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Chapter 25

Dain scratched his head, not knowing what to make of his daughter's hysterical summonses. They started shortly after breakfast and mounted throughout the day. First, her breakfast in her chambers was a disgrace. Next, her bath water was freezing. From the way she described it, the water might have come from the icy mountain peak. He dismissed the first seven complaints, but he couldn't avoid her any longer.

When Onkra first stepped into the large, gold-trimmed tub, she knocked over a juglet of oil infused with lilacs and slipped on the slick stone. Frigid water from the spigot above her head gushed over her like a waterfall bouncing off rocks. Thrashing and screaming, she slapped at her maids and shouted for her foot servants to bring kettles of heated water. There was too much commotion for them to see Prince Kili and his team elbowing each other gleefully from a room far down the hall.

While her harried servants ran for the water, her maids tried to keep her calm. In the midst of the chaos, no one noticed four dwarves sneaking in. They worked in pairs with one pretending to dust furniture while the other loosened nails and sawed through joints. Meanwhile, she dried off with a huge towel made from several sewn together. It took a great deal of time to pat her crevices dry.

The room was empty by the time she came out dressed in a pea-green frock. Then she sat down for a good-sized snack, but the chair collapsed under her. Falling smack on her bulbous behind, she fell on her back and couldn't get up. Three dwarves strained to roll her on her barrel-sized stomach, but her arms and legs were too far above the ground to be of use. She shrieked until she turned puce and gasped to catch her breath. The dwarves stopped to rest and discuss other options. Finally, they decided to heave her on her side. She tried to kick them with her tiny feet but missed. One dwarf grabbed a plank that had broken out from under her bed. Grunting and with veins bulging out of their necks, they slipped it underneath her for leverage and lifted to her feet. The temporary reprieve didn't last long.

A few hours before the feast, Dain walked tentatively to her door, dreading what he'd find. The sounds of her screams and curses pinged like pebbles against the stone walls outside her chambers. He took several deep breaths and stiffened his spine before he knocked on one of her double doors. Two sweating servants opened them and bolted.

"If we're lucky," one yelled to the other as their feet pounded down the hall, "we can find Prince Fili and beg for mercy!"

He stood in the door and surveyed the destruction of the room. Intricate tapestries were bunched on the floors against the walls, and the chairs looked like crushed bugs with their legs splayed out on all sides. Two posters of her four-poster bed were broken off, and the bed frame itself was off-kilter with one end of the mattress sticking up in the air. His eyes and mouth were as round as coins.

"I hate them!" she growled between clenched teeth. "My horrible cousins are behind this I'm sure. Those infernal IDIOTS!"

He hurried into the room, not sure what to do. He'd never heard her talk like that before, and he stared unhappily at her vengeful face. The depth of her anger disturbed him deeply, and he stared at her like someone who had regained his sight. The veil had been lifted.

"I'm sure that there's some explanation for all this, my sweet," he said cautiously, although the "my sweet" stuck in his throat, and he had to force it out. "I'm sure it's not deliberate however it may appear."

Her hateful, beady eyes fixed on him, and he felt a chill.

"You know nothing about this, father, about any of this!"

Suspicion awakened in his mind, and his eyes narrowed as he folded his arms across his chest. Somehow she meant more than what had happened, and he sensed that he was missing something very, very important.

"What don't I know, daughter?" he asked, and he widened his stance. "I did hear that you weren't treating your servants well. I expect better, Onkra. I expect better, but I'll get to the bottom of this—all of this."

She snorted and leaned back against a writing desk. He watched in amazement as the heavy, oak desk folded in on itself, and she toppled over with arms and legs waving like a beetle on its back.

Meanwhile, Thorin met with the council and discussed last-minute details for the announcement. They fussed over invisible issues, argued about who was in charge of what, and continued to press him for information about his bride while he ground his teeth. He listened with increasing impatience and at last held up his hand. He had endured their carping, bickering, interference, and embezzlement long enough.

"I'm satisfied with my choice," he said in a tone that dismissed further discussion, "and that's all that's required."

Then he faced them squarely with his hands on hips, readying for the battle of wills.

