Elves clustered in and beyond the royal gardens of Mirkwood palace, holding their breath with the flowers. The air grew hot with hope as the sun rose above the mossy rooftop of the palace and glinted off the spears and shields of the divided royal guard. The trees summoned a cooling breeze to settle raging hearts and untie gathering frowns.

All eyes bored into the stained-glass window of the council chamber where the King reviewed the Equal Rights Bill. The elves put their trust into their Prince to see it signed.

Jailil stood with Avaron and Hyrondal beside Yuai. Ailunai and Nimrethil gave Harune company as he folded his arms and stared at the ground. Even Onyx shifted, having shouldered his way to join his father.

It was a joyous sound when Thranduil burst onto the balcony above the crowd, his face banishing the shadow of Oropher's anger and Natelle's hate. He held up a scroll. "The Equal Rights Bill paves the way to the future. I am grateful for your support in making the change we need happen."

To his ready ears the crowd cheered. Laughter and tears and hugging filled Thranduil's heart until he closed his eyes and wondered for the first time what it would be like to be King and reap the rewards of nurturing a happy kingdom. He realized the elves were not only cheering for the Bill but also for him and above their joy came soaring Harune's smile.

Thranduil's heart twinged; there would be consequences. Oropher would not let this slide by, but in the now he was one with the crowd, joining in their joy and the feast spread out in the palace kitchens.

By the time the new dawn rose, Thranduil was weary of food and dance. The elves dispersed and faded back into their homes. By midafternoon the gardens and kitchen were empty, and Thranduil sat down with his friends at a clean table.

"We did well, Thranduil," Ailunai said. She squeezed his hand. "You do not know how much your courage inspired people."

"Our courage," Thranduil replied. "And I do not. I feel like every elf made it a point to tell me."

"It is hard to appreciate something when you are worn out," Nimrethil grumbled. She glanced about the kitchens. "I am glad this place was tidied up a bit before the crowds left."

Yuai appeared behind Hyrondal as the youth yawned aggressively. "I think it is time we went home."

"We all need extra rest, I think," Ailunai said. She kissed Thranduil on the cheek before sailing out the kitchen doors into the garden. Yuai and Hyrondal followed her and Jailil departed to the healing ward. Thranduil followed Harune upstairs.

Nimrethil sat alone in her domain. She stretched her legs back onto an empty chair and laced her hands behind her head. "I am indeed Queen of the Kitchens." She smiled.

The day passed and another dawn broke. Thranduil dressed in his chamber and combed his hair. The comb flowed like fish might in the river of his locks. On light feet he walked toward the breakfast table.

The smell of breakfast; hot pancakes and melting butter with fresh fruit, met his nose before he entered the family room. He followed the smell out the open balcony doors to the small table in the fresh air. Harune and Sapphire greeted him.

Thranduil sat down and noticed their taunt faces. "What has happened?"

"The King and Queen have departed for their summer home in the southern territories," Sapphire replied. "Before they left, the King issued a rite banishing all who participated in the riot from Mirkwood."

Thranduil's hand froze over the milk pitcher. Harune's hand on his wrist saved him from dropping it. "He cannot—it was not a riot!"

"The royal guard still loyal to Oropher is breaking down doors and rounding people up as we speak," Sapphire said. "I came as soon as I heard this morning."

"Valar save us," Thranduil breathed. "I—am not hungry any longer."

The drawn back curtains over the balcony door fluttered and swirled as Onyx burst through, his hands clenched and his braid slapping his back. He demanded, "Where is the King? I will kill him!"

"He has departed for his summer home in the southern territories, ion nin," Harune replied. "I understand it is recently finished."

Onyx slammed himself into a chair. "Fool that he is! The southern territories are not yet safe."

"A plentiful bodyguard accompanied him," Sapphire remarked.

Onyx rubbed his face in his hands. "I do not recognize Mirkwood. I cannot recognize Mirkwood for it has become a crater of violence and hate."

"It is my fault," Thranduil said.

"You rightfully asked for fair and equal treatment of all elves," Harune said. "What Oropher's hate and anger led him to do is not your responsibility."

"I feel like it is," Thranduil whispered.

Onyx slapped his palm on the table and the dishes rattled against each other. "I will not stand by and do nothing!"

The plate of pancakes Thranduil held slipped from his hand and crashed to the floor. It splintered.

"Thranduil!" Harune cried. "Are you alright?"

A freeze crept through Thranduil's blood and paled his face. "Ada . . . if everyone who participated in the riot is banished . . . all my friends . . . you are banished."

"Thranduil," Harune said softly. "You must think more positively. Home is where you make it."

Two armored elves tromped onto the balcony. Helms hid their faces. One elf said, "Lord Harune, by order the King you are under arrest on charges of treason."

Thranduil stood up and thrust his chin out. "I headed the rally. Am I not to be arrested to?"

The elves bowed. "Your name is excluded from the list, my prince."

Thranduil's hands curled. "Of course, it is." Harune stood and Thranduil cried out, "You cannot go, ada!"

Onyx half-drew his sword. "Do not go, ada. I will fight them off."

"I would rather go in peace than cause harm," Harune said quietly. He put a hand on Thranduil's shoulder and smiled at Onyx. "I love you, ion nin."

Thranduil's heart ripped out of his chest. He stood and watched, helpless, as the guards escorted Harune away.

"How can you stand by and do nothing, nana?" Onyx snapped. "This is intolerable!"

"Your father is not an elf of violence," Sapphire said simply. "You know that." She reached out with her silk-clad arms to wrap Thranduil in a hug.

"Nimrethil," Thranduil whispered. "Jailil, Hyrondal, Ailunai! I have destroyed their dreams and the dreams of their mentors. How can I—"

"You cannot destroy dreams that are not your own," Sapphire said. "Harune may have gone in peace but that does not mean he will do nothing. That does not mean we cannot fight for him."

Thranduil's lips curled back. "There is only one person to take this up with. I must go after Oropher."

"He will not reverse charges of treason lightly," Sapphire warned.

"I intend to bargain," Thranduil replied.

Another month, another victory! It will not last, I fear.

Gratitude to you, my readers, who pass the days with me in writing and reading!

Next Chapter: Thranduil realizes the depth of his only bargaining chip.