The town they had rode into, was mostly built on the waters edge, hovering precariously in some parts over what could only be freezing cold water.
There was a general unpleasant smell, even in the cold, which had a hint of old rotten fish and vegetables that she couldn't shift from her nose.
Between the nerves and this she felt quite sick.
Even her horse lurched from time to time, unhappy about its own journey in.
They had received word from the Wizard some weeks ago that they were to arrive in the town by the Lake, and wait there until the dwarves arrived in Erebor.
But it appeared that the dwarves had arrived much earlier than they had anticipated. And now the town had lined up to watch as she had been paraded in, accompanied by a small troupe of soldiers, a minister loyal to her mother, and Arvind, her favourite step-brother.
She peeped from under the hood of her cape and shawl, hoping she could get a glimpse of her future husband, because it had been so many months since she had last seen him, that she couldn't, in truth recall what he even looked like. She had heard he was older, and recall seeing some grey in his hair that night, but they had met under starlight, and stupidly she had paid so little attention to him at luncheon.
Her stomach proceeded to do somersaults, and the silence amongst the people who watched in awe was horrifying. All she could hear was the loud thumping of her heartbeat mixed with the sound of the jingling her anklets and bangles made under all her clothing, and the steady clip-clop of her giant white horse, covered in ceremonial regalia.
Nandita would have been thrilled by the chance to be admired and displayed in this manner! Perhaps she may have even requested a more formal procession, complete with eastern acrobats, and even an Oliphant. But she just felt cheap now; like a royal whore! And the thought made her insides turn even more.
The number of times she had been ridiculed since her eleventh birthday by various members of court, even her step-sisters, about being nothing but the daughter of the Kings whore, and being one herself, had been so numerous, that it had made her despise court, and even the throne room! Her mother would soothe away the tears, reassuring her that their paths in life were not ones they had chosen for themselves, and that with time a certain numbness to the words of others would quietly set in. But for her it never did.
The journey was painful, but she didn't want it to get any quicker, for her final destination was no better.
The honest truth was she didn't want to marry this arrogant dwarf-Prince. And she was almost entirely certain he shared her sentiments.
Heart pounding, and almost in her mouth their horses came to a halt. Her horse pawed the ground and whinnied in protest as she gripped her saddle tight between her thighs to stop herself from flying off her horse for not paying attention.
Shah Aaman, the minister was the first to dismount, followed by her step-brother. But she was surrounded by a mounted guard, which meant that she still could not see ahead unless she really leant to the side.
There was a long pause, with much discussion ahead. It didn't sound positive, and she wondered whether Thorin had now decided against marrying her. She wouldn't be entirely disappointed if he did.
She glanced around her taking in the soldiers that flanked her. They were dressed in their best armour today, but it was clear that they were still completely alert.
The final few weeks prior to her departure had been filled with numerous attempts at kidnapping her! It had meant her father had imposed a constant guard on her, which had left her miserable at the loss of the final few weeks of her freedom.
"Sister, here, give me your hand..." Arvin gently offered her his hand. "It is time..."
"But I thought it sounded like they had changed their mind?"
"For a beauty like you, dear sister? Never!" Arvind smiled with a cheeky wink. "Gandalf is not here yet, but they have been expecting us. Prince Thorin, has accepted the hospitality of the Master of Esgaroth. And they are preparing a wedding feast in your honour, before the company of Prince Thorin will set off for the lonely Mountain. So we have little time left to negotiate any additions to the final Wedding contracts."
She took his hand and carefully slid down the side of the horse, to land gracefully on her feet. While it was indeed a long distance, she was actually quite capable at dismounting well, even if she had not been a very strong equestrian before setting on this long journey. But now, after so many weeks spent on her horse, she had found her entire body had changed. Her legs and balance had grown stronger, and she herself had grown a little more confident.
"And our men?"
"They are not far now. Perhaps a few days more to journey." He looked at her concerned knowing her thoughts were on her pet. "Do not worry, Rajah is well. But I cannot negotiate his place in the contract. That you will have to ask of your husband, when you are wed, and then I am sure he will agree to your request."
"What if he does not?"
Arvin stopped her as he held out his hand formally, into which she placed hers.
"Might I suggest, my dear sister, that you relay your request regarding your pet, when you lay together in your marriage bed?" He smiled cheekily at her. "He will wish to look at you undressed. Perhaps even undress you himself. Do not be afraid, you have been told of what is to be expected, but husbands and wives often speak gently during such times, and favourably towards one another. It is most intimate. So I would suggest that you take the fullest advantage of this. Particularly on the very first night."
She nodded nervously. She had never been apart from Rajah since the day he arrived in their palace as a cub.
