Chapter Two: Breakfast With The Prince

I came to consciousness when I felt myself change. 'Dang, I must have rolled in the lake again,' I thought as I opened my eyes. Sure enough I was submerged underwater and fully clothed. I cursed lightly to myself, anticipating a day in wet clothing.

Then something caught my eye, something that wasn't quite right. Instead of the usual rock covered bottom of the lake, I was looking at the grass.

As soon as the fact registered as unusual, I felt strong hands grab me. I freaked and inhaled a large portion of water. My clothes stuck to my gills and I found myself choking. Panic swept through me. Air. Water. Anything that would give me oxygen, my mind screamed for.

I felt myself emerge from the water and be dragged to shore by the strong arms. I prayed my deformities would go unnoticed as I opened my lungs and attempted to gasp for air. But my gills were still trying to function and I felt like a fish being taken from the sea. My mind now distinctively called for water. Never in my life had I craved the water so greatly as then. I knew I would die if I did not get back in.

A mouth covered mind. 'What the heck? Who is kissing me?' But I felt a great rush of air and the water dislodge itself. I gagged it up and breathed in air, but it was the water I needed. I desperately clawed at my shirt and the strong hands aided me and ripped it.

My gills contracted and relaxed. I felt them and my webbing sink into my skin once more, becoming unseen. I opened my eyes.

I have no idea to this day who I was expecting to see, but not who my eyes met. I was startled when my eyes cleared and focused to see the elf. The same elf I had run into yesterday was leaning over me.

"Are you all right?"

I nodded, my chest still heaving and unable to speak. Grabbing my cloak I wrapped it around myself. I regained my breath and looked at him. "What were you doing?"

He looked taken aback and confused, "The lake, my lady, it flooded and you were asleep on its banks. You were swept into it and would have surely drowned."

I opened my mouth to explain that it was him who almost drowned me, but stopped when I knew of no way to not mention my abilities. I had also at that moment, realized it was raining quite hard and the elf before me was sitting on my stomach, shirtless. So there I was, underneath a half naked elf in the rain that had just tore open my shirt. I would have laughed, but I felt a little uncomfortable to say the least.

Then it dawned on my why he looked so familiar. He was the king's only son! The Prince! I laid there in shock. Then, with a smirk I did not put on my face, I thought of all the elleths' faces if they would see me right now.

I broke from my trance and looked away. "Thank you, my lord. It was foolish of me to fall asleep here. Than you, my life is indebted to you." His eyes momentarily slipped closed before she slid off me to sit on the grass.

"Formalities are unneeded, please?" I nodded and guessed by the look in his eyes he was cursing in his head. But he looked at me, smiled politely and stood, scooping me into his arms.

'All right,' I thought to myself, 'time to wake up now because I am really dreaming now,' I thought as a sound that emitted much like a squeal came from my mouth in protest.

"W-what are you doing?" I asked a bit too loud.

"Rescuing you from the rain. Is there somewhere I can take you?"

"Um, I can walk, I'll have you know," I replied, avoiding his question.

"Yes, but a woman shouldn't be required to do such a task after nearly drowning and I shall take that as a no."

He was acting too heroic for his own good and I felt very uncomfortable in his arms.

"As a woman in this city I think it is certainly required and there is somewhere you can take me."

"Oh, really?"

"Yes, here!"

He only ignored me.

I thought about how I would be swimming in the lake now if he hadn't come. Did he really save me? Would I have tried to use my gills just to have my shirt get clogged in them? Would I have not been able to free it myself?

As these questions zipped through my head, it became clearer he might have indeed saved me. I hated the fact and wished I could convince myself I would have been perfectly fine on my own.

My attention snapped back when I became aware that we entered the palace. I frowned because of the loss of the pleasure of the rain hitting my face and expected to be put down. This did not occur, however, even with the stares of the other elves we passed. The prince seemed oblivious to the fact and only stopped to ask a maid to bring me a clean dress.

"My lord, this really isn't"

He hushed me and my eyes widened as we entered his private sleeping quarters.

"I really should be going I'm fine really." He laid me on the bed and I was immediately standing. I did not know the prince well enough to know his habits and how he was around women. I felt like I was at jeopardy being in his room in the state I was.

I looked down at my clothing, still clasping the top of my shirt closed. It would have been quite scandalous but it wasn't me. My shirt was also very close to transparent. I cursed myself for letting the white and water detail slip yesterday.

It came to my attention that I was standing in his room, soaking the floor, not to mention the puddle that occupied his bed, but that wasn't my fault.

"My lord, forgive me, I am dripping wet and"

"Legolas, please, it is Legolas," he stated, turning towards me.

I wrapped my cloak tighter around me, hoping to spare him from more than he'd already seen, wait . . . what has he seen? I suddenly became very nervous, hoping he didn't see my hands, feet, or gills while I was wet.

His first name. He wanted me to call him by his first name? "If you wish, my lord," I replied without thinking.

