Ora stayed with Uli right up until the redheaded Dwarrowdam fell asleep, then she went back to her own chambers and got some well needed rest, all the while pushing every thought of Thorin out of her head. She was still red with rage towards him, after all, he had not own publically humiliated her but also tried to put her on a leash.

"Pfft!" She let out a loud huff at the thought, hopping around her room as she struggled to get one of her boots on in the scarce light. Once the wrestle was over and won, she grabbed her dagger from her dresser drawer and shoved it inside her boot. A girl can never be too careful.

She made care not to make too much noise as she ventured from her room and snuck across the cold main floor towards her brother's room. She may be mad at Thorin, but she wasn't foolish, she was going to at least try to get Giora to come with her.

"Wake up, you Troll." She hissed, as she snuck into his room. His deep snoring helped her navigate his presence through the dark chamber. "I need flour." She shook his shoulder, softly to begin with, but her movements soon turned harsh in an attempt to get him to stir.

Giora grunted, snorted, and then yelped and pushed his sister away. "What?" He hissed, "It's still night!"

"I know, but I need flour. You wouldn't make your little sister go down to the dock all on her own again, would you? What sort of brother would do that?"

There was a short pause, and she heard Giora yawn. "Do I have to?"

"No. But I'm sure you'll regret it if I got ambushed by some Orcs and killed." That was probably a tender spot for Giora, but Ora knew it worked every time.

"Fine." He grunted after a moment, "Give me a minute, would you?"

Ora grinned through the darkness and left the room without another word. She waited in the front room for Giora to reappear. Which he did, only a few minutes later donning his sword across his hip and stretching before hauling his axe over his back. "Ready?"

Ora nodded and jumped up from one of the loungers and made her way towards the door.

The walk through the mountain was of course a silent one, they didn't want to make too much of a disturbance and Ora made a point to give any wandering guard a really wide birth. Giora didn't make much objection, and Ora assumed it was because he'd probably already heard about the incident in the Dining Hall with the king. But he knew better than to probe. It was either he go with Ora, even though he would undoubtedly get into trouble for it, or let her go alone and risk her safety. He knew she would go no matter what, and he knew it was to spite the king.

"So…" Giora's voice broke the calm silence once the pair were safely out of Erebor.

Ora glanced up at him and raised her brow, "So?"

"The king…"

Ora instantly groaned.

"So, it's true?" Giora asked, surprised.

"Depends what you believe is true."

"There are a few rumours circulating the guards… Most of them I hope aren't true, and the rest are undoubtedly lies anyway."

Ora smirked, "Pray tell?"

"Some of them are saying you're… erm… bedding the king."

Ora instantly snorted at that, and Giora sighed, "I guess that one's not true then? Well, that's a relief, for sure."

"And the rest?" Ora pressed.

"That you are courting the king."

Ora gulped, and her fingers instinctively reached up and grazed the little gold necklace that still hung around her throat under her dress. Suddenly, her nails dug angrily into the gem. "No." She grunted, trying to restrain the temptation to snarl. "I'm not."

Telling the king she was rejecting his courtship had crossed her mind a few times over the past few hours. She was unbelievably hurt by his actions, and she actually felt a little worried that if she stayed with him that his actions would worsen. But, somehow, she couldn't quite bring herself to do it just yet, she need more time to think, and a small, tiny part of her was hoping that he would somehow redeem himself.

She restrained the urge to shake her head. And how would he do that? It's not like she ever saw the Dwarf anyway, so how would he never be able to make it up to her enough?

"Ora? Are you all right?"

Ora was dragged from her thoughts by her brothers surprisingly concerned voice, "What? Sorry, I'm still a bit tired; not really with it."

Giora frowned but nodded all the same. He looked like he wanted to tell her something, but Ora didn't press. If her brother was going to tell her something, he would have done it by now, he wasn't one to beat around the bush.

They approached the docks just as they saw the ship coming in on the horizon, and the pair of them waited patiently on the water front. They was only a few others there, including an Elf and three Dwarves, the other five people were humans. Ora knew a few of them, simply because they were regulars, and nodded politely as she and Giora passed. Being a Dwarf, she didn't particularly like Elves, but this one – she could never remember his silly name – wasn't horrible, and was actually quite respectful, so she held nothing against him. Giora however, buffed out his chest as they passed the fair faced creature like an angry bird.

"Why would someone want that much fruit?" Giora growled, his eyes watching the Elf carrying away several crates of berries and the like.

Ora only spared a glance, "He likes to make jam. He gave me a pot once."

"You ate it?" Giora hissed with a grimace, eyes flaring at her.

Ora smirked, "I did, actually. And so did you, I put it on your toast one morning."

Ora laughed hard at her brother utterly horrified expression, but stopped when she felt someone approach her.

