Thorin had helped Shobha redress into her underslip and blouse of her new sari, enjoying the intimate nature of lacing her up. And he had helped her pin her hair back, stealing plenty of kisses and caresses in between. He too had got changed into his new suit for the coronation, which included some chain mail and armour plates. He enjoyed pulling her onto his armour plates and watching her skin and nipples react to the cool metal through her clothes.

As he bent down to fix her anklets there was a knock and the door opened, Dis leading the way, followed by Mara and Fili.

"We thought you two would be ready by now!" Dis rolled her eyes.

"I'm meant to walk you up this time." Fili complained pouring himself a goblet of water. "Maybe I should wait outside..."

Fili shifted uncomfortably. Shobha was quite exposed in her blouse, before the sari had been wrapped around fully and draped over her shoulder. He was sure if he stared hard enough, he would be able to make out the outlines of her nipples. His mother had decided to go with a very revealing cut for Shobha, but it didn't help him at all right now. His eyes were on stalks, and he didn't want to be caught openly ogling her. And there was no denying how gorgeous she was. It appeared his taste in many things was similar to his uncle, including the opposite sex.

Shobha was draping her sari as efficiently and neatly as possible.

"No. We will be ready soon." Thorin mumbled. He stood in front of his bride to shield her from his nephews straining eyes.

"What on earth delayed you?" Dis complained holding out a pin for Shobha to secure her sari.

"It takes time to take everything off…" Thorin looked sheepishly at his bride, recalling all the pleasure he had given her not long ago.

Seeing Thorin's expression, and knowing her brother's usual forthrightness, Dis knew this was not the full story. Looking around the room, she spotted the still tangled ceremonial bondings in their bed head and rolled her eyes.

"Of course it takes time when you are restraining your bride to the bed and having a roll in the hay!" Dis chided grinning, making Mara blush and Fili spit his water out as he too spotted the bonding cuffs. "You know Grandfather and Grandmother used those frequently, Amad said. Even not long before she died… they had quite a wild relationship apparently."

This time Thorin swore in Khuzdul. He too had heard these rumours, but dismissed them as borne of jealousy by some of the lesser nobles in court. His grandmother Raena, had been an attractive woman. Even in her older years, when he recalled her, despite the wrinkles and silver hair, she still looked far more youthful than her true age. But his grandfather, however much Thorin loved him, had clearly looked old, gruff and battleworn. It was hard to imagine him engaging in such activities in the bedroom, although Thror had always been generally younger spirited than his own father – it made Thorin wonder.

"That's it. I really am going to wait outside." Fili, who was now bright red, placed his goblet on the side table and left hastily.

Seeing Shobha quite exposed was hard enough. But after his mother had drawn his attention to the tangled ceremonial bondings on the bed, the image of her naked and bound to the bed was too much for his body. And although he hoped she was never taken in that manner, for surely the movement would hurt her small wrists, there would be ample ministrations that could be undertaken purely for her pleasure in that manner. He cursed his mind for imagining this, because he was now painfully aroused. He would talk to the guard in hopes of distraction.

"My poor boy!" Dis chuckled wickedly, watching Fili leave fast.

"Oh don't tease him…" Shobha felt guilty about Fili. He had been nothing but kind to her, even from when he had come across her in the woods for the first time when she was injured and lost. He would make a good King, and she didn't like the idea that after all this time where Thorin had raised him to be heir that if they had children, they would displace him in line for the throne. She would have to do something about that if they did have a child. But that was another problem for another day. Perhaps she did have a particular soft spot for him.

"So you are happy to tease me my lady, but you protect Fili.." Thorin mocked still standing close to her enjoying the view as she finished getting dressed. "Maybe those restraints need to be used more…"

The mere mention of the restraints, and the thought of the unspeakably pleasurable things he had done to her and the way that blindfold had heightened her sensations made her blush as she caught his sapphire eyes.

"Brother, it's time for you to leave now if you are dressed." Dis warned him. "We still have some final touches… you will have her soon enough after that!"

