Authors Note: OK folks, what follows in this chapter is some (ok, a whole lotta) Rated R material. Believe it or not, I actually spent a great deal of time editing this and the next chapter down to make the "R" rating. NC-17 version is available at my lame-o attempt at a web page, if you are so inclined to see behind the "black outs." (You know what I mean!)

Linnah got out of the bath and pulling the stopper, let the water drain. She wrapped a towel around her. There was a light and silky robe hanging on the inside of the bathing room door. Thinking to herself that the prince had already seen more than the robe would reveal, she decided to put it on.

Legolas was astonished when Linnah entered her room. Her hair was still clipped up, though a few wet strands hung down and clung to her neck and shoulders. She was wearing a thin blue robe that hugged her moist skin. With the candlelight glowing from behind, he could clearly make out every curve and point of her body from beneath the robe. He started to feel a heated need rise inside him and he shifted slightly. It was one thing to watch her unnoticed, but this was completely different. She knew he was looking at her and she presented herself now with no embarrassment.

She eyed him steadily with her deep hazel eyes. She was clearly still angry. "I believe that since you are in my chambers, My Lord, I can dispense with the formalities."

"Of course Linnah." Then absently and more to himself, "You have no idea how I hate formalities anyway."

Linnah's strong voice betrayed the pounding of her heart in her chest. Here she was, practically naked, standing in front of this incredibly handsome prince, who was looking up at her from a seated position on her own bed. Her hurt and angry feelings were mixed with the uncomfortable realization that she, a common handmaiden, was physically positioned higher than the prince of the castle. It also didn't help matters that the way he was looking at her now made her regret the forceful and familiar nature of her words.

She turned to retrieve the candle from the bathing room and tried not to falter in her resolve. She returned with the candle and said slightly calmer, "To start with, please tell me what brought you to my room."

"Linnah sit down, please," said Legolas motioning to the spot on the bed next to him. She placed the candle on the nightstand and obediently came over to sit next to him. He unconsciously breathed in her sweet scent and trying his hardest to ignore it, he started, "I am not sure if you are going to believe this."

Linnah raised an eyebrow at him and crossed her arms in front of her as Elessa had done in response to him earlier.

He smiled at the coincidence and sighed. Like Elessa, she really was exceptionally pretty when she was angry. When she failed to return his smile, he continued seriously, "What I am about to tell you is the truth, Linnah. I came here earlier in the evening to apologize, ironically enough, for my cousin's behavior in my bathing chamber. But in doing so, I accidentally came upon you and your friends leaving the castle. I followed you and saw everything that happened at the merrymaking."

"What?" Linnah wasn't sure she heard right. This was a lot of information to digest at once. "Firstly, please explain how you knew about what happened in the bathing chamber."

"I do not know the details, but I do know that something occurred between you and Orlindel earlier in my chambers."

"How could you possibly...I told no one of this, my lord."

"Linnah, Lady Elessa told me that you were visibly upset when you arrived at her chambers today before the meal and that you had told her that you had just come from my chambers."

"Oh," said Linnah softly.

"You must have passed Gillel in the hall on your way there, because both of them thought that I had done something to cause you harm. So, when Elessa questioned me about it this evening, I remembered that during that time, I had let Orlindel use my bathing chambers because he was having problems with his own. I realized then that whatever happened to upset you must have been caused by him."

"I see," said Linnah quietly, turning her head away from him. "I am so sorry that I caused them to think it was you who upset me."

Legolas put his long fingers under her chin and gently turned her face to his. He looked deeply into her eyes and said, "Linnah, I am the only one who should be apologizing. You have done nothing wrong. I only hope that Orlindel did not..." He looked at her with so much worry now; it pained her to look at him.

Quickly she said, "He startled me and caused me some distress, but he did not improperly lay his hands on me then, if that is what concerns you."

Legolas relaxed his face and released the breath he hadn't realized he had been holding. He nodded solidly and said, "Of this, I am relieved. But what of this evening? I saw you running from the pond and Orlindel climbing out of it."

Linnah looked down and smiled shyly as she answered, "I have to admit that the lord was inappropriate at the pond, but his actions were not lasting and I handled the situation myself."

