Hello! I hope you enjoy this new chapter. Sorry for the long hiatus. I hope to start writing again and more often. As always, I only own my OC. Enjoy!


Breakfast was filling. Thorin had business to attend to so I was on my own for the morning. I ended up taking a stroll through the little town and seeing the different shops and homes they had here.

At midday I decided to get some food. When I walked into the inn I saw Dis sitting at a table. I walk up to her and start to give her a smile but it falls when I see her tear stained face.

"What's wrong? Are you okay? The baby? Your husband?" I ask, worry filling my mind and voice.

"Our king and my father are dead. It is finally hitting me that I have not seen them this whole time." Dis says to me. I am in shock.

"Does Thorin know?" I ask. She nods.

"He has since yesterday morning." She tells me, tears continuing to fall. I am heartbroken. I cried about my father to him and he said nothing of his loss. His loss being so much more, a father and his king. The comment Thorin made about Balin being his advisor now coming back to me. Oh, how could I be so blind?

"I am so sorry for your loss." I grab her and we embrace. Her grip is tight and I can tell she needed this.

We end up spending a bit of time together before she goes to work washing clothes and taking care of other things around the inn. I decide to spend my time in the room before going to work.

I spend my time reflecting on everything happening and how, maybe, just maybe his king and father are alive and just lost. Was it possible? Of course. Was it also possible they died fighting the dragon? Yes.

Before I know it, the time has come for me to go to work. I wish I could stay here but we need the money too much.

When I arrive I go to the room I can change in. Once in uniform, I begin to clean around the home.

The final room I go into is a small study type room. I begin to dust when the master comes in.

"I apologize. I can leave you be if you like." I apologize to him. He waves off my comment and smiles at me.

"No need. Go ahead and continue. Don't forget about the baseboards, hmm?" He reminds me and then goes about his business in the room. I nod and begin with the tall furniture and work my way down to the baseboards. I don't realize the stare I am getting as I am on all four.

When I am finished, I stand. "Is there anything else you need, sir?" I ask, being kind.

"Actually, could you go to my room and get a book for me? It is on the nightstand beside my bed." He tells me. I nod and go to retrieve this book he wants.

I open the large door to his bedroom and take it in. Nothing like how Thorin's was at the mountain but it is nicer than where we are currently staying. And then I see the book upon the nightstand. I pick it up gently and read the title. I gasp as I see it is of the erotic nature. The cover goes to my chest. I hold it close so I don't have to look at the title and imagine what could be going on between the pages.

The walk back to the study is more of a sprint.

"Your book, sir. Anything else?" I ask, not really meaning it at this point.

"Did you see the title by chance?" The master asks me. I blush but shake my head. He laughs.

"Do not be ashamed. I am sure the things your mind conjured are far worse than what is between the pages of this book, hmm?" He teases me in a crude way. I am silent, not knowing how to answer.

"Thank you, Alvina. You may go home now." He finally dismisses me after enjoying my reaction. I am quick to get out of the home, not even changing there. I just grab my clothes and decide to change at the inn.

At the inn, I run upstairs to change, ignoring the looks I get from everyone. Once in my regular clothes I head back down to get some food.

"Is everything okay, my love?" Thorin asks as I sit beside him.

"Yes, just tired and hungry." I lie to him. He seems to believe it though and goes back to talking with his fellow dwarves. However, one of his arms is sure to go around my waist. I silently giggle as I feel his fingers drum softly against me.

And then my food arrives. I begin to eat and watch my surroundings. Everyone seems so happy considering all that has transpired.

"Alvina, are you sure you are okay?" I am broken from my thoughts by Thorin saying my name.

"Hmm?" I ask for him to repeat what he said. I turn to look at him.

"Are you sure you are okay?" He repeats.

"Yes. Just thinking is all." I tell him, hoping he will leave it at that. It seems he will leave it alone for now but he is sure to give me a look of 'we will talk later'. I just nod at this and he goes back to talking.

When it is time, the two of us go up to the room. Others are there but they are asleep. I am the first in bed, hoping to doze off before he tries to speak to me.

"Alvina." Thorin says as he gets in bed beside me. I sigh and roll over to face him.

"Thorin." I say.

"Tell me what is bothering you." He says to me softly.

"Thorin… I am sorry for your loss. Dis told me both the king and your father have not been seen." I tell him what has been on my mind. His face hardens at my words.

"Thank you." He says after a long pause.

"Thorin, you can talk to me." I tell him, almost pleading with him to open up. Holding in the emotions is not a good thing to do.

"There is nothing to say. They are gone. I am now king and I have to act as such. I cannot appear weak right now." He explains to me. I bring my hand up to stroke his bearded cheek softly.

"Thorin, it is me. You know you can tell me anything." I whisper.

"I do not want you to see me as weak." He says sounding scared.

"I would never think that of you." I let him know and lean my face closer to his. He takes the hint and out lips meet for a tender moment. It is short but most needed.

"Thank you."

"You are most welcome." I reply before melting into his arms. We fall asleep together.