Raelee was many things.

She was an only child.

Raelee was a member of the king's guard.

She had fought hard to defend the Greenwood from all manner of foul creatures.

She loved music and dancing.

Her eyes had seen six centuries come to pass.

Raelee… was a virgin.

But not anymore.

She tried to keep her composure in front of him, but now behind the barrier of a door, she felt it slipping.

She gave her virtue to the ill-tempered king. Something that she could only give once in her life to one person. All for her selfish desire to flee an unfulfilling future.

Deep breaths, she reminded herself. She needed to remain calm.

It was done. She couldn't take it back even if she wanted to.

She hissed when she sat in the chair. Her muscles were tense and sore.

Her mind flashed back to her time with the king. The wine, his voice, the bed and his… body.

She knew it would hurt. The books had warned her about it.

But feeling it…happen couldn't be described with words on a page.

It was a terrifying experience. Having him on top of her made her feel trapped and unable to escape. And when he entered her… she couldn't fathom why others craved that experience so much. But she gritted her teeth and came out the other side with little to no damage.

At least he had prepared her somewhat. Confliction spread within her when she recalled his fingers and what they did. That part was nice. Perhaps it wouldn't always be so painful.

Her discomfort was a certainty, so it made sense for him to ease the act for her.

If he didn't there would have been more blood.

Thankfully, he wasn't that rough.

That speck of red against the sheets spurred her retreat. That blood was meant to stain her wedding bed.

Tears misted her eyes. She had truly betrayed Daron and her family. There was no turning back now. She had to see it through to the end.

Five moons until that day.

Her head rested against the wall with a sigh. Any other night, she would have been sound asleep. Now, she had to sit in a rigid wooden chair and wait for the morning. A sliver of regret surfaced when she imagined his bed. Perhaps she should have accepted his offer and stayed.

No. She would do well to remember her place. After what they just did, it would have just embarrassed her even more to sleep next to him. They weren't equal in this bargain.
Sleeping next to him would blur the lines. That's the last thing she needed.

Another groan escaped her when she shifted to get comfortable.

She had never felt this drained before. Both emotionally and physically.

Maybe if she rested for an hour or two, morning would come quicker.

Xxx

A knocking sound woke her up. She looked behind her at the king's door, but quickly realised it was coming from the corridor.

Quickly straightening her appearance, she opened the door to reveal Galion.

"Good morning." She greeted.

"Good morning. How was your first time?"

Her eyes almost bulged out of her head at his words, but quickly remembered it was her 'first shift' last night.

"It was… fine." She shrugged.

"That bad?" He laughed as he moved into the room. She watched as he opened the main chamber doors and begin lighting the lamps and fires. "I don't envy you. There's little to no excitement in this job. I shall take over from here, you may take your leave."

Her eyes had unconsciously landed on the bedchamber door.

"Thank you, Galion."

She gathered her belongings and made her way to her quarters.

Xxx

"You are out of practice." Tauriel grinned down at her.

Her backside spent more time on the ground than her feet. After essentially no sleep, she made her way down to the training grounds. If she was going to be a guard in another realm, she needed to hone her skills.

Tauriel was the perfect sparring partner. She was calculated, precise and far more skilled in combat than any other. She could help Raelee get back into shape.

"That appears to be the case."

"You need not fret. You are an exceptional fighter."

"For the past hour you have done naught but kick my backside." Raelee laughed as she stood. "Perhaps I am out of practice."

"Standing in the halls is no place for you, Raelee. You deserve to re-enlist in the Greenwood patrols."

"I want nothing more, but that is a lost cause, Tauriel." Taureil knew all about her predicament. Her father wanted her to keep her betrothal a secret until after he had told the king. But Raelee needed someone to talk to once she was told she had to leave the guards. Taureil listened to all her worries and grievances.

She envied Tauriel greatly. She was a brilliant captain and a loyal friend. She was everything Raelee wanted to be.

"I have news to share."

"Do tell."

"I have transferred to the king's personal protection."

Tauriel's eyes widened in surprise.

"As what?"

"The night guard."

"When did this happen?"

"Yesterday, last night was my first shift."

"No wonder you look so tired." She sat down on a bench to rest. "Was it as boring as I have imagined?" She joked lightly.

"It was… fine." She answered carefully.

