Thranduil's head felt like it could explode at any minute.
He was never going to drink that much again.
A quick look to the side made him relieved to see that Raelee was sleeping soundly.
He leaned over to kiss her cheek.
Raelee's nose scrunched slightly, but she remained asleep.
He felt happier now that their bargain was back on track.
He was so close to losing her from his life.
She gave him a piece of her mind last night and forgave him for his errors.
He frowned as he stood from the bed.
Had she forgiven him?
His head was still fuzzy.
Some food and water would help clear his memories.
There was a lot of shouting and tears last night.
The only thing he could focus on was her threat to end their arrangement and him practically begging her to stay.
He had never felt so pathetic in his life.
Made to feel so low and worthless by a girl that he had known for a little less than two moons.
The sadness in her eyes haunted him.
The spark that had been there at the start of their bargain hadn't fully returned after their reconciliation.
She seemed... distant.
Maybe she didn't forgive him.
xxx
Raelee woke up sore. Deliciously sore.
She felt refreshed for the first time in weeks.
While there was still a part of her that resented the king, she knew that it was probably the first time in a millennium that he had apologised to anyone.
It would take time for her to truly trust him again, but for now, she would work and try to enjoy their remaining time together.
He had promised that he would be different.
She hoped that she could still trust his word.
With a sigh, she turned onto her back.
The bed was a little shorter than she was used to, but it was comfortable, nonetheless.
She opened her eyes to see it was early in the morning.
The king was putting the final touches on his outfit by the cloakroom.
"My king?" She whispered.
"Good morning, Raelee." He smiled back at her as he made his way over to the bed. "How did you sleep?"
"Very deeply." She tried to hold back a yawn but failed.
He chuckled at her.
She shyly pulled up the sheets, feeling exposed in front of the fully clothed king.
"You were very tired when we finally fell asleep."
"I still feel exhausted."
"Raelee, may I ask you something?" He sat down beside her.
"Yes?"
He looked away for a moment.
"Did... do you forgive my actions towards you?"
She blanched slightly at his question.
"My King-"
"Raelee, I told you to call me Thranduil when we are alone."
"Even when we are alone you are still the king." It felt so strange hearing him say that.
"Tell me the truth."
She bit her lip, weighing her options on whether to tell the truth or lie.
She settled on a half-truth.
"I… am finding it difficult to move on from your actions."
He frowned.
"I apologised."
She wanted to roll her eyes at his naiveté. It wasn't something she could just forgive and forget.
"And I… thanked you for doing that."
"What else could I have said or done?"
"I don't know." She sighed. "How does a king show his sincere apologies to his secret…" She didn't want to say the word again.
Thranduil flinched slightly.
"You are more than that, you are my… my lover."
"Love… lover?" Raelee wanted to scoff again. "Is that what you tell the other women who visit your bed?"
"No other woman has visited my bed since I have met you." He revealed reluctantly.
Raelee's brow creased in shock.
"What? But I thought-"
"You thought that I had a harem of women to tend to my every carnal need?" He raised a brow.
"Well, yes." She admitted.
"That could not be further from the truth."
"But you have had throngs of women in the past."
"I will not deny the fact that my reputation in court is less than seemly, but I try to maintain a certain level of faithfulness when I have a new lover."
"Lover..." She mumbled.
"Yes." He pulled her close to look into his eyes. "You are my only lover. From the first moment you gave me your virtue to the moment you start your new life in Lothlórien."
Raelee was stunned. In the back of her mind, she always just assumed that there were other women to pick up the slack when she didn't fulfil his needs.
"I can see that mind of yours turning over what I have just said. I am telling the truth now and I was being truthful last night. I am sorry, Raelee."
"Thank you, again." She could see the hard look return to his eyes. He didn't want to be thanked again. He wanted to be forgiven. "Please understand that my mind won't let me forget how I've felt for the past three weeks. I want to forgive you, but I can't...yet."
"I understand, Raelee." Thranduil sighed.
She took his hand and squeezed it to get his attention.
"You just have to be patient with me."
"I suppose you have been patient with my actions, I can do the same in return." He nodded solemnly.
She smiled gently.
"What is on the schedule for today?" She tried to change the subject.
"A tour of the Kingdom's halls." He began to peel away the sheets from her.
