She carried on along the corridor towards the great doorway. There was no sense in hurrying now that she was already late. Besides which, she secretly enjoyed how much her tardiness would anger her husband. Of course, it was a dangerous game since she would have to pay a forfeit for her insolence at some point (usually in the bedroom). But he was often rough with her body anyway.
She could just imagine his face now; he would wear that expressionless look, which frankly made him look a tad constipated, but he would then hold his hands behind his back, clearly to hide that he had balled them into fists, and his jaw would clench. The first time she saw him like this, she had been quite nervous. But now, having realised that every little thing often angered him, she kind of started to find it a little funny. It was almost akin to a young child having a tantrum.
In fact, in the last few weeks, she had challenged herself to often attempt angering him. The only problem with that was that he had already torn open a bodice of hers in anger.
And to make it all that much harder, she had to make sure that she didn't burst out laughing after angering him like that.
Today, they were expecting the very first arrivals from the Blue Mountains. Thorin had planned a grand welcome for the first dwarves to return home, and Dis was expected to be amongst them.
Now that made her a little nervous, but she had never been popular even in Rhun-Agar, amongst her own people. So she certainly had no false expectations that she would win the hearts of the dwarves of Erebor, let alone her sister-in-law.
"Yer late princess..."
Dwalins warning as he stepped out from a nearby doorway, snapped her out of her flight of thoughts.
"He'll be angry..."
"But I had to check on the guest suites to make sure they were all as he demanded. And then Dori insisted I wore this dress." She sighed. It was a partial protest. The dress was very beautiful indeed, with a finely embroidered corsette, that was laced together. But it has taken her a little longer to dress, and so Dori had taken it upon himself to dress her. This too had caused delays, as he had spend a painfully long time fussing over her.
"Well princess, it becomes ya very well..." Dwalin glanced over at her, blushing a little. "Ye look every bit a Queen in this..."
They both picked up the pace slightly completing the final distance to the newly rebuilt entrance, where a small crowd stood gathered.
Amongst them were several of her brothers guards dressed in their formal armour. Two soldiers stood at the very entrance holding flags. She immediately recognised the Rhun standard, but the other was a new one, in deep blue bearing a silver crown in the middle. Above the crown sat seven stars and below it were crossed hammers over an anvil. The flag shimmered even in the dim winter sunlight.
Further out in front, the first caravan had arrived and a group of dwarves were clambering out, with some of the dwarrow helping the dams. Those who had already disembarked, were adjusting their clothing and waiting for their travelling companions before presenting themselves to their King.
Among the welcoming party gathered stood Ori, Gloin and Balin in front. Surprisingly Kili stood behind them. He turned to look back at her a little morosely as she arrived. But he too had made an effort and was dressed in a fine blue velvet suit.
But what immediately set her heart racing was Thorin, who sat dressed in his grand fur-edged cloak and Raven crown. For a dwarf he was taller than the rest of his kind, as well as being broad. But his cloak and crown seemed to make him appear taller and broader still.
She had not seen him dressed like that since before the battle, and while he was undeniably handsome like this, it also brought back memories of his sharp cruelty. It troubled her that she was not entirely certain that the fog of his gold sickness had entirely lifted. Only time would tell.
Instinctively, she paused on seeing him, all her previously bravado certainly lost in an instant.
Dwalin who had taken a step forward already, stopped to watch the girl, guessing at what thoughts may have run through her mind. Having noticed Thorin's grand suit, it was hard not to shake the memories of before himself. But he needed to act fast. If they both lingered there, everyone would soon turn to look, particularly since she was dressed like that, if would be hard not to look at her. So he stepped back to stand beside her. They were both late, and she would draw all eyes to them, so he decided to make a grand entrance of it.
"Here..." Dwalin held out his arm, which she didn't hesitate to take. "A Queen should have an escort..."
As they stepped out together and into the gloomy wintery daylight, just as he expected, the whole group turned to look up at them.
Needless to say there were several gaping mouths as they immediately noticed her. Then as he continued to escort her forth, the whole group, except for Thorin, of course, turned back towards them, ignoring the arrived dwarves, and bowed to their King's Consort.
Dwalin even heard gasps and whispers from the group of dwarves near the caravan further ahead!
