest in silence just mulling his words over. He was correct about her decision to challenge him, but she also seemed to need him more these days. She just didn't want to admit to it.

 

He lay there, his eyes drifting shut as he stroked her hair. In spite of his talk of war, the truth was that he had missed this over the last few nights. If only she would give up this idea of her coup. He was convinced she would burn herself out sooner or later. All he needed to do was wait. 

 

"What kind of matters...?" 

 

"Hmmm?" He opened his eyes and looked down at her. 

 

"You said you had matters to see to..." She asked, attempting to keep her tone casual. "What sort of matters...?"

 

"Matters that I cannot share with you unless you are ready to stand down and return the rule of Erebor to me..." He quirked his eyebrow suspiciously. At first he considered divulging some of his whereabouts to her, and then decided to keep it secret just to gauge her reaction.

 

"And where do you stay when you do not spend the night with here...?" She instantly regretted it as soon as the words had left her lips. It had been a moment of not thinking, but it was too late now. 

 

"Are you jealous, my wife?" 

 

Even in the darkness, she could hear the smirk in his reply!

 

"No...I...just... didn't hear you come in..." 

 

The truth was he often visited her at night, even if briefly, and didn't always get into bed with her for fear of waking her. Some nights she looked so worn and exhausted, that he felt pity for her and simply watching her sleep. He personally blamed his company for encouraging the coup - had they not done so, she would have been powerless to do much, even if she had fanciful ideations!

 

"You are a terrible liar, my lady. And you would do well to learn this skill as well as you do in convincing dwarves to see value in your plans... Such as convincing the miners to streak..." He chuckled. "Or is it simply that you miss my enormous cock...?" 

 

He couldn't help trailing his hand down her back before reaching her nightgown and pulling the hem up slowly. 

 

"You help yourself to me as you please...but how can I ask for you...when I wish it..." She whispered back.

 

"Then let me make up for the nights I have missed..." He growled in her ear, completely removing her nightdress from her as he lay her over him and snaking his hands down her naked body, making her shiver at his touch. 

 

She arched up into his touch, desperate to quench the fire that had raged inside her, and then trailed her own hands down to find his between her legs.

 

"And what do you think you are doing?" He stopped his movement, pressing his digits into her, on her intrusion. 

 

"Please..." She whimpered. "I...need to know..."

 

"You are to never touch yourself, without me," he warned her. "Even if it aches you to distraction...it will only make your release all the greater, my little vixen..."

 

"So I can touch myself...when you are here...?" She panted. "Why not teach me...?"

 

He listened to her breathing heavily and pressing herself into his arousal, silently begging for her release, when he moved her onto the bed and kissed her roughly. 

 

"If you wish to see what you look like, and what it is that you do to me..." He grunted. "Then I shall show you..."

 

He moved over swiftly to reposition the large armchair and mirror before opening the curtains. Unlike a few nights ago, when there was a new moon, tonight the tiniest sliver of a crescent was visible, casting the palest natural light. 

 

Then without another word he scooped her up from the bed and sat down on the large armchair with her in his lap. 

 

"Thorin..." But before she could say another word he hushed her. 

 

"Do you trust me?" He asked plainly. 

 

She hesitated for a split second, but if she had trusted him with a knife at her throat, she certainly trusted him to bring her to climax. 

 

"Yes. I do."

 

"Then see for yourself...how beautiful you look..." He moved her legs apart, trailing his right hand down her thigh. 

 

There in the pale moonlight, she could see all of herself, where she sat in Thorins lap naked, facing the mirror. His hand trailed up her thigh lazily so that she was completely spread open to their view.

 

"Do you see your arousal...your desire..." He hummed low in her ear. His cold blue eyes watched her greedily in the mirror with an intensity that made her insides flutter. "Spread your legs wider for me..."

 

He took her hand and began to move her fingers with his.

 

"Keep looking at me..." He commanded firmly, before moving her hand down to join his, briefly pausing to allow her mounting pleasure to subside once more. "Feel for yourself how good your feel..."

 

Tonight was entirely about her. But there was something equally mesmerising about his gaze in the mirror, while she was laid out so bare. 

 

It was much more than just pure lust and desire. 

 

.........

 

"We have a rough list of the nobility who may be supporting Thorin. And we are keeping guards by their apartments..." Dwalin sounded frustrated. "But of course he will be using the secret passages. And we are yet to find a map..."

 

She nodded absentmindedly, while Dori fussed over her hair. Thorin had visited her twice in her room, but he had disappeared in the blink of an eye before she could spot the secret door he used. Last night they had been up much of the night, and consequently she had vastly overslept this morning, but as far as Dwalin, Arvind and Gloin were concerned it had been put down to her pregnancy and the many long hours of work she had put in that week already. She had a horrible suspicion that Balin however knew of Thorins nocturnal visits, although he didn't reveal it.

 

"It is of no consequence brother, since he is far too outnumbered to do anything at present, and it appears that Dain is not entirely decided on his response to the matter." Balin reassured from where he sat by the fire reading a pile of parchments. "We have more pressing matters like what we are to do about Fili..."

 

"What do you mean?" She looked over at Balin, only to receive a tut from Dori as he continued to pin her hair up.

 

"As far as all nobility are concerned, Fili is still recovering. But the truth is that he may never wake up. And they may claim that he is next in line to the throne over you," Balin explained.

 

"Was Fili ever interested in being Thorins heir?"

 

"Of course not, Princess." Dwalin chipped in from where he sat sharpening his various blades. 

 

"So then we draw up paperwork of his waiver?" Gloin suggested, looking rather pleased with himself. "It was drawn up in case Thorin fell in battle..."

 

"But Fili is not awake to sign it." Arvind frowned. 

 

"That should not be a problem for Nori..." Dwalin hinted at the more nefarious activities that had been linked to Dori's brother. 

 

"I am not sure I like the sound of that..." She frowned at her own reflection.

 

"Oh it really wouldn't be any trouble for him, my lady," Dori continued to pin her hair up with jewelled pins, while offering his brother's services as if it was no more that a simple trip down to the shops to pick up a loaf of bread! "He used to forge notes from Princess Dis every time the lads got into trouble at school..."

 

"No." She concluded firmly. "We leave Fili out of this."

 

He had suffered enough and she would not draw him into this. She could only imagine Dis' heartache over her first born son. 

 

"I really am struggling with all this dressing today Dori..." She huffed impatiently, before feeling a tinge of guilt at her comment. 

 

"I know, my lady, but this is tea with the ladies of court. They have invited you, so it is important."

 

"But they are nobility - they hate me! They didn't do it while Thorin was in power. So why must I attend now?"

 

"They believe that you might help them out with favours in future, now that you are Queen..." Balin looked up from his pile of parchments again. "And this is a most fetching look."

 

She sighed again as Arvind bit his lip to stifle his chuckle at her impatience. For as long as he could recall, his sister never set tea parties for her dolls and would much rather spend her time galavanting outside the palace walls! 

 

"Ye need support from as many of these nobles as ye can get," Dwalin pointed out. "The wives can sway the husbands..."

 

"But what if they don't like me?" 

 

"They donnae like ye! But they will still lick yer boots if they think ye can help them...tell them ye will help them - look into things that they want..." Dwalin raised his eyebrows. 

 

"Dwalins right. I often saw the ministers pestering the Shah or my more influential brothers. It meant that they would bend over backwards to be nice to them," Arvind nodded from where he watched out of the window. "And yet my older brothers would rarely do anything to help them. And IF they ever did help in any way - it would mean these nobles owed you greatly!" 

 

"Oh." She scowled at her own reflection. It was not how she wished to do things, but she was sure she had not seen the full dealings that Thorin had to negotiate behind the scenes. 

 

"You will have to develop a strong stomach if you want to truly make a difference, lassie." Gloin agreed brushing his beard. "Mara asked that I let you know she is more than happy to help you today. She is after from a very old noble family."

 

"Aye! That is a splendid idea Cousin!" Balin smiled very enthusiastically. "I would take Dis along too. Knowing the Princess Royal of the house of Durin is in full support of you sends a strong message for everyone."

 

"How does he get new clothing?" Dwalin suddenly seemed to sit up, halting his axe sharpening as he thought out loud.

 

"Brother?" Balin looked puzzled at this. 

 

"Thorin didn't escape with his bags packed. And it's been a couple of weeks. Where does he get his clothes cleaned, have a wash or get fresh clothing?"

 

She quickly looked down at her hands and then at the dressing table as if she had not heard this. 

 

"He smells foul if he doesn't wash and change every few days while travelling, at minimum. If he stayed in the same clothes all this time, surely we could locate him simply on the odour he emitted!" Dwalin sniffed as if recollecting vivid olfactory memories of his King. "I have been on the road with him plenty to know."

 

"Well...I mean... this is precisely why I have asked to know where he is staying..." She finally offered. The truth was that he often helped himself to fresh clothes and bathed when he spent the night. But she couldnt reveal this. At least not yet. "I imagine it is with one of the nobility..."

 

Dwalin cast a suspicious look at Balin, who seemed to subtly shake his head. 

 

"We have a guard near Elise, but we haven't caught him." Dwalin finally admitted. "She is not an idiot, brother. The princess knows we will discuss this...but I donnae think he would go ter her either..." 

 

Shobha frowned at her own reflection again struggling not to feel the a bit of jealousy at the mention of Elise, even though she knew he had spent several nights with her now. And certainly, it was hard to rid herself entirely of the possibility that he may have still spent the other nights with her! 

 

"Perhaps he is using a secret passageway into her apartment?" She asked. It was a genuine question. 

 

"It's unlikely. Secret passages were built for the King. So will travel between important parts of the Mountain. There would be no gain in having a passageway to a plain apartment." Balin replied. And the surety with which he answered without hesitation made her believe he spoke truthfully rather than being concerned for her feelings.

 

"And ye've not noticed anything missing from his clothes, Princess?" Dwalin asked looking at her carefully. 

 

"I...don't know really...I mean I keep finding his old clothes laying about but that is from prior to all this..." She lied, putting away her hair brush and other items on the dressing table in order to avoid direct eye contact with any of her advisors or Dwalin right now. "I will keep an eye out though..."

 

She needed more time to understand her own feelings for Thorin. But then she was not entirely certain of his feelings either. 

 

.......

 

"Well, this has been something of a success..." Dis whispered to her from where they sat at the centre of the table. 

 

"You mean they didn't try to scratch my eyes out, and I didn't run away?" She chuckled back. 

 

"They have shared a fair amount of gossip today, actually my lady..." Mara added waggling her eyebrows. "Some of it rather juicy! And now we know who is proposing their son or daughter to another family in the Iron Hills... So we know who we can and cannot trust."

 

"I never saw it that way!" She beamed at Mara. "Apparently I really do have a lot to learn of ladies affairs..."

 

"Yes, my dear, for a daughter of a King, and a princess of court, you really have grown up rather feral, haven't you?" Dis commented sharply. "I am quite surprised that my brother chose you - Dwalin, I can understand - but Thorin always knew he needed to choose a bride that was more suited to such matters."

 

"And I was never intended to be married off to forge a political alliance...I kind of thought that I would marry someone I fell in love with..."

 

"I don't know, a woman like what Did describes would not have had the strength or vision to do as much as you have..." Mara patted her arm in support. "And are you certain that you are not in love? I am gathering from some of the dams that while discreet offers have been made towards the King, that he has shown no interest in taking a dwarven mistress. It's causing quite a disappointment..."

 

Mara stifled what could only be described as a duck-like cackle at seeing some of the oldest noble families throwing their most beautiful daughters at Thorin. 

 

"I have never approved, but it has been known that previous kings have taken mistresses...I mean, Thror did not, and Thrain did before he was married. In fact he was known to be quite the ladies man before he settled down!" Mara pointed, much to Dis' chagrin. "And it is unheard of for the King to move his consort into his own rooms..."

 

All three fell silent at this comment, watching the other dams gossiping happily as they all sat about the table drinking tea and eating the various baked cakes and biscuits that Bombur had prepared. 

 

This had not been the first time that she had heard this comment being made, and it made her wonder about Thorins reasons. If course, she would not mention his strange sickness from the time he entered Erebor, for she was not certain that he was entirely rid of it. He certainly was not the same dwarf she met all those many moons ago in her father's courtyard.

 

Perhaps he had moved her into his chambers for her own protection? After all when she first arrived, Erebor was a deserted kingdom and her brother's soldiers were too busy to guard her. Even her own guards had been needed to help Arvind at the time. 

 

"There were few rooms cleaned at the time. Perhaps that was why..."

 

"I think you give too little credit to yourself," Mara smiled gently. "You are a very beautiful and clever lady. Perhaps he didnt imagine it at first but I expect he may have fallen in love with you. And certainly to reject the proposed princess of choice, and choose you over her - he certainly must have found something mesmerising about you..."

 

Dis rolled her eyes.

 

"Perhaps you are his one great love...and he yours..." Mara suggested dreamily. 

 

"Oh, you and your love stories, Mara..." Dis rolled her eyes again.

 

"You were once in love too, Dis. And there is no need to deny it-"

 

"Perhaps, but I am not so foolish to believe that a King can entertain such folly! Not a Queen for that matter." Dis shot a stern look at Shobha. "Ultimately your duties are to produce an heir to ensure your line succeeds..."

 

"So then you do not think he loves me...?" She asked Dis as cautiously as she could. She was Thorins sister, and clearly knew him well enough to judge. 

 

This time Dis seemed to hesitate in her reply. 

 

"Aha! Princess Dis pauses because I am right: He is in love with you!" Mara declared triumphantly. "And she knows it!"

 

"Actually Mara, I paused because Thorin is one hundred and fifty years old. Even in his youth he never 'fell in love' or even showed a particular such interest in a lass. Yes - he chose to spend the night with some, in fairly mutually beneficial agreements...but I would not place Thorin and the word 'romance' in the same sentence." Dis scoffed in reply at Mara, before casting a brief apologetic look at Shobha. "I was trying to spare your feelings perhaps..."

 

"Right, well, say it like it is," Shobha pursed her lips at her sister-in-law's scathing honesty. 

 

"I do not wish to hurt your feelings, but it is the truth. He was raised for the throne. And he is old. I mean, you were chosen for your youth, to ensure that he would have the best chance of securing an heir..." Dis conceded gently. "In addition to an army to fight Smaug. The fertility of dwarves is not so strong even in youth. Where as daughters of men conceive quickly and many times..."

 

"Perhaps so...but then he would have simply settled for your boring sister as he should have in the first place, no?" Mara smiled again a little dreamily. "I have heard of political marriages, but usually they are between the chosen bride and groom. I have never seen a Prince reject the first born daughter, or the chosen bride, and ask for the hand of another...Dis may have her own ideas, but only you two will know the truth about your relationship and what happens behind closed doors. I wouldn't be surprised if he attempted to visit you at risk to himself now."

 

She looked down at her cup of tea and took a sip to avoid eye contact with either dam at this point. 

 

"More interestingly...they have been throwing their lasses at Thorin then...?" Dis quirked an eyebrow at Mara. "They are less forthcoming with the gossip to me..."

 

"Oh yes. Their rosiest cheeked, porcelain skinned beauties...and simply cannot believe that he is not interested!" Mara suppressed a snort of laughter again doing her best not to look at her sources by gathering up some fallen crumbs that lay on her lap and delicately sprinkling them back onto her empty plate. "But of course they will not spill any tea to Dis. She is seen as too close to the Queen..."

 

"Well, I am very grateful to have your help, Lady Mara." She smiled. 

 

"And on that note, it is best if we both leave you now. We cannot be seen as too close to you. Just so that they trust us enough to ensure they share more in future..." Dis added, standing. 

 

"To be fair, I too must go now, I have so much still to do..." She too stood quietly. 

 

"It is quite customary for the Queen Consort to leave early at such events. Perhaps a few words to ask that they continue to enjoy themselves will help. And I shall stay on to see what more I can learn, and perhaps update you both in private with all the fullest details," Mara too stood beside them both. 

 

It seemed that this led to all the dams seated across the large table to stand up. 

 

"My dear ladies of court, once again I wish to thank you for joining me today. I hope you have had an enjoyable afternoon. I am certainly most honoured to meet you all today. Sadly, I must excuse myself as I have some urgent matters to attend. But please do stay on and enjoy yourselves further," she spoke looking around the room at the many faces before giving them a bow of the head. This elicited a room-wide curtsy, as all the dams, of various sizes, and in their puffy dresses and tightened corsets all bobbed down and stood back up. 

 

By the time she had made it out into the corridor, they had all taken their seats and once more in full swing, chatting and gossiping away. 

 

Then she suddenly thought of something she wanted to ask Mara and turned to go back in, when she bumped into Elise! 

 

Apparently she too was leaving. 

 

"Oh! Lady Elise," she bowed her head as she had been taught by Balin, after being informed that the Queen curtseyed to none and that only a bow of the head was granted. She had seen Thorin doing it to utter perfection so many times. But he had a certain air about him that made it his second nature. "You are leaving so soon..."

 

"Forgive me, my Queen. I have had a wonderful evening, but I have much work to oversee at home," she explained, dropping into a curtsy.

 

The dam stood up and blinked up at her with her pale blue eyes for a moment before subtly inspecting her Queen from head to toe. 

 

"Oh...I see...well...I am glad you found the time to attend," she smiled back. 

 

Given that she was possibly slightly taller than Thorin, Elise was much smaller than her, coming up to her chest only. But she had put her chestnut curls into an elaborate style that added height, with some playful curly strands that had fallen out. And her dress was in a rich port colour, which was accentuated by the velvet material and embroidered bodice. As was the case with all these noble dams, her breasts were pushed up so that they were very much among the first things one would notice when you looked at their faces, simply because of their proximity!

 

So it was quite hard work not to look at their pillowing bosoms! It made her wonder what Thorin thought of when he spoke with Elise, particularly if they had been intimate together. 

 

"It was my pleasure, your highness," Elise smiled. "I only wished that I could have stayed longer..."

 

There was something about her. Elise had been unusually quiet throughout the afternoon, which made her imagine that Thorin had certainly been to see her or seek her help.

 

It was also possible that perhaps she had imagined it, considering her suspicions.

 

"Please don't let me hold you from you afternoon, Lady Elise..." She bowed her head politely in reply, inwardly berating herself for feeling jealous again! 

 

Fortunately it appeared that Elise too had no intention of spending any longer in her direct presence, as she bobbed into a curtsy and hurried off down the corridor. 

 

She watched Elise disappearing off and again silently scolded herself at her jealousy before carrying on back to the royal study. 

 

..........

 

Standing in front of her desk, she stared at Thranduil's invitation again and huffed. Her decision did not feel any clearer. And Balin was right. The only reason that she did not wish to attend was because she imagined it would upset Thorin. 

 

She stretched up and placed her hands on her desk, wondering whether her thoughts on Thranduil would be clearer if she looked at it upside down. 

 

But her thoughts were interrupted by a pair of arms wrapping around her waist, making her gasp, even though she knew it could only be Thorin. 

 

"You are working late again, my lady..."He pressed himself against her from behind. 

 

"How did you get in here? Are you going to show me the passageways?" She panted as he kissed her neck pulling her against him closer. 

 

"No. The passageways are only for the King." He grunted pushing her forwards onto the desk and hurriedly lifting up her skirts.

 

"The door is not locked..." She moaned as he pressed himself against her. 

 

"They will not come in if they think you are pleasuring yourself," he growled, pulling down her undergarments to reveal her bottom, running over her soft bare brown skin with his hand almost lovingly for a moment. "You know I never tire of this..."

 

"I still have some work to do..." She managed with the last of her rational thinking.

 

He roughly pushed himself into her, making her moan, as she steadied herself with her hands on her desk, Thranduil's invitation glaring at her from where it lay on her desk directly beneath her. 

 

"Actually, my Queen, I think you need help on deciding whether to spend an evening with Thranduil or me..."

 

........

Notes:

Dear All,

So Elise is def up to something...

Thank you again for your comments - I am always grateful xx

Chapter 29: Tummy Toads and Trickery

She lay back on the chaise again, feeling like a dead duck. 

 

No, she was not ill, or under the weather, or unwell in any way. She was pregnant. And quite stressed. And frankly starting to regret her plans of usurping Thorin!

 

He had frequented her every few days to gloat at how stressed she had been with running his kingdom. But also fortunately he had made up for it amply so by having sex with her (for which it turned out her insatiable appetite apparently was growing impossibly so of late)!

 

"Don't get up!" Oin grunted. 

 

"But -"

 

"I must examine ye properly lass!" He grumbled again rifling through his bag. "Ah got it!" 

 

Then first taking his ear trumpet he placed it on her stomach, which had started to take some form now. But apparently at that very moment her stomach made a particularly loud gurgling sound, not unlike some of the diamond drills she had heard down in the mines!

 

"Well, ye should have more garlic added to yer food. That babe's got gas..." Oin mumbled and turned back to his bag. 

 

Next to her complete surprise he turned back and placed a particularly large toad on her belly. 

 

"What...what in any decent God's name in this?!" She almost shrieked, but tried her best to remain still in case the frightened creature attempted to jump onto her face! Or worse into her open and screaming mouth! Although it really looked like it was more likely to eat her than the other way round! 

 

"It's a river toad," Oin grumbled again. "We got the best one fer ye..."

 

"The best one?!" She scowled at it again as it sat there all slimy, perched on the peak of her stomach. "What did the others look like?!"

 

"There's no need to worry, he is there to make sure that your blood is not poisoned," Oin mumbled again pulling up a stool to sit there and watch the road on her stomach, rather intently. 

 

"I don't know, he looks like he could probably GIVE me blood poisoning..."

 

"Good. He will draw out any impurities in yer blood through yer skin, lassie. Now stay there, while I come back with yer brew." Oin suddenly stood up and limped out of the door.

 

At first she tried her hardest not to look at the warty creature that stared at her like a chubby aunt who appeared to be ruminating something unpleasant. Then she attempted to close her eyes. Very briefly. Because apparently it was even worse not being able to see the thing, in case it really did decide to attack her! 

 

So she decided to swap between looking at it and looking away, just so that she could keep an eye on it. 

 

"Ah! The tummy toad." 

 

The silence was broken by Thorins quiet arrival. 

 

"What are you doing here...?" She grimaced nervously, in case her new visitor might startle it. 

 

"I could not miss your first proper check up with Oin..." He moved closer to her so that he was in her direct vision. Then looking down at her small, growing abdomen, where the top of her skirts had been opened up, he smiled, almost lovingly. "And you are looking most radiant today, my wife...I am gathering your sleep is much improved of late...?"

 

He smile transformed into a smirk as he referred to their secret nights together. 

 

"Well, actually I could do with more rest...and as for him..." She gestured with her face. "Master Oin has picked out the very best toad he could find so that we may transform him into a handsome new husband for me."

 

"Aye? In that case, I might have to kill him," Thorin chuckled. "It would not be a fair fight...one of us is handsome and strong, while the other looks quite...bloated..."

 

"Yes...you should tell Elise to stop feeding you whatever it is." She turned to look at him from where he knelt down by her and gently reached for her hand. He was proving to be a good distraction from the unpleasant creature. She had seen plenty of strange shaman medicine amongst the tribal peoples that dwelled around Agar, but nothing like this! And he too seemed...less morose than usual.

 

"Perhaps you are not such a foolish little girl after all," he offered quietly brushing his thumb over her knuckles.

 

Her heart too felt lighter now and she would have been lying if she did not admit that each time his piercing eyes looked into hers, her heart skipped a beat.  

 

"Thank you," she whispered. 

 

Suddenly the doors opened, and Dis walked in, parchment in hand, taking several steps at first, before she realised her brother was present and paused. 

 

Thorin who had been kneeling over her, his hand gently touching her cheek, immediately stood up as though he had been pricked in the bottom with a hot poker! 

 

"Thorin...?" Dis halted, lowering her parchment and carefully looking at him and then her, and back at him again. 

 

"Dis..." He began, clearly attempting to consider what he might say to explain this, but thought better of it. "I merely came here to warn you that you must...hand back my throne...or else!" 

 

He leant down, unable to resist and kissed her vigorously enough to make the toad hop on to his arm. It made him let out a groan in disgust before catching it and placing it in Dis' hands, who let out an unexpected scream. 

 

"Just came to warn you," he narrowed his eyes at his reclining wife doing his best attempt to show his rivalry and deciding to latently insult her for good measure. "You...stunning little Serpent!"

 

And despite Dis' open irritation, he didn't hang around for any questions, promptly disappearing amongst the chaos again like a ghost.

 

"My dear! Do NOT get up!" She was quick to push her back down by the shoulders before placing the toad back on the pregnant woman's stomach. Then she looked at her hands, bringing them cautiously to her nose before quickly wiping them on her skirts, her brow knitting into the very picture of disapproval. "Now keep that toad on you, until Oin returns with your brew."

 

"Ugh, no more raw eggs please -"

 

"No today is your first brew."

 

"Oh dear gods." She couldn't even sigh properly because of the foul beast perched on her stomach. She was convinced it was waiting for the perfect opportunity for when she might open her mouth, just so that it could jump in! 

