The note still troubled her.

She had found Leena in the laundry rooms the very next day, where the poor old woman had revealed that the note had been left for her with money. So she could not reveal who had written it.

With a sigh of frustration she walked towards the new schoolg rooms. Mara and Dis had been very resourceful in organizing it all. It had meant that she could continue with the work of overseeing her many other duties as tasked by Thorin.

Finally she arrived at the large wooden doors. Lessons should have commenced by now. She had chosen to avoid a grand opening ceremony as she had been advised by Balin, in order to avoid irritating those dwarves that were against it.

Suddenly she felt a flutter or nerves in her chest as she stood outside wondering how many girls had been sent. Mara, who was very popular among the commoners and nobility alike had taken it upon herself to speak with any dam who had a daughter. So she imagined the rooms to be full!

Holding her hand out to the door she knocked gently and then entered, pushing the heavy doors open.

Still nervous, she walked in...and to her utter surprise found six little dwarven girls sitting at the front engrossed in the lesson that Dis had commenced.

Her heart sank, surprised to see so few girls.

And then a hand tapped her arm gently. Turning, she found Mara stood there a little irritated herself.

"It seems that some of the nobility have offered generous payments to the families of many girls in exchange for holding their daughters from the school..." Mara whispered. "Would you like me to ask Gloin to offer them double to gold for the opposite...Thorin will not even know that was missing from the hoard -"

"No. I shall pass a royal mandate, that they are to send their children." She declared, feeling her disappointment turn into anger. "After all...what use is it being Queen Consort if I cannot make such a simple demand!"

Mara looked worried at her.

"I fear it may be only Thorin who can announce such a mandate..."

"What is the point of me..." She trailed off. It seemed that all those times she had surrendered herself to his rough possession were all in vain. More recently she had begun to find some comfort in the possibility that she could affect some change and perhaps even help those who were most downtrodden.

"Shobha..." Mara sighed, almost in understanding. "I'm sorry..."

But she too was halted by another knock on the door of the school.

The doors opened to reveal Thorin standing there looking around as he entered the school.

The children all stood immediately, turning to bow to the King, along with Mara and Dis, leaving her standing there fuming. Thorin of course walked over to her, an arrogant look of victory on his face.

"My Queen..." He bowed his head gracefully towards her. "I thought it would only be proper of me to observe the success of your endeavours today..."

He stood in front of her, clearly expecting her to curtsy.

Taking a deep, calming breath and closing her eyes to avoid his piercing orbs, she lowered herself as expected.

"My Lord..." She replied quietly, feeling very defeated now.

Of course, Thorin knew all about the counter from the Dains lords!

He had come here to gloat!

And then something no one was expecting happened.

The corridor was filled with the sound of footsteps, as a large group of dams appeared in the doorway. They lined up in a row, each curtsying to the their King as they filed into the room.

It was undoubtedly a surreal and stark contrast to the almost empty classroom that had stood before her mere moments ago.

The dams, who she now recognized as the many dams she had met working in the various stalls, carefully took their seats one by one in a quiet and orderly manner, until the classroom was now almost completely full.

Thorin frowned as the last dams sat down, ready to protest, when Gloin, Balin and Dwalin followed.

"What is the meaning of this Balin?" Thorin hissed angrily. "I specifically stated that none of the dams who are responsible for working in the market stalls can attend. Who is running the market now?"

Shobha instantly bristled at his comment, ready to talk back, regardless of the consequences it may have upon her. But Dwalin, who stood beside her, placed a hand on her arm, halting her.

"There was a flooding in the market hall today, laddie. A most unfortunate incident, which has led to the stalls being closed for the day until the necessary repairs and cleaning can be carried out." Balin replied quietly, as Dis began her lessons once more. "It seemed like a waste not to allow the dams to use this opportunity. And your subjects pride themselves for supporting you as a great King, much like your grandfather..."

Balins careful words seemed to calm Thorin, holding him back from making the comment he had initially intended to make.
Dwalin, now unable to keep himself from grinning, glanced at her, giving her a quick wink.

"Very well then. Carry on." Thorin grumbled. "But will there be any more such incidents on a regular basis...? It will not be favourable for trading..."