"Good – er – well, I suppose it's morning, really, Miss Ora." A middle aged human, with a dark brown beard which was now lacing with grey stepped towards Ora and Giora, over his shoulder was a large sack of flour.

"Good morning to you too, Master Page, how are you fairing these days?" Ora asked politely, hopping down from the low wall she was sitting on and making her way over towards the man, offering him a friendly smile.

"All is good, all is good." He replied, setting the flour down and glancing past Ora and over towards Giora. "And you too, Master Giora, long time no see!"

"Ah, yes, apologies, I was a little busy last time my sister came down." Giora replied, coming up behind Ora and clasping a large hand into Master Pages outstretched palm.

"Yes, yes, so I heard." Page gave Ora a knowing look, which caused her to laugh. "I got the usual for you today, one sack, although I have more if you need it."

"No, no, one is fine." Ora replied, fishing around in her coat and drawing out her coin purse.

"You need to get yourself a pony," Page said, taking the gold coins from Ora and thanking her for it. "It's cheaper in bulk."

"Aye, we know," Giora replied, bending down and easily hauling the sack of flour over his shoulder much in the same way Thorin had done. Although, he grunted and widened his stance a little more to accommodate the new weight, whereas Thorin had no trouble at all.

Ora wanted to slap herself. Stop thinking about Thorin!

"But I fear our pony is much too old for this journey."

Page nodded knowingly, "Ah, I see, I see. Well, no problem." He gave them both a small smile, and tipped his shabby cap towards them in respect. "Both of you have a fine day."

"You too, Master Page. See you next time." And with that, Ora and Giora both left the bay, starting the trek back up towards the mountain. Far on the horizon, the sky was already beginning to turn pink.

"Hm, I guess the boat was later today than usual." Ora observed absentmindedly.

Giora simply grunted in response, and shifted the flours weight a little.

"Do you want some help?" Ora offered.

"No." Giora replied quickly, making Ora smirk.

The rest of the journey they didn't really speak much. Ora was growing tried, but she'd occasionally say a random thought that grossed her mind. The pair of them had been quiet for a few minutes, and Ora was just about to mention something trivial when Giora beat her to it.

"Imagine if you were courting the king."

Ora momentarily blanked out, and stumbled on the rocks.

"What?"

"The king, imagine if you were courting him. Imagine the king asking pa's permission for your hand." Ora could hear the humour in his voice, and she couldn't restrain her own snicker.

"Aye, I guess that would be quite funny." Something in her chest tore a little, and she didn't know if it was because she was torn between that actually happening, or it not happening. She shook her head.

"I think ma would keel over with joy, and g'ma would probably throw cakes or something."

Ora giggled, feeling her spirit lift at the idea of her little g'ma throwing desserts at the king if he upset her. She sort of wished she'd do that now.

"I'd be surprised if she hasn't done it already, actually."

Ora raised her brow, almost hopefully, "Oh?"

"Aye, after how he spoke to you yesterday in the Dining Hall."

Ora snorted, "You heard about that then."

"Everyone heard about it, Ora."

"And yet you're still here." Ora smiled at her brother and gave him an affectionate nudge, referring to the fact that Giora obviously knew she was forbidden to make this journey.

Giora snorted. "As soon as I heard I knew you'd be going, I can't let you go on your own, can I?"

Ora snickered, "You did last time."

"Pfft, details."

Ora laughed, "But you do realise how much trouble you'd be in if you get caught, right?"

"Aye, but that's not going to- Oh." Giora suddenly ground to a halt, causing Ora to frown at him. Noticing that he was looking up towards the mountain entrance Ora followed his gaze, and then gulped.

Dwalin was standing at the top of the steps, flanked by two other guards. His thick arms were crossed over his large chest, and his expression was menacing.

Ora quickly spared a glance over the side of the mountain road. Wondering what would kill her faster; Dwalin, the King, or the drop?

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"Where are we going?" Ora's voice was surprisingly calm as she scurried along behind Dwalin as he strode through the halls. She'd already told him that going to the docks was all her idea, and that she made Giora come along, so, thankfully, he got off lightly with just a hard look from the Head Guard.

"To see the king."

"At this time? Surely he's—"

"He's awake."

"Oh. Okay." Ora frowned, but she wasn't scared or nervous, astonishingly enough. In fact, she felt fatigued. If the king was going to yell at her, or scold her, or treat her like some sort of child, then she would surely crack.

Ora yawned.

"Keeping you up?" Dwalin growled.

Ora fumed a little, and snapped back: "Actually, yes."

In response Dwalin rolled his shoulders back and picked up the pace. Ora had to nearly jog to keep up with him, and had a faint stitch by the time they reached the royal quarters.

