James Saylor1 - thanks for such an awesome review. It was very encouraging.

Rin - Happy new year to you too! And thanks, I'm glad your enjoying it.

Maja - well...

Ro781727 - Finally is right!


- Chapter 68 -


Eventually, they had to break up their reunion which brought the both of them back to reality. She was worried about being caught but he wasn't concerned, and tried reassuring her that no one would ever be allowed entry without the King. Too bad for him, because that was exactly who Shyloh was worried would barge in on them while they were smooching.

He only brushed her concerns aside and drew the silver hood of her cloak over her white head of hair, making sure any white strands were tucked out of view. His father's plan wouldn't work if someone spotted her before the feast tomorrow night. Taking her hand in his, he rubbed small circles with his thumbs on the backs of her hands reassuringly. She wasn't convinced keeping her identity a secret would work, but she didn't argue, she just let him draw her hood and plant one more kiss on her lips.

Leading her from the office, he grabbed his bow before pulling her into the empty hall. The only audience they had were the guards outside the King's office doors. He knew with full confidence they wouldn't speak a word of their departure together, except perhaps to the King himself should he ask.

With a quick look behind them to make sure they were not spotted, he tried to pretend she was taking this seriously and not stifling a giggle from underneath the hood of her cloak. She was failing miserably though, because when she dared a chance to peek he spotted a smirk.

"I am so glad you are taking this seriously," he muttered quietly with a slight frown.

Looking down another corridor, he found it also to be empty. It wasn't a far walk from the King's office to the royal wing, and he knew the quietest way to go, but his desire to push her up against the wall and kiss her was threatening his ability to make it back without making a scene.

"I am taking this seriously, my Lord," she said, trying to suppress her smirk.

He groaned. She really had to call him 'my Lord?' Why did that spark up a flame within him? They couldn't make it back to the chambers quickly enough. Whether it was by some miracle or Eru's hand himself, the two of them made it down the final corridor without being spotted.

The guards outside the grand doors stood as still as statues. Not even their eyes moved as their Prince approached, holding the hand of a elleth in disguise. Her smirk was long gone because the reality of the situation did in fact hit her like a brick wall. Sure, it was kind of fun sneaking around, but then again, she had to remind herself that Legolas was right, this was a serious situation. Maybe her head just had a screw loose or something.

Once the doors were closed behind them, Shyloh raised her head but Legolas didn't stop.

She'd been in the grand entry way once before upon her arrival and marveled at the elegance of the space, but Legolas had other ideas. He pulled her through the sitting space and down another corridor, heading in the opposite direction of the room she was given. They went up a short flight of stairs before he pushed open a door and pulled her through before letting it close behind them.

She barely got a look at the room before her hood was being drawn back and she was roughly pressed up against the wall. His mouth found hers and one of his hands found her hip. His other hand he cupped the back of her neck, drawing her mouth up to meet his. A small gasp escaped her lips but she clung to the front of his tunic as if her life depended on it.

Funny, how being apart for three years and being pulled apart by an unknown source would ignite such a fire within their souls.

"I missed you," he said quietly when he drew back. He touched his forehead to hers and looked down at her. She was breathing hard, but that only pleased him even more. To know he had that kind of effect on her made him smile.

"I missed you, too," she admitted, then pulled her arms around his torso and drew him into a hug.

They stood there for a few moments before she drew away and looked around the room. It was another sitting area, but one wall was lined with books. Soft armchairs were sat before a roaring fireplace, and a few books lay atop the coffee table before them. It was a cozy, comfortably decorated space. Compared to the entry sitting area, this part of the royal wing was the first that looked like it was actually used.

Her eyes widened as she looked around, and she spotted a bed half hidden behind an arched doorway.

"Is this your room?" she asked, blushing slightly.

He smirked. "Yes, I was not sure which room you had been given, and..."

She raised an eyebrow. "And what?"

He shrugged a shoulder. "Well, I really wanted to kiss you again."

