CONTENT WARNING: Rated M for Strong language and violence.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything created by Tolkein and Middle-Earth. This is for entertainment only.

A/N:Hello! Once again, I sincerely apologize for the delay in this chapter. My health problems have improved and I'm hoping to post more regularly again. Thank you for being patient with me and I hope you enjoy this next chapter. I love you all! XOXO, Presephone

Song of the Chapter: "Come Away to the Water" by Adam Levine


Consequences

Priamos stared agape at the dagger embedded in the table in front of him. His mind was unfocused as his brain processed what had just happened. Of course, he recognized his ceremonial dagger. The Elvenking had presented it to him when he was promoted to Captain. How had the King gotten it?

He refocused his attention back to the present, feeling his throat dry as he spoke, "Where... Where did you—";

"It was pulled from the prisoner's side," Thranduil interrupted, his voice low, "After he had already used it to cut Aurora's neck, her face, and dug it deep into her shoulder dragging it down and leaving her with a large laceration." Thranduil watched Priamos closely, looking for any subtle changes in his behavior. He left the dagger but straightened up and began walking. Everyone present remained back, not wanting to get in Thranduil's way. However, Priamos sat frozen in his chair; his eyes burning into the blade. Thranduil glared at Priamos as he slowly circled the table, "I'm sure you can understand my surprise to find him in possession of one of my Captain's ceremonial daggers. Tell me, Priamos, how did that happen?"

Priamos suddenly ran through all the events that had happened and he remembered. He had been carrying his dagger when he led Sam through the tunnel to allow his escape. The bastard must have taken it off him when he was knocked unconscious. Priamos swallowed hard before speaking, "Aran nin (my King), I was assisting the guards in the dungeons when—"

"DO NOT LIE!" Thranduil roared. He placed his hands on the table directly across from Priamos and leaned in across the table, His eyes darkened while his voice returned to its usual volume, "You know, as well as all here, that I will always know when someone is lying to me." Thranduil straightened up again, "Choose your next words wisely."

Priamos kept his eyes on the dagger as his breathing became shallow. He closed his eyes and slumped his shoulders forward. Quietly he slowly rose to his feet and looked at everyone with a pained look in his eyes. When he faced Thranduil again he couldn't bring himself to look him in the eye so he kept his eye trained on the dagger. He spoke so softly that he almost wasn't heard, "It wasn't supposed to be like this..."

A heavy silence fell over the room as the fire behind them crackled. The tension was almost claustrophobic as everyone stared at the Captain. From behind him, Lord Alistair quietly took several steps forward and broke the eerie silence with a reserved tone, "Priamos... Look at me," the Captain slowly turned around and struggled to meet his gaze. Alistair's eyes darted quickly to Thranduil as he walked back around to the other side of the table. Priamos finally met the Guard Commander's eyes and Alistair gave him a sympathetic look, "What have you done?"

Priamos stared at Alistair for a long time, his face showing several emotions at once before he hid them behind a composed facade, "I did as my King commanded."

Alistair looked from Priamos to Thranduiland back at the others around the room. He looked back to Priamos and met his gaze with dark eyes, "And who is your King?"

The Captain's jaw tightened as he straightened up further, "I serve the true King of Eryn Galen (Greenwood the Great). The one who will bring the Elvish people to where they truly should be in the world. I proudly serve Duath Aran nin (My Shadow King)."

There was a collective shudder felt through the room. Furtive glances shot between Priamos and Thranduil to see what reactions would occur. Thranduil had set his features back to a blank canvas. When he spoke, his voice was steady and cold, "Turn and face me, boy."

Boy, Priamos felt anger building within him. Thranduil had no idea the things that he had done to help their people, the things that he had sacrificed. He drew his sword and spun, lashing out as quickly as he could. There was a loud crash that echoed through the study as Thranduil rose his blade to meet the Captain.

All others drew their weapons and took a step forward before Thranduil shouted, "DARO! (STOP!)"

