Gandalf sat in a large armchair by the fireplace in the grand room, which was shared by all four of them. Their host had made them all comfortable with luxurious beds and a bathroom in what was a grand drawing room. And while they had been offered separate rooms, the mistrusting dwarves had chosen to stay together for safety, and so Gandalf had been included in this request.

"He warns that she is not to Iike his other daughters -" Gandalf began after several painfully silent minutes of puffing away on his pipe.

The wizard had spoken to the Maharajah about proposing marriage to a different daughter to what he had offered. But after returning Gandalf had remained silent in thought for a while, with each of the dwarves looking from one to another hoping for some clues as to how the conversation might have been received.

"Aye and thank Mahal for that!" Dwalin commented, from where he sat on a stool sharpening a dagger.

"He means that she has not been raised in the same manner and is not of the same royal line as her step sisters," Gandalf corrected. "So he is uncertain whether your people would accept her as a Queen."

"Ah then my enquiries were correct," Balin concluded sitting by the fire on a large pouffe. "I gather she is the daughter of the King's most favoured courtesan, and not one of his formal consorts. And as such is considered of a lower status here than the other princesses. Although her father has gifted her with royal titles. I suspect he very much loves the lass' mother - maybe even more than his other wives..."

"But that does not matter. Any woman I should choose as my consort will be accepted as Queen, and none can say otherwise." Thorin spoke sternly. "In any case, how might anyone learn of this? Their Kingdom is so far, perhaps even beyond reach of our furthest travelling merchants."

"Yes, but you must be prepared." Gandalf warned Thorin again. "She is undoubtedly his favourite daughter, and she has been allowed to grow with more freedoms than the other children have been permitted. Also he will may turn into a great enemy should he come to believe that you do not treat her well."

"This would never be a concern."

"He also has a further condition," Gandalf added with the hint of a grimace. "Without fulfilling this, he will deny your marriage and his offer of an army..."

The three dwarves watched Gandalf with baited breath until he blew several more rings of smoke before finally speaking.

"So if you are sure of your choice, then he has allowed you a few moments to speak with her tonight. You must convince her to accept your hand in marriage," Gandalf explained looking worried, for he was sure tact and charm were not the strongsuits of the Durin Heir. "And I cannot do it for you. She must meet you and agree to your proposal herself. That is the Maharajah's condition. And that is also what I am worried of. Unfortunately, now that you have rejected his other daughter, should this young lady refuse your hand, there is no going back..."

"Mahals hairy bollocks he's good!" Dwalin huffed sheathing the dagger back in its scabbard. "Well... It looks like we will nae be gettin an army then..."

Thorin quirked an eyebrow at his friend surprised.

"Why not? You think that I cannot suitably charm that silly little girl?"

"Well laddie... It's the fact that you even call her a silly little girl that troubles us..." Balin glanced at his brother nervously. "You are only used to our dams, who accept ye as our King. This girl will need to be won over, and perhaps she may not even find ye attractive...?"

"A woman not find ME, Thorin Oakenshield son of Thrain, son of Thror attractive?!" Thorin snapped growing ever irate by the direction of the conversation!

"We're in trouble - see!" Dwalin rolled his eyes.

"Right! Where is the girl waiting, Gandalf?" Thorin stood up from his chair where he had sat brooding all afternoon.

"Perhaps we should all calm down first..." Gandalf puffed out another ring of smoke.

"I am perfectly calm!" Thorin raised his voice. "Very well, I shall search for her chambers myself -"

"There is quite no need. I shall accompany you." Gandalf stood up muttering.

"Do you think I am incapable of charming the girl either Gandalf?"

"No, but there is much at stake here, Thorin, son of Thrain, son of Thror! And I will assure you that should you fail, neither Fili nor Kili will be crowned either!" Gandalf chastised him sternly as he hurriedly put his pipe away, again muttering something about the 'stubbornness of dwarves'. "Come let us go..."

