It took a while for me to decide which direction i want to take this, but i actually adore this chapter.
As always, thank you for the reviews, they really make my day!
Chapter 24
Evie POV
"oh stop it you two!"
The words were said with mock annoyance by the head chef of the King's kitchen and directed at the two figures taking up precious workspace.
Laughter was heard simultaneously, one light and childlike, the other distinctly feminine.
The platinum haired Prince of Greenwood, dressed in a plain linen shirt and dark blue leggings, was seated on a stool with a cheeky grin on his fair face as he reached for another strawberry.
The pretty curly haired red head was seated next to him in pale yellow. Mirth sparkled in her green eyes as she too reached for the red fruit.
"I mean it! Those are for the dessert!"
"Oh come on, Amos, a few won't hurt."
"hmmphh, well you can explain to the King why his favourite cake is missing it's decoration. I take no responsibility."
"You need to relax, you're beginning to stress me out!"
"relax? When do I have time to relax? There's the dinner tonight, tomorrow's luncheon…" The chef walked away into the storeroom as he prattled off the list of events coming up that needed preparation.
"…and finally the banquet."
Evie watched the frazzled elf run his hands through his hair and giggled. It wasn't often she got to witness elves anything but their usually calm. She found it refreshing to see them act more human.
The warm brown eyes narrowed on her and he waved a hand at the doorway.
"Don't you have something more important to be doing than pilfering from the kitchens?"
"I resent that! We were taking a much needed break, weren't we Honey?"
"Yes! Amos, we thank you for your generosity."
The blinding smile the little elf gave the Chef was one that meant nobody could hold onto their anger for long.
"Happy to be of service, Young Prince!" Legolas giggled at the exaggerated bow extended to him.
"Naneth and I can help you."
"What?"
"Yes, what was that Honey?"
Blue eyes turned to connect with her green orbs.
"Amos needs help, we have the time, so…"
"I couldn't possibly ask you to…"
Evie raised a hand and waved it dismissingly. "Nonsense, Legolas is right, we can help you. Only with the sweet things mind."
She laughed at the dumbfounded look.
"What do you need first?"
"pastry for the tarts."
"Great. Find us an apron. Come and wash your hands Honey."
…
Evie, Legolas and Amos looked up when a dark haired elf maid walked into the warm kitchens.
"Amos, you wouldn't believe it, but the King is in the most foul mood. Again. You would think he'd be happy with…"
She stopped short seeing all three of them covered in flour. Eyes wide, she quickly bobbed.
"My Queen, Prince Legolas."
Still a bit unnerved at being addressed as such, Evie waved the rolling pin in her hand.
"Quite alright. Now what seems to have put the King in such a mood?"
She raised an inquisitive brow, but her green eyes were filled with concern.
But before the maid could answer, a child's voice chirped up.
'Ada received a letter this morning."
The red head whipped her head to look at the elfling beside her.
"Who from?"
Little shoulders just shrugged.
It was the female elf that spoke next.
"I delivered food to a messenger from Imaldris."
What would Lord Elrond want?
She met the brown eyes of the chef over the top of a blond head.
"I'm going to need those chocolate chip cookies."
Thranduil POV
So engrossed in his thoughts, his emotions a wild storm, that he did not hear arrival of another into his private study.
He was shocked back into reality by a pair of arms snaking around his middle from behind, a smaller body pressing into his back.
Her very touch was so in tune with him, that he felt the waves of calm she sent to cool his blood.
Squeezing the connected hands once, he then turned slowly to face his beloved.
He was touched by the concern that filled her green eyes as she stared up at him.
The Elvenking reached out his right hand to cup her face gently, his thumb caressing the soft skin of cheek and bottom lip.
Awed by having such a beautiful being to call his own, Thranduil enjoy the contact for a moment or two and then slid his other hand through her soft curls to cup the back of her head and finally lowered his head to hers in a tender kiss.
Disappointment echoed when he felt her pull away first, but was quickly replaced with surprise when her small hand took one of his and pulled. Hard.
Come.
He raised a brow but did not move.
Where?
"oh don't spoil it Thranduil, I'm kidnapping you. Just come with me."
Another tug.
Bemused by this behaviour and immensely curious, he followed her.
He took the chance to appraise her appearance. Her wild curly hair was braided losely in a single braid down her back. Dark navy tunic hugged her curves and dark grey leggings poked from underneath and her calves were covered by black leather boots.
Along she pulled him down the corridor, much to the amusement of the courtiers they passed, stopping and staring openly at the appearance of their King and his new Queen.
He felt excitement down the bond coming from the red headed woman when they entered the stables.
He felt the loss of warmth when she let go of his hand and turned to face him for a moment before disappearing into a stall.
"Stay."
The elvenking stood tall and proud in the large space that smelled like fresh hay and animal, and smiled when he spied Evie leading a large chestnut stallion towards him that was already saddled.
"This is Bradhroc."
He reached out a hand to let the magnificent beast sniff his open palm before scratching under his chin. "Beautiful horse. quite appropriate."
His blue eyes were bright when they focused on the woman again.
"Where are we going?"
He loved the cheeky grin she gave him.
"You just have to wait."
He ignored her little command when she padded the saddle. "Up"
Instead he moved quickly, grapsing her small waist with both hands and deftly lifted her up and onto the horse, enjoying her little squeak of surprise.
And chuckled as he got up on the beast behind her at the look on her face, his hand gripping her waist.
