Hello everyone, mid terms are over, here is the next chapter you have been waiting for. It follows right after the last one. To give you a little reminder of what happened last:

Meanwhile, Thranduil was meeting with a dark cloaked figure in his study. Adrahan presented the man.

"You will be spying on my wife. I want to know everything she is doing and where she is going. I want to know who she is talking to, for how long and if anything seems out of place."

"Should I be looking for anything in particular your highness?"

"A certain Nathaniel."

Undercover

Today I was in a hurry. Dresses were flowing everywhere around me. I had to dress to not be noticed as a high elf of Thranduil's court, I didn't want to be looked at. The maids were quite confused and trying to help me choose, but I have to say, they weren't much help. I couldn't really tell them where I was going could I?

"Your highness, please enlighten us on what dress code the occasion is!" An exasperated older maid was throwing her hands in the air in a defeated manner. "What exactly will you be doing today, it's rare to see you in such a good mood my queen." I turned my gaze towards her, eyeing her up and down, turning my tongue 6 times in my mouth before letting a vague response escape my lips.

"The marketplace, I want to do some shopping." She was quite confused.

"You know, you can dress like you do every day. Lilith, call the guards since madam will be needing an escort, oh and call some lady of the court. The Queen is going shopping after all!" I grabbed the younger eleth's arm to halt her exit.

"I am going shopping….undercover actually…" A mischievous grin was on my lips as realization hit the other women. I think they were now quite amused with my little display of rebellious act. They nodded, giggling to themselves and going through my wardrobe. Nothing was really adequate for undercover I realized…my people gowns were too noticeable and the dresses Thranduil once gave me, way to elaborate. Lilith turned to me. I could tell she had an Idea.

"Actually my Queen, I could maybe give you one of my normal dresses I wear outside the palace." Brianna eyed me up and down, then turned to Lilith and did the same. We were after all almost the same size. She shoved the younger elf outside the door in a rushed manner. "Excellent idea Lilith, be back in two but, take one which will not look TOO plain. We still have to make the queen beautiful in a natural way….undercover style" We were all laughing so hard the guards were a bit confused by our antics. It was quite refreshing to see the other lady's take part in my stupid plans. Oh I loved it.

Brianna forced me to sit in front of the mirror to do my hair. She brushed them tremendously and braided them to the side in a simple loose but beautiful kind of braid. I had never worn my hair like such before. It did resemble what my mother would do in my hair when I was young, but still, not the same. I liked it.

No jewellery, no makeup, no complicated hairdo and no elaborate gown I would have trouble moving in. Lilith was back with a nice loose dress. The dark green indicated her Sylvian heritage. Very little embroider leaves indicated her social class as modest. All in all, I loved it. It even fit my figure almost perfectly. Lilith didn't have hips as prominent as mine so it hugged my figure a little more, but nothing that would make it uncomfortable. I think I looked quite good and if the smile on the other maids were any indication, I think I looked like a normal elf.

"Thank you Lilith, I will bring you a new one from the market for your trouble."

"Oh your highness, it's my pleasure, you don't need to do such a thing." I smiled at the young elf and nodded at her modesty and humble way.

"Either way, I will bring you one." Brianna laughed at the defeated Lilith and I was on my way. We took the servants path to not let the multiple guards of the palace on our little plan. Brianna took care to bribe the ones we crossed that recognized me with a little wink and a finger on her mouth. They just bowed and smiled to themselves. I'm sure they will keep silent. My feet's were light and Lilith was just as happy beside me. Next time, I should think of brining her with me, we would have so much fun together. When I was at the inner gate I bid them good day and thank them for their help.

"And please keep this little secret between you two, I don't want the whole palace to know of my little escapade or Thranduil will forbid me of doing it ever again…" The gravity in my last words reached to them and I could tell the light mood we were in was slowly becoming more moody. I laughed a little and added very silently "for now, what he doesn't know can't hurt him right?" The nodded and turned to go back to their business.

I didn't notice the shadow following me at a distance. I can understand why Thranduil hired him of all the guards, he was the most quite elf the kingdom could offer. Maybe they worked in groups to stalk me, all in all they knew everywhere I went and what I would do during the day.

My stroll in the marketplace was fun. I found a nice beige gown for Lilith. It was simple but the fabric was rather elegant and the lacework gave it a more feminine look. I loved to way the collar was so low without it being improper. Her dark hair would clash against the fabric very nicely and she could wear it for any occasion a bit more formal. I found one for myself for my next undercover missions, one that was a lot like the one I was wearing right now. It was almost time for Nathaniel to meet me. He would get off in a couple of minutes. I spent the rest of my waiting time to find an elegant comb for Brianna. She isn't one to show herself in a pompous way, but I'm sure she well appreciate the little gift for herself. My soldier surprised me form behind while I was comparing two combs together.

