Big thanks to Jinxous, Maresche, Shazzy0305, Teezy16, aussieKayz, hizzle27 and mmsachs for following/favouriting.

Eruwaedhiel95 – Could have maybe worded it better couldn't he?

Rachetg – Yeah I love Dwalin so much! I can't really blame Lysa given the life she has had.

Lotrfangirl16 – Happier times for you here!

ThatOtherWriterGirl – He did didn't he! Gonna be a lot of stuff happening as we go on.

Aranel Mereneth – I remember a few chapters ago when you said he should buy Lysa and I read that comment thinking "mind reader!" Hopefully things get better soon.

An Apology of the Best Kind

As he knocked on his brothers door Fili tried to work out what exactly he was going to say to Kili. He hoped that – like every other time – his brother would take an age to reach the door. At least that way Fili could plan his words. But, typically, things didn't go to plan and Kili pulled the door open with a breathless smile. One Fili wished he could match.

"Fee?"

Not bothering to answer Fili eased past his brother and waited until the door was shut behind him. Kili gave him a nervous look.

"What's wrong?"

Fili shook his head, "I've messed everything up," his voice was hoarse. Kili frowned before gesturing to the chairs by the fire. Sitting down Fili gripped his hands together as Kili sat cross legged beside him.

"What do you mean 'messed everything up'?"

Shaking his head Fili sighed, the words replaying back in his mind. How Lysa had ran from him as though he would hurt her. Biting his lip he glanced at Fili.

"Did you know Elessandra is having Lysa starved for running away?"

Kili shook his head with a gulp. Fili gave an angry nod.

"She's to have one meal a day for the next six months!" He choked back his anger, "She'll die before then! She's hanging on by a thread as it is!"

Kili rubbed his shoulder and Fili forced himself to get the words out. Once it was done it was done.

"I mentioned taking her back home when we leave. She thought I was joking at first but I meant every word. At Erebor she would be safe. She would be free."

"And?"

"And she said it could never happen. Elessandra would never let her go." Fili pulled on his hair.

"So I said I'd buy her off Elessandra."

Kili's mouth dropped and Fili nodded.

"I know. I know."

"You…Oh you utter idiot!" Kili gaped, "Fili I never thought you of all people would make her feel more like a slave than ever!"

Burying his face in his hands Fili nodded.

"I never meant for it to be like that! I would have brought her then gave her, her freedom! I just wanted her to know I'd do anything to get her out of this bloody castle!"

He trailed off and looked Kili squarely in the eye.

"The look on her face. It was as though I'd just slapped her. She couldn't run away from me quick enough."

Kili reached out and took hold of his hand.

"Listen Fee. You made a mistake that's all. Okay so it was a fairly big mistake; but Lysa is smart enough to know how much you care about her. She'll come round I know she will."

"And…and if she doesn't?"

Kili raised an eyebrow, "Would it matter? After all you keep saying you don't have feelings for her?"

Fili bit his lip to avoid snapping at Kili's obvious attempts to goad an answer from him. Instead he just stuck his chin out.

"She's my friend. I don't want her thinking I see her as some sort of object."

Kili mused over this and Fili folded his arms – making it clear he was going to give no hints about any feelings he might have for Lysa. Kili seemed to get this because he then said.

"When you do apologise make it special. Find a way to show her how much you regret what you said."

Fili nodded, opening his mouth when the door opened. As Kessandra poked her head round Fili smiled at Kili who blushed madly.

"I'm sorry, I can wait if you want."

Kili glanced over to Fili before looking back at the princess.

"I'll only be five minutes. Is that okay?" He turned to Fili who nodded. Kessandra smiled before shutting the door on them. Fili winked at his brother – unable to resist the temptation. Kili however simply smiled back.

"Say what you like Fee, I care for her. I care for her so much."

Fili nodded, "Just…be careful. For her sake."

Kili frowned, "What do you mean?"

"I mean," Fili got to his feet, "That Elessandra still believes Kessandra will want to marry me. Should she find out you two have feelings for each other…she'll be angry."

