Over the coming week, more noble families had travelled in to Erebor. Most had arrived for the Royal Wedding itself as guests, but quite a few had also come with hopes of establishing a formal residence there. Thorin and Shobha had been warned that they would no longer be able to miss dinner at the same time, as this would cause too many suspicions amongst the nobility, and had to show some degree of restraint at least overtly.

The couple had been occupied with a variety of final wedding preparations, including going over details of the ceremony with Balin, and arranging for Fili, Kili and Dis to cover their duties while they had time off for a honeymoon afterwards. They had also consulted quietly with Oin about the various contraceptive methods. Some involved drinking herbal potions, while some some involved inserting a small cotton soaked in a concoction, which she assumed would act as a spermicidal. Thorin did not like the idea of her 'poisoning' her body with potions, and therefore preferred the latter method, but she would have the ultimate say.

Thorin had arranged a late morning for Shobha, Dwalin, Dis and eight or his most fearsome King's guard including Zodar, who was now officially titled the Queen's Guard, to visit Dale. This time Thorin himself had taken the time after breakfast to fit Shobha with the dagger belts on her thighs, but had not been too successful in distracting her. So instead, had eventually settled for being promised the opportunity to take them off in the evening after her return.

Just as they were about to set off they had heard a group calling out from behind.

"Wait for us! Amad!" Kili shouted from afar. He was followed by Fili, Bilbo, Nori, Ori and Bofur.

"What are you all doing?" Dis turned to face them, hands on her hips, observing them suspiciously.

"We wanted to help.." Fili smiled one of his best 'dutiful-Prince' smiles.

"Oh Aye…?" Dwalin came to stand behind Dis. "And exactly what will you be helping with?"

"Um… Bard and Sigrid need… our help… with their –" Kili spoke thinking carefully looking at Fili for help.

"Medical supplies and the orc attacks." Fili spoke more sure of himself.

"Good try lads, but we wont be going to the pub… its not even midday yet!" Shobha chuckled.

"Come on, we will guard you all… and maybe you could come with us afterwards for one quick drink." Kili begged. "And we wanted to show Bilbo Dale."

"Go on Dwalin.."Shobha smiled. "We usually stop for a quick one after ordering supplies for Bombur."

"That's for lunch!" Dwalin quickly stepped in trying to signal from behind Dis. "Anyway your betrothed put a stop to that."

"The Black Arrow for a pie and a tankard of ale then?" Bofur asked hopefully.

"Come on you lot. We have work to do first." Shobha said setting off once again. "And better to go in the pub before it gets too late."

"Wait for me my Lady!" Bilbo quickly ran to catch up with her, blushing a little. He had never stopped blushing after that evening where she had smoked his pipe. And he had always paid her extra attention. Of course he was much more cautious with her around Thorin.

"Lads best keep your eyes peeled." Dwalin warned them all. "If anything happens Thorin will have all our beards."

After a good while spent checking on all those with wounds and burns, they had been satisfied overall. However Shobha had come across an orphaned five year old child with a few small burns. The child had not been looked after suitably, and some signs of infection to the wound had set in. She had cleaned the wounds carefully and applying the correct salves had bandaged them back. Little Gael, was the youngest orphan under the care of Madam Hilda, who had confessed that she was too old to be chasing after him and had trouble keeping his dressings clean.

Gael was a spritely, thin, chestnut haired boy with deep blue eyes, similar to Thorin's. He had immediately taken to Shobha, fascinated by her different appearance, and enjoyed the attention she had lavished on him each time they had met. For her alone, he had been very well behaved.

"Sigrid, I think Gael may do better if we keep him in Erebor and change his dressings regularly." Shobha said as the little boy sat next to her patiently playing with her long braid. "Does he have any next of kin who will look to claim that we have abducted him. After all I have spoked to Madam Hilda, who was quite happy to have a rest from looking after him. I just don't want it alerted to his Majesty because there are those asking for a fee for him."

"We can arrange for that, Da would need to prepare all the paperwork," Sigrid smiled, calling Bain over. "But will King Thorin be happy for this?"

Dis who had overheard the conversation had now joined them also.

"Are you planning to adopt him Shobha?" Dis scrutinised the boy, who now clung onto her hair as though his life depended on it. She had sensed Shobha was becoming more broody of late, as she and her brother had been spending more time together in the bedroom.

