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The Golden Curtain: Chapter Eight
"We'll leave within the hour, I must get my wife" Legolas turned to leave as Feanaro nodded and smiled, unaware of the truth behind the Princes sudden rush to be married.
Legolas reached his flet, as a maiden was about to enter a tray of food in her hand. The maiden stopped as she noticed Legolas's presence and bowed her head.
"For the Lady your Highness" She rose her head to meet his eyes.
"Thank you but I'll take it to her" Legolas smiled and released the young Elf of her burden.
"Yes my Lord." The maid bowed again and left with a blush in her cheeks, her mind wondering what the pair had done that night, her conclusion couldn't have been more further from the truth. Instead of a night full of passionate love making or snuggling in bed, whispering love words in each others ears the couple spent half the night awake and arguing over Esta's sudden urges to leave without telling him. Of course she wouldn't listen to any of it claiming he did the exact same thing.
The night before
Esta had stayed at the lake with Manilla until a good while after the sun had set before she decided she was cold and wanted to return to Legolas's flet. Cold and bitten she climbed onto Manilla's bony back and urged her into a gallop. The minute she entered the flet Legolas was at her throat, not literally of course.
Resisting the urge to throttle the shivering girl he stood still, his veins pulsing.
"Where have you been?!"
"For a ride" Esta's toned portrayed her annoyance clearly you'd have to be deaf to miss it.
"Where?"
"What's it to you?!" Esta screeched as she tried to brush past the fuming Prince.
"What's it to me?! You are my wife Esta and with Galadriel as my witness you will obey my every command now answer the bloody question!" Legolas's eyes blazed as his grip on Esta's arm tightened.
"Like hell!" Esta, again, tried to brush past him and again to no avail. His grip was like a vice.
"I'd watch that spitfire mouth of yours Princess or you might find yourself without a tongue" Esta obviously didn't heed his warning because the next thing to come out of her mouth made Legolas crippled with anger. Legolas had the sudden urge to drape her over his lap and paddle her bottom till it was red and blistering. But he didn't.
"Go to bed" Legolas released her arm, trying to stamp down on his need to smack her.
"What?" Esta's face was one of surprise and disbelief as feeling slowly returned to her bruising arm.
"Go to bed Esta" Legolas sighed and rubbed his eyes angry with himself rather than her.
Esta obliged her eyes watching Legolas wearily as if as he would pounce the moment she turned her back.
Esta walked into the bedchamber her sight unable to reach Legolas now and quickly. A little disturbed at his change in attitude she quickly prepared for bed. The room was dark and quiet, almost peaceful until Legolas entered the bedchamber and the tension returned. Climbing in to the bed he kept his back to her. Esta continued to stare at his bare back until words formed in her throat.
"What was wrong with you?" The words half whispered and half-hissed.
And on they went, Legolas stating that she was irresponsible and risking the life of his heir while Esta continued to remind him she was not a piece of property. The end result was Esta on attack and Legolas on the defence, oh how the tables turned. A true married couple if anyone saw one.
Legolas entered the chamber with food in hand and a grim expression on his face. He hadn't gotten much sleep that night but it didn't show his face was still as clear as water and placid as a rock. Rounding the corner to the bedchamber his eyes fixed on tanned legs and bare back. Esta lay spread out on her stomach, her soft curls spurred about her head, the purple silk duvet covering only her backside. Legolas's reaction to her naked body was immediate and undeniable. Cursing himself he set the tray down on a table trying his best to gain control of his body. In a dazed state of mind he slowly started walking toward the bed. Letting out a shaky breath he slowly eased himself onto the bed next to Esta's naked body. Softly his fingers started at her dainty ankles and moved up her calves and then to her thighs before Esta began to stir from his tender touch.
"What..?" Esta groaned still unaware of what was happening around her until a two gentle hands gripped her waists and long hair tickled the bare skin of her back.
"Dear wife do you always sleep in naught but your skin?" Legolas licked his tongue over the blade of her shoulder while his hand continued up her side.
