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Sorry everyone my updates aren't as fast as before. I only type the story when I feel a little better and it's not very often. Trust me I'm dying to get well soon. Also my uncle is taking his last breaths in a hospital. He is a cancer patient. So I am emotionally quite wrecked too. Still praying for him to get better and live a few days more.

Anyway, this is another chapter for you. Hope you like it. Please read and review. Your support gives me inspiration to write better. Thank you!

Chapter 14: The Letter Of Secrets

Legolas was walking with aggressive steps. His face was darkened. His eyes didn't hold warmth that moment but coldness, almost like his father. There was an unreadable expression masking the prince's face. Legolas was looking for someone. And that person was none other than Katherine. Tauriel was walking behind Legolas quietly. The captain of the guard looked worried to say the least.

"Hir nin (My lord)." Finrod approached Legolas as he saw the prince coming.

"Where is she? Where is Katherine?" Legolas asked with cold tone of voice. Finrod realized that their prince was enraged inwardly. He glanced at Tauriel with confusion. Since their prince was waiting for a reply, Finrod spoke up.

"She's near the fountain in the south wing playing with her son" replied Finrod. Legolas immediately started walking again.

"Is everything alright my lord?" Finrod asked but he didn't receive any answer. Tauriel gave him a look that told Finrod to stay silent and he did. Finrod and Tauriel kept following Legolas as he made his way towards Katherine. When Legolas reached the fountain he saw Katherine playing with Liam. She was running and laughing while Liam was trying to catch her. Legolas only watched them for a moment before he approached them.

"Legolas!" Liam exclaimed happily as the elfling noticed Legolas. He ran to him. Katherine was surprised to see Legolas there. He wasn't supposed to get out of the healers' room so soon. It has only been five days since the attack happened. Legolas was supposed to be in a complete bed rest. What was he doing roaming around the palace? Only if Katherine knew what happened in past five days? She didn't see Legolas again after that night. Even though he was constantly on Katherine's mind but she couldn't visit him again in fear that it would raise questions that she wouldn't be able to answer.

"Legolas, are you okay? Mum told me you were bitten by a spider. I was so worried. I wanted to visit you but mum didn't let me." Liam said feeling relieved to see his friend again. Unfortunately he missed to see the hard look on Legolas' face. Liam was only a child after all. However Katherine noticed it. And it confused her. She got closer to her son and stood right before Legolas. She bowed her head a little.

"My lord." When Katherine looked up, their eyes met. She immediately felt that something was certainly wrong. She gave Legolas a confusing look.

"Liam, will you come with me? I've something to show you" said Tauriel and she took Liam away from there. Finrod followed Tauriel. Katherine understood they left because Legolas had something to say to her in private. For a moment, Katherine got worried. What could it possibly be that Legolas wanted to talk to her about? Last time Katherine checked, he was still avoiding her. And she didn't think that a poisonous string from a spider was going to change that.

"Is- is everything alright?" Katherine asked with unsure tone of voice. The way Legolas was looking at her, it just gave Katherine a really bad feeling. Suddenly startling Katherine, Legolas grabbed her wrist. He started to drag her somewhere. "My lord, what are you doing? Where are you taking me?"

Katherine tried to free her wrist but Legolas got a strong hold on her hand. And he was no way being gentle. Legolas took Katherine inside a chamber and only then he let go of her hand. Legolas had also closed the doors and locked it. All that confused Katherine to no limit. "Why did you bring me here?" Katherine asked but Legolas didn't answer her. Instead he started pacing restlessly. What suddenly got into Legolas? Why was he acting like that? Katherine watched Legolas quietly for a few moments. Her eyes followed his every move. Katherine opened her mouth to question Legolas once again. But Legolas beat her to it.

"Who are you?" Legolas asked at once. It made Katherine furrow her brows at Legolas.

"What? What do you mean who I am?"

In reply to Katherine's question, Legolas pulled something out of his tunic pocket and thrust it in her hands. It was a parchment. Later Katherine realized that it was actually a letter. She opened it and immediately froze. Her eyes widened with shock and her heart threatened to stop beating at once. Because it was the same letter that Katherine wrote for Liam. For a moment Katherine couldn't believe her own eyes. The letter was in Beorn's firm. Back in her cottage there. How did it find it's way to Legolas? How?

"Wh- where did you get this?"

Flashback

It was second day of Legolas' recovery. He wasn't very well but still he was getting ready to go somewhere. Tauriel entered the healers' room. She was taken aback to see Legolas not only out of his bed but preparing to leave the room as well.

"Legolas what are you doing?"

"I need to go somewhere Tauriel. It's very important" said Legolas with urgency in his voice. Ever since Legolas heard Katherine confess her feelings for him, he couldn't stop thinking about it. Her confession left Legolas very confused. Katherine spoke as if she has been in love with him for a very long time. As if they have a history together. But how was it possible? Legolas knew they have never met before. But still there was something about the way Katherine talked to him that gave Legolas a feeling as if she was very close to him. As if she knew him very well. Not to mention the way she was worried for him. Legolas was genuinely surprised to see that.

