Chapter 33:

I laughed out loud and quickly covered my mouth, seeing that Rumi was dead serious about this. "I am not going to leave him. I love him." "But I love you. You told me the day your father took you away that you loved me. I came as soon as I found out where they sent you, but the place was empty so I asked around the place and was told you were taken by dwarves. I remembered how you felt about dwarves and followed after you." "You came after me?" "Of course, I wasn't sure why your father sent you away, but I always want to be by your side, so I followed. But I got lost and can't remember a lot, then found myself back home, your father came and collected me himself."

I was amazed as he continued his story, my father told him that I was safe and to not try to go after me again. "I tried to explain the kidnapping part, but he said there was no way that Dwarves had found you and to leave it be. I couldn't though, I snuck out again and heard some rumor that there was a small group of dwarves heading for this mountain. I thought it might be the ones that took you and was just going to come here, but your father once again stopped me. He made me a commander to keep me busy, going on missions and keeping me far from this mountain."

"So my father has sent these forces to attack this place? Why?" Rumi looked away and I knew something was going on. "Tell me!" I ordered, feeling heated again, but calmed myself because he looked scared. "Please." "Alright, well no he didn't send these forces. I was coming back from a mission when he was leaving and I curious as to why. He said he was coming to your wedding…" I realized, hearing that, Rumi was heart-broken and I felt bad, taking his hand in mine. "Then what happened?" I tried to urge him on, moving away from my marriage to Thorin to attempt to save his heart more.

"I was unable to believe that, you marrying a dwarf? Impossible. So I left the kingdom, I found some followers and we all gathered and found more people. As we grew bigger and bigger, I explained everything to them and they seemed to agree with me, saying that the marriage was forced on you and you were still being held captive." "Rumi, you have it all wrong." "Then why are you married to him? He's a dwarf, you have always hated dwarves since you were attacked." "I know, and I only went with the dwarves because my care-taker went. I didn't want to be around them because of my past."

I explained everything to him, leaving out some parts about me and Thorin kissing and stuff. He listened, reacted the way I figured he would, finally I just told him that Thorin was there for me, understood my past and helped me see that Dwarves weren't all like that. "So that's it then…you're going to stay here and be with him?" I nodded and stood up, helping him stand too. "Rumi, I care about you…" "Yeah?" he looked so hopeful and I felt my heart breaking as I knew I had to tell him the truth. "But Thorin is my husband. I married him because I am in love with him and always want to be with him. So I say no to leaving him and running away with you. I'm sorry but I can't return your feelings."

I expected him to be upset, but I wasn't prepared for his reaction. "I won't let him have you. Clearly you are confused and believe you care for a dwarf. The Elisa I know would never love a dwarf, they have done something to you and I will not stand for it! I'll burn this place to the ground, kill anyone that dares try to keep me from you!" I took a step back, this wasn't the same Rumi, he was changed, that was so clear now, Rumi was always a gentle guy, never wanting to be violent.

"Elisa, come with me now…or I'll destroy this kingdom forever." I shook my head and backed away, unsure of what to do. "Rumi, please calm down. You don't know what you're saying." "No, you don't understand, my forces will destroy these dwarves and then you will return to your home, perhaps even marry me in time." I stopped backing away, I wasn't going to let that happen, this was my home now, and Thorin and these dwarves were my family. I got the chance to see how they protected each other, worked together to defeat their foes, always watching each other backs, I got to see that first hand…but was never a part of it…until now.

"Rumi, you are my friend. But your actions here are not the right ones. If you attack this kingdom, I will turn my magic on you and your forces until none of you are standing. I will protect my home and my family." "This isn't your family nor your home. You belong with me!" our shouts got the company's attention and they all came into the room, seeing Rumi and I standing tall facing the other. "Elisa, what has happened?" Thorin asked and came to my side, which seemed to piss Rumi off more. "Get away from her!" he yelled and Thorin's hand went to his sword, ready to attack if needed.

"Rumi and his forces are leaving. I have said my peace, he believes I am confused and being held captive, even though I had told him that isn't the case. He has said that he will attack this kingdom and burn everything in his way to me. I told him that I will stand by my home and my family. He isn't happy with that." I explained quickly and Rumi eyed Thorin as I was speaking, making sure he was going to have a defense if attacked by us. "I tell you again, take yourself and your forces away from this land. If you do not, it is war and we will defend our home."

Rumi came up to me and Thorin began to slide his sword out, but I placed my hand on his, stopping him. "Elisa, please, you must understand how I feel." "I do understand, but you must learn that everything is as it should be here, I am happy and I am sorry if this pains you. But it is how life is, so go home, find a girl and love her more than you love me." I begged and his eyes were soft, he still was the sweet guy, just hardened under the stress of life. "Elisa…" "Don't, just go. Find your own happiness because I have found mine with Thorin."

He looked at Thorin, then at me, then shoved past Thorin and the others, walking out and leaving the kingdom forever. I wished that he would understand and be happy, I wished that we could still be friends…and maybe in the future we can…but for now, our lives have separated us and that is the best thing for us at this time. I sighed and leaned against Thorin, feeling beyond tired and just wanting to lay down. "Elisa, are you well?" Oin asked, being the doctor of the company and came close to me. "I am just tired, this has been a very long day." Thorin nodded and scooped me up in his arms and led us all out.

"We are retiring to our room, unless we are being attacked, do not bother us. My queen needs rest." He ordered and then headed toward our room. "I can walk." "But I wish to carry you." he replied and smiled at me. "I am happy that everything is right again, but sorry that your friend is not himself." "It's okay, I'm sure it will work itself out." I said, secretly hoping that I was right. We entered our room and he sat me on the bed, but before I could move, he climbed on top of me and kissed me sweetly. "My queen, I love you beyond anything I thought was possible."