The day of the tournament arrived, and as Thorin had agreed Oin was called to examine Ila. Thorin was sitting at her side while Oin pressed a special horn against her bare belly, listening for the babe.

"The heartbeat is strong," Oin declared, rising from his position. He then felt around for the baby, gently pressing on her belly from every angle.

Thorin held Ila's hand and watched, feeling certain he'd say she was in no danger of giving birth that day. He wished his old friend would read his mind then and advise that she stay in bed.

"The child is not yet in position, his head is still up here," Oin said, indicating the top of her belly. "I see no danger of the baby coming today. Likely another week or so at least." Oin declared and Ila looked triumphantly at Thorin.

Thorin noted her look but turned to Oin. "Can she walk?"

"Oh yes, of course. Mind you she takes her time about it, and doesn't get into any kind of a hurry."

"Very well, wife." Thorin sighed and kissed her forehead before pulling her gown down over her swollen abdomen.

"I'll have your ladies come directly to make you ready."

Ila smiled, happy that she got to get out of this room for a bit. She was practically stir crazy and had a week and a half or so to go. And her dwarfling might decide he liked it too much where he was and remain past his due date.

Getting dressed was a slow process, but Zahra and Dwala managed it. Ila could wear no corset in her state, the dress could barely be laced behind her. One of the seamstresses had let it out the day before; none of the dresses she'd worn with Thora at this stage would fit her now. The dress just accentuated how very pregnant she was, if it were possible to do so. It was a dark blue dress, Thorin's color, and their princess was dressed to match. Zahra carried the Thora and Dwala walked next Ila, making sure she kept a slow pace and that she could support her if need be. Thorin was waiting for her to go into the arena, which was much more than a practice space today. Ila could hear the din rising from the arena halfway up the last staircase they descended, every dwarf in Erebor would be there today.

Ila linked her arms in Thorin's and Zahra and Dwala fell in behind them. Thorin took a moment to regard his very pregnant wife and question why in the heavens he'd let her come. But he wisely said nothing to that effect. As he led her into the arena. Ila saw that every dwarf in Erebor really as there, most of them having brought cushions for themselves. A special platform was set up for the royals, with great chairs that resembled thrones for them to sit. Thorin took Ila's hand and made sure her footing was sure as she climbed the platform and sat by his side. The dwarves around them cheered as they walked in, always pleased to see their royal couple and very surprised to see their queen in such an advanced state of pregnancy. Many remarked that they couldn't believe Thorin had let her out of bed, and with his heir in her womb this time for sure.

Zahra had thought to hold Thora during the festivities as Dwala had just retrieved her own dwarfling from Dwalin, but Thorin motioned for her to bring the princess to him. He took her and sat her in his lap so she could see the arena, a hand on her and the other resting on Ila's nearest hand.

Ila tried to get comfortable in the seat, heavily cushioned though it was. It was hard for her to be comfortable anywhere now, but she put on a smile for the kingdom. And she was truly happy to be there, but her discomfort distracted her a bit. She would not let Thorin know it though, lest he take the opportunity to tell her how right he'd been. The opening ceremony largely passed without her paying a great deal of attention. Balin said a few words, some trumpets sounded, the crowd cheered, and that was all she noted before the actual competitions began. Ila turned slightly-as much as she could- to share a smile with Dis who sat close behind her with her own attendants. Dis was no great fan of such crowds, but she would not be missing the chance to watch her sons compete. She smiled back at Ila warmly, and was surprised to see that Thorin allowed her presence. She truly was changing him for the better, and Dis silently thanked Mahal for bringing the two together.

Dwala and Zahra were sitting to Ila's side, Dwala with Farin in her lap and sitting rod straight and proudly regarding her husband. Dwalin had done nothing yet, but he was standing to the side in the arena, his axes nearby. Just the figure he struck alone was impressive, even among dwarves.