"I will make the announcement tomorrow night," he said while standing in front of his throne, "and I want my personal guard lining the walls and wearing their ceremonial dress. The feast may be simplified and other festivities dispensed with if necessary."

The council members stared at each other. Simplified? Festivities dispensed with? They had already spent a good deal of gold on lavish decorations and such, although they did withhold a minor amount for their pains. The noble families expected pomp, and there were protocols to observe. Surely they couldn't do everything properly in one day? The king's requests were unreasonable, and they looked to Dolor to stand against him. With all eyes on him, the lead councilor lifted his chin and approached the king.

"My lord," he began slowly as though speaking to a dimwitted underling. His pride wouldn't allow him to back down now. "Surely you must see that moving up the announcement will throw off all our careful preparations. And why is your personal guard needed? We aren't going to war now, are we?"

He tsked and scratched at his beard with the back of his knuckles.

"We need time to do this properly, time to prepare for the festivities in a way that befits the grandeur of our kingdom."

Thorin's eyes went cold, and he throttled one arm of his throne instead of the neck of the dwarf who stood in front of him. His upper lip curled in disgust.

"Our kingdom? By chance did I miss you on the quest or fighting in the Battle of the Five Armies?" His voice grew in strength and power, and they heard the echo of his words from the stone. "Were you fighting Smaug in the forges? Are you the Heir of Durin?"

That last was almost shouted, and the council members winced and held up their hands like they were too close to a fire. Thorn stepped in face to face and grabbed Dolor's collar. The older dwarf leaned away from his king's fury.

"I ALONE am king, and THIS is what I command, so get it DONE!"

They all but ran out of the room. He watched them go with their robes flapping at their heels. It sparked a memory.

"So that's why they'd run down the hall after meeting with grandfather," he muttered. Then he calmed himself with several deep breaths. His mouth pulled up on one side, and his eyes crinkled at the thought of long, red curls and saucy, green eyes. He rolled his shoulders to shrug off the tightness in his muscles and headed directly to the infirmary for some needed treatment.

Relianna wandered aimlessly around while Frain quietly discussed herbal remedies and traded knowledge with Oin. From time to time, Fili and Kili would pop by and whisk another bottle or jar away with a band of thrilled conspirators. She watched glumly and idly rearranged the shelves and storage closets while periodically drinking large tumblers of water under her brother's approving eye. Her energy had returned and so did her boredom, as if nearly dying was already in the distant past. She didn't want to rest anymore and shook her head when Frain suggested she take a nap. Instead, she longed to join Fili and Kili.

"They must have conscripted all Erebor to torment Onkra," she said after another team leader almost danced in with a list of needed items for Nella to gather.

"What're those for?" she asked as she looked over Nella's shoulder. "Ah, they're going to switch out her perfume, aren't they?"

Nella threw a wide grin over her shoulder.

"Aye, it'll do no harm, but I pity anyone near her."

Frain walked over and put his hand on his sister's shoulder. He had watched her increasing restlessness with amusement. Thorin was energetic for a dwarf his age, and he hoped he could match his sister's stamina. She would certainly keep him busy since she was never one to sit still for long. He chuckled and offered up a silent prayer for Thorin's continued health and vigor. There was a reason why he called her Flame-rider.

"Only a few more days, sweetheart. Be patient for just a few more."

She nodded and blew out her breath.

"I feel so helpless here."

He eyed her skeptically.

"Aye, I know you too well," he said. "You almost died, but you want to join in, don't you?"

She glanced up at her brother, knowing she was caught.

"I'm not known for my patience," she grumped.

Frain laughed and kissed her cheek. She pushed away and rolled her eyes.

"Nor is your intended," he returned with a smile.

Just then Thorin came in with his arms opened wide, and she flew into them. He clasped one hand to the back of her head and fondled her soft curls while she rubbed her head against his neck. They held each other like they had been separated for years.

"I missed you so," she whispered. "It's no fun without you." He closed his eyes happily and hummed with pleasure. Her words answered his every fear, and he relaxed in her arms. Then he kissed her on the forehead and pulled back to address them all.

"I moved the announcement to tomorrow night," he said. "Zozer's counting on things going according to plan, and the change might allow us to get ahead of him."

