"She did what?" Thorin paced his study angrily.

"Aye, your Majesty." The guard spoke nervously.

"And no one thought to inform me?"

"The great eagle took her away within moments of her arrival, Sire. There was nothing we could do."

"So this is why I could not find her anywhere, when I looked." He clenched his fists at his sides angrily. Why would she leave like that, without informing him first, and where would she be travelling? "It makes no sense."

Dwalin and Balin watched him sadly. They too couldn't make sense of the matter.

"Clearly something upset her." Dwalin thought out loud. "Did ye argue with the Princess again? Were ya trying to force details of the coronation on her again?"

"No, Dwalin. I did no such thing. All was well." He looked away angrily. Having made love to her thrice just that morning, once as they woke up, which she herself had initiated. Then once while they bathed, when he had not been able to resist her body as she stood under the flow of the water, her glistening brown skin reminding him of the darkest coloured crystals of amber. The third time had been when she had walked in on him as he stepped out from the wet room naked. She had watched him with such a hunger, that even when he had tried to resist, just the mere sight of her partially unclothed not only had him painfully hard, but also unbearably impatient that he had buried himself deep inside her within moments of that. Now it made him wonder whether he had been too rough with her, although at the time he was certain she had welcomed him between her legs with great need. He had watched her face closely as he penetrated her, fearing he had been far too impatient, but he was sure that he had only seen pleasure!

"So what did you discuss with the Princess this morning then?" Dwalin pressed trying to better gauge his friend.

"Nothing! We discussed nothing!" Thorin ground out. He was not ready to share these intimate details with his cousin, who had become highly protective of her like a brother.

"Och aye? Then why were ya both so late this morning? Eh?"

"Where could she have gone?" Thorin clenched and unclenches his fists by his side again ignoring Dwalin. "We send riders to each kingdom nearby."

"No Thorin, it's best we wait for her. She could be anywhere." Balin came to pat him on the shoulder sympathetically as Thorin growled. It was not in his nature to simply sit and wait.

They were interrupted by another knock on his study door.

"Yes?" Thorin snarled, only to have the door open to make way for the young Lord Imli.

Both Balin and Dwalin visibly groaned as he entered, completely confident and unafraid of the King.

"Lord Imli, this is not the time, I'm afraid –" Thorin began only to be cut off by them.

"I apologise for my intrusion, but I have an important matter to discuss with your Majesty." Imli was insistent on speaking with them, to their surprise. "It is about your Queen."

Thorin turned sharply to look at him. The way the guard had described it, suggested that Imli had only spotted the Queen at the last minute, but he was yet to speak with the other guards to gather a fuller picture.

She had left less than an hour ago, and he already felt despondent. If she didn't wish to be found, he would surely lose her forever.

"Very well Lord Imli. Inform me what you have to say."

"I was in the Smiths halls when I was informed by one of my men that someone had wondered into the old coal tunnel. I followed in myself to find the Queen very distressed there…" he paused, and then continued believing the King to be ready to listen further carried on. In truth, Thorin was fuming although he maintained an unreadable expression. "I convinced our Lady to leave the tunnels safely, but she heard the eagle and immediately rushed out –"

"And you did not think to stop her?"

"I tried my best my King, but her mind was set. I was finally able to convince her to take the halfling with her."

Thorin nodded then, grateful for his quick thinking at the time, despite begrudging him for having been there with her at the time.

"But I imagine, this you already know, my King." Imli's youthful features, turned stern then. "I am here to ask you the nature of your association with Lady Milla."

"I have no association. I understand she accompanied my sister." Thorin met Imli's gaze fully. He had nothing to hide. They had no relationship. He slept with her a handful of times over the years, but there was no romance, or any form of relationship. And he was aware that she had entertained other dwarrow in between her dalliances with him too.

"Well, she does not appear to believe that…"

"I DO NOT CARE what she thinks!" Thorin roared angrily.

"You may not care, but your Queen will." Imli raised his voice to match, unafraid and in need of making his point. "And you do not protect your bride from the vultures of some of the older noble families as you should. From those who oppose the King marrying outside our race, or those who wish to manipulate for their own personal gain – "

"What do you know laddie…?" Balin gently intervened before Thorin could speak. Imli was clearly here on behalf on the Queen, they owed it to hear him out. Thorin would just have to control his temper for the sake of his One.

