Chapter 16

"Ariella, please…are you ill, is that it?

You don't answer.

"Come now, you can't hide away in there all day."

...Oh, I think I can.

"Fine. I'll tell the King he'll have to get you out himself."

Hell no he won't.

Haldir walks a few steps away from your door, then stands still whilst continuing to stomp his feet as if he were actually going, but you've played that trick before. After a few minutes he gives up and comes back to the door to plead for you to come out.

Whilst he continues his attempts to coax you out of your chamber, you flop onto the bed, confident that he won't be able to get through the barricade you've built up against the door made from a small chest of drawers, a chair and several silk cushions.

With your head buried into a pillow, you moan and mumble into the soft fabric that Talia's a stupid motherf-

"Is this about having to lie to the King?"

..The hell? Does he know?!

You are careful not to

"Lie to him about what?"

"If my Lady lets me in, I shall let her know..."

You groan and chuck another cushion at the door.

"Fine, fine. It may take a while to...ugh, let me just..."

Your voice trails off as you kick the cushions scattered on the floor out of the way to get to the chair. Once that's moved, with all your strength you haul the chest of drawers back to its original place to finally allow Haldir in. Hopping back onto your bed, you perch on the edge, waiting for Haldir to reveal what he knows. Standing in the middle of your chambers he seems somewhat awkward and isn't able to look you in the eye.

"So, whic- what do you mean about having to lie to him?"

"I..understand if you feel the need to tell the King. After all, from what I have seen you are loyal to those you love and it was I who was put in the position of protecting you, therefore-"

"No, no! I'm not worried about that.."

"I see...so then why did you-"

"Please, Haldir. I can't - I'm sorry, I want to tell you, I really do, but I'm…afraid..."

He takes a step forward to comfort you but knowing how protective elves are, you put your hand up.

"Don't. Please just let me deal with it..."

Haldir shakes his head, you know he doesn't agree but you don't want him hurt. Or killed.

"Look, Ariella. Let me just say this. Whatever it is, you can trust me. I swear I will tell no-one."

"But it's complex, if I tell someone, I don't know whether she'll find o-"

"If someone's threatening you- did you just say she?"

Well...that fucked up.

"Please. Do not tell me you mean Talia."

"..I- I was going to tell you back when-"

"What!? She's been threatening you?! Why did you say nothing? Ariella, you know how dangerous she is!"

"Yes, that's why I didn't want anyone else involved!"

"Do not jest about such things Ariella, you cannot handle this alone."

You scowl at him and turn to face the other way.

"...You have no idea."

"That is why you need to tell me what she has said to you, now! Ariella!"

"Alright!"

You huff.

"It was Talia who planned to have Tauriel killed by the orcs and seeing as though that failed I'm guessing she's going to try and kill her another way. Apparently, this will mean that Legolas won't be 'distracted' by her and Talia will easily be able to seduce and marry him, making her Queen once Legolas is King. She, uh... also wants me to tell Thranduil that I don't want to be with him anymore so that there are no 'surprise' heirs to the throne, and if I don't leave him, she said I'd die – and if I tell anyone she'll kill them too… do you still want to be involved now Haldir?!"

You turn back to look at him, expecting him to scold you once more, but he's pacing back and forth, looking deep in thought. Pausing to look up at you, he exhales.

"Ariella...it is too late for me not to be involved and it's a good thing I am. But there is one thing I am certain of - we must tell the King."

"How can one sleep for so long!? Do you think he is still intoxicated?"

Tauriel whispers, gesturing over to Nym who's rather carelessly half sprawled across the dining table. Others have pushed his limbs out of their way in order to prepare the table for food, some have even dragged him from one spot to another. Now, having been relegated to the very edge of the long table, as the food begins to be served, Nym is in danger of causing mass damage should he insist on flailing his arms around whilst he slumbers.

Legolas grins.

"There is only one way to find out..."

Removing himself from his seat beside Tauriel, he walks over to a guard who hands him an indistinguishable object from underneath his overcoat. They whisper something to each other and the guard chuckles, patting Legolas on the back. As Legolas walks stealthily over to Nym, he winks at Tauriel, suddenly exposing what appears to be a horn. He blows it directly over Nym's head.