 

"So..." Dis pick up her parchment again and took Oins stool. "What happened to have him seized the moment one sets eyes on him..?"

 

Dis narrowed her eyes at her brother's bride, assessing her reactions closely with great suspicion indeed. 

 

"I...didn't...have time."

 

"Oh?" Dis raised her brows again, clear judgement written all over her face. 

 

"I have this bloody thing on me! And it looks like it might eat me at any time!"

 

Dis laughed at that for a while, before her expressions went through some strange metamorphosis. 

 

"By Mahal and Yavanna! He is your One isn't he?!" She put down her parchment again, bringing her hands to her bosom. "When I came in...the way he shot up! You two looked cozy..."

 

"No. No. He...was inspecting the toad!" She managed to counter, silently thankful she had inherited her mother's sharp mind. "Yes. Didn't you hear his threat?! Did you see how he left the room? There must be a hidden door in here..."

 

"Very well. If you say so," Dis pursed her lips, as if she didn't believe a word Shobha uttered. "Aye - he knows all the passageways, and the Royal halls are full of them...no I didn't see how he left...I too was worried about that creature...but you will have to put up with it twice more during your gestation."

 

She groaned briefly, only to pause mid sound, when the toad stirred, opening it's large bulgy eyes and admonishing her. 

 

Once again the door opened abruptly, as Oin let himself in, followed by Dwalin and Arvind. 

 

"What in Mahals name be going on?" Oin halted looking carefully at her stomach and the toad. "Did ye take him off?"

 

"No! Master Oin! Dis came in without knocking and gave the creature a fright!"

 

"Och Aye! Dis'll do that to ye." Dwalin agreed receiving a sour look from her.

 

"So it moved..." She complained. "Please can you take it off? I have had enough torture for today...I mean it clearly hasn't been fed this morning and it looks like it might just take a bite out of me..."

 

"Toads donnae eat yet lassie...but once we are done here, I will take him to the woman that lives at the edge of Dale," Oin looked at her and winked as he removed the toad from her and plopped it in his bag. "Now she will gimme all her rare herbs in exchange for a big juicy bugger like him..."

 

"Och! The lass will chunder if ye keep talkin like that Master Oin!" Dwalin flared him nostrils, while Arvind suppressed a chuckle. 

 

"If yer all gonnae upset me work, then I will have ter ask yet ter leave." Oin grumbled before helping her sit up and handing her a small goblet filled with a rather murky looking liquid that was greenish brown in colour. 

 

"What is that?!"

 

"It is good for you and the babe. Now drink." Oin pressed it into her hands. 

 

"The question is where in Mordor did ye get that liquid from? The toad?" Dwalin chuckled. 

 

"More like the run off from the men's latrines in the training camp!" Arvind could no longer resist, as he laughed out loud. "Don't taste it dear sister - just drink it."

 

She too could no longer tolerate the sight of the smell of it, as she brought it up to her lips. Her stomach churned horribly, so she quickly gave the goblet back to Oin, before grabbing the spittoon left by the chaise, and promptly vomiting a good volume. 

 

Dwalin and Arvind found this far less humourous, quickly turning away. 

 

"There, ye go lass," Oin patted her on the back, offering her a handkerchief and a separate glass of water. "That separates the real dwarrow and men from the younglings and boys..."

 

She washed her mouth out and began to tidy herself up. 

 

"Yer still have ter drink that."

 

"We are also the bearers of bad news, Princess. Dain is on his way." Dwalin called from where they stood now. "Shall we ready the men?"

 

"Surely, it is only going to be a friendly visit?"

 

"He is not coming! Instead he is sending one of his generals! I know the dwarf. He likes a good squirmish. Not the sort to be reasoned with." Dwalin added. 

 

"The sneak!" Shobha spat. Although she meant Thorin, the others nodded believing her reference to be aimed at Dain. 

 

"We must find Thorin, sister." Arvind concluded. "That is the only way."

 

"Yes, my dear. We must find Thorin!" Dis echoed, almost sarcastically. 

 

"How many soldiers are with him?"

 

"One platoon..." Dwalin began not wishing to add to her worries. 

 

"But that's enough to cause us trouble." Arvind added.

 

"Find out how Dain got to know," she finished dressing and walked over to the door. "And feel free to search the study for the hidden passage. Once we find the way in, we can map out the passages."

 

Suddenly she felt a lot less light hearted, and a lot more doubtful of Thorins actions. It didn't make sense that he would have waited all this time to tell Dain. But he was also not forthcoming. 

 

He was right. This was war. 

 

She needed to clear her head and discuss how to deal with these issues, and immediately she thought of Balin. 

 

Walking past Dwalin and Arun who were now discussing themselves what to do strategically in the event of an assault, she let herself out into the corridor and hurried on. 

 

She was flanked right away by her guards, quietly, and while she would have protested before she was more focused on clearing her head. 

 

The corridors seem to stretch out that morning in a haze of endless junctions and steps.

 

.......

 

"Why will you not take any action, to win back your throne, Sire?" One of the dwarven lords swigged on his ale. 

 

"Because, I have a plan."

 

"Can I at least convey your plans to your supporters. We cannot freely gather. We are being watched."

 

"Well, you will all have to remain patient." Thorin stood from the table. He found lords that drank during the day were not pleasant. Nor were they clever or good-looking. 

 

"Is it because you have grown feelings for the girl?" His noble dwarf asked pointedly. 

 

"No. It is because if we forcibly remove her, then she will be seen as a hero to all those in the kingdom who value an underdog," he paused before walking out. "Where as she is already struggling. If we give her enough time, out people will tire of her themselves..."

 

"So we sit here and do nothing..."

 

"No. We stay ready." 

 

"Will you not wait for Lady Elise, my King?" He called from the table. "She is planning to cook you some of your favourite food today."

 

But Thorin was not interested. Instead he really wanted to know she was getting on with the toad.

 

"Perhaps another day."

 

..............

 

Finally she had walked the corridors in the royal wing several times over, and eventually decided she would knock on Balins door

 

But before reaching the last door in the corridor, the bumped into Elise! 

 

The dam carried a large basket of various foods, and meats, and their meeting almost sent the contents spilling. 

 

Shobha put her hand out to steady it. 

 

"You appear to be hosting a dinner party, Lady Elise?" She merely commented absentmindedly. 

 

"Oh...well... My Queen, I... Um... His Highness stays on some nights...and well..." She attempted to look innocent. "And...I am sure you know his appetite is most impressive..."

 

"I'm sorry? I missed that..." It felt as though her heart stopped as well as her mind. And suddenly she felt very queasy indeed. 

 

"Our King, your ladyship, he finds a comfortable home with me..."

 

"Oh I see...." She didn't know what else to say. Part of her felt betrayed. But love and commitment was never truly on offer to her. She was a trade, she reminded herself. And now she carried his heir her end of the deal was complete. "Well, I am glad that he is being looked after...could you also thank him for signing his abdication so that I may rule."

 

There were no feelings for her to consider apparently. So she would do what she believed was right. 

 

She promptly turned on her heel and was about to set back to her study, when she remembered Elise. Turning, she spotted the dam still standing there apparently somewhat shocked at the last words. 

 

Of course they were a terrible lie, brought about by the dams overt boasting over Elise's closeness to her husband!

 

"Good day, Lady Elise." She tilted her head, looking back over her shoulders to find the dam falling into a quick curtsy.

 

 

"Where to, my lady?" Ahmad her guard asked quietly. 

 

"Back to my study," she hurried along. "I have an urgent letter to write to the Elven King...I know exactly how to reply to his kind invitation."

 

..........

 

Chapter 30: Thranduils Halls

The soft folds of chiffon and silk of the dress she wore in a sapphire pink shade was by far the most exquisite dress that Dori had made for her. The material shimmered in the light of the torches that lit up the sconces along the grand hallway leading up to the main gates. She was followed by two of her Rhun bodyguards, and then two of the dwarven Royal guard. Her departure was meant to be quiet, but the few people near the great gate, had all stopped to watch her, some even curtsying or bowing as she passed by. Dori walked proudly beside her, occasionally falling behind to pick up the material and fuss. And so he had been invited to accompany her to Greenwood.

 

As they reached the entrance Balin turned to greet her with a smile. Even he seemed unable to help himself from bowing for she did indeed look very much like a Queen. 

 

"Good evening, Lord Balin," she smiled feeling a little self conscious. 

 

"My lady, we are all at your service," he smiled again. 

 

"I suppose we shouldn't wait for too long, or we will surely be late," she looked around them. She had thought she was late. "But where are Dwalin and Arvind...? Surely we cannot leave without them..."

 

"Dwalin instructed me that if he is late, we are not to wait for him and Arvind is readying his men, as we expect the Iron Hills platoon to arrive in another two days..." Balin explained sympathetically. Once again he was sure his brother was undertaking some clandestine stakeout, which he would be better off not knowing the details of. Particularly if torture and dungeons were involved. "But the Elvenking has sent some of his personal guard to escort you. And my days with the sword are still not entirely beyond me."

 

"Oh Balin," she chuckled, linking her arm in his at that. "I have no doubts about your prowess with the sword. I saw you take out a pack of wargs during our last battle remember. This is just the first time that I have done this sort of thing alone..."

 

"Well, you are not alone lassie" Balin smiled again. 

 

"No, you have been there for me quite a lot. And I am truly grateful for this." 

 

He nodded accompanying her to the carriage, so that she could climb in, with Dori fussing behind to tuck her dress in before joining Balin as they clambered in. 

 

"How long do we wait for Dwalin?" She asked looking out of the window of the carriage again. 

 

"I do not think we can give much longer, or you will be late lass."

 

"Let's give it a few more minutes..." 

 

..........

 

Dwalin followed the dark corridor further. The cobwebs that dangled down from the ceilings of the old, disused corridor brushed and clung to him from time to time, which slowed him down as he himself stopped to sweep them off him. 

 

The worst part of it was having to bite his tongue each time the silky strands tangled themselves around him. Admitting that he, a fearsome warrior and General of Thorins guard, was terrified of spiders, was not the sort of thing that would enhance his reputation!

 

He carefully made his way to the end of the corridor that led to a small doorway through the back of the mountain that had been sealed with a heavy iron gate. The state of disrepair, dust and cobwebs almost made him doubt this location, but then again Nori and Bofur had been absolutely certain that this was the place. And tonight, during the early crescent moon, the light shining through the gate was just enough for him to make out the faint outlines of old footprints in the dust. 

 

Now all he had to do was hide and wait. 

 

There were several dark crevices to hide in and some large boulders and other rubble that lay around, all of which were good places, until he contemplated the possibility of other eight legged beasties that might be lurking in there.

 

But before he could find a suitable spot, he felt the sharp intrusion of a dagger against his side. 

 

"You always get too distracted in the dark..." 

 

"As would ye be, if ye worried about the damned little buggers crawlin up yer jodhpurs and bitin yer bollocks!" He instantly recognised the voice. "Now I know ye didn't wish ter kill me, or ye would have done it by now. And slottin someone in the back is not yer style, but apparently yer standards are slippin..."

 

Thorin became momentarily distracted by Dwalins last comment. He had been paranoid about being found out that he was overtly at war with his Queen, but also spending their nights rather enjoying her.

 

The distraction was enough to allow Dwalin to knock the Kings knife away as he spun around and moved towards the wall. 

 

"Mahals hairy goat! These fecking cobwebs are everywhere!" He groused.

 

"Come out and fight!" Thorin hissed picking up his dagger. 

 

"Be quiet ye fool! And hide!" Dwalin whispered. "Or ye will give us away."

 

"What are you doing here?" Thorin asked quietly. 

 

"The missing gold and gem stones each month that leave our mines, are being stolen. Someone is being paid to steal and hand these through that gate..." Dwalin pointed. "Now be quiet or you will scare em away..."

 

Thorin moved to hide behind the rock next to Dwalin. 

 

"Why are ye following me then?" Dwalin suddenly broke the silence. 

 

"Why did you convince her go to Thranduil?"

 

"I didn't need to convince her. Ye did that all by yerself." 

 

"What-"

 

"Shhh!" Dwalin placed a finger over his mouth and gestured in the direction of the tunnel and they both fell silent watching as two figures skulked towards them silently. 

 

..........

 

They had journeyed along the old road, flanked by gnarly trees that had bent over into Mirkwood for what felt like hours. The road had become a little more bumpy further in, waking her from Balins comfortable shoulder, where she had landed on in her drowsiness. 

 

The sound of a sweeping river had drowned out the last hour of hooves clip clopping along the wide path, as they neared. 

 

And to her surprise, across the stone bridge stood the Elvenkings halls - which were carved into large caverns! 

 

"Do you mean to say Thranduil lives in a cave?" She blinked surprised by the irony! "Like...Erebor?" 

 

"My lady, Erebor is a great mountain, whereas the ElvenKing lives in mere caves..." Dori shuddered at some not so distant memory apparently. 

 

She smiled at the clear similarities that were shared between the two races, even though apparently each were very unwilling to see them. 

 

Finally the carriage came to a halt and the elven guards opened the doors. 

 

"My lady, welcome to the Halls of King Thranduil," the elvenguard spoke quietly with a bow of his head. 

 

The tall elf, wore armour over his flowing clothes, but even in his golden winged helmet, she could recognise his strange green eyes. 

 

And before Dori or Balin could find their feet, she had stepped forward in the carriage to the open door. 

 

"It's you!" She beamed at the familiar face. "You took me through the battlefields..."

 

"I am honoured to be your guard, your Grace," he bowed his head and held his arm out to help her down from the carriage. "Then and now."

 

"Your name?" She took his hand, taking care with her dress as she stepped down carefully, feeling a bit shaky after her long journey. 

 

"Elondir, your Grace," he offered as she came to stand before the stone bridge that led over the river flowing far below and up to the large stone gates of Thranduil's Halls. "Serendin and I are King Thranduil's guards, and were both your guards while you stayed in our Kings camp after the battle also."

 

She turned back to spot the other guard who was tasked with guiding Balin and Dori to join them as her own two guards from Rhun followed behind. 

 

"We will take the carriage and horses to our stables further along, my lady, and tend to your horses," Serendin offered from behind, as several other elves seemed to appear and start guiding the horses away. 

 

Before she knew it, she found herself in the enormous caverns of the Eleven Kings halls. They were possibly even loftier than the Dwarven realm, with impossibly high pillars and soft lamps that illuminated the way. Unlike the hard stone floors of Erebor, her feet felt soothed here, even in her soft slippers.

 

"It is already dusk, are we not late...?" She asked, turning to Balin. 

 

"Our feasts are by starlight, my lady. So you are perfectly on time," Elondir explained leading her into a grand banquet hall, much like the enormous space in Erebor, but perhaps taller. The space was filled with the soft and almost unearthly music of strings and some sort of flute. Apparently most of the elves had already arrived and were in high spirits, chattering and even laughing, all in their long flowing clothing, that simply made their tall forms look taller still! There even appeared to be some elven children running around the many long tables, which reminded her of her time at home with the orphans. 

 

They had perhaps walked no more than a few dozen yards in, when they were noticed, and the whole hall fell silent. 

 

She clasped her hands together suddenly feeling self conscious again. Unlike Thorin or any of her brothers and sisters, she had not been raised for this life of state dinners and diplomacy. And in truth, perhaps she missed Thorin a little, even if she was equally angry at him! 

 

Elondir led them on through the whole banquet hall, as others watched in near silence, until finally they reached the head table, where it appeared some of the important guests sat. There, he appeared to stop and wait for a moment, when suddenly everyone in the hall seemed to stand up almost in unison.

 

Looking around the vast hall filled with impossibly tall people, which made her task much harder still, she attempted to try and find the reason for this. 

 

Then from somewhere to the side of the head table, King Thranduil himself appeared.

 

He was dressed in a long silvery cape, and a deep burgundy tunic and trousers with a crown of golden flowers that reminded her of daisies in spring time. 

 

She had expected to be guided into a seat somewhere along the edge, but to her surprise Thranduil himself stepped over to her. 

 

"Good evening and well met, my lady," he tilted his head and held his hand out. "Queen under the mountain becomes you well..."

 

"Thank you..." She found herself a little tongue tied at the thought that he had already received word about her coup. She took his hand. "So that is why the invitation was addressed to me..."

 

"Bard cannot stop praising your clever ideas of how you are growing trade between Erebor and Dale and further afield," he explained guiding her to her seat. "I think perhaps it was in his best interests, for I do not think Thorin would have done as well as you, had he carried on as ruling King."

 

"Well, he is still King technically..."

 

"Yes but his role is specific to fighting and ceremony. Where as you are much more suited to building the Kingdom and helping it grow." He then stood in his own seat at the centre of the table, besides her and raised his hands up to address all the elves. "We are gathered here to celebrate our passing of winter...so with thanks to Eru Iluvatar, let us feast!"

 

He raised his glass up, to which the music began to play once more and everyone continued to chatter.

 

"Forgive me, I have not joined the feast for many years now, and did not expect your attendance. So you have been given the Queen's place," he explained right away. "Over the last few years, my son and his cousin have taken the head of the table..."

 

"There really is no need to explain," she realized sympathetically that he most likely had not attended the feast since his wife had died. "I am grateful for your invitation."

 

"In truth I did not expect that you would accept my invitation. But you must forgive our lack of preparation," he hinted subtly at her delay in reply, but was curious about her decision. After all he was under the distinct impression that she found his company unpalatable.

 

"My sincere apologies for the delay in my reply. In truth I have been so occupied with the running of Erebor since..." She trailed off. How could one discuss a coup. To make matters worse her trusted circle of advisors was much smaller than Thorins which meant much of the burden fell on her. "Well, I have so many endeavours to achieve for our people before..."

 

Then she realized that was the first time that she had referred to little Thrain. She was certainly starting to show, particularly to those who were more observant or those who knew her well, given how thin she was before. Dori had been busy creating clever ways to hide her growing bump, but that was only truly effective with her short public engagements. 

 

"And my felicitations to you - parenthood is a great honour in life," his words were sincere, and for the first time devoid of any backhanded slight or belittling that she had always seen with him. "I am certain Thorin will be most content in the knowledge that his line will be secure."

 

He reached across the table and filled her goblet with water, before reaching to fill his own goblet with Dorwinion.

 

"And I hope you are not too plagued by the afflictions of the early gestation. It has been many centuries, but I still recall this when my wife carried our son," he looked around the table at the various dishes, platters, bowls, jars and jugs filled with different colourful foods, glazed, pickles, jams and other accompaniments that looked as beautiful to the eye as they were likely fulfilling to the palate. "Are there any particular foods that may afflict you so?"

 

She glanced over at him as he scanned the table carefully. There was something different about him tonight. He was unexpectedly civil. 

 

"Nothing particularly specific..." She didn't want to discuss Oins toad-juice style brew (which was probably would bring about sickness in any person attempting to stomach it)! "But I do not think you have much to worry about. This all looks truly incredible! In fact some of the foods remind me of dishes from home..."

 

"Yes, the glazed fruit and the preserves, I imagine?" He smiled at her. "I will confess they are from Dorwinion. When we trade for their wines, they often include some finer foods in their cases along with the barrels."

 

She chuckled, surprised by this confession. Perhaps they drank a lot of wine in Thranduils halls! 

 

"Why do you find that so amusing?" He asked again out of genuine curiosity. 

 

Suddenly, she felt her face heating up under his scrutiny, unable to admit to her judgements on how much wine they drank. 

 

"That particular preserve with apricots, is one of my favourites since I was a little girl..." She confessed, hoping it would be a better explanation than her thought about how much wine they consumed. "And never did I imagine to see that dish here."

 

He reached out carefully and picked the jar from where it sat, which was not a distance for his long arms and placed it before her, opening her lid and setting a serving spoon on top. 

 

His fingers were long and adorned with rings, but his hands were still large and nonetheless masculine, even if they were a stark contrast to Thorins. 

 

"Then I am glad we were fortunate enough to receive these," he gestured for her to serve herself. 

 

She smiled realising he had never tasted this preserve himself, and quickly looking around the table spotted some flatbread. 

 

"Please could you also pass me that bread?"

 

And she didn't need to ask again, for he was a surprisingly attentive host picking up the basket quickly and bringing it near her. 

 

"Now this is a bread made of seeds and wild herbs, and happens to be one that I favour." He explained, interested in what she intended on doing. He would certainly never have combined the savoury bread with what he imagined was her sweet preserved fruit.

 

He watched as she broke a slice of the bread in half and set one half on his plate and the other on hers, before carefully spooning the golden amber mix from the jar on top of each piece. Her hands were small with delicate fingers, but clearly strong, and part of him could not imagine what a contrast they formed in the dwarf kings hands. 

 

"Try this..."

 

Although he had his doubts of the combination, he did not wish to be impolite. And so he carefully picked up the bread and took a small bite with the preserve, watching her do the same. Mindfully he chewed the mouthful, the soft mix on the crunchier bread, and the sweet contrasting with the salty, and then suddenly the two flavours seemed to merge, their stark opposites becoming perfectly complementary. 

 

"That is...very good..." He nodded slowly, surprised by his own admission. In all these years of receiving foods from across Rhun, he had never contemplated trying them. In fact, he had never joined the feast himself, or even if he had it had certainly not been for long. This had been a strangely new experience in his many centuries. He glanced over at the small woman as she took another little bite fascinated by her openness. She was clearly so young, that he could not imagine agreeing to allow her to be given in marriage to a dwarf, had she been his daughter, even if the dwarf were a King. He could only conclude that her father was greedy enough for the riches in Erebor that he allowed his daughter to be married to a male far beneath her. 

 

And he certainly found the thought of that arrogant dwarf bedding her angering enough make him want to draw out his sword and slice this very table in two! 

 

She carefully set her bread down and wiping her fingers on a napkin, reached out to her goblet and took a sip of water, examining his expression with some worry, making him wonder whether his face was betraying his thoughts. So he took another bite, pretending to enjoy it.

 

But each time he looked at her, her slight frame, or her delicate fingers, her soft features, her warm brown skin, the thought of that ungrateful and unappreciative dwarf King having all of her, it only stood to rile him a little more!

 

.........

 

The two dwarves moved quietly along the tunnel towards the gate. They carried two sizeable sacks which the dropped on the ground slowly and began to stretch their backs. 

 

"He's late..." One hissed. 

 

"Quiet, we can't be heard. Passing these through the gate will take long -"

 

Apparently that was all Dwalin needed. He jumped out punching one in the face, a loud crunching sound as he landed his fist into their nose. The dwarf staggered but swung back at Dwalin, who ducked out of the way, only to receive a heavy bash from the other dwarfs sack, clearly full of gold and gems. 

 

Thorin had initially planned to tie up Dwalin, but now felt he couldn't leave these goons to get the better of his friend. Joining the fray, he set about tackling the second dwarf. 

 

And in no time, the two had been tied up and gagged. 

 

"So there's another one coming..." Dwalin whispered to Thorin, who signalled back with a nod to hide after pulling the two bound dwarves into a near by crevice. 

 

Then as they stood in the darkness, there was a knock on the metal. 

 

"Pssst..." A pair of hands crept in through the gaps in the gate. "Hand over them bags then..."

 

Dwalin slowly moved closer with one of the bags and then grabbed at the dwarfs hands. 

 

But it turned out a second dwarf had been sent to help, who was quick to try and pull his fellow back out. 

 

"Tie his arms!" Dwalin shouted as Thorin grabbed his belt now. 

 

"Aye. Give me a moment." He replied hurrying to tie the third dwarfs hands together and tether it to the gate followed by giving him a good couple of punches in the head through the bars. 

 

And finally realizing the futility of his efforts, the fourth dwarf scurried off into the night. 

 

"Let me call the guards!" Dwalin hurried off back into the tunnel, dragging one of the two bounded dwarfs inside back with him along the floor like a sack of potatoes! 

 

Thorin swore under his breath before turning back and giving the other dwarf a firm kick as he walked past before coming across Dwalin who was returning for the second prisoner. 

 

"You let her go to Thranduil's caves on her own?!" Thorin snapped, when Dwalin paused briefly. 

 

"No. She has Balin."

 

"Of course. A good legal advisor, in case she wishes to dissolve her marriage...?"

 

"She also has Adbi and Amit, who would give the scariest cave trolls a run fer their money. So ye donnae need to get yer knickers in a twist." 

 

"What if Thranduil decides to keep her?"

 

"She isn't a jewel to be kept Thorin. She will join their festivities and return home once they have discussed trade - even Bard is there. As is Master Baggins."

 

"What if he seduces her?" Thorin finally revealed what he was really thinking now. The truth was he didn't trust the elves. And now his foolish little wife had walked right in there and handed over two of the most precious things that Erebor once housed; their queen and their future heir! And he was frankly quite tired of fighting battles to claim back what was rightly his! 

 

"What that old bugger...?" Dwalin thought for a moment and then grimaced. "On second thought, if I were a lass, yep I probably would too - he isn't bad looking fer an old elf..."

 

"Will you take this seriously?" Thorin cursed under his breath again.