"I have heard Galion complaining often." Tauriel frowned in thought. "But now that I think back, he was at the drinking halls last night. He bought everyone a drink. He must have been celebrating."

"He was relieved to pass the post on to me. Said he wanted his evenings off."

"Yes, I can imagine. Does your father know?"

"Not yet." She sighed at the thought. How was he going to react?

"And Daron?"

"No, I haven't told him either."

"He told me what happened after the feast." Raelee winced at the memory. The drink, the river, her drenched dress, walking back to her chambers in a nightdress.

"Did he?"

"There's no need to worry. We have all succumbed to the strength of the king's wine at some point. I have heard many interesting tales over the years. Some I won't repeat because you would not believe them." Tauriel laughed and Raelee joined in.

"Come, let's work on your form." She followed Tauriel back onto the mat.

Xxx

He could hear his soldiers training as they walked along the corridor. The king was accompanied by a couple of his advisors. Lady Lauryn and Lord Bragi were drafting new trade reforms and needed his insight. He didn't see the need to change much but would listen to their ideas, nonetheless.

He was not particularly interested in the conversation at first, but then Bragi mentioned Raelee.

"My King, I would like to apologise, again, for my daughter's behaviour the other night. She should have had more sense. I did not raise her to represent her family in such a way."

"There is no need to Lord Bragi. You have raised a brave daughter. She is a credit to your family."

Lauryn scoffed, but tried to play it off as a cough. He turned towards her, but she quickly flashed a small smile at him.

"Your kindness, while appreciated, does not negate my duty as her father to see that she apologises to you properly."

"Your daughter has already seen to that." He resisted the urge to smirk as he thought of their bargain.

"Truly?"

"Indeed, we had a quite interesting conversation after your departure. There is no need to worry concerning your daughter." They had arrived at the balcony overlooking the training grounds.

"He is right to be concerned. She would do well to be more considerate of her family's reputation. And the king is not the only person she needs to apologise to."

Bragi looked to Lauryn. He appeared as if he was going to rebuff her criticism of Raelee, but he nodded instead. As if he agreed.

"Forgive me, Lauryn. You also have my apologies."

Lauryn smiled and bid the king and Bragi farewell.

Once she was out of earshot, he turned to Bragi.

"Subtilty was never her strongest trait." Bragi nodded in agreement. "What is her grievance?"

Bragi hesitated before answering.

"Lauryn is Daron's mother. She was not pleased when she heard what happened after the feast."

At the back of his mind he remembered her saying that she had a son that was engaged. That explained her derision of Raelee. She didn't want her daughter in law embarrassing her family too.

Lauryn never knew how to be sensitive to others. She wore her heart on her sleeve. If Raelee had been successful in her escape attempt, Bragi would never have heard the end of it. Lauryn was not someone one wanted as an enemy.

He pushed back the thought. When the time came for Raelee to leave, it would be of utmost importance to protect Bragi from her disdain. He had an idea how to get her out of the Greenwood. But that was five moons away.

For now, he would enjoy her company.

The training grounds was customarily an area of high activity. Archers practiced at the far end. Legolas was there as usual. Two were practicing their dagger throwing on the right.
The adolescent elves, not yet in service, were being shown some rudimentary sword fighting skills by Fandriel.

Then there were the two in the centre practicing hand to hand combat.

The fiery redhead was unmistakable. Tauriel was his best captain and a fierce warrior. Her opponent, up until now he would have struggled to remember her name, fought back with all her might.

She blocked and swiped away all of Tauriel's hits.

He could see the sweat forming on her brow.

"What in the name of the Valar is she doing down there?" Bragi asked as she almost knocked Tauriel over. But Taureil would not go down. The other elf was simply more experienced than Raelee. There was no denying Raelee's determination to be victorious. One more successful series of strikes and she could win.

"Training I suspect."

"Why would she need to continue her training?"

"Did she not tell you about her promotion?" He fought back the smirk at her father's aghast expression.

"What promotion?" Bragi demanded before he remembered to whom he was speaking. The king felt the anger rising within him at his advisors' tone. "I apologise, my king. I have not heard any such news."

"Perhaps you should try speaking with your daughter." His eyes turned back to this match.

He could hear the pair grunting with each passing strike.

