***A few days later***
Warning, a little graphic scene at the end of the chapter. You may skip it if it distrubs you. It is not mandatory to understand the storyline.
Negotiation
I wanted to stroll the intricate inner keep today. Spending time with Ellyth doing embroidery was not of my taste. Of course, the king had forbidden me access to my gardens and of course he ordered me to interact with the court ladies, but he did not command all my moves at every moment of the day. I merely spent on them a few words, as expected of a Queen, while I passed them in the different corridors of the keep.
I had tried leaving the inner keep dressed semi formally yesterday, but was turned down by the guards, something about danger and the frequent opening of the outside gate. I suspect there was some ulterior motives in this, but I kept it at what it was, my imprisonment by the king. I had crossed him that evening in refusing his summon, a mistake I was not about to commit again. The bruises on my arm from his fingers could still be seen beneath my sleeves. I kept them long and well fitting in the past few days so no one would notice, especially not the girls. Thinking about such things made my arms find their way around my torso, sheltering me from the world.
Had I been so out of line to merit this from my lord husband or is he simply a difficult Ellon. I fear he has not been denied anything in his life as he does not deny his son anything. Legolas is a spoiled prince, although he is a kind one. I simply hope he will turn in a better version and less bitter one than his father.
As I walked aimlessly through the different stairs and passageway, I happened upon the late Queen's bedchamber and study. It had been her private quarter when she had married the crown prince Thandruil. Of what I have heard from the servant, he granted her anything she ever wanted. He was a kind, loving husband. I have quite some difficulties imagining my husband as such, it is clear to me that, in those days, he was a different person. Now he was frightening and intimidating.
I never entered those rooms; I never felt her equal. Although I may be the Queen now, I will never be His Queen, and I will never be Legolas' mother. My finger lingered on the intricate wooden carving of the door, tracing the design in soft movements. I heard footsteps coming towards me and retracted my hand as if burned. Whoever it was, was granted permission to the Royal apartment and none were so privy to them. Judging by the lightness of the footing, I would simply say a handmaiden but then again sometimes Legolas had these light feathered steps. Whoever it was, I did not want to be disturbed of my peace and hastily made an exit higher up in the tower. It was a dead end, but except some view up to the stars, there was nothing on my path and therefore, no reason for anyone to follow me all the way up there.
When I reached the last step, I was bathed in the last ray of sunlight. The sun was setting in the far west and the soft warmth of the spring in full bloomed warmed my skin to the touch. I stayed for a while, until the first stars made their appearance. My gaze towards the sky brought a lot of memories from my childhood, when I used to stray all evening with my brothers to the vast plains. We would stay out well into the night, light a fire, and share old tales of our people. The youngest were the most eager to hear them, my youngest sister particularly. Oh how I miss them dearly.
I know it was now time for me to head to dinner and I needed time to get ready as Thranduil had not so gently put it, it was a formal event from now on. I had outstayed my visit with the stars much too long and my husband would be displeased if I were anything but perfectly dressed and well on time. I rushed down the stairs, running would have been a better word for it and down the corridors of the keep. By looking at the light through the fortress, I knew I was late, and I knew what awaited me. Nevertheless, I would take the proper time to be nothing but stunning and an excuse to explain my tardiness. It would serve me well late into the night as I expect his displeasure with me will not be voiced in front of the children.
When I got to my chambers, I noticed my handmaidens had already put out a dress and a crown for me to wear this evening. Their choice was fair, but I was not looking for just a simple look. I needed to negotiate with Thranduil to grant me access to the outer keep tonight and I needed all my weapons with me. Nathaniel was most likely disappointed in my absence on our last rendezvous of yesterday, but I was hoping to at least make amends as soon as my warden lifted my sentence.
I decided upon wearing a dress Thranduil had given me a long time ago, when we had just been married. Although black was not favored among Silvan on Sindarian elves, it was a welcomed sight with the Avari's. The black lacy dress had a low collar, was quite clinging though without being improper and I know how my husband felt about such features in a dress I chose to wear. But its most distinguished characteristics was the back that went almost as low as the beginning of my bosom. I was well exposed I knew of it, but it does not matter what I choose to wear, my King always has a way to make me feel exposed in his presence anyway. I kept most of the tresses that were made this morning except some that I set loose. It made my features look more relaxed, naïve, and innocent. Helpless and vulnerable in a way. I did not like this side of me as much as Thranduil did, but tonight he would get what he wanted.
