FINDING HEART
CHAPTER ONE
BY DRAGONWIND
Disclaimer: Only Konner, Aalyssa, Rodero, Wilhelmina, Udar, Donlugan, Elspeth, Marissa, the Forlindon family and unrecognized baddies belong to me. Everyone else belongs to Tolkein. Don't sue, unless you'd like to take over my bills (that's all I have)
Prince Konner Greenleaf of Mirkwood stood at the gate of Rivendell, waiting for Lady Aalyssa and her family to arrive for the council and court session. He clutched the stems of the bouquet of mixed flowers he held, Konner's body tense with anticipation. He wondered anxiously if she would be with her family in Rivendell, as she had disappeared from sight before Konner had left Mirkwood. Konner had asked his brother, Legolas, about Aalyssa's disappearances, but had received no answer. Legolas and Aalyssa had grown up with one another and were very close. 'Legolas is so evasive about the situation, just tells me there are things I do not know. Of course I do not know when neither of them will tell me.'
Konner leaned back against the rough wall surrounding Rivendell, the breeze blowing his unruly short blond hair. Before leaving Mirkwood, his parents had informed him the time had come. He must select his Queen or forfeit his birthright of inheriting the throne. 'Mother is anxious to begin training the new queen.' A sigh escaped Konner. 'I share something special with Aalyssa, but is it love? I do not want a marriage without love, and I am not sure what I am feeling for Aalyssa is love.'
Hoofbeats stopping several yards away from him brought his attention back to his surroundings. Konner's blue eyes brightened with hope as he recognized the Skycloud's carriage. He held his breath as the footman opened the carriage door, releasing it when Aalyssa climbed gracefully from the conveyance.
Anxious but unwilling to show it, Konner briskly walked over to Aalyssa and took her hand. "My lady," he greeted her, lifting her hand to his lips for a kiss. Konner straightened and handed her the flowers, watching her eyes light up with pleasure. "I know they are not as lovely as you, but it was the best I had to work with."
"Prince Konner, you are such a flatterer," Aalyssa giggled, taking the flowers and inhaling their scent. "They are lovely, thank you, Your Highness," she added after looking over her shoulder.
Konner blinked at Aalyssa's sudden formality, then noticed her mother, Lady Wilhelmina, glaring disapprovingly at her. "Is something wrong, love?" he asked Aalyssa, caressing her cheek with his hand.
"No more than the usual, Your Highness," Aalyssa whispered softly, her eyes darting between Konner and her mother.
"Do not move," Konner said, squeezing Aalyssa's hand gently. "I will be right back." He walked over to Lady Wilhelmina. "My pardon, my lady."
"Yes, Your Highness?" Lady Wilhelmina asked stiffly as she curtsied.
"Is there a specific reason you do not wish for me to visit with your daughter?"
"No, Your Highness. It is just my daughter has the unpacking to do."
"Surely that is what you have your maids for," Konner stated with disbelief.
"Why waste the time of a maid when my daughter will do just fine? I have more important tasks for my maids to handle."
"Because your Prince wishes to spend time with Aalyssa. I also wish to know the reasons behind her disappearances, if you so please."
Lady Wilhelmina looked at him, puzzled. "Disappearances? Oh, she occasionally comes to her senses and finds herself embarrassed by her foolish actions. During those rare times, Aalyssa retreats into hiding. If you will excuse me now, Your Highness, I will ask one of the maids to unpack so my daughter can foolishly waste her time trying to charm you."
Wilhelmina lifted her skirts and walked away, leaving a confused Konner standing in her wake. Konner cleared his mind and walked back over to Aalyssa. "Come love, let us walk in the gardens."
"But Mother..." Aalyssa began then let her voice trail off.
Konner caught a glimpse of a frightened look in her eyes before she quickly changed it to worried. "Has been told you are spending time with me. What are you frightened of, love?" Konner asked, searching her eyes with his.
"Frightened?" Aalyssa tried to cover. "If I am frightened it is due to these uncertain times and what we are facing. No one knows what to expect or what will happen."
He could tell Aalyssa was lying to him, keeping her eyes averted from his. Konner placed his finger under her chin and tilted Aalyssa's head up. "Do not lie to me, Lys. We have known one another for far too long."
"I am...I can not tell you, Konner."
Konner could see the heartbreak and fear looming in her eyes and decided not to push her. 'I will push Legolas this evening.' Konner took Aalyssa's arm and led her through the trellis entrance and made their way to a cement bench among the multi-colored blooms. He wrapped his arm around Aalyssa and pulled her close to him.
"I wish..." Aalyssa sighed.
"What do you wish?"
"Just that things could be different. That everything could be this simple."
Konner kissed Aalyssa on the forehead and continued to hold her.
The wind kicked up and Konner felt Aalyssa shiver despite the warmth of his arms. "Why do you have no cloak on?" he asked as he pulled his own off and wrapped it around her.
"I do not...I did not know I would need one. I did not realize it was this chilly. Unusual for this time of the year."
"Yes, I suppose it is," Konner agreed, fastening the lace of the cloak around her neck to hold it in place. "Shall we walk some more? Perhaps that will warm you some."
Aalyssa nodded and took Konner's hand, allowing him to help her to her feet. "Every year it seems the Rivendell gardens are more beautiful."
"Just like you," Konner whispered, kissing her on the neck.
The couple were growing close to the maze, deep in the heart of the gardens, when Konner heard a shout of "Master Konner!"
He sighed, recognizing the voice of Donlugan, Konner's manservant.
Donlugan quickly found the couple and skidded to a stop. "Begging your pardon, Master Konner."
"Yes, Donlugan?" Konner asked, exasperation lacing his tone.
"Your father wishes your presence back at the villa. The Erinanna Royal Family has arrived, and the King and Queen wishes introductions to be made."
"I am sorry, Aalyssa," Konner said softly into her ear.
"I understand. Your duty calls."
"May I escort you to dinner, love?"
Aalyssa nodded as she turned to return to the villa also.
"May I walk you to your destination, love?"
"That is all right, Konner. I will just go to the weaving room and find Marissa and let her know I am here. But first I must put these lovely flowers in some water in my room."
Konner took Aalyssa's hand. "Your chamber and the weaving room then."
Aalyssa smiled up at him as they quietly walked back to the villa.
"Wait out here," Aalyssa told him outside the door to her parents' chamber. She slipped inside and grabbed a vase, filling it with water. Aalyssa entered the maid's section which was her room and placed the vase on her night stand and smiled. She looked both ways to make certain she was still alone and slipped back out into the hall with Konner. "All right, now to the weaving room."
The couple entered the passageway to the weaving room. Outside the doorway, Konner kissed her softly. "Until dinner, love."