"Perhaps he will lose interest in me...?"
"Why would you think this way?" Arvind stopped her again, pretending to adjust the sheer veil and tikka she wore. "It is in your best interests that he sees you for who you truly are. So talk to him tonight..."
"How do you know so much?" She whispered to him. "About all this sort of stuff?"
"Well, for one, while you are off gallivanting with the orphans, I am listening to those who have advice!" He chuckled. "So perhaps one day I shall make a good husband."
"Well thank heavens for older and wiser brothers, who will indeed make the perfect husband." She began to walk forward with him. Soon she was able to catch a glimpse of the Prince and his company as they stood there surrounded by so many men from Esgaroth, until she was covered once more by the large banner bearing the sigil of the Maharajah which Shah Aaman held up proudly.
"So what happens now?" She asked worried genuinely.
"Well, today you will be presented before your husband. According to dwarvish custom you are permitted a some time to make any requests from him which Lord Balin is to include in the marriage contract, if Thorin should agree. But I would suggest that you use this time to just talk." Arvin advised her again solemnly. "I do not know Thorin, but I imagine his mind is on the Mountain now, and anything you might ask may be perceived as a trouble..."
She nodded, ignoring the sounds of gasps and whispers as she walked past the people of the town who had clearly never seen anyone from afar. They genuinely looked poor, their faces gaunt and their clothes worn. It made her feel sad, particularly for the children. Even the poor orphans in Rhun-Agar had more than the people here.
"I am scared, Arvin." She clutched his arm tight as they neared the Prince and his company.
"Do not be, dear sister, he will not harm you," he reassured her.
They finally stopped, and one by one the guard parted, with Aaman stepping aside last of all, to reveal Thorin and his group ahead. They stood on a set of steps that led up to the grandest looking building in the square they had arrived in, although in truth all the buildings looked like they had long since seen better days!
He was by far the tallest of the dwarves, and she hadn't realised how short the others were, until now. He was dressed in a long deep blue velvet coat, although it was not as rich as what he had worn last time, and he had little in the way of armour on.
It was probably the first time she had properly seen him in normal daylight. And while he was an older dwarf, it was hard to deny just how handsome he looked!
It made her wonder why he had never married before, for surely he had no lack of women or dams interested for that matter?
Beside Thorin stood Dwalin, whom she recognised well enough now, and realised had to thank for landing her in this horrid mess. She also recognised the dwarf with the fluffy white beard as Balin. She had spent several long hours going over his detailed contract written on yards of folded up parchment. Her 'duties' as Thorins wife had been clearly set out! And she had stared furiously at his signature, for several equally long hours, before finding the courage to sign it.
It was an iron clad binding contract, with plenty of scope for Thorin to find ways of rejecting her. Of course, as a husband he too had much to live up to, but she would be living in HIS kingdom, and doubted very much that he would ever be found fault with!
"Welcome, Prince Arvind, and my lady," Thorin finally spoke, his cold blue eyes fixing on her, his face apparently unmoved by her arrival. "The Master of Lake Town has prepared supper for us this evening. I expect you are all weary from your travels...?"
He stood watching her for a moment, and then extended his hand out to her.
At first she was unsure what she was supposed to do, but Arvind was quick to intervene, offering her hand which he held out to Thorin.
It was strangely symbolic, although she was not entirely confident Thorin would look after her in the same manner, her family was handing over the keep of their daughter to the care of Thorin, Prince of Erebor, soon to be king.
After a moment of exchange, she carefully walked up the steps beside Thorin, who kept his pace deliberately slow, in part to show off his bride, decked in rich silks and gold, and partly to help her. He would have been lying to himself, if he too had claimed in that moment that he had not felt a stirring within him at her touch.
The Masters Lodge had been a dingy building, although it was decorated in a very pretentious manner!
She couldn't help herself from glancing over at Thorin as he led her along. But he had never once looked at her.
Their evening meal had been a quiet affair, with only Thorins company, and herself, Arvind and Aaman at the table with the funny looking master and his even more odious deputy.
But even throughout dinner, Thorin had barely spoken to her, although he had been very attentive to filling her glass or offering her food.
It had felt quite uncomfortable, as if he was strangely observing her, and any appetite she had, was consequently lost.
So finally when they had all stood from their seats she had found it quite a relief. Thorin had already joined Balin, and was deep in some sort of serious discussion - apparently he couldn't wait to get away from her!