He looked completely unashamed admitting that, and his smirk only grew when she blushed furiously.

"Mission accomplished," she murmured sheepishly.

He unbuckled the straps of his quiver and swords before picking his bow back up and setting them on a table off to the side to be dealt with later. His room here was larger than even her one in Rivendell. A table and chairs sat off to the side, but only two chairs looked to have been used at all.

He moved further into the room and she felt a little awkward being here with him. Were they this far into their relationship where she was allowed to see his private rooms? She didn't want to intrude. Then again, he was the one that brought her here, so...

Trinkets or small figurines carved by delicate hands once upon a time ago were placed carefully on the shelves. Scrolls and scrips littered another table, and also what looked like border patrol reports were stacked on the end. She knew he'd been gone a month, and before that he was only home a short time after his return trip from Erebor, traveling to the northern borders to aid with orcs and the like, so this was more than likely the first time he'd been in his room since the last time he was home, yet the fire was stoked, the candles were lit, and fresh clothes were laid out on the grand bed.

She had no doubt, much like it would have been for her, that a hot bath and meal was waiting, and he had every right to relax.

"I should let you be," she said, biting the bottom of her lip. She wrung her fingers together a little nervously. Would the King be mad if she was caught in his son's rooms? Did elves need that kind of chaperon? Were they even courting?

His eyes trailed over her face and he frowned.

"I only meant that you should probably take a bath while the water's hot, and you probably want to rest, and eat. You've been on the go for a month now."

He shook his head and crossed the room to her, now free from weapons and his traveling cloak. His hands ran up and down her upper arms but he only drew in a steadying breath.

"I have been gone a month," he confirmed. "But you have been gone from me for three years. I am not so eager to part from you, especially after what has happened."

"A hundred years is a blink in the life of an elf, or says your father," she said slowly. "Three years -,"

"Has felt like a lifetime," he interrupted.

Did he have to make her feel so much like pudding? "I have no plans to leave the Woodland Realm tonight. Besides," she stepped back and looked over his tunic once more. "As much as I love the fact the forest is one spider less, I do not want to snuggle with its leftovers."

"Ah, yes," he sighed, following her gaze. "My apologies, I almost forgot. I suppose I should clean up."

She nodded, still smiling.

"You can wait here," he said, catching her off guard. "I won't be long."

Her blush returned. "I can go back to my room and give you some time to relax."

"Nonsense," he said quickly, as if this were no big deal. "Unless you wish to do so, then of course you can. But it will not take me long to clean up. Would you have dinner with me tonight?"

She blinked. "Where? I thought we were supposed to keep me hidden until tomorrow night."

"We will eat here."

Of course, why didn't she think of that! "They won't miss you in the dining hall? You are their Prince, and you have been gone a while."

He shook his head. "My father will tell them something, but I am not required to attend dinner every night."

"Do you not have to meet with your troop? No debriefing?"

"Sidhel can take care of that," he said, crossing his arms over his chest.

She looked around the room once more and bit her bottom lip. "You're not going to get in trouble if I'm in here, are you?"

He tried to suppress a grin. "I am no child, Nimbrethil, and can certainly make my own decisions. Unless you are uncomfortable in here," he said, growing a little more serious. "Then we can eat in the main dining area of the wing."

Well, now she felt a little silly. Of course he was an adult, what was she thinking?

"I'll stay. I'll raid your book collection while I'm waiting."

"Help yourself to whatever you like," he said, seeming satisfied with her answer.

"No promises you'll have anything left by the time I'm through," she said, stepping away. "Just a fair warning."

He laughed. "This is only a small amount compared to what I have collected. I had to move the rest to the library."

She let her eyes wander over the leather bound books and stacks of texts that littered the massive bookshelf. "With as old as you are, I'm surprised you don't have more," she teased.

"Are you calling me old?" he wondered playfully, reaching for her hand to draw her back to him before she could get too far away.

She snorted. "If you're old, then I must be ancient. At least, spiritually, that is. Mortally I'm..." she let her voice trail off and grew quiet.

