Chapter 11
Restraint
Thranduil's POV
I woke up with Aleena still wrapped in my arms. I smiled more than I ever had in a thousand years. I kissed her temple, her neck and then her shoulder.
"Aleena?" I asked softly.
I brushed her hair from her eyes and smiled again.
"Aleena."
Her eyes slowly opened and she looked at me. At first she looked surprised but then she smiled. I kissed her forehead and then got up. I started to dress and then I looked at her again.
"Are you hungry?"
"Yes."
"I shall call for some breakfast."
She smiled and then got up. I knew she still did not know how to act in front of me. I would not push her to do anything. I pulled out her chair and the food was brought. The elf who brought it smiled broadly when she saw Aleena sitting there with me.
"~Aleena! I heard you were back but I had not seen you.~"
Aleena smiled that dazzling smile of hers.
"~It is good to be back and to see you as well Vanya.~"
She set the food down and then left with a bow. I looked at Aleena and she began to fill her plate. I did not really know what I should say. I had never let a woman stay with me before, I had never wanted one to. What do I say? What do I do?
"Thank you." she suddenly said.
I looked at her again.
"For what?"
She smiled and slowly reached her hand towards mine. I let her cover my hand.
"I had no nightmares last night. I felt safe with you."
My heart fluttered and I smiled a bit.
"Lle creoso."
She smiled and withdrew her hand.
"Do you have any idea where the dwarf might be?"
She shook her head sadly.
"No, and since Erebor was taken the dwarves are scattered everywhere. I have heard they are not fond of elves." she looked up at me nervously. "Because you turned away and did not help them."
I sighed.
"Please do not think I am upset. I know why you did not fight and I understand. I" just wish that the dragon had not come."
I stood up and walked over to her. I knelt down and took her hands.
"None of us do. I do wish I could have done something. Maybe then I would have been able to help you. As I have said, I do not like dwarves, they are greedy and rude. But knowing that a dwarf took you in, loved you and raised you has shown me they have good hearts."
She smiled and slowly put her arms around me.
"Hannon le."
I smiled and closed my eyes.
I think I love you.
Aleena's POV
After breakfast I left him and went back to my room. Tauriel was there waiting for me.
"How was everything."
I smiled.
"Perfectly fine."
She smiled.
"Did anything interesting happen?"
I blushed and looked down.
"No not really."
She chuckled and walked up to me.
"I am happy you took a chance. And I think you will be too."
I looked up curiously.
"What makes you say that?"
"King Thranduil has never let an elleth spend the night in his bed. Never. You are very special to him." she said.
I smiled again.
"He asked me for one night. He asked me to be with him one night. I do not want to hope for anything more. Each time I have hoped in the past twenty years I have been disappointed. I had another flash last night when I was with him. Someone was forcing me down and ripping my cloths off. When Legolas found me my cloths were ripped and torn. Thranduil looked ready to murder."
"Because he cares about you. He will protect you. You need to trust him."
I sighed and turned away.
"After knowing what happened to me, I find it hard to trust."
She touched my arm.
"Do you trust him?"
I looked at her.
"I want to. But after last time I am no longer sure."
She gave me a squeeze.
"I will leave you to think." she said.
I just nodded and I heard her leave. I went to take a bath and walked into the hot water.
Was it a mistake to spend the night with him? Even though I was happier than I had ever been…was it right? Where do we go from here?
I was even more confused than before.
"What am I doing?" I asked myself.
Thranduil's POV
I knew I had deep feelings for her. I just could not find a way to tell her. I walked through the halls to another meeting with my councilors. My duties as king were never ending. All I wanted was to be with Aleena. I wanted to hold her and kiss her, and make love to her. I stopped suddenly and my eyes went wide.
Where in the name of the Valar did that thought come from?!
I could feel myself stirring and I quickly shook my head. I kept walking but I could not stop thinking of her. How her body would feel against mine…..
STOP THAT! You just found out last night what happened to her! How can you think of things like this?!
I walked into the room and at this point the only thing hiding my arousal was my long robe. I sat down and was now sentenced to a long and uncomfortable meeting.
Aleena's POV
I walked down to the dining halls looking for a little something to eat. The hall was empty and I let out a breath of relief. I had forgotten to be resistant towards him.
But how can I do that him after last night? I could never hurt him like that! I will not!