For the next few hours, Raelee stayed in a secluded corner in the great library of the Woodland Realm.
As an elfling, she had always found solace reading amongst the shelves. She wished she had more time for it. But visits to the library were rare these days. Her duties normally ended at nightfall; long after the library was closed.
She wanted to distract her mind from the king's unorthodox request, but somehow, she found herself searching in the seedier section of the library.
She grabbed the first book that was on the shelf, and upon opening a random page, immediately closed the tome in shock. She already knew what a naked maiden looked like, but never had she seen them drawn in such a salacious way.
Were the diagrams that necessary?
She steeled her nerves and proceeded to search for more on the topic of… sex.
For the nearly six centuries she has walked Middle Earth, she has managed to remain chaste. She was waiting for the elusive soul bond her mother spoke of. When you knew you had found the other part of your spirit.
And now if she were to accept the king's offer, she would be forever tied to him. Not in soul, but in something else.
Only a truly selfish being could ask for something so private. Something she wanted to share with someone she loved and that loved her.
But now she would never have that experience.
She should have said no. Or at least thrown another drink at him.
Why was she even considering this?
The ability to leave the Greenwood and be free from her engagement resurfaced in her thoughts.
It was just a physical act. Just a bargain.
The reward seemed far greater than the price in her mind.
But she didn't miss out on his use of the word 'eventual' when he spoke of her freedom.
How long would the king expect her to keep up her end of the bargain before he allowed her to leave his kingdom? It was only five moons until she and Daron were to be wed.
She slammed another book shut at the thought.
The wedding was five moons away. That may have been a blink in the life of an elf but that didn't lessen the act she could potentially be committing by any means.
She spoke of the potential. She sighed as she again opened another book.
Raelee knew that she was going to accept his offer.
The king probably knew she would too.
Xxx
It was shortly after the sun had set when she received a knock on her door.
She took a deep breath before answering.
On the other side was a less than pleased looking Galion.
"Are you Raelee?"
"Yes" She whispered. Had he forgotten her from the other night?
"The king would like to know if you have agreed to his terms?" He sounded bored and tired.
"My answer is-" The words got caught in her throat.
"Come now, I don't have all night."
"My answer is… yes." She said in a whisper.
"Thank the Valar, you can head to his chambers then." He placed something in her hands and turned to leave.
She was too stunned to move at first. She had just sealed her fate. But once she registered his words, it suddenly dawned on her that he might know about her bargain with the king.
"Wait!" She called as she closed her chamber door behind her. She caught up to him as he headed in the direction of the guards' tavern.
Galion didn't stop as she caught up, but he did give her a look as if to say, 'why should I?'
"Where are you going?" She asked him.
"To get a drink."
"But what about the king?"
"The king told me that tonight was to be your first shift." He explained as if it were obvious.
"Shift?" She asked in confusion. He finally stopped walking at turned to look at her.
"Oh for- The king informed me that since you've transferred to his personal protection, I could have my evenings off, but only if you agreed to perform the night watch. No one wants that post after all. I should know, it's bloody dull. Didn't he discuss this with you this morning?" Galion looked irritated, but it seems that he was none the wiser to the king's real plan.
He had told Galion that she was now a part of his protection. Assigned to the night watch. This would give her access to his corridor and no one would think twice of her being near his chambers.
It was a clever idea.
Before she could respond he had begun to walk away again.
Leaving her alone with her thoughts.
When he was out of sight, she felt her legs turn to jelly. She caught herself on the wall before she could fall. He expected her to come tonight? It was too soon. She barely had the day to get used to the idea and now he was waiting for her?
She opened her hand and saw a key. The key to her freedom.
Raelee steeled her nerves. Now wasn't the time to make light of her situation.
She attempted to get her breathing under control, praying that no one would see the state she was in.
It would not be the best idea to keep the king waiting.
With a final deep breath, she pushed herself away from the wall and made her way back to her quarters to put on her uniform.
Xxx
The corridor on the way to his chambers was deserted.
A large oak door stood at the end. No other doors were in sight. The king probably liked his privacy.
Hence the key.
She opened the door that lead to her 'post'. It was a small anteroom where the guard on duty was stationed in case the king was needed in the middle of the night.
She had heard of this job. It wasn't the most coveted of positions because it was supposed to be unbearably boring. Her father would probably be happy that she wasn't out in the patrols. Daron too.
There was a chair, small table, and nothing more. She locked the door behind her and turned to look at the large foreboding door that led to his chambers.
This was it.
