Chapter 9:
FEED THE MUSE! If you want updates, keep reviewing.
The massive doors were thrown open, and the quiet, calm throne room was filled with chaos. Emily was dragged in first, quickly followed by Fili and Kili. All three were forced onto their knees before the throne. They stopped struggling as they crossed the threshold, because what was the point? They were here and there wasn't anything they could do about it. They watched as an extremely smug Kiridion took his place at the King's right side.
King Thranduil sat and watched silent and strong like the mighty trees of the forest that inhabited his kingdom. The King lightly ran his index finger back and forth across his lower lip as he thought.
Emily shot an uneasy glance towards Fili. The King's silence unnerved her and she knew he was taking his time coming up with a suitable punishment for the conspirators. She also knew that she was likely to get the worst of it. The King would view her actions as a personal betrayal even though she had never technically sworn loyalty to him.
Emily straightened as much as she could, resolve strengthening. She was willing to accept whatever happens, especially if it meant keeping the brothers safe. She knew what it was like to lose a younger sibling. She felt as if her heart was ripped in two on that fateful day and the second half of it had died along with her little sister. She thought about Fili. Within the course of a day, he had managed to maneuver his way through the defenses guarding her heart and ignite a spark of hope that she thought had died long ago and she was not going to give it up easily.
A single voice echoed throughout the throne room. "It was my idea. I'm the one who drugged the guard." All heads swiveled towards Emily.
King Thranduil stood up and walked down off the dais to stand before Emily. Emily swallowed convulsively but met his eyes without flinching even as he cupped his hand under her chin.
"You betrayed me," he said. Emily didn't bother to try and defend herself. "You betrayed me. You betrayed our people… Why?" the King asked quietly. His fingers dug into her cheeks as his anger only increased with her continued silence. "Why?!"
Emily looked at him without expression. At first glance, she didn't look very worried about her possible fate, but the King felt her tremble under his hand. He knew that she wasn't unconcerned about her fate. She was afraid. She knew there would be no mercy.
The King let go of her chin and turned away from her. Emily let out a deep breath she didn't realize she had been holding and sagged slightly in the guards grip. The King whipped around as fast as lightning, savagely backhanding her with an unexpected force.
Fili surged forward, but was unable to escape the tight grip of the guards. "Emily!" he cried. Fili struggled and even Kili struggled in the tight grip, wounded though he was. Their eyes never left Emily's limp form as the elves set her back on her feet. She was still conscious, but barely and severely dazed. For the first time, she was glad of the arms supporting her.
The King returned to his throne and considered the three kneeling before him. "Take the dwarves back to the dungeons. Separate them. No food or water for either of them for two days." Fili and Kili tried to stay with Emily, but they were quickly dragged out of the room.
The King waited until Fili and Kili had been escorted out before continuing. "As for you, Emily, your treachery will not be taken lightly." Emily bowed her head in sorrow. "But it is not entirely your fault. You lost your family at a young age and so it is no wonder you are confused as to whom you can trust," the King said emotionlessly as if he were simply stating facts. "Seeing as how you have no living kin, I have taken you in as my charge and as such it is my responsibility to take care of your best interests. I believe that a husband would help quell your rebellious spirit. You will marry Kiridion and he will decide your fate from here on out."
Emily felt all breath leave her. She had never thought something like this would happen. She looked from the King to Kiridion and stared in shock for several minutes watching an evil smirk stretch across his face. She looked back at the King and cried out, "Please no!" before throwing herself backwards. The guards caught at her. She sank through their arms only to stand and drive her forehead into one guard's nose. The guard dropped as if he'd been hit with an ax, but it was all the strength Emily had left.
She could hear Kiridion's voice telling them to hold her still. Emily tried to escape, but she just couldn't get free of the restraining hands. Her head throbbed in time with it's own beat. She could see Kiridion coming closer through the haze, but couldn't do anything to stop him. He struck her across the previously bruised side of her face with his open hand. Her head rocked on her shoulders. She made no sound, and dropped to her knees fighting nausea.
"Take her back to my room," Kiridion ordered. Emily was barely hanging onto consciousness when she felt her limp body being gently picked up. The motion jostled her head and caused her eyes to roll white in her head. Her head dropped to her chest as she was carried gently out of the throne room.
Author's Note: The King really did have Emily's best interests at heart when he said she should be married. Kiridion is the King's right hand man and I think the King doesn't know what he's done over the years or chooses to ignore it.
Author's Note 2: I'm mostly using elves as a good antagonist. I apologize to the people who feel like the elves are a little too harsh. Kiridion is the main antagonist. King Thranduil is mostly just trying to do right by his people. So sorry if he comes off as a little too harsh.