She smacked his arm to make her point and bustled closer to Shobha, making some adjustments to her clothes. And so, reluctantly, he put on the last of his ceremonial armour and his long coat, and finally placing his crown back on his head standing behind Shobha to check in the mirror. Then he gave her a lingering kiss, before taking his leave.

"Mahal! You know, at this rate the precautions may not work for you!" Mara giggled with Dis, as they began to change Shobha's jewellery.

Dis and Mara opened the door to lead Shobha out. She was dressed in the hot pink sari with gold embroidery and gold edging. The blouse she wore was in gold with long sleeves and a cut longer with less skin showing around the abdomen, but the neckline was cut in a low V almost to lie between her breasts, and the back was fully open, only held together by laces. She felt a bit more self conscious and was grateful for Fili's hand, and the Queen's guard.

Dis and Mara hugged her and hurried off to join everyone else. Dwalin and Balin were to be given honours themselves this evening, so Fili would be walking her over.

He had been chatting and laughing with the Queen's guard, and when he spotted her leave her room his eyes lit up as he grinned.

"My Queen," he bowed his head and held out his hand. He was so much like Thorin in his bearing, apart from the way he looked, and he was less brooding.

"My Prince," Shobha curtsied back and took his hand. "I feel a bit more nervous now…"

"Hey, I've got you." He smiled giving her hand a squeeze, but careful not to linger his eye contact. Dressed up, she was mesmerising to a distraction. "And remember there is less for you to do now…"

He studied her face and her expression again, she did appear a bit more nervous. Perhaps the crowds and guests would not pick up on it, but he knew her very well now. He titled her head up to look at him with a crooked finger under her chin.

"Look at it this way – you have faced much worse: Remember when you launched into those attackers to save my hide after we had been to Dale? Or how you faced up to Thranduil?" Fili spoke softly to reassure her. "These nobles and clan chiefs, they have already sent their pledges to Uncle. They will not be even half as scary as those times!"

"I don't think Uncle will leave your side once I deliver you to him." Fili reassured again this time with a gentle hug, being careful not to let his touch linger on her skin. Whatever he felt for her, she still belonged to his Uncle and he respected that. He hoped Mahal had someone for him just like her. Until then, and perhaps always, he was merely her servant. "And we will always be there to look after you, if he gets called away."

Shobha focussed and gave a nod to her guards who beat their fists in salute against their breastplates and assembled around her and the Crown Prince, to begin their journey.

As they made their journey past the cheering crowds, more groups of guests appeared to have arrived and had crowded the entrance hall, still held behind a row of rather scary looking Dwarven guards. This didn't seem to dampen their spirits though, they cheered and waved as she walked past.

They finally arrived in the main throne room again and Fili held them at the back waiting to be announced.

On the main dais in front of the throne where Thorin sat under the brilliant light of the Arkenstone, there were several groups of dressed dwarves, elves and men. They all held banners. Balin was the Master of Ceremonies again, presenting the various groups. He looked to the back of the hall, where Fili, Shobha and the guards had been held in the centre once again, and smiled briefly acknowledging them.

"We're fashionably late." Fili whispered to her with a wink, and a reassuring squeeze of her hand.

First the company members were presented who all bowed before Thorin, and awarded the highest order of honour for fighting beside him to reclaim Erebor. They came to stand behind Thorin. Then all those in the hall knelt and curtsied before them, except for the elves, Gandalf and a few other dwarves including Dis.

Next Dáin, Thorin Stonehelm, and several other high ranking Lords of the Iron Hills were presented before Thorin, once again they did not kneel, for hey had come to Thorin's aid in the great battle. And Dain and his son stood next to the company while all others returned back to their places.

Then there was silence suddenly, and Thorin looked towards them. Having kept a stony face all this time, she could see him looking towards them and his mouth curling up in the faintest smile.

"You ready?" Fili whispered to her. She looked at him and nodded. The hall was silent, and the many eyes on them now, even ignoring the great King under the Mountain. They made their way up to the steps. Fili had matched his pace to her, taking great care not to step on her sari which trailed like an ebbing pink wave. And as they reached the steps he stopped her once more, when the guards did their rather impressive presentation of arms, before letting Fili lead her up the steps. Thorin then held his left hand out into which Fili placed Shobha's right hand, and bowed his head. Thorin grasped Fíli's shoulder in a gesture of solidarity, which he reciprocated. Fili then turned to Shobha and bowed his head, to which Shobha returned the bow and he finally came to stand directly next to Thorin as his heir.

