"I love you, too," she tells him, and for the first time in centuries he can breath fully.
Without pausing to consider the consequences, Thranduil puts all thought aside and pulls Tauriel into his arms.
She puts up no resistance and folds herself against him, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Thranduil becomes hyper aware of everything.
He can feel her heart pounding against his bare chest and the static charge of where her fingertips graze over his shoulder blades. He can smell the budding hint of pheromones through the haze of her jasmine and honey soap, and he can see the way her bottom lip trembles in anticipation as she looks up at him with bated breath.
Refusing to deny either of them any longer, Thranduil closes the distance between them and kisses her deeply.
Her lips are the sweetest thing he's ever tasted and, by the stars, he knows he'll never get enough of them. He tries to maintain his control; tries to be gentle and sweet, but she doesn't make it an easy task for him, pressing ever closer.
Her body molds to his perfectly, as if they were designed with one another in mind.
Tauriel shifts to sit on his on lap causing her towel to fall away, and they are suddenly skin to bare skin.
Everywhere their bodies meet sends shivers through him, and as he winds his hand in her hair to tilt her head back, allowing his lips access to her neck, her soft moans assure him he's not the only one well on his way to ecstasy.
His teeth graze her skin as he continues to pepper her with kisses, and Tauriel's nails dig into his back, urging him on.
X
Tauriel has never felt anything as exquisite as this in her entire life.
It feels as if there is something bubbling inside of her, growing with every kiss and each caress, and she doesn't know what will happen when it finally spills over.
But heavens know I can't wait to find out.
She traces her fingers down his spine, letting her hands explore his back, loving the feel of his alabaster skin beneath her fingertips.
His hand, the one not twined in her hair, edges down her side coming to rest on her hip.
Everywhere he touches her she's on fire, and suddenly it's too much, the flames are too high and all she wants is to submit and be consumed.
She places her hands on either side of his face and pulls his head up to look at her. His icy blue eyes are burning in a way she's never seen before, and it both terrifies and thrills her.
Tauriel lets her head fall forward, so their foreheads meet.
"Please," she murmurs, not even sure what it is she's asking for. "Please."
A guttural growl escapes Thranduil's throat, and the next thing she knows he has her pinned beneath him on the bed. The full weight of him lies across her as he bows his head to kiss her yet again.
This time there is nothing sweet or gentle about it, instead it is a clash of heat and want, all teeth and desire.
When he pulls back to look down at her, the expression he wears is one of reverence and she's never felt more beautiful than she does now, seeing herself reflected in his fevered eyes.
He brings one hand up to cup her breast and she sucks in a sharp breath, arching her back to meet his touch.
Thranduil returns his lips to her skin once more, darting his tongue out to tease her sensitive nipple, and then kissing his way down her stomach.
"My Tauriel," he murmurs, lips ghosting over her skin.
Placing his hands on her thighs he spreads her legs, exposing her center to him.
Bashfully, and longingly, Tauriel bites her bottom lip, watching him through her long lashes.
X
No further encouragement is necessary, he can see the look of need etched onto her face, and he dips his head to finally taste her.
When his tongue meets her core, Tauriel bucks her hips up in surprise, moaning loudly.
He smiles a satisfied smirk and places a hand on her stomach, his fingers splayed as if to hold her still.
In this moment all that matters is her; her needs, her pleasure, her wants… and he does everything to satisfy all of them.
Thighs trembling on either side of his head tell him she's getting close and he can hardly contain himself.
"Thranduil," she gasps, as her whole body begins to shudder.
He can't recall her using his name before, and the way it rolls off of her tongue is too much.
Groaning he pulls away from her, just long enough to quickly divest himself of his trousers, and then he is back.
X
Tauriel can still feel the remnants of mind-blowing pleasure coursing through her body as he lies atop her. His weight is heavy pressing against her, but not unpleasantly so.
He cups her cheek with one hand and looks down at her; she can feel his hardness pressing against her entrance.
Feeling a bit self-conscious, she closes her eyes, but he won't allow it.
"Look at me, Tauriel," he whispers.
It's not an order, or a command, but nevertheless she can't deny him.
