Chapter Fifteen

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"What in the name of all that is good have you done, Legolas? Did you have no time for other pursuits that you had to tie yourself to this exotic strumpet? Was lying betwixt her thighs not enough to whet your appetites? You have made an egregious error in judgement. Consider this so-called marriage annulled!"

Thranduil shouted angrily as he turned his back and ascended the stairs to his throne. Legolas, Willow and a growing audience of Thrandiul's court looked on as his cloaked flowed gracefully behind him like a river of black. 

He cut an impressive figure as he turned and sat with a seething look on his handsome face. His disapproving gaze bore down on the couple causing a growing sense of unease in Willow but a slowly growing resistance in Legolas.

He clutched Willow's hand and pulled her body closer to his. Legolas turned to gaze at Willow. Her wide doe shaped eyes were glazed with fear and unrest. He felt her pulse quicken and her palm grow slick within his own. 

He could feel the slight prickle of her growing power in his palm. He knew it was not long before she was unleashed. He brought his other hand to her cheek and let his thumb graze her full bottom lip before pressing them to his own. The tension in her body seemed to suddenly release. He cast his gaze back to his father who was busy rolling his eyes in disgust.

"I have seen enough. Guards! The maiden looks unwell see that she is confined to her rooms-" but before Thranduil could finish Legolas interrupted his order.

"I am sorry father, but it is no longer in your power to dissolve this marriage. It has been consummated. That aside I do not intend to accept anyone else." His look was resolute as he held firmly to his wife's hand, and she stood by him giving her own silent support.

"You forget your place Legolas! Here I am King! My word will not be challenged!" He shouted. Realizing that his wroth would only bolster their romance; he took a deep breath to quell his anger.

He began again, "To know the seed is to know the root. To know the root is to know the tree and its fruit. What you know of Arien deems she was never made for anything more than service to the Gods. To deny this is folly. It will be your death. As her beauty in her past life had caused the death of many others. The annulment must proceed."

"Majesty, if the marriage has been consummated then annulment would be out of the question. At this juncture a divorce would be the only remedy." Gandalf stated, standing along the wall of the room looking grave. "And as you are aware, divorce is rife with scandal. It would certainly ruin the prince's prospects."

"I should have to agree with Mithrandir's assessment on the matter. She may be with child even now." Galadriel was next to chime in. "I suggest letting the marriage stand and finding another way to seal an alliance with the Elves of the Grey Havens."

"You're Majesty I know my own opinion does not count for much but-" Gimli began.

"If Master Glóin does not hold his tongue I shall be tempted to hold it for him." Thranduil cut a glacial look at Gimli before continuing, "I have had to bear quite enough dissent today. Yet, my ruling stands. Legolas, you and your new wife are no longer. I'm not quite so heartless to turn her out like an aging strumpet with her honor taken by my own son. She will be cared for. She will be treated with all due esteem as the Maiden of Fire and may remain here as long as she chooses."

"Naira, Princess of the Grey Havens, I'm told is a dazzling beauty. You should be enjoying her scintillating company in only a matter of days. I sent for her a fortnight ago. Once she arrives there will be the traditional celebrations during the week of her arrival. At the week's end, you shall be wed. Naira will be given the title as Crowned Princess. This is my decree." With his word as final. As good as set in stone. Thranduil up and left the throne room.

The court members were alive with gossip regarding the Crowned Prince's elopement to the maiden of fire reborn. Willow, Legolas and Gimli stood in the great hall. They knew the moment she made her move to leave she'd be taken and confined till Naira and Legolas were wed.

A sigh escaped her lips and her head hung in defeat. She could not see a way out of the current situation. To defy his father would mean they would have to leave the protection of the palace. Outside the palace Morgoth and his minions lay in wait. She used to think her life was boring. Now all she wanted was to return to the simplicity of that boring life.

"I'm truly sorry to the two of ye Lass. I know how much it took for ye to get this far. It will work out in the end, ye can be sure of that. For now, perhaps we should make sure the gossip dies down." Gimli said as he patted Willow's hand gently.

Legolas put his arm around her shoulders, "Thank you Gimli but make sure the talk continues. I want it to be the gossip of all the salons in the palace."

Willow gave a questioning look to Legolas, "Why would you want that kind of thing going around?"

"Would it not be best for Naira to meet my wife when she arrives?" He said kissing her on her cheek. "My father may rule this kingdom, this palace and the people in it but he cannot tell me who to love. I chose you. I made a vow to you. Nothing will change my mind on this."


Willow was sequestered to her apartments for three days after the arrival of Naira. She had missed Legolas terribly. The only thing that kept her going was that eventually she would see Legolas again. As she sat admiring the gardens from her open window a knock came at her door. Galadriel glided into her rooms as she was wont to do.