"Well no… I mean its to help his wounds heal a bit better and maybe let him build himself up a bit… he looks a little malnourished." She looked up at Dis and bit her lip. "Please let me tell Thorin… the child wont be coming over until tomorrow most likely anyway.. Right Sigrid?"

Sigrid looked at Shobha worried.

"I don't want it to cause trouble.." She spoke uncertainly. "We can look after him; Tilda and I… if you think –"

"No its ok.. I have money to pay for a nanny too." Shobha added.

"Oh love, we will all chip in." Dis smiled at Shobha and sat down next to the boy, who beamed up at her. "I just didn't expect to be looking after your little ones so soon."

"Sigrid will you arrange papers with Lord Bard so we can at least keep him in Erebor for a few weeks while he heals." Shobha looked at her. "We can arrange for the child to be picked up when the papers are ready."

Sigrid and Bain both nodded. Then Shobha knelt in front of the little boy who was still seated patiently.

"My Lady Shobha and My Lady Dis," Bard had joined them out of curiosity, before being called. He bent down and kissed her hand, followed by Dis'. "Thank you again for your help with the medicines. Dwarven healing skills are much superior to our own."

"Da, our Lady wishes to take the child Gael under her care for a short time to allow him to recover from his wounds and prevent infection setting in." Bain didn't waste any time. "I suggested we could speak with you about the necessary paperwork, as he has no other kin and is cared for by Madam Hilda."

"Well I think we can help draw this up tonight?" He looked at her with a very slight smile creeping onto his face. "Will your King approve my Lady? With impending wedding plans – we do not wish to cause any trouble…"

"I am sure I can gain his support…" she wondered whether Thorin would object, or whether he could be convinced by suitable argument or other bedroom favours. She knew he would see through her and know that she hoped to adopt the child.

"Shall we say for two months to begin with?" Bard smiled knowingly. "And my Lady, we will not be offended in any way should King Thorin wish the child returned after his wounds heal."

Shobha looked down at the boy, chatting obliviously with Dis.

"It will take us a few hours to get him packed," Sigrid spoke to Shobha, who nodded and walked over to the boy and knelt before him again so their faces were at the same level.

"Now little man, you wounds still need some looking after, so I want to take you to stay with us in Erebor with the King and Lady Dis, and Lord Dwalin and a lot of other lovely dwarves. At least until your wounds heal. Is that ok?" She looked into his little twinkling deep blue eyes. "Will you be a good lad for us all, even without Madam Hilda?"

The boy looked at her and nodded, giving her a toothy grin.

"Right then, lets wait in the Black Arrow," Dwalin said observing Dis carefully as she interacted with child. Gael promptly gave Dis and Shobha hugs and quickly took Sigrid's hand walking away to get ready for his journey.

"Maybe I should have a pony brought over for the child." Dis looked at Dwalin.

"No need, we will take turns to carry the boy when he is tired. He's a scrawny thing. And the lads will have pies and ale on board." Dwalin gave a nod, gaining a warm smile in return from Dis. Shobha watched them with a quiet smile: It appeared that their reservations towards a relationship were slowly dissipating. Maybe Gael would be good for them too. She really hoped Thorin would agree to her wish to adopt him eventually.

They all sat at a table in a quiet corner, Dis and Shobha had been placed in the middle. Dwalin had seated himself cosily next to Dis and Bilbo had tried to sit next to Shobha, only to be displaced by Fili and flanked by Kili. While Ori, Nori and Bofur had sat opposite. The guards headed by Zodar and Barr had sat at a nearby table. Soon their pies and ale had arrived with some bread and cheese for Shobha. The ale was spiced, tasting like a mild alcoholic ginger ale, which Shobha didn't mind at all. This reminded her of going to the pub to blow off some steam after work on a Thursday or Friday evening. It felt good. They chatted about the shire and this time about their trips to Mirkwood, and Kili spoke, starry-eyed, of his elf-maiden, describing her to Bilbo.

The two bar maids arrived with a second round of ales and as they began to place the tankards on the table, a group of rather uncouth appearing men approached them.

Their leader, a blonde man with pallid blue eyes, and carrying several scabbards on his belt spoke up. Shobha imagined that was what the hunter from red riding hood must have been dressed like.