"Until dinner, Konner," Aalyssa answered before slipping into the room.
"Aalyssa!" Marissa called out from across the room. She jumped from her chair and met her cousin halfway. Marissa enveloped Aalyssa in a hug. "You made it," Marissa said as she smirked over Aalyssa's shoulder.
"Yes, I did," Aalyssa confirmed. "You look lovely, Marissa." Aalyssa took in the fine linen white maiden dress trimmed with gold.
"This is the year we find our destinies, Aalyssa. Is it not exciting?"
"I suppose so," Aalyssa mumbled as she took the empty seat next to Marissa's.
"What is wrong?"
"There is only one destiny I desire. I still do not know if it is to be mine, nor if Mother will allow it."
"I saw you in the garden with Konner," Marissa whispered loudly. "It is probably a definite, although..."
"Although what?"
"Has he met the Princess from Forlindon yet?"
"He was on his way to join his family in greeting the family. Why?" Aalyssa asked, narrowing her eyes.
"Follow me," Marissa beckoned Aalyssa to a window overlooking the training field. "See that person there?" she asked, pointing to a slight form wearing a tight tunic and leggings.
Aalyssa followed her cousin's line of sight. "Yes."
"That is the Princess. All of the men, attached and unattached, have gone wild for her."
"Oh stars," Aalyssa mumbled as her eyes saw Konner speaking with the Princess. She looked down at her plain white low-quality silk dress, trimmed with grosgrain ribbon. "I can not...I can not win against that. Especially since she is a princess."
"Take heart, cousin. It does not appear she has any interest in Konner."
"And I have no desire to be second choice, Marissa."
"Konner may roam, but he always returns to you," Marissa replied, a bitter tone underlining her words.
Aalyssa looked at her cousin and best friend oddly, but ignored the tone. "Who are you setting your sights on?"
"I may need a little help with that, Aalyssa."
"Why?" Aalyssa asked with surprise. Marissa never had any trouble attracting men.
"The trouble is, the Princess is grabbing the attention of all of the men. She may choose the man that I desire. Unless she takes Konner," Marissa said, smiling slyly at Aalyssa. "Because you are right, those dresses are nothing compared to that skin tight leather."
"Somehow we must make her unattractive to them," Aalyssa whispered, thinking out loud.
"How? How can we do that, Aalyssa?"
"We tell everyone she will sleep with any man who looks her way, that she is sleeping with Legolas. The very idea, dressing as no lady should just to get an unfair advantage at court."
"Are you sure about this??
"I have to do whatever I can not to lose Konner. He is all I have ever wanted, Marissa." Aalyssa turned from the window and returned to her seat at the loom.
"Even if you are not Queen material?" Marissa mumbled under her breath.
Aalyssa looked in the direction of her cousin, startled by the evil look in her cousin's eye. When she made eye contact with Marissa, Aalyssa watched her whole facial expression change to one of pure innocence.
"So, Aalyssa," Marissa began as she sat back down and picked up some yarn. "Would you like to borrow a dress for dinner tonight?"
Lady Imeranian coughed lightly and smiled patronizingly at Aalyssa.
In a quieter tone, Aalyssa said, "Hush. Thank you for the offer but did you have to ask so loudly?" Aalyssa could tell Lady Imeranian and her cohorts were making a note of Marissa's query for later.
"Sorry," Marissa uttered. "If I had known you would be embarrassed by my offer, I would not have offered," Marissa continued in her normal voice.
Lady Wilhelmina swept into the room, the skirts of her silver trimmed red gown swishing around her legs. She looked down her nose at the gathered ladies, her eyes coming to a rest on Aalyssa. "A word outside, if you please, Aalyssa."
Aalyssa fought the urge to cringe as she stood. "Yes, Mother." She followed her mother out into the hallway. Wilhelmina grabbed her daughter's left ear, pinching the lobe hard. Aalyssa heard her mother laugh when she cried out in pain.
"What are you doing in the weaving room? I only allowed you to skip unpacking to remain with Prince Konner."
"Konner got called away, Mother," Aalyssa began to explain.
"Then you should have come to our chambers to relieve Merrybelle from all of that strenuous unpacking. You had no permission to come up here and socialize."
"I am sorry, Mother," Aalyssa whispered, lowering her head.
"Poor Merrybelle is woefully overworked as it is without doing your tasks. Get down there and finish the unpacking."
"Yes Mother. Just let me tell Marissa where..."
"I will tell Lady Marissa where you have gone. Go."
"Yes, Mother," Aalyssa mumbled, keeping her eyes lowered to the floor.
Aalyssa's left hand went up to her ear, partly to hide the redness she knew would be obvious there, and partly to rub it, hoping to rid herself of the soreness. She went up the stairs and headed down the hall toward her family's chamber.
Her eyes aimed toward the floor, Aalyssa was not aware of anyone in her path until she collided with Queen Laure of Mirkwood. Aalyssa looked up, startled. "Oh, Your Majesty," she stammered, delicately curtsying at the same time. "I am so sorry."
"It is all right, Aalyssa. How are you today?"
"I am well, thank you."
"My son tells me you will be joining the family for dinner this evening."
"If it pleases Your Majesty, yes I will be."
"It pleases me very much." Laure smiled at the young woman. "I understand there is to be dancing tonight also, which is unusual. Have you a dress with you for such a fete?"
Panic settled in Aalyssa's eyes. "No, I am sorry, I do not. I was not expecting dancing. In that case, would you please give Konner my regrets that I can not..."
"Why do you not let me take you to the dressmaker and acquire you one?"
"I could not ask such a thing, Your Majesty."
"Just think of it as a gift for a lovely young lady who spent so much time under my roof, sometimes I forgot she was not mine."
Aalyssa smiled shyly at the Queen. "Let me just...Oh, I can not. Mother wishes for me to relieve Merrybelle of the unpacking."
Laure stared at Aalyssa in confusion then waved Elspeth over. She quietly instructed the young maid to assist Merrybelle. Then Laure reached out and took Aalyssa's hand. "Come, dearest."
The two women went back down the stairs and Laure headed for the weaving room. "Wait out here, dearest." Laure looked at Aalyssa and caught sight of the reddening on her earlobe. "What happened to your ear, dearest?"
"Hmm? Oh, something must have bitten me when I was outside."
Laure looked at her skeptically before entering the weaving room. She approached Wilhelmina and pulled up a chair next to her. In a low voice, Laure spoke. "I just wanted to tell you I am taking Aalyssa shopping. My maid is assisting yours," she hissed in her best friend's ear. "And you will not treat Aalyssa so again." Laure stood and stared at the lady.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Wilhelmina uttered. She watched Laure walk away, a plot forming in her mind. Wilhelmina turned to her niece. "We must dispose of Aalyssa. Obviously the Queen is favoring her for some unknown reason."