"Not without me -" Dwalin hurriedly stood up himself. "I have to watch this caravan wreck!"

"Brother!" Balin set a firm hand on his younger brother and stopped him from following, much to his annoyance.

And Thorin thoughtfully followed Gandalf as they left the room to the complaints of Dwalin, who could be heard reminding his older brother that he was the first to suggest the girl.

Thorin glanced at Gandalf as he focussed on recalling his directions around the grand palace. The halls which were filled with light during the day, were lined with glittering marble, and mosaics with intricate murals in places. And then where there were bare walls painted in white, there were often ornate tapestries hung. It was a very grand palace indeed. Perhaps even more so than Erebor, although it was far too ornate for Thorins taste. It made him wonder what the girl would expect or how she would dress.

His head had begun to race, and he had started having misgivings. After all he had only glimpsed her briefly during their luncheon, where as her sister he had seen face to face, even if he had not heard her speak.

Gandalf had taken a longer time to navigate the long ornate corridors and Thorin had almost talked himself out of his choice for the Maharajah's youngest daughter, when they suddenly appeared in a large courtyard.

Above was a starlit sky, and the whole palace seemed to be silent here. The open corridors surrounding the courtyard had decorated pillars and archways that faced them, and in the centre was a large fountain from which sprouted a gentle water flower. The sound it made was nothing like he had ever heard before, it was soothing.

At first he just stood there admiring the view and then as he took several steps in, his gaze happened upon a figure standing by the fountain.

She was tall and appeared to be dressed in a different style to her sister. He couldnt quite put his finger on it, but it was certainly less ostentatious. There was some sort of large fur at her feet, in an exotic white and black spotted colour, which he had never set eyes on before.

His heart raced a little, as he realised what was now at stake - his ancestral kingdom and all that was owed to him! It would all come down to whether this young woman gave her consent to be married or not!

Taking a slow, steadying breath, he adjusted his clothing, standing up straight, and wide, as he was always told by his father when being presented at court.

Surely this should not be such a problem, most women were enamoured by him, and his mother had always told him what a handsome dwarf he was!

"Gandalf -" he began turning to look for the wizard, who seemed to have now disappeared as if by magic!

He looked all around him but still found no sight of the old pilgrim.

"Right, up to me now..."

He began to walk over to her slowly, not wishing to frighten her but as he approached her the large fur she seemed to have dropped on the floor appeared to move!

Under the starlight it morphed into a large black and white cat! It stood between him and her and let out a low rumbling growl, not unlike a warg!

"It's okay... He won't hurt you..." She turned to look at him. "My father said you wished to have a word with me, but I am unsure what you would wish to discuss, your Highness; I do not know my sisters well, so I could not give you any advice with regards to them..."

"Well... In truth Princess..." He approached cautiously, as the beast stood a little taller still and growled louder, now bearing it's razor sharp teeth. It made him automatically place his hand on the pummel of his sword, incase he needed to unsheath it.

"Rajah," she chastised the creature, which seemed to immediately heed her words and slink down wrapping itself around her legs exactly like a cat seeking affection, only that it would have overpowered her if it had chosen to! "Oh! Come here you big brute!"

To his utter shock she stroked the creatures head and neck like it were a pet! Seemingly the girl had no fear at all!

"Now Rajah, go back to our room, I will be there in a bit." She spoke to it, and it seemed to lower itself at her feet. "No. You listen. Or else I will put your bed outside on the balcony for the next week."

The creature seemed to understand and it began to slink away, moving with grace and agility, before stopping once more and growling at Thorin briefly, until it disappeared altogether into the shadows.

"What is that thing?"

"Thing?" She turned to face him fully, her big brown eyes twinkling in the starlight. "Oh! You mean Rajah? He is a white Jaguar..."

"A white Jaguar? And you allow such a wild beast to roam the palace?" Thorin was unable to help his tone. "Does it not attack anyone?"