His eyes focused on Raelee. She sped up her footwork and strikes as she prepared to end the fight. Just as she turned her eye caught his.

The vibrant green widened in recognition. She must have lost focus.

Tauriel swiped her feet out from under her.

Xxx

Her back hit the ground with a thud.

All the air was knocked out of her.

It was a struggle to breathe at one point.

She was about to win. Everything fell into place. Her footwork matched every one of Tauriel's moves and she felt her adrenaline building up for a final blow.

But then he had to show up.

When did he get here? Why was he with her father? Why did he have to stare?

She could hear laughing from the balcony.

If only the ground could swallow her up.

"Raelee, what happened? That was your best performance yet."

"I'm sorry, I don't know."

Tauriel helped her up and walked with her to the benches.

"You need to rest. The training grounds are always open. Call to my quarters if you want to practice again."

"Thank you Tauriel." She stood to leave. "I'll see you later."

Subtly, she looked towards the balcony. They were gone. Her father and the king had been replaced by other onlookers, including some elflings watching in awe.

She brushed her curiosity aside at their disappearance.

The corridors were empty as she made her way back. But then she began to sense that she was being followed. The hair on the back of her neck stood up.

It was just a feeling, but her training told her never to ignore her instincts.

She turned around and was met with an empty hall.

There was nothing. No shadows or any signs of life.

That was strange. Maybe she was just tired.

As she turned back in the direction of her quarters, she suddenly felt herself being grabbed from behind and pulled into an alcove.

Almost immediately, she twisted to slap her assailant, but her wrist was caught as soon as she raised it.

"Now, there will be none of that, Raelee."

She recognised the voice all too well.

"What do you think you're doing?" She asked the king.

He backed her against the wall. She wanted to do nothing more than push him back. But he was royalty. She had to restrain her hand.

"Have care how you speak with me. A little civility will go a long way." She flinched at his tone. "I needed to converse with you in private. However, I was not expecting this reaction. It would serve you well to be more aware of your surroundings." She set her mouth in a thin line.

"Don't sneak up on me and I won't attack you." She whispered. "What is this about?"

"I thought it would be pertinent to discuss the functions of our arrangement."

Now? He wanted to discuss their bargain now?

"Are you sure this cannot wait until tonight?"

"No time like the present." He smirked at her annoyed look. "As I am sure you are aware, I attend council meetings in the afternoon. Your post begins at the ninth hour."

"Okay." She nodded. That was around the time Galion arrived the other night.

"Ordinarily, you would have every eleventh day off, but I may still require your presence for your… other position." He tried to kiss her neck, but she leaned away from him. His eyes narrowed at her.

"You will still want me to visit your chambers?" Her voice was so quiet she could barely hear herself. She was terrified that someone would eavesdrop on their conversation.

"Indeed. You need to earn your reward." She glared at his condescension. "Unless you would prefer to forfeit our bargain?"

She balked at him. Why was he throwing her words back at her? What was his game? She never had any intention of forfeiting this bargain if it meant she had the chance to leave the Greenwood. She knew what she was getting into when she agreed to this.

"How can you ask that after what you did to me last night?" Her accusation fell out of her mouth before she could stop it. "I'm sorry I meant-"

"You appear to forget your place in my presence. See that you remember in future to whom you are speaking."

"I haven't forgotten anything, my king."

"Good. I would not want to punish you for insolence."

She nodded in fear. What did he mean by that?

"Is that all you needed to discuss with me?" She was anxious to return to her quarters.

"Are you healed?" His eyes flickered down almost imperceptibly.

Her face flushed at the question. She still felt a twinge of pain when she sat but it wasn't as painful as last night. A draught of herbal tea this morning helped alleviate the discomfort.

"I'll be fine."

"Very well. I shall see you tonight."

She nodded and tried to squeeze past him and leave but his arm blocked her path.

"Just one more piece of advice."

"Yes?"

His eyes turned dangerous.

"If you ever try to strike me again, you will regret it." She held his gaze but nodded in understanding. He turned and left her with those quiet words.

She was frozen in place. What did he mean by that? She didn't know it was the king that grabbed her. What did he think was going to happen by sneaking up on her like that?

He really was such an arrogant bastard sometimes.

Voices could be heard coming from the end of the hall.