"And that's how ye make an entrance…" Dwalin winked at her as they walked forward gracefully, finally coming to stand beside Thorin. It was only on finally noting their Kings stern glance, that the company turned back towards the oncoming dwarves.
Thorin was quick to hold out his hand, as the two friends transferred the girl from one to another in a seamless manner, and Dwalin stepped away to join his brother in front.
"You are late." He whispered coldly, his blue eyes assessing her appearance carefully.
"Forgive me, my lord. But it took a little while for me to get into this dress…" she whispered, feeling her heart pounding.
It didn't help at all that Dori had done up her corset particularly tight today. It meant she couldn't take any deep calming breaths at the moment. But it also meant that her smaller breasts had been pushed up proudly on display with a more open neckline, and each time she took a breath they moved delicately. This had not escaped the attention of Thorin apparently who openly let his eyes linger over her tightened bodice and her chest before travelling up to hold her gaze.
Between the tightness and her rapidly beating heart now, she was having trouble focussing, and apparently he too was picking up on this.
Quickly realising they had an audience, she bent into a low curtsey. Despite her tight clothing, she performed gracefully, and as she stood back found hints of approval in his hardened features.
The formal display seemed more important than ever since the dwarves that had arrived from the Blue Mountains were all watching avidly now.
"Forgive my tardiness, my King," she repeated. "I wished to personally check on the suites for our guests..."
"Well, a Queen should have a crown, do you not think...?" He turned to her, and before she could reply, pulled out a beautiful gold coronet. It was much smaller than his but still bore the twin ravens. And unlike Thorins large crown, which was only made of gold, this was studded with many small but dazzling blue sapphires. Carefully he stepped forward and placed it on the crown of her head where he lingered a little to adjust it carefully while whispering to her. "I also hear that Dori took a particularly long time to dress you..."
As he stepped away, he spotted her eyes wide with worry over his comment regarding Dori.
"It is not his fault, my lord - I couldn't manage myself which delayed matters - and this is such a complicated garment -" she began but was halted as he cupped her chin gently in his hand.
"There is no need to accept blame for him. Master Dori has done an impressive job on your dress..." His eyes once again drifted down her long tanned neck and over the soft swell of her breasts, which heaved subtly every time she was excited. "I am indeed pleased."
"Oh." She blinked surprised as he took her hand and turned to face the group that had now gathered and continued to watch them in pin-drop silence.
"I had hoped to give this to you in the privacy of my study...but you were late..." He whispered to her as the group of newly arrived dwarves each walked past, bowing to their King.
His words caught her off guard. They sounded as though he almost cared.
"I would have enjoyed giving you another gift too..." He whispered out of the corner of his mouth and giving her another sidelong glance.
He watched her cheeks flush as she realised what he meant, to his utter satisfaction.
During this time they had small families of dwarves or a few individuals being presented to them by Balin.
And despite his lascivious whispers they were both able to appear as though they paid attention, nodding back, as each group of dwarves bowed and continued on. Since it was neither a formal introduction in court and the newly arriving dwarves were clearly exhausted they seemed more keen to move on and get settled in to their new apartments.
"Hmmm...and perhaps Dori may be permitted to dress you..." Thorin whispered again as the last few groups of dwarves from the second caravan carried on. "Tightening up that dress of yours... But only I must take you out of it. Is that clear, wife?"
His words made her breath hitch again, causing the exposed tops of her breasts to softly move. Again he watched her with avid interest between their newly returning subjects. His eyes unashamedly settling intermittently on the delicious movements of her chest.
"Are you alright, my wife?" He whispered mockingly. "You seem somewhat...flustered..."
He smirked at her.
"Dori has tightened this dress too well, I fear, my Lord..." She managed, and couldn't help but wonder how these dams were able to function with sound mind, having so little air in their lungs!
"You are indeed wrapped up tightly like a gift..." He concluded satisfied. "I even quite enjoy how it gags that pretty mouth of yours from your usual insolent remarks."
There was a pause after the first two caravans arrived and moved on before the next group of wagons pulled in.
Suddenly a very flushed looking Dori joined them.
"Oh thank Mahal that I have not missed you, my lady..." He hushed out of breath moving next to her. The flamboyant dwarf appeared to have changed himself, and now wore a rather smart looking velvet jacket in a deep green, lined with a shiny silver piping. "I have set out your dress for tonight's dinner on your chaise, my lady. And I have chosen matching jewels from the chest on your dresser."