Thranduil glared at Priamos with barely suppressed rage. "You dare cross blades with me!?" The tension was so high in the room that it was almost palpable, "What made you think that you can possibly best me? I trained you alongside my own son! You were a fierce warrior who rode by my side into countless battles and who, up until this moment, I would have trusted with my life!" Thranduil's breathing had become shallow as he glared at Priamos, their blades still crossed. When he spoke again it was low and dangerous, "You have betrayed everything you once swore to protect."

"Please understand," Priamos tried to calm his voice but could feel his panic rising, "I did not come to this decision lightly."

"Surrender your blade and I will allow a conversation for you to explain your actions. Which is more than you deserve," Thranduil leveled his eyes, "but be warned. If you continue your attack against me or any other in this room, you will be struck down."

He watched Priamos silently weighing his options. He glanced around the room and realized that he wouldn't stand a chance in combat at this point. He slowly withdrew his blade from Thranduil's and dropped it on the ground. Legolas moved up from behind and grabbed the sword and retreated back. Thranduil watched Priamos lose all confidence as he returned his gaze to the ground. He placed his hands behind his back once again and calmed his rage.

"Priamos son of Priandorel, you have hereby been declared a traitor of Eryn Galen (Greenwood the Great) and will be stripped of your rank of Captain effective immediately. From this day forward you will be a stranger to all within the Elven Realms and the Undying Lands will be closed to you. I will allow you to challenge this sentence when brought before myself and the other Elven Leaders." Thranduil paused a moment for the sentence to sink in and he watched as Praimos's spirit break. "Lord Alistair, Captain Tauriel... Take Priamos to the dungeons, place him in a cell far away from the other prisoner."

There was a stunned silence for a moment and then Alistair and Tauriel moved behind Priamos and escorted him from the room. Those that remained stood still as statues while an inarticulate understanding fell over them all. Augustus was the first to move. He stepped lightly as he moved over to the settee by the roaring fireplace. He sat down and quietly watched the flames twist and turn. Thranduil was the next to move, he sat in one of the large armchairs next to where Augustus sat and followed his gaze into the flames. One by one, the councilors joined around the fire, Gawain sitting next to Augustus and Sankrovyn occupied the other armchair, until only Legolas remained standing.

He walked over and stood next to the mantle above the fireplace watching his father closely. "I failed you Aran nin (my King)," he spoke softly, looking away from his father as he spoke, "I should have noticed that something wasn't right. If I had been—"

"Hidh, ionneg, (Peace, my son), we were all deceived." Thranduil spoke calmly but he didn't look away from the fire, "we now need to discover if he acted alone or if there are others among us who follow this false King."

"How do you plan on doing that?" Sankrovyn asked.

Thranduil met his closest friend's gaze, "For now I will carry that burden."

Thranduil rose from his chair and all the others followed suit, "Sankrovyn, Gawain, meet with Alistair and draft plans on how to prevent an attack on the palace and the surrounding grounds within the gates. The plans that Priamos drafted are now void. Legolas, meet with Tauriel and get word to the soldiers that Priamos has been removed from his position. His group will now report to you. Augustus, the decision is yours if you would like to aid Legolas or return to Aurora's side."


Augustus and Legolas located Tauriel and began waking up and alerting all soldiers; informing them that they are required to report to the training field immediately. Alistair joined them, just as Augustus was joining his fellow soldiers, so he could inform the soldiers of the change in command. He knew that the soldiers would need to be spoken privately to determine where their loyalties lie and handle the response situation accordingly. Alistair took a deep breath and looked out over his soldiers.