Legolas nodded his head in agreement and chuckled lightly, "I believe you handled the situation well indeed."

Linnah looked up into his eyes and started to speak, but the prince hushed her gently. "Please let me continue. There is more I must say."

Linnah nodded her head and let the prince continue.

"I also needed to apologize for what I said in front of Aragorn, slighting you the way I did. It was inexcusable and unbecoming a prince. Believe it or not, I was actually on my way to apologize then too, when I came upon the both of you."

She could not help but ask, "But why did you act so cruelly when your intention was to apologize to me?"

He smiled slightly, embarrassed and said, "I asked myself that very same question, Linnah. The only reason I can come up with is, well..." He took a deep breath and said, "I believe I was jealous. Unaccustomed to this emotion, I reacted stupidly."

Linnah looked back at him, her eyebrows knitted together in confusion, "Jealous, my lord? I don't understand."

Taking her hands in his, Legolas tensed his jaw and looked into her eyes. He needed to tell her what he really felt and this was the moment. "Linnah, now that you are here before me, I can not hold back my words. All your life, I have watched you grow and mature. You have always been special to me, even if you were not aware of it. Of late, I have started to notice that you are no longer a child and...I no longer look upon you with innocence in my heart. And then when I came upon you and Aragorn..."

Linnah looked down at his strong hands encircling hers, somewhat dazed at the realization that the Prince of Mirkwood was holding her hands, and then up to his handsome face. "Yes? Go on, please."

"You were so at ease with him, Linnah. It felt as if I were too late, that you had fallen into favor with him and I had missed my chance to tell you how I truly felt. Then later, once I realized I'd only made matters worse with my cruel words to you in the garden, I made it my mission not to rest this night without finally apologizing." Legolas smiled sheepishly and added, "I guess I took my mission a little too far. I am truly sorry that I invaded your privacy."

Linnah was shocked to hear him say these things, but she saw the truth in his eyes as he spoke. Gathering courage once again, she said softly, "My lord, like you, I have watched from a distance. As I have grown, I have come to admire you. I see the respect that the king's army has for you. I have watched you celebrate your victories time and again over the enemies in our forest. I have also seen you grieve when someone in your company was injured during your outings. Whenever my friends have had the chance to leave the castle at night, they would sneak into the forest and watch in secret the merrymaking activities. They return with tales of how you lit up the faces of those around you with your stories or song. You are so different from so many other royals, always thoughtful and kind to the servants." She smiled, "Except for tonight in my chambers and earlier with the ranger, of course."

He returned her smile, cheeks flushing slightly.

She continued, "Then, last night at the evening meal, I noticed you looking at me differently then you had before. Feeling your eyes upon me like that, affected me in a way I was not accustomed to. I tried to leave before I could allow myself to fully realize what it meant. Then, when I was in your chambers earlier, before my encounter with Lord Orlindel, I saw your painting above the mantel. It felt like you were calling to me, pulling me towards you by my very soul."

Legolas reached up to touch her cheek gently. "Oh, Linnah," he whispered.

His fingertips on her skin sent pulses of electricity through her body. But, she shook her head and slowly removed his hand from her cheek. "Please my lord, I can not reciprocate your feelings..." She sighed and looking down, said, "There is nothing to be done about it. I am just a handmaiden to a Lady and have much more to lose than you."

"No. This is not true!" said Legolas urgently. "Linnah, contrary to what I rudely said earlier in the garden, you are much more than just a handmaiden." Legolas brought her hands up to his chest. He placed her palms flat over his heart and held his hands on top of hers. He looked at her intensely and said, "I know I have added to the unsettling feelings in your heart. Though I can not take back what has been done, I promise I will endeavor to make it up to you." He paused, staring deeply into her eyes. "Feel my heart, Linnah. My spirit is deeply moved by you. As I said, I could not sleep this night without making things right between us." He looked away and said, "But if there is nothing in your heart for me, I will understand and be satisfied in knowing I had the chance at last to tell you....everything."

Linnah felt the warmth of his body through his tunic and the heat of his hands over hers. She closed her eyes and listened intently to the beating of her own heart as she felt his. Her heart was speaking differently then her head. Her head was telling her that this was not just some servant boy in her room. This was the crown prince himself. That she should be the one apologizing and groveling at his feet, seeking forgiveness for her insolence. That she needed to tell him in no uncertain terms that he obviously had too much to drink at the evening meal or the merrymaking circle and to kindly leave. Then it will all be forgotten by tomorrow and she could continue being the servant and him the prince with no harm done.