She looked over to where Arvind and Aaman were, and apparently they too had found company! Her brother was preoccupied with listening to a younger looking blonde haired dwarf, and Dwalin, who was still stuffing his face from a plate he had pilfered from the dining table! While Aaman had been apparently taken hostage by a fancily dressed dwarf, who was busy admiring the Shah's clothing along with a younger dwarf. She glanced around the room but found no friendly faces other than her bodyguards, and so she purposefully pulled on her warm Cape and moved towards a large window.
It was cold here: Even inside, with two great fireplaces with roaring fires, it was still cold.
Finding a quiet window seat, she peered out. They were high up, and the town below had a little life in it. There was a gathering of people downstairs, who appeared to be collecting the leftovers that were being sent down from the table. While further beyond, she could see the dark body of the large lake. It's still waters glimmered under the light of the moon.
It made her realise how quickly the day had gone and how short it was.
She wondered about her mother, and what she would be doing now. The truth was that her mother was her closest friend. As much as she resented her mother's relationship with the King, she was the kindest, wisest and most non-judgemental person she knew. And now, as things stood she wondered whether she would see her mother again. Nothing about it had been written into their marriage contract.
But one thing was sure, until she had given Thorin a male heir, she would probably not even be allowed to run away!
This was a political marriage, and she had once heard an older brother of hers bitterly laughing about it stating that it was easier for a workhorse to escape it's bridle than for a prince or princess to escape the yoke of a state union!
"He's not as terrible as he seems, you know, your Highness..."
A quiet voice interrupted her thoughts.
Looking up from her seat she found a small man standing there with a gentle smile on his face. On first glance she had nearly ignored him thinking him a child, before she noticed his waistcoat, jacket and cravat. It was like something out of one of her story books from the far western lands! His face was also not that of a child, although still fairly youthful, he had the markings of stubble on his chin and a few grey hairs amidst his mass of wavy brown hair.
"Forgive me, Sir, my mind was far away..." she stood, but he was quick to offer a bow from the waist. It was a little excessive, and awkward even, but he clearly meant well.
"Bilbo Baggins.. uh.. at your service, my lady," he smiled as he stood waiting to be invited to sit beside her on the window seat.
"I am Sh - I mean Princess Shobha, daughter of the Maharajah of Rhun-Agar." She had practised this line in front of a mirror so many times recently in preparation for meeting the many important people that she would have to speak with as Thorins wife - or at least as she had expected before.
Suddenly she realised the poor man hovering there with expectation for an invite.
"Please... Master Baggins..." She gestured to the window seat. It was large enough for them to share respectfully, not that anyone would notice anyway. "You are with... Prince Thorin?"
"Yes... Well... I have agreed to help them on their quest..."
"And what would that be Sir?" She asked out of curiosity. He was so small, and weakly built, it was hard to imagine him fighting or doing anything of any use. In fact, if she were being truly critical, she would imagine SHE was more useful to Thorin!
"I am to help them get into Erebor...and obtain something for them..."
"From inside the Mountain?" She asked surprised. "Where a dragon lives..?"
"Well, who is to say he lives or not..."
"Dragons can live for centuries. In fact one of my father's wise men said, they might have existed for millennia..."
"Yes... Well... The trick will be not to wake him then..." The little man stuttered a little nervously. "At least not until your army are ready...they are ready aren't they?"
"My brother tells me our men are perhaps one or two days journey away still. They have much war machinery to bring along..." She shuddered at the various large contraptions they had used to face down the sandworms. "And they will not fight unless...we are married and the contracts finalised. Although I guess that pretty much is done.. I mean its not going to be a wedding really. Not like at home, I suppose..."
The little man smiled at her, his eyes kind and soft.
"You speak Westron very well..."
"Thank you, but my mother would disagree with you, she says my speech can sound quite unrefined at times.." she smiled. It had been the orphans who had taught her to swear and curse, an association which her mother begrudgingly allowed. She missed those little children a lot. "Are you also a dwarf?"
She spotted his strange hairy feet, trying hard no to stare and wondered whether Thorin had feet like that too!
"Oh no, your Highnes-"
"Please...Master Baggins, you don't need to refer to me with such titles."
"Thank you my lady..but I have never met a REAL princess before... It is something out of a story book really..." He smiled trying to keep the excitement out of his voice. "But I am a Hobbit. From the Shire. Well...Bagend actually."
She suddenly realised what this poor man had been set for and her heart sank.
"You are to be sent in to retrieve this precious stone from the mountain?"
"Yes, my lady..."
She didn't want to hear any more. The thought made her feel sick. Thorin, and his mighty group of warriors were to send this poor creature in after the stone!
"I cannot abide by such cowardice!" She frowned. "Why does HE not go and get it for himself! And send you instead..."
"My lady, it's quite alright..."