"She wouldn't hurt her own daughter," Kili scoffed. However as Fili nodded his face paled.

"Her brother almost broke her wrist," Fili whispered, "She told me about it when I explained I didn't love her. She said he got angry about her not wanting to marry me."

Kili's curses might have been muttered but Fili could still feel the full force behind them.

"I'm just saying watch out for Elessandra. That's all."

Kili nodded before the two hurriedly embraced. Walking to the door Fili watched as Kili smiled at Kessandra before they linked arms and walked down the corridor. Trying to ignore the own ache in his chest he turned and walked the other way.

He needed to apologise to Lysa and he needed to make it a good one.


Lysa paused as she waited outside Fili's door. Normally she would just knock before entering. But now she couldn't even bring her hand up to the door.

"I'll buy you off her."

Shaking her head Lysa sighed. Maybe she had over reacted. Fili hadn't meant it in the way it had come out. Lysa knew he didn't want to own her. But even so…

"Lysa?"

At Kehal's voice Lysa turned round with a gasp. The prince smiled at her before backing her up against the door.

"Why the tears Lysa?"

"I..?" Lysa shut her mouth as Kehal took a lock of her hair in his hand before stroking her cheek.

"Did your darling prince upset you?"

Shaking her head Lysa tried to side step him when he blocked her path with his arm. His other hand grabbed her waist.

I hope you don't think that your recent punishment means you'll get out of repaying me. I would have come sooner only I've been busy."

"I…please..?"

Kehal kissed her cheek, "Lysa when will you understand? You are the slave and I am your master. You do as I bid you. If I want to spend the next three weeks fucking you then you will comply."

He kissed her neck as his hand moved from her waist. He pressed his palm between her breasts and Lysa couldn't stop her gulp. Kehal winked at her.

"No one will be here for ages. Maybe I'll just take you here."

"Lysa!"

Never before had she been so glad to hear Fili's voice. Kehal cursed under his breath before stepping back. Lysa lowered her gaze as Fili appeared.

"Yes my lord?"

"I'm afraid I need you right now," he glared at Kehal, "I'm sorry I interrupted but this is very important."

Fili couldn't sound less sorry if he tried. Kehal simply bowed before grabbing Lysa by the chin and forcing her head up.

"That's okay. I'm sure I can seek Lysa out another time."

As he leant in Lysa braced herself for a kiss. However Kehal's lips brushed past her ear.

"Your prince might have saved you this time. But I will see you in my bed Lysa. Never forget that."

He then stepped away and strode down the corridor. Turning to Fili Lysa saw that he held one arm behind his back whilst the other hung limply at his side. He couldn't look angrier.

"Did he hurt you?"

"No. No I'm fine."

Fili nodded, "Mahal, if I'd been any later…"

Lysa shook her head, "Fili' I'm fine. Honestly."

She bit down on the 'my lord' at the last moment; knowing full well it would only upset Fili. She'd had to say it in front of Kehal but now she had no reason. Blinking at him she realised his eyes had a red tinge to them. She then dismissed it; what would he need to cry about? Certainly not her. Fili eyed the door.

"Could we go in?"

Nodding Lysa opened the door and stood back to allow him through first. However Fili simply extended his arm.

"After you."

Lysa paused before entering his room. Fili shut the door behind him and she heard a sort of rustling sound behind her. Turning round Lysa's mouth dropped.

"Fili?"

He gripped the flowers in his hand. Lysa shook her head; she'd never seen flowers so beautiful. There was a huge mix of blue, red and purple. Fili gave her a sweet smile.

"Lysa I am so sorry about what I said to you earlier. You have to believe me when I say I never wanted to upset or offend you. I only meant to show you that I will do whatever it takes to get you out of here. I'm not leaving you behind and that's that," he held out the flowers.

"Can you forgive me?"

Lysa gave a small nod but she still didn't take the flowers. She had never been given presents before in her whole life and now she had a new ribbon, a dress and flowers from Fili. He moved forward and placed them in her hands.

"Don't you like them?"

