***A few days later after "Negotiation"***
Friend or Foe
"The Queen." I was announced in the great halls in front of all the noble lords and ladies. It was a couple of nights previous to the moon festival and almost all the dignitaries were now present in Greenwood. The King has especially ordered that I be present in all formal dinners from now on. He seemed to enjoy ordering me around nowadays. It definitely was a change from his previous indifference towards me, as if he remembered we were married all of a sudden. Perhaps he wanted to keep up appearances for the lord and ladies. Nonetheless, no one was privy to our personal relationship except some guards who would hear his outburst or handmaidens who noticed my reclusion from him. And Valar do they talk those handmaidens. At least with Sariel and Amara still young, I could account all my missed appearance to the little elflings. But they were not as young as they once were, and it was growing more and more difficult to use them as excuses.
I was granted mostly small head bows from Ellon of the court. Some Ellyth curtsied, but since I was not given the same importance as my husband or the crown prince it was not mandatory. I was also an outsider and to top it all, Avari. Therefore, there respect for me was not as strong. Avari were considered lesser elves. We refused to sail to Valinor in the past and we kept to our simple way of living. My father was the first amongst us to leave for the undying lands. Many of us followed in his path. This was the bride's price. This is what Thranduil granted my people in exchange for me.
The King gave me a cold glance. I had known his temper from quite some time, I could tell he was still displeased with me. It would seem our nights of passion, if you wish to call it that, were not enough. He did not come to take my hand and resumed his discussion with his council members and important captains. The prince was with other young Ellons, most likely up to some mischief. He was prone to get himself in trouble or cause trouble for others. He would rarely take responsibility for his mistakes. But then again, Thranduil always indulged him. No one could fault his only son.
I made my way to my husband and tried to keep a straight face not betraying my emotions. I did not want to look frustrated, eager, happy nor sad. I wanted simply to blend in and be as unnoticeable as possible. But how can a Queen possibly remain invisible during such a gathering?
When I reached my husband, I curtsied. "Your Majesty." To my surprise he extended his hand for me to take while I bowed to him. It was expected of him of course but then again, he could have refrained to help me straighten and none would have made a frown or a comment. He WAS the King after all. He kept my hand in his and brought me closer to him to stand partially in front of him. His other hand came to rest upon my waist. He held me as one would hold an animal ready to flee. Perhaps this is exactly how I felt, ready to flee from him, to flee from the hall and to flee from this life. A life none of my choosing. I could feel his torso graze my back ever so lightly. The council members granted me a full bow murmuring some compliments about my dress, my hair, my complexion, or my perfume. I cannot say I really listened to there sugar-coating. They were mostly against our union in the first place.
My husband ignored my presence during most of his discussion with the council, I was merely a standing pawn in his chess game.
"Lord Elrond has invited my son to learn the forging art in Imladris. Quite an opportunity for him. He shall bring his knowledge back to your realm my King." Thandruil nodded his head in approval from the crown's treasurer speech.
"A generous offer from the lord of Imladris indeed. I am sure his end of military service will allow him time for much interest in various fields of learning. It is always a difficult time for any Ellon to choose a path to take. He was a well behaved, very talented and bright student the captain once mentioned." Lord Ithilien inclined his head as a sign of respect from the compliments the king just bestowed on his son. His smiled was a good indication of the appreciation such a comment meant to him.
"He was hoping his best friend joined him in this adventure, but the young lad decided to remain a member of the outer keep guard for the time being."
"And what of your daughter Lord Vermillion. Any interest so far?" A laugh erupted from the small crowd.
"Oh your majesty, my daughter is far more interested in the young Ellon's of the kings' guard to have any time to invest in a more productive learning field."
"A pity." Everyone turned to look at me. I had said it out loud it would seem. Lord Vermillion's eyebrows raised in question, expecting me to add some explanation to my comment. My cheek reddened a little to have been caught with my opinions so easily given. I knew nothing of his daughter. I ought to give him some sort of details for my haste judgment of her character.
"If I had been born in Greenwood, I would have been ecstatic with all the different possible fields of study. I always had a fascination for the sky and the plants. Perhaps I would have engulfed myself in becoming an herbalist or a rune reader." Silence followed my comment, so I continued my theory for the Lords.
"In the northern plains, we do not have access to such knowledge or to all the possibilities a civilization such as yours can provide. We have more simple ways and therefore less opportunities. It is unfortunate your daughter does not wish to pursue the gift of learning. I would have liked to be a scholar I think." Finally, Lord Vermillion nodded his head in agreement. My heartbeat slowed.