Like an angry kitten
But then he heard her make a clicking noise and the beast set off out the stable door, down the path, through the Elven gate guarded heavily and into the forest.
He felt the subtle command when she urged the horse to go faster and he felt his shoulder begin to relax, the tension easing away as they rode like the wind.
The warmth of her ass pressed closely against his front made Thranduil's mind wonder to how her body made his ignite with insatiable fire, his soft groan lost on the wind.
He snaked his arms around her middle and pulled her back into him more firmly, not letting any space between them.
He smiled into her hair feeling her happiness bloom in his chest in response to the action.
Where are we headed, my love?
You shall see
After a time he felt the horse slow and they trotted into a familiar clearing, covered in wildflowers and completely sheltered from prying eyes.
He dismounted from the beast first once it had stopped and reached up to help his beloved down, making sure she felt every inch of his body as he lowered her to the ground.
"You are a tease, Elvenking."
"Only for you, my beautiful Queen."
She laughed at his fluffy words, but grabbed his shirtfront and pulled him down for a quick kiss.
And then she turned back to the pack still on the horse, unhooking it and holding it with care as she stepped back from him, growing closer to the centre of the grassed haven.
"Come Thranduil, sit beside me."
And he did, right next to the red head delighting him with a bright smile, his own personal sunshine that drove away all his cares.
I have surprise for you
Another?
He thought the giggle she released was a precious sound he wanted to hear always.
He watched with curiosity when she reached into the pack and brought out a large tin, raising a brow when she handed it to him.
She placed her feminine hand on the lid before he could open it.
"You have no idea what I had to do to get my hands on these, Legolas was most put out."
"Oh?" he let his lips curve up in a smirk, not hiding the childlike glee that crept into his blue eyes.
"let's just say I am going to be spending more of my time in the kitchens."
"hmmmm, we can't have that. Maybe the King can offer the lad something else."
He loved the playful smile he received for this suggestion.
"Quite the offer, what shall I do to repay the King for such kindness?"
"I'm sure he would have a few ideas…"
""I'm listening…but first you might want to know if it's worth all the trouble."
He saw her retract her hand from the cold metal, but settled it on his thigh lightly.
"indeed, My Lady."
He deftly open the catch and lifted the lid, eyes bright with delight at the contents.
Without a moments hesitation, he picked up one of the inviting treats and took a bite.
"delicious. Would you like a bite?"
The woman didn't respond, she just moved her mouth forward to take a delicate bite of the cookie, her green eyes closing as she moaned.
He moved his thumb to brush off a crumb from her lips, wanting to feel the softness tempting him and mesmerised by the green orbs that surveyed him under long lashes.
I'd like to taste you
Surprise filled him at this, but he indeed could feel her desire down the bond.
As you wish
He watched her as she moved her hand up and down his thigh, the other joining it before reaching to tug off his shirt.
He did not react to the soft breeze on his exposed chest, for elves do not feel the cold as other do, but shivered at the feel of her soft hands trail down, down to the button on his leggings.
He did not stop her as she reached her hand in and gripped him none to gently, hissing at the contact.
She pumped him once, twice and he growled when she abandoned her grip.
Who is the tease now?
Patience, my love
Quick as a flash she had tugged his legs down and off, leaving him stiff and throbbing with need.
"Oh, Evangeline" He moaned when he felt her hot mouth close around him, taking more and more, inch by inch.
His large hand gripped the hair at the back of her neck as she worked her tongue, licking and sucking as she moved up and down.
His breath was ragged as the red head push his chest down flat on the grass and moved up his body slowly.
By the valar
He groaned as she lifted her hips and took him inside her in a single go.
The elvenking opened his blue eyes and stared at the beauty riding him so tauntingly.
She's glorious, he thought, resting his hand on her hips.
She went faster, squeezing him and pleasure ripped through him, wiping his mind of all thought.
Coming down from the high, he smiled at the woman, who owned his heart, lovingly and traced his fingers down her now exposed arm.
"You're glowing."
So adorable, he thought of the stunned look on her face, before softening into a smile reserved just for him.
"It's an elemental thing."
"What a wonderful thing that I can make my love literally glow with happiness."
"Oh, don't get full of yourself!"
Her mock anger faded as he tucked her into his side tightly, one arm resting around her waist.
And he was once again stunned by her as he watched her raise a hand and her glorious golden magic sparkled in the sun above their heads, dancing.
You are incredible
A kiss was placed on his exposed chest, which was filled with warmth and contentment.
"Glad you think so."
He shut his eyes as she began to hum a tune he didn't know, letting the sound rollover him.
"What did Lord Elrond's letter say?"
The request was said so softly, he almost missed it, but let out a deep breath.
"He'd like to meet my new Queen."
"oh?"
"He has been quite…persistent."
"You've had more than one?"
"Yes. The relationship with other elves has been…strained in the past by our differences. And Elrond is gifted by the valar, in that he receives glimpses into possible futures. He saw you in one of mine."
"Is that so bad?"
"not in itself, but I am reluctant to emerge from the wonderful bubble we're in. I wish to protect you from every threat."
A small hand began to trace patterns on his chest, trailing warmth as It went.
"That's impossible."
"But I have to try."
It was a moment before his beloved spoke.
"What have you decided?"
"What do you think I should do?"
"I'd like to meet him."
"Then it looks like we're going on a journey. Now, enough talk, I want to see how bright you glow for me."
And then the mighty King raised himself to cover the red head woman, holding both her hand above her head as he trailed sweet, soft kisses over her neck, chest and beyond.