Frain pursed his lips and gestured behind him.

"Your nephews will be disappointed to have their plans cut short," he said while inspecting the almost empty cabinet. "Such a shame."

Thorin turned back to Relianna, and his face turned solemn. He took her hands and held them to his chest.

"I need to talk to you later. We have to plan this out most carefully and rehearse what we need to do. I don't want any surprises."

She nodded, and Frain walked up behind her and gripped her shoulder. It was time to get serious.

"After the feast," he continued with somber eyes, "a few of us will meet here while Dwalin prepares the others. He's already working with Balin to mark our uniforms, but I can't say about Dain's servants and guards. I'll find out who he has with him."

Then he took her aside. His thumbs rubbed her fingers, and he seemed slightly on edge.

"I also need to spend a few minutes alone with you. There's something that needs to be resolved."

Her forehead wrinkled, and she tilted her head.

"Are you upset with me? Did I do something wrong?"

He put his forehead to hers and kissed her nose.

"Aye, love. You never answered my question."

She gazed at him quizzically and then her face lit up like the first light of the sun on the horizon. He nuzzled her nose and cheek. She allowed it for a moment and then pulled away.

"You never asked."

Resolute but much more at ease, Thorin strode down the corridor to the dining hall determined to find out as much as he could. Fili and Kili met him at the ornately carved doors featuring scenes from Thor's reign. They looked infinitely pleased with themselves, and their uncle couldn't help but shake his head with amused exasperation.

"Was it worth it?"

His nephews nearly popped their buckles with pride. Fili's eyes slid to catch his brother's merry smile, and both crowded him, eager to share their adventures. They had played the game brilliantly, although the doubling of pawns on the board was a great help.

"We've never seen such zeal, uncle," Fili said while describing one of their raids with animated gestures. "It was inspiring to see them so committed."

Thorin laid his hand on his shoulder. He planned to have an evening with them soon to hear everything before a roaring fire with glasses of fine, red wine in their hands. They deserved it after this month's trials.

"Just this once, nephew," he said with a fond light in his eyes. Then his mouth turned down. "Then again there's only one Onkra."

The door was opened for them, and they replaced their smiles with royal hauteur as they surveyed the lavishly decorated room. Royal blue table linens and napkins lay underneath a gold service with plates engraved with runes wishing good health and prosperity. Crystal goblets winked in the candlelight. All the family members were invited to this feast, and the room buzzed with conversation. Occasionally, shocked laughter rose above the din. Dain hurried over to meet them before they reached the head table.

"What's going on with Onkra, Thorin?" He glared at the princes who calmly bore his searching eyes. "She's fit to be tied."

Kili mouth quirked ever so slightly at the one thing they didn't think of, but he was the picture of respectful interest while Dain listed the different misfortunes his daughter had to endure throughout the day. Fili and Kili mentally scratched each offense off the master list while Dain counted on his fingers. Thorin appeared to listen attentively. When his cousin ended with an offended huff, the King of Erebor put on a face of thoughtful consideration. He grimaced while tapping his forefinger against his lips. Then he nodded decisively, lowered his brows, and returned Dain's scowl.

"It sounds like Onkra is finally getting a taste of what she deserves from the many she's tormented year after year, cousin."

Then he grabbed his arm.

"Not that my own people haven't been begging to join in. Go find out, why don't you, why her servants ran at the first opportunity? You know what she is but refuse to see it."

Then he and the princes stalked off to their seats. Thorin told them quietly to find out as much about Dain's guards and servants as they could. The princes added that to their list.

The feast had just begun when Onkra made her ponderous appearance. No one spoke. Her face, hands, and arms were covered in flat, red splotches, but Fili and Kili couldn't tell if they were the boils starting to form or leftover rage pooling under her pasty skin.

She approached with her usual helpers and gave Fili and Kili such a venomous look that others around the table began whispering about bad blood between Erebor and the Iron Hills. Dain overheard not a few lords say that Onkra was a blight on the proceedings. A couple even said that her being there only annoyed the king and hurt their daughters' chances. Thorin's council members ate silently, remembering how they once encouraged the match.

