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"Let me straighten out your robe" Ava murmured, reaching for the collar of her husband's garment. The royal family was in their finery, preparing to make their entrance to the harvest feast. As Ava was focussed on correcting his clothing, Thranduil gazed down towards his wife and smiled contentedly. She was warming up to him, discovering her love for him. He knew her bond with Legolas had been instantaneous, but the bond to the one she was married to had been much harder. The day before, at the playground opening, she had kissed him. They had been trading banter and she had teased him – an old habit. Then, she had kissed him. Uncertainly at first, but when he deepened the kiss, she welcomed it. He had felt their bond re-forming. Thranduil had been careful not to push her too hard, he feared undoing it all. That was his excuse for not telling her what had happened that day in the woods. He felt a coward, guilt consuming him whenever he thought about it. Then, he would see his wife glance at him or feel his wife's touch (even if an accidental graze) and he would push the desire to tell her the truth away. He wanted to feel her love so badly, the truth would be deferred for another day.

"Thranduil, stop distracting me" Ava gently chided as she spoke against his lips. He had lifted her chin and brought their lips together. Then she sighed gently, moving her hand away from his collar and winding them around his neck. This brought them into a tight embrace and their kiss deepened as a result.

"Eww! Ada, Nana STOP it!" Legolas demanded. He had been brought in by the chambermaid, dressed in his formal robes, after what was undoubtedly a long coaxing. The maid who accompanied the prince gave them an awkward yet approving smile. Ava had noticed more and more knowing smiles in the last few days. The news of the royal couple's rekindled romance had spread quickly, and the realm was gladdened that the King's heartache was lessened.

"I'm sorry Legolas. Nana and Ada will have to find something else to do instead" Ava said, shooting her husband a smouldering look. Thranduil felt a thrill within.

"Did you really need to tempt me before we're about to make a public entrance?" he asked pointedly, trying desperately not to think of the warmth in certain parts of his body. He was at her mercy, and she knew it. Ava simply gave him one of her heartmelting smiles. Then, she looked at him seriously.

"I'm not sure of the protocol for this event" she admitted, biting her bottom lip nervously.

"No one will care if you forget something meleth. You simply have to walk in with us and then dinner will be served. If you are not comfortable, leave the talking to me" Thranduil reassured, looking at her kindly. Ava's arm slid comfortably into his, as if it was always meant to be there. With her other hand holding her son, the family walked into the ballroom.

Their subjects bowed as the royal family walked past them. Ava thought she saw many a satisfied smile; the courtiers were glad to see the King and Queen appearing together again. The ladies of the court were welcoming and friendly to Ava, putting her at ease immediately. Many remarked on how well she looked, many more mentioned how happy her husband looked. When all the guests had taken their seats and the wine glasses were filled, a hush settled over the room. Thranduil stood regally, and a moment of silence lapsed, during which he seemed to be contemplating the year past.

"This year, Mirkwood has been blessed again with a bountiful harvest, the safety of our borders, and the prosperity of our people. As many of you know, this year has also had its struggles. My family has seen great tragedy. Queen Ava has worked tirelessly to return to her duties. She is my inspiration and will forever have my love." His voice croaked uncharacteristically with emotion with the last sentence. It was plain to anyone who had ever met the King that he was not one to discuss his emotions. This pubic display showed the depth of his affections. The elves in the audience were equally moved, and stood to sustain the thunderous applause.

"To the Queen" they said in unison, as glasses were raised. Ava's eyes moistened with tears as she raised her glass in response. Her eyes met her husband's gaze and they exchanged a meaningful glance.

Soon, the meal had been eaten and the tables were cleared. The musicians warmed up and the music began to float throughout the room. The royal couple made their way to the dancefloor. They were so close to each other Ava could smell the mulled wine on her husband's breath. She shivered when he slid his hand onto her back and began leading her through the dance. The ballroom melted away as they held onto each other, making their way on the dancefloor in unison. At some point during the music, they were joined by other couples.

When it was sufficiently late, Thranduil had spoken to all whom he needed to speak to, and Legolas had been carted off to bed bleary eyed by the chambermaid, Ava tugged Thranduil's arm. Quietly, they slipped out of the room. The night was filled with wine and frivolity, their absence would not be missed.

They walked briskly along the silent corridors, impatient to reach their destination. At the door to the royal bedchambers, they finally elapsed into a passionate kiss. With some fumbling, the door opened and the couple stumbled inside. Though Thranduil wanted her desperately, he let Ava lead. He would not push her into something she was not ready for. Ava had no such reservations. She moved to tug the fastenings of her husband's robe loose. In between the heated kisses, she undid the laces of her dress.

Out of breath, Thranduil paused. "Ava, if you're not ready, I will wait."

"No, I want this. I love you" Ava said breathlessly.

That was all Thranduil needed. He practically ripped off the rest of his clothing. Ava yelped delightedly as her husband lifted her effortlessly and walked towards the bed. In this bedchamber, they were not King and Queen. They were two souls, forever bound in love. Thranduil stroked her face gently. He was waiting for her permission, she realized. He would never hurt her, she knew.

"Thranduil, make love to me" she said huskily.

Ava awoke the next morning in a tangle of blankets and bliss. She could feel the bond with her husband now, so strong and protective. She was contented by it. She rolled over to find Thranduil beside here, where he always should have been. She leaned in and placed a soft kiss of his nose.

"Good morning, my love"

Thranduil grunted.

"Are you still tired from all that exertion last night?" Ava teased.

One of Thranduil's eyes peaked open. "I'll have you know that I was capable of continuing our activities all night. It was you who became tired."

Her husband's steely public persona hid the kind, funny, personal side of him. "Yes your highness, you are certainly so well-endowed I should think the valars themselves are jealous" she said snarkily.

"Are you making fun of me?" Thranduil arched his eyebrows.

Ava simply smiled.

"Well I do believe that is treason. I shall have to punish you" The King declared with a dramatic air of authority. He proceeded to tickle and kiss her. Ava giggled and squealed.

In the midst of this, Ava's chambermaid entered the room with a tray of breakfast, as she did every morning. The maid froze mid step when she saw the scene in front of her.

"Your highness I-I'm so sorry to intrude. I didn't expect you here." The maid stammered.

"You did not expect me in my own bedchamber? Exactly whom where you expecting?" Thranduil asked in a bemused tone.

"No, that's not what I meant. It's just that the Queen has been sleeping here alone" the maid said hastily, her cheeks flaming red.

"Thranduil stop teasing" Ava ordered her husband. To the maid, she directed "please let the household staff know that the King will be sleeping here, every night from now on."

The maid seemed like she could not leave fast enough. "Well, by lunch time, the whole realm will know of this" Ava predicted.

"I care not what they know. All I want is you Ava" Thranduil said, all the jest out of his tone now.