"Shouldn't we be getting ready?" She bit her lips as the king's somber look turned lustful.
"Yes, but I want to apologise again before I leave for the day." He smirked at her.
"Okay." She looked confused. But her confusion turned to anticipation when he began to kiss her. He started with her lips and then moved slowly down her neck and torso.
His hands traced her waist guiding her back into a lying position.
She felt like a ragdoll in his arms.
When he dipped his tongue in her bellybutton she squealed in surprise. He chuckled at her as he knelt at the foot of the bed.
His strong hands crept up the inside of her thighs.
She felt him trying to spread her legs, but she kept them closed.
"What are you doing?" She sat up.
"Apologising." His thumbs massaged the soft skin of her thighs. Coaxing her to open her legs.
"You've already apologised."
"True. But there is a certain part of you that also needs my apologies."
His eyes moved down to her lap.
"What do you mean?" She inhaled.
"Lie back and let me take care of you." He implored.
Her eyes widened when his intentions became clear.
"I don't know…"
"Trust me, you will like this." He gently pried apart her thighs.
He licked his lips as she was revealed to him.
This was the closest his face had ever been to that part of her.
"You are lovely, Raelee." He growled. It sent a pulse of arousal through her.
She took a deep breath and laid back and shivered in excitement and trepidation.
His thumbs continued to massage her calves, attempting to relax her muscles.
He began lightly kissing up the inside of her thighs.
Her breathing increased in anticipation.
She gasped as he leant down to taste her.
She had heard talk from other married women that their husbands used their tongues on them.
His tongue glided across her wet slit, and she immediately arched against the covers in pleasure. This was amazing.
He licked along her seam, gathering her nectar on his tongue. She cried out when he flicked her clit.
"Are you okay?" He leant up as she arched.
"Keep apologising." She whined.
He laughed lightly at her request.
She shivered when he slowly entered one finger inside her. He pumped it steadily as he wrapped his lips around her swollen clit.
Her hands found their way into his hair to keep him close.
He didn't seem to mind that she was messing up his carefully styled hair.
It felt so good.
She gasped and cried out as he pumped and curled his fingers.
She tried to lean up to watch him but was instantly pushed back down by one of his strong hands.
She felt the same coil tightening in her stomach.
He continued sucking on her clit and added another finger inside her.
"I'm going to come." She moaned. She bucked against his face.
"Say my name as you finish." He said and quickly returned to sucking her clit.
The coil was about to spring.
Her legs began to shake.
"Th-Thranduil!" She screamed in euphoria.
Raelee felt weightless.
He licked her as she came down from her climax, prompting her sensitive body to tremble with each flick of his tongue.
"You taste wonderful." He groaned and kissed the inside of her thigh.
"You're very good at that." She shivered as he stood.
She didn't want to move. She was floating on air.
"Many women have said so." He sauntered over to the mirror.
"I meant at apologising." She smirked as he chuckled.
"You are the only woman to have such an experience."
"Is it wrong that I hope you will have to apologise again."
"I will gladly perform that without any prompt on your part. It gives me as much pleasure as it does you." He smirked.
"I promise I won't be as apprehensive next time." She smiled shyly.
He gave her a smile and went back to his reflection.
"I shall have to fix my hair again, Raelee." He reprimanded from beside the bed. She rolled onto her side and opened her eyes to see him attempting to fix the mess she caused.
"I'm sorry." She blushed.
"I shall take it as a compliment." He smirked at her. "Stay in bed. You are exhausted." He made his way to the door.
"What about my duties?" She asked even though she just wanted to stay where she was.
"I will make excuses for you, and do not worry about anyone disturbing you. I made it clear to the head butler that no one was to enter my rooms during my visit."
"You really did plan ahead."
"I may have deemed it necessary." She caught his wink before he left the rooms.
She reached down to grab the sheets and resume her sleep.
She was happier. Not exactly happy, but happier than before.
He seemed to want to make amends for his actions.
Maybe it wouldn't hurt to enjoy his attentions.
She dreamt of the future that awaited her in Lórien.
Xxx
Thranduil had not acknowledged that they were missing one guard as they toured the halls of Erebor.
He listened to the king as he spoke of their unmatched iron forgers that resided in the mountain.