"NYAAAAHHHH!"

Falling off his seat, the entire room swells with laughter. Nym's face is half frozen in shock and after several minutes of exhaustive laughter, Legolas reaches down and helps him up.

"My…my ears, w-why? Legolas, why would you..I,I- cannot hear…you have deafened me-"

Still chuckling Legolas, removes Nym's hands from over his ears.

"Well, if you were deafened, I am sure that some might say it would be an improvement."

Nym shoots him a look of anger.

"Ahh, come now Nym, I only jest."

"My ears do not take this 'jest' kindly. And I suppose you find this all very amusing?"

He raises his eyebrows at Tauriel who is attempting to hide her laughter.

"My apologies Nym…"

She manages to splutter out through fits of giggles.

"..but it was our prince's idea.."

Tauriel smirks at Legolas, still beaming from Nym's reaction.

"Well, we can't have one of our finest warriors' reputation blemished, now can we?"

"My friend, you are comparable to an orc's rear."

And with that Nym staggers out of the hall, leaving Legolas and Tauriel in hysterics.

Smiling as he goes, you watch all the action from the side of Haldir at the other end of table, despite the King's request to sit beside him, Talia is also present and all the more watchful over your actions - you know it's not safe yet, not until you have told him.

The only issue appears to be telling him without her actually being around you, everywhere you go she seems to follow. After this morning with Haldir you went to the library and of course, she was there. Then, before coming here you took a stroll around the halls alone (although advised to be kept under close watch from Haldir under the King's authority) but sure enough, she followed you. It wasn't obvious, but you knew she was there, every time you turned a corner you felt her presence and when you looked back, the hall was empty. But who knows what tricks she can conjure up.

With all of this in mind, you glance over to Thranduil who already has his eyes on you, in fact, since Haldir informed him that you requested to be seated by him, you have felt his gaze on you the entire time.

Why did he let me sit with him anyway? He's not exactly keen on sharing...

Understandably he'll probably think you are ignoring him, but what else can you do? That snake is but two seats from him, batting her poisonous eyelashes in his direction.

Eugh. The sooner this is over, the bloody better.

Your eyes turn to her and then back to Thranduil and you notice he's actually now engaged in conversation with her.

The fuck?

He smirks as she talks excitedly, what about, you aren't too sure, but it's probably something flirtatious.

Hell, if she can't get Legolas, she'll probably aim for Thranduil.

The King throws his head back in laughter, which is clearly fake, then turns his full attention her, staring at her as if their conversation was something deep and actually worthy of his time. All the while, she pushes out her chest and leans far in to the table, letting her tongue visibly glide over her lips as she enunciates certain words.

The bitch. And why is he going along with this!?

Putting his hand on your knee, Haldir pulls you out of thought.

"It will be over soon, my lady, do not let her get to you."

"It's rather difficult when she is clearly doing this to tease me."

You're irritated, drained and extremely tired. Having a blackmailing whore flirt with your King certainly doesn't help things.

Standing up, you decide you can't take any more, but as you turn to leave Thranduil addresses you.

"Lady Ariella, I wish to speak with you and my lady..."

He gestures over to Talia.

Are you kidding me?

Everyone is quiet, waiting for your reply and you notice the glimmer in his eye.

"I am sorry, my King, but I am not feeling up to it."

You smile at him and turn, walking a few paces away, until you hear him call out once more.

"Very well, I will speak with you alone. Everyone, please leave us."

As the hall is cleared, Haldir nods at you, signalling for you to do what's right. You have to tell Thranduil now, surely it must be the best time? Both of you alone, no distractions, but as you ponder, naturally, Talia is one of the last to pass you by and as she goes, you hear her whisper behind you.

"I'll be waiting outside, don't try anything…my lady.."

She hisses.

The doors close shut, leaving just you and Thranduil.

Sipping the last of wine, he kicks up his legs on the table and stretches back in his seat.

You stand awkwardly, unsure now, whether you should tell him.

"So…why is it that you left so soon after my return?"

Your eyes dart back and forth as you quickly fumble for an excuse, not wanting to tell him with her right outside the doors.

"I…felt unwell, my King."

