The King
Chapter Four: To Meet a Prince
by blurr
She stared, annoyed at every detail.
Any minute and the King would be knocking on her door to escort her to the ceremony and feast. She knew she looked fine, but being in the presence of other gorgeous maidens for the first time made her feel doubtful.
She wore the gown Thranduil had presented to her before she departed from her home. Looking in the mirror, she felt as though she was playing dress up. Her reflection was fine but she couldn't stop fussing. She debated tying back her hair but opted to leave it running down her back with her usual scatter braids. She ran her hands over her hips, smoothing out wrinkles that weren't there. She wanted to cringe at how vain she was being.
The knock on the door made her feel dizzy. She glanced at the wooden barrier, keeping her safe from the inevitable. There was another knock, baiting her to come. Feeling her gut tighten, she made her way to the door slowly, with heavy steps. She paused at the door to take a deep breath before pulling it open. Her grim look quickly melted into a pleasant smile, for it wasn't the King who she had expected, but the gentleman from the bench earlier.
He was dressed slightly more formally in a soft green tunic with silver trimming. He looked at her with mild approval, as a soft grin appeared on his lips. She thought she saw a flash of recognition in his eyes as he took in the sight before him, but dismissed it as it quickly vanished.
"You look lovely." He said after a moment. "Do all mountain elves possess such beauty?"
"I know not." She said thoughtfully. "I only know one other mountain elf and I can say with all honesty, he is more beautiful than the stars." She was sure the gentleman in front of her could rival him, but chose to keep that to herself.
"Your father?" He asked with an amused smirk.
"Of course." She looked away sheepishly before meeting his gaze. "Do you not think so?"
"I must disagree, my friend," He casually crossed his arms and smirked at her. His friendly endearments made her feel more at ease. How could one elf put her at ease so effortlessly? "I believe you are much more pleasant to look at than Duramin."
"Did you know my father?" She asked surprised. He shrugged nonchalantly.
"You could say that. If I'd known he would have such a beautiful daughter I would have kept in touch more often." She dreaded at the thought of blushing but felt the warm glow across her cheeks nonetheless.
"Thank you." She murmured in a soft voice. He never seemed to tire with giving her compliments; she didn't think she would ever grow tired receiving them. "May I ask what why you have decided to grace me with your presence?" She asked after a moment.
He grinned and leaned against the doorway, "I am here to escort you, of course." At her surprise look he added as though it was obvious, "Did you not need guidance of proper etiquette tonight? That includes the grand entrance."
She laughed and leaned against the doorway as well and crossed her arms to mimic him. "Don't remind me, wood elf."
"Have no fear, my lady," he pulled out a flash of silver and it took her a second to make it out as a silver necklace with a single white pearl, "this," he gestured to the necklace with a mischievous grin, "is a magical pearl, or so I am told." At her doubtful look he added, "I speak the truth," he motioned her to turn around and she did so laughing at his ridiculous tale, "it comes from the depths of the sea, I believe it belonged to a great sea witch," she could feel his warm breath on her neck as he fitted the cold, silver chain in place. She tried to ignore the flutter in her stomach as his finger made contact with her bare skin. "And she, in her all knowing foresight, cast a special spell over the pearl just for you my lady."
Enelya hid her amusement and played along. "Really? And what spell did the sea witch see fit for a little mountain elf like me?"
"Why," his fingers brushed over her neck, clasping the silver chain with a small click, "protection against any foolishness or embarrassing moments here at Mirkwood, of course. You, child, are free of any misfortunate events as long as you wear this lovely pearl."
She feigned interest in his magical tale with a somber look of curiosity. "And how did you, a simple Mirkwood subject, come across such a fated pearl?"
"My lady," he said while he placed a hand over his heart, "Surely you jest. I am the best archer of Mirkwood and therefore not nearly as simple as you label me," she giggled despite herself and he continued on, looking quite smug. "I have been its lone protector for over a thousand years, given the task of presenting it to its rightful owner when she finally decided to grace the wood elves with her beauty."
"Indeed." She laughed and turned back around. "Hopefully you did not have to face too many big monsters."
"Of the most horrible kind." He said laughing.