"You are quite right my Queen. I will relay to her your message if I must be so bold. I am sure your opinion of her choices will be very well received, and she might reconsider her interests for more…rewarding ones." Murmur of agreement could be heard. Lord Vermillion continued. "She mentioned not seeing you often in the palace, now I know why. You must be engulfed in the books the Royal library provides." My face remained stern. I would not want to give away that I did not have any particular interests in the court ladies' doing and gossiping or that I was avoiding my husband like the plague.
"Indeed, my wife likes to learn all sorts of various things. Learning the Harp was her favorite pastime when she first arrived in Mirkwood. She spent many years perfecting her music abilities."
"And what of the pastime of the Queen while she still lived amongst the Avari's in the northern plains? What professions are available to the youngster in the north? What would you have become if our King had not taken an interest in you?" Even though Lord Ithilien seemed genuinely interested in my answers, his questions seemingly harmless on the outside held a little disdain to them. He was a vulture. My husband would not come to my rescue on this one for he did not know the answer himself.
"I am an archer and horse master Lord Ithilien. I believe if I had remained in the plains that I would have been a warrior and a hunter for my people." My answer seemed to surprise even myself. Perhaps he thought me a fragile lady who played harp and read books. Only in the northern plains, there is no harp and little books. As we were partially nomad elves, we did not hinder ourselves with such things.
"Not many are as accomplished as I am in riding or archery. Even in Greenwood I have yet to meet my match. Although here, you favor Elk instead of horses. I must say I do not have much experience or a natural gift for the forest animal. Please excuse me." I turned swiftly towards my husband. He held my hand but let go of my waist when I bowed. I picked my skirts in a hand and left the group to head to the wine table. From across the room, I could feel the angry stare of the King. It did not matter whatever I did these days, he was displeased anyway. Perhaps my answer was unsatisfactory to him, or the tone I used was inappropriate, or my escape was tactless, either way I was sure to hear about it later.
"Mother!" I turned to see Legolas coming hastily towards me. "I didn't see you enter. Have you been here for some time already?" I could tell he was excited about something. I curtsied a little.
"Young prince! I was with your father and the council members. But I was craving a little bit wine." He nodded. He looked at his feet and twisted it on the ground. His hands were fidgeting behind his back. I waited patiently, clearly, he had more to say.
"Mother, would you come riding with me tomorrow morning. I would like to see the sunrise hit the waterfalls that lies between here and Laketown." Going riding tomorrow with Legolas. That sounded brilliant! I missed riding and I missed the freedom it brought me. Plus, that was a way to actually be outside of the gates for a while. I have a feeling Thranduil would accept to finally lift my sentence, a nice reprieve that may last longer than merely my ride with the prince. I could do that. Legolas would also enjoy a few tips to improve his riding.
"Of course, Legolas. I would love to go with you." I frowned at the prince and murmured in his ear. "Make sure you check with your father before hand and that he agrees to it, he may have other plans for you or myself in the morning. We wouldn't want to disappoint with our absence." That left my company running towards the King. Oh well! I could do with a little solitude.
The warm night air filled my nostrils. I found myself walking to the balcony. Lord Vermillion came to join me.
"A fine evening my Queen. Summer is upon us." Small talk about the weather. I rolled my eyes away from him. Brilliant.
"Indeed my Lord." It was clear he wanted something. No one just happened to be in my presence while I was separated from the King. It was inappropriate. He knew that. The web and manners of the court were quite complicated to understand at first, but once you did, you realize they are in every essence, quite simple. Never find yourself alone with an Ellon that is not the King. Do not drink or eat too much. Do not overly smile or people will think you simple. Do not frown or they will think you severe. Walk with grace, bow with grace, entertain small talk to not affront anyone. This one I always struggled a little with. It would seem when I open my mouth, words just tumble the wrong way, or the wrong tone. Perhaps my opinions are not well received at the King's court. I am unused to such antics. We do not bother ourselves with complicated politics in the northern plains. Anyhow, I was finding myself better at it as the years passed. I am not sure I was proud of that fact though as these manners and behavior were so foreign to my nature and my people.
I stayed put because everyone in the room could see the balcony and therefore could see me with Lord Vermillion. No scandal would come of it. Plus, we had exchanged a conversation earlier in the presence of the King, surely it would be treated like a continuation of this conversation and be overlooked.
"I feel like there is something you wish to ask me my lord. Ask away."
"I have to say you are not mistaking your grace. I wanted to ask you if you had any opening for ladies in waiting your grace. I am sure my daughter would be well pleased to be one of your companions." An interesting demand indeed. I had no ladies in waiting. Lord Vemillion knew that.
"What makes you think your daughter has any interest in such a position my lord?"