Thorin turned to face Shobha and bowed his head uttering the words in Khuzdul:

"Do you hereby swear before Mahal to obey your King, serve and protect my people, with fairness and justice until you are sealed in stone or committed to fire?"

Shobha bowed her head and uttered the reply back in her best Khuzdul taking care to pronounce the words well:

"I swear before Mahal to obey my King, serve and protect your people with fairness and justice until I am sealed in stone or committed to fire."

Balin stepped over holding the velvet cushion with the smaller raven crown of the Queen, and Thorin let go of her right hand to cup her chin up to lift her face. He held her eyes with his deep gaze and a smile that made her heart beat faster and feel as though they were the only two in the room.

"Then stand, Shobha Seth, daughter of Arun and Pushpa, daughter of Fundin and Merin of the Royal House of Durin, Queen Consort under the Mountain."

Thorin lifted the Queen's raven crown high above and ceremoniously placed it on her head, leading to another raucous eruption of cheering that resounded through the Throne Room and frankly, from what it felt, throughout Erebor!

"Your Khuzdul is exceptional, my Queen," he whispered in her ear in his rich deep voice. "But I have always said you have a luscious mouth."

"Perhaps, my King can think of ways to put my mouth to good use tonight," she whispered back.

"Actually, I am thinking of the best things I can do to you in order to make that delicious mouth of yours utter profanities."

He took her right hand in his left and turned her to face the crowds. There were people everywhere. Even the balconies that were normally closed off had been opened to allow dwarves to crowd in precariously to get a view. The fear of the great responsibility crippled her for a moment, until a calloused thumb rubbed across her knuckles hotly, giving her reassurance.

"Now smile, Amralime, they are all here for you…" Thorin whispered leaning close to her. And so she obliged, smiling and even waving across the room, which led to several more roars of cheers, just when she thought it couldn't get any louder.

After giving the crowds some time to settle down, Balin knocked his gold staff on the floor once more.

"All kneel before the King under the Mountain and his Queen Consort!" Balin announced.

And with that there was a sea of shuffling and silence, leading to everyone kneeling, except the elves, Gandalf, Radergast and Thorin's company and Dain who fought alongside him who bowed their heads.

After several moments, Thorin spoke.

"Stand now: For we welcome in a new era for Erebor." Thorin spoke, with another cheer erupting.

The rest of the ceremony had seen Balin introduce the clan leaders who had come to kneel before the King under the Mountain, and pledge their allegiance. There was Dar, son of Nar a large red painted dwarf with lots of tattoos, Gor son of Lodor anther red painted dwarf slightly smaller than Dar, who were both Stonefoot clan leaders. They had been slightly more aloof, and Thorin had explained that they had been somewhat less happy with his choice of Queen, but most of their highest ranking had pledged their loyalty to him nonetheless.

Next were Sarro, son of Varro, Rud son of Rofar, and Nir son of Feh, who were leaders of the Firebeards. They had bright red hair, and long matching fiery beards which had been elaborately plaited and bedazzled with decorative beads. They were vehement supporters of the Longbeards, and Thorin had explained that they were among the oldest of the dwarf clans who settled in Belegost and Nogrod, but driven out to Khazad-dûm. They had fought valiantly alongside Thrór and Thrain at the battle of Azanulbizar, and for that Thorin had bestowed them the highest honour possible, making them Lords of the Blue Mountains, giving them right to govern as part of a council under his rule.

Then the Broadbeams stepped forward, they too had sent three of their highest ranking Nobles: Bane son of Lain, Gruin son of Gerin, and Tar son of Fel. They were very heavy set, even for dwarves and wore very fine armour. They were from the Iron Hills, and had come to Thorin's aid in the Battle of the five armies. Shobha had read about their old links with Durin's Folk after they fled Belegost, and Thorin had listened proudly as his wife had conversed with them briefly about their clan's history, and complimented their armour, as they were known to be the best armourers. They were not to kneel before the King, as they had earned their honours in the battle of the five armies. However, they made it clear that they wished to also pledge their allegiance to their new Queen, as they had been rather taken by her, and had hoped she would visit them, although they too had commented that they expected she would be with child soon!