"Lady Milla, does not travel lightly. She is well liked by many noble dwarrow, as you can imagine," as Imli spoke, the disgust on his face showed. It made Thorin wonder whether Imli too had been victim to her seduction. "So her desire to return to Erebor, will no doubt be in search of another husband. She is manipulative and only looks for her own gain. Her late husband should never have fought in Azanulbizar, he was older, untrained and already injured prior to the war. But she pushed him for the glory and the status –"

"How do you know so much about her lad?" Balin observed the young Lord carefully, he didn't detect any jealousy, merely disdain.

"We share a mother. Milla was still young when our mother was left widowed. Her husband had been ambushed by orcs while travelling. My father fell in love with her, and she grew to love and respect him, but in truth she feared for their safety, being widowed with a young child." Imli explained further. "My father always loved children, and often spoiled Milla even more than me when were were younglings. He treated her as his own. In fact it was in his final wishes that I look after her until her passing. I provide a handsome allowance so that she hay have guards and maids to look after her as she insisted on living in Ered Luin, but I had long ago invited her to return to the Iron Hills. Her staff informed me once that you had visited, your Majesty and spent several hours in her… company. I imagine that had some sway on her decision to remain there on her own."

Thorin, Balin and Dwalin were shocked. They knew nothing of her, clearly.

"I consulted Nori and we chose to keep a shadow on her whereabouts after the first few weeks. I was informed that she had far more encounters with the King and and Lady Dis than any normal nobledam would." Imli then turned away. "I imagine she contacted the Queen herself, but the shadow lost Milla somehow today, so I imagine she had learnt about it. It matters not, other than to inform you that, I am here to say it is your duty to protect our Queen, and I am here to ask that you stay well away from my sister, also. Even if it is she who approaches you. I have taken over my father's place as an advisor to Lord Dain. And I have earnt the respect of my peers on my own merits. I cannot afford a scandal. In truth I continue to stay here, so I can keep an eye on her."

"Then it is best you convince your sister to return to the Iron Hills." Thorin started bluntly.

"That would be unwise, given she has not committed any crime that we can prove –"

"Not without the Princess, ya mean." Dwalin chipped in.

"Brother, I am doubtful the lass will make such a case against anyone for what she imagines is a matter of the heart." Balin shook his head sadly. He too now wondered what Milla might have suggested, and whether Shobha would ever return back to Erebor. "Do you know what Lady Milla might have said to our Lady?"

"No, Lord Balin. She denies saying anything untrue – she will say no more."

Thorin slammed his fist on his desk angrily, toppling a pot of ink to the floor.

"This still doesn't tell me where she might have gone, or where to look!" He bellowed in frustration.

"She promised she would inform you where she decided to go, once she reached there safely. The eagle appeared to show great affection to her also, and I imagine she will be safe with it." Imli tried to pacify the King. Although in truth, he felt little admiration for their great and powerful leader, at how poorly he had protected a treasure that was once his and worth all of Erebor many times over.

"And if Bilbo is with her, I am sure he will convince her to inform you, or at least write to us instead."

Imli bowed his head looking to take his leave. He would make his own inquiries as to their Queen's whereabouts himself.

As he reached the door, he turned with one last question.

"My King, did our Queen know of your old acquaintance with my sister?"

Thorin didn't turn back to face him, but simply looked out of the large window. Imli lingered in the doorway for a brief moment and then realising he would not get an answer, possibly because the King had not informed her, he left, shutting the door behind him.

"Thorin…? Did ya tell the Princess?" Dwalin pressed him once the door was shut.

"No! I did not!" Thorin roared back, fingers gripping the windowsill so tightly his knuckles paled. "But I promised nothing to Milla. I only gave her my body on a few occasions! And I was ashamed at that Dwalin! It was in the past –"

Thorin turned back, only to come face to face with his closest friend and ally, who without warning connected his fist fully with Thorin's jaw. Balin had attempted to hold his brother back with little success.

"Stop this Brother! Right now!" Balin yelled, finally pulling Dwalin back.

"I told ya, I would hurt ya, if ye hurt the Princess! You may be my friend and brother, Thorin –"

"Dwalin! How will this look to others in the Kingdom?" Balin scolded his brother. "Go and inform the guards to be alert to any messengers. And then tell Rurk, the keeper of the Ravens also. We must be informed immediately."

Thorin slumped against the wall rubbing his jaw. How could things have deteriorated so fast, after the wonderful morning they spent together. Waiting patiently was not something he did well. If there was no news by tomorrow, he would send out riders to each kingdom in search of her.

…..

"My lady, should you not at least have spoken with Thorin first," after a few hours of flight in silence Bilbo finally spoke.

