It was just after the sun had set, Raelee walked along the halls to take her post as the night guard.
She was a ball of anxious nerves.
Would the king be upset that she left his rooms?
She sighed. Of course, he would be.
She had wanted to stay, but she didn't have a choice. The king may have requested that no one enter his rooms during his visit, but while she was in his cloak room, admiring his ceremonial armour, a voice broke through her reflections. A distinctively dwarf voice.
"Why are we skulking around like vermin?"
"Come on, Nori. Where is your sense of adventure?"
Raelee hid in the corner of the cloakroom as the main chamber door opened. She held her breath as two sets of feet crept their way into the room.
"It smells like flowers in here." One of them commented. "I thought the men only looked like women, not smelled like them too."
"We should not be in here."
Raelee carefully looked around the doorframe. Two dwarves were currently going through his chest and satchel.
"It is our duty. We cannot trust the Elvenking."
"What do you think we are going to find in here? He's wearing all his pretty jewellery as he parades around Erebor."
"We might find something better, something valuable he keeps hidden from us dwarves."
While they were arguing about which drawers they should look through, Raelee clung to the shadows and thanked the Valar that her uniform was close by so she could put in on.
It was difficult being silent while tying all the knots in place. She left her shoes off and slipped out of the room silently; the two dwarves none the wiser.
She had enough time to get back to the guard's room and come up with a story to tell Daron and the others when they returned.
The King's arrival at the Guard's chambers was a little tense. The others didn't really question why he had come to their doors. Just assumed he was being his normal, sullen self. Raelee knew it was to find her.
She knocked three times on his door. When he didn't answer she knocked again. She then remembered that he had requested that none disturb his rooms and he probably thought that she was a noisy dwarf.
With that thought in mind she entered the room.
"My king?" She peered through the darkness trying to see the king.
It was almost too quiet.
"Hello?" She called out.
"I wish I did send you out to get wine." The king's voice grumbled as he sat up.
From his unclothed torso, she gathered that he was naked.
"I feel I should explain my absence this evening."
"Indeed you will." His eyes narrowed.
"I just want to let you know that no one saw me. And I don't know what they were looking for-"
"Who?" His sharp tone made her jump.
"Two dwarves entered while you were at the feast. I didn't see their faces, but I heard them discussing the idea of plundering through your wares for valuables. I left before they saw me." His eyes widened at her revelation.
"They were looking through my chambers?" He stood from the bed. She nodded and tried not to blush at his nude state.
He made his way to his travel chest.
She listened to him rummaging around and listing off each item as he found them.
xxx
"What were they looking for?"
"I don't know. I'm not sure if they knew what they were looking for either."
Thranduil counted all his valuables and didn't notice anything missing.
"I am almost certain everything is here. I do not believe anything was taken; however, I do have a butler to kill tomorrow." He deadpanned.
"They can't know that you know. How would you explain that you knew someone was in your chambers if nothing was taken?"
His huff signified that she was right. He wouldn't be able to accuse the dwarves without divulging their affair.
"You are correct." He sighed and made his way back to the bed.
"I'm sorry, it seems my mother was right about the dwarves after all." She said lowly.
"It was not your fault. They have always been too nosy for their own good." He gritted out. She bit her lip at his musing. He almost groaned at the sight. "Come here." He whispered.
She slowly made her way over to his side of the bed.
He helped Raelee out of her uniform.
He kissed her neck as he removed each piece.
Once she was bare, he made to pull her underneath him, but she stopped him.
"Can I be on top tonight?" She asked quietly.
He was almost taken back by her question. This was probably the first time she gave any preference in their encounters.
"Yes." He growled lowly.
She pulled back the covers and slowly straddled his hips. His hard cock twitched as her breasts brushed his chest. She noticed it too.
She pushed him back, so he was reclined on the bed.
His hand moved up to her hips as she positioned herself above his cock.
She gripped him and lowered herself just enough that the head was inside her. He groaned when she made no move to lower herself further down.
"Raelee." He moaned.
"Yes?" She asked innocently.
"Ride me." He narrowed his eyes.