"Rajah? Attack anyone?" She chuckled as though what he had suggested was entirely preposterous - like if he had asked her to put her shoes on her head and dance around the fountain, shedding her clothes along the way. "Never. My father found him as a cub abandoned in the wild. And well... I guess, we have grown up together since. I doubt the poor brute would even know what to do if he were to be released into the wild... But, you are not here to speak about Rajah my lord, are you..."

"Aye. Well..." He cleared his throat again. "I seek a consort... And while your sister is a most worthy choice..."

He paused hoping she would meet him halfway, without having to spell it out.

But instead he was met with her rather curious gaze.

She was darker than the other princess, and much darker than any dwarf or man of the north. But Mahal, she was attractive. She was tall, and slender. And standing near her made him wonder how she would feel in his arms.

"She is a most worthy consort..." The woman repeated and then paused, prompting him to resume where he had clearly bumbled off.

"Aye. Well...I am led to believe you would be a more suitable consort and queen for me and my people..." He spoke the final sentence with an heir of clear confidence, power and masculinity that made him feel rather satisfied with himself. Any dam would gladly accept such a proposal!

"Oh. Was it your warrior friend who advised you on this matter...?" She asked a little surprised.

"No. Well..." he frowned, realising that she had meant Dwalin. So she must have met him before? Now his choice made sense! He made a mental note to ask him for details of their encounter.

"And why would you need to discuss this with me?" She clutched at the shawl draped over her shoulder. "This is a matter for you and my father is it not, your Highness?"

"Aye... No... I mean, I have already asked for his permission, but he believes the decision must be yours.."

"Does my sister know?"

"Yes... Well... I imagine she suspects by now... Or that someone has informed her..."

"Oh." She frowned a little before sighing. "So you must marry one of my sisters in order to be given an army by my father to reclaim your kingdom. And you think I am the most suited of my father's daughters...?"

Thorin nodded under her scrutinising gaze. She was much sharper than many of the dams who were from noble blood lines, that was for sure. They were only interested in politics to better their own social standing.

"Aye, my lady..."

"You need to know that I am not like the other princesses: they are crown princesses, born to the wives of the king. Where as, I am the daughter of the king's courtesan..." She spoke in as neutral a tone as she could muster, but the truth was she was a bastard child. It was a fact that her sisters and many of those in court had reminded her on a daily basis, often in a very cruel manner. It was only because of the fondness of her father that she had even been granted a royal title and her mother and herself hadn't been packed off to some far away village! "That makes me of lesser heritage- of a weaker blood line..."

"That matters not to me. Nor will it be ever known in Erebor." He reassured her. "You would be treated the same."

"You wish for me as a courtesan..?" She asked again to allow him the chance to change his mind in case he was unaware of the truth.

"No. I would like to marry you." He spoke the words a little more irately but then added the final bit in a softer tone. "As my wife."

She stared at him, her face harder to read in the dark, but he was sure he saw a combination of surprise and uncertainty.

"And what if I am to refuse your Highness?"

He had expected her to accept his proposal, so it had taken him some time to register the words she actually spoke. Her speech was clearer than that of her father and possibly any others he had spoken to here. But her words had floored him briefly.

"Then I will not leave here with an army or an ally." He bristled, clasping his hands behind his back and staring coldly in her eyes. It was not his wish, for she looked so soft, but all the same he was not used to being denied what he asked for. And so after a little pause he added some more for good measure. "And your father will not gain the wealthy allegiance of the greatest dwarven kingdom."

She sighed in defeat, finally looking away.

"This will have grave implications on the power and stability of Rhun-Agar, since so many small tribes try to overthrow the king and govern by council instead." She looked up at the water flower that gently sprayed above them from the grand fountain. "And that will mean the innocent of this city will no longer have a safe haven. The men will be forced to wage wars they do not believe in, the women will lose their freedom, and the orphans will be turned into slaves... Which means I have no choice."

He grunted in smug satisfaction, but as he glanced at her pretty face, his victory suddenly felt hollow.