He sounded genuinely worried and Lysa shook her head.

"No I…they're beautiful. I'm just not used to being given presents by people. At least…I'm not used being given present without a catch involved."

Fili nodded in understanding and he beamed at her.

"Well when you come to Erebor I'll buy you all the presents you wish."

At the mention of his home Lysa's face fell. Turning away she gently put the flowers on Fili's desk. She could hear him moving up behind her, she could feel his hands on her shoulders.

"Lysa what's wrong?"

Turning around she shook her head before nodding.

"No I…you seem so certain I'll come with you."

"Do you not want to?"

"Of course I do! Fili I'd take death over slavery. I just meant…you have no guarantee I'll be able to come."

"Suppose I did buy you," he held up a hand, "Hear me out? Please?"

Lysa nodded, aware of how close she and Fili were. He took her hands.

"Let's say I offered Elessandra money. Half of the jewels of Erebor in exchange for you. Why wouldn't she refuse?"

Lysa shook her head; still trying to work out why Fili would do this for her.

"I'm not worth half the jewels in Erebor," she mumbled. Fili shook his head.

"No you aren't," he inched close, "You're worth all of them and more."

He cleared his throat, "But as I said, why would she keep you here if I gave her that offer?"

Lysa shrugged, "Let's say you made that offer. Let's say Thorin and the others allowed you to do it. Kehal only has to make a claim on me and your gold and jewels mean nothing."

"Would he?"

Lysa nodded, "He's wanted me in his bed for the past year now. I know that…when you're all gone nothing going to stop him from having me."

Fili stroked her hair, "I've heard the rumours…is he really that cruel?"

Lysa nodded. She didn't want to tell Fili the whole truth but it would come out sooner or later.

"You know how I'm Kessandra's slave? Well Kehal has his own slave to look after him. And he also has three or four bed slaves. They are there for nothing other than to fill his sadistic appetite. He beats them and chains them to his bed; raping them whenever he can. The average life of a slave is about half of their normal life span. For Kehal's bed slaves it's a quarter. If I was taken by him now….I'd be dead in fifty years. Assuming he doesn't dispose of me first."

Fili narrowed his eyes and Lysa bit her lip.

"Once a slave is no longer useful they are disposed of. They are exiled or in the case of bed slaves they are killed."

Fili tightened his grip on her hands.

"None of that will be your fate Lysa. None of it; I promise you."

Nodding Lysa forced herself to take deep breaths. Fili moved forward so their bodies were rubbing against each other. He gently ran a hand down her cheek and Lysa forced herself to remain calm as their noses brushed against each other. Fili's lips were so close; she could almost taste them on hers. His eyes locked onto hers.

"Lysa…"

Lysa had to crane her neck ever so slightly as she leaned forward. Fili grabbed her by the hips; holding her against him. She gave a small nod as he closed the already tiny gap between their mouths.

Then someone knocked on the door.

With a gasp Lysa staggered backwards as Fili's hands left her body. She saved herself from falling at the last minute and hurriedly righted herself. Fili blinked at her.

"Lysa I…erm…"

She pointed to the door as the knocking continued, "Maybe you should get that."

Nodding Fili brushed himself down and hurried towards the door. As he did so Lysa glanced at her flushed cheeks in Fili's mirror. Taking some calming breaths she looked over to see Kili in the doorway.

"Am I interrupting?"

Lysa shook her head quickly. Ignoring Fili's look of surprise and hurt she smiled at the brunette.

"No I was just going to see Kessandra actually."

Kili nodded, "Could you….could you pass on a message?"

"Of course."

"Tell her…tell her I hope she's alright."

Lysa nodded before easing past both princes and slipping from the room. As she walked down the corridor she put a hand to her mouth. She could fell Fili's breath on her face, the strange look in his eyes. She had wanted to remain in that moment forever, remain In Fili's arms. Lysa leant against the wall and sighed.

She was in love with Fili.