"Not yet." She remained hovering above him and laughed while he groaned in frustration.
"Don't worry my king, the night is young." She leant down to kiss him and traced the seam of his lips to taste his mouth. He granted her access.
The kiss became more aggressive as Thranduil's hands squeezed her behind. She yelped when he slapped her bum.
"That was for teasing." He rubbed the area he slapped.
"You tease me all the time." She retorted as she resumed her position on top of him.
"You little minx." He grunted.
Raelee felt him try to buck up into her when she remained hovered above him. She gripped his arms and held them down.
He narrowed his eyes at her, but didn't say anything.
"Behave, my king." She began to lower herself onto him.
A moan escaped her as she slid halfway down his length. She squeezed herself around him as she ascended again.
He grunted, but it quickly turned into a moan as she lowered herself down again.
She moaned as she increased her speed. The king's eyes were transfixed on Raelee. She felt the strain in his arms as she continued to hold them down. Finally, she descended fully onto his cock.
Her hips began rocking and once she found a rhythm she began to bounce.
She cried out as she moved on his cock. He met her thrusts, so they were in sync.
She leant down to kiss him once she felt the coil in her stomach begin to tighten.
"I'm going to come." She said in between kisses.
"Let me help you." His eyes moved down to their joined bodies. Her clit was freed from its hood. It longed to be touched. But she would have to release his arms.
She smirked as she released his arms, but almost immediately, she straightened up and began rubbing herself. His eyes were transfixed on the sight.
She sped up and closed her eyes as her climax peaked over the horizon.
A loud moan left her and a few seconds later the king came.
Instead of climbing off him she laid down on top of him. He was still inside her.
She sighed in content. Her head was still swimming in pleasure.
"If you want to be on top again, you do not need my permission." He moaned and kissed the top of her head.
"I'm sorry if I got a little carried away, I don't know what came over me." She said, embarrassed.
"It was a delight, my dear. Watching you pleasure yourself." He grinned at the memory.
"I'm still new to it."
"I can help you practice." He teased, which earned him a laugh.
"Give me some tips?" She giggled.
"I would rather you take my whole cock instead." He smirked.
"I didn't mean-... you're mocking me, aren't you?" She raised an eyebrow at him.
"Yes, but I do enjoy watching you blush."
She blushed and turned her head away from his gaze.
He laughed at her embarrassment. She was a sight to behold. An otherworldly creature. At that moment, she was in charge and took what she wanted from him.
His hands travelled down her spine, sending shivers down her body and into his cock.
He squeezed her to him tightly so he could roll them over.
A squeal left her mouth when she landed on her back.
His bright hair created a halo around them.
He didn't say anything as he held himself above her. Grey eyes darted over her face, studying her features.
A hiss escaped her when he slightly moved his hips.
"Are you in pain?" His voice held concern in it.
"Just feel full." She said softly.
He looked down and sure enough he was becoming hard again.
"Can you handle it?" He started to thrust.
Her only response was to pull him in for another kiss.
xxx
The hour was early, and the king was sound asleep.
She needed to leave.
His arms were wrapped tight around her. Carefully unfurling his arms proved more challenging that she realised. Every time she moved slightly, he brought her closer to him.
She knew that if he woke up, he would initiate more sex that would no doubt last until sunrise.
She managed to squeeze out between his arms and dress back in her uniform.
Upon lacing up her leggings she noted the king's hand outstretched in sleep. Almost as if he was searching for her.
It made her heart ache.
She shook her head at the thought and quickly left the room. It did her no good to entertain such thoughts about the king.
He was not her secret lover. She was his.
He said that he would never call her whore again, but that still didn't mean that she wasn't one. As if a lowly silvan elf could match the superior grey elves.
Daron was suitable. He was Silvan, held the same rank in the guards and his mother was a councillor to the king.
If only she loved Daron, then she would never have entertained such thoughts about her king.
None of the other guards woke when she entered the room. There was probably still two hours until dawn. They would need to be up before that to ready the company for the journey.
She closed her eyes once she laid upon her pallet.
It seemed like a minute before she was awoken by the others getting ready for the day.