"Surely marriage to a King should not be seen as such a pitiful state...?" He offered soothingly. Perhaps if he were a little softer it would make bedding her easier, when the time came.

"I always imagined, since I am considered a lesser Princess, that I would be the last to be selected or might marry for love..." She spoke quietly. It felt like a silly girlish thing to admit, but she could envisage her life changing entirely. "And that I would never have to leave Rhun-Agar or my mother..."

"When you are settled, and Erebor is rebuilt, I will send for your mother. On this I give you my word." He offered in consolation. "And Erebor is as comfortable as Rhun-Agar, that too I promise..."

"And how would this work? Because you are still a King in exile is that right your grace?"

He murmured an agreement, not liking how he felt belittled by her words.

"I would have you travel to Erebor once we succeed..."

"My father will not agree to this. Who is to say that you would not renege on your word? Perhaps marry another instead, but also having used my father's army?" She frowned thinking to herself how things might pan out. "No he will expect you to marry me before you leave I guess..."

"But we have no witnesses of our own..."

"Then I will be sent to our wedding accompanied by the platoon that had been promised to you."

"But it will be dangerous for you until we have rid Erebor of..."

"The Firedrake?" She completed for him, when he hesitated. "It is nothing to be ashamed of, I have heard of this being discussed between my father and one of my step brothers. Besides which if I am to be your consort I will need to know about the kingdom..."

"But you don't seem scared?"

"Well no. We kind of had something similar ourselves... Sandworms." She explained. "At least it was outside our city, but we would have starved to death unable to have merchants and farmers bring in food. The platoon you have been offered includes those who have faced the wyrms..."

"Sandworms..."

"Yes; they are great serpent like creatures that devour the earth and anything near them. Many had perished outside the city walls... And many fearsome warriors were taken before they were able to kill them." She explained calmly, but he could see from the horror on her face that it had been something akin to war. "It is not a fight I would wish upon a greatest enemy. But despite this, the small tribes outside, still wish to destroy our city and all the freedom it stands for. And I know you too are here because you fight for your home - your people. So you must understand how important this will be to my father, and to us all..."

Her words seemed to pierce his very soul. Suddenly, she didn't seem like such a silly little girl, only interested in frivolities such as love and enjoyment. To him, she seemed to have all that it took to be a Queen.

"My Prince, you have my consent..." She finally concluded, a little nervously. It was not an easy decision, and then question had been entirely unexpected. But she was here now and would quickly need to understand what was expected of her to survive. Her whole life had been about that - survival. Her mother had protected her as a babe and a child, from the threats and attempts to harm her then, particularly from the King's jealous wives. Then she had learnt to survive in court amongst vicious nobility. Now, just as she was learning to blend and disappear, things would change again. "What would you expect of me as your consort, Sire?"

He looked at her again closely, her brown skin looked like warm honey in the starlight, and there was so much of it exposed, it was distracting. Her belly and arms were bare, and the tops of her small breasts were visible, drawing the eyes with the pretty Ruby necklace she wore. He quickly looked away for fear that he might be perceived as perverse in his tastes. If she agreed to be his, he would be permitted to look all he wished at her.

"There is only one thing that will be expected of you, my lady: that you bear me an heir," he glanced at her, spotting the disappointment in her face. It made him wonder whether she was not attracted to him. "It is an archaic rule I know. But I cannot change this until I am King, and this is our law. Children are the most precious things of all, for Durins folk. And so next to Kingliness is fertility. If you are unable to bear me a child, then I have the right to annul our union. But without an heir I cannot rule as sovereign, and will require a council. And that can be even more... Difficult..."

He looked up at her face, realising that somewhere during that conversation he had started staring at the ruby necklace that sat so very deliciously close to her breasts, and cleared his throat a little uncomfortably.

The Princess who had been watching him with great intensity, smiled softly in return, but he was not sure whether it was because of his words or because she had caught his eyes wondering. Had his mother or sister been present they would have surely smacked his head for such a perversion!

