Chapter 36
They returned to the Kings Gate before the day was over, and quickly settled down to a welcoming feast.
Legolas was planning to inform his father of the wedding plans that evening, but the King was otherwise occupied with Gandalf or other elves during the feast.
"Legolas?" Adrianna questioned, placing her hand on the blonde's forearm. "What is on your mind? You appear troubled."
The elf turned to the Faye and smiled, "I am fine." He replied, "What made you think there was something troubling my thoughts?"
"Because you're quiet."
He placed a kiss on the back of her hand, "I'm planning to tell my father tonight, Ade." The Princess smiled in response, and entwined her fingers through his under the table. "But I'm not sure how to tell him, or how he will take the news."
Adrianna sighed, "Legolas, I've already said we can get married here in Mirkwood."
"But we've already decided to get married in neither Kingdom, Ade. I will not go back on our plans."
She nodded her head in understanding, and smiled up at him again.
Gandalf then approached the two Royals, and took a seat beside the Prince, "If you're planning to tell the King tonight, Legolas, you might want to do it sooner rather than later."
Legolas looked up to see the King making his way towards the head of the table to take his seat beside his son. As the King seated himself, Legolas turned to face him.
"Father," The Prince began.
"Aren't you pleased to be home?" Thranduil stated.
"Yes father," Legolas replied. "I must admit being underground for that length of time was rather unsettling."
"It is with great relief that you are unharmed." The King responded, "Your Ranger acquaintances are welcome to stay here until they wish to leave. They must be strong men to have survived in such a dangerous place for so long."
Legolas nodded his head, "Yes father." He replied, "Two sacrificed themselves for Adrianna, myself and the others to escape."
"I'm glad to hear that your companions were loyal." The King replied, "And brave enough to fight, to keep you safe. It would be a shame for you to be harmed when so close to being married. I'm glad you are both safe."
"Speaking of marriage, father." Legolas began, "There is something I must discuss with you about the wedding."
The King frowned, and as if sensing that it was to be news he was going to dislike, looked suspiciously towards his son, "And that is?"
Legolas paused for a moment before looking into the reflective azure eyes of his father, "Adrianna and I have come to the decision that we shall not wed in either The Glade of Tarasara, or Mirkwood. We hope you can understand and respect that we do not wish to choose between our home kingdoms."
The King was silent for a long moment, his fierce, wise eyes searched his sons' sincere, unwavering ones for any hint of a jest. But upon finding none, the King sat back in his throne and took a long sip of wine from his golden goblet.
"Father?" Legolas asked after another long moment of silence.
"This decision was made by you both?"
Legolas nodded his head with strong certainty, "Adrianna has already informed King Adrias of our plans."
"And how did he respond?" The King asked the Faye sitting to his son's left.
"My father was upset," Adrianna began. "However, he understood our reasons and only wishes for us to be happy."
Thranduil nodded once in acceptance before rising to his feet, "Then let it be so." He stated, leaving the two alone.
Legolas turned to face the Princess, his eyes slightly worried. "He did not take it well," He began. "I can see it in his eyes, and feel his displeasure." The Prince looked towards his father, speaking with some elves across the room. "His short words of response, I know he understands our belief, but he is far from happy about it."
"So what do we do now?" Adrianna asked, looking down at their entwined fingers beneath the table.
"We cannot do anymore." Legolas stated, "My father will not listen. All we can do now, is wait for his blessing."
A/N: Apologies for such a long wait! I have been so busy these past few months! I hope to update regularly soon, but I have eight assignments due up until Christmas, so unfortunately the story will have to be on hold until the new year, however, my new years resolution is to finish this story by the Summer - it pains me to have been writing this for so long, however I am very happy with it. I hope you are too.
Please drop me a review :) xx