"Perhaps we may permit these very hard working lasses several evening lessons, Thorin?" Gloin mumbled quietly. "My wife will be happy to take these. And it would only require early closure of their stalls on two or three days a week..."

Thorin shot her an angry look, before fixing his gaze back on the rotund, red-haired dwarf.

"Very well, Gloin." He agreed. She could tell he was irate even though he did not show it. "But if it interferes with trading, or I hear of enough complaints, I will rescind my agreement..."

He turned and took a few steps away, before pausing and turning back.

"Will I have your company for supper tonight, my lady?" He asked, glancing over to her.

She was surprised at his invitation, since he often dined with his old flame, Elise.

But a sharp nudge from Dwalin shortened any hesitation.

"Yes, my Lord..."

"Very good, my lady. I expect you to join me in my study a quarter hour before supper. And I shall escort you to the grand hall. It will do our subjects good to see us dine with them..." He instructed, giving Dwalin a sidelong glance. It was better to clarify himself, in case the girl believed his invitation was because he was growing fond of her. Of course he had every intention of plundering her body after supper once he took her back to their room. And he knew precisely how he wanted her tonight, he had been thinking about it for some days now. "And wear the blue dress I had sent to you two days ago...with the large Sapphire necklace..."

She had wondered why he had gifted her that dress. It was indeed exquisite. In a deep blue that matched one of his most favoured coats, and with a heavy velvet and a particularly open neckline that would have exposed a much of the tops of her breasts. She had even tried it on - and it had been a perfect fit, down to every little detail. There was only one thing he intended to do with her in that dress.

"Very well, my Lord..." She nodded, although secretly it thrilled her that he had gone to such lengths as thinking of what he wished to dress her in before he violated her body. She was even ashamed to admit that the thought seemed to slightly ease the thought of how roughly he often took her body (even if he did eventually grant her pleasure).

"Och lass...that sounds like a shag-me dress..." Dwalin let out a brief cackle, nudging her again, watching her cheeks flush. "Well...well...has our king charmed ya...?"

"Stop your idle gossip Dwalin, and come and join me. We have some problems to discuss..." Thorin called at him from the door.

"Thorin, ye don't need to pretend...Its plain ter see ye have feelings for the Princess. There's no shame in it..." Dwalin patted his friend on the back, only to receive a harsh look back.

"Feelings...? Is that what you think this is?" Thorin stopped walking and turned to face the dwarf he had considered as a brother for much of his life. "I bed her, night after night so that I may have an heir, as I was promised. And yet...I still have none. So she is the burden that I must bear for possessing a small number of her father's army."

"Are ye bluffin with me...? Come now baheluh...I see how ye look at her. And now dressing her in yer very own colours... and dining together..." Dwalin frowned, shocked at Thorins turn. He was still sure that this woman was perfect for him. "There is no harm in admitting that...ye love her..."

"You think that slip of a girl has bested me? Has dominated my heart...?" Thorin laughed bitterly. "Then you are a bigger fool than I thought Dwalin. Aye I enjoy bedding her. But I have paid for her so I should be entitled to dress her or have her in any way I please!"

Dwalin looked at him speechless and saddened by his words.

"And you should be focussing on the problem of the orc raids we have been having in the north on the route to the blue mountains." He snapped angrily. "Perhaps you would have known of this sooner had you spent less time running around after my bride and trying to play matchmaker!"

"I told ye that we should send a guard party to accompany any crossings." Dwalin replied back angrily. "And perhaps I too should remind ye, that ya wouldnt have a bride, if I had not pointed the Princess out to ya!"

"And what a fine job you have done too: I am still heirless." He had no intention of discussing this any further with Dwalin. "And you can send a guard to protect any gold or mithril loads but nothing else!"

"But the families making the crossing must be guarded -"

"The gold and mithril Dwalin. Nothing else."

...

He led her down the corridors back to their bed chambers. Supper had been a simple affair, although every dwarf in Erebor had been there. And true to Thorins expectations they had all been please to see their King and Consort dine with them.

