I'm very surprised that I managed to have another chapter up so quickly but please don't get used to it. I think it's because it's the weekend and I've been grounded but classes once again on Monday so I don't know how much time I will have during the week so if I don't have another chapter up for a little while then don't be upset with me. I have also come to the conclusion that my story is somewhat of a soap opera…not surprising considering the fact that I'm sixteen…but I hate soap-operas so I dunno…it's weird…anyways. Thanks to all my reviewers. I love you all to death. I mean it. I would be nowhere without you guys **hugs**

Also I have another important announcement to make. I have taken on a beta-reader. I was very happy when she e-mailed me asking if she could be. I've never had one before so after this chapter I will start having them beta-read (if that's the right terminology) So everyone please show a lot of love to her, I will reveal her name in the following chapter which she infact will beta-read. So after another round of incessant blabbering on with the story

Secret Love, Secret Life

Chapter Three: It cannot be true

" A-Arwen." Aragorn stuttered his face paling visibly. Legolas sat frozen in place not sure what to do. Slowly Aragorn rose from his kneeling position beside the bath and took a step towards the statuesque figure. " How long have you been standing in our company?"

" Long enough." She spoke quickly sending a sidelong glance at the Prince. Legolas seemed to shrink under her gaze and submerged himself deeper under the water. Aragorn watched the exchange. "How could you? After all of our years together and you find it in you to take on with another? I thought our love was beyond any force in this world. You yourself pledged to be faithful to me, and me alone yet I find you in my father's house taking up with a young Prince?" Legolas seemed to flinch at the words and Aragorn felt his anger rise.

" And did you not promise the same things to me? I forgot to ask our father, how is Lord Glorfindel?" Aragorn asked suddenly turning to face her once more and was surprised to see color rising in the usually pallid cheeks.

" He is well I should expect." She spoke quickly once more and Aragorn could tell she had barely escaped losing her composure. " And why do you seem so concerned with Glorfindel?"

" Since you have." Legolas' eyes widened in understanding, observing the fiery look radiating between the two. Taking this time he slipped out of the tub and pulled on the silk robe that had been left for him.

" Lord Elrond wishes to see me, I must go." He said. Both Arwen and Aragorn turned to look at him.

' Would you like me to accompany you?" Aragorn asked worry flashing beneath his eyes once more. Legolas shook his head.

" No, I will be fine…" Legolas swept past the two, cautious to avoid the look Arwen sent his way. Aragorn remained standing before her quietly.

" I am truly sorry but my love for you was short-lived." He managed after a minute before leaving as well. Arwen's mouth remained a thin white line and she tossed the hair from her face.

* * * * *

" Aragorn my friend, what is upsetting you so?" Frodo questioned. The ranger had been sitting by the fire silently for a quarter of an hour and the hobbit had begun to worry about his friend.

" I am not upset Frodo…merely anxious." Frodo nodded at the reply and leaned back in his chair.

" Am I right to think that it perhaps has something to do with Legolas." During the length of the Fellowship Frodo had come to discover the true relationship between Elf and man, although he found it hard he had kept the secret to himself and since he had awoken had also become aware that Legolas was not with them, nor had he been the better part of that morning. Aragorn nodded slowly.

" Aye…he is ill." Frodo started slightly. Bilbo had been a very useful teacher and Frodo knew as well that Elves did not grow sick like other creatures.

" But how..?" His voce trailed off.

" I know not but he has spent a larger part the morning with Lord Elrond and Lady Galadriel…I have not had word yet and I worry…" Frodo nodded thoughtfully.

" Would the news that Rosie gave birth to yet another child bring you perhaps a little joy?" Aragorn smiled warmly.

" So Sam has a new edition to family? Is that why your faithful companion failed to arrive?"

" Yes indeed so…she's a beautiful little girl, resembles Eleanor as a babe…" But Frodo's account was suddenly silenced by the presence of Gandalf in the doorway.

" Well hullo Gandalf." Frodo said smiling. " Where have you been all morning?" He asked moving over to make room for his friend. The Istari smiled but shook his head at Frodo's offer.

' I'm sorry Frodo but I have been in search of Aragorn for a good ten minutes already and I must speak with him." Aragorn looked up at these words and was surprised to find an expression of amusement in the ancient eyes, though the cause he could not guess.