I felt a lot more like someone who was going to battle then to dinner. As I was about to put the crown decided for me, I remembered my stroll this afternoon and the late Queen's appartement. I decided against wearing something that she once wore and set for a simple tiara befitting more a princess than a Queen, but then again, I have no idea how the King truly see me. I was wearing no other jewelry tonight than the silver chain of my people that went from my collar and hid itself all the way in the décolleté of the dress, between my breasts. I had not worn it since forever and tonight, since it felt like a war more than anything, I needed something to remind me of home.
As I was about to set out of my room and join the family in the dining hall, I heard His footsteps coming toward my chamber. I knew by the weight of them and the haste in it that the king was frustrated. I knew I was running a little late and decided it best for him not to find me in my rooms but down the path towards the dining hall. Hastily, I hurried to the door and out in the corridor. I carried myself with grace, my head held high and my pace controlled. He rounded the corner and spot me in the direction of the dining hall. Thranduil never stumble. He did not. But I can see his pace faltered the moment he realized I was compliant with his demands although not on time. He regained senses and met me in the hallway. I noticed it was quiet and there was no guard on duty. I wondered, for a moment, if he would throw a tantrum but nevertheless, I curtsied when a saw him. I made a point to lower myself quite a lot this time.
His cold gaze was fixed upon my form. He did not indicate for me to raise nor did he offer his hand in assistance. He left me in my curtesy to linger until he deemed fit to release me from the uncomfortable posture.
"Raise." I did as I was told, but my head was now lowered, and my gaze would not meet his. I did not offer words and let him speak.
"You are late." Once again, I lowered my head even more, indicating I was in agreement with his statement and didn't offer anymore excuse. My breath was shallow, my hands were fidgeting in front of my dress, he could definitely see I was in distress. He did not offer comfort for the night to come or his wrath to be but instead he offered me his arm to take. I took it with hesitation, and as soon as my hand was in his reach, his hand surrounded mine like a claw. He pulled us in a rapid pace towards the dining hall.
I was met with a warm welcoming sight. The children had not started eating yet and everyone clearly waited for my arrival. My cheeks were flushed when I realized Thranduil and the children waited quite a bit before the King decided to come and get me himself. When we passed the doorway, Legolas stopped his reading with Amara and Sariel and raised from his seat to great me. He inclined his head with a wide smile.
"Mother!" The King stopped. I knew what he wanted to see. I took my gown in my free hand and curtsied for the prince as low as I did his father.
"My prince" was my only answer. "I hope I am not too late, the stars were beautiful in the eastern tower tonight, I'm afraid I lingered a little too much." His eyes were bright and his face illuminated at my words.
"Of course not mother, we would not start before your arrival. Although father was a little impatient to get you. I can see why; you are so beautiful naneth." I met his gaze and smiled at him. It was a genuine smile as Legolas was not aware of the intricate politics between his father and myself, he was simply a elfling who saw only what his eyes would tell him. He was a lovely child.
"Oh Legolas, how kind of you. Where am I to sit tonight." Thranduil had not let go of my arms yet but from the table placement, I could tell Legolas was well seated between his two sisters who worshiped him a little too much to my liking. That left the right seat to the King to be free. I would say it should have been the prince's, but my husband pulled me towards it. He pulled the chair for me to sit and I complied with him. As soon as I was seated, his hand travelled from the back of the chair to my bare shoulder and neck. It was not common for him to let his hands linger on me in front of the children but I believe the gown I was wearing tonight heated something in him and made him act on boulder moves. Of course, Sariel and Amara would not notice but Legolas eyed us curiously. Eventually, he dropped his gaze and continued reading to his sister while the servants placed the food on the table. The King made no attempt to move but only nudged my chin to the left so I would bare more of my neck and shoulder to him. It could have been an erotic moment to him if the children were not present. To me, it felt more like he was establishing dominance and the promise of a later conversation to take place.
