Chapter 3

Never Back Down

Legolas stood tall and proud, allowing no sign of the unsettled emotions within him to show in his outward demeanor. Only the light robe he wore with nothing underneath gave away his discomfiture. He held Saelvathor's gaze without flinching for a time, then turned his attention to the small lidded container on the desk. A frown drew his brows together as he stared at it.

"I find it most disturbing that we are here," the commander was saying. "We should both be enjoying the feast, not revisiting this matter. Do you care to explain yourself… or can you?"

Legolas gulped and reminded himself he was not at fault here. He lifted his eyes and locked gazes with Saelvathor. "I must admit Commander, I am at a loss. I do not understand it myself." At Saelvathor's raised brow, he continued, "As much as it might seem I disobeyed orders, I was unaware of the creature's presence until it presented itself to my wife. She is most unhappy with the situation, as well."

"She threw you out of your chambers, unless I am mistaken!" Saelvathor's eyes narrowed, and Legolas did flinch then as he recalled the unpleasant state of affairs with Cellinn. And of all people, Saelvathor had been summoned from his preparations for the feast to 'deal' with the situation. "Whatever happened, I do not believe you placed the creature deliberately on your bed to frighten Princess Cellinn, though Prince Tirn seems to think it so and is quite amused."

Legolas blinked. "My son thinks I…" He stopped as his face flushed in anger.

"However," Saelvathor resumed his opinion on the matter. "I do wonder how you managed to hide the creature to get it home! You can never back down when it comes to these creatures, can you?"

Legolas took a deep breath, using everything within him to restrain his anger. "Sir! I would respectively remind you that I have not admitted to bringing this creature home intentionally! I did not! The last I saw of the spider was in the nest with you and Alagoss! How it managed to get here is beyond me!"

"You honestly expect me to believe this?" the commander asked, his expression incredulous.

"You honestly accuse your prince of lying?"

The voice behind them caused both Legolas and Saelvathor to freeze, dread filling their hearts for different reasons. Both swallowed thickly as Thranduil stepped into the office. Legolas remained facing the commander, his shoulders stiffening even further at the sound of his father's voice

"Commander Saelvathor."

"Yes, my king?"

"I will hear a full report from you on the morrow concerning whatever happened on this latest patrol, and I will decide what discipline if any is deserved for any actions of this captain. Concerning these other matters, it is a family affair and none of your concern. You may join the feast. Dismissed!"

"Yes, my lord!" Saelvathor saluted and spun on his heel, leaving father and son alone.

As soon as the door closed, Thranduil spoke. "Legolas." He sounded as disgruntled as he felt.

"Yes, my lord?" Legolas's eyes never left the desk or the container sitting near the corner.

"This is not how I wished to spend the evening." Thranduil kept his eyes on his son's face, watching his reaction.

"Of course not, my lord. I am sorry to have caused such a disruption." Legolas sounded genuinely sorrowful, and Thranduil did not doubt his son's heart was heavy, considering what he'd heard.

"Disruption? Is that what it is called? You wife removed you from your quarters, your son thinks it is all a game and a great joke, you brother is disgusted with you and the people are wondering why my youngest son has yet to make an appearance!" Thranduil fumed.

"Forgive me, my lord, I swear these were not my plans for the evening. I had something entirely different in mind, I assure you." Legolas lifted grey, pleading eyes to his. Silently, his son begged him to understand.

Thanduil sighed heavily and sat on the edge of the desk. He closed his eyes for a moment, and when he opened them, a small smile teased the corners of his mouth. "No, I am sure this was not how you wished to spend your first evening home with your wife. Fortunately, your granddaughter loves you greatly, and I cannot deny her anything. You will join us immediately… Well, as soon as you dress yourself properly, at least." He gestured to the light robe barely concealing Legolas's form beneath.

Legolas let out a slow breath of relief and started to turn towards the door.

"And Legolas?" His son turned to look at him. "Cellinn awaits you in your chambers to assist you. Do not be too long." Thranduil winked at him, then smiled as his son all but ran from the room.

Chuckling to himself at the absurdity of the whole matter, Thranduil stood and left the room, knowing it would be awhile before Legolas and Cellinn appeared and the people would know exactly what they had been doing and would take it all in good humor.

As the door closed behind him, the small lidded container, having been bumped when Thranduil stood, balanced precariously on the edge of the desk for a moment, then dropped to the ground.

Slowly, the very shaken little spider peered out of the now open lid and climbed out into the dark office. He did not like this place! He needed to get back to the one who had saved him. Moving silently along the edge of the room, he made his way to the door.

The spider-ling eased itself underneath and began to track the kind elf with the golden hair and the huge warm bed, following his scent.

To Be Continued…

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