"Late is the hour and I do apologize for rousing you from sleep," he began and squared his shoulders, "all of you are now aware of the attack against Lady Aurora earlier today, I'm happy to inform you that she is recovering well along with her guards and all are expected fully recover." There was a quiet murmur of happiness that went through those gathered. "Although we rejoice in their recovery, I must regretfully deliver some more difficult news to you. Within the last hour, Captain Priamos has been removed from his position and placed in the dungeons for the crime of treason against Eryn Galen (Greenwood the Great). "

Anxious whispers hummed throughout the soldiers as they looked around. None of them could imagine what possessed the Captain to betray everything that they swore to protect. The three that stood in front of the soldiers scanned the crowd gathered, looking for signs of feigned shock or hints of a renegade. Alistair waited for the conversation to diminish before speaking again, "I understand that this is a shock to all of you. Let me assure you that you are not alone in your dismay and confusion. The confession of his treason was given in the presence of the entire High Council and our beloved Elvenking himself. We are still questioning him to learn his motivations to betray his King, his Realm, and his race. Go and rest, new assignments will be given tomorrow at the beginning of your training."

As the soldiers started to silently leave the training field, Augustus walked forward to where the other three stood and spoke softly, "What do we do now?"

Alistair looked around and responded, "I would like the three of you to work on new training for the soldiers to begin in the morning. Priamos likely would've informed whoever his allies are of our weaknesses and strengths. Master Augustus, if you're willing, I would like you to draft a training around your mounted archery."

"Of course," Augustus nodded and watched Alistair turn and begin to walk away, "What will you do now, Commander?"

Alistair turned and looked at the trio behind him, "I'm going to the King's private study to meet the rest of the High Council. We are planning on how to keep your sister safe going forward."


Thranduil had left his study an hour ago and immediately walked to the healing hall. When he entered quietly and saw one of Aurora's guards awake and watching the curtain surrounding her bed intently. He cleared his throat softly and the guard's head snapped over to where Thranduil stood in the doorway. He began rising from his bed with a grimace when Thranduil stepped forward, "Hidh, daug. (Peace, soldier.)."

Caspian looked up to his King and offered a reverent bow, placing his hand over his heart, "Yes, Aran Vuin (Beloved King)." He lowered himself back down to the bed and leaned against the pillow.

Thranduil returned the reverent gesture and placed his hand over his heart and bowed his head slightly; the sight of which caused Caspian's eyes to widen. It was exceedingly rare to see someone of a higher class offer such a gesture, let alone the Elvenking offering the honor to a soldier. Thranduil looked back up to the soldier, "Posto hi, Caspian (Rest now, Caspian). I will watch over her." Without another word, Thranduil moved behind the curtain.

Aurora was sleeping, her chest rising and falling evenly. Her face was pale and she trembled slightly. Thranduil moved to her side, removing his outer robe and draping it over her to offer more warmth. He sat down and took her hand, lightly drawing circles with his thumb on the back of her hand. He leaned forward and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and then ran a finger softly across her cheek. His heart grew heavy as he reflected on all she had been through since they had met. He prayed to the Valar that he could take all of her sufferings away, but he knew that he couldn't erase her past. Just like he couldn't erase what he knew that she had yet to endure.

He was pulled out of his deep contemplation when he felt a soft pressure against his hand. He looked down and was met with jade eyes that reflected the light from the flickering candle at her bedside table. She turned offered a weak smile, "Hey you."

"Hey you," Thranduil smiled softly and leaned forward, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead, being careful to avoid the cut to her forehead, "How are you feeling, ilma nin (my Starlight)?"

"I'm okay," Aurora turned slightly towards him, "I hurt. But I'm guessing that is to be expected."

Thranduil placed a soft kiss to her temple and whispered into her ear, "If I could take your pain away I would. I'm so sorry I didn't get to you faster."

"It's not your fault," Aurora uncovered one of her arms from the robe and cupped his cheek, he leaned into her warm palm and closed her eyes, "I should've known something was wrong when my guards weren't in the hall." Aurora's eyes suddenly widened, "Are they—"

"It's okay," Thranduil interrupted seeing her panic rise, "they were attacked by Sam but all four of them will recover. They rest within this very healing hall with you. They only agreed to rest and cease watching you when I ordered them to do so."

Aurora exhaled in relief as Thranduil held her hand closer to his cheek. She glanced away from him as she whispered again, "Where is he?"

"He is back in the dungeons," Thranduil replied, his voice turning colder, "He will leave with the Rivendell delegation in four days."