First would be archery, then axe throwing, spear throwing, sword play, and a finale that included swinging hammers from the backs of war rams. Fili and Kili would be competing in all five events, as would Dwalin and a few other dwarves Ila recognized. Many of the younger dwarves, those Fili and Kili's ages or younger, were competing today, and Ila was less familiar with them. Gimli was the only one she knew by name. She noticed that Ori was not competing, but sitting next to Balin, a book in his hands as he was obviously recording the events of the day. Balin's apprentice, she thought as she smiled.

She noted that Thorin was smiling too, a real and beautiful smile, enjoying the festivities. A servant stepped onto the platform to offer him a mug of ale which he happily took and drank deeply from. Most of the dwarves in the seats around them were drinking too, but it was still rather early in the day and no one was even close to inebriated. By the end of the tournament it was a sure thing though, especially with the great feast that would follow as was custom. Ila would have to have some of that brought to her rooms, she knew, but that was fine. Thorin would demand her return as soon as the victor was decided. As long as she got to see the tournament, that would suit her.

Thora was looking around rapt with interest, so many sights and sounds to behold. Her blue eyes blinked intently as she looked all around, one tiny hand gripping her father's larger one that held her on his lap. Ila's heart warmed at the sight and then rubbed her belly, ready to have her dwarfling in her arms. He was certainly awake in there, all of her activity that day had stirred him but she felt in no danger of his coming early. She loved feeling him move, and even grew a little worried when he went long whiles without doing so. But today the sounds of the arena below had him moving about like crazy. She soothed him with her hand but smiled brightly at the knowledge that he must indeed be a boy to be roused by the sounds of battle.

Below them, Kili was displaying a fact well known, that he was the archer in the family. Each arrow struck home on the target, the last one splitting the one before in half. The crowd roared in approval, and Kili's face was split by a satisfied smile. He turned towards the platform and bowed lowly, so that his hair scrapped the dirt floor, to royal couple.

Thorin clapped his large hands together, beaming in approval and praising him in Khuzdul. Ila clapped too, but did not yell like so many of the others. Kili's sparkling eyes met Ila's for a moment and she widened her smile for him. Thorin barely noticed, but did notice, but then he knew that they had trained together for many hours and many days, and his smile faltered only a little. Kili withdrew to sit on the sidelines, but no one that came after him could rival his performance, or his perfect finish. Not even Fili, but he was better than most. Zahra tried desperately not to smile while watching him perform, but then she wondered if that was more telling than smiling would be. Dwala looked at her hands-Zahra was twisting her fingers nervously but without any knowledge of it, but Dwala only smiled a little to herself and said nothing. She was waiting for her husband to outshine all in the next category.

Dwalin did not disappoint, hurling an axe with so much force that it not only hit true, but split the wooden target completely in half. Dwala nearly squealed with pride, Farin chewing his hands as he tilted his head to give his mother a strange look. Thorin erupted in shouts and cheers for his best friend, becoming more raucous and less kingly as the tournament went on and he drank more. That was to be expected however, if anything the dwarves were happy to see their king enjoying himself, and joined in celebration with him. Thorin's grip never loosened on Thora however, and whenever Ila looked to gauge her reaction to her father found her giggling if anything. Ila smiled and again tried to soothe the ever agitated dwarfling inside her. It felt as if he was fighting too. Thorin noticed her looking down and rubbing her womb periodically, and he leaned over to inquire after her, his forehead creased in worry despite how jubilant he was.

"I am fine my love, but I believe the baby wants to join in."

Thorin smiled widely and rubbed her belly adoringly. "A boy for sure, as if we did not know."

Ila laid her hand over his and they shared a brief kiss, but a public one no less. That was extremely rare for them, but Thorin was so happy and so plied with ale that he did not care who saw. Some even cheered at the sight.

Gimli came next with the axe, and he was surprisingly good for his age. He out performed Fili and Kili despite their being older, and Gloin could be heard all the way to Dale with his cheers. Several other young dwarves did their best, but none came close to Dwalin naturally. Ila turned to catch Dwala's eye and she was beaming like the arkenstone itself.