The prince of Mirkwood knew that Katherine had secrets. And after her confession Legolas had to know about them. But he also knew that asking Katherine would be fruitless. She would never tell him anything. Katherine only professed her love for Legolas because she thought he was sleeping. It made Legolas realize that she wouldn't tell him a thing if confronted. Legolas had to find out about her on his own. And the prince decided to pay Beorn the shape shifter a visit. Katherine lived with him for three years. Beorn must know something about her. Really believing that, Legolas made up his mind about going to his firm.

"What could be so important?" Tauriel couldn't help but ask. She was worried about her prince, her friend. Legolas looked at Tauriel with hopeful eyes.

"Believe me Tauriel. I wouldn't be going if it wasn't absolutely necessary. There is something I must find out." Tauriel figured that Legolas was determined to leave and there was no way to stop him. She sighed out heavily.

"If you must leave then I am coming with you." Tauriel announced. She was determined as well. "I can't let you leave all alone."

Legolas thought about it for a moment. Then he nodded his head. Tauriel would've come with him anyway even if he had said no to her. She was stubborn like that. Both elves sneaked out of the kingdom. Yes, they sneaked out because if anyone had seen the prince leave, then they would've informed the king about it and then Legolas would've been back in bed. It took them sometime to reach the end of the Mirkwood forest. Since Legolas wasn't in his perfect condition, they had to go slower than normal. After the forest, Legolas and Tauriel crossed the huge meadow and very soon they reached Beorn's farm. Both elves started looking around for the said shape shifter. Suddenly they heard a growl. Tauriel looked over her shoulder and found a huge beast coming at them.

"RUN!" Tauriel yelled. She and Legolas started running. They came across a cottage and ran inside it for protection. The beast didn't try to burst through the doors but it kept growling and pacing just outside the cottage. Tauriel looked inside the cottage and realized something.

"I think Katherine and Liam were used to live here" said Tauriel. Legolas also roamed his eyes over the place carefully.

"I must talk to the shape shifter and find out about Katherine" said Legolas to his dear friend.

"What is it that you wish to find out?" Tauriel asked.

"Everything, anything. I need to know about her Tauriel. As much as possible." Legolas sounded desperate to Tauriel which confused her. She have never seen Legolas like that before.

"Everyone has secrets Legolas. Why are you so intent on finding out about Katherine's secrets?" Tauriel couldn't help but wonder. Legolas looked at her and said.

"Because I may be one of her secrets." Tauriel only nodded her head. She didn't really understand though.

"I think we have to wait here till the shape shifter is back in his human form" said Tauriel and Legolas agreed. The two elves started to walk around the cottage. Legolas went to see Liam's room. He wanted to know where the little elfling lived before they found him. And if there was something that he should take back to Mirkwood. Something important or interesting that Liam would be happy to have back. The first thing Legolas noticed in Liam's room was books. There were a lot of books there than toys. Liam had told Legolas that his mother used to buy him a lot of books so that he would know about the world outside the farm. While Legolas went through Liam's books and toys, Tauriel found herself in Katherine's room. She knew it was wrong to go through her stuffs but Tauriel was curious. And her curiosity had picked up when she saw strange looking clothes in Katherine's room. Tauriel didn't even know what to call those clothes or how Katherine wore them for that matter? Obviously Tauriel didn't have any knowledge on shorts, skirts, shirts or short summer dresses and etc, etc. Katherine had made them herself. While living in the farm, Katherine had a lot of time to learn sewing and knitting.

While going through the stuffs, Tauriel opened the desk drawer and found a letter inside. 'To Dear Liam' and 'From Katherine' were written on the envelope. At first Tauriel closed the drawer and decided to walk away but curiosity got the better of her and she opened the drawer again. Tauriel picked up the letter and after a moment of hesitation she opened it. Tauriel started reading the letter. She couldn't help but gasp out loud and yell for Legolas after she read the letter. Legolas came running to Tauriel.

"Tauriel what happened?" Legolas asked worriedly. With shaking hands, Tauriel handed Legolas the letter. With confusion the prince took the letter from Tauriel. The captain of the guard was looking utterly shocked. Legolas realized why once he started reading the letter as well.

"... Your father is none other than the prince of Mirkwood himself. Legolas Greenleaf..."

That one line shook Legolas to the core. He felt his heart beating faster. How was it possible? How?

"I've always noticed it." Tauriel spoke up ignoring Legolas' shocked state. Although she was talking more to herself than to Legolas. "That's why Liam is so much like you." Legolas looked at Tauriel. Right into her eyes. Then Tauriel said the truth out loud.

"Liam is your son."

End Of Flashback

"I found this letter in Beorn's farm. Everything in this letter. Is it all true?"