Dwalin knocked three times on the large, oak door of the king's private chambers. Ora waited impatiently with her arms tightly folded across her chest and a firm scowl planted across her face, which didn't falter when the doors swung open to reveal an equally unimpressed looking Thorin.

His gaze instantly landed on Ora, and her scowl involuntarily turned into a glare.

"Look who I found." Dwalin grumbled, taking Ora's shoulder and pushing her forward. Thorin didn't say a word while he gestured for Ora to enter, which she did, albeit reluctantly.

"That will be all, Dwalin. Thank you." Thorin finally said, his voice worryingly monotone. Dwalin simply nodded, and closed the door behind him.

Ora strode towards the fire, holding out her hands to its warmth and keeping her back firmly facing Thorin. She was even more angry now than she had been in the Dining Hall.

Thorin didn't say a word for a long time, but Ora could feel his steely gaze boring into the back of her skull and she could hear his heavy footsteps trailing back and forth. But she refused to speak first and ground her teeth.

"So, you went to the docks."

Thorin's voice was low, and she could hear that in his tone alone he was struggling to hold his temper. Maybe, if he'd tried so hard earlier to bottle it, they wouldn't be in this mess now.

"So it seems." Ora sassed back, her tone sharper.

"I forbade you to."

Ora then swung around so fast that if she wasn't so riled up she probably would have fallen over. But instead she stood there, teeth grating and eyes glaring daggers. Thorin was leaning forward onto the back of one of the loungers, hands clasped in front of him, and expression unreadable.

"You forbade me?" Ora snapped, trying hard not to hiss, "Like some sort of dog?"

Thorin straightened up then, eyes still set on her as he moved around the lounger. His calm demeanour was actually beginning to intimidate Ora. She couldn't work out what he was thinking, or feeling, and it was making her feel vulnerable to have her emotions so clearly on display.

"Rumours are circulating," He began, taking a step towards Ora, and he went to take another step when Ora moved back. He paused, and something like anguish flashed in his eyes. But it was gone as quick as it came.

"What rumours."

"That we are courting. I can't have you becoming a target, Ora."

Ora blinked, "What?"

"There is a possibility that someday you will become my queen, and you are vulnerable. How many queens do you see wandering around on their own at night?"

That's why he barred her from going? Because he believed her to be in danger?

"Why did you refuse to come with me?"

"Because it would have raised suspicion. You were the one who said you wanted to keep us a secret, weren't you?"

"Oh."

That was true. So, Thorin had refused to go with her because he didn't want any more rumours to be planted? And he didn't want her going with anyone else because of safety?

"Well, you didn't need to be so rude about it. You humiliated me." Ora grunted.

"I was trying to stomp out any rumours about us by pretending there was no affection between us, could you not see that? People would not assume we were courting if I spoke to you like that. It was an act. I thought that was what you wanted? Or do you want to go public now?"

"Ye-No! I'm mad at you!" Ora folded her arms over her chest again, and her scowl deepened.

"Why?" Thorin took another step closer, and Ora quickly side stepped him, going to stand behind the lounger where he'd previously been.

"Because you said all of that stuff in the hall! And the fact that I haven't seen you probably for over a week and yet the only time you come to find me is when you want something!" Ora couldn't help but raise her voice. Her heart was racing, and it felt like it was being crusted under all the strain.

Thorin was silent for a long moment. "Is that what you think of me?" His voice was louder this time, and Ora knew they were tipping on the verge of what could be a nasty argument. But, instead, she decided to nip it in the bud.

"I don't know what I think of you anymore."

The only thing that followed her words for a few painfully long minutes was silence. Ora was staring at the floor, unable to face him when she'd said those last words, but she heard the sound of his boots hitting the floor as he came towards her. Suddenly, she felt thick, rough hands gently holding either side of her face. Thorin pulled her head up, forcing her to look at him.

"You don't mean that." His voice was low and monotone, his face expressionless and eyes empty when he looked at her. His eyes looked like they were searching her face for a sign, or anything that was prove that her words were lies.

Ora took a deep breath and swallowed, "Is this how it's going to be?"

"I cannot see you all the time because I am king, and you wanted us to stay a secret. Do you think I like not having you by my side every minute of every day? If you formally accept my courtship then you can. You will be my consort."

Ora frowned. Confused didn't even begin to explain how she felt. Only moments ago she was shaking with rage. She was convinced that he was an arrogant Troll who only wanted to bed her. But, now, she'd found out that barring her from venturing from the mountain at night without proper protection was simply for her safety, because the circulating rumours could have caused potential threats, and that he was only rude to her about it because he wanted to stamp out any rumours that were lingering, for her. Two birds with one stone, almost.

She fought the frown that threatened to take hold on her face again, simply because she was annoyed that his plan was actually rather clever, and cunning, and that she apparently wasn't clever or cunning enough to realise it was all an act. Also, she was annoyed he'd done it in the first place, he didn't need to be so hard on her.