He raised an eyebrow curiously. "Mortally you're what?"

She hesitated. "It's nothing."

He didn't let her off the hook that quickly. "Mortally, you are thirty years of age."

She recoiled slightly, shocked that he would know that.

"Worry not, Nimbrethil," he said softly. "Mithrandir told me after the battle in Erebor. You have no need to be upset. I know you grew up with the race of men, and that they age quicker than elves." His thumbs made soothing circles on the back of her hands and she let go a slow breath.

"I haven't told anyone. I was worried they would treat me like a child," she admitted more to herself than him.

"Do I need to tell you what your kisses do to me?" he asked, leaning toward her. "You are no child, Nimbrethil."

Her lips parted and she couldn't help the blush on her cheeks. He took that as an invite and his mouth covered hers gently, caressing her lips with tenderizing care. Her body went numb and she almost fell forward a little when he pulled away.

He smirked then stepped back. "Do not wander off. I will be back soon."

And then he left her, closing his bedroom door behind him and leaving her in the grand sitting area alone. She hugged her arms around her middle, already missing his company. Whatever was going to come in the next few days or perhaps weeks, she prayed it would all turn out alright.

She was putting up a brave front at the moment. Truth was, she had no fond memories of being in Mirkwood. Snarky maids, Ladies with ulterior motives, Lords that despised her, and guards that were cruel and judgmental were just some of the memories plaguing her at the moment.

She was relieved to finally know the truth, relieved to finally understand what was going on, but she was still uneasy. Being back here, in these halls, made her feel off and uncomfortable. She only trusted a small handful of people within these halls, Legolas being one of them, but what if Thranduil's plan didn't work out the way he was hoping? What if the one behind all of this wasn't actually residing within these halls, but back in Lothlorien?

Galadriel told her that one day Shyloh and Legolas would be reunited, and all would come to light. Was she referring to this moment? Was this one of the hurdles she'd been warned the two of them would have to get over in the years to come?

Thinking she was losing him was hard and painful enough. Looking back at his closed door, her mind was uneasy with unhappy thoughts. Somehow, she knew this reunion wasn't going to be as simple as she hoped.


He closed the door to his office and crossed the familiar room to his desk. Like he expected, reports were stacked on the end of his desk waiting for his attention. He didn't plan on coming to his office so late at night, but he found himself unable to rest once Shyloh departed for her own chambers a while ago. He missed her presence in his chambers and though they could have probably stayed up talking all night, he could tell she was tired from her journey.

He should be resting, too, but his mind was restless, and so, he found himself sinking onto the comfortable chair behind his elegant desk. She was safe inside the royal wing, and that thought alone helped put his mind at ease just a bit more.

She should be safe within the entire Realm, he thought bitterly.

Resting an elbow on the armrest, he ran a hand over his face. This was so unfair for her, and he was once again swept away in the misery of her arrival. The reasoning's alone for her arrival in the Woodland Realm haunted him more than anything. Her last stay within these halls wasn't exactly pleasant, and he could tell some of those memories still plagued her mind. She didn't have to say it out loud, it wasn't hard to tell.

Having her back in his arms after such a lengthy separation allowed him to breath like he hadn't been able to since he left her behind. It made the shadows in his mind lift just a bit more and it eased some of the tension and worry that bore down on him. She was safe and sound and that knowledge alone made him cradle his head in his hands and thank the Valar.

He should be resting, that much he knew. The lack of proper rest was taxing on his mind, though not so much his body. He did pass by Sidhel's quarters, only to give his friend and second in command some peace of mind that he was alright. Of course he'd woken Sidhel up from his slumber, but the relief that crossed his eyes when he took in his captain's appearance made it worth it, and Sidhel did not mind at all.

Sidhel's questions went unanswered but Legolas assured him he was fine.

So here he sat, behind his desk with stacks of reports from throughout the Realm piled on his desk awaiting his attention, but he couldn't focus on them right now. The peace and quiet of his office surrounded him and he didn't know how long he sat there, staring at the polished wood before him before his door opened.