"I...see..." She whispered nervously.

He could feel himself blushing now so was grateful for the dark. It was one of those embarrassing moments, where he wished the ground would open up and swallow him in that moment... Or that Gandalf might magically appear and rescue him from making a tit of himself!

How in Mahals name was one meant to tell a virgin, that becoming king meant sticking his cock in her and relieving himself repeatedly until she would eventually conceive! And she was certainly a virgin, judging from her reaction! He imagined it would not be an arduous task at all for him. In fact considering that he had not lain with a lass of any kind for some time now, combined with the likelihood that she would be rather a tight squeeze, he imagined that he would probably climax rather quickly without trouble!

A further moments silence passed between them as he searched for what to say.

How could one follow up from mention of an ancient law that requires the king to repeatedly bed his consort?!

He cleared his throat again uncomfortably.

"And...by heir...I imagine you mean a son?" She asked her voice barely a whisper, which meant he had to move in a little closer to hear her while staring at her luscious lips.

"Ah...well... Aye, my lady..." He answered grateful for any question at all.

She gulped as she understood what he meant, and nodded. For her it might mean that she would have to repeatedly endure being in his bed and having many of his children until they had a son.

"Of course most children that result from dwarven unions are almost certainly male..." He attempted to reassure her as she looked at him nervously and smiled. "I do not know the reason for this. But it appears to be so..."

That was partly the reason why he had travelled so far to Rhun-Agar in search of a suitable consort. The Maharajah's lineage, 'The House of Silk', had in the distant past formed an old alliance with Erebor, when, ironically Thorin the first, an old King, had taken a daughter of the Maharajah at that time, as his consort.

Of course like Dwalin had reminded him not too long ago, he could have simply married Dains daughter, who was rather plump, and monstrous in her looks as well as beastly in her manner. But the idea of bedding THAT, was repugnant to his very soul!

"Very well then. Of course I will help you as best as I can." She solemnly agreed nodding, still clearly nervous of what she might be getting into.

The innocence of her words made him smile. Genuinely. Not a fake smile - he couldn't manage those any longer. It was a strange feeling, for he had not smiled for a long time. Perhaps not since he had met Gandalf a few months ago in Bree, after he had been searching for his father.

"Och Princess, I doubt there is much ye need ter do but fer lettin him get his leg over ye!"

Thorin shut his eyes in annoyance as he heard Dwalin chuckle at his own bawdy joke!

"Good evening Princess!" Dwalin and Balin, the latter who had just caught up to his younger brother, both bowed together. "At yer service.."

"Now brother, we must behave ourselves." He could hear Balin admonishing Dwalin behind them.

"Good evening, Sirs..." She acknowledged, looking a little confused by the intrusion.

As Thorin frowned at them, he could see the older brother dragging the younger to a stone bench far behind to take a seat.

"We will be here should you need us..." Balin called out.

"Forgive the interruption my lady." He wanted to groan, but, given they had been discussing the matter of having relations not too long ago, he refrained, in case it might have sounded inappropriate.

"And you are certain it matters not that I am the daughter of the King's Courtesan...?" She asked again fiddling with her hands. "You realise that means...that she is the King's -"

"Yes." He reached out to touch her hand not wishing for her to use the word he anticipated she would. "All children of any union are recognised and valued, among our people, for babes are rare and precious."

He felt a tinge of pity for her, it was clearly a sticking point in their court. Perhaps he was doing her a favour too, taking her out of Rhun-Agar.

She nodded again.

"So...what happens next..?" She asked quietly. This was not something she had ever imagined would happen to her. Of course she was aware of what happened between a man and a woman in their marriage bed. But the exact details or how to get there was a little more sketchy.

It didn't matter, she set her mind up; for this union was important. Two kingdoms were depending on it!

Thorin tilted his head in acknowledgement before attempting to answer her question.

"Well..."

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