The array of axes, hammers and crossbows was the complete opposite to that of the Elvish armoury. Elvish weapons were that of elegance and style while the Dwarfs favoured barbaric tools and shows of brutish strength.
Elegance was the true power of the Elves.
While Thranduil nodded and asked questions when appropriate, an increasingly unfocused Daron was starting to rile him and the other guards. He was agitated, unfocused and on one or more occasions, dropped his bow.
Thranduil had had enough.
"Forgive me, King Thrór, but I fear my company is still weary from the journey. I shall take my leave and see you at the feast tonight."
"Of course, King Thranduil." Both kings bowed and departed down opposite halls.
Once Thranduil and his cohort were out of range he turned to his guards.
"You two, escort the councillors back to their rooms." He gestured to Calel and Fandriel.
They nodded without a word and the four elves made their way to their rooms.
Once they were alone, he turned his gaze upon an anxious Daron.
"I have considered that you were not aware of this journey until late the night before we left. I had expected, however, that you would be more focused during our visit. If you ever have hope of becoming captain; discipline and readiness are a must." He scolded.
"Forgive me, my king. I am only concerned for Raelee."
He narrowed his eyes.
"Raelee is not your priority. You are part of the royal company. You do not see her looking around every corner to ensure your safety."
"She didn't come back this morning. No one knows where she is." Thranduil fought back a smirk that threatened to appear. How wrong Daron was about that.
"I sent her to the city of Dale to procure something for me this morning. I did not think it was important to get your permission." He sneered at the elf.
"You sent her this morning?" He asked, confused.
"Are you questioning my orders?" He spoke menacingly. Almost comically, Daron bowed and spluttered out an apology.
"N-no, my king, forgive my impertinence. It's just that I would have volunteered for such a task."
He resisted the urge to scoff.
"I promise that I will consider you for any future shopping trips, Daron. Now, I imagine Raelee will be tired when she returns. See to it that you do not disturb her."
"Yes, my king."
Thranduil and Daron made their way down their assigned halls. Fandriel and Calel were stationed beside the councillor's rooms.
"Daron, head to the kitchens and see if you can procure us something edible before the evening feast." He moved into his rooms. "Knock before you enter." He reminded Daron as he closed the door.
He was happy to see Raelee still sprawled across his bed. He had never seen her in such deep slumber. She was curled around his sheets and made little noises.
He chuckled as she turned over with a muttered groan.
She was very cute when she slept.
Thranduil couldn't remember the last time he watched her sleep.
During his unfair treatment of her, she always absconded when he was finished with her.
Part of him missed her presence in the mornings. Feeling her close to him gave him a comfort he hadn't known in centuries.
Now he could only hope he wouldn't fuck things up again.
Well, it was only around 4 more moons, it couldn't be that hard.
An uneasy feeling settled in his stomach at the thought of letting her go.
With a sigh, he pushed those thoughts down. They did him no favours in the end.
He sat on the bench as he removed his jewellery. A quick look at his nails and they were covered in grime.
Damn these dwarves and their lack of hygiene.
He turned to the large tub and twisted the taps, ready for a long hot soak.
Xxx
The sound of running water met her ears as she woke from a deep slumber.
It was still bright out. It must have been late afternoon.
"I had thought you would never wake." She heard the king's voice.
"Sorry, I've never slept so deeply." She stretched her arms above her head as she sat up.
It was too late before she realised that her chest was on display for the king. She quickly gathered up the sheets to cover herself.
"While I enjoy your attempt at modesty, I am afraid that after what transpired this morning, there is no point." He smirked.
"I don't enjoy being nude as much as you seem to think I do." She blushed.
"Well then, would you like me to leave the room so you can bathe?"
"Bathe?" It was only then she noticed the steaming bath.
He held out his hand and helped her off the bed.
He gave her a deep kiss and threaded his fingers through her long hair.
Her tongue teased his and she didn't tense when he gave her round bum a firm squeeze.
She pulled back with a shy smile.
Thranduil shivered as her hands landed on his shoulder so she could rise onto her toes.
"Are you going to join me?"
"Indeed I will."
With a final peck, she pushed him back and strolled over to the descending steps.
The stone pools had steam rising from the water. She entered with a content sigh. Thranduil undressed as he watched her shampooing her hair.