Ila turned back to the arena. Spear throwing was impressive but not as entertaining in her opinion. Dwalin owned that competition as well. No one else had his strength and power to send the shaft hurtling through the air like that. Well, Ila believed that Thorin could, but he was king and would not compete. She wished that she could have seen him in the combat below, but knew why he would not. It wouldn't do for him to be injured, first what it would do to his pride in front of everyone and also because Erebor needed its king in good health for many years to come. Perhaps she could convince him to let her watch him practice with Dwalin or one of the boys one morning.

It was finally time for swordsmanship. The younger and less skilled dwarves fought first, and when each lost to his opponent the victor would face an older and more skilled dwarf. It went on like that until Dwalin was facing a dwarf called Joyrin who was near him in age and skill, though a sword was not Dwalin's strongest suit. This match lasted longer than any had so far, and for a while seemed it would never end, each dwarf matching the other blow for blow, but Dwalin began to tire, being the bigger of the two, Joyrin making him swing and miss near the end. Finally the other dwarf struck like a viper, lunging in to knick Dwalin on the back of knee and bring him down.

Dwala gasped and covered her mouth, and Ila cringed too. Balin called the match for Joyrin, and Dwalin straightened to exit the arena, but he received thundering applause and cheers despite his losing. Ila turned to Dwala and nodded to her, letting her know she should go to him and not to worry about her. She had Zahra after all. Dwala rose with Farin and swiftly descended the platform to go to her husband, and Thorin, noticing, assured Ila it was not that bad. They only fought to the draw of first blood; a mere scratch could thus cost the match. But it was better, and safer that way. This was not a blood sport. War was terrible enough when it must be fought, and no lives would be forfeited for sport in Erebor.

Joyrin would face the victor of the next match, which happened to be Fili and Kili. They were fighting one another now, but Ila knew who would win. Fili was strongest with his two swords, and he did not have the cockiness that Kili sometimes had, and his focus was much sharper. Zahra bit her lip as she watched, hoping desperately that Fili would win, or at the very least not receive any injuries. Even the slightest cut would be too much for her, and she silently prayed to Mahal that she would not shriek aloud if he were hurt. She might not be able to stop herself.

Ila was surprised that Fili and Kili held nothing back with each other, but then they were brothers who had spent many years roughhousing with each other. They were also naturally competitive and would want to show off in front of the kingdom, and their uncle. As for their mother, she was the picture of calm and collected as always, but Ila knew her well enough to see that slight tightness around her eyes. She wanted neither of them harmed, and likely thought they were not taking great enough caution with each other. She would let them know as much later.

Kili was fast on his feet, but he barely avoided Fili's blades that rained down on him in seemingly every direction. Kili knew his brother was like to win this one, and he had Zahra to impress which was powerful motivation. But Kili had Ila to impress, though he had done so with his bow earlier, that was not enough. She already knew of his skill there from all their practice together.

But Kili was not going to win this one. His elder brother was backing him into a corner and as he twirled to get himself out of it, Fili tripped him, and before he knew what had happened Kili was on his back, his brother's blades a breath from his chin.

The crowd exploded, as did Thorin, to see the eldest prince stand triumphant. Ila laughed and clapped excitedly, and Zahra could not suppress her smile any longer, clapping more fervently than anyone. The fight was called for Fili, and he quickly dropped his sword to offer his brother a hand. Kili frowned only for a second on his back, then smiled widely at his brother and took his hand. The two roughly embraced, and Kili walked off the dirt the best sport yet. Thorin smiled, happy to see it, to see it all. He clasped hands with Ila and they waited for the final match, only enough time between that one and the next for Fili to have a drink of water.

Joyrin and Fili picked up their swords and assumed positions opposite each other. The other dwarf was older than him, most evident in his long, pitch black beard. It made Fili look and feel like more the youth than he was, but he did not let it bother him. He had Zahra up there, on the platform behind Ila, watching his every move. He knew she loved him whether or not he won this fight, but he still wanted to win it for her. He dared not look at her, lest he give them away, or he stare too long and get his legs knocked out from under him.