 

"I am baheluh! Right then - let's say yer right, and he beds her tonight and the Princess decides she likes pencil cocks better than our thick sausages, then she stays in Greenwood. Then you get to be King again...so either way it's a win." Dwalin rolled his eyes before heading back to drag the other prisoner out. "Ye know that yer fawning over the Princess now right..?"

 

As they arrived they found the third dwarf tied to the gate, attempting to bite through the belt now, even with a steadily developing black eye. 

 

"Really Dwalin, if this doesn't work out for you should try your hand at being a comedian because you are very funny - I am not fawning - I am King under the Mountain. And I am being very serious. What if he enchants her?" Thorin walked over to the dwarf and gave him several more punches to his face, and this time, most likely a second black eye. "If you don't tell us who you are working for in the Iron Hills, then I shall move on to your ball sack next!" 

 

The dwarf crossed his legs quickly at the thought, struggling to balance on the rocky ledge outside and now willingly clinging to the gate for protection. 

 

"Have mercy, my Lord!" He spluttered. "I am ready to talk -"

 

"Just tell him in a bit." Thorin stated quite disinterested in the matter, as the dwarf attempted to speak, now moving away to Dwalin. "I worked hard to stick that babe in her. I am not going to let her run off into the sunset with some elf now...Dwalin?"

 

"Och well - then ye could work hard to stick a babe in Elise too...no?" Dwalin suggested, half knowing what his King would say. After a lifetime of battles and travel together, he could predict Thorins reaction. "Problem solved!"

 

"I don't want Elise." Thorin answered quietly, the admission of guilt. "I want HER..."

 

"And is that because you think someone else fancies the pants off her?" Dwalin paused from dragging the other dwarf partway along the dark tunnel to scrutinize Thorins face better. 

 

"No. It's because I want her...I think I always have. But look at me Dwalin, I am an old dwarf. How could a creature like her love me?" He sighed. "I suppose I have considered that I must keep my options open..."

 

"Options...?!" Dwalin scoffed. "Yer a warrior - like me, Baheluh...and some sorry lass will always offer dwarrow like us a pity shag - and probably a bloody good one at that," Dwalin gave Thorin a reassuring pat on the back. "Ye could have just spoken ter me about yer insecurities...besides I think the Princess likes ye as well...it is up to ye to feck it all up by getting tangled up with Elise..."

 

"I have not started anything with Elise. I told you, Dwalin, I don't even fancy her!"

 

They were both briefly distracted from their heart-to-heart discussion by the stirring of the dwarf that lay bound and gagged on the floor. So each one gave the wretched creature a kick. 

 

"Have ye told Elise that?" Dwalin sighed, shaking his head. "Because she is pretending that yer lovers an all..."

 

"Sort of...yes..."

 

Both Dwalin and Thorin groaned at that realization. 

 

What a mess Thorin found himself in.

 

"Look, Baheluh, ye had better sort yerself out, because Dain is making a play fer the throne. And the Princess is good. But she needs a few strong warriors to back her. Including her husband," Dwalin explained sincerely. But he needed Thorin to heed his warning all the same. "Me and Arvind are not enough. And if Dain thinks there are squabbles between ye two, then he will see an opening ter take the throne under uniting the two Kingdoms."

 

The prisoner groaned again, so once again both Thorin and Dwalin delivered him two swift blows. 

 

"They just don't stay down these days!" Thorin tutted. 

 

"Aye...the stubbornness of dwarves eh?!" Dwalin smirked. "Och Thorin, the guards will be here soon, so ye better get going...just don't tell the Princess..." 

 

"It's our secret," Thorin flashed his cousin and friend a smile. It felt good to talk with Dwalin again. The nobles he had left to discuss matters with were not the sort he could truly speak with, and all they ever did was to demand for her blood. It was tiring and frankly he felt quite alone. If not for his pride, he would have gone crawling back to her by now and accepted whatever terms she had to offer following her coup. 

 

She really had check-mated him. 

 

.......

 

The feast was still in full swing. Bard, Bilbo, Dori and Balin had all gathered together to have a long chat with her, and then somewhere along the third course, she had excused herself to stretch her legs. She was not hungry, although she had sat through all these meals. But Dori and Balin certainly were enjoying the variety of foods and ales!

 

She found herself in a corridor that led away from the noise of the banquet. It was quiet but well lit and seemed to carry on for some distance. 

 

Several other corridors seemed to open into this, but she thought it better to carry on. 

 

At least she wouldn't lose her way entirely if she traveled in a straight line!

 

Finally after what felt like quite a distance, she came across an enormous set of heavy wood doors covered in an ornate carving of a large tree with curling branches and leaves that stretched across the whole set of doors.

 

First she placed her hands on the doors, running her fingers over the surface. Then finally she pushed them open to find a large courtyard garden that reminded her of her father's Palace in Rhun Agar. 

 

It was now late at night. And although the skies were clear, many of the smaller stars were outshone by the full moon. 

 

Closing her eyes, she breathed in the fresh air. Here in the quiet, and away from the banquet hall, she could hear the sounds of the woodland beyond Thranduil's caverns. 

 

She walked out into the courtyard to spot the most enormous pond she had ever seen with waterlilies. Dotted across the different lily pads were lilies in pinks, yellows and whites and the soft fragrance drew her in. 

 

"The feast do go on, through the night..."

 

She didn't need to turn to know who it was. 

 

"I see that you have found my courtyard?"

 

That made her turn to find Thranduil making his way over from a different direction. So that either he was here, when she arrived or that he had entered the courtyard by a different doorway. 

 

"I am sorry...I didn't see any signs of guards to turn me away." She explained as he walked over to her. "But your courtyard is absolutely breath taking."

 

He gave her a slight smile and tilted his head. 

 

"You are welcome here," he moved to sit beside her on the edge of the pond's large wall. "I once offered you refuge here in my halls as my guest, where you would have been permitted safety and freedom to wonder as you please in my wing. You are still permitted this freedom..."

 

Even seated he was taller than her, so she too perched on the edge beside him. 

 

"If I am being honest, I almost never attend these feasts beyond welcoming all," he confessed. 

 

"Oh. So why did you stay..?" 

 

"I could not leave you unattended at the head of the table," he did not know how she would take this admission.

 

"I see. Well, I am grateful that you did stay," she looked at the still dark water too shy to look at him in that moment. But the water looked like a mirror reflecting the stars above. "Your halls are very beautiful indeed."

 

"After we returned from battle, I was forced to move our people from my father's halls of Amarthrynd, here to Aradhryndh, further north," he grew quieter at that. "My halls are modest, compared to that of my father. But we are safe and comfortable."

 

"So you fought in the last alliance also?" She had heard many great tales of the last great battle against Sauron. But this was so many centuries ago, it was unbelievable!

 

He didn't reply immediately. It clearly brought back many painful memories.

 

"It taught me many lessons," he finally offered. "Lessons I cannot forget."

 

"Is that why you do not wish to face down what lurks in Dol gul dur?" She immediately regretted asking such an intimate question. "Forgive me, you need not answer my overly curious questions..."

 

His face seemed to soften as he watched her for a moment. 

 

"My father was a great elf. When the Noldor claimed rule over all, declaring themselves to be highest, even after the second kinslaying, which my father was witness to, he refused to follow them. Instead he brought our Sindar here to the woodland realm, where the Silvan elves accepted him as their great ruler. Even Amdir bowed only to him..." He trailed off clearly thinking of his father. "He was wise, and kind. Amon Lance, which you now call Dol gul dur, was his first settlement in the woodland realm. Even it's ruins were sacred to our people as our first independence from Noldor rule... And we have defended our realm, even without the elven rings of power."

 

She listened quietly, imagining an older elf, but much like Thranduil. There certainly were depictions of the last alliance and the elves and men that fought in their history books back home in Rhun Agar.

 

"I didn't believe it when others said he was the tallest elf many had ever seen. Not until we stood side by side with Gil Galad and his men. Unfortunately when Amdir led his men into charge early, my father had no choice. He could either watch his ally being mercilessly slain or we could charge in to help. Too many of us fell that day. And Gil Galad did not come to our aid." He turned to her where they sat beside each other on the edge of the pond. "The Noldor believe they are the greatest, for having seen the light of the two trees. But they are also those with the greatest darkness in their hearts. After that day, I decided that I would not risk our peoples lives further."

 

"But the darkness that lies in the south of the woods may spread?"

 

"Then we will continue to keep it at bay. But we have no great armies to fight wars any longer." He was firm on his decision.

 

She nodded in understanding.

 

"I have so few trusted advisors close to me. Sometimes it can be difficult to take certain decisions like that with complete faith," she agreed.

 

His pale hair, crowned in the strange coronet of flowers, and his strange eyes looked different in the moonlight. 

 

"The burden of leadership is always a lonely one. I understand well. It is a shame that Thorin could not see you for the equal that you were as his consort, although I highly suspect that may be one of the many reasons he chose you over others," he wanted to reach out and brush the stray hairs from her face. They had done her hair in some elaborate dwarven braid which had then been pinned up. While he imagined her face would suit many different styles, he would have selected to have her hair down. He had seen it like that in the aftermath of the battle, and noted how silky soft her jet black hair was. "Nonetheless, my offer of assistance, should you ever require it remains. And remember a decision made at a certain time need not be set in stone. You can always change your mind, should the circumstances change..."

 

"Do you miss him? Or ever wonder what he would do?" She missed, and again feared that she had probably asked too sensitive a question.

 

But he did not seem to mind. 

 

"A great deal. As I do my mother and wife," he smiled softly, wondering about the source of her question. "But you cannot live a life and not see loss. That is the nature of this world."

 

"I miss my father and mother..." She blinked, looking away and trying to bite her tears back. At least she knew her father was gone. Her mother had stayed for him and not considered her at all. She would now be all alone even when she gave birth, when she had once hoped that she would have her mother. "Sometimes I feel sad about them and sometimes I feel angry at them...and then I feel stupid and terrible for being angry at my poor dead parents."

 

He saw her turn away from him, clearly in an attempt to hide her face, and he felt pity for her. She was so young, and now with child, but had become an orphan herself and all in her very short lifetime so far. He didn't often meet many mortals. Of those he met, few were quite as open as she was.

 

In that moment he felt the need to comfort her, but he was not familiar with doing this. He had only ever loved his wife and son in this way and it had been many centuries since his son had been an elfling now. 

 

Nonetheless he tried; stooping down he gathered her in his arms and held her gently against him. She seemed so small, and fragile, like a little child, it made him hold her closer.

 

But contrary to what he had expected, she seemed to start sobbing softly, leaning her head against his chest. So he held her silently. He had little words of comfort to offer a mortal, when he and his own people had seen so much loss themselves.

 

And then he realized that he would likely see her age and pass away right before his eyes also.

 

Without moving too much to disrupt her, he was able to pass her a handkerchief that she used to wipe her eyes, as she attempted not to get any tears on his clothes and pulled away in that realisation. 

 

"Forgive me. I have been a most terrible guest..." She suddenly thought of how she was now very much alone. Particularly if indeed Thorin was happy with Elise, and now that she carried little Thrain. In fact there would be no need for him to share a marriage bed with her at all. 

 

"I too feel alone..." He confessed quietly, letting her lean against him as he wrapped an arm around her.

 

Suddenly the heavy doors to the courtyard burst open as Elondir hurried out seemingly looking for her!

 

The sound of the doors and his armour shattering the peace of the moment startled her. She suddenly withdrew from Thranduil's arm, where she had been leaning against him and made to stand up only to lose her balance on the ledge they were both seated on. 

 

The Elven King too attempted to grasp her, his reflexes quick enough to find her. 

 

But between the Dorwinion, the way that he seemed to have dropped his guard for a mere moment, his festive clothing and her soft slippery dress made of so much material...

 

They both seemed to become entangled and fell into the pond with a splash. 

 

The cool water was clear, and enough to revive the Elvenking to reach for her again in the water, but apparently she was an excellent swimmer! And while he was able to stand in the deep pond and have the water reach his shoulder, she was now happily making her way back to the edge of the pond, where the terrified elven guard had rushed over to. 

 

"Your Grace, forgive me, I feared that you had made your way outside the gates, and I was about to inform our King..." He reached out to offer her a hand, while Thranduil lifted her out of the water so that she could get over the edge of the pond. "Forgive me..."

 

But as she clambered out with the help of both elves, and stood there shivering, they found her laughing away. 

 

"Well... This is now truly a feast, for I have always ended the night taking a swim with the little orphan children in one of father's best and forbidden ponds!" She laughed out loud at the memory. There was some solace in that she knew the orphanage was always under royal protection no matter who the new Maharajah would be, and all her pocket money, which had amounted to a fair amount had been left in a fund to the orphanage through several entrusted advisors before she left. Pocket money was of little value to a daughter of the Maharajah, after she was being married off unexpectedly. 

 

Thranduil clambered out surprisingly gracefully considering they both looked like drowned rats. 

 

And then seeing him made her aware of her own clothing and it's state, and the fact that she had most certainly not brought a spare dress. 

 

"Oh my! Dori is going to be so upset!" She began to panic. How would she get her clothes dry before he saw her next. And he had worked so hard on this dress, and was so proud of the finished item, she couldn't possibly bare to see his little face filled with disappointment again! 

"I cannot let him see the dress like this..."

 

Thranduil had initially been angry at his guard, who he blamed for this entirely, but then hearing the small mortal woman seemed to forget his ire. Even in her state of being completely soaked and he imagined freezing cold from how she shivered, she was filled with panic and concern for the strange little dwarf that had accompanied her. 

 

"That dwarf... made your dress...?" Elondir seemed completely incapable of comprehending this. He asked again as though his ears had deceived him. "The dwarf...with the elaborate jacket?"

 

"Yes! Yes! He is not just a dwarf, he is my tailor...in fact he is a master craftsman! Even the royal dressmakers at home - who are renowned in all of middle earth for their clothing cannot cast a shadow on Master Dori's craftsmanship and design!" She said quite seriously. "He took almost two hours dressing me this evening! And doing my hair!"

 

Thranduil and Elondir exchanged strange looks for a moment as neither was capable to comprehending this at the moment - each one wondering whether this particular batch of Dorwinion had been unseasonably stronger and responsible for the auditory hallucinations they were currently both having! 

 

"Do not worry about the dwarf, we must get you out of this wet clothing right away before you fall ill," Thranduil commanded. "My apartments are this way, you can warm up by the fire -"

 

"But what about Dori?! And my dress?!" She glanced up as both elves as they began ushering her in another direction. 

 

Once again Thranduil and Elondir exchanged funny looks. 

 

"There is no need to worry, your Grace, both your advisor and your...dressmaker...are enjoying the feast, they gathered together with the lord of Dale and the halfling and began to smoke something most unpleasant so we have lit the incense early." Elondir offered trying to be helpful. "I can ensure they are sent more ale and food to the table they have taken in the corner. And then we will ply them with our best cushions and softest blankets... So I do not think they will notice much until well into day break." 

 

"In the meantime, while you warm yourself, I will arrange for your dress to be washed and dried," Thranduil reassured her. "The night is still very young, there is ample time to have your ready again by morning..."

 

He paused inspecting her again a little more critically this time. 

 

"Although I do not think we will be able to redo your hair in the same...manner..." The Elvenking concluded. "You will need to take a warming bath also and let down your hair so that it may dry..." 

 

He looked over at Elondir now more concerned for the woman than at admonishing the guard. And the elvenguard too was more than relieved at this. 

 

"Will you send the ladies in waiting to help?" He added to the guard realizing it would be most improper to attend to her himself. "They will be glad to attend on a female in my apartment after a long time...and tell them to be discreet."

 

"You mean your ladies in waiting...have been waiting!" She laughed at that, still shivering, now feeling deliriously tired. "It's a good thing they are immortal then..."

 

........

 

Chapter 31: Dawn Awakening

Thranduil had taken his warm bath in his study to offer his rooms to her. Eventually after dressing, and pacing about for some time worrying about entering his rooms and seeing her, he had finally seen the elven ladies leaving the chambers and decided to check on the woman. 

 

Elondir too had found him in the corridor to let him know that all their visitors were now soundly asleep after their banquet in one of the lounges, including the Lord of Dale. 

 

He liked Bard and his children, they were hard working and did not wish to be considered for charity. The man had presented him an emerald necklace tonight in thanks and repayment of the help he had offered in rebuilding Dale after the battle. Bard had also declared that the elven builders would be paid individually for their work now that trade was improving thanks to the woman who ruled Erebor. 

 

He paused outside his own bedchamber doors. It was a strange sensation. And then he gently knocked. But when no answer came he let himself in anyway. 

 

Inside he found her curled up on his favoured chair by the fire. They had dressed her in an elven gown worn by their adolescents, her long raven hair had been let down and she was fast asleep. 

 

He had hoped that she would stir on his arrival. But when she didn't, he carefully gathered her into his arms and moved her to his large bed. At first she had moved in her sleep due to the cold bed, but had soon settled after being covered in several blankets.

 

He took another look at her as she lay there so small and peaceful in his large bed and quietly moved into his study again, this time leaving the connecting doors open so that she could call for him should she need it.

 

........

 

Rolling over in the soft sheets, she awoke and then suddenly realised that she found herself in a bed! 

 

Last night had been a strange blur, and unexpectedly she had enjoyed herself, despite having spent much of the evening in the company of that stuffy old elf! In fact he had turned out to be quite...thoughtful! 

 

She felt well rested, but at that moment she stiffened and her eyes popped open! 

 

Was she in HIS bed??!!!

 

She lifted the blankets and sheets and found she was still clothed and breathed a short sigh of relief. 

 

Then slowly she turned over...in case he lay in bed beside her...

 

Again she was on her own. She let out a breath she hadn't realised she was holding. 

 

Suddenly her thoughts flashed back to Thorin and she inwardly berated herself for missing him, when she imagined he was now waking up in the arms of another. 

 

And then she wondered about Thranduil...where had he slept...?

 

"Do you always wake up each morning to so many thoughts...?" 

 

He spoke quietly from where he sat by the fireplace. 

 

"Good morning..." She whispered, not knowing why she was whispering. 

 

"Good morning," he smirked, leaning back to fill the large armchair and stretch his long legs by the fire. "There is no need to whisper, your secret night in my bed remains just that. And both your advisor and your...dwarf in waiting....remain fast asleep after the nights revelry."

 

She pulled the blankets up, feeling her cheeks heat up at his words. 

 

"I am sorry I took your bed...but I did initial fall asleep in the chair..." She said quietly. 

 

"You need not be sorry. You are my guest. And yes you did fall asleep by the fire, but I moved you, so that you may rest better. After all...you are now with child." He explained turning away to stir the last of the dying flames and place a fresh log on there to drive away the chill of the breaking dawn. "Besides, I did sleep on the chaise in my study at first, and then I moved here for the warmth..."

"Without sounding ungrateful...are my clothes available..." She looked down at the soft pale, flowing gown she wore. It looked very much like the sort of elvish clothing she had seen so many wearing last night - just perhaps a little smaller! "Not that these clothes are not nice..."

 

"I believe your dress is dry and hanging in my study," Thranduil did his best to suppress a wry smile. "But those clothes for adolescent elves do become very well indeed...and perhaps your...dress maker might use its design in your next dress?"

 

Not answering that, she looked around the room, and her eyes immediately were drawn to the sizeable gap in the curtains of the large window. 

 

The soft, pink light of dawn as it broke through the horizon was just visible over the tree tops that were budding in slow preparation for spring.

 

"That looks beautiful..." She couldn't resist slipping out of the covers and tiptoeing to the window. Neither Rhun-Agar nor Erebor were surrounded by trees like this. "I have never seen a view like this..."

 

Next, she found him there beside her drawing open the curtains wider. 

 

"That is the beauty of living in the woodland realm," he smiled watching her. She bore such a fascination for the world that gave away just how young she was. Everything was so fresh and new to her, that he wondered how that must feel. His own youth suddenly felt so long ago, and yet seeing her reminded him of it. It was as if she was renewing his very life. "And you would have enjoyed your days had you chosen to stay here after the Battle..."

 

He followed her gaze now and watched the breaking dawn wondering what may have come to pass, had Thorin died in battle, and had she chosen to stay with him instead. 

 

She glanced over at him briefly. 

 

"But I am of men...and my life so short...I would have been nothing but a...pet to you..." She thought of the painful reality of how one day Rajah, her beautiful white jaguar would also die, long before she was even remotely old. 

 

"There are mortals who tied their lives to elves..." He trailed off quietly, finding a strange feeling come over him at her reminder of how she would one day wither and die, like one of his beautiful lilies. 

 

She took in a deep breath and silently breathed out slowly. Perhaps her life would have been a simple happy one had she chosen to stay with Thranduil. But she was married to Thorin and even carried his heir, there was no going back. 

Besides, she was Queen of Erebor. 

 

"But the mortals you speak of are those from legend...and none of them had great endings..." She thought of the two legends she had heard of as a child. "Maybe we can be tied to each other in a way that is less...legendary..."

 

He looked down at her and smiled thinking of how for the first time in so long, he had let go of some of the pain he had held on to and carried with him for years.

 

"I think I would like that..." He offered her his hand, which she took without hesitation. Perhaps they could converse like this more often in future. "I would like that very much indeed."

 

.......

 

"So you mean that Dain must know about this?" She asked standing over her desk looking at all the gems and gold ore that had been recovered from the theft!

 

"Aye -" Dwalin began only to be interrupted. 

 

"There is a chance he may not. But legally, brother we cannot accuse him as there isn't enough proof. All we have are the three prisoners who ran the smuggling ring, but then gave the stolen items to another two dwarves in the Iron Hills, who are unlikely to be the responsible party." Balin corrected. 

 

"Well, now they have been rumbled, anyone else involved will hide any evidence and any more henchmen will either lay low or make a run altogether," Dwalin growled angrily. 

 

"Well...now that he has sent a group of his soldiers to march on us, this could be used to our advantage couldn't it?" She looked from Balin to Dwalin. "We ask him to look into the matter. If he refuses, he is complicit in the act."

 

"That is acceptable." Balin nodded. 

 

"That is perfect." Dwalin agreed. 

 

The door to the study opened and Arvind and Nori quietly entered.

 

"Bofur says it's been going in for nearly four months," Nori launched in straight away. The truth was he was not so keen to be there is the meeting. He had his finger in many different and rather shady schemes. But spying was one of his favorites. The only problem was spies and those who hung around scumbags couldn't be readily seen entering their Queens study. "But I can't trace any other contacts either. If the loot was being sold on quickly, it would be easier to trace...so I think it stays in the Treasury for some months before being used. Perhaps even bit by bit."

 

"It is unlabeled ore, so Dain could claim that some of it came from their own mines. It is not uncommon - although most of their minds are for iron ore and coal," Balin added, nervous about making assumptions. 

 

"But I think it stands to reason that I ask Dain to investigate urgently. The criminal party is from the Iron Hills. And it is up to him to ensure his citizens are not damaging his own reputation." She still felt strongly about this. "I will pen a letter right away. Roac can take it. He will tell me that it has been delivered."

 

"What if Dain doesn't reply, m'lady?" Nori asked out of curiosity. 

 

"Then he is guilty by failure to act. Erebor's loss should be his, even if I took the throne."

 

"And we also have sight of the platoon now. They mean business - around five hundred strong." Arvind updated the group. 

 

"Where do they even get that many after the losses from the battle...?!" She huffed worried.

 

"There is no need to fear sister. They are clearly approaching with caution..." Arvind smiled. "I have seen this before, it is more to intimidate or force us to act first..." 

 

"So what are we doing?" She was still worried. She had no desire to send any more of her brothers men or other dwarves to battle again anytime soon! 

 

"There is a small group placed in hiding closer to the road nearby. They are armed to the teeth with explosives and arrows. They will deter their march. And return to warn us." Arvind explained confidently as if it were an everyday thing. There was no need to upset her further. He glanced over at Dwalin.

 

"If they come any closer, then we are ready for em." 

 

"What about siege scenarios?" She asked. "Do we have enough food?" Then she paused. "I can check -"

 

"No need lass, we have done that," Balin smiled gently at her, recalling when she was placed in charge to ensuring this once a long time ago by Thorin. "Thankfully, a large batch of grain was delivered last week and we have a stock of fruit and vegetable preserves being delivered this week..."

 

"It is coming from the east, and General Groin and his men won't be able to intercept that now." Arvind smirked. 

 

"I really don't quite understand what his plan is to be marching on us like that?" She huffed. It really was the last thing they needed. Moving over to the desk, she quickly wrote a brief letter to Dain, addressing it as urgent at the top and then showed it to Balin. "Well, what do you think...?"

 

Balin placed his spectacles on his nose and inspected her note nodding and handing it back. 

 

Silently she sealed the envelope with Thorins wax seal. 

 

"Now we wait for Dains response..." Arvind frowned. 

 

"Do ye wish me to take this up to the ravens Princess..?" Dwalin asked. 

 

"There is no need..." She opened the window , popped her head out and called out into the air. "My Lord Roac!" 