"Legolas what are you doing" Esta rolled over and away from Legolas's intoxicating presence and hastily grabbed at the duvet, pulling it up to cover her breast.
"I'm only doing what I'm lawfully obligated to do" Legolas smirked at her expression and ran his hand up her inner thigh.
"You woke me up because YOU fancy yourself with a little tumble" Esta flicked his hand away and proceeded to get out of the bed.
"Well only if you insist" Legolas stopped her before her feet could hit the ground. Pinning her silky body beneath his Esta could feel his arousal pressing into her stomach and felt her body react instantly.
"Legolas I don't insist" Esta tried to push his shoulders but they wouldn't budge.
"Fine, I insist" Legolas finally shut her up with his lips on hers and his tongue down her throat.
Straddling Esta's hips with his thighs he lifted his tunic over his head to bare his chest before he continued to nibble on her tender lips.
A groan escaped Esta's lips when she felt Legolas's hard chest against her own.
Legolas had the desire to be buried deep inside her and began unfastening his leggings at a hasty pace.
Esta was feeling the same desire Legolas felt and was becoming impatient as the Elf struggled to rid himself of the restraining fabric. Esta easily flipped the position so she straddled his hips. Forgetting the leggings she let her tongue lap at his hardened nipples while Legolas 'massaged' her scalp. Wanting to take control Legolas pressed her stomach to his and rolled her onto her back so he was on top again. Acquainting his tongue with her nipples Legolas listened to her moan as she dug crescents into the flesh of his back.
"Esta I thought-" Haldir stood rooted to the floor in the doorway.
Esta shrieked and struggled to cover herself while Legolas groaned in pain.
"Damn it Haldir can't a man indulge" Legolas was angry for being disturb when he was so close to climax and didn't care that it showed.
"I am truly sorry Legolas; Esta" He lowered his eyes and literally ran from the flet.
"Where were we?" Legolas asked as he turned his attention back to Esta who was as red as a tomato.
"We can't be doing this now" Esta made a move to get out of the bed but was stopped yet again by Legolas.
"And why not?" Legolas was in hysterics over her revelation.
"Because" Esta glided off the bed and made her way over to the teak wardrobe where her dresses hung.
Legolas watched in half pleasure and pain as Esta dressed in forest green leggings and a silver sparkle riding ensemble with an intricate design of flowers and leaves, complete with bell sleeves, low button-up, collar and black riding boots. Esta could feel his eyes on her and she suddenly became very self aware, a feeling she rarely had. Tirane had commented many times that she had no shame and Esta had to agree, she didn't but at that moment she couldn't have felt more insecure. Although the spell that bound her was broken as Legolas started ruffling around behind her, a signal that he was getting dressed.
"When are we leaving?" Esta asked turning around to face the Elf as he finished dressing.
"Within the hour" Legolas replied softly as he did up his over tunic.
"Oh" Esta darted her view to the fascinating floor beneath her.
"Your horse has been saddled; you can go say a final farewell if you wish"
Esta simply nodded and left, all desire replaced with anxiety.
Esta stood hugging Tirane, her eyes red and her chin trembling. The shorter and older woman helped her protege onto her waiting horse with one last kiss and the promise that they would meet again. Tirane pulled Legolas aside while Galadriel and Celeborn said their farewells.
"Take care of my baby Legolas" Tirane clung to Legolas, her voice cracking.
"I promise you Tirane, Esta will have anything and everything she would want and need."
"Yes what she wants only a future King can give her" Tirane chuckled as she pulled away from the embrace.
Legolas gave her a quizzical look then smiled and turned to leave.
"Wait Legolas" Tirane clung to his arm and drew him to a more closer perimeter.
"Esta loves you, she doesn't know it yet but she does" Tirane smiled at but he only Legolas furrowed his brow. Patting his hand she released him to get on his horse.
"Goodbye Tirane" Legolas swung up onto his obedient mare.