Marissa nodded in agreement. "I shall increase spreading seeds of doubt in Aalyssa's mind where Konner is concerned. I shall also put some moves on Konner. He is a playboy, he will not resist my charms."
Wilhelmina smiled at her niece. "Excellent. And the first wrong move Aalyssa makes, and we all know she will make a wrong move, Robero and I will strip her of her title and banish Aalyssa."
"Hopefully somewhere Konner will not find her," Marissa said, her eyes gleaming with expectation.
"Oh yes. It is just a matter of finding someone willing to take her there. She will be dead before the morning, where she will be going.
Laure and Aalyssa walked quietly to the dressmaker. "Aalyssa? Honey, will you tell me what is wrong?"
"Nothing, Your Majesty, thank you," Aalyssa answered, taken aback by the Queen's sudden interest in her.
Laure stopped walking and turned to face Aalyssa. "Why will you not come to me with whatever the problem is?"
"Because it is not important enough to be a problem or bother you with it."
"Dearest Aalyssa," Laure began.
Aalyssa involuntarily flinched when Laure gently laid her hand on her cheek, then relaxed. "I am fine, Your Majesty. Thank you." Aalyssa began walking again, hearing Laure following then pulling to her side.
The two women entered the dressmaker and headed for the more formal gown section. Laure pulled out a sky blue dress with midnight blue trim. "This will accent your eyes, Aalyssa," she commented, holding the dress up next to Aalyssa."
"It is lovely, but perhaps this would suit me better," Aalyssa commented, holding up a plain white dress with a bluish tint to it.
"Nonsense. You will look like a Princess in this."
"But Your Majesty, I am no Princess."
Aalyssa grew nervous when Laure favored her with a bright smile before carrying the dress over to pay for it. 'I wonder what she is up to and why she is being so nice and caring all of a sudden.'
Laure spoke quietly to the shop clerk, acquiring some matching blue ribbons to go with the dress. The Queen tucked the parcel under her arm and took Aalyssa's hand. "Come dearest. You can get ready in my chamber."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Aalyssa said softly. Aalyssa followed Laure back to the villa.
Donlugan met her in the hall as he carried Konner's freshly pressed dinner clothing to his chamber.
"Donlugan."
The manservant stopped in his tracks and turned. "Yes, Your Majesty?"
"Make sure Prince Konner wears something with this color blue in it to dinner and advise him he will be picking up Lady Aalyssa in my chamber."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Donlugan said, bowing to the Queen. "My Lady," he said to Aalyssa before continuing to Konner's chamber to select another outfit.
Aalyssa was in awe as she entered Laure's chamber, noticing the flowers scattered throughout. The Queen had scattered personal effects throughout the room, giving the chamber a feeling of home, not cold and unfeeling like her parents' chamber.
Elspeth slipped in the door and Laure shooed Aalyssa to the bathing room.
"Begging your pardon, Your Majesty," Elspeth said quietly.
"Yes, Elspeth?"
"I do not understand the situation with Lady Aalyssa's family. For one thing, Lady Aalyssa has hardly any clothing, most of which are worse than my own."
Laure looked at her maid with interest, motioning her to the loveseat. "What else?"
"Merrybelle was not very forthcoming, but I get the feeling Lady Aalyssa is not treated particularly well."
Laure nodded, glancing in the direction of the bathing room. "Did you notice her reddened earlobe?"
"I did, Your Majesty."
"I will order an eye kept on the Skyclouds, as I will also watch them. Neither Aalyssa nor Legolas have ever brought anything to my attention, although I have long suspected something being amiss. Elspeth," Laure paused as she unwrapped the package. "This dress is for Lady Aalyssa to wear tonight. I also bought some ribbons...do you have any ideas what to do with them in her hair? I want her to look like a princess tonight."
"Oh yes, Your Majesty, I know exactly what I can do with the ribbons."
"Very good then. She should be done her bathing soon, I would like for you to assist her in getting ready."
Konner knocked on the door to his mother's chamber. He smiled when Elspeth opened it and motioned him inside. "Is Lady Aalyssa ready, Elspeth?"
"Yes, Your Highness, she is. Let me just tell her you are here."
Laure came from her bedroom and smiled at her oldest son. "Good evening, Konner."
"Mother," he greeted, walking over to kiss Laure on the cheek.
Aalyssa came from the other bedroom and Konner's breath caught in his throat. The blue dress flowed over her body, accentuating her curves, the midnight blue trim matching her eyes. Blue ribbons which matched the two colors of her dress were braided into her hair. "Aalyssa, you look beautiful, love," Konner whispered as he walked over to take her hand.
"Thank you, Konner," she said shyly.
"I am going to be the envy of all of the men at dinner, having the most beautiful woman in Rivendell on my arm," he continued, tucking her hand around his arm. "We will see you downstairs, Mother."
"Of course, darling," Laure said with a smile.
As they made their way to the hall, Aalyssa asked apprehensively, "So, how are the people from Forlindon?"
"Oh, they are very pleasant. Most unlike anyone you would meet in court. The one daughter, Iladori, works with the Royal Guard."
"Is she nice?"
"She is, well, she is not an easy person to get to know I am afraid. She has the most beautiful eyes though," Konner added absently.
"I see," Aalyssa said quietly.
"But enough about Princess Iladori. I do not remember the last time I saw you wear such a beautiful dress."
Aalyssa shrugged as they entered the hall.
Konner looked at her oddly, concerned about her sudden silence, and guided her to his family's table. He pulled one of the chairs out for her, sliding it back in as she sat down. Konner took his own seat next to her and wrapped his hand around hers. "Is something wrong, love?"
Aalyssa shook her head. "No, it is not."
"Aalyssa, what are you trying to..." Konner was cut off by the arrival of Thranduil and Laure. "Father, Mother," he greeted, getting to his feet to bow to them.
"Son," Thranduil returned. "Aalyssa, how are you this evening, lovely?"
"Fine, Your Majesty, thank you."
Konner's hand went up Aalyssa's back to play with her hair. "I like these ribbons, love." He saw a sad look in Aalyssa's eyes when she turned to smile at him. He leaned close to her and whispered in her ear, "What is wrong? What are you hiding?"
"Nothing, I have told you nothing is wrong."
He knew he needed to speak to Legolas, but so far Konner had seen no sign of his younger brother. "Father, where is Legolas?"
"He is dining with the Forlindon family tonight, Konner. Why?"