The older dwarf set upon him first, barely giving Fili time to react. He deftly jumped out of the way, being faster than Joyrin and more agile in his youth. But Joyrin was stronger than him, so he carefully met each thrust of his sword and diverted his force as much as he could. This went on for a while, with every dwarf on the edge of their seats. Ila felt her dwarfling kicking like mad until he got her squarely in the ribs. She groaned in pain a bit, then looked to make sure Thorin hadn't noticed, and thankfully he hadn't. Zahra didn't either, which was no surprise to Ila. That was fine, no need for anyone to worry.

Fili was rounding on Joyrin now, coming at him with a speed and grace that the older dwarf simply did not have. Joyrin began to lose ground, backing towards the wall of the arena. He met FIli stroke for powerful stroke though, and it still looked to be anyone's fight. Zahra had forgotten herself and was covering her mouth with her hands, eyes practically bulging as she watched on the edge of her seat. Dis did not move a muscle, save for her eyes. She watched Zahra more than she watched the fight below them.

Joyrin had forced his way back a bit from the arena wall, but the older dwarf was tiring, and Fili ducked a slash of the other's sword and popped back onto his feet to knock the sword from his grasp. FIli brought his sword blade to rest a breath from Joyrin's jugular, and the arena erupted around him.

Thorin yelled in approval, slapping the armrest of his chair as hard as possible, but even that did not frightening Thora. She simply looked at her father questioningly.

Zahra yelped in joy, Ila didn't know how else to describe it, and left her seat while she applauded. She quickly realized what she was doing though, and sat back down hastily. Not that anyone noticed but Ila. And Dis.

Ila could not manage to make it to her feet at the moment, but every other dwarf in the arena was on theirs, the sound of their cheers like a wall of sound pressing down on the open space before them. Fili and Joyrin clasped arms in commendation of each other's performance, then Fili broke free and moved to stand in front of his uncle, his sword in the air.

Thorin cried out praise for his nephew's performance in Khuzdul, and took a replenished mug of ale from a servant without even looking at it. Ila didn't know if she'd ever seen him having such a good time. She was very happy for it, and that she was getting to see it.

The celebration of Fili's victory began to die down as everyone was now preparing for the grand finale. The event that every dwarf had been waiting for. Ila had only seen it twice before herself. Both times had been back home, in the Iron Hills, and the crowds had been even larger than this one. It was a dangerous sport, but one necessary for battle. At least for those who did battle while mounted. Her father, Dain, liked to ride a war-boar into battle, but he always dismounted to fight among his footmen. He also favored the warhammer, which was the weapon of choice for this particular event.

A barrier was placed in the middle of the arena to separate the riders. As they approached, they would have to swing their own hammer in an attempt to unseat their opponent while managing to dodge their hammer that attempted the same thing. Each contestant was outfitted in mithril, as a blow to the ribs with a dwarven warhammer would be deadly. Ila wondered what good the helmets would do the competitors if a hammer struck there. Likely little.

Zahra was apparently having the same thought as she shifted uneasily in her chair. Dwala had returned with Farin, obviously being satisfied that Dwalin was alright. He would not be able to compete in this event however, which must have accounted for her new found calm.

The only ones who competed in the finale were those who had won the other tournaments, save for Dwalin given his injury. The next best was allowed to compete in this stead. The first competitors as such were again younger dwarves that Ila was not acquainted with. They managed to knock each other off their mounts at the same time. Laughter erupted from the audience, now very much full of ale, which Ila could smell distinctly. Had she been in the early stages of pregnancy she would have been retching all over the place. But thankfully she wasn't, and her dwarfling seemed to have finally calmed in her womb. Looking to her other dwarfling, Thora was still peering about, not knowing what to make of it all. Ila reached over to tickle her, and she kicked and giggled as she wrapped her hand around her mother's finger.