"How did he get out?" Aurora watched as he shifted in his seat and her brow furrowed, "Thranduil?"

Thranduil looked straight ahead while he squeezed Aurora's hand a little tighter. He looked down at where her soft hand was held in his, "I promised that I would never lie to you," he paused and Aurora started to feel uneasy, "So I will say that right now is not the time to trouble you with such things."

Aurora sat up so her back was resting against the pillows. She crossed her arms across her chest and tried not to wince as the muscles in her injured shoulder shifted around for the first time, "Well... Color me troubled." She looked Thranduil straight in the eyes and noted his confused expression, "That means now that you've said you don't want me to be troubled... I'm even more troubled."

"I am sorry, meleth nin (my Love)," Thranduil sighed and dropped his eyes to the floor, "I do not mean to cause you to worry. But I do feel that this conversation would be better when others can be present."

Aurora sighed heavily and looked away, "I guess I can understand that," she glanced back over to Thranduil, "but I'm still going to worry."

Thranduil softly laughed as he took her hand again, "I would expect nothing less of you." Someone cleared their throat on the other side of the curtain and Thranduil's head snapped around at the sound. He stood and unconsciously moved between Aurora and the sound, "Identify yourself."

"My King, it is Sankrovyn," the voice replied softly, "The councilors have finished and we would request your approval."

Aurora watched Thranduil hesitate with what he wanted to do. She squeezed his hand a little tighter and he looked down at her again, "Go," she whispered, "I'm not going anywhere and I'm about to fall asleep."

Thranduil leaned down and kissed her softly before turning and leaving the healing halls.


It was a low hum at first while her senses started to wake up. It sounded like her head was underwater while the murmurs talked around her. Next, her senses were ensnared with the scent of smoky vanilla and cedar, she could feel the warm pressure of his heavy cloak wrapped around her. She shifted under the cloak and slowly opened her eyes. The light tried to peak through the small gaps in her curtains and the room was illuminated in a soft morning hue. Aurora pulled the cloak closer to her, not wanting to leave the warmth it provided.

"Well," a voice broke into her sleepy thoughts, "it's about time you woke up, Loser." Aurora groaned and pulled the cloak over her head and Augustus chuckled softly. "Still hurting that bad?"

"No," came Aurora's muffled reply. She poked her face out from the cloak again, "You're just such a horrible sight first thing in the morning."

Augustus laughed, "Firstly, dear sister-mine, it's the early evening not morning. You've slept almost a full day," he leaned forward in his chair and squeezed her hand, "Secondly, you aren't exactly a radiant beauty with your crazy-ass hair and drool stains." Aurora moved quickly and threw one of her pillows at him. He caught it before it hit is head and put it in his lap while he laughed.

"My apologies, should I return at a better time?" A voice spoke to the side of them. They turned to see Lord Elrond standing in the open curtain with a soft smile on his face.

"You're just fine, Lord Elrond. However I do have a sudden pain in the ass," She looked back to her smirking brother, "if he could be removed, that would be wonderful."

Elrond chuckled as he walked around to the other side of Aurora, "Although I am a gifted healer, I am afraid this particular pain is terminal and will be attached to you until the end of your days." The trio laughed softly as Elrond sat in the vacant chair in front of Aurora's temporary nightstand. "How are you feeling, Lady Aurora?"

"I'm okay," Aurora shifted over and winced slightly, "my shoulder isn't hurting nearly as much as I expected."

"That is because of this," Elrond picked up a tin that had been sitting on her nightstand, "it's a balm used for numbing a painful area. You will need to keep it around so you can apply it if you ever start feeling too much discomfort. You'll need to apply it with a cloth, or else your hand will become numb as well."

"That," Aurora mused, "is awesome." Aurora unconsciously touched the slightly aching cut on her neck. She looked back to Elrond, "Will I be able to leave the healing halls soon?"

Elrond sat back in his seat a bit more, "The injuries to your forehead and neck are already healing nicely, but I want to monitor that laceration a little while longer."