"I needed to speak with him about something. It can wait until later tonight."
Thranduil nodded. "I wish for you to spend time with the family tomorrow, during the day at least, Konner."
"Yes Father." Konner heard a sad sigh escape Aalyssa and he eyed her with concern. Konner was about to whisper something to her when the waiters arrived with the salad and soup course. He tightened his hand around hers and smiled warmly at Aalyssa before they began to eat. Konner glanced toward the Forlindon table and saw Legolas laughing at something that had happened. 'I wish we could be freer and more open like that.'
When the music began, Konner stood and took Aalyssa's hand. "May I have this dance, my lady?"
"Of course, my Prince," Aalyssa smiled.
Konner led her to the dance floor, and wrapped one arm around her waist, the other taking Aalyssa's hand. He felt Aalyssa's small hand resting on his shoulder and Konner smiled down at her. "I must choose my Queen this year, Lys."
"I know," Aalyssa said softly.
"I believe I have made my decision, but I need to discuss it with father tomorrow evening."
Aalyssa looked up at him. "Just remember, it is a long time to be married to someone you do not love."
"I am sure that I love her."
Aalyssa nodded before laying her head on Konner's shoulder. 'I will not give up hope. Not yet, not before an announcement is made. But if it were me, he would not have said her, he would have said you.' Aalyssa willed herself not to cry and show Konner how hurt she was feeling. "Konner, I am not feeling particularly well. I think I shall go to my chamber."
He placed his finger under her chin and tilted Aalyssa's face up to him. "What is wrong?"
"Just an upset stomach, that is all. I will see you sometime tomorrow, I suppose."
"Aalyssa, let me walk you to your chamber."
"I do not wish to take you away from the party, Konner. You stay and have fun." Aalyssa glanced in the direction of the Forlindon family. "Maybe the Princess will dance with you," Aalyssa mumbled, feeling the sting of tears in her eyes and she turned to leave the room.
Konner started after Aalyssa catching up with her in the hallway. He grabbed her wrist, turning her to face him. "What is wrong, Lys?"
"Nothing Konner. I told you, I do not feel well."
"Then why are you crying, Lys? Please, talk to me."
"It is the acceptance of my reality, Konner."
"What are you talking about, Lys?"
"I can not do this anymore. I can not."
"Do what?"
"I can not go on being your play toy, to be taken out and played with when you are in the mood to play. I want...I want what you do not seem to want to give me," Aalyssa stated, pulling her hand from his and running back to her chamber.
"Aalyssa!" Konner called out after her. He walked quickly over to her when she stopped, tears pouring down her face. "I do not think of you that way, Aalyssa."
"What is wrong with me that no one wants me?" Aalyssa asked, feeling her heart breaking deep within her.
"There is nothing wrong with you. You are beautiful and sweet and kind. Why do you think no one wants you?"
Aalyssa took a deep breath. "It is nothing, Konner. I will be fine, do not worry. I am sure your life will be very happy and fulfilling."
"Without you it will not be," Konner admitted. "I am going to speak to Father tomorrow about asking for your hand." Konner dropped down to his knees. "Aalyssa, will you marry me and do me the honor of being my Queen?"
"I did not push you into this, did I?"
"No, Aalyssa. I had already decided earlier, I told you that."
"Yes, Konner, I will be your Queen. If...if my father permits it."
"Why would he not?" Konner asked.
Aalyssa shrugged, "I do not know. But one just never knows, do they?"
"I will speak to Father and your father tomorrow, I promise. Now, do you feel well enough to return? I wish to spend the evening dancing with my beautiful wife to be."
She nodded silently and wiped the tears from her eyes. "Yes, Konner."
Marissa moved from the shadows where she had hidden when Aalyssa had run out and re-entered the hall unnoticed. She approached her aunt and uncle's table and sat down with them. "Prince Konner is going to ask for Aalyssa's hand tomorrow."
"I shall strive to be unavailable to speak with him tomorrow," Lord Robero announced. "Do not worry, little niece, she will not take your rightful place."
It was late when Konner walked Aalyssa to her chamber, they having been one of the last few remaining couples at the dance. "I will see you in the afternoon, love," Konner whispered softly in her ear."
"All right. Good night, Konner."
Konner pressed his lips to hers and kissed Aalyssa softly. "Until then."
"Until then," Aalyssa whispered against Konner's lips, returning his kiss.
She slipped into the chamber, startled to find her mother in the sitting room area. "Mother. I expected you would be abed."
"I am sure you did." Wilhelmina stood and walked over to her daughter. "Look at you, trying so hard to be something you are not. And why are you so late?"
"Konner and I just left the dance, Mother." Aalyssa lifted her skirt and made for her small area.
"You will return that dress tomorrow. It does absolutely nothing for you and I am highly embarrassed that you allowed the Queen of all people to purchase it for you."
"I tried to defer, but the Queen insisted, saying it was a gift. She will be very hurt if I return it. And Konner said..."
"Think you that I care what that young whelp had to say? Princes marry princesses, my dear. And you are certainly no princess. He may tell you he wants to wed you, but his parents are going to insist on a princess."
"You are wrong, Mother. Konner and Legolas were both raised that they would marry for love and settle for nothing less."
"And you really believe the crown prince loves you?" Wilhelmina laughed. "Such lofty ideas for such a piece of nothing. Get yourself to bed. I trust you will be spending the day with your cousin tomorrow."
"Yes, Mother," Aalyssa mumbled, going through the doorway to her little alcove. Lighting the candle next to the bed, Aalyssa asked "Where are my flowers?"
"That bouquet of weeds? I tossed them out with the garbage."
"You had no right," Aalyssa stated, coming from the alcove with her hands on her hips. "They were mine."
"They were stinking up the chamber."
"They...they...Do not ever touch anything of mine again, Mother."
"You have nothing," Wilhelmina said, advancing on her daughter. "Everything you use, wear or eat is ours."
"The flowers were not yours."
"The vase was," Wilhelmina answered, a smug smile on her face. "If you know what is good for you, you will stop arguing and go to bed right now, Aalyssa."
"Actually, Mother, the vase was Lord Elrond's, not yours."
Rage crossed Wilhelmina's face as she backhanded Aalyssa. "Always so insolent. It will desist. You will never find a husband if you do not change."
Aalyssa stared at her mother for a minute before going into the alcove and changing from the gown into her nightshirt. She folded the dress carefully and put it in the secret hiding place she had found the last trip to Rivendell. Aalyssa carefully removed the ribbons from her hair and placed them with the gown. She crawled into the bed and hugged the one pillow to her, letting her tears flow. 'Konner, please, do not be lying to me about this. It is all I have ever wanted, to be your wife.'