Kili and Fili were only left to compete now. It seemed unfair almost, their being brothers, but it was how it worked out. Ila had expected this to be entertaining but not as nerve racking as it turned out to be. She did not remember it being so when she was younger. Looking at Thorin however, he did not appear to be worried.

"Are you not concerned, my love?" She asked over the clamor of revelry around her.

He turned to smile at her, again drinking deeply from his mug.

"Not at all my dear. They'll not harm each other badly, if at all. This sort of thing is good for them." He replied and gave her belly a firm rub.

"Our son will make you swell with pride doing all of this one day."

Ila recoiled at that thought and placed both hands protectively on her belly before she knew what she was doing. She did not want her baby putting himself in danger, even for sport. Silly she knew, he would have to, but she did not have to like it.

Thorin didn't seem to notice her reaction, as he had already turned his attention back to the arena.

Fili and Kili immediately launched their rams at one another, heels digging into flanks, hammers in the air.

The first pass saw each dodge the blows of the others as they galloped safely to the opposite end of the barriers. Ila didn't know she'd been holding her breath until she exhaled. The baby sensed her upset and moved again, but thankfully did not kick her square in the ribs as before.

Only a moment or two and the brothers charged each other once more. Zahra's bottom was barley touching her seat at all, her fingernails in her teeth. Dis didn't notice Zahra this time, all her attention was on her sons.

One moment it looked as though Kili would dodge Fili's hammer, but he was a second too late. Fili laid back flat against his mount's back, Fili's hammer passing over him, but Fili's hit home.

Pounding square into the small shield Kili held, the sheer force of the blow knocked him from the saddle. Ila gasped loudly as Kili rolled to just barely miss being trampled by the ram's hooves. Thorin cut his eyes toward her, seeing her fear as her hand when to cover her mouth, but turned back to the arena, fear curdling in his own stomach.

Kili quickly stood and backed towards the arena wall to miss the beast in case it came back that way, and to show he was alright. Everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief, then exploded like fireworks in deafening applause and shouts for Fili.

Thorin cried perhaps loudest of all, jumping to his feet and splashing ale everywhere, except for Thora. Somehow he managed to avoid that and keep a firm grip on his daughter. Ila gapped and reached for her anyway, Thorin gently letting her go into her mother's arms. As always, Thora was in good spirts despite.

Thorin began to address his triumphant nephew, the crowd only dying down after he raised both his hands in the air.

A great smile split Thorin's face; he was so very proud of his nephew, his once heir. Nearby on the benches were the other competitors sat, Kili and Dwalin and the others were celebrating too. Ila beamed at Fili from where she sat, Zahra on her feet beside her beaming like the sun itself. Not to be outshined by Dis however, who was equally as radiant with pride where she stood just behind them.

"Son of Durin, you have made your king and kingdom proud." Thorin boomed and his words were met with more shouts and huzzahs.

"You are this day, and shall ever be, the first protector of Erebor," Thorin announced, and out of nowhere a servant brought forth an axe of solid gold, with sapphires and diamonds studding the handle. It was engraved with the title Thorin had spoken on the head, the runes disappearing into the gold when it was turned in the light. Fili's eyes widened for a moment, then reached towards the red velvet pillow to take the heavy axe and hold it over his head.

"From this day, and long before, ever shall I defend the kingdom of our father's fathers. With my last breath, and my last drop of blood."

That proclamation was met with a deafening roar from the crowd, and Ila nearly put her fingers in her ears. Her senses were heightened with her pregnancy, and she suddenly felt overstimulated. She would never let Thorin know it, not after how hard she'd lobbied him to let her attend.

Zahra appeared on the verge of jumping off the platform and into Fili's arms, but reined herself in somehow.

The tournament was over, the competition anyway. Now it was time for the feast, and it was hard to say which was the more enjoyed or anticipated by dwarves.

Thorin, glowing with pride, turned back to his wife.

"Darling, before you try to insist that—"

Ila stopped him in his tracks, placing a hand over his.