Aurora grimaced at the thought of laying around the hospital hall for who knows how long. "Is there any way that I could move back to my chambers?"

Elrond eyed you suspiciously with an arched eyebrow, "And how can I ensure that you will actually remain in bed to rest?"

"I can personally assure you that she will follow your instructions to the letter."

The three turned to see Thranduil walking through the curtain and closing it behind him once again. Aurora didn't realize how much she had missed him until he was standing in front of her. She smiled softly as their eyes met and he spoke to the others without looking away from her, "If I may, I would like a private moment with Lady Aurora."

Elrond and Augustus quietly slipped to the other side of the curtain as the two continued to look at one another. His shoulders dropped slightly as he relaxed, a kind smile growing across his face. He moved over to the chair that Augustus had been sitting in and took Aurora's hand into his; bringing it up to his lips and placing a chaste kiss on her knuckles. She pulled her hand back towards her but not releasing her grip on his; he picked up on what she wanted and leaned forward as she held his hand close to her heart. Her other hand looped around the back of his neck as she pulled him into a soft kiss. His hand cupped her cheek as he deepened the kiss, leaning over her further.

When they finally pulled away, both were breathing heavily as he pressed his forehead close to hers. His lips hovered over hers and they softly brushed against hers as he spoke, "I missed you today, Ilma nin (my Starlight)."

"I missed you," Aurora smiled and looked at him, "so are you going to break me out of here?"

"Well," Thranduil sighed, "I have finished the rest of my royal duties so I suppose I could focus my attention on my Queen for the remainder of the evening."

Aurora chuckled as he returned to his seat, "Ever the benevolent one, my King."

Thranduil smiled and helped Aurora sit at the edge of her bed. After putting her boots on he helped her stand up and looped her arm into his. They walked through the halls and smiled at people that wished her well as they made their way back to the royal corridor. Right after they turned down the corridor, they heard soft running behind them.

When Aurora turned around she saw a familiar smile beaming up at her while a slender woman behind her smiled softly at Aurora. She squeezed Thranduil's hand and stepped forward. Kneeling down she smiled brightly, "Hi Vynladae. How are you?"

"I'm good," the little girl smiled and walked to where Aurora was, "I heard you weren't feeling well. I picked these for you to make you feel better."

Aurora took the wildflowers that the little girl had outstretched towards her. She smelled them softly and smiled, "You are such a kind soul. These flowers absolutely make me feel better." Aurora held out her arms and Vynladae practically jumped into her arms. She wrapped her arms around her neck as she hugged her close. "I'm so lucky that I have you looking out for me, pinig (little one)."

Vynladae smiled again and returned to her Aunt's side. They walked back around the corner leaving them alone. Thranduil offered his hand down to Aurora and helped her up. He smiled warmly down at her and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. They turned and walked the rest of the day to their room.

Aurora walked over and placed the flowers into a small vase that was on a table in the corner as Thranduil removed his outer robe. She traced the velvety pink petals with her fingers and smiled when she felt strong arms wrap around her waist. He pulled her close, pressing his chest against her back and put his chin on her shoulder. Aurora pressed her cheek into his and closed her eyes; she knew it had only been a day but she had missed the way that he held her close. The scent of cedar and smoky vanilla filled her senses and she subconsciously smiled.

Thranduil pulled her closer against his chest when he felt her fingers lace together with his and he placed a soft kiss on her shoulder. "Such a sweet elfling," he whispered as he looked at the small flowers in the vase, "do you ever think about that?"

Aurora hummed softly, "About what?"

"Having children."

Thranduil felt Aurora tense slightly. She pulled away and slowly walked over to where the fireplace was crackling; furrowing his brow he walked over to where she stood. He walked around so he was standing in front of her. She had a distant look in her eyes as she watched the fire, the orange glow illuminating her features, "Ilma nin (my Starlight)?"