The dinner was lively. Legolas shared with us all his day's accomplishment and the little girls added some of their own. Even Thranduil talked of his dull council meetings. I did not take part on the conversation and just picked at my food until the girls were out of the table and off to bed. I got up to escort them to their room but was halted by the hand of the King.
"The handmaiden will handle it tonight. Sit." I met his eyes for only a brief moment and realised he meant business. I sat. He did not release my arm right away but instead studied it. The trace of his fingers from a couple nights ago were still visible to the one who knew to look but it was mild compared to a few days prior. He turned back to his son to listen to his stories and let my lower arm fall from his grasp.
"Tell me mother, how was the sky where you come from?" The elfling took me by surprise. I was not expecting a direct question all evening but regained my composure and couldn't but indulge him a little. He was after all, innocent in all of this.
"The skies?" He nodded eagerly. I smiled softly and tried to picture my childhood.
"The stars where I come from touch horizon to horizon! The sky is so vast that when the sun sets in the west, already the moon rises in the east and the stars bright up the night. When the last of the sunray warms you, the cold air wind picks up and urge you to your home." He was listening with such interest I dared not stop.
"I used to spend nights out in the field, wrapped in wool blankets, away from the settlement, to gaze upon the galaxy. I would drink the night away, strawberry wine was my favorite, and not think of anything important. The stars do that to you. Make you feel insignificant. We all are in some way fleeting creatures. The world will endure way beyond our time. That is what my people believe. We celebrate life, we celebrate the sun. To us, the stars are a cold unwelcoming light. We thrive in the vast plains where the wind in unforgivable and the winters are harsh. The sun is our only hope of survival through the harvesting months, and the only relieve from the cold during the winter months."
"What are your people doing right now mother?" He asked earnestly, he was unaware of the distress he was causing me, of my loneliness and the nostalgic feeling his questions brought upon me.
"They are preparing for the summer days. It is springtime. To us it is when the world comes back to life after its endless sleep under the cover of snow. It is when people are anxious and fidgeting. We celebrate the spring equinox. A joyful celebration for my people. The last remanent of snow melts away the harshness of the previous months and…the ellyth prepare the marriage of the younger ones. We marry only in summer you see. The ellon starts to work the fields and the foals and fillies are being born."
"And you mother, what would you have been doing?" The questions striked something in me. What would I have done, had I stayed in my homeland? What role would I have played for the nomad tribes that we were? My breathing quickened as I pictured myself with my people, dancing around the fires of the equinox celebration, being courted by an Ellon, counting how many strawberry wine glasses my sister swallowed, making sure our youngest siblings were tucked in bed and resting, gazing upon the night sky with all the Ellyth and Ellon my age, exchanging our first kisses. I was crying by the time I pulled out of my reverie. I heard the voice of the King telling his son I sometimes miss my home and it is normal for someone to grieve for it. He ushered his son to bed, making sure he knew I was alright, just tired and homesick.
Thranduil made sure all the guards were gone from duty as well as the kitchenhand and handmaidens. I still gazed at nothing in particular as I reached for the necklace around my neck. We were still in the dining hall. I jumped as his hand fell upon my shoulder. I turned my head to the left to see that he was waiting for me to stand. No. I could not retire for the night. I had prepared myself for this negotiation, I needed to have this talk with him. He must not send me away. I shot out of my chair in haste and crossed eyes with him. He was not going to let me go back to my chambers that was clear. He still held a frown while he grabbed the bottle of wine from the table.
"Follow me." He need not tell me twice as I fell in step with him. We reached the royal appartements quietly. He opened the door while I lingered in the doorstep. His left hand found its way to my lower back and he nudged me inside. I rushed forward, feeling the heat emanate from the palm of his hand. The door slammed shut behind me.
"I thought I was clear a few days ago about your presence to dinner Eveena." His tone held accusations in it while he crossed the room to pick a glass, only for himself I noted. I dared not contradict him and stilled my walk forward. I knew what was to come.