She knocked and waited.
The sound echoed too loudly for her liking.
No turning back now.
A moment passed before the door opened, revealing the king.
He looked far too pleased for her liking. He knew she would come.
He took in her appearance. She trembled under his gaze.
"Raelee, how nice to see you." He smiled but there was a dangerous glint in his gaze.
"My king." She didn't respond to his welcoming. It was anything but nice to see him. It was daunting being here.
He opened the door wide and gestured for her to walk in.
After a brief moment of hesitation, she entered the room.
The door closed behind her and she listened closely as he made his way toward her. His hand briefly touched the small of her back as he passed. She shivered at the contact. If a gentle touch could do that, what was in store for her later?
He chuckled at her response.
"Having second thoughts?" He smirked.
She looked sharply at the king and his jovial demeanour. He was enjoying her discomfort immensely.
She needed to steel her nerves. She was a member of the king's guard. She had faced many foul things. She could do this.
"I'm now your night guard?" She blurted out.
He chuckled at her.
"On paper. You needed an excuse to be near my chambers and I presumed you would be averse to becoming my chambermaid." She internally agreed with his thinking. "Galion proved incompetent in that post. He is more useful during the day. I knew you would not mind."
"How thoughtful of you." She deadpanned.
"You are welcome." He smirked at her again.
They stood facing each other. She didn't know what to do. There was no protocol for this situation. None of her training prepared her for this.
"You have more questions?" He raised an eyebrow at her.
She had so many questions.
The last thing she wanted was to rile the king, but there were so many unknowns to her situation.
"Can you guarantee that I'll have a post at another kingdom?"
He frowned at her.
"Are you questioning my integrity?"
"Just your promise."
He didn't answer her immediately. She swallowed nervously. At the back of her mind she was waiting for him to say that this was all a joke and send her away.
"I will keep my word to you. I promise." His determined voice settled her nerves. Only slightly.
"Thank you."
"Is that all your questions?"
"How long do you expect this arrangement to last?" She wanted to get the details straightened out.
He raised an eyebrow at her bluntness.
"Until I am satisfied with your service." She frowned at his callous words. Her expression seemed to delight him. "Five moons should suffice." Damn, he remembered when she was meant to get married. "I do enjoy your fire." He moved to what she assumed was his bedchambers. "Shall we?"
She gapped at him.
"Wait we're just going to go in there? Just like that?" The quick pace of the evening was alarming her greatly.
"Unless you would prefer the desk?" He motioned towards his ornate desk.
She bristled at his suggestion. He was purposefully trying to rile her.
"No, I would not."
"Then please, join me." He opened the door for her.
Her eyes drifted back to the entrance hall where she was supposed to be. Someone could need the king. It wasn't as common nowadays, but there were instances when the king needed to be notified during the night. She was meant to be a 'barrier' to stop others from barging into his chambers with information or trivial matters.
"What if someone arrives and I'm not there to greet them?"
"Think of a good explanation for them and I will deal with you after."
She took a deep breath but held her head high and moved past him into the room.
She stopped in her tracks when she spotted his enormous bed. You could fit five elves in there.
This was it. There was no going back.
He came up behind her when the door closed.
He placed his hands on her waist and could feel her unsteady breaths as he pulled her close.
She could feel the outline of his figure through her clothes. She could feel something at her lower back.
"Relax, Raelee." He chuckled softly in her ear. It did little to ease her nerves.
"That is easier said than done, my king." She shivered as his lips traced her ear.
"I believe I have something that will help." He moved away from her. She sighed in relief when he walked away.
She closed her eyes to calm her breathing. She could do this. It was only a bargain. Just… sex. Nothing more. Others did this every day.
When she opened her eyes, he was standing before her with two goblets of wine.
"I do hope you will permit me to finish this drink." He raised the cup to his lips and took a sip.
She grimaced at her actions the previous night.
She too, took a sip. A rather large sip. She blinked at its strength.
He chuckled at her reaction.
"I thought it best if we indulged in some of my personal wines. I am afraid they are far too strong for the feasts."
"I gather you hide this from Galion?" She lightly joked self-consciously having another sip.
"One must be sensible."
"Indeed." Sensible was not a word in her vocabulary as of late. Every decision she has made in the last couple of days had been anything but logical.
Jumping in the river.
Throwing that drink at the king.
Agreeing to this bargain.
He had moved closer to her.
His eyes roved over her as he drank.
A warmth began to spread through her body.
The strength of the drink undoubtedly was taking the edge off. Delaying what was about to happen was certainly a bonus.