Her finger found its way to the pearl, and she smiled thankfully to him. "You didn't have to, but for your years of devotion to guarding my treasure I thank thee, fine archer." She placed a hand over her heart and curtsied, biting back her laugh. He inclined his head, accepting her mock gratitude. "Did you ever find the need to wear it yourself, my lord?"
"Nonsense," he waved a hand dismissively, reminding her of the King. "I certainly don't need it, I'm much too graceful for such a spell." They both laughed this time. He certainly had an ego to rival the King, she thought. "Now, my lady, shall we depart?"
She took a deep breath, ran a hand through her hair and smiled nervously. "Yes."
"Let me get a final look." He stepped back and pretended to regard her carefully looking for anything out of place. She lifted a brow, amused as he made several grunts of approval.
"Oh my." He said in false dread. Enelya frowned, "What is it?"
"You did not place a flower in your hair?" He let his fingers run through the silky locks and sighed. "That simply won't do."
"Is that the custom around these parts?" She asked, suddenly becoming worried. Was the pearl not suppose to prevent these type of blunders?
"Aye, we can't have you flowerless, child, what would the other maidens say?"
She resisted rolling her eyes. "Indeed."
"Let me see if I can make amends," magically, or so she thought, he pulled a white flower out of his pocket with a secret smile, "I think of everything." He looked sheepish as she just stared at him with her lips slightly parted. He was truly a wonder. "Well, someone has to make you look presentable," he added in defense while he tucked the gift behind her ear. "Perfect. All set are we?"
"Is there any other custom I should be informed of?" She asked sarcastically.
He shrugged indifferently. "Let the magical pearl worry about that." He said in all seriousness. "The pearl will watch out for you. I'm sure it is updated with the current etiquette and manners befitted for a lady of court."
She nodded with the same false somberness and latched on to his offered arm. "I am in good hands. I can't thank you enough, I am truly grateful." She placed her hand over his heart and smiled up at him.
He watched the strange action, touched. "You mountain elves are certainly something." He murmured softly.
She chose to ignore his remark. "Shall we then?"
As they made their way down the hall she looked at him skeptically. He was beyond tranquil, with an air of authority too. What was his secret? He noticed her stare out of the corner of his eye and smiled. "Yes?"
"You seem beyond calm," she sighed and pushed a few stay hairs aside, "how do you manage it?"
The gentleman laughed and she couldn't help but noticed how sweet and carefree it sounded. She wondered if all elves were like this. And in that thought, she felt sadden that she did not even know her own people. Too long she had been secluded in the mountains with only her father the sky. He pulled her tighter against him, as if hearing her thoughts. Perhaps fate was making it up for all the years of loneliness.
"It is a trick that I have mastered over the years. The King is fond of festivals and such." He grimaced. "I'm afraid I have had my fair share of them, no matter how dreadful they tend to be."
She made a sour face at the thought. "Are they really that bad?"
He tapped her nose once, making her smile again. "I unfortunately would have to say they are rather dull, my child."
"Indeed?" She fought back a moan. Besides chattering and dancing, what else was there to do at such an event? She was not sure for she had never been to a festival or feast. "I'm afraid tonight will be far from dull for me."
"The Valar has blessed you then?" He asked with a dry smirk.
"Perhaps," she agreed, "I have never been to such an event."
He nodded as they turned a corner. "Then the pearl has its work cut out for it tonight then."
"I have to face the ceremony this evening." She stated, blanching at the word ceremony. The gentleman softened at her distress.
"Worry not," he squeezed her arm gently, "For I'll be there. Your fears are pointless, my lady."
"You are very kind then, good sir. And it is just Enelya," she corrected. "Why waste a title on an mountain elf?"
He raised a brow at her comment. "Waste? You are not just any mountain elf. Nay, child, you are the infamous mountain elf, a legend around these parts." She stifled a laugh. He seemed so serious. "Do not be surprised if you are treated like royalty. We wood elves view you as kin to the King himself."
She smirked. "Surely you jest."
"I swear I do not," his serious tone made her want to laugh, "your adventures are told to children before bed each night here in Mirkwood."