"My Orbel's a gem," said one disgruntled father who was so hairy that only his eyes and nose could be seen. "She was having her time with King Thorin when he received yet another summons from that heap of fat. He said hardly a word after that and left early. How could Dain think that Thorin Oakenshield would consider her?"

A dwarf lord with an elaborate mustache braided into his sideburns scoffed and guzzled a large goblet of wine before he spoke.

"How could Dain think that anyone would consider her?" he asked. A number of others nodded in full agreement. "Did you hear what happened with her servants? The ones that couldn't get away I mean? From what I could hear, it sounded like they finally revolted."

The lords put their heads together and laughed derisively at the sweet tidbits of gossip that more and more were swallowing whole.

"Serves them both right!" one chortled. "He's a fool for not reining her in and no mistake."

Dain's neck turned red, and the hot flush rose to his face. Though he had always known that she was difficult and demanding, he had never heard it described so bluntly by others. He felt their laughing eyes on him, and he struggled to pretend it didn't matter. He turned away and concentrated on his wine, but their contempt burned, nonetheless, and the longer he listened, the more humiliated he felt.

Am I now a laughingstock because of her? he wondered. What have I done?

Then servers came forward with the platters, and everyone exclaimed at the savory aromas of the various dishes and looked eagerly down the table. Onkra's remaining maids attended her quietly, and the servants from Erebor were careful to pay her every attention. They rubbed her gold forks, spoons, and knives carefully and poured her wine from a separate pitcher. She smiled smugly at all her detractors. They weren't getting such service. She nodded at Fili and Kili disdainfully, believing that she was safe in front of the others.

"I thought that they were going to do that tomorrow night?" Fili whispered to his brother. Kili shrugged.

"I think they wanted to do this now and get it out of the way," he replied out of the corner of his mouth. "Perhaps they didn't want to spoil uncle's announcement. I did offer them the choice."

Fili grimaced and started shoveling food into his mouth. Kili got Thorin's attention and cast a knowing look at Onkra. Thorin shook his head confused, and Kili motioned down to his plate and then inclined his head at Fili who was eating as fast as he could. The king rolled his eyes and did the same.

"Mm, pass the cakes down here before it starts, Fili," Kili mumbled with his mouth full. "Those are my favorite."

There was little conversation as all plowed their way through the gorgeous feast complete with perfectly done roasts, a whole pig with an apple in its mouth and surrounded by large bunches of grapes, and large legs of lamb seasoned with olive oil and rosemary.

"How much time do we have left?" Fili asked as a few crumbs of cornbread fell from his mouth.

"Any time now," Kili replied with a curious glance at their despised cousin who had a leg of lamb in one hand and a large, turkey pot pie in the other.

Those nearest her stopped eating first as a thick and noxious odor drifted toward them. Guests began looking all around them, and then Lady Bruffa reared back in her chair and pushed as far away from Onkra as she could. Large, wet stains of stinking sweat were spreading across sections of her mustard-yellow, formal gown. Forks clattered on the plates, and platters loaded with sumptious fare were pushed away. Some guests held napkins to their mouths in politeness while others simply held their noses. Onkra kept eating. However, her already strong body odor enhanced with a few choice chemicals from Oin's stock ended the feast for everyone else.

Then Thorin stood and addressed the crowd.

"Tomorrow night I will announce my choice."

A chorus of excited gasps was followed by a low rumble of male voices discussing their chances.

He raised his hands and the crowd stilled.

"Before I do I wish to offer my compliments to your daughters. They do you credit. I know though that by choosing one, I will no doubt disappoint others. In fact, some may even be offended by my choice."

Then he challenged the dwarf lords with his stance.

"However, my choice is final, and I will not allow challenge. Furthermore, I put the full power and might of Erebor along with all its riches to defend her."

Everyone looked around at each other to try and discern which noble-born was chosen. The king was not only confident but passionate in his choice. His declaration surprised the dwarf lords who had not seen him that interested in any of their daughters. If Thorin Oakenshield had fallen in love, he had kept it hidden from everyone.

"Now I must prepare for my announcement tomorrow," he said, and he left with all eyes trailing him and his nephews out the door.