This wine was lovely. Much too strong, but it would help her tonight. She made to take another drink only to find that her cup is empty.
"I think you have had enough, my little runaway." He took the cup away from her and placed them onto a table.
When their eyes met again, she knew that there was no more delaying the inevitable.
Her eyes darted from his to the bed. It gave her an ominous feeling.
While she stared, he walked behind her.
She tried to keep her breathing steady when she felt his hands on her uniform. He deftly undid the binds at the side. She willed her body to relax.
He was precise. Like he had done this before.
She didn't want to think of how many guards like her have been in this position.
He lifted the material from her and reached around to untie her leggings. He told her to step out of them with her shoes. She was left in nothing but a white slip. Large hands touched the bare skin of her neck, sending a shiver down her spine.
The burning hearth was the only light source in the room. As the flames danced across her skin, she could feel its warmth and yet she felt her body shake. She wasn't sure if it was from fear or anticipation.
She couldn't meet his gaze.
He tutted as he titled her head up with a hand on her chin.
The light illuminated his golden hair, making him like almost angelic. He had divested of his coat and was now in his trousers and tunic.
"Remove this." He pointed at her slip.
He looked expectant.
No turning back now.
With shaking fingers, she moved the straps of her slip off her shoulders slowly until it was pooled at her feet along with her uniform.
He inhaled sharply at the sight of her.
All she could do was stand there, letting him look at her. Those bottomless grey eyes travelled over her body. She felt her last morsel of dignity leave her body.
He slowly walked around her as he took in. Paying attention to every inch of her. He examined the flare of her hips, round behind and her pert breasts. She never felt more exposed.
"You are lovely." He appraised her. She resisted the urge to cover her body from his intense gaze. "Wait for me on the bed." He gestured behind him.
She made to move around him when his hand on her arm stopped her.
"It will help if you give in to what you are feeling." He advised her. She could only nod and made her way to the bed.
She felt the material of the sheets. It glided across her fingers like silk. The vibrant emerald green looked so comfy to sleep on. She sighed when she knew that wasn't what they would be doing.
She heard the rustle of clothing behind her.
She laid down on the soft sheet and reclined on her elbows against the pillows, only then did she notice a very naked king of the Greenwood standing at the foot of the bed.
She gasped when she saw him. Her muscles instinctively clenched at the sight of his manhood. How was that meant to fit inside of her?
He climbed onto the bed, chuckling at her reaction.
"Just relax, my little runaway." He was now holding himself above her. Her legs were shaking as he spread her thighs apart. She gasped when she felt him settle between them.
And then all she could focus on was his face, half hidden in shadow as he leant over her. His eyes roaming over her, drinking all of her in.
"Are you certain this is what you want?"
He was waiting for her answer. She felt him press against mound. She gasped at the contact.
"Raelee?" He asked.
"Yes. I do." She answered in a whisper. He smiled at her answer.
"Good." He whispered.
He moved closer to her face. She closed her eyes when she felt his lips attach to her neck. She felt his body lay flush against hers.
He kissed down her neck, sending shivers throughout her body, she squirmed at the sensations. Teeth grazed her collar bone. He lightly bit the juncture at her shoulder. It didn't hurt but it felt…odd. It felt nice.
After a moment, he raised his head from her neck. His eyes darted down to her lips. She did the same before he kissed her.
She had been kissed before, but never like this. Never with someone like him. Did she kiss him back? Where did she place her hands? His tongue traced her lips, asking for permission all the while his hand traced along her side. When he reached her breast, she gasped at the contact and in doing so she felt his tongue enter her mouth.
His thumb lazily grazed her nipple. When it hardened into a stiff peak, he pinched it hard.
She broke away from his lips at the foreign feeling.
"There is no shame in enjoying this." He told her as his continued to twist the small bud. Sending sensations throughout her body.
"I'm sorry, I'm just not used to this." She answered meekly.
"I know." He smirked as he moved to kiss her again. This the kiss was far more demanding. She tried to return it. His hips began to grind into her, and his hands grew more adventurous too, one moving into her hair and the other venturing down her side and past her navel.
When his fingers came into to contact with her untouched centre, she felt her whole body tense and let out another gasp.
She tried to move away but the weight of his body kept her in place and the hand in her hair kept their lips attached. He traced the seam of her opening, collecting the wetness on his finger before slowly entering one inside her.
She eventually broke the kiss and threw her head to the side. Presenting her neck, he took the offering and started to pepper her with kisses. She grabbed onto his arms, feeling his muscles tensing as he held himself over her.