 

"I donnae think he'll hear ya -" 

 

But Dwalin was cut short as the large raven swooped in gracefully and perched on her desk, as if it had done that before. 

 

To their surprise the large bird stretched out its wings and cocked it's head before cawing loudly almost like it was performing some sort of avian bow. 

 

"Greetings to you too, good Sir," she bowed her head with a smile before walking over to a small table in the room that held the tray of tea and cake. Picking out a large chunk of cake, much to Dwalins disapproval in the background, she held it out for the large bird. "And might I say you are looking very magnificent today..."

 

"Um - Shobha - I don't think you should risk - it's got quite a sharp beak -" Arvind initially tried to step forward to keep his sister away from the particularly large claws and beak but the giant raven cawed at him and jumped onto her shoulder putting its wings out, almost as though trying to protect her! "I mean no harm! She is my sister!"

 

Arvind put his hands up halting in place. 

 

"No need to fret, good Sir, he is my brother and only worries for me..." She offered the bird her cake but first the Raven hopped back onto the desk as if it understood. 

 

Arvind was shocked to see, despite the size of the creature, it had not misplaced a stitch on her clothes where it had landed, clearly in a light manner. 

 

The bird cawed as it accepted her cake and bowed it's head before cawing several times. But despite grasping the cake in its claw it didn't eat it. 

 

"Oh! Well, then I offer my congratulations," she beamed turning to them and explaining. "Roac has found a mate, and she has laid two eggs! So he will be taking his cake back to her, while she sits on the eggs!"

 

The bird cawed again several times. 

 

"I can ask another of your fellows to take my message...I would understand you need to stay -"

 

But the bird cawed again at her several times. 

 

"Then I thank you from the bottom of my heart. This is a very urgent letter to Lord Dain. If he does not care for it, we may come under attack..." She began. There was a reason she had asked for Roac. He was particularly fast at flying but also extremely good at spying! Dain would not realize that he would be spied on. "Now do not take risks snooping around. You must be back for your mate. Until then I shall give her more seed later on."

 

Roac extended his leg out to her so that she could tie the message on securely, before cawing and hopping to the window with the cake in its other claw. 

 

"Thank you - we owe you a debt..."

 

The bird bobbed it's head at her. 

 

"Remember no risks now! Stay safe my dear Lord Roac!"

 

Arvind seemed to visible sigh, for he had been worried by the bird. He didn't understand the dwarves use of the ravens over carrier pigeons or messengers. But the ravens had also seemingly welcomed their Rhun pigeons to roost amongst them without any fuss, so perhaps his sister was right to trust them also. 

He had often seen her talking to various animals or pets that were housed around their father's palace, but until now he had not believed they were truly communicating. 

 

"Right, now that I have caught up with a few things I must go an check on my other friend..."

 

"Ye know that beasts Cannae be yer friends, Princess..." Dwalin chuckled. 

 

"That's funny because last I checked you are Thorins friend aren't you?" She laughed. 

 

"Speaking of friends...where did ye disappear to during Thranduil's feast?" Arvind raised his eyebrows in a mockingly suspicious manner. "Dori complained that you had undone your hair and rumpled your dress..."

 

"Och Aye? I didn't think ye liked all those thin-cocked poncy elves...but are we saying one caught yer eye?" Dwalin teased. 

 

"I found a library, since everyone else was enjoying the ale and the pipe weed, thank you! And then I fell asleep!" She couldn't hold her cheeks back from heating up under their teasing and scrutiny. 

 

"Leave the lass alone, between the babe she must grow and our kingdom, the lass has enough on her plate without needing to juggle the added advances of an amorous elf!" Balin rolled his eyes at the others, coming to her support.

 

She had not told even Balin about the night she had spent with Thranduil, or waking in his bed.

 

He had suspected something had come to pass between them, but had not pressed her for more. Of course he did not suspect any impropriety at all. But all the same would not push her for details in the way the others did.

 

"Come on...let us get on with our day..." She smiled as they all headed out into the corridor and she hurried towards the stables to see her beloved pet.

 

She had only just finished feeding Rajah and brushing his coat when two of Thorins guards rushed in. 

 

"My Queen, you must come with us - it is most urgent!" One panted after saluting her. 

 

She wanted to laugh at how the dwarven guards loved tradition so much that even in an emergency they began with a formal greeting. 

 

"What is happening? Is something wrong?" Suddenly she began to worry about a possible attack from Dain. 

 

"Hurry my Queen, a woman has arrived at the great gate, your majesty..." The guard paused. "She claims to be your mother..."

 

..........

 

Chapter 32: Talia's last request

Her mother looked at her with her big brown eyes, lined with kajal as she entered her room. She was a slim, tall woman, but also possessed curves in her hips and chest that made her look like a statue. It drew in the male eye and often also prompted jealousy from many of the Maharajah's Queens. It was easy to see why the King had taken her as his most beloved courtesan, even though she was considered of low birth from the Harad. 

 

"Love, what have you done now?" 

 

She knew better than to answer the question back but couldn't help herself. Her mother was often understanding, and kind - even non-judgemental much of the time, despite her tendancy to become embroiled in trouble frequently. But this time she could sense the trouble. It had been like a ripple that spread after throwing a sizeable stone into the still waters of a deep pond! 

 

"I stayed as far away as I could! Like you told me!" She was the one who was being asked to marry the angry looking dwarf-prince and it seemed nobody cared right now! "I swear on all that I hold dear Mama, that I never even saw the Dwarf Prince! Let alone spoke a word! Please you must believe me!" 

 

She had minded her own business all afternoon, and only arrived for the meal, when she had sat with her brother at the far end of the table. Only after the meal, all the Nandita and her mother had been upset, and there had been shouting and upset servants throughout the royal wing. Of course, since she was often treated like the illegitimate child of the King, she often hung out with the kitchen staff (which was also helpful in getting meat scraps for Rajah), but this time they had brought up her Jaguars food and told her about what they had heard and warned her to remain in her room. 

 

"And yet he has asked for you?! How is that child?" Her mother never actually angry, but she knew her too well. It was something about being a courtesan, their countenance was always sultry and seductive, even when they were sad. And her mother was the definition of role. "I told you that Queen Ambali can make things very uncomfortable for us if you ruin her daughters big day! But now that you have flaunted yourself around we have a problem..."

 

"But Mama..." She quietly began wanting to apologize, but it was pointless. Her father had looked quite upset too, and even her favourite step-brother looked worried. He never looked worried and he had fought countless sandworms!

 

"Perhaps we can offer you as a courtesan tonight...one night...and he will have enough, I imagine..." Her mother examined her where she sat on the bed. "These male folk from the west enjoy different women for the night, perhaps that is what he wishes from you...?" 

 

Her mother's suggestions worried her further. She had on occasion come across one of her step brothers, the royal princes enjoying the company of a courtesan in a secluded area of the Palace gardens. From afar, and to the unsuspecting witness the noises and the faces being pulled didn't always look pleasant. And certainly there was no time to examine the interaction better!

 

She glanced at her daughter again with some pity this time, any anger briefly forgotten over the sadness of introducing her to the life she lived. The truth was that she had always imagined her daughter would ultimately be forced to give herself to the harem, but she had hoped not so soon or so young. 

 

Shobha began to sob. They looked grumpy, and old. And the idea of them doing the things that she had heard of being spoken by courtesans, to HER, made her both terrified and sickened all at once!

 

"I am sorry love, but that is the only way I can think to save you..." Her mother soothed her tears and embraced her for a moment. "And to save us both from the rage of Nanditas mother."

 

The smell of jasmine, gardenia and amber enveloped her. It was part of how she felt soothed when she was near her mother. 

 

"Do not be so sad, darling. This is not a life we choose for ourselves..." She stroked her hair. "And this is the simplest solution...the dwarves are a little...rough...I hear...but the first time is...always...awkward...a little, anyway..."

 

"No! Please! By all the gods no!" Shobha felt sick now. And panicked. Like a trapped animal. 

 

"This is a mess caused by you, and only you can undo this. He does not KNOW you. He has not fallen in LOVE with you. He simply lusts after you...otherwise why does he not want Nandita with her pale skin and her long hair...?" Her mother explained again. "Ambali is livid and will make our lives hell. This is the only way, love..."

 

She held her tongue, not wishing to reveal how one of the other courtesans who had experience of serving masters in the West spoke of how dwarves liked to share! There was no need to scare her daughter more.

 

The door to the room opened and the maharajah entered in his grand silk suit if navy and gold. The initial stern look on his crinkled face disappeared when he set eyes on his youngest daughter sobbing. It was as if only yesterday that the girl ran around after her cub. And now seated beside her mother, both with their big dark eyes and their dark skin, it was clear that each day she grew to look more and more striking like her mother indeed. As much as the thought sickened him at allowing that old dwarf prince to lay his hands upon her, let alone share a marriage bed, it was clear why his eyes had been drawn to her. Even he had stolen his courtesan from one of his closest ministers at a time when he had been desperate.  

 

"He is adamant that he wants you..." her father looked defeated by this. "And we need to grow our alliances...and our coffers. Trade is not good enough and this is an opportunity for both."

 

He walked over to her and picked the girls chin up to look at her beautiful tear stained face. Then giving her the briefest of smiles, he planted a kiss on her forehead before wondering over to the balcony lost in his thoughts. The doors were open wide to allow the heat out and the courtyard below was now quiet. 

 

Perhaps, this was not a bad thing. This dwarf was to become King under the Mountain. And he recalled a time when Erebor was once a rich Mountain Kingdom that he had heard of from his own father. 

 

And the girl was no longer a little girl. She had become a young woman almost over night it seemed. So it was only a matter of time when she might catch the eye of other, more vicious, state visitors. The dwarf for all his arrogance and greed asked for her hand. Perhaps other visitors might ask for her as a bed slave - and while he might decline this as long as he lived, he was not so sure his eldest son and heir would do the same. 

 

"What if we offer her for the night, your highness?" Her mother suggested worried. "Then at least she would get to stay...?"

 

But her father looked angrier at this. 

 

"He has agreed to a higher bride price than with Nandita. And even if she is a child out of wedlock, she is still my daughter and as a princess, I will NOT have her serve a bed!" He knew his daughters sharp mind would be wasted in such a role but this was better than having her sold for her body. "I have said it is your decision to make child..." 

 

She looked up at her father as he stood by the balcony looking down, his large sabre glinting in the soft light of the lamp nearby. After everything he had said, and all that she had heard of from her brother earlier and the servants...it didn't seem as though she had much choice.

 

 

Her eyes filled with tears for a moment as she recalled her last days at home. Her mother had become angrier over her last week's before her journey west, picking fights in a way they had never done. 

 

Even their last goodbyes had not been pleasant. To make matters worse, her mother had not written to her much since her departure, and any letters were brief. 

 

Her marriage to Thorin had cost much. But she really had no choice in the matter. 

 

Well, now she was taking back control. 

 

She hurried as fast as her feet could and as she reached the enormous hallway, she found Arvind striding over to join her. 

 

"Do you think it's true?" She asked half excited. 

 

"There is a slim chance..." Arvind replied hesitantly. "But I am not sure many would be brazen enough to prevent..."

 

Suddenly numerous scenarios ran through her mind as she imagined the alternatives to this being her mother. 

 

"You are not even armed, sister! What if this is some sort of trap?!" Arvind chastised as he glanced over at her, before they both realised from the gasps behind them that Rajah had followed her out of his enclosure. His soft paws padded quietly behind her on the marble as he enjoyed his brief freedom. "You must think of your babe and carry a dagger as I have given you! Now let me go in front of you in case this is an attack..."

 

He moved forward and strode out of the grand gates, as Rajah now came to stand beside her as if on guard. 

 

But she could see from the gate, through the many layers of guards. It was her mother! 

 

And unlike what she had imagined, with her mother having to make an arduous journey and escaping from Rhun-Agar, she actually looked better than she had ever looked. 

 

She stepped out of the carriage, helped by several Rhun guards, who still bore her father's old sigil, followed by a minister she had spoken to a few times, Shah Jahan. 

 

They were dressed well, in embroidered silks and brocades, as they would have been for a state visit in Rhun. Her mother wore a fur cape, which she adjusted. She had clearly lost some weight, she imagined from mourning the death of her father. But otherwise she looked well. 

 

Then to her surprise, behind them all, another young woman stepped out from the carriage. She too was tall, and much to her surprise, had very similar features to her mother and herself, with a lighter tan. It made her wonder whether they were related in some way.

 

"Welcome, my lady Talia," Arvind greeted as he moved forward relaxing his hand that usually rested on the pummel of his sheathed sabre. 

 

"Prince Arvind, my good boy," she smiled in reply. "Where is my son-in-law, the King?"

 

"Mama..." Shobha moved out from between her guards now, since Karan and Amit were satisfied that the recognised her mother allowing her to almost break into a run as she moved towards her mother. "I have been so worried about you -"

 

"My dear girl, you are with child! Thank the gods!" But Talia stopped her as Shobha reached her just before she could hug her mother. "It really is not befitting of a Kings wife or a mother carrying a babe to run like the scruffy girl you used to be."

 

The shift in both mother and daughter as they met each other became apparent in that moment. It had been a strange change in her mother the weeks before she had set off for Erebor, and it had been part of the deep sadness she had felt of leaving home. It had been like the end of her happy childhood and youth, the end of her homeland, and the end of her once wonderful relationship with her mother. 

 

In truth she had not fully understood the change in her mother, thinking it was out of sadness for missing her, and had hoped after a while that her mother would change. But she never received many letters, not even after Arvind returned home to help her father in battle. 

 

And now she understood that was perhaps her mother's reasons for her distance ran deeper than she had imagined. 

 

"Mother, I thought you were dead," Shobha spoke as if in stead of a hug she had received a slap. "We heard no word..."

 

"I had the guards take their families out of Rhun for safety. Your accepting the Prince's hand had many...effects on the rest of our lives...it left the Kingdom deeply divided..."

 

Shobha frowned. 

 

"If you keep drowning like that your husband will be forced to remarry," her mother gestured. "Now let us go in and have a talk. We cannot stay long, we are here for a task and then we must travel on..."

 

"Oh." This too came as a surprise to Shobha who stood there still trying to take it all in. 

 

"Come now, girl, as Consort it is your duty to entertain state guests...and you are leaving me standing here..."

 

"Lady Talia, there has been much work in Erebor of late," Arvind intervened, offering his arm to Talia. "But let us arrange for refreshments and your rooms to rest..."

 

He began to lead Talia and the group in, looking over his shoulder at Shobha, who clearly stood there battling her tears. It was clear from his expression that he too was quite surprised by it all. 

 

She took a deep breath in and slowly exhaled in order to compose herself. Her mothers behaviour has changed altogether, and clearly, for her own sanity she needed to find out why. 

 

......

 

"So you have successfully driven away your husband? I am presuming he has found himself a welcoming dwarf-maid -"

 

"I am Queen Regent now, mother! And Erebor is thriving! We have re-established a school for girls, the dams who run shops and services are now learning to handle their own accounts without being played out by their male-folk -"

 

"Have you taught the whores to keep books too now?" Her mother laughed at her sarcastically. "You were always full of these follies and fantasies of fighting and behaving as equal as a male! I simply did not think you would take it this far...or find such a husband that would humour your follies. Either way your father would be ashamed - just as I am -"

 

"What?!" Shobha searched her mother's face, finding her words bearing no resemblance to the woman she recollected growing up. It was all like a fantasy. "You told me that I should follow my heart! Grow strength in myself to face the world! What happened to that-"

 

"I was soothing the heart of a pitiful little girl then. But you were fortunate enough to gain a marriage over a legitimate princess of the crown - so, I would have thought that you might have grown up and accepted this life by now!" Her mother sighed as if she were speaking with a tantruming child again. "But here you are dragging us all through it again!"

 

"Dragging you all?! It was Papa who told me that I must marry Thorin -" she felt betrayed by this now!

 

"And because you did, the consorts all exiled the remaining courtesans! I barely managed to remain in Rhun-Agar because I was given refuge in the house of Shah Jahan, since his wife was now passed. But even he was asked to leave! And we have managed to make a safe life in Dorwinion, but news of your coup had reached even the East! And Talitha has the chance of a good marriage to the son and heir of a wine merchant in Dorwinion! The best who supplies the King of the woodland realm! But he is nervous hearing of the wildness of Rhun women!" 

 

"If he loves her, he will not listen to such stupidities -"

 

"Love?! A good marriage is not based upon love foolish girl! Your father loved me - but he did not marry me!" Talia laughed at her again as she walked around the parlour of Thorins suite. "Oh la la la! You are still a silly little girl! Do you think Thorin chose you because he loved you?! You are his whore. He simply had to marry you to satisfy your father to get his army! That is why he is now with another..."

 

She fell silent at her mother's words. In truth, she had often wondered what had made him choose her. 

 

"You must return the throne to Thorin and stop this madness! For the sake of Talitha..." her mother hesitated and then sighed. "She is your older sister...you see it was Shah Jahan who bought me and freed me from servitude so many years ago..." 

 

Shobha frowned listening to her mother, but was now struggling to understand what she was hearing. Her mother would sometimes disappear or dine with her father's ministers but she never imagined her mother being in love with Shah Jahan!

 

"He was the one who truly changed my life. He was widowed with his two sons, both still small and he needed a Nanny. He felt sorry for me in the slave market and freed me so that I may work in his house and look after his son's for a wage...we grew closer...and I came to carry his daughter. But it was a great scandal. And he needed to hide me until I had given birth. But on the night I went into labour, the Maharajah was visiting. He was kind and sent his physician over to help deliver the babe. He even agreed to keep it all silent out of loyalty to his friend, Shah Jahan. But he had a price..."

 

Her mother came to stand by the window and look out towards Dale, her face now expressionless. 

 

"His price was that I was to join his Harem as his courtesan. But I was to only ever serve him. And I was to leave the Shah as soon as Talitha had turned a year old. I never thought I could love again let alone bear another child. But the Maharajah safeguarded the Shah and Talitha. And I suppose you were a gift for him..." her mother carried on. "And I took have been loyal to him until his last breath. But this is now our chance to start again. And to live the rest of my life happily..."

 

Shobha felt numb. It was as if her life with her mother had been a complete lie! 

 

"And what about me Mama...?" 

 

"You are the consort to the King under the Mountain. You have everything you need! But I beg you, do not ask me to give what is left of my life and finally the freedom I have gained to you," Talia genuinely looked saddened as she turned to face her younger daughter. "Besides you may have imagined that I was dead after your father passed away...all I ask is that you continue to think of me as that."

 

Shobha wrapped her hands around her rounded stomach realizing that her mother was not here for her at all! Her heart felt as though it was breaking into pieces all over again. 

 

Remaining silent for a few moments, she stared at a tapestry hung in the parlour attempting to think. 

 

There was no going back now. Could she really have turned down Thorins proposal all those many moons ago, truly? Knowing that had she declined marriage to him, he probably would have entered the mountain anyway to drive out Smaug, and had her father's army not been there with Arvind, many many more lives would have been lost in Lake Town now! 

 

But of course in the eyes of many, she would have been wrong no matter what decision she made that fateful day. 

 

"Very well, the Elvenking has promised to grant me help should I require it. I shall ask that he writes to your wine merchant from Dorwinion and encourages the match with Lady Talitha. Neither of you will have any connection to me as you require," Shobha concluded. "And we will arrange for you to have supplies so that you can make the journey by boat. That is trade route taken from these parts...Is there anything else you require, Lady Talia?"

 

It was hard to ignore the neutrality with which her daughter spoke, after being used to her lively spirit over so many years.

 

"You need not address me so, child..."

 

"What other way is there to address? You did after all say that I should regard my mother as dead," Shobha walked over to the door and opened it, waiting for her mother to leave, and unsure as to how long she could maintain her composure before she broke down in tears. "I will honour this. But also be sure that you are addressing the Queen of Erebor, and not a child."

 

Talia hesitated now, feeling regret at her own abruptness and her daughter's reaction. Perhaps this had not been the best way of managing the matter.

 

"Forgive me - this is not how I wished us to part. Please try to understand, I have missed a lifetime with your sister, and you are now doing well. Allow me to settle with her..." her mother moved towards the open door. "But there is one more last request that I would make..."

 

Shobha nodded silently urging her to speak. 

 

"The jewels I gifted you...forgive me, but I must ask for them back...Jahan had to sell and trade all his wealth for safe passage and travels out of Rhun..." Talia hesitated knowing she was now asking too much, and could only hope her daughter still bore the generosity she always has in her heart. "It would help us establish ourselves again in Dorwinion when we arrive..."

 

Shobha sighed at the door, where she stood as her mother moved closer. There was a time some weeks ago, when she would have given everything she had to receive a warm embrace from her mother once more. And the sorrow of not doing so now when she was so near, and perhaps being the last time that she may see her mother again made her entire being ache. But she would not crumble now. 

 

"I had to use the jewels to aid Dale when the firedrake destroyed their town, but I can offer you gold of equal value in compensation," she held the door open and waited, no longer able to look her mother in the eye. 

 

Talia paused by the door, grateful for her daughter's generosity, but all the same realising that she had hurt her. 

 

"I hope you find your accomodation restful...now I must get on with my work..." she stood by the open door. She would not be able to hold back her tears for much longer. "If you need anything further, please let Prince Arvind know..."

 

She looked up briefly to find Talia's expression revealing her disappointment. Even at the Palace, despite being a courtesan she had always been permitted to speak directly with the Maharajah as she wished, which some of the Queen's even could not. 

 

As soon as her mother left she shut the door behind her and hurried over to Thorins large arm chair, where she could sink into the leather and tobacco smells, and close her eyes. 

 

The tears that bit at her as she had caged in with all her strength could now fall freely. 

 

........

 

Thorin watched the figure below from the ramparts high above. 

 

She was well cloaked and hooded, but from her height and shape, he knew it was her.

 

He had witnessed the new arrivals and was aware of stir amongst the guards yesterday with rumours of the Queen's mother coming to stay in Erebor. 

 

To his surprise, she had not spent the night in their bed as he expected, nor had she remained in the study alone. She had instead held several meetings and moved around the Mountain a lot. It meant that he had been unable to talk wit- her to find out the details. 

 

And now she was taking a carriage, to Greenwood! 

 

What in Mahals name could she possibly

 require from a slippery serpent like Thranduil?!

 

Perhaps more importantly what seductive offer had Thranduil promised her?

 

He had also been unable to shake the frank conversation he had last with Dwalin about her. But to make matters worse, he was aware that Dain had been informed of the coup, and that the nobility supporting him were itching for a fight or attempt to capture her and retake the throne!

 

Either way, he was steadily running out of time.

 

......

 

The chill of the evening had set in now, and while the snow had melted and the days had finally begun to grow longer, dusk had most definitely set in. 

 

"The hour is late for travel, sister," Arvind stood beside her worried. "What they do is wrong. But you could send others - a messenger or a guard -"

 

"I want this resolved as fast as possible, Arvind," she pulled her cape tighter. The truth was that she needed some space to think as breathe. And her mother would inevitably attempt to interfere with her running of Erebor as long as she remained in the mountain. "No I must get their onward journey expedited...and Thranduil can help me."

 

The elven carriage pulled up on the far end of the stone bridge. It was taller and simpler than the dwarven carriage and the guards dismounted in a smooth leap. 

 

"Do not worry about me, dear brother, just take care of yourself now," she tiptoed up and kissed his cheek. "You are now my only family..." 

 

She turned to the carriage, where the elven guards waited for her to climb in hoping that Thranduil would still be amenable for helping her. 

 

......

 

Thorin watched while she got into to the carriage. Something about the way the elven guards helped her didn't sit well with him. They appeared far to relaxed around her. As if they intended to guard her regularly. Amit, her own guard got in followed by Karan to sit in the carriage with her. He was glad of that, for they were armed to the teeth with hidden daggers and other vicious looking implements. He had begrudgingly come to accept that they were there to guard her for life. Amit was friendlier, but Karan had a constantly dour countenance about him that was probably enough to keep most of the elves away from her. So he was glad of their presence. 

 

But he didn't like her familiarity with Thranduil at all. 

 

He continued to watch as the carriage pulled away and made for Greenwood. 

 

It made her wonder why she had chosen to suddenly leave, when she should have been spending time with her mother. 

 

He also began to wonder why her mother would have left her to worry all this time and grieve terribly, had she been alive. Particularly when her daughter had almost risked her own life to return. He had even almost drowned her in the large basket she had hidden in. 

 

Something about it all did not sit well with him at all. 

 

Perhaps he was no longer in power, but he was still King under the Mountain, and she was still HIS wife.

 

And perhaps he had not been the best husband, but she still belonged to him. He had paid a bride price for her! And he had vowed that he would protect her. 

 

So he intended on finding out what was going on now and he intended on protecting her even from her own mother if need be!

 

Quickly he found the hidden passageway that led down to his study. 

 

The room was cold, and she had let the fire go out. But he could smell the warm, ambery scent of her perfume that always lingered on her skin. It reminded him of the first time he had her, threatening to bring back to life more than just memories.