She remained where she was until the coast was clear.

Tauriel's voice was instinctively recognisable but her companion wasn't so clear. She could hear them chatting and laughing. They were speaking of the next patrol.

She longed to return to the patrols. It was the elite force of the king's guard. She was now a 'night guard'. She may as well have been a cloak stand. She felt useless.

It was only a temporary job, she reminded herself. Five moons would come and go, and she would be free.

She just had to 'please' the king in the meantime.

At the back of her mind she would rather face an army of orcs. The idea of going back to his bed riddled her with anxiety. She felt degraded and used yesterday and going back tonight was only going to bolster those feelings.

No. She couldn't allow herself to 'feel' anything for the king. She had a job to complete and her freedom to earn.

With that thought and a clear corridor, she left the alcove.

Xxx

It started off the same as yesterday.

She arrived and locked the outer door.

After knocking, the king welcomed her in.

He was cordial.

She greeted him in return.

They moved into the bedchambers.

The sight of the bed filled her veins with ice. The sheets were now a vibrant purple.

He moved over to a table. She took in his appearance.

The king looked regal as usual in his blue garments. She would never admit this out loud, but he was truly beautiful in every sense of the word. She would have never guessed that under all those layers, the king had an amazing body. His arms were-

She stopped her train of thought when he raised an eyebrow, he must have noticed her staring.

"Would you like a glass of wine?" The glass was in his outstretched hand.

"Yes, thank you." She took a quick sip.

It was just as strong as she remembered.

"Did you enjoy your training with Tauriel?" He asked as she drank. She only noticed now that he wasn't drinking. That was odd.

"Apart from falling, yes. She is a skilled warrior. I relish every chance to learn from experience."

"I am sure you do." He smirked at her.

Her face blushed for the tenth time in his presence. Did he take pleasure in humiliating her at every opportunity?

"You flush so easily; I hardly have to try." He chuckled.

Raelee wanted nothing more than to flee from the room. She hated feeling this… demeaned in his presence. He wanted a willing bedmate, she was still trying to wrap her head around the title.

But she wouldn't run. She agreed to this arrangement and would see it through to the end.

With that thought, she drained her glass.

"Where would you like me?"

A surprised look appeared across his face.

"Eager for more?"

She pushed back a sarcastic retort that brewed inside. She remembered his threat from earlier. Don't slap him and don't forget her place.

"If that's what my king wishes?"

She half expected him to look stunned at her bluntness, or maybe she expected him to push her onto the bed to begin. She didn't expect him to laugh.

It was a quiet chuckle, but it didn't stop her from feeling like an even bigger fool. Her boldness was dampened with every passing second.

"While I am certainly flattered you are so keen to return to my bed, I am afraid that I have various correspondence that require my attention." She noticed that he was carrying a few scrolls.

"O-okay." She didn't know how to respond. He knew she was coming at nine. And the council meeting usually ended at seven. Why did he wait until now?

"I will not be long. In the meantime, take off your clothes and get into the bed." She nodded as he glided towards the door. "Be ready for me when I return."

He left the bedchambers, closing the door behind him.

She stood there in complete disbelief. If he wasn't ready why couldn't she just stay in her post?

But that wasn't in the cards anymore. She resolved to do as he asked.

She preferred taking off her clothes without his piercing gaze, nonetheless. When she was safely hidden under the covers, she took the opportunity to look around his room. It was almost three times as large as her quarters. There was a marble fireplace with two armchairs and a coffee table.

To the left was a walk-in-cloakroom that looked to be the size of her quarters. How did anyone need that many clothes? She tried to recall if she ever saw him wear something twice.

She wrapped her arms around her silk-covered knees.

How long was he going to be? From what she could remember, he only had a handful of scrolls.

She may as well lie down.

This bed was so comfortable. It was like a cloud. She snuggled into the pillow with a content sigh. Maybe she could rest for a few minutes.

With one last look to the door, she closed her eyes.

Xxx

He opened the door and was met with what he almost expected.

She was in the bed and naked. He knew that from the way the material hugged her figure.

But she was fast asleep.

He closed the door and the thud has the desired effect and woke her up.

She sat up so suddenly that she flashed her breasts to his greedy eyes.

He grinned when she tried to gather the sheets to her chest.