"We don't like your sort here.. first your lot bring Smaug upon us and then Orcs.. so maybe you should pay twice over for enjoying our tavern. And if the landlord don't want to charge ya.. we can take the extra.." he sneered.

"Now lads.. we don't want any trouble.." Bilbo stood up, only to be pulled down by Kili.

"No trouble… you just have to pay for the pleasure of drinking here… in fact since the King has taken an Easterling Tart.. Maybe you should pay thrice the fees."

Suddenly Bofur, Ori, Nori, Dwalin, Fili and Kili were standing up with their hands all poised on their weapons.

"Dis, can you slip out with Fili and Kili, and Barr and go get Bard quickly?" Shobha whispered gently undoing her over coat so she could have access to her daggers. Dis looked at her and nodded, and while Fili and Kili appeared reluctant at first, they joined their mother as she tugged on their arms. The men were too distracted sizing up everyone else. The blonde man appeared to have his gaze fixed on Shobha. Bilbo quickly stepped forward.

"Come on… Um.. Cant we- Cant we settle this like gentlemen?" Bilbo stuttered. "Instead of a bar brawl.. you all seem very reasonable types."

"He thinks we are reasonable boys!" The man laughed. "Go on then... lets have a wager. Your lot like wagers don't you..?"

The dwarves looked at him cautiously.

"Come on, a simple game. That target there, and three daggers a piece. Best of three… and if you lose, you can pay me, Garrett." He laughed once more. "Just a friendly competition."

"Alright.." Bilbo said looking at him, which earned him a few scowls from the dwarrows. "What price do we pay if we lose?"

"We get to keep the King's wench… come on! You agreed!"

This lead to all the dwarves including the gaurds drawing their weapons.

"Don't worry lads – we just get to have a drink with her… he can have her once we are done."

Shobha looked around. The whole room was filled with people looking on with dread. Some had their weapons at the ready, and Garrett had almost ten men with him. She didn't fancy their chances of getting away unharmed, even if they didn't die. And she imagined Thorin would be furious. The only thing to do was to stall for time until Dis returned.

"Ok," Shobha spoke up putting her hand on Dwalin reassuringly. "Dwalin can you take the throws?"

"No little lady… your little friend there in the waistcoat and funny feet has agreed to the wager already, and our conditions are that YOU take the throws." He smiled sinisterly. "Against me… would you lads like to go up against the King's pretty little mistress too?"

The group of men behind him all laughed in agreement.

"Come on little lady, step up and take your daggers." He pointed passing some across the table to her, which looked heavier than the ones he selected for himself. She wanted to protest, but she kept reminding herself she needed to stall.

Dwalin and Nori flanked her and she walked around the table to take her place near the target board high up on the wall.

"Ladies first…"

"Oh no… I don't know how- maybe you should show me please."

"Look boys, the pretty lady has manners for an Easterling… I wonder whether she has those manners when the King beds her… or whether she moans like a whore…" He mocked. Then taking his aim he threw, with the knife hitting the very edge of the target.

Shobha used that time to weigh up the daggers in her hand. They were all heavy and appeared to weigh different amounts. She would likely miss. The room was now in complete silence.

"Deep breath lass, and take your time.." Dwalin whispered next to her.

She picked the mid weight dagger and then taking her time, imaging it was their training arena, she raised her hand. But just as she released the dagger Garrett coughed very loudly making her jump, and unfortunately her dagger flew completely off target, only narrowly missing another man's head. This resulted in a roar of laughter from Garrett and his men. Some were already looking at her licking their lips, making Dwalin growl. She quickly looked away and towards the door.

Come on Dis…

She was starting to worry. She would need to draw this out but then be ready to fight. Now she was thankful for the concealed daggers that Thorin so lovingly fitted onto her thighs amid a flurry of kisses under her skirts.

Garrett didn't hesitate, he took the next dagger and threw, this time it hit close to the centre but now quite.

"Let me save you time – " he said smugly and threw the third, which hit the bullseye in the middle. The men all patted him on the back and cheered.

"Come on lass you can do it." Dwalin encouraged her.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Then opening them she focused on the target imagining the next dagger hitting the target. And let it fly… For a moment they all held their breath.

And the dagger landed in the bullseye! Dwalin and the rest of the company cheered. Bilbo patted her on the back. And then they quickly quietened down again, to let her compose herself.