"Another change...?" She didn't wish to sound ungrateful to the dwarf, but feared what sort of tighter contraption he might have planned for her.
"Well, I think your choice of dress today is most impressive, Master Dori!" Thorin leant around her to acknowledge him.
"Forgive me for the interruption, Sir." Dori bowed his head, grinning at the compliment. "And thank you...and I hope you do not mind my personally attending your wife..."
Thorin waved a hand as if granting permission for Dori to proceed, although he reserved himself from permitting the dwarf free access to her. Of course, he was aware that Dori would not be of any threat to him, but he couldn't help his jealousy at the thought of him tightening her corsets up so. Then he wondered just how much adjusting Dori might have done after all. Thorin imagined that after tightening her each time, her breasts might have required to be gently lifted out by a well placed hand...a thought that riled him indeed.
"And will our lady require your assistance in dressing again before dinner tonight, master Dori?"
"Tonight's dress is more in the fashion of the dress of Rhun, Sir," Dori glanced over at Shobha after replying to the King, and he was grateful to receive a smile from her in return. "I thought it would be more elegant for the evening. After all, I must confess, that I shall never forget your wedding dress, my lady..."
Dori smiled dreamily at his own memory.
"I only wish I could see the high fashions of your Kingdom my lady..."
"Oh Master Dori, perhaps one day I may show you my home land, myself, for all the kindness you have shown me..."
"Ah here they come..." Thorin was quick to interrupt their soppy interaction holding out his hand for her to take with a sternness that she responded to with a huff.
They all fell silent as several particularly well dressed dwarves stepped forward.
The dwarves wore rich suits, perhaps not a well fitted as Dori's, but still smarter than simple travel clothes. And the dams wore matching dresses to what Shobha assumed were their husbands.
They stepped forward again in pairs or groups; some families with their little dwarflings, others just as couples, as Balin introduced them again.
They were clearly the more important families, as Thorin greeted them with more than a nod of the head. Either he offered a welcome or a few pleasantries were exchanged. Then, the individual travellers were introduced. There were several male dwarves, three or four older, and another handful of younger dwarves, not older than Fili. They all greeted the king again individually, but each of the younger males snuck a partially curious and partially admiring peek at their new Queen.
She attempted to strain her ear to hear what everyone spoke amongst themselves about as they carried on into the mountain, but they were too busy with the new introductions.
Then finally a group of very important looking dams stepped forward. They were led by a taller, dark haired dam, with a sharp nose and brilliant blue eyes.
Shobha was quick to recognise the dam who could only be Thorin's sister!
She stepped forward and immediately embraced Thorin, while Shobha stepped away to give them a moment, watching them as they exchanged words very animatedly. Watching their interactions made her smile, as it reminded her so much of how Arvind was with her.
Dis briefly touched his chest where he had been wounded in battle, a more worried expression gracing her features. And her own thoughts were taken back again to that terrible time.
Then their conversation had turned light again, as they chuckled together at something that apparently Thorin had said.
It was fascinating watching them, for in those moments Thorin seemed so warm and perhaps even open. A stark contrast from his darker moods, which he frequently unleashed upon her, often as they lay together in their marital bed.
And then clearly something had been mentioned about her, as both Dis and Thorin turned towards her.
"And you must be the famed bride that Gandalf chose for my brother?" She stepped over and gently rested a hand on Shobhas cheek, taking a good look at her from top to toe.
Shobha suddenly felt a little self conscious, but Dis' assessing look was only filled with warmth.
"Och ye've got it all wrong! The broad that the old wizard had chosen was a dull, stuffy dame! Yeuck!" Dwalin cut in chuckling. "I am the one that spotted this one - attempting to escape the palace too!"
"And what fortune that your eye did catch her! You know Thorin so well..." Dis lewdly hinted. "I could not think of a more perfect woman to truly satisfy my perverse brother, and become a Queen while at it!"
"It is a pleasure to meet you Princess Dis..." She smiled, feeling her cheeks flush again.
Thorin had stepped over to join them now, placing one of his hands possessively around his bride's small waist.