"No! I cannot have it. And I am meant to wed him... Ugh or worse to submit myself to him!" She found herself fuming suddenly and looking around the room for her brother or Aaman. She would annul this union immediately.
"It's alright, my lady... Gandalf said the dragon would most likely not even notice me - and unlike the dwarves, he wouldn't know my smell. The shire has never had dragon trouble before..."
"The wizard?" She didn't like the sound of this. "You know that creature will melt your flesh in seconds do you not?"
"Yes... Yes..." He gulped at her straight words. He liked her. But he certainly didn't want to cause any trouble in their marriage and the role of her fathers army in this. "But there is a plan.. I promise... And I am in no grave danger - Thorin has offered to come to my aid should I need it..."
He lied, trying to sound as convincing as possible, if nothing other than to see her pretty face smile again.
"Do you trust that he will?" She whispered staring into his eyes for his honest thoughts.
"Um... Lass... You haven't travelled with a healer have you?" A smiling dwarf with a funny looking hat interrupted them, before bowing. "Bofur, at your service, your ladyship..."
"Oh... No... But I can take a look if you like..." She smiled standing up, as the Hobbit accompanied her.
"Aye... That would be good..."
She slipped out of the crowded dining room to follow the dwarf. And then she turned to look at the two giant men that stood not far from her. "Dabur, maybe you should stay... I have Adbi, and this gentleman, Master Baggins to chaperone me. Otherwise it will be obvious that I am out."
"My lady, you are not to go running off at a whim. This is not our land. And we have seen the way that some of these men stare at you -"
"Very well! I promise to be on my best behaviour, and let Abdi pummel anyone who comes within ten feet of me to a bloody pulp..." She chuckled, as the dwarf and hobbit both looked a bit ill at the thought, given how giant all her bodyguards were. "But Master Bofur here, needs me to look at the wound of one of Prince Thorins company. And it will be my duty now, as his wife to do this.."
Both guards looked at one another and sighed, giving in to her requests. In truth, apart from her mother, her body guards were her only friends - even if she did give them the run around sometimes. And they too had grown fond for her, like a naughty little sister.
"Come on... Master Bofur - lead the way..."
She had followed the dwarf along several dingy corridors, before arriving in a reading room.
A young dark haired handsome dwarf sat on a chair looking down at his knee where an older grumpier looking dwarf sat on a footstool examining it.
As they all arrived in the room the young dark haired dwarf looked up startled.
She could see from where she stood that he looked as though he was in great pain.
"Make room for the princess!" Bofur announced proudly, as though he had done something amazing.
The older dwarf grunted something as she approached, but she was not sure it was in westron.
"We need supplies, not a princess you idiot!" The old dwarf grunted out loud.
She peered down at the wound that had been exposed. It looked black!
"How long have you had this?" She asked worried, reaching for his forehead to check his temp. "It looks like gangrene, but I know it cannot be, since it does not smell..."
"I have had it no more than two days, my lady... But it is nothing truly. Master Oin will wrap it up..." The young dwarf tried to sound dismissive. "Will be as right as rain in a few days -"
"Abdi, please could you bring our medical bag..?" She looked up at her guard, who stood unmoving for a moment. "They are warriors and Prince Thorins company -"
"Very well, your Highness." He said disappearing quickly.
"Who's your giant friend there?" The young dwarf asked.
"My bodyguard..." She helped Oin roll up his trouser leg to get a better look.
"That will need much cleaning. Even curetting the wound will help?"
The older dwarf looked at her with curiosity.
"I will show you. But first we should get you a strong drink...Sir... Um... What should I call you?"
"Kili, at your service -" he tried to hobble up but she pushed him back into his chair, to the amusement of both himself, the other dwarves and the hobbit.
"Oh you are Prince Thorins nephew?"
"Aye. But I am not important..."
"You are a Prince!" She smiled at him but he seemed just as sad as she was! She wondered why.
Abdi arrived fast with a small leather bag, and he was apparently rather happy to see she hadn't given him the slip!
"How do you know about all this lass?" The old dwarf asked her still not entirely sure what she was going to do.
"We had many casualties among our men who fought against the sandworms. Too many for our healers. And my mother used to help, so I spent a lot of time as a girl following her in the sick bays. I ended up helping out." She pulled out a vial of liquid and dropped it over his wound, making him hiss in pain. "It turns out that I am not so squeamish, as many other folk. So, Prince Kili...you had better drink some liquor..."
She watched as Oin pulled out a small flask and hand it to him.
"The strong stuff lassie... Not this weak ale..." The old dwarf clarified.
"Good. Some more please my Prince." She pulled out a shiny silver spoon. "This is a curette... My healers use it a lot when the flesh is infected or contaminated with dirt... I think you had better drink some more..."