But when she opened her eyes to look at him, he was gazing at her intently, patiently awaiting her response. Linnah's heart took over and no words came to her. Very slowly she brought his hands up to her mouth and pressed her lips against them.

Legolas watched her sensually full lips begin to kiss his hands and fingers gently and a low hum escaped his throat as he exhaled through his nose. He could not help himself. The feel of her slightly moist mouth moving slowly over his hands and fingers combined with the sight of her in that shear robe was almost more than he could bear. His eyes focused just on her mouth, her lips now opening slightly to kiss and lightly close over just the tip of one finger.

The prince could hold back no longer. His need to feel her lips on his was far too great. Releasing himself from her grip, he placed a hand behind Linnah's head and brought her lips to his mouth. She tensed slightly at first in surprise and then melted against him. He kissed her passionately and Linnah's arms dropped uselessly to her lap, as her whole body only existed in his kiss. With his other hand, Legolas encircled her lower back, pulling her even closer to him. They stayed this way for several minutes. Finally he pulled back from her and looked into her dark hazel eyes. She was swooning slightly and her eyes seemed out of focus.

He suddenly allowed himself to realize what he had just done and hastily removed his arms from around her. "Linnah, forgive me. I could not help myself," said the prince quickly. "I will leave. I did not mean for that to happen."

It took a moment for Linnah to stop swooning. Her knees felt like jelly and she was sure that she was floating a good foot or so off the bed. But before the prince could leave her side, Linnah stopped him. "It is all right, my Lord," she said softly. "You did not do anything I did not want. I have never been kissed like that before and I am glad it was you who showed me what a real kiss was like."

Legolas was speechless. Gillel was right, she was truly unspoiled. He needed to go before things went too far. He got up from the bed and started to leave saying, "I really should go Linnah. It's late and I worry that if I stay..."

Linnah grabbed his hands and said, "You said yourself that I am no longer a child. I can assure you, you are correct in that assumption. I desire you as well and I believe I am ready for what ever else you can teach me."

Legolas sat back down against his better judgment. He took Linnah's hands and locked eyes with her. "Linnah...First of all, I can plainly see that you are no child." He allowed his eyes to wander down her barely covered body. He could not help the arousal that ensued. He swallowed hard and said earnestly, "I do not want to take something from you that is not mine to have."

"Please my Lord," said Linnah, as she slowly untied her robe. "I want you to." She paused and looked at him questioningly. "Does my body not please you?"

"Linnah...I..," Legolas began, but was silenced in shock as she opened her robe, exposing herself fully to him. The candle flickered with the change in the air. He couldn't stop himself from touching her now if he tried. The pull of her body was magnetic and he leaned over to kiss her again, bringing his hands up to softly caress her shoulders and arms. As they kissed, he let his hands continue to wander. She whimpered into his mouth as his hands found her breasts.

Linnah had never felt anything like this before. His touch was magical and her body was responding on pure instinct. In fact, every touch he made on her skin, she felt between her thighs.

Legolas stopped kissing her and took her face between his hands. He looked intensely into her eyes and asked, "Are you sure you want this?"

"I want this."

He slowly disengaged from her and knelt down next to the bed in front of her. "Then undress me Linnah," he whispered huskily.

Linnah started to speak and knowing what she would say, he placed a finger to her lips. Tenderly he said, "No, dear one, I am not ordering you as your prince. I am asking you as your lover."

Linnah nodded her head slowly and lifted her hands to his tunic. With trembling fingers she undid the claps at the wrists. Though she was not looking at his face, she could feel his eyes intensely on her. He lifted his arms above his head and she bent over to grasp the bottom edge of his tunic, pulling it up and away from his body.

When he lowered his arms, he clasped his hands behind his back. "Do as you will, Linnah," he whispered, looking deeply into her eyes. Legolas wanted her to have the control over him. He didn't want to rush her or make her feel uncomfortable. She deserved to be in command for once -- it was the least he could give her.