CHAPTER ONE
BY DRAGONWIND
Disclaimer: Only Konner, Aalyssa, Rodero, Wilhelmina, Udar, Donlugan, Elspeth, Marissa, the Forlindon family and unrecognized baddies belong to me. Everyone else belongs to Tolkein. Don't sue, unless you'd like to take over my bills (that's all I have)
Prince Konner Greenleaf of Mirkwood stood at the gate of Rivendell, waiting for Lady Aalyssa and her family to arrive for the council and court session. He clutched the stems of the bouquet of mixed flowers he held, Konner's body tense with anticipation. He wondered anxiously if she would be with her family in Rivendell, as she had disappeared from sight before Konner had left Mirkwood. Konner had asked his brother, Legolas, about Aalyssa's disappearances, but had received no answer. Legolas and Aalyssa had grown up with one another and were very close. 'Legolas is so evasive about the situation, just tells me there are things I do not know. Of course I do not know when neither of them will tell me.'
Konner leaned back against the rough wall surrounding Rivendell, the breeze blowing his unruly short blond hair. Before leaving Mirkwood, his parents had informed him the time had come. He must select his Queen or forfeit his birthright of inheriting the throne. 'Mother is anxious to begin training the new queen.' A sigh escaped Konner. 'I share something special with Aalyssa, but is it love? I do not want a marriage without love, and I am not sure what I am feeling for Aalyssa is love.'
Hoofbeats stopping several yards away from him brought his attention back to his surroundings. Konner's blue eyes brightened with hope as he recognized the Skycloud's carriage. He held his breath as the footman opened the carriage door, releasing it when Aalyssa climbed gracefully from the conveyance.
Anxious but unwilling to show it, Konner briskly walked over to Aalyssa and took her hand. "My lady," he greeted her, lifting her hand to his lips for a kiss. Konner straightened and handed her the flowers, watching her eyes light up with pleasure. "I know they are not as lovely as you, but it was the best I had to work with."
"Prince Konner, you are such a flatterer," Aalyssa giggled, taking the flowers and inhaling their scent. "They are lovely, thank you, Your Highness," she added after looking over her shoulder.
Konner blinked at Aalyssa's sudden formality, then noticed her mother, Lady Wilhelmina, glaring disapprovingly at her. "Is something wrong, love?" he asked Aalyssa, caressing her cheek with his hand.
"No more than the usual, Your Highness," Aalyssa whispered softly, her eyes darting between Konner and her mother.
"Do not move," Konner said, squeezing Aalyssa's hand gently. "I will be right back." He walked over to Lady Wilhelmina. "My pardon, my lady."
"Yes, Your Highness?" Lady Wilhelmina asked stiffly as she curtsied.
"Is there a specific reason you do not wish for me to visit with your daughter?"
"No, Your Highness. It is just my daughter has the unpacking to do."
"Surely that is what you have your maids for," Konner stated with disbelief.
"Why waste the time of a maid when my daughter will do just fine? I have more important tasks for my maids to handle."
"Because your Prince wishes to spend time with Aalyssa. I also wish to know the reasons behind her disappearances, if you so please."
Lady Wilhelmina looked at him, puzzled. "Disappearances? Oh, she occasionally comes to her senses and finds herself embarrassed by her foolish actions. During those rare times, Aalyssa retreats into hiding. If you will excuse me now, Your Highness, I will ask one of the maids to unpack so my daughter can foolishly waste her time trying to charm you."
Wilhelmina lifted her skirts and walked away, leaving a confused Konner standing in her wake. Konner cleared his mind and walked back over to Aalyssa. "Come love, let us walk in the gardens."
"But Mother..." Aalyssa began then let her voice trail off.
Konner caught a glimpse of a frightened look in her eyes before she quickly changed it to worried. "Has been told you are spending time with me. What are you frightened of, love?" Konner asked, searching her eyes with his.
"Frightened?" Aalyssa tried to cover. "If I am frightened it is due to these uncertain times and what we are facing. No one knows what to expect or what will happen."
He could tell Aalyssa was lying to him, keeping her eyes averted from his. Konner placed his finger under her chin and tilted Aalyssa's head up. "Do not lie to me, Lys. We have known one another for far too long."
"I am...I can not tell you, Konner."
Konner could see the heartbreak and fear looming in her eyes and decided not to push her. 'I will push Legolas this evening.' Konner took Aalyssa's arm and led her through the trellis entrance and made their way to a cement bench among the multi-colored blooms. He wrapped his arm around Aalyssa and pulled her close to him.
"I wish..." Aalyssa sighed.
"What do you wish?"
"Just that things could be different. That everything could be this simple."
Konner kissed Aalyssa on the forehead and continued to hold her.
The wind kicked up and Konner felt Aalyssa shiver despite the warmth of his arms. "Why do you have no cloak on?" he asked as he pulled his own off and wrapped it around her.
"I do not...I did not know I would need one. I did not realize it was this chilly. Unusual for this time of the year."
"Yes, I suppose it is," Konner agreed, fastening the lace of the cloak around her neck to hold it in place. "Shall we walk some more? Perhaps that will warm you some."
Aalyssa nodded and took Konner's hand, allowing him to help her to her feet. "Every year it seems the Rivendell gardens are more beautiful."
"Just like you," Konner whispered, kissing her on the neck.
The couple were growing close to the maze, deep in the heart of the gardens, when Konner heard a shout of "Master Konner!"
He sighed, recognizing the voice of Donlugan, Konner's manservant.
Donlugan quickly found the couple and skidded to a stop. "Begging your pardon, Master Konner."
"Yes, Donlugan?" Konner asked, exasperation lacing his tone.
"Your father wishes your presence back at the villa. The Erinanna Royal Family has arrived, and the King and Queen wishes introductions to be made."
"I am sorry, Aalyssa," Konner said softly into her ear.
"I understand. Your duty calls."
"May I escort you to dinner, love?"
Aalyssa nodded as she turned to return to the villa also.
"May I walk you to your destination, love?"
"That is all right, Konner. I will just go to the weaving room and find Marissa and let her know I am here. But first I must put these lovely flowers in some water in my room."
Konner took Aalyssa's hand. "Your chamber and the weaving room then."
Aalyssa smiled up at him as they quietly walked back to the villa.
"Wait out here," Aalyssa told him outside the door to her parents' chamber. She slipped inside and grabbed a vase, filling it with water. Aalyssa entered the maid's section which was her room and placed the vase on her night stand and smiled. She looked both ways to make certain she was still alone and slipped back out into the hall with Konner. "All right, now to the weaving room."
The couple entered the passageway to the weaving room. Outside the doorway, Konner kissed her softly. "Until dinner, love."