"I am well stimulated dear, and have had about all I can take of screaming dwarves for one day. Do not worry," she said and Thorin closed him open mouth into a small but loving smile. Clearly he was surprised, and going to say no more as victory was already his in this matter.

He reached over to rub her belly where Thora was not covering it, as she sat astride her mother's tummy.

"I will send up plenty from the feast for the both of you," he said, then kissed Ila on the lips. He was too happy at the moment to care who saw.

Zahra was doing a poor job of tearing her eyes from Fili, but attempting to for the sake of her duty. Dwala appeared at her side, waiting for Dwalin to come up and take Farin from her so she could tend to Ila.

Kili appeared on the platform too as Thorin was stepping down to embrace his nephew.

"Why don't the two of you join in the festivities for a bit; I will take the Queen and heir back upstairs."

"But Thora," Dwala said, though looking like she did want to celebrate with her husband, if not tend to him some more despite his protests of being just fine. Dwala would never skirt her duty however. Zahra looked eager to run into Fili's arms, but she too would not forget her duty, certainly not right under the king's nose.

"I will take her, I can't say that I wish to remain for the festivities either." Dis said, and without waiting for anyone to agree scooped Thora into her arms. Ila smiled at her and then at her ladies, happy that they could join in the celebration with their respective counterparts. There was no reason they should miss out on all the fun because she was practically the invalid Kili joked she was. Dwala gave Ila one more doubtful look but Ila placed her hand on her shoulder to turn her towards Dwalin, telling her she would see her soon enough.

She spared a glance for Thorin and didn't think he would mind really. He was too busy clasping hands and arms with other dwarves, celebrating in Durin's victory. Fili too was surrounded by dwarves now, all embracing and congratulating him, admiring the axe and so forth. Could Ila have gotten through the throng to him she would have congratulated him too, but by the looks of it she would have to wait all night for a turn at him.

Taking Kili's arm for support, she let him guide her down from the platform and from the arena.

"Are you sure you don't want to remain and celebrate with everyone else? Fili and Thorin will be looking for you won't they?" Ila asked.

"Oh, and stand in my brother's triumphant shadow? Nooo, no I think not." Kili said but he obviously meant nothing by the words. He seemed happy indeed for his brother, and Ila knew it true. Still, she knew men, and their desire to be the best at everything. Even being bested by your brother was still being bested, and it had happened in every category but one.

"You fought so well tonight. Like never before, I mean not that I have seen." Ila said, trying to make him feel better in case he needed it.

"It was all worth it if it impressed you." He replied simply.

"Oh, Kili. You know you have always impressed me."

"And you me."

"How? I am nothing special, certainly not these days." Ila replied, a hand on her stomach. "Unless you mean with the bow, but that has taken time. If you remember it took quite some time to get where I am now, and I am still terrible with a sword—"

"You are everything special and perfect."

He had cut her off with that statement, she had been rambling practically, and had to stop and think about what he'd actually said.

"Kili, you flatter me entirely too much. Which isn't really like you. I thought I was an invalid?" Ila asked, her voice not nearly as serious as his had been.

KIli said nothing in reply. He was suddenly very serious, his face more serious than ever she had seen. Even that day when she was pregnant with Thora and fell in the Hall of Treasures. Something was the matter, but she could not figure what.

"Kili," Ila began with her voice full of concern. "What is the matter?"

Kili stopped, he stopped because he felt he could no longer live the lie he had forced himself to live these many months. They were alone, he may as well tell her now. It was all bubbling up tonight for some reason, in a torrent that threatened to take his sanity unless he finally spoke the words. He had to have some relief.

Facing her, and her arm still in his, he looked her straight in the eyes without blinking.

"Ila, you cannot imagine how I have loved you. How I wish that the child in your womb was ours." He said, his hand moving to her belly.

Ila felt like she was in a tunnel, his words rung in her ears but seemed to come from far off. He could not be serious, and she was not breathing. She was just staring in disbelief.

No. No, that could be the reason for all his interest in her, all the time spent with her, the sometimes strange but fleeting moments that passed between them. The strange way he'd avoided her for a while, the one he had been sick in infatuation over….