A scout went ahead of the group while Legolas and Feanaro led, leaving Esta in the middle with two guards assigned to protect her. Instead of going through the Mirkwood forests they were to go around, although a lot longer it would be safer for the Princess and mother to be. The total journey time was five days. Esta felt more like a prisoner than a Princess and let Legolas know how she felt. Nudging Manilla to ride past the 'goons' she called out to the Prince who was in deep conversation with his second in command. Hearing his name Legolas turned to see Esta a strange look on her face and the Elves he had appointed to watch her trying to stop Esta by grasping at the air that followed her. Turning his horse he went to ride beside her.
"What is it Esta?" He sounded almost annoyed.
"Oh good of you to pay attention to your dear wife Legolas" Esta batted her eye lashes with a sarcastic smile on her face.
"What's the problem?" Sighing Legolas stopped their horses and waited till they were placed behind the travelling party.
"What's the problem?! Those two knuckleheads you paired me with God, Smeagol over there; I ask him his name and I get not only his life story but his entire family tree. Then Gollum I ask him his name and all I get is a scowl, I swear he's been radiating negative impulses toward me all day!"
"That's it, you pulled me out of an important meeting to complain about the personalities of your guardians?"
"Wow, you got the short end of the stick Legolas if your having important meetings on a horse, in the middle of nowhere" Esta let out a full hearted laugh that had everyone turning their heads. Legolas kept his mouth firmly shut as a chuckle threatened to appear.
"How do you know about the creature Gollum?"
"Well when no one wants to know you and you spend much of your time with an old man who talks to much you tend to know about many things" Legolas's confused glance made her shrug.
"Celeborn"
"Oh" Legolas slightly nodded his head in understanding.
"Come on your dragging behind" Legolas took the reins from Esta and guided their horses to the centre of the group where 'Smeagol' and 'Gollum' were waiting for them.
"We'll be stopping in the small flatlands over that hill, we should be fairly safe, now not another word about Gollum and Smeagol Esta" Legolas rode ahead leaving a grinning Esta behind to suffer the torments of her guardians.
"So..." Esta began looking to 'Smeagol' noting that 'Gollum' was in no mood to converse.
"Do you mind if I call you Smeagol?"
"you may call me anything you wish your Highness" the blond Elf bowed.
"Your highness? I like that I can live with it" Esta laughed, her attitude toward the Elf starting to change.
"I shall be your Highness and you; Smeagol"
"As you wish.... your Highness" 'Smeagol' joined in her laughter.
Well into the first night Esta lay awake while sentries were posted about their make do campsite. Legolas, of course, was one of those sentries. Esta lay in her own section with 'Smeagol' not to far away ready and waiting with his bow should the need arise. Sighing Esta turned and twisted, she was not used to sleeping on the ground. She was cold, insect bitten and all round restless. Deciding she had had enough and needed an energy outlet she kicked off her covers and stood up, still dressed in her riding gown.
"Esta where are you going?" Esta had eventually had enough of being called 'your highness' and told Smeagol just to call her by her name. He had told her in response that on their way to Mirkwood she would be called Esta but when they arrived, he, like everyone else would refer to her as Princess Esta.
"Just to talk to L- my husband." The answer sufficed Smeagol and he laid back down.
Not having the best eye sight Esta fumbled in her steps until she completely tripped- on her gown, letting a shriek rip from her throat. The whole camp came to life as Esta landed in a pair of strong arms. Raising her eyes they collided with angry grey ones.
"Watch your step Princess" 'Gollum' scowled as he flicked Esta from his grasp before walking off.
"Esta what happened" Legolas asked as he and 'Smeagol' came to her side.
"Ah- nothing I just tripped on my dress" Esta lied, she was obviously annoyed at Gollum's rudeness but she hardly expected anything better from him. She just didn't know what she had done to deserve such anger cast on her.
"What were you doing walking around?" Legolas grasped her shoulders.
"I can't sleep, the grounds to hard" Legolas sighed and shook his head at her childish behaviour. By this time Smeagol had left them alone and the camp had returned to silence.
"Well what else do you expect Legolas? I've only ever slept on a big comfy bed!" Esta tried to get the disappointed look off his face, she didn't like being looked down on.