The Stiffbeards were very pale, very slender built compared to other dwarves, and were dressed modestly. They had sent five high ranking clan leaders: Thar, Verin, Goel, Hathor and Muir. They wore their beards in thorn like knots. Shobha had read much about the clans in preparation for the coronation, and these Lords had been fascinated to speak with her, impressed with her knowledge of Thulin's people and her grasp of Khuzdul. These dwarrows had taken their time to talk to them both, as they had travelled from several settlements in the East. Their history had made them very self sufficient, Thorin had explained, and so trade and links to other clans or dwarf settlements were only made if they chose to. Therefore it had been a great compliment that they had chosen to visit Thorin and pay their respects to him as King of Erebor. What came as a surprise was when they chose to bow before him and pledge their loyalty to both Thorin and Shobha, claiming that they had been truly impressed by them, and believed he would make a greater King than his grandfather, particularly with his new Queen by his side. Needless to say Thorin had beamed proudly at Shobha at this point.

Thorin had explained that the final two tribes were lost. With The Ironfists, or Sindri's folk having broken into war against the Stiffbeards, they had travelled further east and could not be trusted any longer. And Shobha had already heard of what had become of the Blacklocks.

The Elves had presented themselves then. Lady Galadriel had sent several emissaries, who had brought her well wishes. She had also sent several sets of fine elvish made silk clothes suitable for a baby although no clear message or explanation had been given alongside this, apart from her well wishes, offer of help and their alliance. This had somehow taken Thorin by surprise, and it had made him wonder whether it was a sign that his Queen would not be harmed if she were to carry his child. The young Estel, had stood with them as emissary to Imladris. He was dressed very elegantly, making it easy to imagine him growing to become the King he would one day be.

Legolas, Tauriel and another tall fair haired elf called Faldir had represented King Thranduil, offering their allegiance to the Queen, and therefore extended to the King.

King Thengel had sent his son, Prince Théoden, a young fair haired man, along with several of his generals. He had explained that they too had suffered from some sporadic attacks by packs of orc, but they had not lingered long enough to cause too much destruction. King Thengel had even wondered whether the orcs had been on some other mission and instead had been passing through their lands. Shobha had been silently excited to meet the young Théoden, who would fight for Helms Deep, although it was hard to imagine that such a young man would grow to become a great warrior. Thorin had observed her interest in the young prince with a tinge of jealousy, until she had explained to him the reason! They had arrived also to pay their respects to the new King and offer to form a new alliance between the Kingdoms for military intelligence and trade. The Prince of The Riddermark had also brought with him a black stallion for the King and a White Mare for the Queen as gifts, having heard that the Queen had been learning to ride. The horses had been paired for life also. Théoden had assured the young Queen that these horses would be gentle to handle and loyal to their riders, even if they were taller than the ponies and had welcomed the Queen, should she ever wish to see a display of true equestrian skill by the Rohirrim horsemen. Thorin had been less pleased by this offer, although had been polite enough!

Finally the Queens Guard had stepped forward and knelt before them, and removed their helmets. They had recited an oath in Khuzdul swearing to protect their Queen to their very final breath, and Thorin had placed a warrior braid in their hair with a bead bearing their Queen's mark. Fili had stood beside Thorin presenting the warrior beads for the Queen's guard, and only four of these beads bearing her very own mark had been made so far. Therefore it had been among the highest honour for these four warriors.

And following this Thorin had led Shobha to meet Gandalf and Radagast. She had never met the gentle brown wizard before, who had shyly smiled at her. And when Thorin had explained that his Queen also only ate vegetables, fruits, nuts and grains, he had thoroughly approved.