"Now where did the brave elf from earlier disappear to?" He challenged.

She hesitated but dropped the sheet.

"Good girl. You are learning." Her mouth was set in a straight line. She always looked unimpressed during their meetings. What was going through her pretty head?

"Are you rested?" He glided to the walk-in-cloakroom and began to disrobe.

"I am, my king."

"Excellent. You will need it tonight."

"Of course, my king." He could hear her teeth grinding in irritation.

He walked back into the room. She averted her gaze at his nude state.

"Come here." He commanded as he reached the bed.

With an audible gulp, she glided from beneath the sheets over to him. A strategically placed arm concealed her breasts for a moment before she dropped it at her side.

He pulled her beneath him so fast that she gasped. She recovered and met his expectant gaze.

He took in her sprawled figure. Such a beautiful elleth. It gave him great pleasure knowing he had her at his beck and call so to speak.

"Are you wet?"

At her confused look, he released a sigh.

"If I remember correctly, I asked you to be ready for my return?"

Realisation seemed to dawn on her.

"You did, but I didn't know you meant-"

She avoided his eyes.

He smiled slightly at her, she looked so naïve and innocent in that moment. In total contrast with her nudity.

"Last night I aided you because I was aware it was your first time." She blushed again. "But I shall not always have the time required for that task in future. You would do well to practice readying your body for me."

She nodded but still looked confused.

This elf was way out of her depth. Perhaps having one so inexperienced was beginning to become more work than worth.

"Look at me."

She followed his command.

"Have you ever touched yourself?"

"N-no."

"Another skill you will have to learn from experience." He smirked.

At her scandalised look he took the opportunity to press a quick kiss to her lips. Her breathing increased as he tapped her thighs, silently asking her to spread her legs.

She did. He could see her muscles shaking. Her mound was now displayed for him. He internally groaned at the memory of yesterday. She was so tight around him. His eyes were drawn to the opening. She was growing wet now. Begging him to sheath himself deep.

"So, lovely." He glided his fingers along the inside of her thighs.

Xxx

She relaxed her legs as his hand trailed closer to her core.

"Good girl." He praised.

She couldn't open her eyes, she had lost the ability to think, but was aware of his hands at every moment.

How could she have fallen asleep? She wanted to be in and out. She didn't want to drag this out any longer than needed.

He wanted her to 'ready' herself. Could he think of a more humiliating task for her on top of this?

Slowly, his hand worked up her thigh, stroking, prodding slightly at her. Her body began to tremble. All her being was focused on his finger as it made its tantalising way to the spot she so craved it reaching.

Why was she craving this? This was a quid pro quo; she wasn't meant to enjoy this.

Her hips tilted up towards him, trying to bring his hand to her core. When at last his finger found her inner folds she inhaled sharply.

Suddenly, and quite unexpectedly, he inserted a finger deep up inside her. It was quickly joined by a second finger and the shock of it made her fling her head back up with a gasp, her eyes darting open with pleasure and immediately meeting his. He hovered above her. She could feel his hard member laid against her thigh. She clenched around his digits. He let out a low hiss.

His fingers quested and coaxed inside her, causing her walls to tighten around him. Her moaning and groans now the only sound in the room. She couldn't hold back. It felt… good. He was great at this. Probably had a millennium of practice.

His free hand settled on a heaving breast. Her chest rose and fell in anticipation. He grasped a nipple and twisted, adding to her pleasure.

She was so close now and her body sought that final release. The ache inside her was almost painful and just when she thought she could bear it no longer he slipped his fingers out, swept them slowly and deliciously up her inner folds and skilfully found the nub he knew she so needed him to.

"Beg me."

"What?" She raised her head at his harsh voice.

"Beg me to let you come." He emphasised each word curling his fingers back inside.

It felt so good. And she wanted to come. Yesterday, what he did to her was unexpected but gave her unimaginable pleasure. He was kneading her breast. She wanted to come so bad.

"Please, may I come, my king?"

He smiled and his thumb started to circle her clit.

She moaned as he sped up. The coil in her stomach began to tighten and she was at last tipped over the edge. Her head fell back, and her mouth opened in incoherent ecstasy. The ball of tension that she had felt inside for what seemed like forever finally broke and her body convulsed as exquisite pleasure swept over her in wave upon wave. She cried out loudly.