Nella brought out yet another dress for Relianna to wear for her time with Thorin.

"Are dresses being made for me every day?" she asked in amazement.

Nella grinned and shrugged.

"Aye, well, a queen needs a large wardrobe."

Relianna swallowed hard and watched Nella lay a bronze-colored dress on one of the beds. It perfectly complimented her coloring and was tastefully designed with dropped shoulders that left her creamy neck bare. An amber choker and pair of matching earrings completed the outfit.

"I'm no hairdresser," Nella said with a grimace as she fiddled with several amber hair pins and clips, "but let me see what I can do with these."

Thorin walked in to find everyone gone, and fear struck his heart. He called out for Oin, Nella, Frain, and Relianna, but no one answered at first. Then he heard her voice in a back room, and he hastened down the hall. The door was locked.

"Let me in, love," he pleaded while jiggling the knob. "Can you hear me? Let me in!"

Her muffled voice answered in the next room, but he couldn't hear her. He grew desperate and was about to throw himself against the door when he heard the click of the lock.

"Come in, my lord," she said softly, but he was rooted to the floor.

Her hair was swept off her face to one side and twisted into a loose bun with several long curls flowing over one shoulder. Glittering amber pins caught the light of many candles in the room, and the choker glowed at her throat.

"Relianna," he breathed. He took her hands and kissed them over and over. "You've made me lose all reason. What is this about?"

Her self-assurance faded slightly, and she twisted her hands together.

"Oin and the others thought that since you wanted to talk to me alone, the room should look as special as possible."

He threw back his head and laughed. Then he drew her into his arms and clasped his hands behind her back.

"That was thoughtful," he said, and he kissed her softly. "Come over here."

He led her to the corner where many large candles of various sizes and shapes cast brightly colored patterns on the wall. Taking her fingers, he kissed each one separately and then cupped her face with his hands. In the silence, he simply stared into her eyes, looking for and finding the love he so desperately wanted.

"My sweet Relianna," he began, and he sank to his knees. "You've taken my heart from me, and all I ask is that you keep it safe and allow me to love you for the rest of my life as your husband."

She looked down at his exultant face and frowned.

"And your queen as well?" she asked, suddenly worried about the enormity of such a position. "Can I do that? Can I really be Queen of Erebor? It was one thing for us to love in private. Are you certain? Truly certain? I'm a mixed-blood remember."

That wasn't the answer he wanted to hear, but he understood her fear.

"More than I ever have been of anything," he said gently. "I will help you as will many others. I will have no other. Will you condemn me then to a life of misery?"

She pursed her lips, and he tightened his grip on her fingers. Tugging her down to the floor in front of him, he whispered his love and moved to cradle her head in his hands.

"I want no one else, Relianna," he said firmly, "and I'll hound your every step until you accept me."

Her eyes filled with tears, and he kissed away each drop that fell on her cheeks.

"Please Relianna," he whispered. "I know you love me. Don't torment me now. Accept me. Say you'll accept me."

She looked up under her lashes, saw his passion for her, and sighed.

"I'm frightened, Thorin," she said as he brushed her lips with his, "but I love you so much that I can't help but say yes."

His joyful grin eased her fear for the moment, and he pulled her to her feet and threw his arms around her.

"My love, my love," he breathed as he gently stroked her cheek and temple with his open mouth. "I am so happy, so very happy."

He remembered his wrenching regret at the beginning of the month when he despaired of his empty life and felt like he was dying inside. Now he felt more alive than he ever had and looked forward to the days to come. He blinked in wonder at how fast it all had changed.

Many children, he thought while looking into her lovely eyes and rubbing her nose with his own, many babes to nurse at her breast. Sons to be proud of and daughters to cherish. I'll have my family around me at night, my love to share my bed, and I'll never be alone again.

A loud bang shook him out of his delightful thoughts, and Relianna gasped.

"Oh! I forgot completely!"

She hurried to the door with him close behind.

"What is it?" he asked while looking around and seeing no one.

Another bang, a much louder one sounded from behind another door.

"Durin's beard!" Frain yelled. "Can we come out of the closet now?"

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