DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything : ( a part from Deron, Lando and Ren (I hope the names don't suck too much).

A/N: Hi everybody! After a long time I'm finally back with a new chapter, I really didn't know how to go on but then my Muse came back. Let's hope she won't run again : ) Thank you for reviewing!

Hidden Love

By: Smiling Cat

Chapter 4

The day after Tiger ty and Wren had their little chat found Triss trainig his men with unusual energy. He had always been indefatigable, stern and demanding, but that morning he was utterly snappy and short tempered in his own cool way; this didn't go unnoticed, he was definitely brooding. His Home Guards were gossiping in little groups every-time he gave his back to tutor another unit.

Word was around that the Captain was at odds with the Queen, that they even yelled at each other. Most of them agreed that it had been a lovers spat: it didn't take a Druid to see that those two had been dancing around each over for quite a time.

Still, the soldiers seemed to approve: it would seem strange to see at Wren Elessedil's side someone that wasn't their silent Captain. And that might probably be the problem as it was rumored that she will have to marry soon. For their part they were all for Triss, betting on how long it woud take for him to end up with the hezel eyed elf maiden.

The elf concerned finally had enough of being watched and gossiped about, so he decided to give them leave since it was quite lunch time, trying to look unfazed by their intrusivness.

"We are done for now"

He said to the soldiers, that had assembled in orderly ranks.

"You were doing just fine but it seems you are unable to keep focused any longer.

I wonder why!"

He asked mockingly seeing many blush or break in coughing fits to cover laughter.

"Dismiss!"

They saluted him like one man, putting their rights on the heart and then left in little buzzing groups.

And those should be soldiers….. Bah! Sometimes they seem a herd of gossiping ladies.

Triss thought with mirth: he loved his Home guards, they were like a band of brothers to him who was an only child. On his way to the Palace he was joined by Deron, his second in command since the great battle four years ago.

"Don't bother too much Triss, after all they are only anxious for you; strange rumors are going around the Palace…."

He didn't know how far he could go on that matter so he stopped there.

Triss didn't mind, after all they were good friends since their training days.

"I know, I heard a lot of things, some true others not"

"So what's the truth?"

"We had a major disagreement, yelled at each other and made up…. And before you ask yes, the High Council really pressed her to get married."

"And you?"

"What about me?"

Triss asked coldly and frowned

"We are friends, are we not? You don't have to hide yourself with me!"

For a long time there was silence.

"…I can't stand the mere idea of seeing her with someone else nor control myself as I should anymore!"

"So you avoid her… why don't you talk to her?"

"Are you crazy? She's the Queen!"

"So what? You won't deny that she's a human being too? I tell you, that's your problem: why can't you see her only as the woman you love? She obviously cares for you and isn't more happy about this situation than you are."

"No… she deserves better."

"Oh yes, she deserves so much more, after all you're only loyal, clever, skilled and not bad to look upon: you're such a lowly being! How can a selfconfident elf used to command as you are become so unsure is beyond me."

After this flusterd outburst Deron dared his annoyed Captain with a defiant look to deny any of it

"But what would I give her? Damn you she's a ruler, she has to find something more in an union then looks and happiness, it's her duty."

Deron eyed him in disbelief.

"You really don't know it, do you? Modesty is a great virtue but understimating yourself like this…. You have always lived in the shadow of the Royal Family but during those years you have made quite a name for yourself: you're respected and loved by most elves of all conditions and feared by many because of your misterious attitude. They may like to praise heros like Phaeton but in the end they know that's people like you or Aurin Striate that makes the difference."

Triss wasn't really surprised, he simply didn't like to think about those things. He knitted his brows in thought.

"I'll never understand why they fear me!"

"Because they can't control nor use you so they leave you alone, dignitaries and politicians in particular"

"Well I'm surely not the scheming type"

They both laughed at the image of Triss sneaking around like a thief.

A group of officials approached them and Deron accepted their invitation to eat with them at a new inn, while Triss went for the Palace, inwardly groaning when he saw Tiger Ty leaning back lazily at the entrance.

That's not a good sign, he must want to chew me out too! Seems like people doesn't have something better to do these days….