"Fine, point taken but I'm afraid your going to have to deal with the ground for now"
"Fine" Esta gave in and crossed her arms.
"Is there anything that will help you get to sleep?"
"A story, I swear it was the only thing that could get me to sleep at night." Esta's eyes lit up and she remembered the last time she had needed someone to read her a story, it was Tirane, she wasn't the best narrator but her soft voice had lulled Esta to sleep in no time.
"Don't swear Esta" Legolas said it so he wouldn't sound demanding, taking Esta's hand he led her to her sleeping bags.
"Legolas do you know any stories?" Esta asked, her head propped in her hand while she lay on her side facing the sitting Elf.
"Of course I do"
"I doubt you know any I haven't heard, considering I've heard them all"
"Have you heard the one about - " Legolas was stopped mid sentence.
"Heard it" Esta said as she yawned.
"You don't even know what I was going to say" Legolas smirked.
"Ok then, what were you going to say?"
"I was going to say; Have you heard the one about the crownless King?"
"No I haven't" Esta's eyes slightly glazed as 'the crownless King' summed her life up in two words.
"Well then let me speak if you want to hear the story." Legolas paused for her to nod in agreement.
"As the old saying goes, Once upon a time..." Legolas relaxed into the grass and began his story of Aragorn, King of men.
As the sun began to rise so did Legolas. Looking around the camp he saw that everyone was up and about, preparing for the next stage of their journey. Slightly annoyed that he hadn't been awoken he stood up and dusted the twigs and leaves from his clothes and hair.
"Legolas, we will be moving on shortly" Feanaro said as he came up behind Legolas.
"Why wasn't I woken?" Legolas asked, his face set in a frown.
"Ah, well, her majesty asked that we didn't wake you, we didn't-" Legolas cut Feanaros sentence short.
"Her majesty?!"
"Princess Esta milord" Feanaro reverted back to formalities due to Legolas's angered tone.
"Esta?!" Legolas said he word almost disbelieving.
"yes...your wife, your majesty" Feanaro looked at him like he had lost his mind.
"I know who she is" Stopping himself from saying something he'd regret he stormed off looking for Esta.
Esta was busy saddling up Manilla when Legolas found her.
"Why did you tell everyone not to wake me up?" Esta could tell from his body language that he was in a foul mood.
"Because you looked awfully tired, plus your a lot easier to handle when your sleeping" Esta continued with her chores much to Legolas's annoyance.
"you will look at me when I address you"
Esta made an annoyed sound but never the less turned and gave Legolas her full attention. Crossing her arms over her chest she returned his scowl.
"Never again will you interfere in my doings, understood?"
"I don't understand what your so angry about"
"I'm angry with you!"
"Why? Because I told Feanaro not to wake you?"
"Because you gave an order that you had no right to give"
"What are you on about?!" Esta was confused, he was talking in riddles as far as she was concerned.
"you know what I'm talking about, you knew exactly what you were doing from day one!" Legolas's voice was menacing.
"No actually Legolas I have no idea what I've known from day one! Pray tell?" Esta's eyebrows rose just a bit more.
"That you planned everything!" Legolas restrained his anger as all his suspicions about Esta were set to be revealed.
"Planned everything?" Esta was not angry anymore she was furious.
"yes, the day at the lake, the little shack in the woods, the marriage, getting pregnant"
"What are you saying? That I tricked you?" Esta was undoubtedly a little hurt by these accusations.
"I wouldn't run it past you"
Esta was speechless, so shocked and hurt at not only the accusations but the tone at which he spoke to her; Like she was some conniving sneak.
"Tell me Legolas, to what reason and purpose would I have for tricking you?" Tears started to form in her eyes but she kept them back through shear anger.
"The same reason and purpose as every other maiden Esta"
Esta was still confused.
"For a crown to wear on their dainty heads" Legolas couldn't have said the words with anymore spite even if he tried.
"you really think I wanted to marry you?! Oh believe me Legolas I would give anything to turn back time and change what happened but that's not possible, but know this I never set out to get your crown!" Esta never wasted anymore time and continued with tying the saddle onto Manilla.