She fell into a fit of laughter while he tried to look serious but failed as the corner of his lips drifted upward ever so slightly. "Are you making fun of our traditions?"
"Traditions? What tradition is this? Am I really a bedtime story?" She asked finally, putting a hand on her side. She made a mental note to strangle Thranduil.
"Aye," he continued with a somber look, "So you will not rob me of the blessing then to address you in such a formal fashion. It is an honor to call you lady Enelya, for you are," he glanced down at her form with a smirk, "certainly a lady."
His words touched her. She never had trouble with the title before, but she never had been in the presence of other ladies. It felt awkward. "I'm afraid I have never been vain nor self-conscious, but I never been around such beautiful maidens before! Certainly they are more deserving of such a title."
He stopped abruptly and gave her a pointed look. "Surely you jest. You cannot compare yourself to the maidens in Mirkwood."
She felt her heart drop. Of course she couldn't. "Why is that?"
"There is no comparison." He said as though it was obvious. "Everyone will stare at you," he added after a thoughtful moment. "You have your mother's dark hair," he ran his fingers through it again, smiling, "it's a rare sight."
"My mother? Did you know my mother as well?"
He nodded yes and smiled. "She was beautiful and kind, and somehow passed all her good intentions on to you."
She looked down and bit her lip to keep from smiling. All her good intentions. The thought warmed her heart.
"But I think personally, your dark hair might be my favorite trait of all." he finished, twirling the tip of some of her locks between his fingers.
"Indeed? Will they think me odd? Some dark beast?"
"Of course." He said, wincing playfully as she smacked his shoulder good heartily. "Alright, perhaps they will, but not because of your hair. I think your strange customs will be the source of their judgment."
She laughed. "What strange customs? I am certainly normal," his look clearly said differently but she ignored it. "Will the pearl not keep me from such acts?"
"Ah, but of course, I had forgotten. Forgive me." He pulled her hand to his lips but before he could kiss her knuckles she pulled back, Enelya realized she did not know his name! "Kind sir, you would kiss my hand before I have your name!"
He seemed amused and she did not understand why. "Soon, my lady, you will have my name and you will grow weary of it."
"Is a name not but a name? How does it change anything?" She asked, not understanding his words.
"I'm afraid I do not believe you will comprehend until you learn who I-"
"Ah, my son, I've been looking for you." A new voice said, joining their stroll towards the festivities. Yet that new voice wasn't so new and Enelya froze seeing her one and only friend, the King.
"Son?" She asked.
"Enelya," Legolas started, feeling her tense up incredibly.
"Legolas-"Thranduil began.
"Legolas?" Enelya repeated slowly. She stepped back from his touch and felt like moaning. "As in Legolas, crowned Prince of Mirkwood, son of Thranduil the King?"
"Is there any other?" The King asked, trying to lighten the mood.
They all resorted to silence. Finally it was Enelya to speak again. "The pearl."
"What?" The King asked, obviously that wasn't what he had expected.
But Enelya didn't look at him; instead she looked at Legolas in pure disbelief. "The pearl, how could you? It is fake! It did not work!"
Legolas wasn't sure to laugh or explain. "Well," he began slowly, "I guess I should have told you there are certain situations that it even the sea witch's magic could not prevent..."
"Indeed," she ran a hand through her dark locks and tried to glare at him but somehow it just came out as an ironic smile. "So this is how the prince and the mountain elf are to meet?"
"We could try again?" He asked meekly.
The King watched in amusement. The two youth were perfect for each other. Could he not see it?
Enelya wanted to kick herself. She had thought the gentleman reminded her of Thranduil yet seeing the two next to each other they were almost duplicates. Thranduil was slightly taller, broader, and firmer, Legolas seemed much more relax, lean, and wore a mischievous grin. All the same, she felt like a fool at their overwhelming similarities.