"Until dinner, Konner," Aalyssa answered before slipping into the room.
"Aalyssa!" Marissa called out from across the room. She jumped from her chair and met her cousin halfway. Marissa enveloped Aalyssa in a hug. "You made it," Marissa said as she smirked over Aalyssa's shoulder.
"Yes, I did," Aalyssa confirmed. "You look lovely, Marissa." Aalyssa took in the fine linen white maiden dress trimmed with gold.
"This is the year we find our destinies, Aalyssa. Is it not exciting?"
"I suppose so," Aalyssa mumbled as she took the empty seat next to Marissa's.
"What is wrong?"
"There is only one destiny I desire. I still do not know if it is to be mine, nor if Mother will allow it."
"I saw you in the garden with Konner," Marissa whispered loudly. "It is probably a definite, although..."
"Although what?"
"Has he met the Princess from Forlindon yet?"
"He was on his way to join his family in greeting the family. Why?" Aalyssa asked, narrowing her eyes.
"Follow me," Marissa beckoned Aalyssa to a window overlooking the training field. "See that person there?" she asked, pointing to a slight form wearing a tight tunic and leggings.
Aalyssa followed her cousin's line of sight. "Yes."
"That is the Princess. All of the men, attached and unattached, have gone wild for her."
"Oh stars," Aalyssa mumbled as her eyes saw Konner speaking with the Princess. She looked down at her plain white low-quality silk dress, trimmed with grosgrain ribbon. "I can not...I can not win against that. Especially since she is a princess."
"Take heart, cousin. It does not appear she has any interest in Konner."
"And I have no desire to be second choice, Marissa."
"Konner may roam, but he always returns to you," Marissa replied, a bitter tone underlining her words.
Aalyssa looked at her cousin and best friend oddly, but ignored the tone. "Who are you setting your sights on?"
"I may need a little help with that, Aalyssa."
"Why?" Aalyssa asked with surprise. Marissa never had any trouble attracting men.
"The trouble is, the Princess is grabbing the attention of all of the men. She may choose the man that I desire. Unless she takes Konner," Marissa said, smiling slyly at Aalyssa. "Because you are right, those dresses are nothing compared to that skin tight leather."
"Somehow we must make her unattractive to them," Aalyssa whispered, thinking out loud.
"How? How can we do that, Aalyssa?"
"We tell everyone she will sleep with any man who looks her way, that she is sleeping with Legolas. The very idea, dressing as no lady should just to get an unfair advantage at court."
"Are you sure about this??
"I have to do whatever I can not to lose Konner. He is all I have ever wanted, Marissa." Aalyssa turned from the window and returned to her seat at the loom.
"Even if you are not Queen material?" Marissa mumbled under her breath.
Aalyssa looked in the direction of her cousin, startled by the evil look in her cousin's eye. When she made eye contact with Marissa, Aalyssa watched her whole facial expression change to one of pure innocence.
"So, Aalyssa," Marissa began as she sat back down and picked up some yarn. "Would you like to borrow a dress for dinner tonight?"
Lady Imeranian coughed lightly and smiled patronizingly at Aalyssa.
In a quieter tone, Aalyssa said, "Hush. Thank you for the offer but did you have to ask so loudly?" Aalyssa could tell Lady Imeranian and her cohorts were making a note of Marissa's query for later.
"Sorry," Marissa uttered. "If I had known you would be embarrassed by my offer, I would not have offered," Marissa continued in her normal voice.
Lady Wilhelmina swept into the room, the skirts of her silver trimmed red gown swishing around her legs. She looked down her nose at the gathered ladies, her eyes coming to a rest on Aalyssa. "A word outside, if you please, Aalyssa."
Aalyssa fought the urge to cringe as she stood. "Yes, Mother." She followed her mother out into the hallway. Wilhelmina grabbed her daughter's left ear, pinching the lobe hard. Aalyssa heard her mother laugh when she cried out in pain.
"What are you doing in the weaving room? I only allowed you to skip unpacking to remain with Prince Konner."
"Konner got called away, Mother," Aalyssa began to explain.
"Then you should have come to our chambers to relieve Merrybelle from all of that strenuous unpacking. You had no permission to come up here and socialize."
"I am sorry, Mother," Aalyssa whispered, lowering her head.
"Poor Merrybelle is woefully overworked as it is without doing your tasks. Get down there and finish the unpacking."
"Yes Mother. Just let me tell Marissa where..."
"I will tell Lady Marissa where you have gone. Go."
"Yes, Mother," Aalyssa mumbled, keeping her eyes lowered to the floor.
Aalyssa's left hand went up to her ear, partly to hide the redness she knew would be obvious there, and partly to rub it, hoping to rid herself of the soreness. She went up the stairs and headed down the hall toward her family's chamber.
Her eyes aimed toward the floor, Aalyssa was not aware of anyone in her path until she collided with Queen Laure of Mirkwood. Aalyssa looked up, startled. "Oh, Your Majesty," she stammered, delicately curtsying at the same time. "I am so sorry."
"It is all right, Aalyssa. How are you today?"
"I am well, thank you."
"My son tells me you will be joining the family for dinner this evening."
"If it pleases Your Majesty, yes I will be."
"It pleases me very much." Laure smiled at the young woman. "I understand there is to be dancing tonight also, which is unusual. Have you a dress with you for such a fete?"
Panic settled in Aalyssa's eyes. "No, I am sorry, I do not. I was not expecting dancing. In that case, would you please give Konner my regrets that I can not..."
"Why do you not let me take you to the dressmaker and acquire you one?"
"I could not ask such a thing, Your Majesty."
"Just think of it as a gift for a lovely young lady who spent so much time under my roof, sometimes I forgot she was not mine."
Aalyssa smiled shyly at the Queen. "Let me just...Oh, I can not. Mother wishes for me to relieve Merrybelle of the unpacking."
Laure stared at Aalyssa in confusion then waved Elspeth over. She quietly instructed the young maid to assist Merrybelle. Then Laure reached out and took Aalyssa's hand. "Come, dearest."
The two women went back down the stairs and Laure headed for the weaving room. "Wait out here, dearest." Laure looked at Aalyssa and caught sight of the reddening on her earlobe. "What happened to your ear, dearest?"
"Hmm? Oh, something must have bitten me when I was outside."
Laure looked at her skeptically before entering the weaving room. She approached Wilhelmina and pulled up a chair next to her. In a low voice, Laure spoke. "I just wanted to tell you I am taking Aalyssa shopping. My maid is assisting yours," she hissed in her best friend's ear. "And you will not treat Aalyssa so again." Laure stood and stared at the lady.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Wilhelmina uttered. She watched Laure walk away, a plot forming in her mind. Wilhelmina turned to her niece. "We must dispose of Aalyssa. Obviously the Queen is favoring her for some unknown reason."