She opens her eyes and meets his gaze, and before she even has a chance to draw another breath he enters her.
His eyes are dark with lust, but there's a thrill that runs through her as their gazes hold.
She fills a rush power as she realizes the king believed to be made of stone and ice is coming undone all for her.
He's the first one to give in, his eyes sliding closed as he tilts his head back and moans.
He's so beautiful I could cry, she thinks suddenly, admiring the way his long golden hair falls around his face, tickling her skin.
His mouth is still open as he gasps for breath with each thrust and Tauriel wraps her arms around him and pulls herself up. She nibbles his bottom lip, sucking on it, and pulling him back down onto the mattress.
That now familiar bubbling starts again, boiling faster than before, and she barely has time to prepare herself before her nails are running down his back and she's gasping his name.
"Oh, Thranduil…"
He gives another throaty growl and thrusts harder again, and again, and again until he finally gives his own moan of completion.
She can feel him spilling inside her as she still rides out waves of pleasure, and she realizes that all her life she's wanted to live among the stars but has been looking in the wrong direction. For right now she is soaring through a haze of lights and colors and has never felt closer to the heavens.
Thranduil collapses on top of her, his body covered in a sheen of sweat, and he tries to catch his breath.
Tauriel comes back to herself first and contents herself with playing with her king's gorgeous hair. She runs her fingers through it gently, until finally Thranduil rolls off of her.
Wrapping his arm around her, he pulls Tauriel against his side to cuddle.
She rests her hand contentedly on his chest, her fingers twirling in circles across his skin.
X
Hours later, when Thranduil wakes from a deep slumber, he's pleased to find Tauriel still curled against him.
It wasn't just a dream, he thinks hazily, softly kissing her forehead.
Everything feels right with the world, and he doesn't think there is anything that could dampen his mood.
As if the universe enjoys proving him wrong, a loud pounding on his chamber door shatters his illusion.
Beside him, Tauriel jumps awake, looking around wildly.
In that moment Thranduil suspects he could be persuaded to give up half his kingdom if only for the obnoxious knocking to stop and leave him alone with Tauriel and her mussed hair and swollen lips.
"My King, I need to speak with you!"
Neleth.
Tauriel's eyes lock on the door, her expression darkening.
"Stay here," Thranduil whispers, reluctantly climbing out of bed.
He slips on a robe and schools his features into a cool mask.
When he answers the door, he doesn't open it all the way, and stands so he blocks the view into the room.
"There you are!" Neleth chimes, exasperated.
"Here I am."
"Where have you been?" she demands.
"I've been right here. As I know you were already told. I have not been feeling the greatest."
"Pre-wedding nerves?" she asks, smirking.
"I suppose you could say that. What is it you need, Neleth?"
"Just wanted to inquire after the health of my soon-to-be husband. Is there something wrong with that?"
Just wanted to make sure I am here and not traipsing around the forest foiling your plan.
"I'm fine. Thank you for your… concern. If that is all?" he inquires waspishly.
"Yes, I suppose it is. Enjoy this moment, though, my love. Very soon you won't be able to shut me out like this. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a wedding dress to put on."
Without another word she turns on heel, sashaying away, pausing only once to throw him another look over her shoulder.
When he closes the door, Thranduil turns to find Tauriel standing just a few feet away, fully nude, but looking ready to charge into battle.
She's magnificent.
"It's alright, Tauriel. She's gone," he reassures her, walking over to wrap his arms around her.
"Why did you let her leave?" Tauriel demands, stepping out of his embrace.
"Because I need to let things play out, so we can discover who else is working with her."
"Play out? You don't mean you are actually going through with this sham of a wedding do you?"
"Of course not," he insists. "Do you really think I would do that? I know what I'm doing, Tauriel."
She blushes slightly and looks down at her feet.
"I'm sorry, my King. It isn't my place to question—"
"Tauriel," he says sharply, stepping towards her once more and taking her hand. "After what we just shared, do not slip back behind veils of courtesy… and I never again wish to hear you call me anything but my name when we are along together. Understood?"
She smiles softly and glances up at him.
"Yes, my Thranduil. I understand."
