12. Book
Thorin wanted to burn down the Library. Not for any dislike of books, but because it kept his Consort from returning to their rooms at a sensible time. Thorin understood Bilbo's love for books, but even after putting in a full day on Consort duties, Bilbo still seemed to have enough energy to spend at least an hour in the Library.
Or at least it was just that long before. In the past week, Bilbo was spending more and more time in the Library than he was in their rooms. The other night, Thorin awoke to Bilbo sneaking in long after Thorin had turned in for the night.
This night was the last straw, Bilbo had actually missed dinner!
As a hobbit who claims to be fond of his meals, Thorin found this entirely suspicious. Surely no tome could be so interesting as to keep Bilbo from food. That was why the King was on his way to the Library.
As soon as Thorin entered, scribes who were scurrying to and fro stopped and bowed to him and asked what he was doing there. Ori had actually looked at him and squeaked before making a hasty bow and rushing off to one portion of the Library.
Now if that wasn't at all suspicious.
Thorin followed making big strides in order to keep up. It became apparent that big strides were not enough to follow Ori who had broken into a run, Thorin soon started jogging and then, finally, running to catch up to the youngest Ri brother.
Ori was entering a room when he looked over his shoulder. Seeing Thorin, his eyes became huge, but turned his head to face whoever it was inside the room. Thorin saw him widely gesturing with his arms and visibly relax after a moment. Ori stepped out of the doorway just as Thorin was a few feet away.
"Your Majesty," Ori greeted with a smile. "Bilbo is right this way."
"Ori," Thorin returned the greeting with a tilt of his head. "You know you are allowed to call me by name."
"O-of course, your Maj- uh," Ori blushed. It was hard for the scribe to be informal with the King, it didn't matter that he was part of the company, nor did it matter that Ori was friends with the Consort and the Royal Heirs. Dori's etiquette lessons were just that hard to shake off (despite Nori's influence.) "Thorin. Bilbo's inside."
Thorin chuckled as he entered the room. Inside, Bilbo was waiting for him, smiling and holding out a red book.
"What is this?" Thorin asked, opening the book.
"It's our story," Bilbo said. "Of taking back the mountain."
"Is it?" Thorin flipped through the pages and stopped at the last page.
And he lived happily ever after, to the end of his days.
"And I intend to make sure you do, Ghivashel," Thorin said, making Bilbo blush as the King kissed his forehead first, then his lips. "Starting with dinner."
It's still the 12th in some parts of the world, right? So sorry for the lateness of this one. I still need four or so words for the month of April, and I'm thinking of still doing this in May, so I need more words!