There was no need to look up, he knew who it was. King Thranduil had an aura about him that made everyone aware of his presence without even having to see him.

"I am disappointed you are not resting," Thranduil said, slowly crossing the elegant room. He wore no crown tonight, and still donned the regal robes he wore earlier that day when Legolas saw him last. "But I am not surprised."

Legolas raised an eyebrow but hardly moved from his position. "You work three times harder than anyone in this Realm, and you are disappointed that I am not resting?"

Thranduil tilted his head to the side slightly, acknowledging his son's mood. "She is here and safe, yet you are still not relieved by that knowledge."

"She is here because someone has attempted to hurt her, not for any other reason." The bitterness on Legolas' voice was a surprise even to himself. Thranduil lowered himself onto a chair and crossed one knee over the other. "She has no good memories here, Adar," he said, then he paused. "I fear this will only add to her dislike for our home."

The King raised his eyebrows. "Perhaps it will, but that is not something we can avoid. Only time will tell if she will grow to love it here or not."

"We are not exactly off to a great start. I could see it in her eyes all night. She is scared."

"As she has every right to be, Legolas," Thranduil said steadily. "Just like you do. Whatever foulness is in play, will pass, and this moment in time will only grow to be a distant memory."

"Can you swear to that?" he asked, finally looking up from the desk and seeking his father's eyes.

Thranduil gave him a firm look and nodded once. It was all the confirmation Legolas needed.

He drew in a deep breath. "I fear there is something else, something she told me this evening. The marchwarden from Lothlorien, Haldir, spoke with her about something that was rather troubling."

Thranduil raised his eyebrows. "Pray tell, what could the marchwarden have said to cause the Princess so much trouble?"

Legolas shook his head. "I do not think she quite understood what he was talking about, so I did not allow her to dwell on the topic, but I do not think it is something we can ignore." Legolas quickly repeated the information Haldir gave to Shyloh about rejected mate's fading.

Thranduil grew still, his eyes widening slightly. There was a pause before the King rose from his seat. "Another piece of the puzzle has just been added to the board."

Legolas frowned. "I did not reject her though. The tales of fading if your soulmate rejected you are just that: tales, and nothing more. She could not have faded from a simple letter."

"I believe it is the intent behind the letter in which we must be wary," Thranduil said "Whomever is behind this, means to kill her."


If Legolas was worried, he hid it very well. Shyloh on the other hand, fidgeted nervously with her fingers all day, twisting them together until they hurt. He glanced down at her and frowned. She knew he was watching her but that didn't ease her worries. She swallowed hard. Tonight was the feast and her arrival would be announced to the entire Realm.

How the King managed to keep the surprise visitor a secret was something she couldn't understand. But according to Arossel, rumors spread like wildfire about a stranger arriving in the early hours of the previous morning with the King's personal aid. From what Arossel faithfully reported, no one knew it was Shyloh. Apparently, Arossel was one of the King's many spies.

Go figure.

Wait, if Thranduil had spies, did that mean Elrond and Galadriel had spies, too? She bit her lip as she pondered this thought.

If the perpetrator was in their midst tonight, the King's spies would seek them out. Shyloh's job was to act normal and enjoy the feast held in her honor. It sounded easy, but knowing there was someone out there desperate enough to attempt to breakup whatever relationship she had with the Prince, made the anxiety build up inside her. She was on edge all day, even though Legolas tried to calm her.

He spent the day with her, hidden away behind closed doors. She worried about what it might look like on his end, being gone for a month and then returning home only to close himself off from his kin. He tried to assure her it was fine, but her mind was working in overdrive.

Arossel was the only server allowed within the royal wing for the last day and a half, and according to the maid, the kingdom was in a buzz of curiosity and rumors. She happily agreed not only to be Shyloh's maid, but also bring the two of them their meals. No doubt the elleth was getting hounded by many others when she wasn't busying herself behind the doors of the royal wing.

