I got some reviews saying people were confused and didn't know if Thranduil was trying to make Tauriel and Legolas a couple or not. Sorry for the confusion, but I think this chapter will answer your questions. If not, teel me and I'll change some things. I also believe the summery answers this question.

Disclaimer: I do not own The Hobbit or LOTR, all credits go to J.R.R Tolkien

The next day, Tauriel was out in the forest practicing archery, just like she did every time she was nervous. Why was she nervous? She had received word that the King wanted to speak with her this after-noon, and she didn't know what to expect. Was he going yell at her? Or congratulate her on her work? She sighed, then turned towards a tall tree with target on it. Narrowing her eyes, she pretended it was Thranduil. She then pulled the string back, ready to let go.

"Tauriel!" A voice called behind her. Tauriel swung around and accidentally let go of the string. Luckily, the prince managed to avoid the arrow as quickly as it was shot at him. Turning around, he saw it had hit the bull's eye, not a surprise.

"Don't ever do that again!" Tauriel gasped, she had almost killed the prince for god's sake!

"Gladly," Legolas responded, glancing behind him once more.

"So what do you want?" Tauriel sighed, sitting down a log.

"I heard about Thranduil wanting to talk to you this after-noon," Legolas began, sitting down beside her. "I figured you were nervous, so I came here."

"Well, you were right I am nervous," Tauriel stated bluntly.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"Nope."

"Come on, I know you have something you want to say about my father. I won't be offended." Legolas persisted.

Annoyed, Tauriel turned to face him. "I don't know if you've noticed, but I'm not your father's favorite person right now." She began.

"Don't I know it," Legolas began chuckling, but it was quickly silenced when he turned to Tauriel. "I mean...continue."

"You know your father, what's he going to say?" Tauriel asked.

"I don't know, Tauriel," Legolas sighed, "but you'll be ok, whatever the outcome."

"Really?" Tauriel looked up at him.

"I know my father can be a scary, racist, stupid, stuck up elf..." He trailed off for a moment.

"But you need not fear him."

"Thanks Legolas," Tauriel stood up and, without thinking, she embraced the prince in a tight hug. She could tell that the impact shocked him, but after a moment's hesitation, he returned the gesture. Then, with one quick movement, their lips met.

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Did that really happen? Tauriel wondered as she made her way to Thranduil's throne room. Had she really just been kissed by the prince? Looking at her reflection in a mirror right outside Thranduil's throne room, Tauriel studied herself. The elleth she saw in the mirror looked ecstatic and was blushing. Carefully, she smoothed her hair and forced herself to take a few moments to calm herself down. Finally, when she had stopped blushing, she pushed through the doors and walked towards the king's throne. Thranduil was busy talking to one of his many servants, but at the sight of Tauriel he waved the servant off.

"Greetings Tauriel," Thranduil dipped his head.

"My king," Tauriel returned the greeting, bowing. "You called for me?"

"Yes Tauriel, as you know, prince Legolas watched you train the army yesterday." By this time, Thranduil was standing right in front of the chief of guards.

"Yes my king," Tauriel was getting curious, what did Legolas say about me?

"Well today he gave me a report on your skills with training the army," Thranduil continued. "I regret to inform you that he wishes you step down from your position as chief of the guards."

The affect on Tauriel was almost immediate. What? All those things he told me, the kiss! I-it was all fake...?!

"Tauriel?" Thranduil searched her face for the slightest sign of hurt or anger, the fire he needed.

"I-I can't believe this, I thought Legolas was my friend..." Tauriel trailed off, sobbing into her hands.

"Prince Legolas," Thranduil corrected, "and he makes friends with no one, it is his duty."

Tauriel couldn't help it, all her fear and anger started to surface. "I can't believe that stupid, arrogant, selfish, elf you call a 'prince' can-" In her anger, Tauriel swung around only to see... Legolas!? The prince of Mirkwood, his ears sharp as ever, stood at the doorway, and judging by his position, Tauriel guessed he had heard the whole conversation. He wore a small frown and his eyes were clouded with hurt.

"Tauriel!" Thranduil gasped, but Tauriel had by now figured out she had been tricked, and that Thranduil had been acting this whole time. Just so she would make Legolas hate her.

"Tauri-"Thranduil began.

"Father, I'll handle this," Legolas began quietly. Tauriel would have been less worried if he was yelling.

"Are you sure?" Thranduil was very reluctant to leave his son with her. What if his plan didn't work?

"Quite." Reluctant as he was, Thranduil left the room, but only so suspicion wouldn't rise.

Then it was just Tauriel and Legolas, all alone.