He looked around discreetly in search of a polite way to avoid the confrontation but he found none.

It's not that I don't like him… I just don't want to talk about all this mess again

He went to face his doom downhearted and annoyed.

"Hi Triss, long time no see!"

"Hi Tiger Ty welcome back"

and shook the hand the other was offering.

"I was hoping to have lunch with you, I'm starved after the morning meetings… boredom can be more famishing then training!"

Triss laughed with him releved that the other wasn't pressing matters. They went to the soldiers' mess, as Triss liked to stay with his men from time to time.

"Meetings are always boring, you'll get used … cheer up thinking about how much you'll laugh seeing those know-it-alls quarrel and yell at each other like the paesant they feel so superior over"

They remained in silence till the end of the meal then Tiger Ty, a pint of ale in hand, threw the bomb.

"I heard what happened at the last High Council… is it true they want Wren to marry? I'm dying of curiosity!"

His sharp black eyes gleamed with mischief and Triss started to fidget in his sit.

That sly old fox doesn't fool me, I know he spoke with Wren yesterday and he knows I know… What game is he playing?

"Well yes… it's true and it's been very amusing to watch Wren putting the Prime Minister back in his place; but I still wanted to cick their asses for daring"

His lips quirked in a malevolent smirk at the thought. Tiger Ty sneered

"How did she take it?"

Triss chilled, he was still unable to think clearly on the subject

"She didn't talk about it… but she seemed very angry at the moment even if in the end she promised to think about it."

"What does the law say on the matter?"

Tiger Ty asked surprising him: he imagined the wing rider would ask his opinion, not this.

"The ruler can choose among all elves of proven honesty and loyalty"

"So there are no social barriers…"

"No, but it's really unheard of and against Tradition"

"But Wren's mother married one of my Kin and she was the heir to the throne."

Triss looked him in surprise

"I didn't actually think about it… but back then was different, we were at war; and remember that she left not only because of the prophecy, she was unable to stand the way everyone backbited her, she was very proud and free spirited. As her daughter is."

This really ticked off Tiger Ty.

"What do you think is more important? Pride or happiness? Her duty towards the Elf Nation is being a wise ruler and giving heirs to the throne, not to destroy her life!

There would be no dishonour if she chooses an elf without blue blood because I'm sure she'd choose someone ten thousand times better than all Middle Earth princes together. Given that he has the guts to propose, because she 'll never ask for fear of being accepted out of duty."

His fiery eyes bored into Triss' ones as if they could read his soul; under that gaze and with his words in mind he lowered his head in shame.

"Perheps he's not so brave, not as good as you think… only a coward…"

He murmured getting up.

"There's no shame in being scared lad… you're a warrior, you should know that dishonour comes only if you don't fight it!"

Triss nodded and left a thaughtfull Tiger Ty

So he thinks he's not good enough… I would have never guessed since he seems always so selfconfident; on the other hand these are matters of the heart. I was quite shy and clumsy too when courting my beloved wife!

He smiled at the happy remembrance and drank the last sip of ale. He came back to reality when someone took the seat in front of him previously occupied by Triss; his eyes rose on the blond elf that was carrying two pints in his hands. He had already seen him… he was a Home Guard.

"Tiger Ty? I'm Deron…"

"Triss' right hand, yes I remember you"

Deron smiled very pleased.

"I'm glad you do. Can I offer you another beer?"

"Sure! One should never refuse"

The younger elf sat and lent him a pint.

"So, what do you want to talk about?"

The wing rider asked after a long swallow

"Don't you imagine it?"

"Triss and Wren?"

He offered.

"Correct! You see Triss is my friend other than my Captain, we grew up together; and she's my Queen, I want to see her happy. I don't like the situation between them, they're hurting… and I hate even more to be so powerless!"

He slammed the pint with anger.

"What do you want us to do then? Play matchmaker? It won't work, they are too independent and stubborn"

"But there must be something we can do…"

Deron pleaded

"The only sensible thing is leaving them to sort thigs out on their own… still we can try to give them more opportunities to meet alone, forcing them to speak. And we better stop talking about this, we already taunted them enough for now.

The Guard thought about it and gave in.