They had then moved on to the large formal hall which had been opened up again and this time a large tent had been rapidly erected outside the entrance to allow for tables to be set up for the citizens of Dale who had wanted to join. Food had been plentiful and many toasts had been made to the King and Queen. Everyone had been rather merry, some quite tipsy even. Many young unattached dwarrows and dams seemed to have found one another since their arrival with a fair amount of public displays of affection, mirroring the King as he happily kissed Shobha, while they dined together. Further wagers had been placed loudly and openly about when the Queen would conceive a child with bets ranging between a month through to a year. Initially it had troubled Thorin, but thinking of the White Lady's gift, he had relaxed a little about it.

As the feast had wound down and Thorin had opened the dance floor with his Queen. Then after a few dances with her King, Dain, Fili and Dwalin had interrupted for a few dances with the bride. Dain had been exceptionally light on his feet for such a squat wide dwarf, and being only five foot one, Shobha had danced with someone shorter than her for the first time in her life! Fili hadn't been able to resist a few dances with her too. Although he had found it difficult to not touch her bare skin due to the exposed nature of her sari, everywhere he held her he had touched her warm brown skin and thoroughly enjoyed it! And of course, Dwalin, had proudly danced with her. They had both suffered with teary eyes at one point, as he had danced in place of her father, and then Dwalin imagined that Fundin himself would have been greatly honoured to have done the same.

Shobha had also enjoyed watching Thorin dancing with Dis, Tilda and little Lena. The latter had been the cutest, as he had her stand on his boots. It had made her heart explode with a new love for this normally very brooding dwarf, who had carried such a burden of duty on his shoulders continuously since the first day she met him. And she hoped that they would have a daughter one day, so she could watch his eyes light up, being able to dance with their own little girl.

Eventually, Shobha had found an escape back to Thorin's side as he spoke to Gandalf and a very sleepy Radagast.

"My Queen," Gandalf smiled. "I hope you are no longer thinking of returning back to your home lands…"

"I confess, I did on few occasions when I had to deal with some Nobility recently…" she bit her lip. "You wouldn't know why Lady Galadriel has gifted us some beautiful baby clothes would you…?"

"Perhaps she is sending you both a hint." He winked pulling out his pipe.

"So it is almost certain then." She studied Gandalf as he packed pipe weed in and lit his pipe, taking a look at Radagast who was now dozing off.

"Nothing is ever certain my dear."

Balin walked over and began to speak with Thorin, engaging him in what was obviously state matters. He looked at her, but she merely smiled and ushered him to carry on.

"If it makes you feel any better – I think Lady of Lorien felt your joining with Thorin was inevitable; whether it was here or in another world. Something on the lines of you were meant for each other…" The old wizard looked at her rather seriously at that point.

They looked across to the group of Elves, where Estel and Legolas sat laughing in conversation. Shobha couldn't help but look across to where Gimli stood listening to Fili and Kili scowling at the elves. In some decades from now they would go on a vital quest themselves, and fight valiantly alongside one another.

"Why is life such a fight Gandalf… and then it ends in sadness." She gazed distantly at Estel. "…Has he met her yet?"

"Not yet…" Gandalf eyed her sternly. "Did you put Legolas and him together on purpose…?"

"Their meeting was inevitable though, wasn't it?" She used his own logic on him. "If Gimli had been old enough…"

"Hmmm… then you know who he is. I trust you will keep it secret. The heir to the throne of Gondor is no small matter," he gave her a look of warning and then let out a large puff of smoke which wreathed around his head like a strange crown. But sensing she was no threat his features softened. "Would you like a puff to help settle your mind my dear…?"

Gandalf then looked at her with a mischievous gleam in his eye and made a gesture to offer her his pipe. The expression seemed to lift decades off this greying wizard.

"Oh my goodness… I am so sorry for braiding your hair." She blushed, remembering that night mortified.

"Well my dear, I think it rather suited me. And Fili felt highly complimented that you had chosen his braids next to your husband's. Of course Kili was disappointed." Gandalf scrutinised her closer this time, searching for what feelings, if any, she harboured for the younger dwarf. It made her blush a bit more and examine her own feeling for him. She certainly had a soft spot for him, there was no doubt he was very attractive and she felt great strength and comfort from him, as she did with Thorin. Maybe in a world where Thorin had never existed, she would have loved him madly, but it was hard to imagine such a world. A world without Thorin for her was like imagining a world without the Sun.