"I prefer this one" He indicated to the dark wooden one with a blue butterfly on it. He was right, it was more simple but still more colorful. I nodded and gave it to the merchant to wrap it up.

"Oh, is it a gift?" I turned toward the young stranger and smiled lightly.

"Yes, for one of my…hum my friends. She helped me with something the…other day and I want to thank her with a little something."

"Well, it's a good idea and I'm sure she will love it, but of them were rather nice anyway." I nodded and grabbed the package presented to me. I paid the merchant and we were on our way across the market.

"So? Where are you taking me today, I still have much to discover about this city." He grabbed my upper arm and led me down a path, away from the buzz of the excited crowd.

"I have a friend I'm sure you will like to meet." The tall dark haired elf led me to the outskirts of town, near the outside gate. I was posing as one of the Queen's servant from her birthplace who had never strolled the larger city. Well…at least the strolling part was real. Therefore, he had made it a mission to help me learn everything about the people and the nice spots of Mirkwood. We never went outside before, but I think he was leading me towards the eastern gates. He talked to the guards a bit, they were after all close friend and told them of our time of return. I picked out that we would be back before supper. He knew I couldn't be out for too long because I had to return to my duties. I felt bad for imposing this false identity on my friend, but it was for the best.

He took me to some large meadow full of various wild flowers. A little cottage was at the far end and we walked towards it sometimes pausing to let him explain what medicinal property had a plant in particular. It was fascinating how he knew so much about all of this, but since elves had very long lives, I think it gives you the time to accumulate immense quantity of knowledge in different fields, especially when you work outdoor.

The door of the cottage opened and a dark haired ellith walked out of it. She was dressed modestly and wore a very bright smile. She met us on the meadow and embraced Nathaniel.

"Nathaniel it's so good to see you. Is this the lady you have talked to me about?"

"Yes Elena, please meet my brother's wife, Cassidy." Elena, the nickname I picked out of the blue on our first meeting in Mirkwood. I bowed respectfully to Cassidy and she did the same. She was the beekeeper he had once told me. She would produce honey for the city and the court. Her honey was delicious, that I could vouch for. She took my arm and made me visit her little haven. She explained to me how much honey bees could make in a day, how she would gather it and how the different flowers affected the taste and color depending on the season.

Nathaniel waited for us at the cottage fixing her old balcony. I spent the whole afternoon with them and I have to say, every day he would keep me company were the best of the week. Thranduil was choking me. When I was away from the palace, I felt at ease and light on my feet. I loved Legolas, but spending time with him was just like sitting in a room with Thranduil always eyeing you warily to see if you would do a wrong move an then throw a tantrum. I was never at peace there. The guards were always watching and so were the maids. With Nathaniel, I felt I could be myself. But in the end I was just lying to myself once again, I was so much different from back then...on our first real meeting.

It was time for us to head back. I promised Cassidy I would visit her sometimes when I could get a day off at the palace, even if Nath couldn't always come along. She was a very nice lady and I would certainly take that offer.

The walk to the palace was a little more in a rush than our way out had been. He gave me back my packages he had helped me carry and bid be farewell in the marketplace. He would never accompany me back to the palace. He never offered. Perhaps he didn't want to see something there, or perhaps someone. He wasn't fidgeting…but he was edgy.

I walked, humming a melody from my birthplace and made my way, still a smile gracing my lips, back to the gates I had come out of. The guards just nodded at me and I walked back inside my prison. But after a day like today, under the sun and the warmth emanating from it, nothing could make me gloom, not even him. I couldn't wait to see Lilith and Brianna to give them their presents. I'm sure they couldn't wait to hear how the undercover mission had go. I took the servants path again and went into my room as unnoticed as possible. I changed right away, in case of an unwelcome visitor and put on a traditional dress. I undid my braid and let the hair loose on my shoulder. The packages were hidden from view in my closet and I went to retrieve Amara and Sariel from the maids watching over them. They were both shining from happiness. Supper was coming, but with no summon from my husband I was planning on eating in my personal gardens with the girls.

OOOOOOO

The king was in his office when the night watch guard appeared to the window in a swift almost imperceptible motion. He walked purposely making sound for the king to hear. If Thranduil heard him or not he didn't let it show. As a matter of fact, his eyes were still glued to the paper he was currently reading. After a minute or two, he stamped the bottom of the page with the king's seal and turned to his intruder waiting for the report.

"She left through the servants path. Two elves were accompanying her to the gate, Brianna and Lilith, they are her personal handmaiden. I'm not quite sure what they know exactly of her escapades but probably more than they let on."

"Go on, what happened when she left the keep?"