Xxx
During the final hours of their trip, the company visited the kingdom's vaults. She looked around in wonder at the vast number of jewels and precious gems that were carefully weighed and inspected.
A glint of light caught her eye.
The king was watching the dwarves work with an aloof eye. He was interested in the stones, not the work.
She stole a quick glance off to the side to see a red-bearded dwarf scrutinizing small white gems. They glinted like the light of the stars.
"The gems of Lasgalen, my lady." The dwarf's voice startled her. She met his eye and saw that he was as entranced by the gems as she was.
"They are beautiful." She watched as he delicately placed each gem within a small, oak chest. "What will they be made into?"
"A necklace, my lady."
"Something caught your eye?" The king's voice appeared behind her.
"Yes, my king." She gestured to the gems. He raised a brow and appraised the stones as she did. The others waited patiently for the king. She caught Daron's eye. He saw the king move closer to her. He frowned at that.
She cleared her throat and moved back to the other guards.
"What was that about?" Daron asked her as they watched the king converse quietly with the dwarf.
"The gems are beautiful, don't you think?" She watched the dwarf nod and continue to work. The king walked back to the group and re-joined the dwarf king.
"All gems are beautiful." Daron answered. "They aren't that special."
The Elvenking bid farewell to the Dwarf king, his son and grandson.
Raelee passed by the royal family as they made their way out of the lonely mountain. She felt foreign eyes on her as they exited. She resisted the urge to turn around and continued to climb up onto her horse.
The hair on the back of her neck stood on end and as they began to ride off. She made to turn her head, but Daron stopped her.
"Raelee, keep your eyes forward." Daron whispered harshly.
She did as he advised, feeling even more stupid when she realised that the dwarves were probably just looking at the company, just as happy to see them go as they were to leave.
Dwarves and elves. Eternal adversaries.
Xxx
They made camp along the same river. It was earlier in the evening so there was no need for anyone to take watch yet.
The king was inside his tent while the councillors and the guards sat around the fire and ate.
She was in the process of lifting the final spoonful to her lips when she felt Daron place his hand on her leg. She turned to look at him and he gave her a look that hinted he wanted to talk to her.
He took the bowls and headed in the direction of the river.
She followed him with hers.
The others probably assumed that they were going to wash up.
She found him sat by the river's edge rinsing out the bowls. He must have heard her coming because he held out his hand. She handed him the bowl and he proceeded to wash it.
"Your father will be anxious to have you home, I'm sure." He said nonchalantly.
"I would think so, yes." She answered carefully.
"I know he is, don't think I don't know that the only reason I was asked on this trip was to keep an eye on you." He gritted out.
"You were asked because you are a capable warrior."
"The king doesn't think so. When you were gone, I couldn't concentrate. I know your father requested my presence to watch you and I have failed in my duty. I have no doubt that word will get back about your little trip to Dale and when he asks why I wasn't able to follow his commands, I will be blaming you." His eyes shone with accusation.
"I will not stand here and placate your ego. The king's orders must be fulfilled, and I am not willing to be punished just to appease my father's need to have me watched."
"If he asks if I was with you for the whole journey, I will have no choice but to tell him the truth. You left the safety of the company to buy wine. What will he think?" In the beauty of the forest, you could hear a pin drop at his outburst.
"I am safe and back in your company, I am not as incapable of defending myself as you seem to think I am." Her voice sent the surrounding wildlife scattering away from their vicinity.
"Keep your voice down." He scolded.
"You're the one that started shouting." She gritted her teeth at his hypocrisy.
"I don't want the others knowing about our little tiff." His eyes anxiously darted around the trees to see if the others were in sight.
"And what of it?"
"The king has already scolded me enough for a lifetime, Raelee."
"You don't need to be worried about me." She made to walk away.
"I only say these things because I love you."
She stopped in her tracks at his whispered admission.
No. Please no. He can't love her. Their marriage was arranged. It wasn't their choice. They were colleagues, friends at a stretch.
A wave of guilt washed over her.
His hand touched her back.
"I was just worried about you, I'm sorry for getting angry." Arms wrapped around her middle. Arms she wasn't used to.