Kilis eyes widened as he slowly realised what was about to happen and took several more swigs.
"Would you like something to bite on?" She asked briefly as Kili held on to the chair arm tightly, his knuckles turning white, and shook his head. "This may hurt a little..."
She was lighting fast, cleaning out the wound, as Kili groaned in agony, one hand covering his mouth, the other gripping the chair.
"A little?!" Kili cried out after she stopped. "Is it done now?"
"Yes." She dropped the blackened flesh into one of the old bandages. "How did this happen?"
"One of the orcs shot me with an arrow." Kili explained.
"I fear the arrow head may have been dipped in some sort of poison. I have seen it before," she glanced up at the older dwarf who nodded in agreement listening to her through his ear trumpet. "There is an experienced healer who accompanies the men, but they are a few days behind -"
"We shall have to wait and see I think lass. These people here in Lake town have nought - not even any real medicine. But I shall tell you I have never seen anyone do that with a spoon before," he sounded genuinely impressed, while watching her bandage the young dwarfs leg."Oin, at your service me lady.."
He bowed with a flourish of his hand still holding his ear trumpet.
"Thank you... It is quite sad isn't it. I suppose this was a prosperous town once when Erebor was thriving..." She couldn't imagine how painful life must have been for those who had no choice but to stay. "Maybe it's something we can help change..."
Kili looked at her with dozy eyes and smiled, while Oin nodded thoughtfully.
"Oh, my Prince, I think we had better get you back to your room, so you can have a little nap?"
"There are no rooms. We kipped on the floor on bed rolls," Oin explained. "So you may as well put your feet up here Kili lad..."
"No rooms... Then I guess we are back in the tent tonight -"
They were all interrupted by Thorins arrival, as he stood in the doorway to the room looking rather morose.
It had made Bilbo jump briefly.
"My lady..." He stood with his hand held out, while she finished adjusting Kilis legs on the footstool with Oin and Bilbo's help, before walking towards him. It was as if she were a dog and expected to sit at his heel upon his gesture!
"My lord..." She stood looking at his outstretched spade like hand for a moment.
"I would be grateful if I could have a word please," he finally spoke the words through his teeth. It made her wonder whether he hated her as much as she was growing to dislike him!
"Of course," she reluctantly placed her hand in his, glancing nervously over her shoulder at the others briefly.
Abdi began to follow keeping some distance.
"Is there any need for him?"
"We are not yet wed, my lord," she replied. "Abdi goes everywhere I do..."
"Apart from when you are running around with the orphaned children though, that is, right?" Even he had found himself somewhat amused by the story of how Dwalin had met her first. His friend had shared this with him during the long hours they had been trapped in Thranduils prison! It had strangely given him hope, something to look forward to - to meeting her again.
"Oh that?! Um... I fear Abdi had no choice in that, my lord," she suppressed a cheeky smile that was threatening to break on her lips. It was easy to push it back down though as she thought of the freedom she once had, that was now lost. "Don't worry, Abdi is most discreet, and entirely loyal. His duty is only to protect me."
Thorin growled something she didn't understand under his breath. She could only imagine it was in his own language.
"Very well. Here," he led her to a quiet balcony where he stopped and initially looked out into the dimly lit square in the town below. "I expect there is a certain decorum with which women folk in your kingdom are expected to behave?"
She turned to look at him. Her brothers were much taller than Thorin, although none were built so wide, or so muscular. And as it turned out, she too was as tall as the Dwarf-King herself. In fact she wondered, if she stood entirely straight, with the sort of posture her mother would correct her on, whether she might even be a smidge taller than him!
"Um...yes my lord," she answered finally after finding herself frozen in his direct, icy stare. "I am not sure what -"
"And yet there you are, my wife to be, sharing a cosy window seat with another male, in front of all and sundry. Before then, running off to expose and tend to my nephew..."
"Oh... I... Master Baggins is hardly a rival, my lord. He is the size of a child. And surely it would be my duty to look after your nephews anyway, if I am to be your wife..?" She looked down at her hands, that had been decorated elaborately with henna, and thought of what advice her mother had given her, squirming under his unwavering scrutiny. "I apologise if I have done anything to offend you my lord. It was not my intention..."
"Hmmmm..." He simply grunted still staring at her, his own irritation burbling up within him.
She was so young, and so untouched. Any dam at home now would have already begun to flirt with him by now, flaunting their cleavage or batting their lashes at him. This girl was too tall, with only small pert breasts, and was much harder work than he was used to.
She looked back up at him, finding he didn't even look away. His cold, blue eyes just looked angry, although he didn't appear to have any sort of expression on his face.