She had been too excited to eat much, although Thorin had been very attentive to her. It had made her feel as though she had been the only one in the room with him.

"That dress becomes you very well indeed," his lips pulled into the slightest smile as he paused to look at her again.

"Thank you it is exquisite...and it fits perfectly..." She smiled back running her free hand down over the lower edge of her corset. "Even Dori was surprised..."

She wanted to ask why he had this dress made for her but she held her tongue. He had been in a foul mood after the opening of her school. And she still needed to ask him to make it compulsory for the girls to attend.

"So...your school has been a success..." He admitted stopping now, and pulling her against him. It was an empty corridor, for apart from his chambers some adjoining rooms that were unoccupied and his study, no one else used this corridor. And he knew he had her to himself now. "Are you happy now, my wife..."

"Yes...but...some families were bribed into witholding their girls..." She whispered back, more nervous about what he planned to do with her currently.

"And what would you like me to do about it...?" He pressed her against his body, so that she could feel his muscular frame against hers. But her eyes were closed now, in anticipation of his usually possessive kisses.

They stood there, with her in his arms, as if she clung to each breath she took, simply waiting for him to kiss her. Her body tingled with excitement, and her skin prickled with goosebumps.

"Tell me...What do you want me to do...?" He whispered against her ear, his lips barely grazing her skin, and making her shiver.

Her breath fell in little gasps now, but she was completely tongue-tied.

"Oh...and there are so many things I could do..." His voice was particularly deep and quiet. "...to that body of yours..."

She closed her eyes now, hands wrapping themselves around her own bodice in a desperate attempt for support. Part of her craved his touch, but part of her also knew all too well the tinges of pain that such pleasure accompanied.

"Wh...what...will you...do to me..." She managed, as he pressed her gently into a wall behind her, and kissed her neck.

"Oh my dear..." He smirked, scooping her up suddenly into his arms. There was no desire to await a response. He hurried along the corridor and quickly entered his bedchambers, where he threw her on his large bed, before leaning over her to claim her lips possessively again. "I will do anything and everything to grant you pleasure..."

She sat up breaking their kiss to catch her breath and scrutinize his cold blue eyes, now darkened with lust.

"And you, my Lord...what is it that you wish...from our...night...?"

"I want you to give yourself to me...willingly...completely..." He spoke, watching with a hunger that terrified her. "Give yourself to me freely, and unfettered, in every way..."

She lay there on the bed half sitting, in his arms, her breath falling fast, and her body on fire with an excitement that she had never felt before.

He too leant over her, having half lifted her skirts, but halted at her words, and gently brushed his thumb over her soft lips.

No female had ever asked him what it was that he wanted. They had either received graphic instruction, or made an assumption.

He wanted to tell her that, but he didn't wish to ruin the moment. It was clear however, that she seemed to visibly relax in his arms at his words.

"But I have always been completely yours..." She replied, kissing him back. It seemed to take him by surprise, but it also made him smile, in a way that he didn't usually. It was an unrestrained smile.

Grabbing her by the waist, he rolled onto his back and sat her on top of him, running his hands up her thighs. He felt completely at ease, and didn't care that he had let his guard down around her for a moment.

"And yet you have resisted giving yourself to me completely all this time..." He looked up at her, playing with her long, inky black hair that fell around her in soft strands.

She thought for a little while he lay there watching her, apparently quite content not to hurry things along just yet.

"But did you not say that you enjoy the challenge I offered you...?"

A rumbling deep chuckle vibrated through his chest and he pulled her down for a other kiss, before snaking a free hand up her legs to commence his pleasurable stimulation on her core. Tonight he truly wanted all of her. And this was a perfect test to gauge the extent to which she would be willing to surrender herself to him.

True to her word, she spread her thighs wider around his body, his fingers continuing to play with her, while her eyes fell shut.

She was unable to hold back a soft moan.

"Why, then, permit a monster like me, all of yourself...?"

He was very quickly stirring a raging fire within her. So, steadying herself by placing her hands firmly on his chest, she opened her eyes to find him watching her with eagerness and curiosity.

"Perhaps because...even monsters need love..."

...