Linnah at first hesitantly, placed her hands on his bare, well toned chest and gently caressed his smooth skin. Legolas watched her face, enjoying the feeling of her hands on him. Linnah allowed herself to feel his muscular shoulders and chest. Linnah sat back up and a sly grin came to her face then.

"What is it Linnah? You look like you just drank the king's wine," Legolas said, laughing softly but keeping his hands locked securely behind his back.

Linnah said nothing, but boldly kissed him and at the same time lightly stroked her fingertips extremely slowly down his torso to just above the band of his leggings. When Legolas moaned out loud, she felt herself becoming more aroused. Without breaking the kiss, she untied the lacings at the top of his leggings. Legolas almost lost his mind as she went even further and slipped her fingers deftly under the waistband.

"Ah Linnah, yes!" Legolas exclaimed into her mouth, as he shut his eyes tightly and concentrated on feeling her two soft hands wrap around him beneath his leggings.

Linnah pulled back from the kiss to watch his handsome face closely as she stroked him up and down. She was fascinated by her effect on him. The prince was swaying slightly on his knees and moaning deeply.

Legolas was trying his best to be patient. His hands were still behind his back and he made no move to touch her. It was torturous not touching her. Had she looked behind his back, she would see how his knuckles where white from squeezing his hands into tight fists. Linnah's hands were driving him to the brink of madness as they grabbed and stroked him.

He opened his eyes and looked at her intensely, pleading with blue eyes now darkened by passion. His mouth was slightly open and his breath was coming faster and faster. "Ohhhh...Oh Linnah, ahh. I...I can not endure this any longer," moaned Legolas. "Linnah please release your hold on me. I must touch you. Please. I must have you."

Linnah complied and removed her hands from under his leggings. He immediately raised himself up and pulled her into a passionate kiss. Without stopping the kiss, Legolas pushed her gently back against the sheets of her bed. He pressed his body on top of hers, keeping most of his weight on his elbows. His mouth left her lips and he kissed her neck. Linnah sighed and ran her fingers through his soft hair. He wanted to taste every part of her. Linnah moved her hands down to his shoulders and then grabbed onto his strong arms, while he moved his mouth down her body. After a moment, he continued his sensual journey, lightly kissing her stomach, doing no more than brushing his lips upon her skin.

Linnah was getting lost in his ministrations. She was more than enjoying his kiss, his touch, but she was completely unprepared for what was to come next.

Legolas had moved so far down that he was almost back in the same position he had been on the floor just before. Without losing the contact between his lips and her skin, he gently placed his hands upon the insides of her knees and slowly spread her legs. His mouth came in contact with her most private area. She moaned and tried to speak, but could not form words. Legolas was completely engrossed in pleasuring her as he put his hands under her legs and grabbed her hips, pressing her tightly against his mouth. Though his body ached for her desperately, he needed to please her. He knew she had not been taken before and he had to make sure that when it came time for him to claim her, she would yield without hesitation.

Linnah was moaning harder and louder now and he almost feared she would wake the castle. In her head she heard the prince speaking urgently to her. "Yes Linnah! That's it! Give yourself over to me completely!"

She was totally lost in the feeling overtaking her body. It continued to build and build inside her. Finally, she brought her hand over her mouth to stifle a scream as the orgasm crashed down upon her.

Legolas spoke to her softly in her mind and lightly kissed the inside of her thighs while she tried to catch her breath. Linnah pushed his head away from her legs. "No. Stop. Please my Lord, I can not take anymore of your mouth on me. It is too much, I can't..." Her voice trailed off while she tried to calm herself.

Legolas got up from between her legs and laid down beside her on the bed. He propped his head up on one hand and smiled down at her.

Linnah's eyes were closed and she had both of her palms flat against her forehead. Her chest was rising and falling with her deep breathing. She tried again to speak. "My Lord," she began and then took a few more breaths. She slowly opened her eyes and looked up at Legolas, who was still smiling down at her and now softly stroking her disheveled hair. "My Lord, I did not know," she continued breathily. "I mean, I had no idea."

Legolas was enjoying her inability to speak coherently. He also noticed that her eyes had turned a darker shade of green. He loved that he had caused this effect. "Take your time sweet one," he said softly.