Marissa nodded in agreement. "I shall increase spreading seeds of doubt in Aalyssa's mind where Konner is concerned. I shall also put some moves on Konner. He is a playboy, he will not resist my charms."
Wilhelmina smiled at her niece. "Excellent. And the first wrong move Aalyssa makes, and we all know she will make a wrong move, Robero and I will strip her of her title and banish Aalyssa."
"Hopefully somewhere Konner will not find her," Marissa said, her eyes gleaming with expectation.
"Oh yes. It is just a matter of finding someone willing to take her there. She will be dead before the morning, where she will be going.
Laure and Aalyssa walked quietly to the dressmaker. "Aalyssa? Honey, will you tell me what is wrong?"
"Nothing, Your Majesty, thank you," Aalyssa answered, taken aback by the Queen's sudden interest in her.
Laure stopped walking and turned to face Aalyssa. "Why will you not come to me with whatever the problem is?"
"Because it is not important enough to be a problem or bother you with it."
"Dearest Aalyssa," Laure began.
Aalyssa involuntarily flinched when Laure gently laid her hand on her cheek, then relaxed. "I am fine, Your Majesty. Thank you." Aalyssa began walking again, hearing Laure following then pulling to her side.
The two women entered the dressmaker and headed for the more formal gown section. Laure pulled out a sky blue dress with midnight blue trim. "This will accent your eyes, Aalyssa," she commented, holding the dress up next to Aalyssa."
"It is lovely, but perhaps this would suit me better," Aalyssa commented, holding up a plain white dress with a bluish tint to it.
"Nonsense. You will look like a Princess in this."
"But Your Majesty, I am no Princess."
Aalyssa grew nervous when Laure favored her with a bright smile before carrying the dress over to pay for it. 'I wonder what she is up to and why she is being so nice and caring all of a sudden.'
Laure spoke quietly to the shop clerk, acquiring some matching blue ribbons to go with the dress. The Queen tucked the parcel under her arm and took Aalyssa's hand. "Come dearest. You can get ready in my chamber."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Aalyssa said softly. Aalyssa followed Laure back to the villa.
Donlugan met her in the hall as he carried Konner's freshly pressed dinner clothing to his chamber.
"Donlugan."
The manservant stopped in his tracks and turned. "Yes, Your Majesty?"
"Make sure Prince Konner wears something with this color blue in it to dinner and advise him he will be picking up Lady Aalyssa in my chamber."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Donlugan said, bowing to the Queen. "My Lady," he said to Aalyssa before continuing to Konner's chamber to select another outfit.
Aalyssa was in awe as she entered Laure's chamber, noticing the flowers scattered throughout. The Queen had scattered personal effects throughout the room, giving the chamber a feeling of home, not cold and unfeeling like her parents' chamber.
Elspeth slipped in the door and Laure shooed Aalyssa to the bathing room.
"Begging your pardon, Your Majesty," Elspeth said quietly.
"Yes, Elspeth?"
"I do not understand the situation with Lady Aalyssa's family. For one thing, Lady Aalyssa has hardly any clothing, most of which are worse than my own."
Laure looked at her maid with interest, motioning her to the loveseat. "What else?"
"Merrybelle was not very forthcoming, but I get the feeling Lady Aalyssa is not treated particularly well."
Laure nodded, glancing in the direction of the bathing room. "Did you notice her reddened earlobe?"
"I did, Your Majesty."
"I will order an eye kept on the Skyclouds, as I will also watch them. Neither Aalyssa nor Legolas have ever brought anything to my attention, although I have long suspected something being amiss. Elspeth," Laure paused as she unwrapped the package. "This dress is for Lady Aalyssa to wear tonight. I also bought some ribbons...do you have any ideas what to do with them in her hair? I want her to look like a princess tonight."
"Oh yes, Your Majesty, I know exactly what I can do with the ribbons."
"Very good then. She should be done her bathing soon, I would like for you to assist her in getting ready."
Konner knocked on the door to his mother's chamber. He smiled when Elspeth opened it and motioned him inside. "Is Lady Aalyssa ready, Elspeth?"
"Yes, Your Highness, she is. Let me just tell her you are here."
Laure came from her bedroom and smiled at her oldest son. "Good evening, Konner."
"Mother," he greeted, walking over to kiss Laure on the cheek.
Aalyssa came from the other bedroom and Konner's breath caught in his throat. The blue dress flowed over her body, accentuating her curves, the midnight blue trim matching her eyes. Blue ribbons which matched the two colors of her dress were braided into her hair. "Aalyssa, you look beautiful, love," Konner whispered as he walked over to take her hand.
"Thank you, Konner," she said shyly.
"I am going to be the envy of all of the men at dinner, having the most beautiful woman in Rivendell on my arm," he continued, tucking her hand around his arm. "We will see you downstairs, Mother."
"Of course, darling," Laure said with a smile.
As they made their way to the hall, Aalyssa asked apprehensively, "So, how are the people from Forlindon?"
"Oh, they are very pleasant. Most unlike anyone you would meet in court. The one daughter, Iladori, works with the Royal Guard."
"Is she nice?"
"She is, well, she is not an easy person to get to know I am afraid. She has the most beautiful eyes though," Konner added absently.
"I see," Aalyssa said quietly.
"But enough about Princess Iladori. I do not remember the last time I saw you wear such a beautiful dress."
Aalyssa shrugged as they entered the hall.
Konner looked at her oddly, concerned about her sudden silence, and guided her to his family's table. He pulled one of the chairs out for her, sliding it back in as she sat down. Konner took his own seat next to her and wrapped his hand around hers. "Is something wrong, love?"
Aalyssa shook her head. "No, it is not."
"Aalyssa, what are you trying to..." Konner was cut off by the arrival of Thranduil and Laure. "Father, Mother," he greeted, getting to his feet to bow to them.
"Son," Thranduil returned. "Aalyssa, how are you this evening, lovely?"
"Fine, Your Majesty, thank you."
Konner's hand went up Aalyssa's back to play with her hair. "I like these ribbons, love." He saw a sad look in Aalyssa's eyes when she turned to smile at him. He leaned close to her and whispered in her ear, "What is wrong? What are you hiding?"
"Nothing, I have told you nothing is wrong."
He knew he needed to speak to Legolas, but so far Konner had seen no sign of his younger brother. "Father, where is Legolas?"
"He is dining with the Forlindon family tonight, Konner. Why?"
"I needed to speak with him about something. It can wait until later tonight."
