Chapter Six: The Reason
When the meeting ended, Thranduil couldn't get away fast enough. He slipped out right away, avoiding everyone's notice. The first thing he did was return to the baths and retrieve the rest of his things. After putting the armor back in the storeroom, he went to his chambers. Maybe when he woke up in the morning, he would realize this was all just a bad dream.
Knowing that sleep would not find him quickly, he drew back the curtains and allowed the moonlight to stream into his room. Sighing, he stared at the bleak scene outside. Tree branches like long fingers swayed in the breeze, casting eerie shadows on the walls. The forest outside was too quiet. Not a sound from insect or creature broke the silence of the night.
Someone tapped on the door, breaking his concentration. He closed his eyes for a second, resisting the urge to give in to frustration and weariness. "Yes?" he said, his voice tight.
The door swung open behind his back. It would have been imperceptible, save for the small draft created by the change in pressure. Light footsteps padded towards him. Thranduil just stood there, gazing straight ahead.
"You disappeared so quickly, l did not get the chance to speak with you."
He tilted his head toward Aduial. "Have you come to gloat?"
She pursed her lips and shook her head. "No," she finally said. "I came to make sure you…well, it doesn't matter in any case. You're obviously fine."
He smirked. "Apparently you are a mind reader now."
She reddened. "Yes, well, there is not much there to read. Seeing that I have completed my task, l shall leave you alone until tomorrow." Aduial turned to leave.
Task? What task could she possibly be talking about?
"May l ask you something, Aduial?" he said, facing her.
She paused, eyes wide. Hesitantly, she said, "If you must."
"Why did you speak up in the council chamber when the King was reprimanding me?"
Aduial did not reply; she merely stared at her own reflection in the floor.
Thranduil pressed a little harder. "You speak to me in that manner all the time; I thought you would have enjoyed such a spectacle in the council room."
Eyes bright, she grinned slyly at him. "It is only fun for me when I am the one doing the talking, My Lord. Now, if you will excuse me, I shall take my leave of you."
He smiled; a real, genuine smile. "I will see you tomorrow, Aduial."
"Hopefully you won't be naked next time," she said, slipping out of the room.
Horrified, he called, "I wasn't naked!"
"Pardon me?" a new voice said, the door opening once again. It was Oropher.
Face burning, Thranduil stammered, "N-nothing, Ada."
Oropher clicked the door shut, his expression stern and dark. "Why was Aduial in your chambers at such an hour?"
"She was just…well, to be quite honest, I do not know why she came to see me. But it was not how you imagine. We only discussed the council meeting and the patrol tomorrow."
"What happened today at that council meeting was unacceptable, Thranduil."
Something snapped inside Thranduil. He no longer felt guilty for what had happened, only annoyed that his father insisted on bringing it up again. As if the shame and humiliation of his actions were not enough to bear already, now he had to shoulder the burden on his father's constant disappointment.
"I fully understand, Ada. There is no need to continue this conversation."
"I don't think you do understand, Thranduil. We are outsiders here. The Silvan elves are watching every move we make, waiting for the slightest misstep. You are supposed to marry one of their daughters! No one is going to want to betroth their daughter to one who has shown them such disrespect. "
"I understand," he said flatly, staring straight ahead.
Oropher sighed and shook his head. After a moment of heavy silence, he said, "What were you doing, anyway?"
"Bathing."
His eyes narrowed. "You were bathing when Aduial found you?"
Flushed, Thranduil said, "No. I had already finished when she arrived."
Oropher didn't appear to be comforted by this fact. "Son, what is your relationship with Aduial?"
Blinking, Thranduil said, "Relationship? Ah, we work together. That is all."
"Then, please explain to me why she was in your chambers at this hour." Oropher crossed his arms over his chest.
"It is as I said before. She was only here to discuss matters of business."
Oropher looked away, out the open window. "She is not suitable for a prince, Thranduil."
There were so many flaws in his father's logic that Thranduil did not even know how to begin arguing. "Father, forgive me, but you do not know her. Aduial is strong and brave and loyal to her people. Do not speak of her as if she was worthless, because she is a great asset to you and the Silvan people."
Oropher eyed him. "This discussion is not over. However, that is not what I came here to discuss. Because of your forgetfulness this evening, I wanted to remind you that we are having a feast tomorrow night. Please endeavor to be on time and look the part of a prince."
With a nod, he said, "Yes, Ada."
"Very well." Oropher left then, leaving Thranduil to ponder all he had said.
Why had his father imagined a relationship between him and Aduial where clearly none existed? They worked together, nothing else. What's more, they weren't even friendly towards each other. Sharp words marked every conversation between them. She obviously could not stand being around him, and he was sick of her abrasiveness.
No, there was nothing between them but conflict.