"I doubt a puff or two would do too much harm…" He spoke satisfied in what he had seen apparently, and offered her his pipe again.

Shobha was about to decline, but then after a mini internal debate she took his pipe, which was probably a tad too large for her and took a few puffs and returned it back to him. She had consumed a very sweet spiced ale tonight. Thorin had requested that particular variety, knowing his bride preferred it. But she had been careful to water it down, with all the very important guests they had and Lena seated with them she couldn't let her guard down too much. This combination with the pipe weed however, she knew, would make her very aroused indeed.

She smiled and looked over at Thorin, who, despite being deep in conversation with Balin and Dain, was still watching her. And he appeared to have a slight smile curving up the corners of his mouth having noticed her taking a few puffs. She wondered whether he had known how horny it would make her, given the last experience she had.

"My dear Shobha, if we had nothing to fight for in life, we would not feel as if we had lived." Gandalf looked at her carefully. It was almost as if he felt a hint of sorrow for her.

"Gandalf, will I ever be able to see my parents again? Just to know they are ok?" She looked at him, but he did not look back, and remained silent in thought.

"Who knows… we could seek counsel with Lady Galadriel. Now, you should really enjoy this evening, my dear…" he smiled at her again. "And stop clinging onto those tales in that book of yours… particularly the sad ones: even if Arwen knew how their lives would end, I doubt she would choose differently.. I expect Lady Dis has told you the same."

They both looked at Dis, who now sat next to Dwalin, quite cosily. They were smiling and holding hands watching Gael, as the boy was animatedly showing off his special suit to Tauriel and Kili, and unsheathed his blunted ceremonial sword, showing them some of the moves he had learnt.

"All this happiness… the uniting of these clans… it is in no small part down to you my dear." He looked down at her from the corner of his eye, knowing she would deny it, and so continued to make his point. "It has been a few years since Thorin reclaimed Erebor. And you may think they are all here because of him, but it wasn't until you arrived that all things fell into place. You have healed his wounds my dear, and given him strength and courage he didn't believe he had."

They both watched as Dain and Thorin had finished their conversation. Dain had laughed several times, patting Thorin on the back, as they had both exchanged most unspeakably rude things, in Khuzdul, about what Dain expected him to do to her tonight. Then he had walked over to her with the look of a hunter who had felled a particularly rare kill. The hunger and lust in his eyes was palpable. There was no doubt he was coming over to claim his prize, and whisk her off to their marriage bed. It distracted her with thoughts of how he had made her orgasm just that afternoon with her hands restrained, where he had taken control. Between that thought and the look he gave her, it had been enough. She could feel her desire pooling in anticipation of what other delicious things he would do to her body tonight, making her bite her lip.

"Here he comes, to claim his Queen." Gandalf coughed. "Are you sure you don't want a few more puffs to relax you before this my dear?"

Shobha could not bring herself to look at Gandalf, but only to blush and shake her head.

"Tharkun, I hope you will stay for a while longer." Thorin bowed his head graciously.

"I have a few things I must see to, but I will return in time for when you are… well… when you finally emerge from your marriage bed," Gandalf chuckled, as a Thorin took Shobha's hand and kissed it eagerly. "I will be setting off some special fireworks shortly. But I expect you will be distracted with your own fireworks by then…"

And with a wink he had roused Radagast and began heading out, triggering many of the young to pull on their parents hands trying to follow the great wizard, knowing what they would expect.

Thorin took the chance to snake his arm around her narrow waist and pull her in for a deep kiss, and wasted little time in leading her away towards their room. As they reached the royal wing, he had kissed her again, unable to wait until they reached their room, and pressed himself against her, making his need for her known, tasting every inch of her mouth. Then taking advantage of her plunging neckline, trailing kisses down to her breasts, he bent down and scooped her up into his strong arms and carried her to their room, giving a quick nod to the King's guard who stood in the corridor, as he opened the door and carried her in.

thank you you so much for reading so far. Please please cont to fave/follow/ and post your reviews - I appreciate it very much xx

Gigi - thank you so much! Hope you enjoy this chapter :))