Thranduil nodded. "I wish for you to spend time with the family tomorrow, during the day at least, Konner."
"Yes Father." Konner heard a sad sigh escape Aalyssa and he eyed her with concern. Konner was about to whisper something to her when the waiters arrived with the salad and soup course. He tightened his hand around hers and smiled warmly at Aalyssa before they began to eat. Konner glanced toward the Forlindon table and saw Legolas laughing at something that had happened. 'I wish we could be freer and more open like that.'
When the music began, Konner stood and took Aalyssa's hand. "May I have this dance, my lady?"
"Of course, my Prince," Aalyssa smiled.
Konner led her to the dance floor, and wrapped one arm around her waist, the other taking Aalyssa's hand. He felt Aalyssa's small hand resting on his shoulder and Konner smiled down at her. "I must choose my Queen this year, Lys."
"I know," Aalyssa said softly.
"I believe I have made my decision, but I need to discuss it with father tomorrow evening."
Aalyssa looked up at him. "Just remember, it is a long time to be married to someone you do not love."
"I am sure that I love her."
Aalyssa nodded before laying her head on Konner's shoulder. 'I will not give up hope. Not yet, not before an announcement is made. But if it were me, he would not have said her, he would have said you.' Aalyssa willed herself not to cry and show Konner how hurt she was feeling. "Konner, I am not feeling particularly well. I think I shall go to my chamber."
He placed his finger under her chin and tilted Aalyssa's face up to him. "What is wrong?"
"Just an upset stomach, that is all. I will see you sometime tomorrow, I suppose."
"Aalyssa, let me walk you to your chamber."
"I do not wish to take you away from the party, Konner. You stay and have fun." Aalyssa glanced in the direction of the Forlindon family. "Maybe the Princess will dance with you," Aalyssa mumbled, feeling the sting of tears in her eyes and she turned to leave the room.
Konner started after Aalyssa catching up with her in the hallway. He grabbed her wrist, turning her to face him. "What is wrong, Lys?"
"Nothing Konner. I told you, I do not feel well."
"Then why are you crying, Lys? Please, talk to me."
"It is the acceptance of my reality, Konner."
"What are you talking about, Lys?"
"I can not do this anymore. I can not."
"Do what?"
"I can not go on being your play toy, to be taken out and played with when you are in the mood to play. I want...I want what you do not seem to want to give me," Aalyssa stated, pulling her hand from his and running back to her chamber.
"Aalyssa!" Konner called out after her. He walked quickly over to her when she stopped, tears pouring down her face. "I do not think of you that way, Aalyssa."
"What is wrong with me that no one wants me?" Aalyssa asked, feeling her heart breaking deep within her.
"There is nothing wrong with you. You are beautiful and sweet and kind. Why do you think no one wants you?"
Aalyssa took a deep breath. "It is nothing, Konner. I will be fine, do not worry. I am sure your life will be very happy and fulfilling."
"Without you it will not be," Konner admitted. "I am going to speak to Father tomorrow about asking for your hand." Konner dropped down to his knees. "Aalyssa, will you marry me and do me the honor of being my Queen?"
"I did not push you into this, did I?"
"No, Aalyssa. I had already decided earlier, I told you that."
"Yes, Konner, I will be your Queen. If...if my father permits it."
"Why would he not?" Konner asked.
Aalyssa shrugged, "I do not know. But one just never knows, do they?"
"I will speak to Father and your father tomorrow, I promise. Now, do you feel well enough to return? I wish to spend the evening dancing with my beautiful wife to be."
She nodded silently and wiped the tears from her eyes. "Yes, Konner."
Marissa moved from the shadows where she had hidden when Aalyssa had run out and re-entered the hall unnoticed. She approached her aunt and uncle's table and sat down with them. "Prince Konner is going to ask for Aalyssa's hand tomorrow."
"I shall strive to be unavailable to speak with him tomorrow," Lord Robero announced. "Do not worry, little niece, she will not take your rightful place."
It was late when Konner walked Aalyssa to her chamber, they having been one of the last few remaining couples at the dance. "I will see you in the afternoon, love," Konner whispered softly in her ear."
"All right. Good night, Konner."
Konner pressed his lips to hers and kissed Aalyssa softly. "Until then."
"Until then," Aalyssa whispered against Konner's lips, returning his kiss.
She slipped into the chamber, startled to find her mother in the sitting room area. "Mother. I expected you would be abed."
"I am sure you did." Wilhelmina stood and walked over to her daughter. "Look at you, trying so hard to be something you are not. And why are you so late?"
"Konner and I just left the dance, Mother." Aalyssa lifted her skirt and made for her small area.
"You will return that dress tomorrow. It does absolutely nothing for you and I am highly embarrassed that you allowed the Queen of all people to purchase it for you."
"I tried to defer, but the Queen insisted, saying it was a gift. She will be very hurt if I return it. And Konner said..."
"Think you that I care what that young whelp had to say? Princes marry princesses, my dear. And you are certainly no princess. He may tell you he wants to wed you, but his parents are going to insist on a princess."
"You are wrong, Mother. Konner and Legolas were both raised that they would marry for love and settle for nothing less."
"And you really believe the crown prince loves you?" Wilhelmina laughed. "Such lofty ideas for such a piece of nothing. Get yourself to bed. I trust you will be spending the day with your cousin tomorrow."
"Yes, Mother," Aalyssa mumbled, going through the doorway to her little alcove. Lighting the candle next to the bed, Aalyssa asked "Where are my flowers?"
"That bouquet of weeds? I tossed them out with the garbage."
"You had no right," Aalyssa stated, coming from the alcove with her hands on her hips. "They were mine."
"They were stinking up the chamber."
"They...they...Do not ever touch anything of mine again, Mother."
"You have nothing," Wilhelmina said, advancing on her daughter. "Everything you use, wear or eat is ours."
"The flowers were not yours."
"The vase was," Wilhelmina answered, a smug smile on her face. "If you know what is good for you, you will stop arguing and go to bed right now, Aalyssa."
"Actually, Mother, the vase was Lord Elrond's, not yours."
Rage crossed Wilhelmina's face as she backhanded Aalyssa. "Always so insolent. It will desist. You will never find a husband if you do not change."
Aalyssa stared at her mother for a minute before going into the alcove and changing from the gown into her nightshirt. She folded the dress carefully and put it in the secret hiding place she had found the last trip to Rivendell. Aalyssa carefully removed the ribbons from her hair and placed them with the gown. She crawled into the bed and hugged the one pillow to her, letting her tears flow. 'Konner, please, do not be lying to me about this. It is all I have ever wanted, to be your wife.'