"Yes, if only you knew how she delighted in inflicting pain upon your dear old is brother, while changing his dressings..."
"Pain! That might be only from the strain in your britches brother!" Dis jibed. "Do not think it goes unnoticed that you are unable to keep your perverse hands off her!"
Shobha hid a grin as this time it was Thorins turn to blush briefly.
"Nonsense! Every word of compliment is true!" Dis smiled again, taking her hand. "I have heard of how you personally looked after him when my brother was so terribly wounded in battle - Balin wrote an account of it all to me... No. Thorin is most fortunate to have you..."
Dis smiled as Thorin then stepped away to greet several other dams himself.
"And my beautiful son!" Dis immediately turned to Kili, pulling him into tight embrace. "Why have you not written to me, my beautiful lad..."
Shobha slowly moved away from the mother and son, permitting them some time to speak between themselves in private.
Kili looked pained and she could see the guilt he felt for simply surviving the battle when his brother was so terribly hurt. It was almost easy to forgive his harsh behaviour towards her, as she recalled that day how Fili lay lifeless in a pool of blood, even as she pressed on the wounds, like she had been taught back home when they were fighting the sandworms. It could have been Thorin laying unconscious still in that bed now.
Thinking of her husband, she looked over to spot Thorin now, he was in a deep conversation with a another dam. She was perhaps almost head and shoulders shorter than him, and smiled up at him admiringly, placing a hand on his arm from time to time, and he too appeared to be very much at ease with her.
She was voluptuous and rather attractive with curly chestnut hair and sideburns that had been pinned up in an elaborate do. Even her dress was in a deep blue, similar to Thorins suit, with gold edging, and she stood a hair's breadth from pressing her ample bosom against his chest.
It was a strange feeling to watch him like that, for she had almost hated him for so long, particularly for the way in which he had treated her. But also she had convinced herself that she had developed no feelings for him over these many weeks of being forced into a marriage with him. After all he was never intended to be her husband, but rather her sister's.
And yet she felt a twinge of something seeing him like that with another.
She stood there alone, looking down at her stupidly tight dress and feeling like she really could do with taking a big breath at this point. Then she glanced over at the group of dwarves being led away by Bofur and Ori, presumably to their new apartments and wished she had something to do to occupy her confused mind.
"My lady," a dwarf in leather travelling trousers and cloak with blonde hair, bowed in front of her suddenly bringing her attention back. "Erol, son of Pelor, at your service..."
She bowed her head in acknowledgement.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance, my lord Erol," she replied politely unsure of what to say. With exception to Thorins company, she had never been approached by any of the other dwarves, especially those from the iron hills. "Welcome to Erebor... Do you travel alone?"
"Aye, my lady..." He glanced up at the great entrance, before looking back at her. He was probably a little older than Fili, but also had blonde hair with a short beard and several braids either side of his face, very similar to Thorin. He was taller than most dwarves, perhaps almost as tall as her, and had brilliant emerald eyes that twinkled mischievously. "I was a wee lad when Smaug attacked, but I recall this mountain well. Sadly my mother and father did not survive the attack, so my sister and I were raised by my uncle in the Iron Hills..."
"So you have travelled from the Iron Hills...?"
"No, my lady - I returned back to the Blue Mountains several years ago. The Iron Hills were not really...for me..." He seemed to hold his tongue regarding his true feelings. "In truth, I offered my sword to our King when he searched for those to join his quest, but he requested that I remain in Thorins Halls to help continue in its govern, should they fail."
"That sounds terrible, but I am glad that you are safe... And your sister is still in the Blue Mountains?"
"Yes my lady, but she intends to join me when I am settled..." He smiled warmly at her. "And how are you finding Erebor so far, my lady...?"
She sighed thinking of all the work that had gone into their preparations so far, which felt like nothing compared to the seemingly insurmountable task list that was yet to be completed.
"I fear there is still so much to do..."
"Perhaps so, but I hear you have handled much of the challenges with far more skill than expected..." He leant closer, lowering his voice a little. "Just between us, there were many waiting for you to fail in the Iron Hills. It was not just you - I imagine there were some hopes that Erebor would be run by those governing the Iron Hills while our King was wounded..."
"Oh I see..." She wanted to speak more frankly, but she held her tongue for now. Or at least until she knew him better. "I merely did my duty as instructed by my husband..."