"You're right… damn it they are the most stubborn elves I ever met!"

Tiger Ty laughed at his scowling face, followed by the soldier.

Their drinks finished they left the mess, parting ways with a handshake and the propose of starting their plan as soon as possible.

That afternoon Triss found himself taking Deron's watch since he claimed to be sick.

He followed Wren as a silent shadow everywhere, observing with fascination as she dealed with the delegates of the Trade Guild (their chief Lando in particular) in the Royal Gardens, charming them unknowingly and convincing them to do as she wished.

Not that she was despotic: she was so convincing and reasonable that everyone ended up giving in.

It seems impossible that she could be so innocent… she's totally unaware of the influence she has with her mere presence, dismissing it as them only listening to her sensible ideas.

In the meantime the meeting was ending and the dignitaries were taking their leave, while Ren the Chief's son, who was Triss' age, lingered at the Queen's side.

The two were laughing at some joke made by the young elf, that kissed Wren's hand, holding it longer than it was necessary, making her blush.

Looks like they're having fun

Triss thought gritting his teeth.

Ren left under the pleased stares of his father and Trade Minister.

Seems like those two snakes are plotting something… that gutless gallant would be such a good suitor…

He snorted with furious sarcasm

Wren would have him for lunch in less than a day

Sunset was nearing so Wren went to the Gardens of Life as usual, feeling Triss' reassuring presence: she always knew when he was around.

She called out to invite him to sit with her under the Elcryss but as soon as she saw his face she wished she hadn't: it was a cold mask of fury.

"So, how did the meeting go?"

He asked as if talking of the weather.

"It went well, you know it… you were there too"

She answered quite perplexed

"Yes I was. But it seems your mind wasn't or you would have noticed the rapacious looks Perek Arundel and Lando were giving you, perheps you were too busy flirting with his son!"

Wren looked him in disbelief

"What are you talking about?"

"Wake up Wren! After the last High Council the hunting season was officially open: every men of age and high position will come forward to find favour in your eyes. Whoever you marry will be King and gain a lot of power"

And have a beautiful wife in addition.

"Are you saying that noone would want to marry me if I wasn't the Queen! And for your knowlage I wasn't flirting with him, only being polite. I couldn't insult Lando's son, even if he's a spoiled brat!"

Her last sentence went unnoticed in the heat of the fight.

"I only mean that you must be careful, you're in a delicate position and can't trust those snakes: they want their good not yours. And yes you were flirting, you may not be aware of it but you were and now he will feel encouraged… you're too naive!"

Wren flushed red with anger: how dare he accuse and judge her like that!

"Encouraged to do what?"

She challenfed, pissing him off with her insolent tone.

"Something like this!"

He spat back before pulling her to him for a furious kiss; she was so surprised that she didn't even protest and when outrage started to build up it was too late: passion had replaced anger , his assoult was now a caress. Her mind shut down and she snuggled closer to embrace him. Her lips parted on their own will and their toungs met; he moaned with pleasure and pushed her to the ground, deepening the contact.

The sound of chants of the approaching Chosens brought him back to reality: he jumped back up in shame but secretly satisfied. He had wanted to do it for ages! He looked down at Wren and longed to kiss her again: she laid with her ash-bllond hair spreaded around her in the grass, cheeks flushed and lips swollen. Then he remembered who they were and felt guilty for betraying her trust, he was her guardian not her lover!

Not yet!

A sneaking part of him wishpered. He thought about what Deron and Tiger Ty had said and considered telling her everything.

What if she doesn't feel the same? She surely seemed quite taken before

Smirked his wicked self.

She got up and smiled shily, making his heart beat faster again; he smiled back

Thank God she isn't angry! What do I do?

He was spared by the Chosens arrival; they greeted them and left the teens alone with the magical Tree. Triss walked her back to the Palace in silence, they were both too shy and confused to speak; at her chamber's door Wren leaned forward to kiss his cheek, leaving him awestruck to look at the door with a silly and dreamy look.

A/N: Well what do you think? let me know please, it's really been hard writing this. I'll try to update sooner next time. I know that Triss seems a little out of character but I think that everyone has a breking point, Triss just reached his