She didn't look at him and continued looking at the flames. They stood in silence for several minutes, Thranduil watching her eyes dart back and forth. When she finally spoke, her voice was soft enough that Thranduil barely heard her, "Do you want more children?"

"I would," Thranduil looked at her curiously, not knowing why her demeanor had shifted so quickly, "Until now... I didn't think that I would have the opportunity to even consider the option."

Aurora took a deep breath and he saw a silent tear escape from her eye, "Would you be upset if— If you didn't have any more children?"

Thranduil took Aurora by the shoulders and turned her towards him, "Aurora..." he watched as she took several deep breaths before slowly looking up to meet his piercing gaze. He cupped her cheek in his hand and wiped several tears away, "What is troubling you, my love?"

Aurora turned her head and kissed his palm. She turned her gaze back up to him and held his hand and pushed it tighter against her cheek, "Thranduil I can't have children."

Thranduil furrowed his brow again as he looked at her, "Aurora if you don't want children right now that is perfectly fine."

"You aren't understanding what I'm trying to say," Aurora shook her head and walked around the settee. She folded her arms across her chest as if hugging herself when she turned around, tears now flowing freely, "I wanted children. The deepest desire of my heart was to be a mother." She took a ragged breath as Thranduil slowly walked towards her keeping their eyes locked, "After Sam stabbed me in the stomach, the doctors told me that there was a lot of internal damage done. I— I can't bear children."

Thranduil stopped as her breathing became frantic and she started to hyperventilate. Her tears came so fast that her vision was becoming blurry. She felt a tingling sensation spreading across her arms and chest as her anxiety increased, "Thranduil, I'm so— I'm so sorry... I can't give you children. He broke me! I'm fucking damaged! I'm sorry—"

Thranduil closed the remaining distance between them in two strides, "Stop it!" His voice was hard as he cupped the sides of her face with both hands. She closed her eyes tight as more tears rolled down her face. He tried to soften his voice but his commanding tone echoed through the room, "Look at me." He felt Aurora begin to tremble as she tried to stop her sobs, but she didn't look up at him. He almost broke down and pulled her close when she unfolded her arms and clung to his forearms. No, he had to harden his emotions right now, "I need to make sure you understand what I'm going to say... Look at me, Aurora."

She took several deep breaths and slowly looked up to meet his eyes, her jade eyes seemed magnified by the red rings surrounding them. He wiped the tears from her cheeks as he stared at her for a long moment. When he finally spoke, his voice was low and measured, taking short pauses between each word in his first statement. His authoritative tone told her that there would be no debate about what he was about to say.

"I never want to hear you say such things ever again," he loosened his grip on her face but still held it close as he towered over her. His eyes softened slightly as he continued, "You are not broken. You are not damaged. There is nothing wrong with you and you do not owe me or anyone else such apologies. What happened to you was truly abhorrent, but none of it was your fault." Aurora loosened her grip on one of his arms and her hand drifted up to touch his cheek. She brushed away a silent tear that had trailed down his cheek. He took a shuddered breath, "You are perfect and more than anything I could have ever asked the Valar for... You are the light of my life and the happiness that fills my heart. Nothing will ever change that fact."

They stood in silence as his eyes searched hers for a long moment. He leaned forward and pressed his forehead against hers, "I love you, Aurora."

"I love you, Thranduil," she whispered back and kissed him lightly.

"You should rest," Thranduil pulled away and started walking towards their bedroom.

"But," Aurora stopped, "What about the attack? How did Sam—"

"Aurora," Thranduil cut her off softly. He turned and took her hands, "I promise that I will tell you everything in the morning. For tonight, Ilma nin (my Starlight), let us get some sleep."


He walked down the damp corridor. He rounded the corner and saw the guards outside the cell and stopped. The guards looked over to him and they bowed their heads. He dropped his hood and stepped forward, "Leave us. Return in 5 minutes."

Both guards nodded their heads and whispered, "Yes, Duath Aran nin (my Shadow King)."

The guards retreated down the corridor and Shadow King steped forward, looking down at Priamos, "You have served well. But we need to make our next move carefully."