She lay against his broad chest, her legs were still tangled in his and his muscular arms wrapped around her waist.

"Are you thirsty?" He skimmed a hand up her torso over her abdomen and between her breasts lazily.

"Yes, but could we stay like this for a moment?"

"Aye, my lady..." He raised an eyebrow, surprised by her request. "Have I ever denied you a request?"

"No..." She hesitated. The truth was that anytime he agreed to any of her requests, it often came at a price. But tonight she had given herself to him completely and he too had seen to her every pleasure in ways that were once unimaginable to her! And tonight had felt different.

He tilted up her chin up to plant a gentle kiss on her lips.

"Why was this school so important to you?" In truth it had been a question he had wanted to ask her for sometime. But they had never truly had such an intimate moment together.

"You malefolk are able to do anything you please..." She sighed. "You are afforded more opportunities than us. Even the simple pleasure of reading an interesting book, or learning about something new - or writing a letter to a loved one could not be possible for those who cannot read or write...could you imagine that...? And yet they must run a household, pay for a family's needs, and even work without such a fundamental skill."

He fell silent at her thought provoking words. It had not been a matter that had ever been explained in such detail. Of course his own sister had raised the need with him before, but for the first time he seemed to understand.

She turned onto her front so that her frame lay fully on top of his broad body. Her soft breasts pressing against him and her narrow waist contrasting against her hips and pert bottom. He simply couldn't help his hands from wondering over her body. But he was also just as curious about her now.

"How do you know of such plight? You have grown up only in the palace have you not?"

She fell silent for a few moments before the spoke.

"I know what a difference learning to read and write makes for the orphans at home..."

Suddenly Thorin recalled Dwalins story of how he had first met her that fateful day in Rhun-Agar.

"And my mother...she was from the Harad, but her parents died when she was very young. She was so young she cannot recall much but it sounded like their tribe was raided. And so she was sold as a servant where she spent much of her childhood serving a wealthy family. She spoke of how hopeless she felt, and then one day when she was almost thirteen the eldest son of the family had taken an unhealthy interest in her, so that when he attempted to rape her, and she fought him back, they had her beaten, cut her hair, dressed her as a boy and sold her to a Corsair ship..." She ran her hands over his chest tracing the many scars and inkings that adorned his skin, while he too listened avidly. "She was taken ill soon and that is when the captain realized she was a girl...perhaps he felt sorry for her, but he took her in as his own and taught her what he knew, to read, write and navigate using maps...she told me how it changed her life...so it was important to her that I learned to read and write also..."

"So your mother is from the Harad..." He gently brushed her hair from her face. That explained her darker complexion, but he was now even more curious. "And how did she meet your father...?"

"The Corsairs she sailed with were destroyed by a Gondorian vessel, so she was captured. Along with the gold and treasures on board, she was offered to the Gondorian court as a spoil. But it happened that the King of Rhun was visiting Minas Tirith at the time, and offered to buy her..."

She trailed off briefly, to glance at Thorin.

"You need not tell me if it makes you uncomfortable.." he offered quietly feeling some guilt. For him it was curiosity, but for her, it was her dignity.

She lifted herself up on her elbows to examine his handsome face. There was a softness in his usually cold blue eyes, in such a way that she had never seen before.

"They treated her with cruelty there, for she was unwilling to submit herself to anyone, and so they had her chained her by the neck, claiming she was a savage..." She spoke sadly. "My mother led a difficult life. And except for the Corsairs, my father was the only one who showed her true kindness."

"But she showed great resolve to have survived such a life. I can now see where you get your determination from." He stroked her cheek gently, before pulling her in for yet another tender kiss.

"I have a crude question to ask of you..." She blushed.

"I think after tonight, there is nothing that you cannot speak with me about," he smirked suggestively.

"Why did you spill your seed over my body, instead of within me...?" In truth it had taken her by surprise, since he had been so adamant before in his desire for an heir. "Do you...no longer...wish for me to bear you an heir...?"

"My wife...do not think yourself so easily released of your duties..." He chuckled, although he was shocked by her curiosity. "But tonight was about your pleasure, and not about an heir for me. Of course if you wish I can have you once more, and fill you with my seed...?"