When he started to add a second finger, she couldn't hold her tongue.
"Wait." She called out.
He ceased his attention to her neck and raised his head to look down at her.
"Why?" He looked at her like she had gone mad.
"We're going too fast." Her breathing became ragged. His fingers were still inside her.
"Are you in pain?" His thumb started to graze her clit. She gave an involuntary whine at the sensation.
And his fingers start to move.
"No but-" She arched her back with a groan when something began to build. She felt it tightening in her stomach and knew it was by his doing.
Raelee squirmed with embarrassment and tried to look away from him, but he wouldn't let her. He held her firmly by the chin to face him, to stare into those bottomless dark grey pools.
He moved his thumb faster in circles as her breathing became shallower.
"I told you to give in." He stared down in rapt fascination at the elf beneath him.
Something was happening inside her. It was building. Whatever it was. His fingers moved faster, and there's a horrible sweet tension in the pit of her stomach. She felt like a piece of rope that's being tied into a knot, becoming tighter with every movement. Everything starts to hum. She felt like she was floating through the night sky.
She closed her eyes when the sensations became too much to handle.
"Look at me." He demanded.
She looked into his eyes just in time for a wave of pleasure to hit. She cried out and felt her body arch. It was like a coil in her that suddenly released. He groaned when she tightened on his fingers.
He slowing pumped his fingers as she came down from her release.
"Did you enjoy that?"
"It was… unexpected." It was great, whatever he did to her was amazing.
He chuckled and removed his fingers, drawing a hiss from her.
He caressed her hair with affection. She was becoming entranced by him. His golden hair looked like a halo around him. She was so distracted, thinking about what he had just done to her, that she didn't notice his hand moving down, tracing over her thigh. Strong fingers hooked under her knee, spreading her legs further apart, pulling her hips up to meet his. She felt trapped underneath him. There was no turning back now.
She closed her eyes and waited for him to enter her.
"Open your eyes, Raelee." She did, but with great reluctance.
The moment she did he gave her a determined look and pushed forward without warning, entering her in one thrust. She couldn't hold back the cry of pain she released. The king on the other hand moaned at the sensation. His hand fisted in the sheets beside her head.
She had never felt this uncomfortable before in her life. The foreign intrusion stretching her caused her to clench and arch her back.
He stilled above her. She was glad he didn't start rutting right away. He was waiting for her to relax.
Her right hand moved from his arm to his shoulder, trying to push him back slightly. He didn't budge. When she moved up to his face, he stilled, and he used his free hand to remove hers and bring it down beside her head, holding it in place by the wrist.
She stared at him in confusion. He didn't elaborate to his behaviour. She couldn't ask him because he began to rock his hips against her.
He moved slowly at the beginning, allowing her to get used to the sensation. She whined with every thrust. Still not used to him being inside her.
After a few minutes, her yelps became less frequent and soon they turned into soft breaths against his lips.
Raelee's heart sped up, unable to look at the king as he moaned into her shoulder. She knew she would have to at least try and move independently; it was just knowing how that kept her from doing so.
xx
He grunted as he began to increase his pace. He wanted to go for longer, but knew that a maiden's first time could be painful. He could feel her breath coming out in shallow exhales on his lips as she tried to stifle her cries. It was obvious that she was in discomfort, he could gather that just by the expression on her face.
She must have known it would hurt. Every maiden is told what to expect. But she seemed determined to please him. Raelee's hips tried to meet his, but she didn't seem to know what to do. She would learn in time how to please him.
He tilted down to kiss her lips and succeeded in distracting her enough to increase his speed further. Her lips were soft against his. She knew how to kiss at least. He rutted through the last few thrusts before he spilled inside her.
He let out a loud grunt as he finished.
He stilled above her. Never had he felt such pleasure before, and with a maiden elf no less.
He knew she would bring him pleasure but was still pleasantly surprised.
Honestly, he had anticipated more resistance to his proposal. But she agreed easily enough. He half expected to find Galion back at his post. She surprised him again. She must be truly desperate to leave.
She brought him back to reality when a small hiccough escaped her. He opened his eyes to see Raelee staring up at him. A tear ran down her face. He wiped it away and gave her cheek a caress as he stared down at her.
Her body tensed at his touch.
She still appeared nervous. That would have to change very soon.
He pulled out and couldn't help but chuckle at the small whine she released.
She must be sore.
"I needed that." He told her as they laid side by side on his bed.