"You were my lord; I am sorry for my tardiness I lost track of time." He spun around to face me.
His eyes warmed at my response and his frowning lines lifted. His face arbored less severe features as his next question came.
"Interesting choice of dress Eveena, I haven't seen you in it in quite sometime." Bingo. In three steps he closed the distance between himself and I. He walked around me like a wolf circled a deer, drinking his wine, appreciating the view. Sometimes, he would reach out to graze my skin a little only to leave goosebumps in its track. It would seem my nerves amused him. I did not comment on his observation but decided to beat the iron while it was hot.
"I was hoping to discuss my access to the outer keep with you my King." His blue eyes stopped to bore into mine. Recognition hit him. I was bargaining. He turned and went to sit on his chair by the fire. He said nothing more and waited for me to show my true purpose. It was now or never.
"I am aware I crossed you last week, I did not come upon your command to dinner. I wanted peace in the evening, I wanted to read and was not hungry. I realise you may interpret it as defiance but in all honesty, I wanted to be alone. Amara and Sariel are very needing and it is rare that I find myself with a moment alone except late in the evening. I will not refuse your orders again." He did not add anything. The way the wine twirled in his cup while only the back of his head I could see, made me think twice about continuing down that path. But In the end, I had to try. I had to at least try. For my sanity.
"I wish you would reconsider my lord. I enjoy walking and riding in the forest of Mirkwood. It is being denied to me, on your orders."
"Come." I did as I was told. I walked slowly toward him until I was but a few feet away.
"Kneel." I knew his game. I kneeled in front of him. His free hand found the back of my head. To my surprise he was gentle in his caress through the length of my hair. I was not expecting his next words.
"Please me and I will reconsider." Please him, I know what he meant. My hand affeered themselves with his trousers. He knew I did not like those games, but in the end, he pulled the strings, and I was the puppet. And pleased him I did. His head rolled back, and a groan escaped his lips. I can feel I was crying while the hand at the back of my head forbade me to stop. My tears did not move him. I wanted to negotiate. This was the King's negotiation. When his release came, he did not let go of my hair right away. He held me in place until he was done, making sure it would not dirty his floor but only my mouth.
"I am not pleased. What else do you offer?"
"My lord I have nothing to offer that is not already yours. I beg of you."
"Turn around." It would seem he had an idea of what he wanted. From my kneeling position between his legs, I turned and faced the fire.
"Bend forward, face on the ground and raise your bosom." I did once again as I was told. It had been a while since the king ordered me to such position, but he wanted the most he could have tonight as I would be compliant, and he knew. Although I never voiced my refusal before, he could feel it and that did not give him the strength to go through with his ministration.
"Raise your skirts and drop your underwear." Once again, his demand was met with my compliance. I saw him from the corner of my eye reach for something on his table. I felt burning when the hot wax dropped on my ass and to the more private parts of my body. It was distinctively hot but it would not burn me or leave a mark and he knew it. He amused himself for quite sometime as I hissed from my position facing the floor. I almost thought of covering myself with my hands but knew it would only lead to worst. In the beginning of our marriage, those games were common but always to bring pleasure through a bit of pain. This was different. He was granting himself the satisfaction of seeing me humiliated at his feet.
The hot wax was soon forgotten. I felt his finger push against my butthole and my pussy simultaneously. I realized tonight was going to be quite painful and sinful. I indulged him with the certitude that I will not miss another of my undercover visits to the outer keep. He pleased himself well into the night and drank lots of wine through the whole of it. Eventually, he was done, he was bound to end sometime.
I was sore but I was not sleepy, not after all of this. Never after a night like such. Taking my body was one thing, but when he got himself into those games, it was a different feeling altogether. The sun had started to rise. I could still feel the shape of his hand upon my buttcheeks as it had come down quite a lot and quite hard during the night. He knew I would have difficulty seating now. It pleased him that he would see me at diner tonight again. This time he ordered me a revealing gown I owned. This negotiation turned into a game for him I could tell. I will indulge him but one more night. I left his chamber as quietly as I could muster and headed to get a cooling bath at once.
Alright, witerblock is out of the way! Enjoy everyone, please review :)