"You are not exhausted after last night?" She was quite aghast at the prospect. Her body was worn out after all the pleasure he had directed upon her through the night.

He did not reply but instead smirked at her once again. There was no doubt he was tired, but he wanted her again, and for her he could muster the energy for anything right now.

"Are you happy, Thorin?" She whispered, wondering out loud.

Again he was surprised by her question, it was not something he had ever been asked.

"You are not the most obedient wife, a dwarf could ask for...but I think a few nights like last night will make reparations towards that..." He chuckled, teasing her. "In truth, I am not sure I have ever considered my happiness. My duty to my people has always come first...and then my wish has always been to become a great King. Perhaps even greater than my grandfather..."

He trailed off, lost in thought momentarily, before looking down at her, where she lay on his chest. She was a beautiful sight, even after having been thoroughly loved through the night.

"Your grandfather lost your Kingdom, and you reclaimed it, my Lord. I think you have already claimed your place amongst the greatest of your Kings for that." She reasoned.

"How are you so beautiful, and clever, and fuckable all at the same time...?" He smiled at her running his hand down her body. "I am truly most fortunate that Dwalin met you by complete mistake that day...and that he knows me better than I do."

She smiled at his veiled complement. It was hard to deny that her own opinion of him had changed of late. And for the first time since she met him, last night had truly felt like he too had changed. Her heart felt so content in that moment, that the words simply slipped out, without any thought.

"I...love you, Thorin..."

The words seemed to take him completely by surprise.

"And I think your love makes me a better dwarf..." He smiled kissing her. "But take care, for you give your heart freely to a monster..."

She was not sure how to take his reply, having not thought her confession through. But he seemed to sense this, and did not give her a chance to fall too deeply into thought over the matter - he slipped his hand between her legs, groaning at his discovery.

"And you are very wet..." He flipped her over onto her front in a flash, pulling her hips up before lining himself up at her entrance. "I can have your delicious body a few times yet, before the sun rises."

...

"Why must you humour your wife like that...? Now the seamstresses don't work on a Wednesday afternoon. Why? Because they are going to school!" Elise laughed coquettishly. "If Mahal intended for dams to learn then he would have given Malefolk the task of child rearing-"

"And what do you know of childrearing, Elise?" Thorin interrupted her. He had stood by the window all this time, very distant, so his sudden change took her by surprise. "You had maids to cook, clean and even raise your son. If you had it your way, you would have a maid even give birth to your child!"

He was needless to say a little annoyed. He had enough work on his plate, and now he had been interrupted. The one good thing about Elise had been her lack of interfering in his life. Their relationship had been a separate entity. There had been no need to fit her into his busy life. She would have been equally happy had he turned up at her door for a quick shag as much as for dinner. She did not trouble him with her moans and he did not discuss anything with her. It had been convenient and pleasant.

Thorin stood by the window looking out so simply avoid having to interact with her, while she was having a moan. It really wasn't something he cared for.

"Why is this such a sore point...? This school thing is simply unnecessary...I wasn't schooled and I am fine...but now I am bored on a Wednesday afternoon because most of the marketplace is closed...and some of the other dams are joining Mara's lessons..." Elise pouted attempting to look seductive.

Unfortunately it only made him wonder what he ever saw in her. Perhaps he never had a chance to see in her daylight properly, since they had always only ever met late on the evenings.

"Why could you not occupy yourself?" He was going to suggest she should read a book, but the irony would have been lost on her. He turned back to look out of the window.

During this past week, he had been getting through his work as efficiently as possible so that he could train, and meet his new bride for dinner.

Seeing her pretty face light up each night, upon seeing him had been a craving that grew throughout the day. And while he had been tempted to summon her on a couple of occasions to his study, he had never done so, instead hoping in secret that she might interrupt him of her own accord as she once did.

"Well...that IS why I am here...to occupy myself..." She said moving closer and wrapping her hands around him. "It has been so long...and as you mentioned before when we dined together...your marriage is... a task...so allow me to provide you with some relaxation..."