"You are being modest, my lady. News of your particular display of strength was quick to spread to the Ered Luin. You see, the value of a dam amongst the Iron Hills Clan is certainly not in government. Dams are not even permitted to further study beyond a certain age and there are often problems for those who inherit their familys estate...however, there are many dams who live and manage independent lives in the Blue Mountains, so you are gathering a small following already..."
Her gaze drifted again, subconsciously towards Thorin. Now the dam was unashamedly gazing up at him, smiling seductively, although this time, Thorin appeared to be more interested in watching her.
So she quickly turned her back to him, facing the young Erol in an attempt to avoid watching whatever was going on between her husband and that dam.
"I am truly surprised by such news, my Lord Erol..."
"I realise it may all be much to take in, but I merely wish to say that on behalf of my sister, and myself...and in truth many, many others...I am truly at your service, my lady," he bowed again. "And should you require any assistance at all, please do not hesitate to ask..."
"Thank you - that is very kind..."
And with that Erol continued into the mountain to join Ori, as he was set to take the next group of dwarves to their apartments.
So she was left standing there alone again, and unable to help herself, glanced over at Thorin, only to find that they had resumed another conversation. He even seemed to be amused by something she had told him, when a gentle hand on her back diverted her attention back again.
"The life of being the King's wife is not an easy one, lassie..."
Balin stood smiling at her sympathetically.
"I am not certain Thorin ever intended on having a consort...I suppose most Kings have more than one wife or courtesan..." He stopped short of pointing out her own father.
"You mean they had...I mean they have..."
"A history...brief...but a history nonetheless..." Balin revealed about the dam Thorin spoke with.
"Does this now mean that I am...released of my responsibilities...?" She asked quietly, glancing over at them again, feeling a little confused. This should have made her happy - free even. But she was plagued by an alien sensation, that she could not quite admit to.
"Sadly, no, lassie..." Balin shook his head. "You are still his consort - and dwarves do not take second wives. Only your legitimate children will be accepted as heirs to the throne..."
She sighed out of frustration. But of course it was only a half sigh, no thanks to the tight corset that strangled her.
"He's only trying ter see whether yer get jealous, lassie. Trust me - he's an ijet . I know, because I know him better than he knows himself. And he fancies the pants off yer! So donnae fall fer it. Yer doing perfectly at the moment..." Dwalin came to stand beside her. "And donnae listen ter my brother..."
Balin rolled his eyes.
"Who is Lord Erol?"
"He owns the two biggest mines here in Erebor - well his father did. And he found an old mine in the Blue mountains. He has done well for himself, and it helped us greatly at the time..." Balin explained. "He offered to join Thorins quest, but Thorin refused him - for he is even younger than Kili..."
"And he is his sister's sole guardian." She finished Balins words, to which he nodded with a sad expression.
"Why does he take yer fancy lass?" Dwalin quirked an eyebrow in clear surprise.
"No! But he came and spoke with me that's all."
"Come on, Princess..." Dwalin chuckled, holding out his arm out to her again.
"Brother, I do not think you are helping the lass..."
"Utter rubbish! He can't keep the princess out of his mind. He is trying, but he was very worried about the young Lord Erol talking to yer...I saw him very well!" Dwalin chuckled to himself, as she took his arm. "And if yer feel bad - then Balin and me would gladly have a threesome with ye..."
"A what...?" She asked innocently, but with great curiosity. "Is that some sort of game?"
"Donnae worry..." He muttered again, blushing, as Balin rolled his eyes at his brother, and the three of them set off inside.
...
"I am impressed...the girl has done well, brother." Dis looked at the tea set neatly stacked on a side table carefully. Her own trunks were yet to be unpacked, but even her finest tea set was no match for this one she had chosen. "And in rather quick time -"
"She paid the women of Dale to come and work here." Thorin stated a little irritated at her efficiency. "And offered to feed them and their children luncheon for free."
"Our stores were suitably preserved enough...?"
"Aye, and Bombur is convinced we should use up most of it, and restock afresh for next winter," he quickly explained, impatiently. "What I really wish to know is what you think of her, sister?"
"She is very young...and very pretty..."