The King assured those that inquired about their Prince that he was fine, and that he was simply taking some much needed rest. Shyloh couldn't deny he needed a break, and she hoped spending the day lounging in the comforts of his chambers looking over books and the like was relaxing for him. She offered to leave him be, but he wouldn't hear of it and that was alright by her.

"Why are you so nervous?" he asked stepping closer to her. He brushed his fingers along her cheek, carefully caressing her skin. The conversation he held with his father last night was still heavy on his mind. If someone was out to kill Shyloh, he needed to be extra vigilant. The thought of someone attempting to harm her sent his mind whirling and he couldn't concentrate. He kept the contents of that conversation to himself, not revealing the suspicions his father now had about the entire affair.

"I don't know," she said, but he tilted his head down and gave her a firm look. He wasn't fooled so easily.

"It will all be fine," he insisted for the hundredth time that day. "You have no need to worry."

She knew they'd been over this at least a dozen times since they saw each other yesterday, but it gnawed at her mentally. "This all just makes me nervous. I don't know why."

"Talk to me about it." He took her hands in his, prying her fingers apart.

"Wouldn't Lady Lastril be your first suspect? I can't really see her as an innocent victim in all of this, and she's mentioned in the letter."

He pressed his lips together. "I know Lastril," he said steadily and with a hint of dislike. "You are trying to place blame without evidence. I do not think she is behind this."

Shyloh frowned. "Maybe, but Lord Iamben definitely hates me. We went through all of this back in Erebor after the war. He wants you to marry Lastril."

He rubbed his hands up and down her arms soothingly. "You know as well as I that it'll never happen. I told you, I do not want you to worry about any of that tonight."

She huffed. "How can I not?"

He sighed gently. "Just because the two of them have expressed poor behavior and desires in the past, does not mean we can only assume they are the ones behind this scheme." This wasn't the first time they had this conversation today, but it seemed no matter how many times they talked about it, her mind was still uneasy.

She rested her forehead on his chest and he drew her closer.

"Whoever wrote that letter wanted to keep you away from here."

She bit her lip. "Well if that's what they wanted, then they were doing a good job."

He drew back to look down at her. "What do you mean?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "I wasn't planning on coming back. If Feren hadn't come and checked on me in Lothlorien, I was planning on going back to Rivendell come summer. I wasn't serving border patrol anymore so I had no reason to stay any longer."

He said nothing but his eyes widened slightly, clearly surprised by her declaration of not wishing to return. Was that a flash of hurt she saw in his eyes, or had she imagined it?

"Why were you not serving border patrol anymore?" he asked.

Or maybe he was surprised by something entirely different...

She bit her lip again and shifted on her feet. "I just wasn't."

His eyes narrowed and he took a step closer. "What happened?"

She took an automatic step back and shook her head, tucking her hair behind her ear with a hand. "Nothing happened," she said quickly but he didn't believe her. And here she thought he'd be more upset about her not wanting to return to Mirkwood.

"What happened?" he repeated, his tone more demanding.

She shook her head again. "Nothing," she insisted. She didn't want to discuss getting shot. It was something she hadn't mentioned or tried to think about since she was released from the healing ward in Lothlorien. It bothered her, so she tried redirecting the conversation back to the original topic.

"So the letter-,"

"Don't," he growled, reaching for her to draw her back to him. "Do not change the subject."

"I'm not changing the subject," she snapped, growing angry.

"Yes you are."

"No! We were talking about the letter, you are the one changing the subject."

"You mentioned you were not working border patrol anymore. Why did you mention that if it was not important?"

She tried to pull her hands from his but he tightened his grip. "It's not important! We were talking about the letter, and I was telling you why I was planning on returning to Rivendell in the summer."

His eyes pleaded with her. "You would not quit working border patrol for no reason Shyloh, which means either you were severely injured or..." His voice trailed off when something shifted in her eyes, and he didn't have to finish his sentence to know the reason.