At first Thorin was

She trailed a hand lower down his abdomen, finding the waist of his trousers and slipping in...

...

Shobha had hurried along the corridor.

That week had been filled with sweet gestures from Thorin. They had dined together twice in the great hall with everyone else, but he had also arranged two quiet dinners in the small parlour room adjoining his bedroom and he had shown her his own private library, handing her a key so that she could use it any time she wished.

They had often spoken for hours each night, made love and even woken up in each other's arms. Their marriage had gone from disdainful to desirable almost overnight!

Last night he had asked her about a festival from Rhun that the soldiers had been talking of. It was to coincide with the arrival of her brother. So he had encouraged her to arrange a celebration here in Erebor for those soldiers who remained.

It had meant that she had set about looking to source as many candles and lamps as she could, in addition to finding a troupe of musicians from the Rhun soldiers to play. After all, the festival of nine nights was also a festival of prayer, music, dancing and light. It would be a perfect way to welcome back Arvind!

She had felt so happy this past week. And for the first time in a long time, she felt as though she might be able to do some good in the world as Thorin's Consort.

They celebrated the nine nights twice a year at home, in memory of the mother goddess and her battle against evil. The first nights began with fasting, prayer and meditation. Then with each night, just as the goddess's battle raged on, the festivities would build up, until the final nights when they would have song and dance, ending in a night when lights were burnt through till daybreak in celebration of the victory of light over darkness.

She had begun to feel as though her light had won over Thorin's darkness of late. It seemed to have overcome even the darkness that she held within her - that hopeless, gloom that she had once felt when she first arrived in Erebor.

After several nights, expecting to find him changed back towards her in the morning, she had finally allowed herself to believe it. And this afternoon she had felt positively giddy with excitement about seeing him before they usually met for dinner.

Knocking hastily on the door to his study, she opened it to let herself in without thinking.

Smiling and excited to see him she stepped in, her scrolls in hand of her plan for the nine nights of festivities.

But what she found was in no way what she had expected.

He stood pressed against a wall, eyes screwed tight, trousers fallen around his boots while a dam knelt before him, her mouth fully engaged around his nether appendage and apparently doing her best attempt at swallowing it whole!

Confused and quite frankly shocked, she stood there for a moment frozen. Then slowly she began to feel quite sick.

He screwed his face, half pushing her head away, before he finally looked at Shobha.

But she had no desire to stay another moment longer.

Immediately turning on her heels, she picked up her skirts and began to run.

It was a strange feeling. She felt as though her throat burned, and she couldn't breathe. She needed air.

Her feet seemed to carry her, detached from her head, along corridors and stairs while her hands pulled at her skirts. They were an infernal hindrance to anyone attempting to truly run (it was no wonder so many dams died when the dragon invaded for their inability to escape!)!

Finally she emerged out of the main entrance. Gasping and doubling over as she caught her breath, she could see the plumes of condensed air that left her lungs in the crispness of the winter.

The guards nearby looked at her worried but she simply waived at them to signal that she was fine. Even though she felt as though she was dying inside.

And although she was frozen to the bone now, she walked on further towards the stone bridge.

Then there amidst the snow, she could see a familiar outline from afar, as it travelled closer.

With its tall frame, and wide antlers, she instantly recognised the unmistakable figure of Daer the enormous white Elk. It made its way towards her, in spite of the clear commotion its arrival was causing amongst the guards of Erebor.

But it felt like a sign. Kismet, as her people often said. And she was drawn towards it.

Frozen and still feeling broken inside, she finally met the creature halfway along the stony bridge, and extended a shivering hand to stroke it's head.

However, the beast lowered it's head to nuzzle her, before then lowering itself completely, as it had done before when it offered to carry her.

Oblivious to the arrival of her husband at the entrance to the Lonely Mountain, she clambered onto the enormous creature and lay her self against its warm body. She could feel his soft fur against her cheek like, and finally the tears that had been long welling in her eyes began to fall.

Carefully Daer rose to his full height, and turned away from Erebor.

"Take me away, please, my dear old friend...anywhere but here..." She whispered, half sobbing.

And with that the large Elk set off, quickly gathering speed.

...