She didn't respond, only continued to release even, shuddered breaths. He turned onto his side to face her.
She looked distraught. Her eyes were endlessly expressive as they stared at the ceiling.
A thousand thoughts must be racing through her pretty head.
"How do you fair?"
She swallowed audibly. "I-I'm fine." He didn't believe her.
She was clenching her legs together and trembling slightly.
"It will not always be like this." He assured her. "Next time will be more enjoyable for you." He didn't know why he told her but felt it was necessary.
"Next time?" She asked with fear in her voice.
He frowned at her words.
"Not tonight." She released a sigh of relief and made to get up. "Where are you going?" He asked irritated.
"Back to my chambers." She refused to look at him. Her apathy was hurting his pride. Only slightly.
"You cannot leave yet." He pulled he back into his body. She tried to move away, but he held her close.
"You are to stay until dawn. Remember your new occupation, night guard?" He reminded her, not all too happy that she wanted to leave so soon.
"Fine, I'll go back to my post." She tried to move again but he stopped her.
"Sleep, Raelee. You need your rest." He spoke against her neck. A kiss was placed below her ear. She sighed at his attention.
"In your bed?"
He chuckled at her.
"You are not the first Elleth I have permitted to sleep in my bed." She bristled at his arrogance.
"Fine, just give me a moment to freshen up." He opened his arms and let her out of the bed. His eyes following her figure as she disappeared into his washroom.
He laid on his back to reflect on what had just happened.
So simple, yet so much reward.
He knew he would enjoy her but didn't realise how much pleasure he would gain from their bargain. She would need time to adjust to their activities. He had high standards when it came to bed mates.
It was never a difficult task to convince the ladies of the court to join the king in his bed. It was the aftermath that proved to be a headache. Some dug in their heels, refusing to leave.
Raelee was different. She didn't want to be here for the same reasons as the other Elleths.
They both wanted different outcomes from their arrangement. He would not need to charm another into his bed for some time.
Yes, he was glad that he thought of this bargain.
It was a spur of the moment thought when she left his company with her betrothed the other night. He knew from their body language that no love existed between the pair. It was obvious that they had not consummated their engagement. Her unhappiness was ever present when the couple were together. He only asked her this morning about her virtue to gauge her reaction. She did not disappoint.
Raelee was a beautiful Elleth and even more so in the nude. What she lacked in experience she would make up for in her suitability to him. Five moons was more than enough time to mould her to his needs.
He turned back on his side when she came back into view. She was holding her arms over her breasts to maintain her modesty. He only noticed now that her gait was uneven as she walked.
She stopped just before the bed. The reluctance was clear on her face. Why was she hesitating?
"Is this part of the bargain?"
"What do you mean?"
"Do I have to sleep in your bed? Is that what you want me to do?"
He pondered her query over in his mind. Was she always this difficult? Perhaps he was sparing her betrothed in the end.
"It is up to you."
He could see the cogs turning in her mind.
"To be clear, I won't forfeit our bargain if I choose not to sleep in your bed?"
A furrow appeared between his brows. Why was this problematic for her? Minutes ago, he was inside her. Fucking her. Now he only wanted her to rest. It wouldn't do him well to have a fatigued bedmate. Not for the activities he had planned for them.
"You will not."
She nodded and bent down out of his sight. He could hear the shuffle of clothes as she dressed.
He stared at the canopy of his bed, trying not to ponder why she seemed so disinclined to sleep next to him.
Yes, he had relieved her of her virtue but that didn't warrant her to shun him now.
She stood, redressed in her uniform. It was such a shame to cover up that body now after seeing her nude.
"I'll just-" The words seemed to fail her. Her eyes were fixated on the spot next to him. He sat up and followed her gaze.
There was a small drop of blood. The evidence of what she gave him.
He was about to inquire if she was alright when she spoke.
"I'll be at my post if you need me." She whispered and turned to leave.
He watched her exit and reclined back once he heard the doors shut.
Sleeping was the last thing on his mind.
It was not long ago that he had struggled to extricate his last bed mate from these chambers. But not now. Raelee was different. He had invited Raelee to sleep next to him, and she declined. She even asked if this was part of their bargain.
No, there wasn't a requirement to sleep next to him, but surely after her first time she must be sore and need rest. She had tried to hide her discomfort, but he saw through her act.
The blood, while a small amount, no doubt alarmed her. What happened to that brave elf from yesterday?
It was only the beginning of their bargain. There was still much to be discovered.
Perhaps there was more to Raelee than meets the eye.