He took his time disrobing. He was enjoying watching her bathe.
She caught his lustful stare and purposefully turned her back as her upper body surfaced.
He growled at her exposed wet back.
She almost laughed at how riled he got.
Xxx
The little minx.
She was growing bolder.
Not that he was complaining. It was a wonder to see this side of her.
The teasing, flirtatious side of his bed mate.
He entered the pools as she rinsed out the conditioner.
He pushed her hair aside to see the marks he left last night.
They were still there.
She would need to stay out of sight for the rest of the day while they healed.
He pretended that it was for her sake. To save her from the embarrassment of explaining how she got them. But he was truly thrilled that he could monopolise more of her time. And to have her away from Daron.
"These marks will be difficult to hide; you should stay within these rooms while they heal." He kissed the marks causing her to hiss.
"While I'm sure you have only the 'purest' of intentions, how is my absence going to be explained?"
Thranduil took her earlobe between his teeth, he almost succeeded in making her forget the question.
"My king?" He was now fondling her breasts.
"I have told Daron that you are on a trip to Dale to pick up something for me." A sharp pinch to her peaked nipple elicited a cry from her lips.
"What am I bringing back?"
"It matters not." She felt his hard member pressed against her behind. "All that matters is that you are here and ready for all the pleasure I can give you."
"I suppose you're correct." She sighed as he nudged her entrance with his fingers.
"It was very difficult leaving you after what happened this morning."
"Oh?" She gasped as he inserted two fingers inside her.
"Indeed. You have such a tasty little pussy." He whispered. He felt her clench around his fingers. "So tight." He groaned. "Do you like that word?"
Her face went red.
"Not at all. It's juvenile and only said by adolescent teens." She was too defensive.
"I think your pussy likes it." He punctuated by curling his fingers and hitting that special spot.
Again, she clenched around his fingers. She looked behind to see him wearing a shit-eating grin.
"You are such a rogue. You should be above such language."
"Say it."
"What?"
"Pussy." He smirked at her grimace. "It may help desensitize you to the word. Because, now that I know you have this reaction to the word, you can be certain that I will be saying it a lot more often."
"My king-"
"Thranduil." He reminded.
"Thranduil." He loved the blush that spread. "I… can't"
"One day." He didn't push the subject, but he would bring it up another day.
She relaxed slightly, he woke he back up when he removed his fingers and began to circle her clit.
"Thranduil!" She cried out.
"Turn around." She complied and immediately found herself hoisted around his hips and felt him enter her with ease.
He groaned as he lifted her up and lowered on his cock repeatedly.
She made little noises as she bounced up and down. The sound of sloshing water coupled with their moans filled the entire room.
The edge of the pool met her back as he picked up speed.
She groaned as the familiar sensation began to build inside her.
"Your pussy is so tight." He sped up and began to massage her clit. Enjoying the way her eyes darkened on the word.
Her back arched in pleasure.
"Oh yes! Right there!" She gasped as her legs tightened on his hips.
He lapped at her neck.
"I'm going to come!" She cried out. He sped up on her clit.
She moaned in ecstasy as she came. She clenched firmly around him. He followed shortly after, moaning quietly.
"So beautiful."
He never failed to make her blush.
Once they finished and exited their bath a knock sounded at the door.
"That will be Daron." Thranduil said nonchalantly as Raelee gasped quietly.
"Why is he at the door?"
"I sent him to get us food." He explained. "He was jealous of your shopping trip and wanted one of his own." He smirked.
"You couldn't have mentioned that he was coming?" She whispered as she looked for somewhere to hide.
While she scarpered into the cloakroom with her clothes, Thranduil answered and sure enough Daron was standing with a tray of fruits, salads, water and cheese.
"My king." Daron bowed deeply.
"Leave the tray on the desk." He gestured.
Daron did as he was told. He made to leave but paused in the anterroom, as if something had caught his eye.
"Raelee would never leave without her bow." He said quietly.
The king cursed quietly. How did he not spot her bow? She must have left it by the door when she arrived last night.
"Her daggers would suffice on the journey to Dale. She must have left it behind." Thranduil hoped that Daron would buy his lie.
"I suppose a city of man is no match for an elf. Even an inexperienced elf like Raelee." He shrugged and moved to leave.