"I.. I don't really know," her trust had been shaken to the core after Mike. Although Thorin had not given her any reason to mistrust him up till now, she wasn't sure about this whole situation. If Milla was indeed his former lover, and she had approached Thorin, why did he not tell her about it. And then what she had revealed, that he had indeed known all along about the egg. What had he been waiting for before raising the matter with her? He had told her a maid had discovered the egg.

There was no doubt that she was a pretty dam, with a fuller figure, that would probably be more fitting of Thorin and his sexual stamina. There were times when he enjoyed more vigorous sex, but he always seemed to worry it was too much for her, even when she had enjoyed it, worrying about how much slighter than him she was. And since Milla pointed it out to her, she couldn't help wonder whether he truly felt satisfied by her.

But the killer in all this was that she claimed he confided completely in her, whereas Shobha knew there were times when he would stew over an issue for a while before speaking to her, sometimes not at all. She had never pushed, because she lacked both desire and knowledge of how he ran the Kingdom. As far as she was concerned, her tasks were limited to certain things, and if he really wanted her help over the many experienced dwarves like Balin and Gloin, then she would have put her head to the problem.

"Will you even tell me why you are running away, when you look like you might give birth any time?" Bilbo questioned peevishly.

"I'm not ready to talk about it yet, sorry." She replied flatly. It was far too reminiscent of Mike for her liking. And then she realised even if she was long over Mike, she had not healed from the betrayal yet. In truth, it had only been a year since the break up, she had dated a handful of people and had two one night stands – maybe she hadn't been ready for anyone when she met Thorin. "Let's just say this will give me time to think, and there are answers we need from Galadriel."

"I know Thorin will be wracked with worry – will you at least tell him –"

"When we arrive there, yes." She wouldn't force Thorin to confide in her, if he didn't want to, just like she wouldn't force her love on him, if he still loved that other woman! But she would at least let him know she was safe.

It seemed that Lady Galadriel had seen her arrival, and sent Haldir to patrol the clearing where Melthoron had landed.

It had been strange seeing 'Harry', with his long blonde hair, who she had met at home, months ago, who stayed in Glenda and Caleb's annex.

She bid a brief goodbye to Melthoron, who reluctantly allowed the elven march-warden to take over her care. He informed her that he would return to pick her up, when she chose to return back to Erebor.

And so, Haldir had escorted the two of them back to Lady Galadriel's palace.

They had both been weary from the travel. So despite how beautiful Lothlorien was, and how much she really wanted to explore the palace and grounds, fatigue had overcome her.

Celeborn and Galadriel were most welcoming, ensuring that they had been well cared for.

…..

That night despite having initially fallen asleep through sheer fatigue, she had awoken later, unable to sleep, and so wrapping a large shawl around herself, she left her room.

Outside, it was quiet, although there were more elves walking around than she expected.

The stone underfoot strangely didn't feel so cold, and until she had walked some distance, she hadn't realised she was barefoot. The corridors were open, with bowers of small fragrant roses, honeysuckle, clematis and other jewel like flowers forming a canopy of shade above. The Lady Of Lorien truly had created a small piece of heaven in these otherwise harsh lands of middle earth.

The forests of Lorien surrounding the palace formed a thick protective canopy very high up, as it appeared her palace continued to the highest levels of the trees. However in places there were little breaks in the foliage over small, perfectly tended, courtyard gardens. She found a garden with a small pond and tricking water fountain, taking a seat on one of the smooth marble benches.

Looking into the sky she could finally see the stars, a sight she had been so accustomed to with her view from Erebor.

She wondered what Thorin was doing. He would receive her message soon. Lord Celeborn had dispatched several of his guards to Erebor carrying her note to Thorin immediately on her arrival. Now that the initial fire set in her mind following her discussion with Milla had settled somewhat, she had started to miss Thorin.

She wondered whether he would follow after her at all, and if he did whether he would be angry, furious or Krakatoa-livid with her. She shook her head. She had made her decision now and who knows, there was always a chance that she might decide after a few days that she didn't want to return back to him. Perhaps she was too broken and betrayed after Mike to love and trust anyone completely again.

Tears began to cloud her vision as she carried on gazing up at the stars that glittered the pitch black night sky.

"Are you unable to sleep, poor child?" A gentle voice spoke softly. Shobha looked over to find Lady Galadriel herself standing by her bench. Shaking her head, she shuffled to a side to make room for the lady of Lorien. "Whatever troubles your heart, my dear, I assure you will soon be a thing of the past."