Katherine ran a hand through her hair. She leaned against the wall for support because her knees were shaking. They would give out any moment. She had absolutely no idea what to do or how to response to Legolas? How the hell did it happen? What will she do now? Katherine felt as if she was going to faint. It would've been a blessing. At least that way she could've escaped Legolas' piercing gaze. Katherine realized everything was screwed up. She was screwed up. Katherine had no idea what was going to happen to her or her son but she knew that she can't fix anything if something bad happened. Everything was already out of hands. Katherine never felt so helpless in her life before.

"Tell me Katherine. Who are you really?" Katherine remained quiet. She couldn't even meet Legolas' eyes anymore. A dead silence fell over them. Katherine started feeling suffocated. And there was fear as well. Fear for Liam. King Thranduil may love Liam now but how would he react to a bastard grandson? Katherine didn't think he would appreciate it. And King Thranduil loved his reputation as the woodland king. Valar knows what he would do to mother and son after learning the truth.

Legolas on the other hand was having a hard time believing everything he learned through reading the letter. Most of the things he didn't even understand. Except for one thing that Liam was his son. Legolas was shocked about that the most. He also couldn't believe that Katherine hid something so important from him. Instead of telling him about it, she has been playing games with him for all these days. It made Legolas very angry towards Katherine. He had a right to know. That's why Legolas came to confront her. He wanted Katherine to tell him everything. Because all the confusions and questions in his mind were driving Legolas crazy. But unfortunately Katherine wasn't saying a single word. Legolas could tell that she was in shock. And he could hear her fast beating heart as well. Legolas stepped closer to Katherine and held onto her shoulders to shake her a little and snap her out of her silence.

"I asked you a question Katherine. Answer me."

Vehemently shaking her head, Katherine tried to push Legolas away from her and ran out of the chamber but Legolas was fast. He caught Katherine in a blink of an eye and pinned her against the wall. She was completely trapped and there was no way to escape Legolas. "Let me go Legolas, please."

"No, you can't leave as long as you don't tell me everything" said Legolas sounding very serious about it. This time Katherine looked up and glared at the prince of Mirkwood.

"There's nothing to tell. Let go of me Legolas." As Katherine said that Legolas gave her an incredulous look.

"There's nothing to tell? How could you say that? You wrote in the letter yourself that Liam is my son-" Katherine interrupted Legolas before he could say more.

"Don't tell me you really believe that." Suddenly both became quiet. Legolas looked right into Katherine's eyes and she stared back instead of lowering her gaze. After a moment, Legolas spoke up again.

"Yes I do" said Legolas with strong tone of voice. It kind of shocked Katherine. She was expecting otherwise. Legolas took a step away from Katherine but she didn't try to leave this time. She wanted to know what Legolas had to say.

"I've always felt a connection with Liam that I never understood before. Now I know why. It's because he is my son. Why did you keep it from me Katherine?" Legolas spoke with accusing tone of voice. It pissed Katherine off a little bit.

"Because I couldn't tell you. You were not supposed to know this." At that moment Katherine didn't care about changing the future or anything else but Liam's safety. She just wanted her baby boy safe. "What do you think will happen if people find out about Liam? He's a child born out of wedlock. He will be frowned upon by everyone. Even his life could be in danger." Katherine shivered even at the thought of it. This got Legolas worried as well. The last thing he wanted was to compromise Liam's safety. Katherine was right. There are no bastard child in elven race. His people wouldn't accept Liam. Not even his own father.

"I give you my word Katherine. As long as I live, no harm shall come to Liam. No one will know about this. But you must tell me the truth. I have to know." Katherine sighed out heavily as Legolas requested her that.

"I can't Legolas. It will endanger the future of the people I love and care about. Please try to understand." Legolas lightly nodded his head. He was disappointed though.

"Thank you" said Katherine really meaning it. She breathed in deeply and started walking away. Before she could reach the door, Legolas called her name.

"Katherine." She stopped and looked over her shoulder.

"If you can't tell me anything about the future, at least tell me something of the present." Katherine looked at Legolas with questioning eyes. She wondered what he wanted to know.

"Do you really love me?" Legolas asked straight away. Katherine was stunned for a moment. Her cheeks started heating up as well. She slowly lowered her gaze but she nodded her head. There was no point in hiding it anymore.

"I do but I know that you don't."

"But I must have loved you in the future" said Legolas making Katherine look up at him again. She gave him a sad smile.

"You never loved me."

Without saying anything else Katherine walked out of the chamber leaving a very baffled Legolas behind. How could he have not loved Katherine? Then how was Liam born. They must have loved each other enough to get physically involved. Instead of clearing his confusions, speaking with Katherine puzzled Legolas more. He closed his eyes and sighed out exasperatedly. How things changed so drastically over night! Legolas would surely need sometime to adjust with the truth. But he was undoubtedly pleased to learn that Liam was his son. Legolas' love for the little elfling only increased more after the revelation. Unfortunately Katherine still remained a mystery to him. But not for long. Legolas promised that to himself.