After what seemed an age, he slowly removed his hand from her core.

She opened her eyes and saw him just staring down at her. She moved to close her legs in embarrassment.

Xxx

He smirked and then grabbed her hips, pulling them up to meet his.

She was pressed into the pillow, he spread her legs with his thighs. He pressed himself against her weeping opening and moaned again. She was more than ready for him. He pushed himself in easily, aided by her wetness. She cried out, but Thranduil knew immediately it was not in pain, but most likely shock. She had a difficult time predicting what he would do next and he enjoyed that about her.

"You are so wet." He thrust into her. "And so incredibly tight." He kissed her neck and closed his eyes, revelling in the feel of her. Her velvet walls felt incredible as he plunged deep inside her. One of her hands found his bicep and held on, the other was grasping onto his side. Her touch, as innocent and unwitting as it may have been, drove him on.
Her little gasps hit his lips.

The vibrant green eyes were now almost obscured by black. She was enjoying this. His arm circled around her back. They were almost fused together in their embrace.

He couldn't look away from her. Every now and then, she would wince slightly but so far she was responding well to his actions.

A touch on her leg and almost immediately the long limb raised and wrapped around his hips, deepening his thrusts. So quick to learn.

A flicker of his eyes to her lips and she would lean up to let him taste her.

He knowingly placed most of his weight on her as he unceremoniously ravaged her mouth with his. She whined into him. He loved the feel of her warm little tongue as it darted out tentatively to touch his.

He nipped at her lips and delved in to taste her more fully.

She moaned into his mouth as he sped up his thrusts.

She broke the kiss with a gasp. He settled for suckling her delicate neck instead.

Xxx

She didn't even register what he had said when he entered her. She was just trying to grab onto anything to keep her bearings. It proved exceedingly difficult. Absently, she felt relief that it didn't hurt this time. The feeling of being filled so completely was odd and strangely satisfying. Occasionally, he would thrust so deeply, that he'd hit something that would make her cringe, but it was rare enough not to be considered painful. Besides, the attention he was lavishing on her neck kept making her shiver in a far too pleasant way.

She liked it when he kissed her. It helped her forget for a moment who he was with her eyes closed.

Her hand that she'd put on his side in an attempt to hold started to slide up and down his back as she searched for some way to work off some of the tension that kept building inside of her. She felt teeth on her shoulder and neck before she felt them nipping at the lobe of her ear.

He would give her hints to what he wanted. For than she was grateful. She still felt out of her depth.

"Look at me." She obeyed. "I want you to come again." She just parted her lips slightly and shook her head, not sure if she could take any more pleasure. She felt too sensitive. He looked slightly annoyed before he pulled the hand that was lodged in her hair down and between their bodies. His experienced fingers touched her just above the crevice he was filling and Raelee cried out. The two stimulants of him filling her and his fingers overwhelmed her with pleasure.

"Come for me, little runaway." It was a harsh whisper. She moaned out in frustration, ecstasy and humiliation as wave after wave of pleasure coursed through her. When she came back to herself, she had a very heavy weight on top of her as he grunted his release. The king had collapsed and was panting into her neck. A few moments later, he rolled off her. They lay side by side, both staring at the ceiling.

She could feel his body next to hers as they caught their breath.

"Did you enjoy that?"

"I…" She hesitated.

"Was it pleasurable at least?" He chuckled.

"Yes." She answered in a quiet whisper.

"Good." They were quiet for a time, both of their breathing becoming regular once more.

The silence was unbearable for her. She was worried that the quiet would lull her into sleep.

As much as she didn't want to return to the post, the idea of sleeping next to him was enough to spur her into action.

"Do you require anything else from me, my king?"

He didn't answer. She looked to her side and saw the king sound asleep.

He looked so calm and peaceful. It didn't feel right to watch him in this state. But could she leave if she hadn't been dismissed?

Raelee could feel the call of sleep, but her rational side ignored it and moved to put on her uniform.

She looked back at the king and saw the sheet was pulled down from their activities. She righted them. She didn't want him to be cold.

The purple sheets hid his figure from her gaze. Not that she was looking in first place.

Once she was back in her post, the call of sleep reared its head.

She ignored it in favour envisioning her future away from Greenwood.

Wherever that may be.