Ugh, not one of my better days. I have been on edge all day…sorry this wasn't up sooner. FF.net was down and I couldn't get on….
Chapter 22--Gilded Cage
Deirdre kept a tight grip on Legolas's arm as they walked down the hall. She was smiling slightly, obviously up to something.
They came to a room and Deirdre ushered him inside. Once inside Legolas looked around. The room had bookshelves on every wall as well as a large desk with parchment, quills, and ink on it. There were three comfortable-looking cushioned chairs too. "You had a fair complaint and I am not always a bitch you know," Deirdre said. She gestured to the shelves. "Help yourself. I have paperwork to do." She released his arm and sat down at the desk.
Legolas gave her a flustered look. She changed behavior so radically and often that he never knew what to expect. He decided to give it more thought later and enjoy this while it was offered. He walked over to one of the bookshelves and began looking at the titles.
Finally he found a thick book of tales and ballads. He took the book down and sat in the chair that was furthest away from her. He was soon engrossed in the book.
Deirdre glanced up and smiled slightly. It looked like it had worked, perhaps there was hope after all. She returned to her work.
It was getting dark when Deirdre put everything away. She looked over at Legolas who was still reading the book. "Legolas, it is time to go to our chamber," she said.
Legolas looked up. "This changes nothing, you realize," he said.
"I know. I just hope that I am not going to have to carry you back kicking and screaming," Deirdre said.
"I do not kick and scream. I will go back of my free will," Legolas said. He closed the book and rose to put it back.
"Bring it along. I do not mind," Deirdre said. She led the way back to the royal chambers.
The room had been cleaned and candles lit. Wine, fruit and cheese sat on the table. Vases filled with flowers had been placed everywhere adding their scents to the sitting room.
Deirdre closed the door behind them and locked it. She went over to the table and filled two goblets with wine. She handed one to Legolas. "This is excellent, one of our finest vintages. The new royal chambers are beautiful, are they not?" she remarked.
"A gilded cage is still a cage, no matter how fine," Legolas said flatly. He set the goblet down without so much as tasting the wine.
"You are hard to please," Deirdre frowned.
"I would be very pleased if I was given my freedom," Legolas returned.
"I am sorry, my golden treasure. That is the one thing that I will not give you," Deirdre said.
"Then we have nothing to say to one another," Legolas said and started to walk into the next room.
Deirdre hurled her goblet across the room and seized Legolas roughly by the shoulder. She spun him around to face her. "I have been good to you and yet you snub me. I am Queen Deirdre now and I will be obeyed!" she growled.
"Nay, you are a murderer who killed her sister for a throne. You are no queen that I will acknowledge," Legolas said defiantly.
Deirdre gripped both his shoulders tightly enough to bruise. "You are dangerously close to another whipping for your arrogance, Elf. Keep your place," she warned.
"Then whip me, but know this I will be slave to no one be they male or female. That will not change no matter what you do to me," Legolas said coldly.
Deirdre's face was reddening more with rage at each word. "You will pay for this. I will not take defiance from you, a bed slave!!" she growled.
"Bed slave am I? Well, that is the only way you will ever lay your foul hands on me!" Legolas shot back.
"My foul hands are not the worst of what will be laid on you tonight, my slave consort. I promise you that," Deirdre purred. Her voice was dangerously soft and filled with menace.
Legolas mentally prepared himself for the pain he was sure was coming at her hands. He was completely caught of guard when Deirdre released him and walked out of the room. The door locked behind her…
Oooh, this isn't good and I made a cliffy!!! Yay me!! R/R please!!!