 

So, pushing back any feelings that tempted him, he moved to the desk, and began to open the drawers.

 

During his use of the study, most of the desk and drawers were usually a jumble of scrolls, parchment and other items. 

 

But she had clearly taken time to order them neatly. There was a basket of scrolls underneath, and another for fresh parchment. The top drawer held spare ink and quills, keys, a small blade and a few other items. 

 

Finally the bottom drawer, which had been locked, but of course he knew by which key, held a book. 

 

Opening it, he instantly recognized Gloin's notes. It was a record of the summary of expenditures each week. 

 

He smiled at the notes, spotting her untidier scrawled writing. Clearly, while she was clever enough, she had not been studious as a child, for he could recall having his knuckles wrapped for writing like that as a youngling. 

 

Nonetheless she had managed to get both Balin and Gloin to provide summaries of the week's expenses, which was more that he managed. He had had to often sit through arduous and often tangential discussions and accounts! 

 

She had even been thorough enough to have her own wedding jewels valued, as well as Thranduils necklace with notes on the date they were given to Bard and the Woodland King. 

 

Even the gold invested by Lord Erol and others had been meticulously accounted for, and she had not spent much more. 

 

Finally, at the very back of her ledger, she had documented a request from what seemed to be a woman named Talia for a sum of gold. She had titled it as a personal payment. And it had been dated on the day previously and accounted for by Gloin. 

 

Thorin frowned, as he realized what it most likely meant. And he wondered what else her mother was here to ask her. 

 

He found himself somewhat angry at this. This was his gold. From

HIS hoard! Even if it were for her mother, she had no right to give it without HIS permission. After all, he had paid for her father's army, and given a share of the hoard as a bride price! 

 

Feeling the rage in him spill over he disappeared into the passage. 

 

........

 

Notes:

Sorry guys...it turns out there was a darker reason her mother wasn't in contact.

Chapter 33: Blood and Water

"Forgive me for such a late visit and request..." she had promised her mother not to reveal their true relationship and would honour that for now. "But I need to provide a minister, once loyal to my father safe passage to Dorwinion...and I was hoping to request passage on board the trade boats you receive?"

 

He noted her hesitation, but did not wish to press her so early upon arrival. 

 

"My dear I would always grant you anything you ask for, within my power," he gestured for her to sit in a large chair he had by the fireplace in his study, while he shut the door behind her. "But you did not need to travel here for that..."

 

He wondered whether her request needed to be kept a secret for a reason. She certainly did not seem her usual self.

 

She stood by the fire for a moment warming up before turning to look at him. 

 

"Your wine merchant? What do you know of him...and his son?" She asked quietly initially declining the offer of a seat, preferring the warmth of the fire instead, for the journey here had been rather cold and it was a chill her body was still not accustomed. "I cannot stay long really and I feel as though I should not be disturbing you for long..."

 

 

"From my dealings, they are honest men. They speak good Sindarin, and are proud of the history of their Vineyard. Their family learned to cultivate the grapes from our Sindar ancestors many centuries ago - these are elves who left Lindor long before her ruin after the Kin- slayings. These men of Dorwinion also have strong links with your father's kingdom and have come to their aid in the past. And I believe his son was indeed betrothed to a lady from Rhun," Thranduil moved closer to her before quietly offering to take her cape. "The hour is too late to safely return to Erebor. You will need to stay the night in my chambers now..."

 

"So, they have not expressed any reluctance or desire to call off this marriage?" She turned to face him, undoing the ties on her cape deep in thought. 

 

"Well, the news of your father's fall in battle against a smaller tribe has now reached many and perhaps a union with Rhun would be less beneficial...or perhaps, there is some uncertainty about the new rulers approval of such a union?" He took her cape, as she hesitantly removed it, still observing her face. Her eyes were sad, and a little reddened, as if she had been crying. "Either way, I do not think they would break a promise if one was exchanged...but there is nothing I have been informed of..."

 

He moved to hang her cape on a stand by the door beside his own coat to give her a moment to herself. 

 

"It is late? Have you even eaten?" 

 

"I am sorry. I shouldn't be here -" she began after staring at the flames that crackled and spat at the logs, before turning towards him and the door. 

 

"I really cannot let you travel back now, my dear," he repeated gently. "It is much too late. Stay and rest..." 

 

She wondered why her mother had attempted to blame Talitha's betrothal encountering difficulties upon her?

 

"It really is not our place to interfere with the decisions and plans of others outside our realm..." Thranduil referred to himself, but couldnt help wonder what her interest in the matter was and hoped that she would heed his warning about interfering. "And I would advise you of the same, my dear..."

 

"Yes. Perhaps you are right. I just worried that perhaps my decision to...take the throne...might have had some repercussions..." she fell silent feeling confused now. Her mother had hidden so much from her already, her whole life had begun to feel like a big lie! And now she wasn't even sure what she was doing here. Perhaps she imagined that she would not get support from Thorin and came to Thranduil. She now felt stupid, wondering what he imagined that she had expected something more of him. "I guess it's all unnecessary..."

 

She had even taken money out of the Kings fund to pay her mother for the value of the jewels she had gifted her for her wedding day to Thorin. It would be like a drop in the ocean compared to the hoard of Erebor, but it was still a sizeable amount and it would not look good on her part, particularly if Thorin came to find out. And while she tried to remind herself that she was Queen and could do as she pleased, there was something about it all that made her feel rather uneasy. 

 

"Whatever it is that troubles you, I have little doubt that it is a trivial matter," Thranduil took a seat opposite her by the fire. "But I also doubt that you can be held entirely responsible..."

 

He watched her sit down heavily as if she bore the weight of the world up on her shoulders and felt a great sadness for her again. Whatever that plagued her thoughts was clearly something that ran deep. He wanted to hold her but feared he also wanted more from her and perhaps she had been right the last time they spoke. Perhaps their entanglement would be unwise. She carried Thorins heir after all. 

 

 "We all must make difficult decisions at some point in our lives," he knelt down before her and then gently lifted her chin up in his hands. "When faced with such a decision, some turn away and hide, give up, or even run away. But some of us...who are true leaders...do not shy away and make the best decision given the information we have at the time..."

 

She looked up at him, her big dark eyes meeting his pale orbs. 

 

"What if...it was the wrong decision...?" She quietly asked thinking of her mother. Had she not decided to accept Thorins hand in marriage perhaps none of this would have happened and her mother might have still been happy in Rhun...maybe she took might have been happy in Rhun...?

 

"It may seem so for one or two people, but those people would have suffered a similar fate whatever decision you made. Where as that decision you took would have helped countless others no doubt," he watched her blink as she registered his words, her dark lashes only made her eyes look more enticing. And he couldn't help his gaze from drifting down to her soft, full lips. They were so close he could just lean in and kiss her. But she did not belong to him. And he would be stealing something that was not his to take. "And that is what makes you a Queen."

 

He often thought back to that day when she had brazenly kissed him. Perhaps it was not meant for anything, but it had the opposite effects, and even her tenderness in the kiss could not be denied! And every so often when he was tired or had too much to do, his mind would drift back to that moment.

 

Then it was hard not to allow himself to feel some envy over how she was wasted in her union to such a greedy and ungrateful creature like the dwarven King.

 

Her heavy heart felt some relief at his words. It was as though he understood her inside out. He didn't make her feel small or insignificant. And perhaps her mother, who had given up her original life with her first love and her first born, always bore a regret for her distance. 

 

Her eyes drifted over his strong features. From the contrast of his heavy brow, the frown lines he permanently bore, down his straight nose and hardened eyes, past his left cheek where she could feel the unevenness even through his enchantment and to his thin lips. 

 

She wondered what decisions he had made over the many centuries he had lived through that he still thought of today. She wondered if his old life with his Queen and his son had been a happy one. 

 

And she was unable to help herself from feeling a little sorrow for him. Even with all that he was, he remained subject to the worldly pains just as she was. 

 

She sat forward in her seat, then holding out her hand touched his scarred cheek and gently pressed her lips to his. 

 

It was the only invitation he needed. He kissed her back, still on his knees before where she sat, wrapping his arms around her waist and drawing her closer as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

 

He gently deepened their tender kiss, his tongue seeking entrance to her mouth. And when she parted her lips, she could taste him, like wine and fruit. It tasted delicious, and for a brief moment she chased after the taste. Thorin tasted of pipe weed and ale or sometimes of pastries and coffee...Thorin! 

 

Then suddenly she pulled away from him, feeling guilty after thinking of the dwarf king. Her husband. And worried that she had overstepped her mark. She had asked him for friendship and often run to him in times of distress before, and now feared that she was asking too much of the elf. After all her heart still belonged to Thorin, or so she thought. Although she had found a kindredness in this elf that she could not deny. 

 

"I am sorry...I am all mixed up..." she watched him observe her with some worry as her fingertips fell over her lips, now a little swollen from their kiss. "Should I not have kissed you...?"

 

But his initial look of worry melted into a gentle smile.

 

"If it makes you feel any better, I did kiss you back..." he gently brushed a lock of soft, dark hair from her face. "Perhaps it is time that you had some supper, and a rest..."

 

It mattered not what he wanted, but rather he would be whatever she needed. 

 

"I should really go back -"

 

But this time he stopped her. 

 

"Whatever matters require your attention in Erebor can wait till tomorrow, when you are better rested and your head is clear." He concluded for her. "I will arrange for a meal to be brought up now, and once you are comfortable in my chambers, I will arrange for passage up the river for your... acquaintances...then I will escort you home after sunrise."

 

He chose his words carefully knowing that the people from Rhun that clearly plagued her thoughts were more than that, although they deserved less for whatever trouble they have her. 

 

"I really could do with a nap..." she hesitated standing up. "But ..."

 

"Ask if me anything..." He urged gently. 

 

"Would you stay with me, at least until I fall asleep?" She felt stupid and confused by it all, and yet she found his presence undeniably comforting.

 

"Of course." There was no hesitation or uncertainty in his reply. Whatever she needed of him tonight, he would do. 

 

.....

 

Thorin woke in their bed. The dark of night had faded, giving way to the earliest signs of dawn. It appeared as though it would be quite a pleasant day. 

 

After looking through Gloins ledgers in the treasury and confirming his suspicions. He had bathed, dressed and waited for her to return but eventually realised that she was spending the night in Greenwood and finally fallen asleep in their bed. It was comfortable, unlike the camp he had made in the passages with his bedroll that still smelled of his travels. 

 

It had also given him much time to think.

 

The sheets and blankets all smelled like her. But it was little relief. And now he wondered where she slept and what her relationship was with Thranduil?! He couldn't help but imagine that the elf would keep her in his own bedchambers! And while that riled him, he tried to reassure himself that she had not been seduced away while he was badly wounded after the battle.

 

And then he began to feel a hatred towards her mother! SHE was the one that had driven Shobha to the elf by asking for money and goodness knows what else! 

 

Tonight he should have had better sleep as he often did when he joined her in bed. She also had his clothes laundered in secret, paying the washer-woman from Dale extra for her silence. But that was not the case tonight: Instead, his rest was patchy and unsettled. And SHE was not here to sooth him, as he always found she did. And that made him more angry still! 

 

He had awoken still angry and aroused for having been wrapped in blankets that smelled of her. That was when he decided to confront her mother and ask her to leave! She was here to ask for money and other favours, otherwise there was no reason for her daughter to go running off in the middle of the night.

 

Yes, he was adamant that he would banish her from Erebor! He was, after all, still King!

 

He had changed into some of his more formal clothing and headed down the corridor to the apartment Shobha had arranged for her visitors with utter determination. 

 

........

 

Thranduil had sat in the carriage with her as they returned to Erebor. He did not like travelling like this, usually favouring his elk, but he did not wish to send her back alone. And she was too delicate to ride now. Already he feared that she travelled too much in her condition. 

 

She had been lost in her own thoughts much of the time, although she hid it well. This had made him worry further about her. She needed her husband to help her, but he didn't imagine Thorin could be relied upon in this capacity. 

 

She had fallen asleep against his shoulder several times, which made him wonder what it would feel like to hold her as she slept. He had lain beside her on the bed, but like the last time they had shared a bed. And like the last time, he had simply lain on the other side of his grand bed, wishing that the bed had been much smaller. Not even a single tendril of her dark locks had made their way to touch his skin, much to his disappointment. 

 

In this way, with her falling asleep in the carriage he finally had his chance. This time he gently wrapped his arm around her, pulling her tighter against his chest. 

 

Her hair had brushed against his face, smelling of sandalwood and amber. And he could feel the gentle movement of her chest against him as she breathed softly in her sleep.

............

 

"Who gives away their wedding jewels?!" Talitha grumbled. "Besides how will Lord Hagar know...?"

 

She paced up and down in their apartment impatiently. As far as she was concerned, she wanted to be in Dorwinion as soon as possible. 

 

"Child, you will start to show not long after the wedding," Talia huffed at her daughter. "And if he suspects you cuckolded him, then your marriage will be an unhappy one...No, we must have our own means in case things go wrong, and we can support you. Even start a new life, somewhere quiet." 

 

"Then I seduce him to lay with me before our wedding night," Talitha attempted again. "I have seen how he stares at me..."

 

"You keep control of yourself!" Her father snapped angrily rubbing his forehead. "You have caused enough trouble with your loose morals as it is girl! Now we are having to resort of reclaiming money from an innocent woman -"

 

"She is hardly innocent father!" Talitha protested immediately halting her pacing to scowl at him. "She secured a dwarf king, to take the place of a legitimate princess and now has usurped him for his throne! She does not need those jewels and can actually spare me some gold in amends for all those years she took my mother away from me!"

 

Talia sighed. She felt torn by it all, and actually felt some guilt towards her younger daughter, who had not grown up so spoilt or lustful despite being raised in the palace harem! But all the same, she now has the chance to spend the last of her days with Jahan, her great love. And if she had learnt one thing from her time of nursing the King on his deathbed, it was that life was unexpectedly short. So if we did not take the gifts or opportunity that life offered to us on occasion, then we would lose out. 

 

"Perhaps she is right. Shobha has offered the price of the jewels in gold and a further trunk to add," Talia looked towards Jahan. He had removed his turban and sat on the couch with one leg folded and crossed over the other knee, and a dejected look painted across his face. "Perhaps we should leave now."

 

"I did not have any desire to come here after all. And get this girl involved, Talia..." he grumbled. 

 

"Maybe it is us that should not be too hasty...what if she is able to secure us safe travel? And even word from the Woodland King...?" Talitha wondered out loud looking from her mother to her father. "It will encourage Lord Hagar to hurry the wedding along would it not? After all Shah Aman regaled us with the great tale of how she negotiated with the Elven King and how he was willing to go to war on her behalf! I imagine he would grant such a small favour as to secure our travel..."

 

Jahan sighed again with displeasure at his daughter's tone. But perhaps she was not wrong. It woul be faster to travel with the elves on the river back up to Dorwinion. The journey here had been quite painful enough for his old bones. 

 

Talia watched her daughter begin her impatient pacing once more. Suddenly she felt some guilt. After watching Talitha again, she abruptly stood up.

 

"I shall go and check on the coach and our luggage..." she didn't want to sound ungrateful but there was a chance that her daughter might not be able to secure transport with the elves in such haste. 

 

"Let me come with you?" Talitha was all too keen to see Erebor in truth, and was keener still to set eyes upon the Dwarf King...

 

"Stay here! There is no need for you to go about galavanting again." She snapped sharply before turning on her heel and strolling out. 

 

Jahan too took the opportunity to rest, getting up out of his seat. 

 

"Where are you going papa?"

 

"To take a nap. The bed looks most inviting." He muttered under his beard as he pottered off to the bedroom leaving her to carry on pacing alone.

 

She felt restless and tired. The dwarves they had come across looked well dressed and Erebor itself looked almost as lavish as Rhun, and she couldn't help the slight envy that crept into her heart. She had met Shobha before, many times. Before they knew of their blood ties. The girl she had met had little ambition of court life, spending her time occupied with less feminine pursuits so it was hard not to feel some resentment at how she had attracted King as a suitor! Of course most of the dwarves they had spotted were short, barrell shaped creatures with a more hair than she could fathom. And she chuckled to herself at the idea of such a creature bedding her half-sister, who was relatively tall for a woman from Rhun!

 

Wondering back into the luxurious bathroom, she appraised the soft towels and the scented bath oils and contemplated having a bath. From what she understood, Dorwinion was not quite a opulent as either of these kingdoms, so she might as well enjoy herself. As she carefully began to prepare her own bath and slowly undress, she wondered what it was like to have a dwarf with their large hands and thick fingers touch one intimately - whether they made for gentle, or rough, or attentive lovers...and in particular what her half-sister's dwarf was like in particular...

 

.............

 

She awoke with a jolt although the carriage moved slowly, her face lay nestled on Thranduils chest as his hair trailed around her head like a curtain. It was much softer than she had imagined. 

 

"I'm sorry..." she stiffened, and still a bit disoriented, she tried to sit up. 

 

"You need not apologise, my lady," he replied quietly. It was almost surprisingly tender in that moment as he steadied her with an arm still held around her. "I slowed down the carriage so that you would not be awoken..."

 

She fell silent contemplating his admission. It was all very thoughtful and attentive, even if he still bore his usual aloof expression. 

 

Suddenly she thought back to their kiss last night. 

 

"The last time I joined you for your feast and asked you for friendship...and then kissed you last night..." she struggled to find the words for her confusing actions.

 

But he interrupted her, gently cupping her chin in his large hand as he looked down on her, a flash of warmth passing across his usually cold and unreadable features. 

 

"Do you bear any regret?" He asked quietly. 

 

"No..." the words came forth before she could think and then she paused. He had been kind to her and perhaps he meant more to her than merely a friend, but she was also married to Thorin and now carried his child. Even if he bore no love for her, she could not simply take up with another.

 

"Then I too am happy." His words were strangely soothing. Again he felt a pang of pity for her. "The last we spoke, I agreed to a friendship. So I am here for you as you need me. Even if that takes unexpected guises sometimes."

 

She looked up at him, his arm still wrapped around her and found his strange, cold irides watching her closely. He held her gaze for some long moments such that she found a desire to kiss him again, but maintained her restraint. 

 

Fortunately the carriage drew to a halt soon signalling their arrival back in Erebor. And for the few moments previously, he had offered her an escape for the turmoil that lay in wait for her here in Erebor. 

 

.....

 

Thorin stood outside the guest chambers. It was still too early for the usual bustle of dwarves about Erebor. 

 

The torches burned dimly in their sconces along the walls now, awaiting their refreshing in a few hours. But that suited him fine, for he was unsure of what to make of her family, given her behaviour. He had felt her pain when she had thought her mother dead all those months ago. So he had not expected her to go running off to see that callous elf the moment her mother had returned. 

 

It was hard not to allow his thoughts to turn dark as he wondered what she sought out or wished to confide in him! 

 

After initially hesitating, the sheer ire from his last thought drove him to lift his fist up and knock on the door firmly. 

 

At first there was quiet, followed by the sound of movement inside the rooms and then the sound of the door lock and latch being turned. 

 

He had expected some delay for they had no maids or staff appointed and none they travelled with, apart from the soldiers they had paid to provide them safe passage. 

 

His anger had not abated, even after all he had told himself about what he imagined might have been a tricky escape from Rhun and the journey back. If anything it had only grown as he thought of his wife who had run off to Greenwood clearly upset following their arrival. 

 

But what made him truly angry was her dishing out HIS treasure WITHOUT his permission. In fact this would have been the sort of large favour that might have been her undoing. It could have been leveraged to force her give up her little coup! 

 

What's more he could have used it to have her beg him for help. And that was certainly worth her dropping onto her knees and sucking his cock for, as he imagined. He inwardly groaned at the thought since he had not had her for some days now, after he had been kept occupied talking down his supporting lords and ladies from demanding her blood in retribution for her uprising! 

 

With all these thoughts filling his sleep deprived head, he had found his feet had carried him in before he could be invited formally. 

 

But once he stood inside the apartment, he was not expecting to witness what he did!

 

............

 

The grand hallways of Erebor felt constricting and small suddenly as she made her way back.

It was hard not to wonder what it would be like if she chose to accept Thranduil's offer to spend the rest of her days in the woodland realm. She imagined even Thorin would not miss her. 

 

"Shobha..." Her mother's familiar voice pulled her from her spiraling thoughts. 

 

But she did not slow down. 

 

Before yesterday, she would have given everything she had to see her mother again, but now she just wanted this nightmare concluded fast. 

 

"I have secured safe passage for you all with the elves along the river. They await your arrival, but they cannot take your caravan. Your coachman will have to take this to Dorwinion and any of your added items," she spoke carrying on towards their guest rooms. 

 

"How did you arrange that so fast-"

 

"I spoke with the Woodland King." 

 

"And your husband permitted you an unchaperoned visit overnight?" Her mother raised her eyebrows.

 

"I told you, that I am Queen Regent now." Shobha sighed holding her chin up despite the anger growing inside her.

 

"Oh this nonsense again?! Leave the ruling to your husband! I am surprised that he humours you like this -"

 

"If it were up to my husband, you would have received no assistance. So for once be grateful," she ground out the words now as they carried on long the large hallways. 

 

"Why must you always have these fanciful ideas...? Perhaps it is my fault for permitting you such freedom to think instead of teaching you to use charm and keep your place..."

 

Those words briefly made her pause. She wanted to explode. To rage. But instead she recalled what Thorin had said about not showing any weakness. 

 

"I am Queen. And my ideas are what gained me support," she spoke, careful to keep her temper hidden now. "It is funny that you would not ask Arvind to use his charm or his sex to manipulate things. Or ask that he keeps his place..."

 

She carried on walking still refusing to look at her mother.

 

"Well, you would do well to remember that he is also not a bastard child of the maharajah!" Talia snapped angrily. "But rather he is a crown prince and seventh in line to the throne!" 

 

Then her mother sighed regretting her words and gently caught Shobha's arm halting her. 

 

"Please try to understand why I am asking this of you..." 

 

She looked at her mother out of the side of her eyes. 

 

"I understand, and that is why I have done all in my power to help you begin your new life, Lady Talia," she concluded twisting her hand out of her mother's grasp. It was almost certain that this would be the last time she would ever see her mother. And that made it all the more painful.

 

"You need not call me that, child..." 

 

"And yet you asked that I consider that my mother died along with my father," she corrected, still feeling the sting of her mother's words from when they arrived. "Please let us not draw this out any longer for either of our sake..."

 

........

 

A woman stood at the door observing him carefully with her big brown eyes. She could not have been much older than his own wife, but had an air of haughtiness about her that could only come from being born to noble stock. 

 

She was tall, with long black hair and a complexion a little fairer than Shobha. But what had taken him by utter surprise was how similar her facial features were to his wife, from her small nose, her full lips right up to her large doe like eyes! He was certain she was too young to be Shobhas mother, but he was unaware of any siblings she might have. 

 

He stood there surprised for a moment, when she smiled, revealing a small dimple on her left cheek. She stood there, her skin still damp from what he imagined was a bath, wearing nothing but a silken robe that left little to the imagination!

 

"My Lord, it is an honour..." She smiled sweetly before dropping into a low bow that opened up the neckline to her robe such that her breasts was fully visible.

 

"I am looking for Lady Talia." He replied feeling somewhat uneasy at how he found this woman too attractive for his own good - even if she did look as though she could be his consorts twin!

 

The woman stood up from her deep and unnecessarily lengthy curtsy, and looked at him a little surprised but still not entirely offended. 

 

"Please will you wait inside, my Lord, and permit me to go fetch my mother?" She smiled again, still leaving her robe very much open as it had fallen when she curtsied. Then seeing his situation, she quickly added in her most innocent tone what she expected as a reassurance. "Forgive me this delay, it really will not take long..."

 

He did not feel comfortable in her presence any longer and was certain that she was doing her best to seduce him. He had been young once, and would have had little hesitation towards entertaining such an offer, even while married. But there was something more to this attempted seduction. A more sinister and calculated feel to it. It was the sort of feeling he had learnt to heed during battle that often heralded an ambush. 

 

But he was King. And with exception of her almost-near nudity, he was doing nothing wrong. So he stood his ground, taking a step closer to the door. 

 

She had taken a little while longer than he felt comfortable with, and when she reappeared, she was still alone. 

 

"Forgive me, your majesty, but my mother appears to be unavailable at the moment..." She carefully took a step closer to him, her hands resting on the loosened sash of her robe. 

 

"I demand that I see her."

 

"But she is not here. She must have popped out to the kitchens..." The woman blinked innocently before trailing her hand up to her hair, which she brushed over her shoulder, the action of which had the effect of opening her robe further, such that it now only held together in a most precarious manner. "I imagine she will return shortly. And I would happily keep you company until then..."

 

He didn't like the way she took another step closer. Quickly thinking on his feet he recalled seeing a lord who arrived with them. If this woman had been a daughter of the Maharajah, he would have seen her in the palace, so he imagined she shared a mother with his wife, but that her father must have been a noble lord. 