"She was dressed up by Dori." Thorin grumbled again, surprised by his own tone of irritation surrounding this. "He spends hours dressing her, or designing clothing for her, as though she is his doll..."
"You cannot possibly be jealous of Dori?! He prefers the intimate company of other males, you do realise do you not...?" Dis mocked.
"Yes well..he is yet another that she seems to have wrapped around her little finger..." Thorin grumbled again, no longer attempting to hide his irritation. He imagined Dori dressing her up carefully, tightening laces around her waist, adjusting her breasts, running his hands along the waist of her soft dresses. What if Dori were to contemplate kissing her soft lips, or undressing her...what if Dori changed his mind and chose to sample what a woman had to offer after all...?
"You are jealous?! Of Dori?!" Dis laughed openly at her brothers ridiculous thoughts.
He turned to look out of the window into the snowy valley below, muttering a curse under his breath.
"Well, I rather like her..." Dis replied turning to assess her brother better. "Mahal! You..actually...LIKE...her?! You do!"
Thorin gestured for her to settle down. There was no need for Dis to get excited about this woman when he was trying to convince himself that this was all just a temporary infatuation.
"I do not know her well enough for that. So you can cool your battering rams, sister...she is younger and thinner than I care for, and so stubborn it makes my blood boil. Not to mention inexperienced where it counts..."
"And yet you cannot stop thinking about her, can you brother?" Dis smirked in victory. She was starting to like this girl more by the moment. "Otherwise you would not be discussing her with me right now..."
Thorin huffed something clearly offensive in khuzdul before sitting himself down on a nearby couch heavily.
"Oh my! Then it is worse than I believe... She is like an itch that you needed to scratch. The innocent virgin to be plundered by my brother the great King and Warrior...and you have had her in every way imaginable...so you should have grown bored of her by now...after all that is exactly how you have felt with all the rest that came before where you were bored after mere nights...but somehow you can't get enough of her this time. You want that tight little body, over and over still...in fact you just can't get her out of your mind - like a sickness of some sort!" Dis described, to Thorins horror, almost exactly what he had been thinking. Of course she could see that, although he tried his very best to keep a neutral expression. "I will grant you this, she is indeed beautiful, and in an unusual manner - I have never seen another like this before...she is darker of complexion than even most Easterlings."
Thorin stood up again and began to wonder around the royal apartment that Shobha had allocated to Dis. It had been rearranged, but it was still familiar. It was their parents apartment, and where they grew up as younglings.
"She is an arrangement. A trade in exchange for an army and our kingdom. Once she is with child, all my desire for her will be tempered..." Thorin repeated what he had been telling himself all this time. "Until then I shall have my fill of her and more. Like eating fig cake every night for supper. Eventually I will get sick of it."
"And yet you moved her into your own room, dear brother..."
"It was the cleanest place available after reclaiming Erebor. I will not treat her like a common beast."
Dis paused smiling at the area in the generous apartment where they once played and younglings.
"She did not wish to keep this apartment for herself either...? That is very generous." Dis wondered into the large bedroom. "I assume you offered it to her...?"
"She said she could not in good conscience deny you this. After all she is not with child yet -"
"Even after all your...plundering?!" She raised an eyebrow.
"I caught her taking essence of garlic!" Thorin chuckled. It was accompanied by his sister's laughter at this also.
"Poor innocent child. But so long as you fill her with enough seed, she will not be able to delay the inevitable." Dis laughed and then seemed to recall something and stopped. "It was her then who tended to Fili..."
"Aye. What gave it away?"
"His hair..." Dis was surprised at the gentle care that had been taken to wash and dress him. And Kili had confessed that he had not found the strength to do so himself, but he had not revealed who had contrary to his threats. And Thorin, she expected had been too busy. But now she realised that her sister-in-law must have been just as busy as her brother preparing the mountain, and yet found a way to care for her son.
"Aye."
But she was not upset by this news. In fact, she admired the young girl more for it.
"If you care for her, do you really wish her to be with child?"
"I must rule as King supreme. I must quell this desire for equal govern by the Iron Hills lords who deseperately want a piece of Erebor. Just as Thror did. So I need an heir Dis. Why do you say this?"
"It is unlikely that she will survive such a birth." Dis spoke sadly now recalling her mother's words from a long time ago. "There are few unions between man and dwarf that have led to both mother and babe surviving. Usually mother sacrifices her life for the babe, but sometimes both succumb."