"Well I am unable to offer you protection, we barely have any proper weapons. And tomorrow I must leave for the mountain, and strangely while it would be safer to take you with me, I cannot in case the dragon should still live..." He spoke with rising irritation in his voice. "I asked that we might be married after the mountain was taken back, but your father will never offer his army unless we are wed..."
"Yes. I understand these are not the best of circumstances. But if you place yourself in his shoes too, you will understand that there is no guarantee for him unless there is a marriage first. I too have accepted this. While you are an honourable dwarf, another man may use his army and then marry another woman - there is nothing to stop you. Rhun-Agar is so far, it is hardly worth his while to march another army on you and declare war," she began trying to explain only to find his hardened stare meet her gaze when she looked up. "I suppose, I am trying to say, I understand, and I have long accepted my duty in all this."
He looked away this time, clasping his hands behind his back. It was a very formal stance, and only made him look broader, and rather magnificent.
"You speak of understanding and accepting your duty. Does this mean that I am not the choice you would have made for yourself, had you chosen a husband..?" He wanted to know whether her resistance to what he considered his natural charm was because she had another in her heart. But he didn't want to sound anything more than curious.
"My lord, I am not sure I would have chosen any at the moment. I am the youngest of all my father's daughters, and I am not of the highest birth. I sincerely cannot say I expected any suitors so early," she watched him this time. Even on profile with his strong nose, he looked handsome. It made her wonder why he chose her, for surely he could have selected any of her unwed sisters! She wanted to ask him the same question, but was too scared of an honest answer.
"Very well, then. I must ask you whether there is anything that you would request from me? Any special wishes or demands I must fulfill which will require our marriage contracts to be amended?" He spoke again at first looking away, before then turning to face her fully.
"Um... No... " She hesitated nervously trying to hold her tongue, but with each passing moment found herself struggling.
"That does not sound as though you have nothing at all to ask of me." He stepped closer, until he was able to smell the ambery perfume that lingered on her skin. He was close enough to touch her, to even kiss her, and as he watched, she appeared to shiver a little, her big brown eyes widening, like a doe, so unspoilt. "You can ask me for anything you wish..."
"Well it's not really a request - but I do not think you should be sending in Master Baggins to the mountain," she blurted out unable to temper her words better out of a mixture of nervousness under his stern scrutiny, and general weariness. "He might die, and worse yet awaken the dragon..."
"He knows what he signed up for, and will be rewarded handsomely in return -"
"Why do you not retrieve it yourself?"
"Because I am more likely to wake the beast from its slumber!" He hissed angrily stepping closer to her still. They were now close enough that he could kiss her. "Besides, what do you know of dragons or of reclaiming kingdoms! You are nothing but a silly little girl!"
She had made him angry, and now she felt stupid.
"Do you think me a coward?" He hissed at her fuming. He wanted to teach her a lesson - preferably on her knees! "Do you think you know anything about what it is that we must accomplish here?"
"I... No...I don't..." She took a step back to find herself now against the wall.
But he still remained so close that his body was touching hers. It made her heart race.
"Perhaps you should leave such decisions to me..." He positioned his legs around her, now trapping her in place, as she desperately tried to press herself against the wall. Dark eyes dilated, and her breasts heaving, with the strange thrill he brought. "Easy now, little one... You have nothing to fear from me..."
He carefully placed a hand on her belly, to steady her, as if she were a jittery pony. Of course he couldn't help but enjoy the feel of her. Perhaps tomorrow would be the send off that he needed. After all it was the memory of her face that had kept him from giving up entirely while trapped in Greenwood. He wasn't sure exactly what this was, but it stirred something strangely primal within him.
"Perhaps...you should be more concerned with preparing for tomorrow...and performing your 'duties' then..." He spoke in his rich deep voice, his lips so close to her ear, she could feel his breath on her skin.
It made her close her eyes, half expecting him to steal a kiss from her and made her feel a thrill that she hadn't felt in a long time.
It was something dangerous, like when she had crept out of her father's palace once late at night to see the town then. It was like an entirely forbidden city after dark, as hidden brothels, rowdy and debauched tavernas opened up, with their bar maids, that were clearly a bit more than that, courtesans and dancing girls in full swing. Watching the lusty and nefarious activities that went on was a thrill, for if she had been caught, she was certain that some terrible fate may have befallen her. Of course, she had found her very angry mother waiting for her on her arrival, and the Palace had been searched several times over by her guards with the Maharajah informed. But for a few hours of adrenaline fuelled danger, the punishment of being grounded had been entirely worth it!
