Aragorn had tried to get away from this conversation.
He even considered escaping the open rooms of Rivendell and hiding back out into the wild, taking on the name of Strider again and living in the shadows.
It had taken a lot of persuasion for him to even think about taking the throne of Gondor, as was his birth-right, but this… this was going to be torture.
His surrogate father, Elrond, had called the meeting only ten minutes ago, but he seemed to sense what Aragorn had planned and sent Elladan and Elrohir to fetch him. He had a serious expression on his face, and the last time Aragorn had seen that expression, was when Elrond had expressed the importance of taking the throne whilst everything in the world was still relatively peaceful.
Eventually, Elrond broke the silence, "As you know, your crowning ceremony is in less than a year… and I received a 'concerned' letter from Denethor, who is worrying about the lack of an heir. Apparently, if you should die before having a child, then Gondor will fall."
Aragorn knew what the letter really said… probably something along the lines of that Denethor would be 'proud to reassume the role of steward should the worse come to pass.'
It was a pity Denethor's sons were still too young to assume the role.
"So of course…" Elrond continued, "… It does mean that we need to think about finding you a suitable Queen or Royal Consort. Before you say anything…" he held up a hand, stopping Aragorn just as he opened his mouth, "… before you say anything, you know that I would never force you to marry someone who you didn't like, so I have compiled a list of names of both women and carriers who you might like."
He handed a piece of parchment over to Aragorn, who nodded his thanks to the man he'd consider an Ada. Glancing at the names, Aragorn instantly knew which ones he would even consider, and the ones that could be cast off immediately. Rising from his seat, he grabbed the closest quill and ink bottle, bringing them back to the middle.
"I will go through the names and cross those who I don't like off of it…" Aragorn explained, knowing that by making it appear like he was complying with the wishes of Elrond, then everything would go a lot smoother, "… I'll circle those who I'll consider asking. I can work through them, and if they're either in a committed relationship or not interested, then I'll move onto the next one."
"Estel…"
Aragorn glanced up at the warning tone, wincing slightly at Elrond's significant look.
"… I do expect you to pick someone. This isn't just going to go away."
"Yes Lord Elrond."
….
Once he'd had a good read over the list, there was only one name left - Prince Legolas Greenleaf.
They had met before, as Elrond and Legolas's father often held meetings together as the respective leaders/rulers of Rivendell and Greenwood, coming closer over the years. Now, that was mostly due to the fact that he would follow the Prince everywhere, watching him curing his archery lessons and even trying to persuade the Prince to spar with him.
I think everyone was grateful when he grew out of that awkward stage.
Legolas was handsome though, well-mannered and everything he ever wanted in a husband, and consort. They weren't the only reasons behind the choice of course. Having been raised as a Prince, Legolas would provide good insights on future policies and it would help maintain good relations with Greenwood.
With the decision set in his mind, he made his way out of the library. Upon opening the doors, Elladan and Elrohir fell forwards, landing heavily on the floor.
"Hello Elladan. Hello Elrohir." Aragorn sighed, hoping that he wouldn't have to discuss the prospect of him getting married in front of them. When Elrond appeared behind them though, it was clear that this wasn't going to be the case.
"Estel is just considering who is going to be his future Queen or Royal Consort." Elrond explained to the curious twins., "If you two have so much free time to eavesdrop, then maybe I should consider making a list for you?"
"So Estel…" Elladan quickly piped up, clearly trying to change the subject, "… have you found someone you like? A certain, blonde-haired prince for example?"
Elrohir and himself could still remember the early days, where their younger, adoptive brother would eagerly follow Prince Legolas around, his eyes practically love-hearts as he stared at the older prince.
"… It's none of your business." Aragorn muttered, straightening up and trying to ignore the flush in his cheeks as he turned to Lord Elrond, and handed the list over, practically holding his breath as Elrond scanned over the underlined names.
Hopefully he agreed with his choices… well, choice.
"Prince Legolas is an excellent choice…" Elrond finally admitted, "… It's Thranduil we'll have to convince though. He is very protective of his only heir, ever since the death of his wife."
"I understand."
"The fact that you like him is also an excellent factor" Elrond stated, a sly smirk on his face.
…..
The reply to the marriage proposal came through almost a month later, carried by an eager rider on horseback.
