Chapter Four

Nevaeh ran up the two flights of stairs to her room. She couldn't believe it. It wasn't exactly every day that the Prince of Mirkwood proclaimed his love to you. In fact, it didn't happen at all.

She must have imagined it. Maybe it was a dream. Actually, maybe all of this was a dream. That had to be it. She was at home, in bed, having the worst dream of her life. When she woke up, Andolin would be there, as loving as ever.

"Nevaeh, I'm sorry. Please don't do this to me. I'm really sorry. I should have been more considerate about your husband. I shouldn't have told you. Please forgive me." She could hear from behind the door.

"Forgive you for taking me out to the courtyard, suggesting some rather naughty things, and then proclaiming your love to me?"

There was a pause.

"Maybe."

She couldn't help but laugh at this. Now he was begging forgiveness for loving her. Holy Eru, the realization struck her. He really did love her. Elves didn't lie.

"Alright, as long as you don't mention it again."

"Okay," there was another pause before he said, "may I come in now?"

"Yes," she said and unlocked the door.

Legolas swept into the room and looked like a child that had just done something really bad and gotten away with it. Strangely, it suited him. He was almost childish in a way. Even though he was very obviously a grown elf. Very obviously . . .

No, she wasn't going to think like that. That was not an option. Just because he was absolutely gorgeous, that didn't mean that she could ever have anything to do with him. No, he wasn't gorgeous! Not at all! Oh whom was she kidding? He was the most beautiful elf she had ever seen. Those brown puppy eyes made you melt into a little puddle right on the spot. Actually, they were doing that to her at the moment . . .

"What do you want Legolas?" Damned if she was going to let him do this to her.

"I don't know anymore. You confuse me, Nevaeh."

"Oh, just go and sound like a love-struck fool why don't you? For the love of Hobbits, get a backbone Legolas."

Wow. The Nevaeh that she had been but a week ago would never have even considered saying anything like that to another living elf. Let alone the Prince of Mirkwood. Andolin really had changed her. Especially with his last endeavor. And Eru help her, she would never let another elf make that much of a dramatic difference in her life again.

Legolas gulped and was more than a little speechless at her little rant. She didn't seem the type of elf to say something so powerful. He hadn't known she had had it in her to be that bold. Maybe, hopefully, she saw past his title then. Maybe, just maybe, she saw him as Legolas. Not the Prince of Mirkwood.

He gulped once more before replying with, "I shall try, Nevaeh. I shall indeed try."

She nodded in agreement as if to close the matter and said that that was good, all the while, the tips of her ears turning a brighter and brighter shade of red. Legolas turned to leave, but she interrupted him.

"Legolas, I do apologize for saying that. You're just fine the way you are."

He looked like a boy with a piece of candy being dangled in front of his face at this statement.

"Does that mean. . .?"

"No."

"Oh." And the candy was snatched way from in front of the little boy. Metaphorically speaking, that is. Nevaeh laughed inwardly at her little observation.

"What are you smiling about, Nevaeh?"

"Oh nothing. Don't worry your royal head over it."

"Alright then. Well, I guess I should be leaving. I will see you around."

"Goodbye," she said and quickly shut the door behind him.

If she wasn't careful, she was going to start tolerating him. Tolerance almost always turned into respect as a person. Respect as a person turned into liking, liking turned into companionship, and companionship would most definitely turn into love. Hadn't she already sworn never to fall in love with another elf again?

She had to admit though, Legolas was more than just and elf. He was a prince, and way beyond her reach. Which was just how it should be. She had no right to be here in Mirkwood, let alone a palace.

She wondered what the poor, shut down elf was doing now. She hadn't been the most gracious person to him.