Question filled his eyes and I looked to the floor, deciding to continue what I was trying to say before.

"I-I am perfectly able to" I was interrupted again when the maid entered the room.

"My lord," she curtsied deeply just a step into the room. Legolas nodded to her then turned to me.

"I shall await you." With those simple words, he excused himself and exited, gently shutting the door behind him.

"Good morning, my lady. I have brought you a dress by order of the prince."

"Please, I thank you for your service, but he is overreacting. I'll just go now."

I opened the door and stepped out only to see him leaning against the wall a few feet away. His wet pants clung tightly to his defined thighs and his exposed chest showed his distinct abdominal muscles and pectorals. My breath caught in my throat before I panicked and raced back into the room, shutting the door a bit too loudly and wincing before leaning back against it.

"He . . . he . . . he is . . . waiting . . . out there!" I gasped for air, my shoulders heaving as if I had run from the lake to the castle.

"Aye, my lady. He said he would."

"But shouldn't he get dressed or something?" I asked, thinking about the current state he was in and if that was appropriate for palace wear.

The maid blushed, looking at the floor before answering, "My lady, you are in his quarters."

I mentally kicked myself. But he was waiting for me? Just great.

"Fine," I caved. "I will accept to wear this dress until these dry only because"

"Pardon me for interrupting, but do you really expect to wear those here?"

"Well, yeah." What I was wearing greatly resembled the attire of what the elves would expect a thief to wear and would give the wrong impression to most of the elves in Mirkwood. Not to mention I am the only human in the settlement that I am aware of.

The maid was staring at me and I was fairly certain she was thinking along the lines of what I was. "But that's beside the point. Come, I must hurry. We must not make him wait longer than necessary . . . well necessary is not at all. . ." I paused, wondering what I had said, before realizing my hurry and grabbing the dress.

"My lady, are you in need of assistance?"

"Um, no. I can dress myself, thank you." I slipped behind the changing screen and pried my soaking clothes from my body, and they landed with a loud, squashing thump on the floor. I heard her say something and the door close.

I dried myself off and pulled the slip on. I cursed silently when I realized the laces along the spin. 'Looks like I can't get dressed on my own.'

I started attempting to tighten them myself which was quite the experience when I jumped at the feel of callused hands on my back.

"In need of assistance, my lady?" a masculine voice suddenly asked. I jumped in surprise.

I almost cursed aloud as my mind screamed and my body tensed. He didn't wait for an answer, but started gently tightening the laces. My rigid body slowly eased as his hands made their way up my back.

"Um . . . mm. . .thanks?" I said hesitantly before proceeding to quickly put the dress on over my head.

It was sleeveless and royal blue in color. Problem was, it was much too big around for me and a little long. I didn't dare say anything because this was in fact a gift even if I was just borrowing it. I silently feared it might fall off my shoulders, though. Then, I felt his hands on my back once more. I felt the dress tighten and realized, much to my disliking, there were also ties in the back.

His feather light touch tortured the sensitive skin along my spin even though both layers of clothing. Part of me begged him to stop and the other oddly wanted to lean into it.

The raging emotions continued until I felt the final knot pulled tight and his fingers remove themselves. I took a deep breath and turned, finally looking at him. His hair was drying and lay absurdly neat and unbraided. His eyes surveyed my dress then met mine. The blue radiated and I awed at how amazing they were. I had never seen eyes quite like his.

"You look beautiful, my lady," he commented, still staring into my eyes.

I found myself at a loss of words. He was still standing too close for me to think straight. So I mumbled an incoherent thank you. He smiled and stepped away, leaving me to drop my gaze to the floor and pick up my wet clothes.

"You may lay those out on the balcony to dry."

I looked outside and my brow wrinkled in thought. "My lord? It is raining."

He turned and looked as well. He hummed in thought and nodded his head, finishing, "when the rain ceases."

"Where shall they go in the mean time?"

"You may leave them there. It should not rain for long."

"I beg to differ," I blurted before I could stop myself.

He looked at me, "Pardon me?"

"I . . . I . . . b-beg to d-diff-fer," I stuttered. "I think . . . it . . . shall rain much int-to the d-day."

"What feeds your thoughts?"

"Um," started, wondering if I should lie. However, the genuine curiosity in his eyes changed my mind.. "The humidity. The air is filled with moisture and it is not only from the rain, but the heat." Realizing my comment had no relevance to his question, I changed my thoughts to focus not on the current weather, but the weather coming.. "The sky is darker for miles and the storm is just beginning to settle upon us. There, you can see the effects on the horizon. The occasional strike of lightning is growing and coming closer. If you count the time span between the thunder and lightning it lessens as time passes . . ." Suddenly feeling absurd in his gaze and my ramblings seemingly going no where, I stopped and finished childishly, "I don't know exactly. I just feel it."

He was quiet for a second, turning from the window to look at me. "That is remarkable," he whispered, looking at me in awe.