"She used to be more bookish and independent you see. But now all the Ellyth around her have only eyes for the male specie. I feel like she wants to fit in the masses. It would be better for her, as you so nicely put it earlier, to use her time for better interests." I smiled at the thought. A lady in waiting would be a hindrance to me and my undercover missions. But again, that, I could work around. If Lord Vermillion wanted to impose his daughter on me, he must have a motive, either good or arguable. It is said to keep your friends close but your enemy closer. I have not decided if the Lord was friend or foe, but I was keen on finding out.
"What are her interests? And I beg of you, do not mention embroidery!" He laughed at my self-proclaimed hate for the common hobby of so many Ellyth.
"She is well versed in healing, like her mother. She also has an affinity with animals. You see when she was younger, she wanted to be an eagle master, like the Avari's. But we do not have eagles in Mirkwood, to her everlasting disappointment. She then turned to training squirrels when she was an elfling." We both laughed at this confession. If this daughters of his had the kind eyes and smile of the Elf before me, I have to say I would not despise her company.
"Tell her to write an essay on why a position in my close circle would be of interest to her." His smile broadens, as if that were even possible. Though my request was a little unorthodox, it did not faze him. "Oh…and tell her to write it in Avarin."
"I am not sure she knows Avarin my lady, I am afraid." A little mischief in my eyes told him I knew she would not.
"Then she can use her free time to find someone who can teach her and help her in this ordeal. May I recommend Cassidy, the beekeeper. She is Avari." Lord Vermillion bowed. I looked at him curiously. I was enjoying our conversation and I could not help but be a little disappointed it ended so soon.
"My King." Thranduil lifter and eyebrow at Lord Vermillion. He arbored a mask of indifference but his eyes clearly held darker emotions. "I hope my daughter will not disappoint your wife. Her grace has set the bar pretty high to win a position as a lady in waiting." The King, the air around me suddenly felt colder. I turned around to meet the eyes of my husband. I lowered my gaze.
"I look forward to hearing from your daughter Lord Vermillion. I'm sure she will be most pleasant company to my wife." A breath of silence left us all in suspense. "If you would be so kind as to join the party, I wish to have a private discussion with my wife." He inclined his head and left us on the balcony. My husband crossed his hand behind his back and inched his face very close to my ear.
"Walk with me." He did not wait for my answer but simply set in the direction of the fountain. I followed obediently. He wanted to talk.
"So…a hunter or warrior for your tribe. Those are quite unlikely professions for an Ellyth who came to be the Queen of the woodland realm. Not very flattering either." I am not sure if he wanted an answer out of me or if he wanted to rant on his own.
"I just told my truth. That is who I would have become, my King."
"Nonetheless it is not who you are anymore. From now on, refrain from sharing such simple ideas with my councilmen."
"What should I have said that would have pleased his grace?" Defiance was written all over my face, even Thranduil could see that. Insulting who I am is most inappropriate, even for my husband. But for a King…? Who could say!
"Sometimes I forget you are very simple." He meant it as an insult or as a diminishing comment. He was being mean for no reason whatsoever. It was undeserved. I wanted to take my leave.
"I will return to the reception, excuse me." I turned, a rush of fabric spinning around me only to have him capture my wrist before I could grab the skirts of my dress. He hissed angrily.
"You will not leave until I tell you to go. Is that not a clear fact already established of our marriage Eveena? Do not act so rashly." He pulled my wrist and turned me around to face him. He grabbed my chin forcefully and made me look at him. Silence stretched for a while. I did not contradict him. I dared not. He released my face just as fast as he had acted.
"Legolas told me of his demand." So that was what the king really wanted to talk about.
"And what says the King?" I merely murmured.
"I have agreed of course. You may leave with him before dawn. An escort of guards will be with you at all times. It is not safe with all the movements in the keep for the moon festival. I expect you both back around noon." His features softened and my wrist was set free from his grasp.
"I am happy you chose to have a lady in waiting, it is long overdue. The young Lady Vermillion will definitely be to your liking I am sure." He smiled at me. He bent forward, so close that his breath fawned over my face. Thranduil placed a kiss on my forehead and forbade me from staying up too late as tomorrow was an early rise. He wished me goodnight and took his leave from the party. It would seem I will have a night to myself after all.
Alright so the arrival of a new character ;) the misterious new lady in waiting. You will all love her I am sure...for now anyway! And yes...Cassidy is Avari afterall. I hope you enjoyed. As some of you understood, yes there will be lemons, a little graphic or may be disturbing for the readers, like in my previous chapter. I understand it may not be everyone's thing...but the story does not revolve around Lemon. They will be there simply for the Erotic effect and the drama around it. I promise I will post warning at the begining of the chapter. Please review!