As he and his brother walked down the corridor Fili was well aware of the anger shooting through his brothers system. Unlike most brothers his bond with Kili was strong. They knew when the other one was upset or in trouble. It was a bond that had saved their lives last year on many occasions. And yet he couldn't help but be annoyed at his brother. He had come so close and then the moment had been ruined. He knew it wasn't Kili's fault – he hadn't known. But even so.

"I take it you apologised to her?"

Fili nodded, "Something like that," he rubbed his forehead before glancing at Kili.

"I almost kissed her."

That made Kili stop in his tracks. He gave a slow nod.

"Seriously?"

"Seriously."

He could see Kili working it out and his brother shook his head.

"So when I knocked on the door..? Fee if I had known…"

"No it's fine," Fili smiled, "You weren't to know."

Kili nodded and Fili watched as the anger slowly began to creep back in on his little brothers face.

"Kili what is it?"

Now he thought about it why did Kili need to see him? His brother sighed.

"Thorin wants to talk to us about Kessandra."

"Ahh," Fili nodded, "What will you tell him?"

When Kili didn't answer Fili groaned.

"Kee you've told me yourself that she is your One. You need to tell Thorin."

"But what if he doesn't like it," Kili whispered, "What if he wants you to marry Kessandra?"

Fili shook his head as they reached Kili's room.

"Well he'll be waiting for a while. I'm not marrying her."

Kili smiled thankfully before pushing his door open. Fili followed his brother inside and couldn't help but give a nervous swallow when he saw Thorin standing by the window. His uncle turned and nodded in greeting.

"Shut the door please Fili."

Fili did so before watching as Thorin moved towards Kili's fireplace.

"What's this about Thorin?"

His uncle glanced at the fire before turning round and facing the two brothers.

"You honestly expect me to believe that Kili hasn't already told you?"

Fili bit down his answer and instead just shrugged.

"Some of it…I imagine there's more."

Thorin nodded, "Elessandra is making no secret of the fact that she wants Kessandra married to you. So far I've avoided the topic but I can't do so forever."

"I'm not going to marry her," Fili folded his arms, "Tell her so or I will."

Thorin nodded, "And…you're sure she isn't your One!"

"For the love of Durin Thorin! I don't love her and she doesn't love me! Why is that so hard to understand? Kessandra isn't my One!"

"She's mine."

At Kili voice Fili gulped and turned to see his brother move forward. With an encouraging smile he took Kili's hand as Thorin narrowed his eyes.

"Yours?"

"Is that so hard to believe?" Fili snapped. Thorin shook his head.

"No. No of course not." He glanced at Kili, "You've told her?"

"Well…not exactly," Kili admitted, "But I will…soon."

Thorin nodded, "I'm happy for you Kili. Believe me. After everything you've been through…after Tauriel," he shook his head.

"To know you have found your One is beyond a blessing. I know you will be very happy together."

He then glanced at Fili, "However, I can't say Elessandra will be as happy."

"She can't force Kessandra to marry me," Fili said calmly, "It's not like she can make her say her vows."

Thorin nodded in agreement, "No she can't. But she can make things difficult for us. And not just by refusing to the proposed border suggestions."

Thorin fixed his gaze on Fili.

"Don't let Elessandra see how close you are to Lysa. She has the power to take advantage of your friendship and hurting you with it."

Fili nodded; that idea had already sprung to mind. Anything to keep Lysa safe. He licked his lips.

"Could we…could we take her back with us? To Erebor?"

Thorin raised an eyebrow and Fili sighed.

"I can't leave her here uncle! I can't ride away knowing she will be beaten and raped because she's a slave!"

Thorin said nothing and Kili wondered if his uncle was going to refuse. However, Thorin gave a small nod.

"Give me some time; I'll see what I can do."

Nodding Fili watched as Thorin moved towards the door.

"Whatever you might think of me; all I want is for you both to be happy. Nothing else matters."

So that was a chapter and a half for you all! Kehal is still is slimy self but FILI AND LYSA HAD SUCH A NICE MOMENT!Can't hate Kili too much for interrupting – it's not like he knew. Let me all know what you think xxx