"My dear, you have been away from court too long. This confinement must be weighing heavy on you. I have convinced the King to allow you leave under my supervision. There will be celebrations this evening. The festival of light will soon be upon us as well. I have had a gown brought. I thought it might suit your taste." 

Galadriel clapped twice and the servants brought in a gown of the purest white lace lined with silver. The intricate detailing on the gown was magnificent, it could have easily been made for a queen.

Willow gawked at the gown speechless. "I take it by you look of complete shock, that you like it." 

Willow nodded. She was starting to feel like a complete idiot for being unable to voice her extreme delight at receiving this gorgeous gown. She flung her arms around Galadriel as she giggled.

"Thank you so much. You are like my guardian angel."

"Let's see if you're still thanking me later"

"Her Ladyship Galadriel of Lothrien, Guardian of the Golden Wood and Her Ladyship Urwendi, Maiden of Fire." The maestro announced as they entered the dining hall. 

The noise that built naturally with people talking and eating, sudden and very eerily, died when their names were announced. The great doors flung open to reveal them.

Galadriel and Willow were resplendent; dazzling figures causing all to stop and gaze before moving on. As they entered Galadriel could feel Willow's weak attempt to shrink away from the admiring gaze of the many diners in the great hall. Many of whom were of royal standing, elves, dwarves and even some men.

"Stop slouching," She whispered to Willow as they walked gracefully down the center aisle to pay respects to the King.

"It's these damn shoes," Willow complained at the elven version of heels she was forced to wear.

"It's not the shoes. It's the feet in the shoes. Now, slow down, eyes up, chin down. You are either looking or being looked at. Right now, you my dearest are the latter, so make the best of it."

Galadriel turned and smiled at her. Just as they reached Thranduil she gave a brief but graceful curtsey. Willow attempted to do the same but did not accomplish the task with quite as much poise. As she rose, she caught the disdainful glance of the King, among other eyes she did not recognize. She quickly scanned the room and no sooner did her gaze fall upon Legolas in deep conversation with what must be the most stunning she-elf she had ever seen beside Galadriel.

They were seated at the dinner table to the right of the King, close enough that he should have noted her entry into the room. He seemed so fascinated that it was like Willow wasn't even there. This new elf was tall as was common in their race, with streams of fiery red hair and emerald, green eyes. Her skin looked like fresh cream and her lips the pink petals of a rose. She was as near perfect as a woman could get.

She saw the redheaded beauty's hand comb through Legolas' blonde locks. The world felt like it was tilting. The bile rose in her throat. Suddenly, she needed to vacate the room as quickly as possible. 

She turned on her heel and made for the exit as fast as her two legs could carry her. She told herself she would never cry over anyone again. But she barely managed to contain her sobs when she burst through the hall doors to the courtyard. She thought she faintly heard someone calling out to her, but she must have been mistaken.

She sat near a fountain in the courtyard sobbing until she shook. She pitifully wiped her tears away with the back of her hand. Legolas betrayed her trust, after only three days and one pretty face. She wiped at her face once more when a handkerchief presented itself out of nowhere.

 Willow took the offered article. She as glad to have something other than her hand to dry her tears. She looked up from her seat on the ground to see who had come to her rescue. She half hoped it would be Legolas begging and pleading for forgiveness, but it was not. 

It was a new face; one she had never seen before. He was handsome with shoulder length wavy hair black as night and bronze-colored eyes that seemed almost gold at the right angle. He was extraordinarily tall it seemed. 

She stood to confirm this assertion and still confirmed yes that he was just a few inches taller than Legolas. He boasted broad shoulders, cinched waist but certainly a body anyone could tell was well-honed. His dress spoke of position, she could tell he was no commoner or servant.

"Thank you for your handkerchief. I'm afraid I got it all snotty." Willow laughed nervously. Being around so handsome a man always brought out the most awkward parts of her personality.

"It is always a pleasure to aid a damsel in distress. If I may; why does such a lovely creature like yourself cry?" The stranger had a pleasant voice. It was deep and beguiling. Everything about this Elf screamed of sensuality. She hadn't met anyone else like him.

"It seems the man I fell in love with and wanted to spend my life with replaced me with the upgraded, more expensive version. The one that comes with lands and a title."

"Ah I see. That old song and dance." He said pulling his lips up in one corner giving a charming half smile. He held out his hand and walked her to a bench to seat her then himself.

"Sometimes you simply have to remind him of what he has lost. If he cannot see this, then he is a fool."

"I'm sorry but who are you?"

"Forgive me madam, I saw you and was enraptured. I am Arun. I would have you consider my suit in place of this vagabond." He said as he lifted her hand to place a gentle kiss.

Every cell in her body came alive with a potency she could not explain but one that terrified her.


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