"Kili-"

"I have tried to fight it, believe me I have. If I could cut my heart out and throw it into the deepest pit of the Mountain I would, but it would change nothing. I would still love you."

His voice was pained, almost pleading. His eyes were mournful, and she believed him when he said he loved her, and that he had tried not to. And Ila did agree with him on one point- it changed nothing.

"Kili, I—"

He was on her before she could blink. Her back was against the corridor wall and his lips were covering hers. One of his hands went to brace himself on the stone behind her head, and the other laid gently against her swollen belly between them.

Turmoil and alarm were ringing and clashing in Ila's head. She had to stop him, this had to end.

Placing firm hands on his chest she pushed with all her might, breaking the kiss. Kili backed away, though reluctantly, and gave her an even more grieved expression than before.

"What in Mahal's name is the matter with you?!" She demanded.

"I...I...I'm sorry..." He sputtered, feeling his heart being crushed under the weight of her rejection.

"What if someone had seen us! What if Thorin had seen?!"

"Let him," came his heart wrenching plea, but Ila would have none of it.

She put her hand up to stop him and moved away from the wall where he could not pin her in a kiss again.

"You have to stop this. You'll destroy us both. I'm sorry that you feel so strongly for me, I would never dream of causing you pain, but this is not to be. I belong to your uncle, I love your uncle, and you have to accept that."

"Could you have loved me? If you hadn't been given to Uncle—in another life or another place—"He stepped forward but Ila backed away still.

"Kili, please!" Ila begged, then turned on her heels and practically ran from him in the deserted hallways. Running on pure adrenaline from the shock of it all and not wanting to allow time for Kili to interrupt, she really did not run. Her girth would not let her, but she traveled as fast as her feet could take her, wanting to put as much distance between them as possible.

Kili did nothing, only stood looking at her as though he'd never seen her before. Like she was the saddest thing he had ever seen, dropped right out of the sky on front of him to tear his life apart. He stood there, alone in the dimly lit corridor, his chest heaving and sweat dripping off his forehead. He felt no more relieved than before, only worse. Somehow he felt even worse.

If only Thorin had remained long enough behind the stone column to see Ila break free from the kiss and profess her love for him, perhaps that night would have been very different. But he hadn't waited, could not wait. He had to turn away or march over to his nephew and break his neck.

He had been displeased with Zahra and Dwala, but mostly with Zahra, when he learned they did not escort their queen back to their chambers. Dwala might not know, but Zahra certainly knew that leaving Kili and Ila alone was not to be borne. Not when the entire kingdom was elsewhere and they could be anywhere unseen, doing Mahal knew what. Likely Zahra was too eager to congratulate Fili that she forgot all else this night. He would see to her, later. She would soon be on her way back to the Iron Hills for this failure, never to lay eyes on Fili again. And woe unto her if she had known about this all along and lied to him. She might not even see the Iron Hills again, but spend the remainder of her long life in dark, dank Erebor dungeon.

Standing with his back against the stone wall, Thorin was close to their rooms now. He had fled the scene before him, it was too sickening to watch. His heart was ashes now, burned to a cinder by Ila's betrayal. His love, his perfect wife.

NO! She was none of that anymore, perhaps never had been. That harlot, that trollop! And the baby in her womb….Thorin's eyes clamped shut. Hot, angry tears rolled down his cheeks. He'd seen Kili's hand lying gently, possessively on her belly. It was all as he had feared. He'd known something was amiss when Kili was missing, when he had foregone such a feast to escort Ila bad to their rooms, alone, her maids quickly disposed of, and she so eager to leave when she had begged to come at all…..it was all a nightmare come true.

Steeling himself, gasping for air as tears of utter devastation poured down his cheeks, he pushed himself from the wall and strode quickly towards their rooms. He would wait for them. They would come eventually, soon likely. He was sending food for her, and the servants would alert him if she didn't come. She would bring him to their bed, surely.

And he would be waiting.