"Do you want to go back to the house?" he offered.
I nodded, trying to keep my composure. I had so many feelings running through my head at once that I almost felt nauseous.
"Come on," he said gently letting go of my hand.
As we began walking out of the palace with heavy hearts, I couldn't help but notice how Jesse tried to hide his disappointment. His steps were heavy and he sighed often.
Many Elves gave us the same looks now as when we had entered the palace earlier. But that didn't bother me in the least. Once out of the corridors, we entered the large empty space that the steps led up to and was bordered by the large marble pillars. From there, we could see many passages leading to different parts of the palace. What caught my eye were the groups of Elves talking amongst themselves. I stopped walking and looked at them; obviously they were part of the Mirkwood guard. The wheels in my mind turned.
"Victoria?" Jesse asked worriedly after I had stopped.
"I forgot to do something." I lied. Looking at him I gave a small smile, hoping he would buy my story.
"Alright…" he didn't buy it.
"Go on without me and I'll meet you at the house."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. Don't worry about it. I won't be long. I promise."
Jesse turned and began walking back down the palace stairs. I made sure he was out of sight, just in case he decided to follow me. Once he was gone from view I quickly walked up to the group of Elves I had been eyeing.
"Do you know where the prince is?" I asked hurriedly. They obviously thought I had different intensions than the ones that were forming in my mind.
"I'm a Traveler," I explained "I need to speak with him immediately."
Once they heard that, they were somewhat willing to give me directions. After thanking them I quickly left. Following their directions I wound my ways through the long halls. Turning down an empty hall I looked both ways to make sure that no one was around. Then without second thought I ran full speed down the marble floor.
Without realizing it, I passed my destination. Skidding across the marble I fell into a large heap with a midnight blue dress. Quickly standing up I gave no thought to my messy hair as I trotted up to the door that I had skidded past.
I heard some laughter inside but for some reason that was beyond me, I opened the door and marched in.
What was with me today and being bold?! Not to mention stupid!
I immediately singled Legolas out; he was sitting at a desk but had stopped whatever he was doing upon my unannounced entrance. He looked at me blankly, as did his four friends who were sitting around the room. I cleared my throat and tried to sound calm. "Legolas, could I talk to you for a minute… alone?" My hand tingled where Jesse had held it for that short, precious time.
Legolas sat back in his chair, looked at me, then to his friends and nodded. They filed out of the room, leaving me standing by the door. I closed the door and locked it, to prevent any Elvish ears from eavesdropping. I fingered my hand nervously, wishing Jesse was there to hold it. After sliding the bolt across the door I turned to Legolas who had stood up from his seat. I slowly walked up to him, my legs shaking and my mouth dry from what I was about to ask.
"Do you still want to make it up to me?"