When the door closed Raelee exited once she was sure that the coast was clear. She had a sombre look on her face as she sat on the bench to plait her hair.
"He did not question my lie if that is why you are worried."
"I am not concerned about that." She spoke quietly. "He still believes me incapable."
Thranduil hadn't taken in his comment as intently as she did, but now he went over it in his mind.
'Even an inexperienced elf like Raelee.' Daron had said that, almost chuckling.
"I know you are capable. That is all that matters."
She thanked him softly and resumed fixing her hair.
Xxx
The feast was due to begin soon, and she was to remain behind because of her neck.
"This will be the first time that you will come to me at night." She smirked at his gaping expression.
"I suppose you are correct. Do not get used to the feeling, my dear." He scolded as she lounged back in his bed.
"I wouldn't dream of it." She hadn't gotten dressed as there was no point. She was wearing his robe. Even though it was too big for her, he could see some of her long legs peeking from the opening.
He longed to spend the evening with them wrapped around his hips, or his neck.
"Your hosts will be waiting." She knew what was going on in his mind.
While it pained him to do so, he left her on his bed.
Thoughts of her permeated his mind throughout the feast.
He hadn't felt this way in centuries. He wanted nothing more than to be finished with all this nonsense and take her in his arms until he heard his name fall from her lips in ecstasy.
He had to steel his thoughts. It wouldn't be proper to think of Raelee at a time like this.
At least he was wearing one of his thicker cloaks. Damn halls were freezing. The dwarves were lucky they were covered in a stocky layer of fat.
"The she-elf has gone, it seems." He was roused out of his musings by the drunken chatter of the court.
"Perhaps she can't walk." The youngest dwarf of the group winked which caused the table to burst into laughter.
"She's definitely making the most of her time here."
The coarse conversation progressed throughout the night. Raelee seemed to be the main topic. Her body and sexual appetite seemed to be the main talking points.
"I've always wondered if they have no hair everywhere. I mean the men cannot even grow beards. Bloody forest sprites. If they didn't spend so much time doing their hair, who knows, maybe they would finally be a match for us dwarves in battle."
"It must be a challenge to bed an elf. They probably have no stamina with that rabbit diet they consume."
"I'm sure elven maids are content to lay on their backs while the men attempt to please them."
Out of the corner of his eye, Thranduil made sure to memorise each and every dwarf that dared insult his kin.
And his… and Raelee.
Tomorrow they would leave these wretched lands and set eyes upon his kingdom once more.
Throughout the entire feast, Thranduil wanted nothing more than to see Raelee and make her cry out his name.
It provoked something primal in him to hear his name on her lips. Her pouty, pink lips.
Thankfully, the feast was over after the dessert course.
On the way back to his chambers, Thranduil didn't glance behind him to bid his attendants goodnight. He only had thoughts of the enchanting elf he left in his bed.
However, he was not expecting the sight that greeted him.
Where was she?
His bed was empty, and it appeared that her uniform and bow was gone too.
He could feel himself begin to shake in anger.
He told her not to leave.
He immediately turned to exit the room and upon his departure he heard laughter and merriment coming from the guards' rooms.
"He sent you to get him more wine?" Fandriel laughed aloud.
"I had thought he brought enough for the entire journey?"
"I'm sure the dwarfish wine pales in comparison to the king's stores, but does he truly believe that a city of man will produce something of balance?"
"I didn't question his orders, but I was given strict instructions to procure a suitable wine. It took me nearly the whole day to find one that came close."
He heard Raelee's cheerful voice coming through the ajar door.
So, she went shopping for wine?
It was believable, he supposed.
"Didn't bring us any, did you?" Daron asked her.
"I'm afraid the king requested that we did not indulge."
"Such a shame." He could have rolled his eyes at Daron's tutting. "We could have had such fun."
"You are here to work, not drink." Thranduil called from outside.
Immediately, the door swung open revealing Raelee and three startled elves.
"My king. I have returned." She bowed, playing to her deception.
"Thank you for returning so promptly." He narrowed his eyes, not missing the way she covered her neck with her hair. The fool. She hadn't healed yet.
"We will leave on the morrow. Be up at dawn." He turned and left.
Why did she leave the safety of his rooms?