" Very well." Frodo answered feigning rejection. " I will sit alone by the fire…without a friend in the world…"

" You could be writing your book Master Frodo." Gandalf suggested smiling once more. " I'm sure old Bilbo would appreciate it." Frodo sighed.

" Alas…you are right once more Gandalf…I suppose I shall muster the patience for such a task and retire to my room." And with those words spoken he stood, yawning. " But perhaps a bit of a snack would be in order…" And mumbling possible choices he left the room. Gandalf smiled after the hobbit before turning to Aragorn.

" What is it you wish to speak to me about?"

" Ah…that is for Lord Elrond to disclose…I will speak of it with you afterwards." He began walking towards the door and Aragorn followed. " We will speak with he and Lady Galadriel in his chambers…I assume you wish to find out the present cause of discomfort to your dear friend Legolas." The way with which the word 'friend' was spoken stopped Aragorn in his tracks and he looked at Gandalf. Surely Legolas told them not…he would not have betrayed me so…yet why does Gandalf look at me in such a manner?

" Gandalf?"

" Come my Liege…" Gandalf simply answered. Aragorn followed him once more through the winding passages of the Elven refuge until they stood outside the door to Elrond's chamber.

" Can you give me no hint as to what-"

" No, I'm afraid not…" He pushed open the door as he spoke and gestured for Aragorn to follow. Once in the room Aragorn became immediately aware of three the three occupants. Elrond sat at his ornately carved desk, a grave look on his face and the Lady Galadriel stood by the window, a pensive expression at work behind her eyes. The third figure in the room however was the one that Aragorn most desired to see. Legolas was seated on the edge of Elrond's bed. His hair had yet to be braided and hung about his face in shining tendrils. The light from the open window caught in his deep sapphire eyes and Aragorn could sense a feeling of anticipation in his lover's gaze.

" Well Estel I have talked with Legolas. I felt it better to explain this when both were present. I'm sure the young prince is as eager as yourself." He cast a warm glance towards the blond Elf. There was a silence and Aragorn could feel Galadriel's eyes on him but he refused to look. " This has brought me both great joy and sorrow." Elrond began. " But first I believe a congratulations of sorts is in order is it not?" There was a sarcastic undertone in the Half-Elven's voice and Aragorn grew wary.

" Father…I fear I do not understand…" He said haltingly, sending Legolas a fleeting glimpse.

" My dear son…you have managed to impregnate a crowned Prince of Mirkwood…no simple feat to say the least." A stunned silence fell on the couple and Aragorn made no reply.

" Elrond surely you're mistaken." Legolas said shock showing plainly across his Elven features. "I-It cannot be possible…"

" Rare yes but not impossible." All eyes turned to Galadriel. " It has happened before."

" By the gods…Aragorn you grew up with the fair people and Legolas you in fact are one…how could you not know this was possible?" Gandalf had seated himself near the fire and was smoking his pipe.

" H-How did you come to find I was the father?" Aragorn questioned. If Legolas had no knowledge of his condition until this moment then how had they come to the conclusion?

" It's in your eyes. I could tell from the moment you sought me out this morning that you were in love and I knew it was alas not with my precious Arwen. After realizing the Prince's state it was simple logic." Legolas hung his head and Aragorn looked over at him. " As I said before." Elrond continued seemingly not to notice Legolas' sudden change in demeanor. " It brings me both joy and grief. Grief that you have betrayed my only daughter and caused her pain." Aragorn opened his mouth to protest but Elrond held his hand up in a command of silence. " But this also brings me great joy in the fact that she is now free to leave when she wills…and also in the respect that one who is dear to me as a son would be has found true love and happiness. Also the creation of an heir to Gondor will sit well with many people." Aragorn found an immense feeling of exultation fill his mind and turned to look at his partner to see if he felt the same way. But to his surprise and concern the Prince's head was downcast the unmistakable sound of a sob echoed throughout the room.

Ooh…not much of a cliffhanger. I don't know if I handled the whole Arwen thing well so any suggestions will be welcome. There will be more of her in the upcoming chapters. Probably the next one. Once again a delay in updates might be highly possible or at least if no delay then shorter (if that's possible) chapters. Thanks again to all who reviewed. Much love