"Lady Galadriel, how is it that you were back at home?" She suddenly asked. "You, Lord Celeborn, Lord Elrond, Gandalf, even Haldir!"

Galadriel smiled knowingly.

"Your world was what is left of ours, many millennia past. One day, when it is time for the dominion of Man, we will all leave for the undying lands. But, the Valar will still keep watch over their world. Perhaps they chose to send us back…" she explained. "During times of need, they will choose to return some of us to help those who may make a difference."

"So you wouldn't be able to pass on a message in the other world to my parents?"

"There is every possibility that I can indeed pass on a message. But I know something weighs heavier on your mind at the moment. Permit yourself the time for this. Take respite." Galadriel smiled softly at her. "Your One will not give you up without a great fight."

"Even if the problem is me?"

"Then, you may find, a most intolerant dwarf become a most patient one, under such circumstances, in order to gain your love and trust." She smiled again, this time there was clear sorrow in her blue eyes, almost as though she could feel the woman's pain. "You miss your father. He is one you turn to for such guidance?"

Shobha nodded. Her father had the patience to listen to her, in a way her mother didn't. Even though her mother was the formidable woman who usually came to her aid with so many other matters.

"The Valar offered me the chance to return back for the birth of our children."

Galadriel turned to look at her with some curiosity then. She simply took it in, pondering over the matter, but did not speak a word. So Shobha continued.

"I was planning to stay, but now I am not so sure… I think I have even come to terms with the possibility of death." Her preparations made her feel better. She had even recorded a message for the babies on her phone. "But in all honesty the thought of pain at childbirth fills me with dread. And dying a painful death scares me, Lady Galadriel."

"I cannot see your death, my dear child. But you have one of the powerful Valar, who champions you." Galadriel looked down at her baby bump and slowly reached out with her hand, but stopping before touching her, and glanced at her face for permission. Shobha nodded and placing her hand over Galadriel's, guiding it the final distance. The pale haired elf queen shut her eyes for a moment as though sensing the life that grew within her before speaking again. "So it is true then… you carry two warriors. One, the child of Lord Ulmo himself."

"Oh! I had a dream about Durin, he said something like that." She would have trouble explaining that one to Thorin. It was bad enough that she had found herself in the arms of Lord Imli several times already, when she realised now, that there was every chance that he had more than friendly feelings towards her. Another man she had been blind to! What was wrong with her? But now apparently she was carrying a child that was not her husbands?!

"No being in all of Arda has ever gained such favour with the Lord of the Ocean, as you have." Galadriel stood up this time. Shobha didn't want her to leave. She felt better in her presence. "I do not believe he would allow the mother of his child to die giving birth… it is time to rest your mind now, my dear."

Shobha slowly raised herself off the marble bench and turned to speak to Galadriel once more.

"But I have so many questions –"

Unfortunately, Galadriel had already disappeared!

Feeling quite disappointed, and having more questions raised from the answers the Lady of Lorien gave her, she walked across the carpet of grass in the courtyard to reach the corridor. She paused midway, suddenly realising that the grass here reminded her of the grass on her parents lawn. It was the softest grass she had ever felt. Then feeling tired enough to dismiss the thought she headed back to her room hoping for some sleep this time, and hoping that Thorin was ok.

Dear All,

thank you so much for following. I really am so grateful for your comments and reviews 💕 - so please please continue to post your thoughts xxx

special thanks -

Redhouseclan – welcome to my crazy story. Thank you so much! So true - Milla is crazy, I am afraid Shobha is a little hormonal too which is a bad combo, and unfortunately in matters of the heart she's less of a fighter and more of a runner. Hope you enjoy this chapter too and thank you again, so much, for your review! :)

UnaLouise – lol Thorin in a suit! She bought him a few suits from Selfridges - because she sold the jewellery her ex gave her and put it to 'good use'! Lol! But he went all out to impress Pushpa, her mother and wore a Nehru suit for her cousin's wedding where he took her out on the dance floor and stole the spotlight from the newlyweds! Lol! I wish Melthoron could drop that woman in a lake – she really is bad news!

ColdOnePaul – thank you so much - I thought I would tease this time rather than writing in a full on love scene ;) I think she felt she could find answers in Lothlorien, and maybe even go home if she wanted to from there! There will def be a lot that Galadriel sees, and bit by bit will be revealed… hope you enjoy this chapter too!

Priya24626 – thank you so much ( I would like to think mine is a slightly different story to most other Thorin OC stories)… hope you enjoy this chapter too!