This moment with him, now, felt like that. Her heart beat out of her chest, and she found herself unable to catch her breath, with her body pressed against the wall and her eyes closed.
She wasn't sure what to expect next, as she felt his hand leave her abdomen and gently brush her cheek.
And then she waited, and waited, in this state for what felt like an age.
Until she found her heart and her breathing slowly returning to normal.
But when she opened her eyes, he was gone, and she stood alone on the balcony under the pale glow of the autumn moon.
...
"May your union bear the strength of these chains..." Balin spoke as he wrapped the heavy iron around her wrist and then Thorins. "May our father Mahal bless and protect the strength of you both. Let what was forged in fire and cooled in water be as strong as stone."
She held still, although the chains pinched at her skin, and kept her eyes down on her wrist, although she could feel his eyes boring into her.
They stood in a grand banquet room that had been opened out to allow the townsfolk to stand watching.
They had already signed the contracts, where Thorin had whispered something to Balin and her brother at first, and the fluffy haired dwarf had nodded, crossing something out and amending it. And after that, Thorin himself had lifted her sheer veil which just covered her face before they had started the ceremony.
She was dressed in a suit her mother had chosen for her, with a more open neckline, but longer waist and sleeves, and lots of elaborate gold embroidery on dusky rose silk and brocade. It was truly a magnificent piece, and had been made to fit her in a more figure hugging manner with laces at the back that her brother had tightened a little too well. And so the inbuilt bralette cupped and pushed up her breasts in a more uncomfortable way than she liked, although from the look on Thorins face, it cleared had the desired effect.
When she had first set eyes on him where they stood at the top of the room after her brother had walked her in, she had found her body reacting to him just as it had yesterday. Her heart had begun to beat faster, and her breath quicken, expecting him to provide the same thrill that he had done last evening.
And so out of fear that her fast breathing had made her breasts heave quite openly as they sat much prouder than she had ever worn before, she had decided to make as little eye contact with him as possible.
There was to be a grand wedding feast soon after. But not for her. She was to be whisked back to her tent where she would begin her wedding night early with Thorin. It was apparently the one thing he had amended yesterday as a request. And so after getting dressed for her wedding, she and her guards had prepared her bed, with extra furs and blankets, rose water and lavender to fragrance it all. Her brother had then set a side table with wine and goblets, advising her that although she didn't drink, that it would be wise if she did partake in a single glass that evening, quoting that dwarven males were thicker in girth and better endowed than men! It was something her mother had talked to her about when they had picked outfits for her back in Rhun-Agar, but she had thought her mother had said it in jest. To be fair her mother had quite a wicked sense of humour, and had been hooting about something else of a bawdy nature at the time.
So now she was even more nervous, expecting that she would suffer quite some pain on such an impaling, when he consummated their marriage. And judging from the way he looked at her, she imagined he would be quite rough with her. She had asked more from her guards whom she trusted to tell her the truth, but most of them rarely remembered a time when they had been interested in sex as they had all been castrated as young men.
She was snapped out of her own thoughts as she felt the pinching of the chains when Thorin grasped her wrist.
"You are mine. And with my sword and hands, I vow to honour, protect and provide for you. With my blood I swear this," Thorin spoke the words in that deep voice of his, which threatened to make her feel breathless again. "Let what was forged in fire, and cooled in water be as strong as stone."
"Now lass, repeat after me," Balin smiled at her kindly. "I am yours..."
"I am yours..."
"With my body and heart, I vow to obey, love and comfort you. Being faithful to only you..."
"With my...body and heart, I vow to...obey, love and comfort you. Being faithful to only you..." She didn't entirely like what she was saying, but she had no choice.
"Now grasp his hand lass," Balin gently prompted her. But the chains were tight, and cutting into her skin. Fortunately Thorin had helped her by letter her wrist go and moving his hand to allow her to place her hand in his. The chains jangled and clinked as they bit at her soft skin. It was probably going to bruise her.
"Let what was forged in fire, and cooled in water be as strong as stone." Balin smiled and nodded as she repeated him.
"Let what was forged in fire and cooled in water be as strong as stone."
"The marriage is blessed. Now as I remove these chains, may the bond that forms between you continue to grow." Balin prompted, removing the chains. "With a kiss it is sealed..."
She suddenly looked up to find his piercing blue eyes still on her. They stared at her with an intensity that made her blush as she now expected that kiss.
Slowly he stepped up to her and leant in. Her heart raced again, and she closed her eyes. It was hard to imagine he would kiss her passionately in front of so many like that.
But he seemed to take his time, wrapping an arm around her waist, while the other rested on her back as he pulled her in slowly. Then very carefully he pressed his lips to hers.