She did the same again: taking a deep breath, and let the final dagger fly – it too landed with a loud thud being the heaviest dagger of the three right in the centre. This time it displaced Garrett's dagger from the centre, dropping it to the floor with a clang, and the whole company cheered. It seemed some of the other patrons in the pub also gave a few weak cheers. They had all clearly been terrorised by this gang of men.

Garrett however, was unhappy, snarling he unsheathed his short sword and started approaching them, and his men following. The company all pulled together tightly and armed themselves, ready.

"You played us you little wench..." Garrett snarled.

But Shobha was quick, and well-practiced with her own daggers, pulling three into her hand from her waist belt. She let one fly right past Garrett's left ear lodging in a wall behind him, shocking him to a halt.

"That one is a warning: The next one will hit you right between your legs, and so help me, you wont be able to piss standing up… let alone please another woman ever again..." She spoke with her sternest voice. "And I have twelve more of those for the rest of your men… and if that doesn't work, these lads fought off countless orcs alongside the King in the last great battle."

Fortunately before anyone could make a move, Dis arrived with Bard and his men, ready to put a stop to it all.

An hour later, after Garrett and his men were taken to the cells, to sober up, and the company had downed a few ales, they all spilled out onto the road back after collecting Gael. The barman had offered them free ales on the house, for dealing with Garrett, who apparently had caused a bar brawl almost every night there.

Fili carried Gael on his shoulders, while Dis and Dwalin walked close together chatting happily. Shobha walked alongside them, silently squealing inside with excitement about their budding romance. And Kili, Bofur, Bilbo, Nori and Ori all walked ahead singing a few bar songs, full tankards still in hand, and ale sloshing along as they walked. Zodar and Barr walked closely behind them, while the rest of the guard were divided in front and behind the whole group.

Gael had been eventually passed from Fili to Dwalin's shoulders, while he clung on enjoying the new height and the cool evening air.

As they approached the stone bridge in front of the Great Gates, they saw the looming figure of Thorin waiting for them.

"Oh dear! We should have been back ages ago…" Shobha grimaced and bit her lower lip.

Thorin, stood expressionless on the bridge, while the lads continued with their songs. And then as they drew even closer and became aware of him, their singing slowly died down, in anticipation of his irritation.

"So, was this work, or pleasure?" He addressed them all, maintaining his stone mask.

"Um… Uncle, we had a child with a bad wound who needs more care." Fili spoke up, being much less drunk than the group in front.

"Yes… Thorin… and there were these men who tried to start a fight in the Black Arr-" Bilbo began.

"We stepped in for some food, after a large number of dressings and inspections." Shobha interrupted him, while the others less indelicately elbowed him and Kili who was quite tipsy, gave him a delayed kick in the leg.

"And is that the child, my lady?" Thorin looked carefully at Gael as they stepped into the well illuminated entrance hall. Gael did not look like he was unwell with infection, he clung onto Dwalin still grinning.

"Yes, my King," Shobha winced.

"Dis take him to Elin, get him food and get him settled for the night." Thorin commanded sternly. "You lot go and sober up.." Thorin pointed at the group in front. "Not you Bilbo, Kili, Fili and Dwalin: you can come with me." He sharply turned before adding. "And no more drinking for any of you."

They had all piled into Thorin's study, and he had dismissed the guards. Then he stood with his hands clasped behind his back, at first looking at each one, trying to gauge who was most guilty, and then fixed his gaze firmly on Shobha's waist. He had noticed the missing daggers. And while he was thankful she was able to protect herself, he didn't like that she had found herself in that situation.

"What happened in the Black Arrow…?" He asked, clenching his fists by his sides.

Bilbo had irritatingly given most of the account, with interruptions from Fili and Dwalin attempting to play the event down. They really had been bullies, and it hadn't been that she had gone there on her own.

Thorin had paced around the room, deep in thought as he listened to the account, looking concerned at Shobha, when the account of the dagger throwing was mentioned. And after they were finished he stood in silence looking at each of them again.

"So, this is the reason, I have discouraged you from going there. Even if the guard had stepped in and killed or apprehended those men, we would have damaged the very delicate relationship between Dale and our Kingdom. Fili, you should know better," Thorin reprimanded. "And it certainly is not befitting of a Queen… And what of this child now?"