 

"Your father - I demand that you go fetch him right away!" He commanded. 

 

"I am afraid he is sleeping, your majesty. He is not as...able...as he once was and needs to rest-"

 

"I am King! And I expect all to obey me!"

 

She smiled at that, completely undeterred by his building anger, and took a step closer, her hand still playing with her sash. 

 

"Oh but you have permitted your Consort to take over rule of your kingdom, have you not, your majesty..." She took a step closer, allowing her leg to slip out of the opening of the robe at the front.

 

He took a step back and found his feet against the door!

 

She took another step closer until she was almost touching him now and smiled softly. 

 

"Perhaps you like naughty girls...your majesty..." she spoke softly reaching out and touching his chest. "Do you like to punish naughty girls, Sire...?"

 

She trailed her hand brazenly down his chest until she reached his trousers. But to his surprise she did not stop. Slowly continuing, she caressed his manhood through the material of his trousers. 

 

"Stop this." He said firmly, but was not convinced by his own words. 

 

So quickly he reached behind to open the door, when apparently someone else did so concurrently!

 

The unexpected movement of the door pushed him forward against her, before landing on the floor. 

 

She was quick to take advantage of this, quickly climbing on top of him and straddling his groin before undoing the sash and opening her robe to him. 

 

"Talitha!" A voice f

rom behind seemed to make her pause. "What are you doing?!"

 

It was the distraction her needed to move her off him. 

 

"Thorin...?"

 

He looked up towards the door to spot his wife and Talia, the latter wearing an expression of surprise and amusement. But more importantly, his wife's face was unreadable. 

 

..........

Notes:

Dear All

Thank you for being patient. Hope you are all keeping safe.
She is confused and doesn't know who to trust...
And Taitha is hiding a secret!

Xx

Chapter 34: Comfort

 

"Talitha?! What is going on here?" Her mother frowned stepping forward. "Get up and get dressed."

 

Talitha stood up smirking in triumph and tied her robe together. 

 

"It is a shame you are not enjoying your...gifted husband more, sister dear..." She glanced over at them from over her shoulders as Thorin stood and adjusted his clothing. 

 

"It is a shame that you enjoy the manners of a common whore," Thorin spat out.

 

"Hardly the case if you entertained entering the apartment of a half clothed woman, my Lord," Thalia calmly replied looking him straight in the eye. 

 

"Says the woman who came here looking for gold.." He growled at her. "And sending her daughter who is with child off in the middle of the night to seek some favour from the elves...you would do well to remember that that is MY coin you are claiming and that I can still have my guard escort you out if MY kingdom of you do not find it comfortable enough."

 

"YOUR kingdom?!" Thalia let out a bitter laugh. "It is well known now that my daughter has usurped you as ruler. And yet you have no shame in boasting to be the great Dwarf King under the Mountain!"

 

"Enough." Shobha finally stepped in with a sigh, earning scowls from both women and the dwarf addressed. "You have safe passage as you requested and while I am unable to return the jewels you gifted me for my wedding, I have compensated you for it's value three times over. It is all more than generous. I suggest you travel to the meeting point along the river and make your onward journey, for the raft elves wait for no-one..."

 

That was all she needed to say as she turned and walked out into the corridor. She wanted to turn around once more to see her mother's face one last time, but didn't dare. Her mother had been once the most kind person she knew in a cruel world and her memories from childhood had been such fond ones, that this sudden change was still incomprehensible for her. She almost expected her mother to laugh and tell her it was all an elaborate ruse. 

 

And yet, she had also seen the look on her face. This was no jest. It all meant we were all alone.

 

Willing each step she took, she carried on until she reached the safety of the Kings study. The only consolation she had was hearing his footfall close behind. He too appeared to give her some space to think as she carried on. 

 

Finally she let herself in, and just as her legs gave way, he caught her in his arms, just before she could fall in a heap onto the floor. 

 

She buried her face in his chest unable to hold back the broken sobs that emerged from deep within her chest. Lost in her thoughts of what felt like losing her mother all over again, she no longer knew what she was doing until she found his strong arms pulling her into his lap and against his broad frame. And then suddenly she stiffened in his arms. 

 

Wiping the tears from her face with her hands, she scrambled on to her feet once more with him following to stand in front of her. 

 

"You need not act so strong always, my Queen," his voice was almost a whisper, but it was gentle, like how he would speak to her when they lay together. "Allow me to carry some of your burdens..."

 

"So that you can use it against me?" She attempted to push away, against his chest, but he was quick to catch her wrists. 

 

"So that I can attempt to comfort you and protect you from those that would betray you...at least permit me that...?" His piercing blue eyes bore into her until she could no longer hide her big brown eyes from him and looked up from where she had initially fixated on her wrists. 

 

"Why, did you not have enough time to bed my sister?" She snapped sharply, surprised by her own jealousy amidst everything else going on.  

 

He paused for a moment to consider his words carefully, denying her accusations would make him appear guilty right away, as would remaining silent.

 

"She certainly looks very much like you. I shall grant you that. And it is clear your beauty comes from your mother. But I seem to desire only you, my lady. And perhaps that is why you were able to steal my own kingdom from the very palm of my hand," he slowly reached out to cup her chin, as if she were an injured animal ready to bolt away. "But I thought your mother had no other children...?"

 

She looked up from where she focussed on her hands again to find his gaze directed at her searching her face with concern. She would have pushed him away again but he seemed to make no judgement on the matter.

 

"As did I. But it appears my mother keeps many secrets, including her firstborn and her first love whom she has travelled here with..."

 

"Do you wish me to have them banished?" He lifted her face up again. This time it was clear he was being protective and his question was genuine. 

 

It all brought back the whole situation into sharper focus, and she looked away unable to hold back the floods of tears. 

 

But once again, he was quick to scoop her into his arms and carrying her he sat in his armchair and cradled her into his lap letting her sob against his shoulder. 

 

"Remember that there are many who love you here..." He soothed her hair and ran his hands over her, offering her his handkerchief. 

 

He was surprisingly gentle and kind, and between her feelings of rejection and the feel of his strong presence, his power, his self assuredness and the familiar mixture of vetiver and pipeweed she couldnt stop herself from pressing her lips to his. 

 

It began gently, an innocent kiss, to feel loved and wanted. But he had not tasted her for some days and now with her abdomen swollen, carrying his child, he found her more irresistible than ever. 

 

His kiss became more demanding and carefully he pulled her over so that her thighs straddled his legs now and he began to pull up her dress. 

 

She couldn't help her body reacting to him and found herself pressing against his growing arousal. 

 

Their movements had rapidly become urgent. 

 

But then as if something in her awoke suddenly she pushed away from his chest still breathing fast. 

 

"You say you wish to help me? Drop your challenge to retake the throne," she stood adjusting her skirts and wiping her face with a handkerchief on her desk. "Agree to rule beside me as my consort..."

 

"It has never been done and looks weak! We have many enemies that would seek to claim Erebor and all her wealth!" Thorin stood and frowned. 

 

"The Elven land of Lorien is ruled by a Queen!" She quickly replied. "And the Numenorean Queen...?"

 

"Numenor fell under her rule, after her weak husband seized power. The islands were completely destroyed as legend has it." Thorin rebutted smugly. "And the Elvish Queen uses magic to hide her Kingdom in order to survive. It is said that many travellers lose their way and never enter her lands without her explicit permission." 

 

"Well I am not a weak ruler -"

 

"No but you are unable to defend my kingdom with the sword as with words and negotiations," he closer the space between them again, until she found her chest heaving and feeling tight under each breath even with her loosened corset! She hated that he made her feel that way! Her eyes fluttered closed as she attempted to control her breathing. But to her surprise he did not kiss her. Instead he gently moved her against the edge of the desk and coaxing her legs apart, he fell to one knee. "But I am more than willing to kneel before you...to offer you my complete homage..."

 

He began to lift her skirts up again slowly, still looking up at her as he trailed a hand lightly up her leg. 

 

Her breathing quickened again and this time she placed a hand on the desk in order to steady herself as he found his way to between her legs and dove right in with both his mouth and his fingers. 

 

"My complete worship..." He rumbled against her...

 

Notes:

Dear all
Sorry it's taken so long.
This chapter is short but will post again soon.
Xx

Chapter 35: Grain, bribes and public births

Bilbo sipped his tea, attempting to look even mildly composed whilst observing the giant Toad sitting comfortably on the fuller stomach of the Queen of Erebor! They were apparently in some strange contest of stares as each one locked eyes with the other almost unblinking. The pair of them certainly made a most amusing sight, but Bilbo was too afraid of the grumpy old healer to truly enjoy it all. 

 

Suddenly, her stomach undulated as she let out a partial giggle that she too had been holding in as she observed the hobbits face. 

 

"Oi! Yer disturbing the creature!" Oin grumbled from where he stood mixing the unpleasant concoction he soon expected her to drink. 

 

"Yes! Take it seriously Master Baggins!" She chuckled again. 

 

"Och! I mean ye too lassie!" Oin frowned at her again. "That toad may jump right on yer face, if ye give it good reason to!" 

 

Unexpectedly the warty creature moved slightly from where it seemed to have settled atop her stomach, which made her stiffen as she needed the healers warning. 

 

"You are meant to be helping me, Bilbo!" She whispered at the Hobbit, while keeping her gaze firmly fixed on the amphibian. Her greatest fear now was that it would jump straight into her mouth if she dared to even so much as speak. 

 

"Forgive me, my lady," Bilbo left his cup of tea on the side table and moved to sit on a small footstool next to her chaise. Gently he reached for her bejewelled hand and held it in his as if it were the arkenstone itself as a pang of sadness ran through him again. 

 

He had been aware of her visit to see Thranduil and that she had arrived with a request for her mother. Thranduil himself had summoned him for luncheon and asked him of what he knew o her family the following day. But he had not expected to receive a brief visit from the King under the Mountain himself the following day. It appeared that her interaction with her mother and relatives had driven her into a state of quiet melancholy and deep thoughtfulness for some days after, even affecting her appetite. Thorin had requested that Bilbo return for a few days to perhaps keep her company, as he recollected that the hobbits friendship had often left his young bride in good spirits. 

 

So here he was, doing his best to cheer her up without claiming to know anything of the events of the past week. 

 

Of course she bore it all with an unnatural strength and composure that made him believe to his very soul that she was indeed broken and not the carefree young bride he had once met so many moons ago. 

 

"Ah master Baggins, why do you behave so sentimentally?" She asked smiling softly at him. 

 

"I have truly missed you, my lady. Greenwood is beautiful, and I have enjoyed my time there - and of course there are still a few travels for me to make," he truly spoke from her heart. "But...but I missed you, my lady. And I felt... the undeniable need to return back to see how you and baby were..." 

 

She smiled, her cheeks heating up at the hobbits shy but also honest confession. 

 

"I am glad you did..."she whispered back. "I have been feeling a little tired of late...and I think I would like a few days of rest..."

 

"I told ya lassie..." Oin chipped in as he stirred away with one hand and held his ear-trumpet using the other. "Although, perhaps I should have a talk with yer secret husband that visits yer bedchamber each night of late that he should curb his desires towards ya..."

 

"Och Master Oin! You should take more care with such comments you make..." Balin sighed as he walked in to her parlour. 

 

"We all know he visits her at night, lad. And we all turn a blind eye, so long as it has our lass all rosy cheeked and cheerful in the morning. But I have always said if his lusty ways hinder her rest..." Oin put his hands on his hips sternly and looked at her. "Well, I may be the first one ter put him in the dungeons meself!" 

 

Balin nodded in agreement as he contemplated what the healer said half wondering whether he meant it seriously or in jest. 

 

"I am sorry to interrupt your morning Balin, but I have not the energy in me to go up to the rookery..."

 

"Think nothing of it lass." He smiled at her. "But there is still no word from our cart-driver regarding the grain..."

 

She paused to look up at him still thinking about this. 

 

"And no word from your...I mean...lady Thalia...."

 

"Bombur thinks there can be little more than another two weeks supply of grain in our stores before we run out..." She frowned again. "What could be delaying the supply..."

 

"The weather is still quite inclement...perhaps...perhaps...they have been held up by heavy snow...?" Bilbo pondered. 

 

"But much of the journey is carried out by river," she explained. "It is only a small portion of the journey that must be carried out on foot. We traveled with the raft elves through the Sea of Rhun and Dorwinion on my journey here. And they are most capable sailors. They are quite able to transport livestock, horses, and other large cargo..."

 

She paused for a moment watching the road on her stomach again. 

 

"Please Master Oin, can we take this thing off me now - I cannot think!"

 

"I cannae do that! And that is why I donnae like all this discoursing or ruling while I am checking on ye and the babe! At this point that is the most important thing." The grumbled, tidying his tray full of various instruments he had used to listen to her stomach, heart and lungs every day. "And if ye all donnae behave, I am tempted to advise that the King steps in for the safety of the future ruler!"

 

Suddenly everyone fell silent. 

 

"You are in a foul mood today Master Oin." She pointed out quietly. 

 

"I donnae like all this burden on ye lassie..." He grumbled quietly letting the large toad hop into a sack and placing a trumpet on her belly before putting his ear to it. "A King would have to step in at times...ye shouldn't have to do that."

 

"What do you mean...?" She watched Oin as he continued to examine her growing abdomen. "You believe that there are sinister reasons for the delay perhaps?"

 

Oin sighed and straightened up, allowing her to button up her underslip over her ever expanding stomach and get dressed. He seemed to hesitate looking from Balin to Bilbo, and in no apparent hurry to reveal what he was really thinking.

 

"Well...that makes sense...I...I suppose you don't have much support from the Iron Hills and at least some of your own mobility here..." Bilbo thought out loud quietly. "They might be plotting against you..."

 

"And do you mean to say that Thorin would have rode off, sword in hand to fight anyone trying to hold up the grain?" She huffed annoyed. Perhaps she was not so capable to doing that now. Certainly the idea of climbing onto a horse was now long beyond her reach and apparently the only thing she was sat astride these days was her own husband under rather illicit conditions. Of course apparently all the company knew about it, but pretended to turn a blind eye. "Are you telling me that I am too soft -"

 

"No lass!" Balin was quick to interject, more so in case she felt the unnecessary and dangerous need to prove herself in her current state of gestation. 

 

"Perhaps there is something we can do from here is see...?" Bilbo concurred. "I mean it would be unwise for a ruler to abandon their kingdom...at a time when we may need to ration out food..."

 

She narrowed her eyes at her own dress, once again feeling thoroughly betrayed by the constraints of her sex and then a thought suddenly hit her. 

 

"Balin, the nobility...they have strong connections still with the Iron Hills do they not?" She asked. 

 

"Aye lass..."

 

"And they are mostly worried about their status or their wealth...?"

 

"Aye..."

 

"Then we gather them up..." She began to button her dress as Bilbo nodded listening. 

 

"Aye..." Balin too followed along interested.

 

"Bring each one in for a meeting with us..." She continued arranging her skirts. 

 

Bilbo and Balin were now thinking themselves of good ideas, each of the nobles separately we're not so problematic. 

 

Even Master Oin who was carefully tidying his tray of medical equipment had now stopped what he was doing and had picked up his ear trumpet listening to her.

 

"And we find out what each ones wants..." She continued again, now almost fully dressed, as they all clung to each word she muttered.

 

There was a very pregnant pause while they all waited for her next suggestions.

 

"And we either bribe them, or blackmail them into giving up each other!" 

 

"Well that was original..." Bilbo muttered a little disappointed. 

 

"My father came across as a most reasonable and benevolent King to all," she sighed as she recalled him. He was certainly one of her most favourite people to spend time with. "But he had his nobles under his control. The ministers would say that he had a silk thread around each of the noble men's necks that controlled them like the leash of a dog, and it was so fine you barely saw it, but it was so sharp that with the slightest pull by him and it would sever their heads clean..."

 

Bilbo gulped at the thought as Balin winced, he had heard many stories about the King of the 'House of Silk'. 

 

"What about your 'better' ways of doing things?" Bilbo asked quietly. 

 

"Well, we certainly tried with them didn't we?" She pursed her lips thinking. Her head buzzed with a million ideas, but she needed to act fast. "But we must hurry, or that grain and supplies will cause many problems. We have many mouths to feed and cannot have a famine upon our hands." 

 

Suddenly Bilbo understood her reasoning. 

 

"Balin, we need to make a list...and did you say Nori would have dirt on each of the nobles...?" She looked at her most beloved dwarven advisor, who was also in agreement. And then she looked at Bilbo worried a little. "Master Baggins, will this be too messy for your kind conscience?"

 

Her question was sincere. He was a better man than many. Perhaps even more than her father or Arvind...and certainly more so than that brute of a husband of hers. Suddenly, her cheeks heated as she thought of how he made her so wanton with desire that much like the odd cravings she had developed, she suddenly desired him! Right now! Her insides fluttered at her shameful need! 

 

"Are you well, my lady?" Bilbo interrupted her internal and most filthy meandering thoughts. "You look a little flushed..."

 

"I...it's...all this toad business..." She stuttered. "I imagine I will feel better soon. But truly...will you be comfortable being a part of this, my dear Bilbo?"

 

He paused. It did trouble him. He had seen the depths of such foul black mailings amongst the Sackville-Bagginses back home, and it had been far from comfortable. It had also not ended well for all parties concerned. He took a deep breath and pushed down the bad feeling he had churning in the pit of his stomach. 

 

"My dear lady, when I agreed to help you with this coup, I truly meant it," he stood straight. He assured himself that she had no other choice remaining, with the possibility of delay in supplies amid winter. Many dwarflings and even the men of Dale that often relied upon her generous feeding of the staff and their families that came to work with the dwarves were reliant upon this. And above all he liked her. Very much. He had liked her from the very first moment he had met her that day as a young bride. She was not like the other females he had ever met and Thorin, for all his flaws and decent moments did not value her as he should have. "I am here even for the difficult parts."

 

"Well then lads, lets get this done." She smiled. 

 

.....

 

Lord Delmar squirmed as he sat there under their scrutiny. 

 

"Perhaps if you have little to hide, then your wife may wish to hear of your visits to your mistress in the Iron Hills, when you claim to be inspecting your mines..." She calmly offered.

 

"Ye dirty old vulture!" Dwalin sniped from where he stood looking menacing. "I knew all that gallivanting was for no good...is that why ye look so malnourished? Yer mistress got ye on yer toes all the time...?" 

 

"I for one think with such a population imbalance, two dams sharing a dwarf is an utter waste," she tutted again. "I think I may consider banning it altogether...perhaps making it an act of treason..."

Delma perked up at her words apparently now quite concerned. The truth was he was not so worried about the consequences it had on him compared to how his fellow noblemen would treat him for paving the way for such a law to be introduced for he was certain that a fair number of them had mistresses or at least some hanky panky with the maids! 

Suddenly, he feared this Queen was far more dangerous than any of the spiteful rabble in the Iron Hills or the back stabbing lot here in Erebor itself!

"I swear to you my Queen -"

"We are not concerned about your...activities...All we want to know is how the supplies are being held up...and by whom..." She cut him off. 

"Please, my lady - my Queen!" He grovelled again, almost ready to fall upon his knees. He was thin for a dwarf, even though his frame was relatively broad. "I do not know. Honestly. But I know the King knows nothing of such a plan! In fact..."

He looked around him as if the walls might hear his words before speaking. 

"In fact...the other noble dwarves are worried that his Majesty might be going soft. That he doesn't seem so interested in taking back the throne from your Highness..." He winced as he spoke the last words, glancing at Dwalin as if expecting a heavy punch from the head of the guard. 

"Oh?" She thought about all the nights recently that he had been spending with her instead of plotting his attack. He had warned her that it was war between them, whenever they met outside of their bedchambers, and yet there had been quite a number of occasions of 'love' and not 'war' in the kings study...and library...and even once in their private parlour! "Do go on." 

 

"Well...we were supposed to meet on several occasions, at night...but they were all postponed..." 

 

She gave a sidelong glance towards Balin, who returned the slightest nod. 

 

"And why do you think that was...?"

 

This was now the twentieth noble dwarf that had been cross questioned. The others had either accepted money, favours or feared the exposure of their secrets, from secret illegitimate children, gambling fees, to murders from long ago and of course secret lovers! 

 

"With it becoming obvious that your Highness is with child...it is what most dwarves would wish to do." He explained as if it was all very normal. "I mean...I imagine you would permit him to be present during the witnessed birth...? I mean, if most of Erebor will watch your Highness giving birth, it would surely be expected that he who planted his seed would be permitted also -"

 

"Witnessed birth..." She suddenly glanced over at Balin, who's eyes widened briefly as he realised that she had not read that part of her marriage contract. 

 

"Lord Delma, I am sure we can rely on your support hereafter, or perhaps there may be a tip to your wife about your 'trade partner'. After all the mines and wealth all belong to Lady Helga's family...I am sure she would be rather unhappy about you spending any of it on HER..."

 

Delma, straightened up in his chair. 

 

"I will inform you as soon as I know of anything...I promise upon what is left of my good name." 

 

Dwalin quick as a flash was walking him out. Perhaps a little too roughly, but as fast and efficiently as he could before she began to question more of the birth in front of others. 

 

"A public birth!!!!" She shrieked, standing up from her chair in the centre and looking at Balin and Dwalin and then Bilbo. "I mean what on earth do they need to see my birth canal for?!" 

 

"It's an age old custom, lassie..." Balin hesitated. 

 

"For whom?" Bilbo asked. He had been quiet throughout the various meetings with the Lord's. 

 

"I fer one am on yer side about this one." Dwalin added. 

 

"Dwarven births are rare as it is, but the last dwarven prince was born over ninety years ago..." Balin attempted to explain. "It is in your marriage contract -"

 

"Well I am bloody Queen, Balin! I should be able to change that nonsense! I mean what in darkness does the rest of that even contain?!" 

She frowned. 

 

"Arvind and Thorin removed the part where your..." Balin hesitated again trying his best to find the words. "Where the consummation must be witnessed...I suppose they never got this far...but it does state that you must remain into Thorin's Halls and you must at minimum receive Thorin thrice a week until you have conceived an heir -"

 

"What?!"

 

"Well yer fulfillin that and more lass!" Dwalin commented. "Yer donnae need ter worry about that..."

 

"And the witnessed birth...I mean it stems from events in the past..."

 

"What events exactly?" Bilbo spoke calmly, holding her hand as she stood there considering where she should focus her anger. 

 

"A King and Queen who could not conceive once attempted to use a surrogate baby..."

 

"Eh?" Dwalin seemed to choke on the words, apparently unaware of their dwarven history. "How come ye know about this brother?"

 

"Because I paid attention to our history and you never did study or read much, brother." Balin concluded now beginning to tire of the questions. "But for that reason, witnessing the birth is important to claim this as Thorin's legitimate heir, particularly since the babe will be half man." 

 

"Oh dear gods!" She groaned. "So you agree with this?!" 

 

"Not really but I can see the logic to it lass..." Balin replied sympathetically. "Just like witnessing the consummating of the marriage."

 

"Och aye, and all those dirty old gits would love watching that eh?!" Dwalin was now in full support of her. Of course if they had to watch he would be there to ensure no nonsense occurred. He did after all like the lass since the very first moment he had met her that day in Rhun.

 

"I need to find Thorin." She gritted her teeth. If anyone was to blame for this, it was most certainly HIM!

 

HE was the one that picked her against all good judgement and advice. 

 

HE was the one that read and understood this stupid contract they had forced her to sign!

 

And HE was the one that had lain with her as if there were no tomorrow and planted this baby in her! 

 

Yes, HE was to blame.

 

She straightened up and began to walk out ignoring everyone's comments in the room, with the sole intent of finding her husband and giving him a good piece of her mind!

 

........

 

Chapter 36: Anger and betrayal

To say that Thorin was angry did not do his rage justice. His meddlesome little bride had plotted against him once again while keeping him enthralled with the pleasures that lay between her delicious thighs and that had made him feel stupid, which had in turn made him even angrier still!

 

The little harlot had turned a large number of his powerful nobles against him. He could only wonder how. Of course they were a bunch of conniving serpents, but he had spent decades gaining their favour and support in one way or other. And now she had turned a large number of them, just in one day!

 

He moved along the secret passages in near silence, his eyes well accustomed to the dark. He would soon be in their bedchambers, as his feet hurried him on. He tried to ignore his body's betrayal as his heart raced at the anticipation of seeing her and other parts of him thrummed to attention at the possibility of touching and tasting her. 

 

When he finally reached the door, he paused to listen.

 

She often took a nap around this time. But he would not trust her to observe him enter in case she revealed the secret passages to the guards. 

 

She was a delicious but treacherous vixen and today he had an axe to grind with her. 

 

Satisfied of the quiet, he entered their room to find her sitting on the chaise pouring over several parchments apparently not having heard him yet. 

 

But before he could reach her, she stood up, spinning around to meet his gaze. Her brown eyes had a fire in them that he had not seen before. 

 

And while he wanted to be intrigued by her anger, he too was livid! 