I felt my cheeks blush a bright crimson and I turned away, unable to stand his stare.

I heard him open his wardrobe and pull out a fresh tunic a minute later. I turned and watched him step behind the changing screen, throwing his wet pants over it a few seconds later.

I stilled. He was changing over there. Just that flimsy board separating me from . . . I closed my eyes and turned away.

"My lord, would you like me to leave?"

"No, please, do not. I will only be a moment.

I walked to the door, my back to him and my cheeks brighter than ever and I stood there, debating on whether I should or not. I could not believe the situation I was in.

Warm fingers met my bare shoulder and I abruptly turned.

"How many times do I need to insist you don't be so formal?"

"At least once more," I replied softly. He chuckled and extended his arm out to me.

"Would you do me the honor of escorting you to breakfast, my lady?"

Breakfast? It had been years since I had gone to the dining hall, or so it seemed. I never felt welcome there, always subjected to looks cast over shoulders and stares.

But how could I say no to the prince? I desperately wanted to get away, but had a strange feeling I'd be spending the rest of the day with him.

However, I was hungry, not having eaten since the day before last.

I slid my arm in his, looking up at him and smiled politely, "I'd love to."

Not only was I escorted to the dining hall, a seat at the head table was pulled out for me. I obediently sat, unable to object to the royal pleasures any longer.

I was aware that they had failed to give me shoes. Luckily the dress was long enough to cover my feet and not draw any additional unwanted attention. I enjoyed the feel of the cold marble under my feet and did not bring the matter up with anyone.

The prince sat between me and his father who was seated in his throne placed in the center of the room.

A plate of the finest gold was situated before me filled with the most exquisite and delicious foods I had ever seen. Mead in a matching gold goblet was placed on the table as well. I suddenly felt dirty, if I hadn't before, and unfit to touch what was placed before me. Glancing around me, I saw no one staring at me, and my presence almost unnoticed by even the king. Wearily, I picked up my napkin and folded it in my lap before grabbing the gold fork and knife. The manners I was taught as a child came back to me.

"Good morning, my Greenleaf," the king addressed his son after swallowing.

"Good morn, Father, I gather you rested well?"

I did not hear his reply and tried to turn my attention elsewhere, only to hear the king address his son once more.

"Who is your lovely guest?"

I almost choked as I noticed he was looking at me. After swallowing with a gulp, I attempted a smile and turned to face him.

"This young maiden decided to take a swim in the lake," Legolas said with a chuckle.

The king's expression turned serious and he seemed to be glaring daggers into me. I grew very nervous and fidgeted in my dress before gathering the courage to defend myself.

"It was hardly my decision, my lord," I directed toward the elf directly next to me out of fear of the other.

Even so, a person entering the lake was due to face severe charges from the king. I wished my companion would have kept his mouth shut. Then it dawned on me. Did he bring me here and dress me up for just this reason? Did he see me as a threat and want me to leave? Because the lake was the source of the drinking and bathing water for all of Mirkwood, anyone who entered was considered someone wanting to harm the others. A human, especially, in the lake would not meet the sun's next rising.

"Of course," he continued, glancing at me before looking to his father once more. "The rain caused the lake to flood"

"The lake has flooded?" the astonished king interrupted.

"Yes, quite a bit."

"Excuse me," the king turned to the guard behind him, whispering something before the elf bowed and jogged off. "I apologize. Please, continue."

Legolas nodded, "She had fallen asleep on its shores last evening and surprisingly did not wake in time to escape before the rising waters pulled her in." He paused to take a sip of his mead.

I took up this chance to express my gratitude. "Yes, and now my life is indebted to him." The king's eyebrows rose as if saying, 'is that so.' I continued, "Although, I find myself here in a clean, magnificent dress and an exquisite meal placed before me."

I could feel Legolas' eyes on me as I turned to my plate once more.

The king's chuckle seemed forced, "Yes, that is my Greenleaf. Always giving more than taking, although I could never comprehend why."

Legolas' eyes left me and trailed to his plate. He ate one last mouthful before looking to see I had finished. Standing, he proceeded to push in his chair and address his father.

"Good day, Father." He lent me a hand then proceeded to push in my chair.

The tension in the air was escalating. Although I had enjoyed the food and could easily eat more, I could feel that father and son weren't on the best terms currently. I was more than happy to comply with my escort.

"Good day."

I tucked a strand of my wet hair behind my ear and immediately regretted it. I noticed the difference in the king's eyes. Understanding and a tinge of anger flared although he showed no other signs of knowing. I bowed and was more than grateful to let his heir drag me away.

A/N: Please Review! I am excited to hear at least one person likes this story! Please let me know if you do also!

Stardust-creations: Thank you for your review! You can expect a new chapter ever six days or so. I would appreciate if you have any constructive criticism or specific parts that you think are interesting. I hope you liked this chapter.