"I guess there is no point to get mad is there?" She sighed and could not help but notice they were standing in front of Duramin's painting. How appropriate. She glanced back at the two royals who were watching her carefully, both with their arms crossed. "I mean, you did say you were the best archer in Mirkwood and everyone knows that Legolas is indeed the finest of the sport." Legolas tried not to look too smug at the compliment. "You didn't lie to me I guess, actually you've been quite honest and kind." She glanced away with a grim look. "I had just wished to make a good impression on the Prince-"
"And I am impressed." He interjected softly. He reached forward and took her hand back into his, squeezing it gently, "Enelya, tradition binds us, but I had hope that perhaps a friendship would be your reason to stay."
She glanced down at the ground, unsure. "It is your choice to either deny me or accept me, my Lord."
He smiled gently at her. "While I greatly disapprove of this custom," he shot a look at his father, "I will do everything possible to keep your family's honor intact, even if that means taking you as my royal mistress."
As awkward as it seemed, Enelya was grateful at his words. Yet she couldn't help add with a mischievous grin, "I have no wish to bed you."
He laughed and ran a hand through his hair, "Indeed? Boldly put, my lady. Am I really that repulsive?"
"Most horribly," she laughed. Yet smiling sheepishly she added quietly, "I have no experiences in such matters, I fear you understand my dilemma?"
"Mmm, all to well." He looked thoughtful for a moment with burrowed brows and a finger on his chin. "Perhaps then we can just pretend for image sake?"
"Pretend?" The King asked. Surely he did not mean-
"You hardly get any input considering this is your doing." Legolas commented sourly. Enelya nodded in agreement, provoking the King to shrug. Legolas turned back to Enelya, "Yes, pretend. You can spend occasional nights in my chambers and everyone will just assume."
"Should I be assuming as well?" The King asked dryly.
"Assume away." Legolas retorted absently.
Enelya was touched. "You would do that for me?"
"Certainly. Do you not remember, my lady?" Legolas stepped forward and dropped his voice to a soft murmur, "I have no desire to take your innocence or rob you of what you desire."
"But then my existence is futile." She pointed out. "I will become an old maid in your father's halls with no company."
He sighed. "I thought of that. I realize then that your fate is empty if I don't make use of your," he swallowed and looked over her body, "but in the end are you not meant to be my friend? You may still become an old maid, but only if that is your wish. I have no trouble allowing you to fall in love with whomever you wish." He smiled gently, watching as the pieces fitted together in her mind. Finally she smiled brilliantly at him.
"You want to be my friend, wood elf, so I don't have to sleep with you?" He smiled at the endearment.
"Thus making your existence not pointless." He smirked and lifted a brow. "Oddly put, but yes." He laughed as she hugged him tightly. She felt so vulnerable in his arms, yet he knew from the tales surrounding her she could take care of herself. What a mystery she was, he thought. No wonder his father was so engrossed with her. He wrapped his arms around her, enjoying her scent of lavender, and gave his father an amused look.
Thranduil sighed and pinched the bridge his nose. Leave it to his son and the mountain elf to get around a situation such as this. "I will pretend I did not hear that."
At least a friendship was start, he thought. But in honesty, Thranduil had felt a tinge of jealousy, seeing his friend absorbed by his son. Was this not what he wanted? Desired? Pushed for? Even went as far to arrange so formally? Yet now seeing his son holding his dear girl made him question. Would this mean his relationship with her would lessen or change?
Before Enelya could stop herself she hugged the King too. Thranduil held on tightly to the dear girl, before kissing her brow, enjoying her touch slightly too much, he thought. "You are pleased with this arrangement?" She nodded with a hopeful smile. "Then who am I to forbid it? I expect a convincing ceremony between you two tonight however. I will not have the masses speculating. I mean it, I want sexual tension galore."
"Then shall we continue?" Enelya asked trying not to laugh.
"Aye," Legolas took her arm back and they continued chattering, ignoring the King who proudly watched the two with a knowing grin.
"Hah, I give them a month until their sexual tension is simply too much to deny." He said to Duramin's painting- who was smirking. "Two months you say, my friend?" Thranduil tapped his chin. "Perhaps. More time to woo such a tough little maiden, Legolas has his work cut out for him." Sighing, he continued after the pair.
He felt a dark realization settle in as he could hear them laughing and jesting. Enelya wasn't his girl anymore. Was she ever?
T.B.C.
Thanks for the support and kind words.
-blurr