 

She was getting far too comfortable with taking his place as ruler, when all this was meant to be the passing folly of a young woman, who was meant to realize how inadequately prepared and capable she was of performing the role! 

 

"How could you?!" He roared as he stormed over to her. "You threatened and BRIBED them!!!"

 

"And what about YOU?! You would let the people of Erebor - the younglings - and all the other poor families that rely upon us to starve without supplies?!" She replied back with equal fire. "What a responsible 'King'!"

 

"The poor families?! You mean the scroungers of Dale?! Who receive our charity!" He growled standing face to face with her, cursing that she was at least as tall as him if not taller! "Did I not tell you not too feed too many mouths during winter until our stores were full once more?! But your foolish little bleeding heart did not heed the warnings and now YOU have put MY people in danger!"

 

"There would be no problem if some traitor was not holding up the grain and supplies!"

 

"Aye, my little Siren..." He moved closer to her. "And if you were a REAL ruler, you would ride out to find the carts carrying the grain and supplies and deal with the problem using an AXE or SWORD!" 

 

"And I would do that if I wasn't carrying little Thrain!" She stepped forward to meet his aggressive stance, entirely unafraid. "And that would not be a problem if you just kept your

..your... member... in your trousers!"

 

He smirked at her accusation. 

 

"I did not hear any complaints nor objections from you in between your moans...my treacherous little harlot..." He growled grabbing at her skirts. "Perhaps you require some hard reminding!"

 

"No! We are not doing that right now!" She attempted to shove him away, but he had soon engulfed her like a vice as he hurriedly lifted up her skirts. "Do you hear me you deaf brute! Your lords from the Iron Hills are plotting against us! And I shall get to the bottom of it..."

 

"By playing as dirty as them! Now none of my most powerful allies are even willing to speak with me!" He wriggled his hands up the many layers of material only to smirk again at what he discovered underneath the many layers of her dress! "No bloomers?! Might that be for me my backstabbing wench...?" 

 

"Not anymore!" She pushed harder at him again. "Not since you don't give two lumps of coal about the fate of this Kingdom -"

 

"Oh I most certainly do and that is why I am here to tell you that it is time to stop this foolishness and hand me back my throne and army..." He brought her closer against him as he spoke against the shell of her ear. It made her shiver in his arms initially, as apparently even she couldn't resist him despite the clear anger she bore towards him as never before. To say he was satisfied with how her body reacted was an understatement. "You are my woman. You are soon to bear my son. THAT is your rightful place. Leave me to go chasing after our foes -"

 

"Stop that!" She smacked his chest hard and attempted to wriggle out of his grasp, but his hands now played with her in just the way that she enjoyed. He knew fully that in no time he would enjoy the fruit of his delicate movements. "I don't need to chase after idiots and kill them like a blood thirsty old barbarian from the first age! Look at how I subdued your most loyal noble allies! I can use diplomacy and political pressure -"

 

Finally his brute strength won - even though he exerted very little more and pulled her down on top of him. 

 

And amidst their tussle, he had somehow freed his aching and very stiff appendage, landing her perfectly atop it as he lay back on the ground. 

 

Unable to stop herself in the awkward tangle they, she impaled herself letting out a little moan. 

 

He had enjoyed her only some hours ago, but this was always a moment he found exceedingly pleasurable indeed! However, today in this very moment that they usually found a connection, it felt different... 

 

He pressed himself all the way feeling his groin against her entrance. But where her tightness usually welcomed him in like a glove, today it felt more strained. 

 

She was distracted. 

 

Pushing his own desire to chase his climax he looked up at her as she held herself up with her hands on his chest and her thighs straddled wide across his broad width. 

 

He looked down at how deeply he lay within her and how open she was to him. It was a view he enjoyed seeing and all he needed was to slide one hand up her thigh and continue his ministrations, but something about today and the anger in her eyes, as he briefly glanced up again made him pause. 

 

Letting his shoulders and head fall back down onto the soft rug beneath them he groaned. 

 

His body ached to release his seed into her - perhaps today with a greater vigour that reflected his anger toward her. But he was apparently as soft as his lord's had mocked him for, when it came to this infuriating creature. 

 

"What is wrong?" He asked looking back up at her hoping that she had forgotten enough to carry on. 

 

But she sat there still glowering at him and apparently unable to dismount him for having her thighs so widely spread.

 

"This is not simply about the grain and supplies is it.." he groaned again as she wriggled in an attempt to get off him, which only tested his self-restraint to breaking point. 

 

"I cannot concentrate while you remain within me like this -"

 

"Well, try harder my lady," he teased with a thrust that had been building within him for so very long. "If I have the restraint to speak with you while we are mid-coupling, then you too can manage the same..."

 

"You did not think to amend the wretched marriage contract for the birth...?" She glared, evidently now quite livid.

 

"The birth...?" He repeated her words unable to think what she was alluding to. "I mean...the whole idea was that you would conceive and bear me an heir...that does involve a birth..."

 

"I would have not agreed to that had I read the contract!" She frowned as she attempted to slip off him again, but this time leaning backwards which led to her inadvertently lifting off him partially, providing him with an extremely delightful and distracting view, before sliding back again with a huff as she realised her release was not possible in that direction either. 

 

It made him let out another low groan and he thrust into her several times again unable to restrain himself. 

 

He would beg now for her to allow him to finish, if that is what it required. 

 

"The birth! The birth, Thorin!" She rocked herself on him angrily again in an attempt to regain his attention.  

 

"Doing that drives any residual rational thought out of my head woman...so I would suggest you stop that and speak plain to me, or I shall be forced to finish what we have begun now!" He growled again grasping at her thighs tightly so that he might keep her from moving. "What about the birth?"

 

"Why bother keeping them from enjoying the show of you fucking me for the first time if they are going to enjoy watching me push a baby through my cunt!" She almost yelled now, the frustration clear on her face. "I mean do you know what happens to a woman's nether regions in that moment...? They are split apart like an axe through an orc's head! With all sorts of things spilling out with the babe! I mean blood, bile...innards... some women shit themselves!"

 

He did not like where this conversation was going but was painfully reminded of what she meant. 

 

"I mean some women fart...or shit and fart together..." She cried still angry at the thought of the other nobility watching her in her most un-Queenly and vulnerable moment! "Do you know that is called a 'shart'!!!!"

 

He had completely softened inside her now, the wind in his amorous sails having completely stilled. And that was all she needed to slide up and off him onto the front of his doublet. She was still so close and perhaps even more open as she had slid up his body where his torso widened from his hips. He could just slide her up onto his face and taste her...

 

But not after discussing 'sharts'!

 

"You have been spending far too much time with Dwalin, wife." 

 

"Shall I finish myself in front of you...?!" She gritted her teeth angrier than ever, such that it really worried him! "Perhaps mentioning those words as I climax-"

 

"No! Please dear gods no!" He begged wishing that he was begging to finish her off himself instead while he gagged her with his appendage that was now feeling quite sorry for itself. "The birth of the heir is an important matter. It is not negotiable. Without witnessing this, there is no legitimacy to our son...to Thrain...when he ascends to take the throne..." 

 

He always hesitated to call the babe that. And yet she believed it so strongly to be a boy that grew within her, that he too couldn't help enjoy the sound of his name. Too many times in life he had been painfully reminded that until something had come to pass, it did not exist. 

 

But this was one folly he happily indulged in. For her. 

 

He looked down at her exposed and open, and gulped once more. He wanted to be inside her. Not to think of her splitting open like an orcs head! 

 

"Why can't you - why can't I change that rule?" She asked again, quietly. Almost pleading. 

 

"It is fundamental to our divine right to rule. My seed had led to you conceiving our son...Thrain...it has been witnessed that he was born of your loins," Thorin attempted to explain. "Just as I was witnessed being born of my mother's loins...and my father of his mother...and his father of his mother before and so on..."

 

She sighed, feeling partially defeated by it all. 

 

Of course the King was all powerful - no one had watched him publicly shart while attempting to pass a reasonable sized antiquity from his nether regions!!!!

 

"And the contracts were not so changed for the first time I lay with you. We just allowed for a loophole such that it was claimed that others witnessed you provided the sheets were also inspected closely for confirmatory evidence." He raised his brow suggestively. "I had wanted you since that first night I met you at the fountain in your palace. But I also wanted to take my time...and enjoy your body...when I expressed this to your brother he and Balin thought of the additional clause in your contract...if there is anything worse that having to watch your little sister being fucked for the first time...it's having to watch your little sister being fucked all night in ways that Mahal himself could not have imagined a dwarf might fit inside a lass!" 

 

The memories of that night returning to him, urged his hands to rake up her thighs with a mind of their own until he tested her by slipping two fingers through her. The results of all this made him begin to harden once more. 

 

And apparently, had had not been alone in his sentiments. But as painful as it was for him to not get what he wanted from her, he restrained himself again. 

 

"But...as much as me and my appendage are to blame for your predicament," he looked up at her again, finding himself drowning in her big doe eyes. "If you will grant me pardon for the day...I shall be by your side holding your hand...or standing in a very obstructive manner with regards to others view... or doing anything else you wish of me to ease your burden..."

 

Finally after a few moments of considering his offer, she smiled. And something so soft and despicable within him delighted at that! He would love to be bringing her to a rapid climax and follow shortly after, but he would also accept her smile, after knowing the very palpable apprehension that lay within her over the birth of his heir. 

 

He lay there with her straddling him for a few moments more, with his engorged and pleading cock hanging out behind her, when she bent down and kissed him. It was still somewhat of an angry and urgent kiss with scraping teeth and warring tongues, but it was also a desperate one. 

 

"I think I would like that..." She offered, as he kissed her back this time. 

 

But they were interrupted by a knock on the door! It was urgent and heavy - nothing like Balin or Dwalin. Even the latter knew not to bang on the doors in the royal wing - although he was probably more worried about the rot in the wood after so long! 

 

He hurried to help her off this time while he attempted to tuck himself into his trousers. 

 

"My Queen, it is only me, Lowik the Guard..." He called out. "Forgive me interruptions, but perhaps your ladyship should allow the King to hear the message also-"

 

"You were not interrupting - I was simply rearranging some books...and things..." She winced as she tried her best to sound convincing. "And talking to myself in the process..."

 

Lowik was one of the older guards to the King. He was generally a rather stoic sort of dwarf. But the idea that he knew what they were up to still mortified her. 

 

"My lady, we shant be raising the alarm - but there is an urgent raven note from your mother..." He attempted again. "Lord Arvind and Lord Dwalin will no doubt be here soon...but there is no greater warrior than King Thorin..."

 

"There is little point in feigning otherwise my lady, but the doors are old and worn with age. I imagine they have been hearing all we do..." Thorin smirked at her as he attempted to adjust his jacket to hide the telltale bulge. "But they take an oath to serve the King...and Queen."

 

She looked at him and then the door, feeling her cheeks heat up. 

 

"It's good to know that there are still many who bear loyalty to the King." He stood beside her with a smug look on his face. 

 

Satisfied that they both looked reasonably assembled, she walked to the door and opened it to take the note from him. 

 

"Thank you Lowik...remind me to pay you all bonuses..." She blushed as she addressed the guard with a brief glance up at him before turning back to the note. 

 

"We are proud to serve your majesties - but I would say you have half of an hour before your advisors arrive..." And with that he quietly shut the door. 

 

She hurriedly unscrolled the small, crumpled parchment to read the note. 

 

However, before they could read it, there was a loud clatter outside and the sound of talking.

 

"That is Lowik giving me a sign to say your brother and Dwalin are on their way here..." Thorin turned towards the back of the room. 

 

"But they won't make a fuss -"

 

"Arvind and Dwalin have firmly switched sides, I am afraid, my siren," he explained returning once more to steal a kiss. "It is only Balin and Oin that will turn a blind eye to my comings and goings." 

 

"If you agreed to my terms..." 

 

"Or you could agree to mine." He chuckled kissing her again before turning back to walk away. 

 

She quickly brushed down her rumpled skirts and patted down her hair, the small note still firmly in her hands. 

 

"You had better wear bloomers before you go anywhere, my lady!" Thorin called out a stern warning. 

 

But when she turned to look for him, he had once again vanished without a trace. 

 

She made a mental note to make sure that she watched him closely next time in order to find location of the secret door. He had always visited her late at night or left before she awoke.

 

And then she quickly turned her attention back to the note in her hands. 

 

Finding Thorin's secret passages would limit his movement around Erebor but not altogether. Clearly there were still plenty of dwarves that loyally supported her, but also supported him. She would have to find out why from Lowik. But there were also disadvantages to blocking the secret passage to their room, she reminded herself before chastising her shamefully wanton mind and body! Either way, this was a problem for another time. 

 

She carefully unfurled the note and began to read. 

 

.............

 

Chapter 37: The Negotiation

Arvind burst through the doors without knocking, enthusiastically followed by Dwalin. They both looked very much ready for battle.  

 

"Our scouts have found the problem! Dains general has set up a block on some of the large roads that run just outside their borders. They ambush all tradesmen, merchants and others, taking supplies. Unfortunately it lies close to the river jetty where the raft elves bring their supplies -"

 

"So my mothe- Lady Thalia and the Shah have been held there also," she confirmed raising the ransom note. "And he has the audacity to ask for a random..."

 

"Och aye - except General Eejit has now inadvertently started a war with Thranduils tree shaggers by holding back his precious wino!" Dwalin guffawed rubbing his hands together. 

 

"So then we wait for Thranduil to join us right?" She picked up the maps that lay on her chaise and placed them on a small table. "Has anyone informed him yet?"

 

"Yes we have sent several of our men just now, but it will take a few hours no doubt." Arvind added as he moved to stand beside her and pointed at the sites on the map where the Iron Hills legion stood. 

 

"But donnae wait for those tree shaggers. They need ter get their hair done, all washed and combed and silkified before they go ter war!" Dwalin spat disgusted at the sheer thought. "Nah we are able to tackle that lot!"

 

"Hang on both of you. We don't want to start a war with Dain. They are our closest allies..." She looked up from the map as she considered what Thorin would do. "And I think Balin would agree." 

 

"Then what do ye propose?" Dwalin grumbled. "General Eejit isn't gonnae listen to a bonnie lass!"

 

"Yes but I am carrying Thorin's bloodline..."

 

"But they don't know about that yet. Besides THEY started a war with us by doing this..." Arvind looked worried. While he was usually in agreement with his sisters methods, he was not sure her 'diplomacy' would work on these dwarves. "And your gestation makes you more of a risk that we cannot take - they could capture you or kill you and wipe two in one attack!"

 

"Let's meet them and let me talk to them first..."

 

Arvind and Dwalin looked at one another, as if communicating in a silent secret code about all the reasons they disagreed with her plan.

 

She had seen Thorin doing the same with them and often hated it. It was like some warrior boys club - like what her brothers would do when she was young and wanted to play with them! (Not that any of her sisters with their vastly inflated self-importance ever even gave her the time of day!)

 

"We speak to Balin, and Gloin...they will agree with me." She moved away from the map and towards her dressing room remembering that she urgently needed bloomers.

 

"My dear sister, while I agree with you and hate the idea of unnecessary bloodshed, I still do not believe this is the solution and puts you at significant risk!" Arvind called out. "And even if Gloin and Balin agree with you that is still two against two...where are you going sister...?"

 

"No it's three against two - don't forget my vote!" She called out and rummaged through a dresser. "I am looking for my mail vest -"

 

Dwalin and Arvind looked at each other again, while Dwalin sniffed the room. 

 

"Yer armour was being prepared in the armoury lass..." Dwalin sniffed the air again and looked at Arvind. "It donnae smell fresh like the lass in here...? Do ye think Thorin may have snuck in earlier?"

 

"I hope not - I have informed the guards that they are to let me know if they see or hear him..." Arvind frowned suspiciously. "Shobha, what are you still doing in there? Let us get you properly kitted in the armoury!"

 

"I...am..." She wondered what to say but couldn't think of anything. "I am changing my bloomers..."

 

"Och lass! What's wrong with yer old ones?" Dwalin rolled his eyes. 

 

"Always best to wear a good sensible pair for something like this right? Don't want to get caught out." She emerged from her dressing room. "Let's go find Balin and Gloin on our way to the armoury. And have the carriage prepared..."

 

"What do ye expect ter be needin' with new bloomers lass?" Dwalin scowled at what he firmly believed to be utter frivolity. "Yer not going ter be encouragin' any streakin' again are ye?! Because I bet that Iron Hills rabble will happily run around the place with as much on as the day they were born if ye ask..."

 

"I didn't ask them to streak! Ugh!" She groaned again as she thought of how some of her diplomatic plans that had truly gone awry! "Besides one doesn't need bloomers for streaking anyway...by the Gods, now I am discussing it..."

 

"I am really not happy about this..." Arvind repeated as he followed her. "I wish to have this formally noted. And should any problem arise, I shall be the first to find Thorin and ask that he reclaims his throne."

 

"My dear brother, you focus on how to deal with General Gror and his men if my discussions fail to find a solution and let me worry about the rest..."

 

.......

 

The carriages had come to a halt some moments ago along the dust road, and as she checked her armour once again just like Arvind had taught her as a little girl, a knock on the door made Bilbo jump from where he had fallen asleep. 

 

"I...I...I do not like this.." the Hobbit muttered looking around from the seat beside her. 

 

Her brother opened the door allowing for the crisp morning air to fill the carriage. They had set off just before dawn the next morning to ensure that their small platoon could travel under some cover without being spotted from some distance.

 

Arvind was dressed in his Rhun armour, which now also bore the crown and stars of Erebor.

 

Following the death of their father and the succession of her eldest step-brother, there was little place for many of the other princes, including Arvind. And no doubt her brother would in fact find him more of a threat than an ally. Either way, she needed him more than he needed to return. 

 

He glanced over from her to the Hobbit critically. While Arvind was not usually on to judge, on this occasion the look in his eyes seemed to disapprove of the halfling's presence.

 

"Your body guard has had more rest that you, sister. But I agree with him," Arvind smiled as he opened the door. 

 

"Do they know we are here?" She asked urgently. 

 

"No. And we intend to keep our advantage of surprise. Dwalin and I have discussed a plan," Arvind held his hand up for her. "Come let us show you..." 

 

She moved over to the door, taking his hand, and he too was quick to help her out, while Bilbo followed. 

 

They quietly moved over to a small wooden table on which a map had pinned down using several daggers. 

 

"We approach the rest of the way on foot. The General is here - my scouts have got eyes on him. But he is keeping the grain and hostages here..." Arvind pointed to several parts of the map where the road and river met at a large jetty. 

 

"Aye - I should go distract him while ye release the prisoners and supplies..." Dwalin suggested.

 

"Let me talk to him first. Perhaps he might bargain with us?" She offered, still certain there was some hope of smoothing things over. Perhaps the Iron Hills dwarves didn't like her, but they were dwarves and surely they liked gold? "After all he has sent a random note for Lady Thalia."

 

"Och no!"

 

"Absolutely not!"

 

Dwalin and Arvind spoke together. 

 

"I am Queen, and you will here me out this time -"

 

"I am beginning to regret this..." Arvind muttered.  

 

"We cannot afford to lose more lives. I suggest that you and Balin come with me...they are duty bound to negotiate. Otherwise what good is all that grain. If they wanted it they could have stolen it a while ago -"

 

"Aye! This is an attempt to weaken yer rule lassie!" 

 

"But now they are upsetting the woodland elves. And I can offer to negotiate with Thranduil. Surely they see an advantage in that?"

 

"He thinks yer attractive, and clever...he fancies the pants off ya. But I donnae think he will extend his favour to that lot!" Dwalin looked at his brother who had remained silent all this time for support. "Come on brother, yer gottae talk sense inter our Queen...or all we have worked fer will be in vain..."

 

"I for one agree, my lady." Bilbo nodded quietly. "It's too dangerous. I hoped we would sit at a distance while they deal with this -" 

 

"I have my armour on. And it is a task that the true ruler must perform," she sighed in frustration. "You wouldn't say this if I were Thorin! Besides, again, I have my armour on, I am not going to fight and I have Dwalin and Balin there -"

 

"Thorin has been fighting all his life. He is a seasoned warrior. You on the other hand are carrying my nephew or niece," Arvind paused again hopeful that everyone else would agree with him and that she too would finally see sense. This was not a play adventure from when she was a child!

 

"I will withdraw the second it gets hostile." She reassured again patting her armour. "You have my word that I will protect little Thrain...and I will not take no for an answer."

 

Arvind and Balin groaned. 

 

"Mahals big bollocks Princess! I donnae like it..." Dwalin huffed also. 

 

The idea of her mother and her sister being harmed upset her. But all the same, she had no desire to be near them. She had over heard stories of how her father was a wolf in sheep's clothing or worse. Yet she had never imagined it true. So the idea that he had taken her mother from the Shah had surprised her. Of course her father was soft and gentle when it came to her, but then again she was his daughter. And she knew he had a particular soft spot for her, which she returned with complete unconditional admiration. Perhaps it was entirely possible that he was a brute to others and maybe even to her mother. But she simply had not seen it with her tainted view of him. 

 

Her heart ached as she recalled her father. How she longed to have embraced him one last time or kissed him goodbye. 

 

"You don't have much choice." She glanced around the table determined now to face this general. "How dare Dain allow this?! Besides, giving birth in public is going to be much worse. So if I have to deal with that, I can most certainly deal with this."

 

........

 

She had returned back to her carriage and the remaining soldiers had marched up in front to make their approach towards General Gror seem more natural. After all a Queen of Erebor would never travel without a proper entourage! 

 

Finally she had stepped down and approached the General Gror who stood watching with a sullen look. 

 

He was a rather rotund and wide dwarf, which the armour he wore only seemed to amplify. 

 

His head barely peeped out from under his heavy helmet however a lengthy red beard, braided into heavy plaits hung from beneath sitting over the top part of his breast plate. 

 

Seeing him standing there, entirely still, annoyed her. 

 

She was now Queen. Why weren't others willing to take her seriously?

 

So she stopped some distance short of him. She would make him come to her, rather than the other way. 

 

She stood watching him for some time. While she wore armour, she had the decency to approach with her helmet off, choosing to wear a light circlet instead. Bilbo stood beside her and Dwalin to her left. 

 

"Have ye changed yer mind princess?" Dwalin whispered. "Do ye no longer wish to speak with him? He is a big fat oik so nobody would blame ye..."

 

"No, I want him to come to us." She whispered back and then turned towards one of the guards behind. "Could you bring forward a small table please?"

 

Her guards were mostly dwarves. Arun had taken his men from Rhun to the jetty. Lowik and Gert, two of the Kings guard that stood outside the royal rooms in Erebor had accompanied her today also and stood at the front. 

 

Lowik had proudly proclaimed that it was his duty to take an arrow, sword strike or axe blow in order to protect their Queen. It had involuntarily conjured up some terrible images in her head, thanks to some of the more horrifying aspects of court life in Rhun. 

 

He had been quick to rush back and return from her carriage with the small table and map, which he began to set up with daggers just as before. 

 

"What's the matter lassie...?!" Gror called out from where he stood. "We promise not to bite!" 

 

His men stood fully armed and looking as if ready for war behind him. But for a moment his words raised a wave of laughter amongst them all. 

 

"I am Queen under the Mountain, and I will not be treated to such hostilities when we have been nothing but generous to you and your kin in the Iron Hills." She took several steps forward again and stopped so that she was not flanked by any other dwarves but also still left some distance from Gror who remained visibly puffing with anger. "In return you have kidnapped my kin, hold up our supplies and dare to send me a ransome note...either this is some sort of tactic to gain my attention or an abysmal mistake. Either way I am here to open a dialogue..."

 

She signalled for Lowik who was quick to bring forward the small table with the map unfurled. 

 

At first her guard stood proudly by her, reluctant to leave, but she signalled for him to stand back, much to his disappointment. 

 

"But you must extend me the courtesy of meeting me at the negotiation table," she gestured for him to step forward. "Besides, if you do not bite, and I am just a 'wee lassie' why do you come forth with an army, wearing heavy breast-plates and a helmet to meet me. Perhaps YOU are scared...?" 

 

Her words seemed to make him freeze on the spot for quite some time. The squat, broad, dwarf stood there completely still but for his breathing which had turned heavy, like a wild boar when it snorted.

 

The longer he stood there, the more she worried that her taunting had perhaps worked too well, and that any moment now, he would sound a call to charge!

 

But to her surprise after what felt like an eternity, he walked over to the table slowly and begrudgingly as if still calculating the option of violence with each step. Then finally after meeting her across the table with the map, he finally took off his helmet. 

 

His face was still red with anger, his round face filled with a range of emotions. And after he evaluated her and the map again his beady blue eyes looked up to meet hers. 

 

His cheeks were surprisingly plump for what she expected from a hardened warrior. In fact the only real giveaway to his time on the battlefield was the enormous scar that ran right across his eye. It was impressive with an irregular edge, suggesting he had been cut with a jagged edge blade like the sickle-blades that were used by the more vicious second-tier warriors in her father's army. The wound was deep enough that nothing would have obscured it - not even the hands of the best battlefield-surgeon, but it was also superficial enough to have left his right eye still working well. 