"I-" She didn't know what to say. She couldn't lie to him about love. The words felt like lead on her tongue.
"You don't have to say it back. Just know that what I feel for you is love. Not obligation or duty to our families. I just want us to be happy."
Tears threatened to break free at his admission.
"I want to be happy too." Her carefully worded sentence appeased Daron.
He turned her around and planted an affectionate kiss on her lips, which she returned reluctantly.
He traced her lips with his tongue and his hands began to move up her waist. She felt herself begin to panic. He was pressing her into a tree now.
Just before he could touch her breast, a drop of water landed on her cheek. She thought that the tears had finally broken free, but Daron broke them apart to look up at the darkened sky.
"Damn, we always seem to be interrupted." He laughed and collected the dishes so they could head back.
She too noted the link. Every time they became intimate, they were disturbed. Two times by the king. She was thankful that he hadn't come upon them now. Daron's declaration of love would not have gone down well with the ill-tempered king.
"It seems like I left a little mark on you." Daron pushed aside her hair.
"What?" She panicked and moved her hair back.
"Don't act so dramatic. It must have been from our little... session in Erebor." He winked.
Raelee slowed her steps. Were the marks on her neck from the king or Daron?
"We'll finish this later." He winked and before she could reply he gave her bum a quick smack.
Raelee's eyes widened at his actions. He'd never done something like that before.
The others were in the process of setting up the rainproof tarps to protect the tents.
"Raelee, Daron quickly take the horses to the shelter."
It took nearly an hour to set up and the rain never stopped. Her uniform was soaked, and the others were just as bad. The councillors and the king were safely away from the elements while the guards took care of the camp.
By the time the sun had set, they returned to their tent and went about getting ready for sleep.
She debated on how to change out of her sodden uniform.
"I'm going to change outside." There was a small area under the tarp where she could change.
"Don't be ludicrous, Raelee." Fandrie proceeded to strip right there in full view of the others.
"I am not as brave as you." She smiled and moved outside. But before she could leave, the king entered the tent.
She stopped, just avoiding knocking into him.
He looked her over, not even noticing Fandriel covering his nakedness with his soaked uniform.
"Did you get wet?" He smirked at her.
She glared at his attempt to rile her. The others snickered quietly.
"Have you need of me?" She didn't want to beat around the bush. If he wanted to fuck her, she would rather he just come out with it.
"You are relieved of watch duty tonight." She couldn't contain her shock. "But I expect you and Calel to be up at first light." So, then Daron and Fandriel would be on the watch tonight. She wouldn't be able to visit him tonight if they were on duty.
"Thank you for procuring that wine. It was pleasant. Sleep well." He gave her one last look and left.
She still stood there in confusion while the others went back to chatting and getting changed.
He didn't want her to visit him tonight. She was relieved and baffled.
"Raelee, are you going to sleep in your uniform?" Calel smirked.
"No, I'm going to get changed." It was still raining when she stepped outside.
The fire had long been extinguished but the king had brought lanterns that illuminated their campsite.
She looked over her shoulder to hear the others. They were still talking and laughing. She was worried someone would see her.
She unlaced her leggings and boots and took them off. Her pale legs shivered in the cold.
She noticed the king's tent had a small window. He couldn't see her. She watched him intently reading a letter.
Was that the letter he showed her the other night?
A loud burst of laughter caused her to speed up.
The dry uniform she brought with her was thrown on and before the laughter died down, she was dressed and ready to head back in.
Daron and Fandriel were sat on their sleeping mats, preparing for the night watch.
She was glad to be in dry clothes and as soon as her head hit her mat, she fell asleep.
Xxx
In the other tent, the king sat wishing he had a goblet of wine as he reread Celeborn's letter.
It arrived by eagle to Erebor, brought forthwith by a grumpy dwarf, but he hadn't the will to open it. Not until he drank three goblets of wine in his room.
In black and white, it stated that they would be visiting for the end of summer festival.
The same visit that would take Raelee to her new life.
This elf would take her away from him.
Why did he have to drink all that wine?