"Hmm, I see. And are you feeling better now?"

"Um, yes, much better, thank you."

"But you were going to leave? Are you sure you are well?"

"Yes, I'm quite sure."

"Tell me then, why have you been avoiding me?"

You gulp as you feel your face growing warmer.

"Could it be..?"

Thranduil licks his lips and you watch intently.

"It's all so clear now, my sweet…"

He smirks, that delicious, devilish smirk.

Your eyes focus on anything but him, which he notices.

He motions for you to come to him, and you do, slowly.

Once you are in front of him, he quickly pulls you onto his lap and feeling his impatience, you don't struggle as his large hands hold tight around your waist, keeping you in place. Although you gasp a little at the feeling of being so close to him, you haven't been with him for days. But he mistakes this for thinking he's hurt you, knowing how fragile humans are, his eyes widen and scan over your face to register your expression, he loosens his grip on your waist and slides his hands to your hips as he is sure you're unharmed. He then lowers his head closer to you and you lean into him, wanting desperately for him to kiss you. But instead, he traces his thumb across your lower lip and whispers into your ear.

"You're jealous."

His voice only furthers your desire for him, but you see that he's in the mood for playing games and showing your frustration will only please him and make him tease you even more. So you decide to play it cool; or at least try to. Leaning back, you push his hands away from you and step off his lap, standing away, you pretend to take an interest in the carvings under the archway behind his seat.

Thranduil's face immediately turns stern.

Stroking the wooden markings, you reply to him calmly.

"No, I'm not."

"So you weren't bothered by me talking to Talia this evening?"

"No."

"Ah, forgive me. I mistook your intrigue in our conversation to be something more…"

He grins, knowing full well has was flirting with her.

"Well then, what is it? Why should you avoid me, my flower?

You don't respond. You have to tell him about Talia one way or another, but that doesn't make it any less scary, or easy for that matter. The result could risk both of your lives. Yet, you can't lie to him any longer. If there is a way to stop Talia and whatever followers she has, Thranduil is the only one who has the power to do so.

Without you noticing, the Elvenking is suddenly standing behind you. He takes your hand, turning you round to face him. His eyes are reassuring and calm, a contrast to what he must see in yours.

Stroking your cheek, he speaks gently and appears to be far more concerned than before.

"Ariella…my heart. Whatever troubles you, I will resolve it…please…tell me what is wrong…"

As you feel your eyes begin to fill with tears, Thranduil puts his arms around you, drawing you into his chest. Although this action only makes you more emotional and you give up thinking of a clever way to tell him about Talia. Instead you let everything out whilst crying, not caring whether Talia is listening or if Thranduil can actually understand what you are saying mid-hiccups.

"..I-It's Tal-ia…she wants- to split- us up…"

You shiver in his arms, not realising you would cry this much.

"She- said she'd kill me if I didn't…an..and it was her plan to kill Tauriel…she wants to marry Legolas to become Queen.."

Thranduil, having become enraged from the moment you said her intentions were to split you up, holds you tighter as you continue to sob, far softer now as he lifts up your head.

"You are safe, my flower, she cannot harm you..."

"But she has p-people everywhere and it's not just me that she-"

"Oh, have you not had the pleasure of visiting my dungeons? I can assure you, my sweet, Talia will not be seeing light any time soon."

As he lets you go, you notice that his jaw is clenched and his fists begin to clench.

A knock sounds from the doors, as Haldir enters, Thranduil immediately takes your hand and gives you to him. He's clearly pissed – and rightly so.

"En ale' he"

Haldir looks to you, then back to Thranduil.

"..With my life."

"Wait! No! Please, don't do anything-"

But with his sword unsheathed, he's out of the doors before you can protest.

Haldir rests his hand on your arm, but you know that if Thranduil harms Talia, her family will seek revenge – not just on you or Thranduil, but Legolas, Tauriel, maybe any elf under the protection of the King. Its common sense, you know that a war between two royal families (both as equally proud) would not end well and seeing as though Talia's father is claimed to have allies to the dark forces, you're well aware which side would come off worse.

(P.S the little bit of elvish is supposed to be equivalent to 'look after her' - sorry if its not spot on!)