Once again hearing his name on her lips sends a shiver down his spine.
"My Tauriel," he replies softly, cupping her face and bending to give her kiss.
His hands begin exploring of their own accord, and she sighs against his lips, but steps out of reach again.
"What's wrong?" he asks, worried he crossed a line.
"Don't you have a wedding to prepare for?"
X
Helping the man she loves dress for his wedding to another woman, even a fake wedding, is not something Tauriel finds herself enjoying.
She can't banish thoughts of that wretched councilwoman from her mind… the woman responsible for Echtel's death.
Thranduil tries to insist that she stay in bed and rest, but Tauriel ignores him and tries to help. Eventually he gives up arguing and allows her to do so.
After she helps, or hinders (whatever you wish to call it), him fasten up his robes, she sits kneeling behind him on the bed, brushing his hair.
"Your hair is so soft," she muses as her fingers glide through it. "Much moreso than Legolas' hair."
Thranduil stiffens.
"What do you know of Legolas' hair and why?" he demands, and she can't help but laugh.
"He is—was— is my best friend. How many times do you think we've braided each other's hair? Are you really going to sit here, after we... after what we shared, and be jealous over your son?"
Thranduil relaxes.
"Sorry," he apologizes sheepishly. "It's just, you know he fancies you?"
"I am aware."
"I never thought… what do you think Legolas will say about us?"
"I haven't thought that far ahead," Tauriel shrugs.
She sets the brush down on the bed, and scoots forward to sit beside him.
"I want you to know," she begins, taking his hand, "that I'm not expecting anything. I know how unheard of a relationship like ours is. I don't want you to feel obligated to me."
"Tauriel, you are all I want. I will not turn away simply because our being together goes against tradition. In case you haven't noticed, I've been throwing many traditions away for you. What is one more?"
"You are all I want, as well," she assures him. "I just wanted to make it clear, that considering all the kingdom has endured as of late, I understand if you would like our private matters to remain… private. At least for now."
"I think we have much to discuss," he tells her softly.
"Yes, we do, but you have a wedding to attend, and if you don't hurry you'll be late."
Almost on cue, someone knocks on the door, and Tauriel tenses.
She hides out of sight in the bathroom while Thranduil goes to answer it.
"You can come out," he calls after a moment, and Tauriel returns to the bedroom to find Arodeth waiting for her.
Tauriel rushes over and flings her arms around her maid, and Arodeth eagerly returns the gesture.
"I'm so glad you're alright!" she gushes.
"And I'm so happy to see you!" Tauriel smiles.
"I thought you might enjoy some company while you wait," Thranduil says from by the door.
"While I wait?" Tauriel asks, breaking the hug.
"Yes. I don't want you to leave this room until Neleth has been dealt with."
"But—"
"No," he orders, interrupting. "I will not risk you being harmed again."
His gaze is so intense that for a moment, they both forget they are not alone.
Arodeth gives a tiny cough, and Tauriel and Thranduil both look away, flushed.
"I'll be back as soon as I can," he says, and before she can object, he's gone.
Tauriel glares at the door.
"Arse," she mumbles under her breath.
When she turns back to Arodeth, the maid is giving her a very strange look. She glances from Tauriel, to the door, to the overlarge dressing gown Tauriel is wearing.
Suddenly, Arodeth's eyes go wide and she points at Tauriel's chest.
When Tauriel looks where she's pointing she sees a distinct red mark from her earlier time with Thranduil and blushes a deep scarlet.
"You, and… and," Arodeth stutters, pointing from Tauriel to the chamber door, "and the king?"
Tauriel doesn't reply, but that must be answer enough, because suddenly Arodeth is laughing.
"Finally!" she exclaims, clapping her hands together. "It took you bloody long enough."
Tauriel rolls her eyes, but can't fight the smirk tugging at her lips.
"Later," she promises Arodeth.
She drops the dressing gown she's wearing, and scrambles to find something to wear.
"What are you doing?" Arodeth asks.
"I have a wedding to crash."
Author's Note: Coming Soon to an Update Near You: Karma!
As always, I would love, love, love to hear your thoughts!