She had never kissed anyone before. And he was gentler than she expected, but just as his lips made contact with hers the soft bristle of his beard made her gasp into their kiss. This was all he needed, as she parted her lips he slid in his tongue, pressing her more against his body.
His tongue exploring her mouth made her moan softly, which he seemed to enjoy, as he deepened their kiss. For her it was a thrilling ride, with her heart pounding away as she clutched onto his chest.
There was a cheer from the crowd, which seemed to pull him out of the moment as he quickly chastened the kiss before letting her go.
He stood beside her, still holding her hand, and turned to address the crowd.
"I thank you for your generous hospitality, and the supplies. Once we reclaim Erebor, I promise to restore our trade routes, and repay your generosity to rebuild your town!" He announced. "Now please enjoy the feast tonight before we set off on our final quest tomorrow."
Again the crowd cheered loudly as he began to lead her through to the door, pausing briefly to speak with Dwalin.
"Get everything packed and ready," Thorin whispered to his friend.
"Aye, what about Kili? He's nae in good shape." Dwalin spoke in a hushed manner. "He can only barely walk..."
"We cannot risk everything now. Kili stays. Leave Oin to help him." Thorin replied hurriedly now eager to get his new bride back to their marriage bed. "We must get there before the sun sets tomorrow."
"Aye. And we shall send a couple of plates o'food in ter yer tent shall we?" Dwalin chuckled ribbing his friend.
"No! We are not to be interrupted." He gave her a sidelong glance, hoping she was not able to hear anything over the din of the crowd. "I need an heir and an army."
"Aye... And a good send off eh?" He patted Thorin on the back before winking at her. "Bet yer glad ye met me eh Princess?!"
Thorin grunted something at Dwalin before leading her on again. There was now an almost strange urgency about his movement, although he was still careful not to pull her along.
They had almost made it to the door when Arvind stopped them briefly.
"Balin tells me you have refused any witnesses?" Arvind sounded strangely relieved, as she tried to make sense of what he meant.
"Aye. I can see it is a relief for you. I did not think it proper..." Thorin grasped his shoulder in reassurance, although in truth he had only refused witnesses so he could have her as many times as his body and hers would allow it. And he was now looking forward to it, almost semi-erect in anticipation even!
"I am grateful of course. But unless we confirm that...the marriage is as it should be the army will not arrive, and if what the locals say is true, we will be in great peril when the beast awakens -" Arvind sounded worried about it all now. He was usually not one to be so nervous. He had fought many sandworms himself, when he had been new to battle, and it was because he had earned his father's highest respect that he had been sent to accompany the Maharajah's youngest daughter. But now he was beginning to regret his decision to accept. He could handle himself, but he feared for his youngest sister. He had always been most fond of her of all his siblings - even more so than his own true sister by birth. "Even then you are placing the life of an innocent girl at risk. You have heard this from me already -"
"Aye. And that is why you are here, Prince Arvind. As soon as we leave, you keep her safe - take her to Greenwood if you must." Thorin replied bitterly. "Remember my future heir will possibly be in the same danger -"
"If your age is not a problem that is." Arvinds reply was not harsh in his tone. In fact it was spoken in a very distinguished manner, but there was a hidden dismissal. Of course, he did not believe Thorin would make a good husband to his most favoured sister. She was carefree, kind and generous, where as his experience of dwarves was that they only thought of one thing - themselves and their riches.
"I am sure your sister will reveal what a thorough seeing to she has received tomorrow," Thorin growled back quietly. "And don't worry I will give you your proof before the night is done."
He glanced at her again, realising that she may have been growing more nervous with each exchange. And that was not good. If he wanted to enjoy her, he would need her to relax.
"All is well, I give you my word, Prince Arvind," he reassured softening his tone. "I have sworn before Mahal and all those who are witness to protect her. And that I will. I would never bring shame upon my line by neglecting my wife...now why not go and enjoy the meal. I shall provide you with proof in time."
Arvind paused for a moment as though he had yet another objection, and then decided against it himself, nodding solemnly.
"I offer you my congratulations and best wishes for a happily wedded life, my dear sister." He took a moment to embrace her before moving on.
And with that they stepped out into the dull town square, where everything was quiet.
….
Dear All
a longer chapter this time!
thank you so much for following - as always your reviews and comments always make my day ❤️
wishing you all a happy healthy new year! xx
kylorensgirl - yaaaay! my first review! Thank you so much - really glad you are enjoying so far! Wishing you a wonderful new year :)
MrsTChrist - (MrsO!) you have found me on ff! i post on AO3 too - i started with both when i first began and then just carried on out of habit! So Glad you are enjoying! wishing you a wonderful new year! :)