She made a mental note not to let this slide so easily. But, from what she could tell, his concern was genuine, and his intentions were seemingly good. Thorin certainly had a strange way of going about things.

"You want me to be your consort?" Ora was still unsure about how to feel.

Thorin's blank expression didn't move, but it changed entirely. His eyes lit up, as if he'd finally found light.

"Nothing would make me happier."

Ora tried to fight away her grin, but couldn't. In the end she groaned, "I'm mad at you."

"And I'm mad at you for leaving this mountain with only Giora, but at least he's better than nothing."

Ora bit the inside of her cheek, "Are you really annoyed?"

"I broke many things when Dwalin told me he'd spotted you leaving Erebor."

"Good." Ora raised a finger and poked him in the chest. She very nearly squealed when her finger didn't meet solid armour under the royal blue tunic, but instead only hit Dwarf. "That'll serve you right for speaking to me like a troublesome child."

"You are troublesome though."

"Oh! And before I forget, if you ever- and I mean ever- say to me again as a response that 'I am your king, that's why', you better learn to sleep with one eye open."

Thorin had the cheek to smirk at her, "Duly noted." Ora could feel both of his thumbs gently caress her cheeks, making her feel priceless. Thorin was looking at her like she was the most precious thing he'd ever laid eyes on, and it made her feel like it too.

"I'm sorry for leaving Erebor just to spite you."

Thorin paused and raised his brow. "You left just to spite me? It had nothing to do with the fact you're running low on flour?"

Ora shrugged, "I don't like being told what to do."

Thorin sighed, letting his hands drop to her shoulders. His expression turned serious once more. "Next time I ask you to do something, or not to do it, please listen to me." There was something in his voice that sparked curiosity within her.

"Why? Is something going to happen?"

Thorin seemed to hesitate, but only for a moment before letting his hands drop entirely from her and straightening up. "No."

"Tell me, Thorin."

"It doesn't concern you."

Ora raised her brow and folded her arms over her chest. "I'm sure it concerns the king's consort."

Thorin raised both brows at her, "Is that your way of accepting?"

Ora paused, "Yes. I thought it would be more romantic than that, but yes."

"Well, then, I should have you know that there is nothing on the horizon, but associations with the line of Durin do not come without their own risks. I have to know that if something happens you will listen to me."

Ora frowned, but eventually she nodded all the same. "Very well." She then yawned, but spied the sun coming up over the horizon through the windows the Royal chambers had.

"Tired?"

"Extremely. But, what does a king's consort do actually?"

Thorin's lips curled upwards a little, "You are a step back from the queen, so for support, advice, company, care."

"Pfft, I do most of that anyway."

Thorin smiled fully then, and the look still made Ora feel weak at the knees. She was glad when Thorin's arms wrapped around her once more, and she was able to lean on his solid body for support. She dared to let her fingers roam over the soft material of his tunic, revelling in the thought that there was just a layer of thin fabric separating her from his bare skin. Even through the material she could feel his solid muscles and warm flesh, and she loved every bit of it.

She felt Thorin pull her closer, and she dropped her hands from his chest to his waist when his fingers knotted in her hair and brought her face to his, catching their lips together.

Thorin's lips were rough and gentle against hers, slow in movement but still deep enough to be tender and meaningful. Ora purred into his mouth, absentmindedly letting her fingers trail to the hem of his long tunic, and before she could even stop herself her hands disappeared underneath it to touch the hot skin on Thorin's hard stomach.

He growled when Ora's wandering fingers began to follow the grooves and crevasses of his muscles, every so often letting a wild digit glide over a scar or two.

Pride swelled within her, the thought that she was holding such a noble Dwarf was still so overwhelming to her.

Thorin groaned when Ora's hands trailed upwards, her heart was beating so fast by this point she thought it would hammer out of her chest if she wasn't careful. She kept telling herself to take her hands away, that she was over stepping the mark by touching the king like she was. But she couldn't bring herself to take her palms away from the irresistible, almost addictive skin that tempted her so badly. Also, Thorin's growls were hardly a sign that he wanted her to stop, and his tongue forcing its way into her mouth to tangle with hers was another.

Funnily enough, she wasn't so tired anymore.

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Eh ehe eh

Here's another chapterrrrrrr!

I'm updating tomorrow too! Yay!

Anyway, please let me know what you think of this chapter, and the story so far!

Your comments literally mean the word to me, I love hearing what you have to say (:

Also, I was actually going to have ora and thorin have a huge argument, which is what I think a lot of people were expecting, so of course, I had to change that

Hehehe

But don't worry, I'm not depriving you of some yelling, you'll just have to wait! That argument definitely isn't over yet!

Thank you!

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