"His burn is very red and was malodorous. It is showing signs of superficial infection, and he is an orphan, with the mistress of the orphanage struggling to look after him." Shobha explained. "He needs more frequent dressings and wound care to begin with, and proper nutrition to help heal. But if he starts showing signs of fever, we will need to get on top of it early with the correct anti-infective potions.."

"And how long do you intend to keep him here, my lady?"

"A few weeks to start with, and see how he is doing…" She could see he already knew exactly what she was thinking.

"You cannot adopt the boy, Amralime. He is not a pet, he is a big responsibility." He spoke softly to her, as if he were breaking bad news. He was not always even this tactful. But she felt offended, she as fully aware of what a responsibility raising a child was! She hoped she would be doing so one day herself!

"And we cannot adopt him before we have children of our own. Those looking to weaken our rule will claim that we are unable to have children. And would give Erebor away to men folk. We have worked too hard to secure strength of rule under the Arkenstone: And we are beginning to receive word of allegiance from many clan leaders."

She understood the optics of it. But she didn't want to send Gael back.

"Let the child be for now Thorin, and maybe he may find another dwarven family willing to adopt him.." Dwalin chipped in. "Surely it will not look good if he is returned before he is healed."

"The child needs a mother figure, not you alone, Dwalin."

"Well there may be someone…" Dwalin muttered in reply secretly thinking of Dis, but Thorin looked perplexed.

"Very well. He can stay as Oin's charge for now. But have Dis look after him- "

"If you are so worried about rumours, then impregnate me now." Shobha interrupted getting angry. After all he was King, he could decide these matters.

Of course such plain talk made Dwalin, Fili and Kili blush, while Bilbo stood mouth agape looking at Shobha.

"Thank you for protecting my bride in my absence. Perhaps I should accompany any trips to Dale next time." Thorin spoke calmly ignoring her comment. "Now if you could excuse us please."

He walked over and held out his hand to her. Still irritated she took his hand and he walked her into their parlour, while the others left.

"I know you are upset with me – but you cant do certain things in court, even as Queen, without my consent my beautiful one. Not without undermining my authority. And the other clans will not wish to yield power to the Heir of Durin, if I am seen as giving it away in bed." He kissed her, snaking his hands around her waist. "Even if I am. We cannot show this to be the case."

"So, having an heir IS important then." She looked up at him with her big brown eyes as he pulled her closer.

"Aye." He anticipated that she would pout about the boy. She clearly had fallen for this little lad. "But also, anyone being invited to stay in Erebor must have permission from the King.. this would include anyone injured or those who are in need. So, the boy is included in that aspect."

"Oh, I'm sorry. But surely you wouldn't disapprove of my bringing Gael here?" She subtly pouted. It made him want to kiss those delicious lips violently.

"No, my beauty, but I would arrange for it in a subtler way." He gave in to his desires and kissed her passionately anyway. "And next time you want to go for a drink in Dale, I think you should take me."

Holding her close, as she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her body to his, he felt aroused again. Running his hands down her sides, he reached behind and gave her buttocks a squeeze. It allowed him to press himself to her, making her breath hitch as they kissed.

There was too much material between them for Thorin's liking. Perhaps they should give in and not wait until their wedding night? He had already begun to explore her beautiful body; the way her warm brown skin reacted under his breath, his touch and his kiss; the reaction of her pretty nipples sitting on her pert breasts; the feel of her arousal, like a hot velvet vice; its sweet taste and scent alone drove him wild. And Mahal! Those full lips; the way they looked around him as she gazed up at him with those big doe eyes. He would often employ great efforts to enjoy her gaze, pulling on her glossy hair, without giving into the pure pleasure threatening to shut his eyes. Maybe he should surrender and bury himself deep inside her? After all, she herself would often beg him, when he found his face nestled between her thighs, gripping her hips just before they curved into her narrow little waist.

And then he recalled the prize she had promised him this morning.

"A moment, my lady," he said pulling out of their deep kiss. "Is there something that you have forgotten?"

"Oh no! I have not forgotten our promise my King," she smiled invitingly, tapping those lips with her finger. "I just thought you would prefer to unclothe me fully… and make me come undone… before you removed the belts…?"

And with that he had heard enough from her pretty little mouth: He would find ways to make that luscious mouth of her's swear and curse tonight. Just thinking about it made his erect cock twitch. With a low growl, he picked her up in one move, throwing her over his shoulder, and hastily headed to her room.