As I pace up and down in my chamber, I hear a knock on the door. It is my father. He strides in, looking every bit the King he is. I know what he is about to say. He looks at the bad sheets. They are rumpled. He knows what has happened.
"Eden?"
I'm surprised he didn't bellow it.
"Yes, father?"
"Legolas Greenleaf just passed me I the corridor, and he was wearing a look very similar to the one on your face. I sincerely hope what I'm thinking has not just happened between you. I promised you would go to your husband, Rumar of Clothden, untouched."
My heart sings as I remember the night Legolas and I have just shared. "Father, I." What is the use? I go from great joy to great sorrow and I try to stop the tears from falling from my wet eyes.
"Yes, Eden?" he prompts, getting more irritated by the minute.
"I.I regret to tell you that we did spend the night together." But I hasten to add; "But we did not do anything you would feel ashamed of me for." Indeed, that was true. We had undressed and lain together for the whole night, gently sleeping in each other's arms. For me, the night had passed too quickly. I had wanted it to go on forever and forever.
Legolas had insisted, in elven pride and tradition, that, should I be able to travel to Valinor (which might be possible if he, a Prince, could vouch for me), we should remain celibate until we were married. I do not disagree. I wish for everything to be perfect.
"Glad to hear it," my father bellows. "Because as soon as Legolas, that fool of a took, is out of here, you are marrying Rumar, and that is that. I will see Hardane joined with Clothden before I die."
And I would rather die than marry Rumar. But I say nothing.
"And what of love, father?" I demand, every fibre in me demanding that I at least give my love for Legolas the justice it deserves. If I cannot find a way to be with him, I will be lost forever. Surely my father knows that?
"Love comes later, my child."
I knew he would say that. He cannot understand how Legolas and I feel about each other. And why not? I ask myself. He must have been in love once. He must have felt passion for my mother. How could he marry a complete stranger and be happy?
"Father?"
He comes over to me and put his hand on my cheek. "Yes, daughter?"
"Were you shocked when your father arranged a marriage for you?"
He sits down on the edge of my bed and asks me to sit next to him. I do; but I refuse to sit on his lap like I used to. Since we have disagreed about my loving Legolas, things have been strained between us.
"I was a bit surprised. But, now I see it was for the best. The Kingdoms were joined. Everything was prosperous. And now you, my only daughter." He cups my chin in his hand. "Now you can take your place as royalty. You have been born to privilege and with that comes obligations."
I hear the sound of horses' hooves outside. I rush to the window.