"Deceitful words from a deceitful vixen" Legolas's spat venom at Esta and left.
Esta was furious and hurt by the incident with Legolas. So much so that she spent the whole day in a daze, fuming over the accusations and trying not to cry. Her guards followed at a good distance behind her.
Legolas, not believing a word she said, stayed away from her. Whenever Esta needed to know something of importance he sent Feanaro to tell her. Mentally lashing out at himself for falling victim to those tricks he always tried to avoid and succeeded. But not this time.
For three days Esta lived in a world of her own. When Feanaro or someone else offered her food or water she declined. Legolas, noticing her reluctance to eat, literally forced the food down her throat, letting her know that she was eating for two now. Esta still didn't say anything to him though and she wondered what he would do with her once they got to Mirkwood.
"No doubt he'll wait for me to give birth to his heir then he'll get rid of me like they all do" Esta muttered under breath, something she did a lot of lately.
Esta was brought back to reality as loud cheers and laughter sounded in her ears.
"We're nearly there!" and "Home at last" ringed in Esta's ears.
Looking ahead she saw what they were talking about. Beautiful trees decorated the rims of the upper level of the Mirkwood kingdom. Elves decorated the path that led into the court centre. A warm welcome for the Prince and his new bride. Esta suddenly felt sick as Legolas game to her side and led her and her horse ahead of the group and into the court yard that was full of cheering and smiling Elves. At the far end of the well guarded court was King Thandruil, sitting and waiting on his throne, a smile on his face.
Their horses came to stop a short distance from King Thandruil. Getting off his horse Legolas let a stable hand take it while he attempted to help Esta from her horse.
"I don't need your help Legolas, but then again I could just be deceiving you" Esta seethed in his face.
"Don't start now" Legolas never gave her a chance to reply before he started dragging her up the steps to his waiting father. All eyes were on the new girl waiting for the outsider to slip up and be annulled from her marriage to the handsome Prince.
Esta felt so small when she was introduced to the King of Mirkwood. His face was ageless but his eyes suggested otherwise.
He looks so much like Celeborn
"Come my dear you must be tired after your trip and like most woman I'm presuming you want a bath with all the scented candles and what not" Thandruil laughed and laugh lines appeared around his eyes and mouth. Leading Esta off into a door that led down into an underground corridor Legolas went his own separate way only to be stopped.
"How could you?!" A teary eyed Elf maiden came up to Legolas, her shiny and straight blond hair swaying.
"I'm sorry I have to go" Legolas didn't want to deal with this woman right now, knowing how much trouble she would cause.
"Of course, run away, tell me will you come back with another wife?" The woman spoke with a spiteful tone.
"Lyriel, I don't know what your so upset about" Legolas dragged the woman into another underground corridor to get away from the busy ears and eyes of the crowds.
"Ugh! I can't believe you would leave me for that pitiful thing from Lothlorien, I heard she wasn't even an Elf! Aw but that's so like you Legolas, always pitying the less fortunate and it's because of that that I'm willing to forgive you" Lyriel wrapped her arms around Legolas neck.
"Lyriel, I told you before I left, what we had is over, now I must go and catch up with my father" Legolas unravelled her arms form his neck and practically ran from the corridor up into the courtyard in search of the door is father and Esta had descended down before he was accosted.
Lyriel collapsed onto the floor in tears and began screaming and ripping her dress.
"What is the matter my lady?" A passing guard came to her side and tried to pry the hands from her face.
"Call the guards, someone tried to attack me!"
"Who was it? Who dear disturb the peace in His majesties Kingdom?"
"I don't want to tell" Lyriel began to pour tears from her eyes and rested her head on the guards head.
"It's ok Madame, I'll make sure the beast gets what he deserves, now tell me who was it?"
Sniffling, Lyriel lifted her eyes to meet the guards.
" It was the Prince"(A/N: My exams are finally over, no longer should the updates be so far apart as this last one. I'm guessing that the Mirkwood Kingdom is underground in caves? If not could someone please let me know! Help is very appreciated :D )
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