 

"I do not know how you stole the raven seat from Thorin, lassie...but...I think a closer alliance between the two kingdoms is now better -"

 

"If it's gold you want I am willing to discuss terms. But you would be foolish to risk all your lives, when so much was lost not so long ago," she looked down at the map, spotting the roads leading to the iron hills and the blue mountains. "Perhaps we could pay for your guards to protect our routes for safe passage? There are many nobility that travel between the halls of their kin and some are accosted by brigands and stray orc...we could even provide your guards with armour."

 

He scowled at her initially, as if he had not understood the words she had spoken. 

 

"Dain is busy, he does not need the added trouble of another kingdom to govern. And I know what the nobility are like, they would...struggle... to govern by committee...with all their petty bickering..." She spoke again, this time attempting to make her tone of voice a little softer, as if she were speaking with an unruly toddler throwing a tantrum. Apparently her husband was not the only stubborn dwarf! "All you truly require from Erebor is access to some of the gold in our coffers...this offer is most generous, does not involve unnecessary bloodshed and would even help with trade..."

 

Suddenly he pulled his lips up to bare his teeth. It was hard to say for certain whether it was a smile or gritted teeth. Either way it was quite unnatural and almost unpleasant. 

 

But he seemed to suddenly be interested in the map. 

 

"Very well...perhaps if you might show me again...?" He peered down at the map. 

 

She was not sure of this sudden change in heart. But she was ever the believer in resolving matters without the use of killing or maiming of any more soldiers. They had not committed any crime but to offer their loyal service to their leaders and greed was certainly not a reason to sacrifice their precious lives in her eyes. If anything, she owed it to all the soldiers gathered today and to their families to prevent any further warfare. 

 

So she hesitantly reached out to point out the three routes she had already considered but no longer felt comfortable enough to touch the map, for it was far too close to him.

 

"This is a route we patrol often..." He used a rather vicious dagger he had apparently silently unsheathed to trace the route from the Iron Hills to Erebor. 

 

The route was a large and near straight road but ran through a wooded area and then open scrubland the rest of the way and had been the target of several robberies recently. His confession made her wonder whether the robberies recently encountered were in fact planned, if indeed they patrolled the route frequently.

 

She glanced up to find his beady, blue eyes watching her closely and when she met his gaze he once again pulled his lips into a repulsive smile. 

 

"Perhaps your ladyship would care to show me again the other two routes proposed...?" He spat out gruffly. 

 

She couldn't help hesitating. There was something about her interaction with General Gror that made her skin crawl. 

 

But he seemed to almost sense her hesitation so was quick to ask her again. 

 

"And what of the river...?" He inquired, drawing her attention back to him once more. 

 

And again when she glanced up at him he presented her with his disturbing version of a smile. She quickly glanced back down at the map as if thinking again, and silently prayed to every god she knew that her repulsion was not betrayed by her features. 

 

"The waterway is the trade route from Dorwinion. It is best to leave them to their business..." She offered without mention of the elves. "But the route to the Blue Mountains..." 

 

She finally placed her hand on the map to follow the path of the wagon road, still focussing on the map ahead where the routes diverged through a mountain pass. 

 

Her thoughts were interrupted by a sharp pain to her left hand and everything seemed to slow down. 

 

It almost felt as though someone had dropped a heavy boulder on her hand pinning it down to the table and preventing her from reflexively withdrawing from the pain. 

 

She could hear the sound of Gror laughing. 

 

It was a horrid sound, matching the grotesque nature of his smile. 

 

And as she looked back at her hand, she realised to her horror that he had driven his dagger right through her hand and deep into the wood of the table. 

 

"That is what we think of yer wee negotiations!" He laughed again at her. "Ye need ter get yer wee head out of the clouds lassie!"

 

She hadn't screamed apparently despite the pain and no one was quite aware that he had pinned her down like that since the table was hidden out of sight! 

 

And as the realisation dawned on her that he was never open to negotiation, she found her rage blossoming and growing.  

 

It was like that ember that had been glowing at the bottom of a dead fireplace for sometime. It would be easy to assume all heat had died out. But given enough tinder and a little stirring with a poker it would lead to a roaring inferno soon enough. 

 

"Ye come here, wearing yer little armour and bringing yer brothers army to sneak up on us while ye pretend to negotiate..." He spat on the map. "Did ye really think we wouldn't notice?! Your strategy is as poor as yer ability to rule!"

 

She stood up struggling to remain hunched with her growing belly now and looked down at the squat general, who frankly looked proud of his actions! 

 

Her anger roared up within her again. It felt like the flood waters held back by a dam. But the wave of anger within did not seem to ebb away this time. It continued to swell with each word the dwarf before her uttered. 

 

These dwarves had been trying her patience from the moment she had arrived in Dale.  From their idiotic stubbornness, that would make them happy to sacrifice their lives for gold, to their lack of humility. 

 

"Ye should be enjoying yer husband's bed as yer belly swells with his babe! Not ruling a kingdom!" Gror laughed again. "But you swarthy lasses have a fire in ye that makes yer dream...I have shared enough of Dains little Rhun sluts to know how they like it. But Thorin is too soft on ya...ye need to be taught a lesson..."

 

She pulled again at her hand which now felt as if it had caught fire. But it was the fire that burned within her chest that was spreading faster.

 

"So I have asked my men to set the barge your whore of a mother is on alight with your brother and his men!" He barked on. This time he bore his teeth in a more genuine smile, which was even more sickening than his feigned one!

 

She could feel her heart pounding and her breath falling faster, constricted by the mail vest and her armour. 

 

And his words began to fade into the sound of her heart pounding in her ears. 

 

Slowly her rational thought appeared to be leaving her. It was the sort of strange experience that one had on certain occasions when pushed to the limit of patience but not permitted to walk away to cool off. 

 

All she could see was his unpleasant face, and his repulsive smile. 

 

She pulled her hand off the table at last, and pulled the knife out of her hand watching the blood trickle down her arm. 

 

 "Then we will take Erebor from you!" Gror laughed again.

 

She looked at the blade smeared with her blood, still warm and wet. 

 

"And turn ye into a pretty little whore...maybe even yer babe can become a good whore. Some like em young-"

 

But before Gror could utter another word, he howled in pain clutching at his remaining eye as blood poured out of his eye socket.

 

That was the moment she realised that she had stabbed him with his own knife. 

 

She withdrew the blade again with a squelch and without hesitation or thought plunged it into the other eye. The scarred one. 

 

"You bitch!" Gror gurgled, clutching his face blindly before attempting to grasp at his sword. 

 

She could hear the cries from Dwalin, Balin and Lowik somewhere behind her. But it was all like a distant dream.

 

Like a dream filled with rage. It was all consuming. From all those years when she had been teased by her sisters, or watched helplessly as her mother was openly called a whore since she was three of four - one of her earliest memories. And right through to now, where every day of ruling was a struggle. 

 

In the past she would try to distract herself, or ignore the anger of injustice that clawed at her very core. 

 

But not today. 

 

Today she could let it consume her. All of her. 

 

She was her rage and it was her. 

 

The next moment she was aware of her actions, she found herself covered in blood. 

 

Her hands shook as she noticed the blood soaked knife, still firmly grasped in her fist and her other hand with it's large ragged cut trickling with blood. 

 

She had seen blood like this before when a tribe had once attacked the palace by scaling the walls. But she had been very young then and had hoped never to see so much blood again. 

 

Her heart still pounded in her chest as a large pool of blood continued seep out from beneath the Iron Hills general. The dusty road simply refused to soak it all up as it ran out thick and warm to surround her boots.

 

Slowly as she looked up she spotted the Iron Hills soldiers shouting as they began running towards her. But her feet refused to move. 

 

It took her back to that day when she should have been consumed by a sandworm as she stood just outside the walls. 

 

To say that life flashes before you at a moment like this didn't quite feel correct to her. She had no strong opinions of how her life should have been, other than to believe that everything had led her to this moment for a reason. 

 

She had no regrets of how she had lived her very short life so far. 

 

And just as that day in her childhood, she found the idea of dying was much more peaceful than she had expected. Whatever awaited her next would be. 

 

But she did wish that she could have told Thorin that she loved him. 

 

She could hear Dwalin shouting behind her. But she knew there was little she could do to stop Gror's soldiers from attacking her now. 

 

Her hands slowly cradled her abdomen and regretted that she would not have the chance to meet little Thrain, wondering what he might have looked like. 

 

She let Gror's knife fall out of her other hand too. 

 

And then to her surprise, as if he could hear her she felt a firm stretch from within her abdomen, into her palm.

 

She could now hear the whistle of arrows as they flew past her, miraculously missing her and had no intention of looking up. Dying would be much more peaceful that way. 

 

And then she couldn't help wonder about her strange relationship with the elven King. She had kissed him, and found he had kissed her back. 

 

As the searing pain from her hand began to finally set in, she found herself lifted her off the ground and she closed her eyes allowing the fates to determine her survival. 

 

......

Chapter 38: The Plot Thickens

Thranduil held his hand up to his soldiers standing behind, signalling for their archers to hold fire.

 

The dwarf general appeared to be talking with her, as he pointed at the map.

 

Her own men stood some distance behind and she was clearly unarmed but for the armour she wore, which was of little protection if the brute planned to attack her. 

 

He didn't like it, but he reminded himself that this was not his battle. His other guard were freeing the raft elves and securing the jetty as they spoke alongside Prince Arvind. 

 

His only role here was to watch for any more reinforcements. 

 

Already the foolish and impulsive dwarves of the iron hills had not noticed them even though they only had a few trees for cover. While he didn't approve of it, he now understood why some of the early Noldor and Sindar had hunted the petty dwarves for sport. They were so concerned over their small squabbles, they did not see the larger threats lurking a little further. 

 

He narrowed his eyes in an attempt to read her lips, but she appeared hesitant and less trusting of this dwarf. 

 

It made him want to move forth to join them, but once again he reminded himself that she would feel undermined by his intervention. She was now the ruling sovereign and he needed to respect that. And so with a great deal of effort he restrained himself. 

 

He still didn't like her so close. She was vulnerable. He thought of when she had slept in his bed, her small form wrapped in his blankets. And then how she had kissed him that night, so unreservedly, it had stirred some strange desires that he had not experienced for so very long, that he had considered all but dead in him. There was hope in her lips - a belief of something better. He had not tasted that hope for a long time. His fingers gently brushed his own lips as he thought of her.

 

But within moments, things seemed to change, she remained hunched over the small table as the foul dwarf appeared to be mocking her. 

 

And then to his complete surprise she seemed to hold up a knife, her hands covered in blood. It took a few moments to realize it was her blood. 

 

But before he could command his archers to fire, she had plunged the knife into his unscarred eye.

 

The dwarven soldiers from the Iron Hills were a little slow to react, apparently taken aback by the viciousness of her completely unexpected retaliation. 

 

He took a step forward, ready to run in for her.

 

The dwarf general could easily reach for his sword!

 

But she seemed to be incensed! The dwarves began to charge at her, but she didn't retreat!

 

"Fire at the soldiers behind her!" He commanded at the archers, who set off several volleys of arrows one after the other. 

 

The arrows flew over her but she still seemed to have no concern of the approaching dwarf soldiers!  

 

Instead, she pressed the knife further into his eye, as he let out a blood-curdling scream in agony. 

 

Apparently even the dwarf soldiers were shocked by this, as they paused their charge briefly, some having fallen to the arrows. 

 

But she still didn't seem intent on stopping! 

 

Having knocked the table over, she jumped on top of him bringing him to the ground in his blinded state! 

 

The surprised dwarf swung his sword several times wildly in vain. But in his blinded and confused state there was little he could do now. 

 

She was devastatingly quicker and much more vicious than he had ever imagined her capable of, blocking his arm instinctively, before withdrawing the knife and slicing the blade several times into the side of his neck. 

 

He seemed to fight momentarily, but the agitation only made his end quicker as he lay on the ground in a pool of spurting blood. 

 

Then slowly she stood up and seemed to be in shock at her own actions. Her hands trembled as she observed the knife and the blood.

 

Initially unsure of what to do now that their general lay dead, the dwarves from the Iron Hills began to charge at her once more. But this time Thranduil was quicker, his soldiers following him out of the trees.

 

The archers set off volley after volley, dropping more dwarves while Thranduil moved swiftly to where she stood, still frozen as though in shock. 

 

She had dropped the blade from her hands as he approached closer and seemed to be staring at a large cut the dead general had inflicted right in the middle of her hand. The blade had plunged through and through from the back of the hand and emerging through the palm leaving large bleeding wounds. 

 

"My lady...? Shobha...?" He spoke quietly as he neared, but she remained frozen, slowly wrapping her hands around the swell of her abdomen as she watched the approach of the iron hills soldiers. 

 

So he picked her up in his arms as his own soldiers formed a wall in front of him, linking their shields together. It was most likely of little need now, as what few remaining dwarves from the Iron Hills would either be felled or would surrender. 

 

Slowly they moved away from the path through the continued volley of arrows, as her own Erebor army ran past them towards the oncoming dwarves to meet them head on in a clash.  

 

He would need to treat her wounds fast.

 

.......

 

He watched her as she stirred from a fitful sleep, and stretched in his chair. The furniture in Erebor was designed for short and broad frames, it was akin to spending a night in an elfling's chair. But he was still unwilling to end his bedside vigil. It took his thoughts back to when his son had been ill as a child, and when his own wife had given birth. Her labour had been a difficult ordeal, that he had not forgotten any details of, even after all those centuries. Sometimes the memories over all those years made him happy, and sometimes they made him feel exhausted and heavy hearted.  

 

Again she stirred, making him lean forward, but she seemed to settle. 

 

It had come as a surprise when she had called his name in her sleep, making him wonder what she dreamt of. 

 

But he reminded himself again that she had also called her husband's name and that she carried his unborn child. That in particular was a bond that would remain strong until death. Even if she bore feelings for him, neither would know what to do with them. 

 

Most of the candles had died out now, leaving only light from the fireplace to cast moving shadows about the large room. 

 

It was a strange thought that he had been allowed to remain at her bedside in the dwarven stronghold. Her brother, and the healer had been in and out frequently, but only his enchantments had the capability to heal her hand effectively. So he had no desire to leave her until she was alert and well.

 

A fever had set in before he had managed to bring her back to Erebor, which had also been a worry. It had not been a good sign, and he was sure she had lost more blood than she should have.

 

A quiet knock at the door made him sit up. It made his stiff back hurt a little. At least the halls and rooms of Erebor were tall and spacious enough for elves, even if they were not as grand as his own halls. 

 

The door opened before he could address the visitor, and this time a slightly older woman entered the room accompanied by Prince Arvind. 

 

The woman was tall, and lean, with silver streaks in her hair. But her face still looked young - certainly younger than she most likely was, and her features were beautiful. In fact he could imagine that Shobha might look like this woman someday in the distant future. 

 

There was even something regal and alluring about the way she carried herself, and yet her frame was not soft like that of a woman. It looked as though she had some muscle hiding beneath her grand clothes. 

 

Her dark eyes glanced at the woman asleep in the bed and then over at him with open suspicion, where he sat in the chair. And then he understood what relationship this woman bore to the dwarf king's young bride. 

 

"You allow him to stay by her side, but I must be accompanied?" She asked Arvind. 

 

But the prince did not respond. 

 

"She is not to be disturbed," Thranduil addressed her coldly, standing to his full height now as he realised who this woman was now. "The Queen recovers well. But she needs her rest." 

 

The woman glanced over at him with contempt but did not reply. 

 

She carefully leant over to look at Shobha, who stirred again and whispered something in her sleep. 

 

"I asked her to forget me. To move on with her life and allow me the same luxury. But now..." She moved to the edge of the bed only to have the Elven King move closer also as though he too were equally suspicious of her actions. 

 

"She will be recovered in time lady Thalia. There is no need to fret," Arvind reassured her, also a little distant. He knew how hurt his sister was and had little desire to allow her mother back into her life. Thalia was always going to leave, now that she no longer belonged to the Maharajah. 

 

"And is that to make me feel better?" She huffed at the prince quietly. "There was a time when I treated you as a son, and even hid you from the King when he was angry..."

 

"Father had such a temper...and he was equally vicious too." Arvind reminisced. "Although I do not think anyone inherited his viciousness..."

 

"You think so?" She let out a mirthless laugh. "Well, his youngest daughter appears to posses a streak of that viciousness..."

 

Arvind was shocked by this revelation but did not answer her back.

 

"When she was five, an older boy in court had decided to repeatedly pick on her, when she first started school..." Thalia recalled. "He was several years older. And one day he pushed her to the ground. So she stabbed his arm with a quill. The schools governor was intent on having her expelled, but I asked your father to intervene..."

 

Arvind glanced over at Thalia briefly but continued to lean over to check his sisters forehead for a temperature. 

 

"You know, your father was of course enamoured by her as a babe and a toddler. He saw a little bit of himself and me in her. Ma others were even begrudgingly taken by her also, after all she was a beautiful babe with her big doll eyes, and how happy she was to socialise...but he was less interested in her as she grew older. And then when this happened, I expected him to be livid. After all, that boy was one of his high advisor's sons...but instead he was proud! He praised her harsh retaliation as just and brave! And said she had the ability to rule better than any of his sons!"

 

Arvind watched Shobha without looking over at Thalia but was paying full attention to her words as she continued. 

 

"He was right of course..." Thalia concluded with a sigh. "Deep down, she possess that ruthlessness needed by a ruler..."

 

"I am sorry, my lady...perhaps you might wish to stay until she wakes. But her instructions in case of injury were clear in whom she would allow to be present at her bedside..." Arvind wanted to speak harsher. To tell her that her own careless actions were why his sister had to ride out to deal with the dwarves. But he held his tongue for now. "We have your room prepared..." 

 

"And you, remain by her side, even though you are ruler of the woodland realm...waiting until she opens her legs for you," Thalia addressed Thranduil directly. "And she will...in time...let you have her...perhaps even bear a child for you...then she would have two kings at her feet..."

 

She brushed the hair from her daughter's face tenderly, in spite of her words. Then nodded to Arvind. 

 

"I will not stay. I have caused enough problems now," she concluded before glancing at Thranduil once more. "I can see that you truly care for her though. Not like the dwarf, for whom she is a possession, much like his precious jewel. She will need your love."

 

Thranduil suddenly imagined her in a different light, as she lay there. He allowed himself to imagine her carrying his child. He wondered what a little version of himself she would bear for him, if it were possible. 

 

Thalia had reached the door now, but paused before leaving to turn back again. 

 

"Take care of my daughter." She addressed the Elven King one last time before leaving with Prince Arvind and closing the door.

 

He sat down on the side of her bed again to assess her, picking up her hand to check for staining in the dressings. Fortunately, all appeared to be well, but for the fever she had.

 

But just as he was about to stand up and return to his chair, she stirred. 

 

"Do not leave me please..." She murmured with her eyes still closed. 

 

"I can imagine this is how rumours will begin," he smirked, watching her smile dreamily at his words.

 

"What if my mother was right...?"

 

"That you want me and him..." Thranduil quirked an eyebrow. 

 

She remained still with her eyes closed for a few moments. It was long enough to make him wonder if she had drifted asleep again. 

 

"Do you wish for a baby with me...?" She finally asked quietly. 

 

He had thought she had drifted asleep so her words caught him off guard, as she lay there in bed. It brought his thoughts back to the moment she had kissed him so unreservedly once. 

 

In that moment, as she lay there in bed, in nothing but her nightgown, it even felt like an invitation and he felt a stirring. 

 

With apparently great effort, she fought against her drowsiness to open her eyes and watch him. 

 

She found him suddenly preoccupied with adjusting her heavy blankets and then checking her forehead. 

 

"It is true then that you wish to lay with me..." She smiled at him again through half lidded eyes. 

 

It almost made it feel like an invitation, if not for her injured hand.

 

The Elven King did not why away from many things. But he suddenly felt rather hot and bothered by this little woman, who lay there inviting him into her bed. 

 

"I fear you are delirious from the potions your healer provided you for pain relief, my lady," he spoke quietly.

 

Few things effected the Elven King, for he had seen much in his lifetime, from death and war to love and peace. But after his queen's final journey so long ago, he had thought that side of him was long lost. And yet here she was stirring a powerful lust and bashfulness within him that made him feel young again. 

 

Leaning over to her, he carefully reached out a hand and brushed it against her soft cheek silently. 

 

Suddenly he understood why the dwarf king remained so jealously possessive of her. He too would have been lying if he did not confess that he had thought about such an invitation from her; to seek his pleasure between her legs, particularly on a longer, lonelier night at times.

 

"King Thranduil, you say nothing -" 

 

He stood from the bed as they both heard movement from the back of the chambers. 

 

"You -" Thorin growled from the back of the room. "Dishonourable -"

 

"Before you speak further, I would like to remind you that it was I and not you who came to her aid at the time," Thranduil stood tall. 

 

"You cannot do as you wish here! This is MY Kingdom!" 

 

"And yet your Queen asks for MY aid -"

 

"I am fine, Thorin," she interrupted them both, prompting him to hurry over to her bedside and check on her. 

 

"You are heavy with child. You should not be travelling or putting yourself in danger!" He gently brushed the hair from her face and picked up her injured hand. 

 

"I recall you once claimed I was incapable as a Queen to resolve matters which needed an axe or sword," she pointed out despite her drowsiness. "Well, I resolved it...with a dagger." 

 

Thorin was apparently unaware of all the details, and looked over at the elf now, but Thranduil remained silent. In truth, even the elf was surprised by the viciousness with which she had attacked Dain's arrogant general. Putting the poor half dying dwarf out of his misery was the only compassionate thing to do. 

 

"You did not need to put yourself at risk -"

 

"He decided to hold my mother to ransom..." She concluded weakly. "It is another lesson he will not forget."

 

"I fear the general will not learn another lesson again." Thranduil remarked quietly.

 

Thorin looked over at the elf again, finally understanding the events that had taken place. He quirked an eyebrow in surprise, first glancing over at Thranduil again because apparently a part of him could not believe his young bride capable of such savagery, before regarding his wife in an entirely new light. 

 

"Is there a reason you need to be here now -" he initially began addressing the elf when she interrupted him.

 

"I owe my life to King Thranduil... So I would like him to stay..." 

 

Thorin cursed under his breath but otherwise held his tongue, and without another word simply walked to the car corner of the room. 

 

"Perhaps it is time I left-" Thranduil began. 

 

"Stay," Thorin sounded sincere in his request. "I am grateful that you were present to save her, but more importantly to help with her healing. And I know that she feels comfortable with you..."

 

Thorin despaired at the possibility, but she clearly liked and trusted the elf. While, he suspected the elf too harboured secret desires for his woman, he knew it would look uncouth to fly into a fit of jealousy over their relationship. After all he worried this was in many ways his fault that she had come to such harm. 

 

Thranduil tilted his head in thanks, taken entirely by surprise at this. He turned to check on her, but when he turned back to look for Thorin, the dwarf king was gone! 

 

.........

 

"Who's idea was it to kill my consort?" Thorin demanded from Elise, despite her best efforts to seduce him. He could feel his anger rising and he no longer felt the need to restrain himself. 

 

"Oh come now, isn't that what you wished for...? You said that she was a burden -"

 

But the turn in his temperament was instant and she could not finish her words before he had a large hand wrapped around her throat. He didn't squeeze but the mere action of grasping her was enough to strike utter fear into her. 

 

"Even if she is a burden, she is MINE to deal with as I wish!" 

 

She merely stared up at him with her blue eyes, frozen in terror. She had once seen him deal with someone who had killed another dwarf over a large sum of gold coins and would never forget how he had beaten that dwarf to within an inch of his life with his bare hands, only to walk away afterwards and drink a goblet of wine while the dwarf lay gasping on the floor in a bloody pile. 

 

"I know we have had each other more times that we can recall, so you feel some sort of overfamiliarity with me. But I will remind you again Elise, that I AM YOUR KING." He growled staring into her eyes. "Even if it appears that I have lost power, have no illusion that I could at any time take it back. I merely choose NOT to at this point..." 

 

He watched her for a few more moments before slowly releasing her throat.

 

"She carries my heir and I will personally deal with anyone who attempts to lay a finger on her," he growled. It should have been him to have dispatched the foolish general from the Iron Hills.

 

Elise wrapped her hands around her throat in a subconscious attempt to soothe the skin where he had grasped her. 

 

"You feel guilty that you could not stop her foolish attempt to 'discourse and reason' with absolutely no protection..." She muttered bitterly. Although she knew that he had paid visits to the other noble dwarrow before her, and they had all been beaten to a pulp, so she had been lucky. "Sometimes females must accept that we are the weaker sex in certain situations."

 

She was probably also correct, but he remained incensed that he had not been there to protect his bride.  

 

He would have to find out who exactly was behind this and deal with them fast. 

 

..........

Notes:

Dear All, sorry it's been a while, but I am starting to write again. Hopefully more chapters to come ;)

Chapter 39: Picture