A Day In Life
A woman sat upon the cold stone seat, deep within the White Mountains. The seat was very uncomfortable, for a purpose. It served to remind a person who sat upon it that power is not a pleasure, but a duty. A burden.
The seat was the throne of Aglarond, Glittering Caves, the last glorious City of Dwarves in Middle earth, and the woman who sat upon it was the Ezbad, Lady in Khuzdul. The Ruler.
The Great Throne Hall was busy that day, full of Dwarven Lords, soldiers, Craftsman and Royal servants. After few hours, the meeting was over. The dwarves disippated from the hall, until there was none but one left. With few soft words, Lady dismissed her maid as well. With closing of massive doors, she was alone in the Hall.
For a half hour or more, she still sat upon it, lost in thoughts. Standing up, woman turned around, staring at the chair, tracing the carvings with her fingertips. "There is always only one…" her voice broke, and she turned around, walking to the inner small doors.
After walking through the maze of smaller tunnels she walked into her chambers. A hot tub waited there for her, for she stopped visiting her bathrooms some time ago.
Sighing, she unclasped the brace upon her left shoulder, and a ruby-red dress fell down. Stepping out of it, she entered hot tub.
Here, in privacy of her own chambers, there was no need to keep a raised chin or a smile. Here she could be just what she is, not a Queen, but just a woman, naked in front of herself. Closing her emerald eyes, she sank into the water, wetting her long chestnut hair.
Here and now, she let herself remember, whilst the first tear slid down her cheek. Second followed the first, and soon there was third, and a hundred-and-third one. But the water is mute witness, and rock is silent always.
After the water cooled, she stood up, and stepped out of the tub, going to her dresser.
Flicking between dresses, her eyes stopped upon a beautiful midnight blue one. Gulping, she pulled out a simple white one, hiding her eyes from the blue one.
Slipping into the dress, she sighed and started towards her front door.
Stepping out into the crowded street, she was a Lady again. Heading for the Kitchens, she greeted people of the City along the way, her chin highly held.
With a smile.