The letter read as;
Dear King Estel,
Aragorn… Strider, whichever name you prefer. My father has just informed me that he has decided to accept your marriage proposal (after much deliberation). I know that this proposal would not have been made without Lord Elrond consulting you first, and I thank you for thinking of me. I have admired you for many years, and if the betrothal agreement is finalised (which I have no doubt it will be), then I shall be honoured to be your Prince Consort. I will see you soon.
Prince Legolas Greenleaf, Heir of Greenwood.
As soon as he finished reading the letter, a smile crept onto his face.
Prince Legolas was going to be his Consort.
…
It was a warm autumn day, and Aragorn had decided to walk around the lake on his own, taking advantage of the peace and quiet.
It was unlikely that he'd get a chance like this when he was King.
Halfway around his little walk, Aragorn got the sensation he was being watched, hand already itching towards the ceremonial sword attached to his belt. If it was an assassin, he wasn't going to give them the choice.
Looking around, he could see the trees and other sculptures of Rivendell, but no-one appeared to be looking directly at him. Resuming his walk, he felt a presence behind him.
It wasn't until he felt someone try and place a hand on his shoulder, that he went to defend himself. Struggling against their strength, Aragorn stumbled over a branch and fell to the ground, bringing his attacker down with him.
The first thing he noticed was the musical laughter…. The second was the golden blonde hair.
"Prince Legolas!" Aragorn gasped, opening his mouth to apologise, only to stop in his tracks. The gleam of the mellow autumn sun through the elf's hair made him look more angelic, and Aragorn's breath was stolen away.
He was just as beautiful as Aragorn remembered, if not more.
He was still for a moment, before claiming Legolas's lips with his own. The kiss was all-consuming and neither of them seemed to be able to get enough. Legolas tried to draw the Kings' body closer to his, though there was no space between him.
The kiss stopped almost as soon as it started, with Aragorn breaking it as he knew that he would not be able to control himself if they did continue.
Legolas seemed shocked by the fact that the other man had pulled away… he was so sure that the man he'd known as Strider had feelings for him. "Have I… done something wrong?" he asked.
"No, no, no! Of course not! I-I just didn't want to compromise you."
Legolas's face softened at the thought that the King did not ruin his marriage prospects. He had known from the start, that despite Aragorn's rough appearance during his time as Strider, the man was a gentleman underneath all that.
"It's okay…" he whispered, "… I understand."
Later that night, as Aragorn lay in his bed, the memory of Legolas's soft smile kept flashing in his mind.
He slept well that night.
….
"The betrothal documents have been finalised. All we need now is for you and Prince Legolas to sign them."
Aragorn nodded in understanding, "When will the signing take place?"
"Three months from now…" Elrond suddenly sighed, "… I know I was pushing for this, but I still can't believe it's happening."
"I know… how soon do we have to start planning the wedding after the papers have been signed?"
"As soon as you've signed them of course. It does need to take place around the same time as your planned coronation, so we'll start discussing it immediately."
The next few days passed by very slowly for Aragorn, his thought completely on the upcoming wedding and the signing of the papers. He just wanted them signed, so that he could marry Legolas… even if his coronation did have to happen at around the same time.
The months did eventually pass however, and Aragorn felt a lot lighter on that morning. Striding to the table, he retuned Lord Elrond's smile before sitting down.
"Nice to see you on time for once." Elrond smirked, "And actually dressed in a decent manner."
"Something tells me that King Thranduil won't appreciate my usual attire."
"Well done for showing the signs of becoming a wise king." Elrond pushed himself to his feet, and headed towards the exit, smirking slightly as Aragorn made a small, offended noise, "Come on now. We do not want to be late."
"Of course not."
…
They made it to the entrance just as Thranduil and Legolas arrived. Aragorn couldn't help but smile brightly at his future husband, the morning sun catching the blonde rays, making them look like a halo above his head.
"Come…" Elrond held out his arm for the others to follow, "… we will speak in my study."
Filing into the open room, Elrond gestured to a scroll that had been left on the desk. "The contract were written up exactly as you requested Thranduil. The only thing left is to read over them, and for all of us to sign them."
Despite Thranduil's grumbles, the contract was read and signed fairly quickly, neither of them hesitated (which was always pleasing to see).
As they left the area, Aragorn found that he was actually a little bit more excited about his wedding and coronation day.