"She first went to the market, she was wearing casual clothes to not be posted as a noble. She bought a commoner dress and another one a little more formal. The also bought a comb, I heard they were gifts for the handmaiden. That's when Nathaniel arrived." The king nodded and crossed his finger, elbows resting on his desk. He was quite pensive.

"Did he touch her or greeted her in a friendly manner?" Without hesitation the guard answered.

"No your highness. They seem to be acquaintances for a while now, but nothing inappropriate. They walked all the way to the outside gate and then I lost them for a little while. I couldn't come out of the same gate, they would have noticed, so I took the northern gate and headed west. They were walking and talking casually. He brought her to the beekeeper Cassidy. She spent most of the afternoon with her. I'm sure none of them know she is your Queen, after all they call her Elena, apparently she is posing as an Avari handmaiden. They came back much as they left and said goodbye. I noticed he was a bit uneasy at the mention of the keep. I will investigate a bit further on his past and his family's."

"How often do she stroll into town dressed like a commoner?"

"It was the first time, the other she wore semi-formal dresses. It was an arranged rendez vous and he must have told her to dress more casually because they would be walking a lot in the grass and the forest. I didn't hear in their last meeting, I was too far away but it would make sense." Again the king nodded. A sigh escaped his lips and a frown on his forehead could be seen. He wasn't quite sure what to make of this situation. It was hard to tell yet if he should be worried about something happening between the two and stopping these meetings right away. The king dismissed the guard and turned to Adrahan, who had kept silent all this time, for counsel of some sort.

"My king I think they are behaving as good friend. He is introducing her to new people which can only be good for her moral. Although, I do not like the part where she has to keep a false identity. One day everything will be revealed and I fear she will lose those rare friends she is making."

"I was no really worried about that part but you are right, your point of view is quite true. She will be even more depressed if such a thing happens." The king rose to his feet and walked to the balcony to look at the noble buzzing in the court way below. "What should I do or not do? It's noble maiden she should be befriending, not commoners. This will only lead to despair."

"I think now is not the time to act, not until we know the man's true motives and more about his past. I will personally do some research myself on this matter. Perhaps he is not trustworthy. Perhaps keeping the Queen confined for a while would be wise, without letting her know our own motives."

"Order the guards to not let her pass until further notice. Say something about the upcoming moon festivities, the arriving of guests and the frequent opening of the outside gate. They'll think it's for her safety. Make sure you wait a day or two. Please, overlook some of the paperwork left, I need to clear my head." The man bowed to his king as he left in a swirling motion of robes. The king walked all the way to his quarters and changed in less formal attire. He told a maid to fetch Legolas, apparently it was time for some real archery lessons and then to inform the Queen her presence was requested for supper tonight in the northern tower. The young prince would certainly be very happy to oblige his father, but that couldn't be said for Eveena.

OOOOOO

The lighting in the keep was demining slowly indicating the night was approaching. Late for supper weren't the right words. More like I had missed it. I heard his footsteps down the hall. Hasty and loud would easily describe them. I could even picture the angry lines on his face, his fist clench at his side and his tense shoulder as he was making his way to her chamber. I couldn't just lock the door, he would order the guards to break it. I knew Thranduil too well now. He was always frustrated if I did something or didn't do it. It like my very existence was getting on his nerves. He didn't bother to knock and just opened the door in a swift motion. It was closed and locked behind him just as fast. I could hear the guards retreating from their post in the hall. No one would wanted to hear what would happen in a short while, but with keen sense, they would still hear, even two corridors away.

I was sitting on a chair in my balcony, my back to him. I didn't put down my book. It felt like the only object between him and I that could give me some form of idealistic protection. He seized my upper arm firmly to force me to turn towards him. I held my book to my chest and waited for the hateful words to leave his mouth.

"Are you deaf or something? I'm very sure the maid passed you my message to come for supper." I didn't answer him, what was the point anyway he knew I purposely ignored his demand. He shook me a little as if it would make the words come out of my mouth. His other hand closed around my other arm. The strength he was putting in his hold was more than necessary, his finger dug deep into my flesh.

"I doubt my presence would have changed anything to your meal king Thranduil." He hated it when I addressed him like a stranger, but then again that's what we were now, strangers to each other. He was clearly pissed off by my response. This book was my only hope for sanity, I was clutching to it like my life depended on it. I feared him more than I would admit to myself. He was so imposing but not just by the size of his body, by what was emanating from him as well. I wouldn't want to meet him on a battlefield. But this, this wasn't the same kind of battlefield people have in mind, but all in all, it was a silent and dangerous battleground. I fear I would not win our war in the end, even though I wished I could.

So...who is Nathaniel exactly to Elena...and who is he to Eveena...same person but different name...yep...but does Nathaniel knows who she really is? And is his name really Nthaniel...And how will Thranduil act in the near futur...Let me know what you think.

Thanks to all my followers and reviwers, get them coming it keeps me going :)