"This cannot be. How do you know of this?" Thorin kept his tone neutral so as not to reveal his disappointment. "And why did Gandalf nor Shobhas father know of this?"
"Perhaps they too are unaware? I recall Amad speaking much of the matter when we were very young. A woman from Dale was with child from an Erebor dwarf. Sadly he had died fighting in something or other as a hero. And despite Amad repeatedly warning her, she had the babe anyway for the love she bore for that dead warrior..."
"And what happened?" Thorin frowned, although he knew what would come next.
"She died." Dis shook her head sadly.
"And what became of the babe?"
"Amad raised him...do you remember we had that tiny fair haired babe stay with us for some years...?" She smiled at the memory. "That was him... And then when he was old enough she gave him to our uncle to raise him along with his own son..."
"Ah yes I have some memory of this now. But how do you know so much of this- you were even younger than me at the time?"
"Because I married him!" Dis smiled, at the memory of her husband which was mixed with so much love and heartache in how he had fallen in battle.
"I would have never guessed that his mother was not a dwarf..." Thorin spoke quietly, seeing his sister lost so deep in her memories. She rarely ever spoke of her late husband.
"I think she might be good for you..." Dis quietly mused. "So perhaps we should consult the best midwives and healers before you have her with child..."
"I cannot wait for their permission. She must give me an heir." Thorin cut in sternly.
"And what if both she and the babe die during the labour?"
Thorin fell silent at that. It was not a thought he wished to consider.
"Will you marry another? I saw Lady Elise throwing herself at you today...I can see you are planning to rekindle your little affair with her." Dis complained. "Or were you perhaps attempting to distract yourself?"
"I can bed whoever I wish, sister. I am King. And Shobha is a mere girl who was forced into my bed, so that I may have an army to fight Smaug!" Thorin snapped.
"Oh so you are merely attempting to make her jealous then?"
"Perhaps I am thinking of Elise's ample breasts while she sucks me to completion.."
"So then you would not complain if your wife were permitted to take a lover too?"
"No. Not until she gives me an heir." He had quite enough conversation with his sister now, and began walking towards the door.
"Where are you going Thorin?"
"To see if Elise is settling in to her new apartment..."
Dis opened her mouth to protest, but then held her tongue. There was no point in telling Thorin about anything. He would simply have to realise the truth for himself.
Leaving Dis' apartment he stood in the corridor willing himself to seek out his mistress from so many moons ago.
Elise was a comfortable choice. She would most certainly do anything to please him, and require almost no guidance from his part.
His wife on the contrary required much more work, and came undone far too many times before he had finished.
With great difficulty, against the wishes of his own manhood's pull, he turned in the direction of Elise's apartment.
They had two hours before supper was to be served in the grand banquet hall, that would permit ample time for pleasure before he had to change.
Then as he carried on a little further, feeling less enthusiastic, he thought of Dori helping her undress. He imagined the little dwarf having to undo all those tightly strung laces to open up her bodice, and her small but proud breasts would be freed, their brown peaks pebbling in the cool air. Perhaps even her brown skin would prickle with gooseflesh as the soft material was stripped from her skin, leaving her vulnerably nude.
And then he thought of that tight dress, and what it would feel like to lift her skirts take her roughly, while she still wore it. To watch her come undone so breathlessly, with her breasts spilling out.
The thoughts filling his head were like a siren call, and he could feel himself hardening at the mere possibility of her.
All he could think of in that moment was how much he wanted her. And he could punish her for being late as well as for openly speaking with that young dwarf. That would offer him reason to treat her roughly - not that he needed one.
Thoughts of any other dam long forgotten now, he immediately turned back and hurried towards his room…
…..
Dear All
I think he is still not fully over his gold sickness. I think it waxes and wanes.
And maybe it's a little disappointing, because she is kind of a prisoner of sorts, but I think she may be developing feelings for him…
Hope you like it…
special thank you to -
MrsTChrist - thank you so much - I have, kind of, made it them a very patriarchal society so it seems like for many reasons Dis is holding back a little. but hopefully she will support S when she most needs it…
CrystalGuardianWolf - thank you so much! hope you enjoy this one too…