The Complete Works of Lady Oakenshield's Adventures

Chapter 16 -- There's No Justice

"What is on your schedule this afternoon, dearest?" Thorin looked up. He was hunting for his slipper under the bed. "Nothing, why?" Lady Oakenshield tossed his slipper at him. He ducked just in time to not get hit in the head, catching it as it sailed by. "I was thinking we might take a picnic up in the pavilion." "Since I've given Justice to Frerin, I think I might be able to get away for luncheon. Do you wish for anyone to join us?" "No, just us." "Very well, I'll see you up on the mountaintop, at noon." Thorin having donned his slippers, kissed her passionately and left her rooms to change into his work tunic and headed off to be kingly.Lady Oakenshield called for Merabella to draw a bath and lay out a dress for her. "Merabella, I need some advice." Lady Oakenshield was sitting at her dressing table while Merabella braided her hair. "Yes, your Majesty? What can I help you with?"I've a need to talk with Thorin and I'm wondering if I should just blurt it out or get him drunk first." "Will the talk make him happy or sad?" "Oh, I think very happy." "Then tell him first, get him drunk afterwards." "It's settled then. Will you have the kitchen prepare a luncheon with plenty of ale to be delivered at noon up at the pavilion for me and the King." "At once, Lady Oakenshield."At precisely noon, Thorin walked through the Elvish door onto the patio at the pavilion. Lady Oakenshield felt like one massive nerve ending. Luncheon was laid out exactly as she'd requested. She was lounging on pelts and pillows, barely covered by a sheer tunic. Thorin's eyes dilated at the sight. "I am not sure which I desire more, the feast of food, or to feast on you." "Let us eat first, my reason for life. Then we will feast on each other for dessert, I think. Then I will tell you a story. A story I think you will find quite delightful." Lady Oakenshield motioned for Thorin to lay beside her. He pivoted his entire length to accommodate resting on pillows out of the direct sunlight. He ran his fingers light over her through the silky fabric. His moan was primal, like an animal who had found his mate. He moved in and their lips devoured each other. He swallowed her sigh, as they reluctantly released the kiss. "Eat fast," he protested.They left a few crumbs on the plate. Her hands tightened around him, her body wracked with tremors, pulsing in ecstasy. She ran her hands over his chest, purring in pure feline appreciation. She slipped her hands beneath his shirt and raked her nails down his chest, causing him to shudder under her touch. She loved the power she held over him. She took his hands in hers and placed their hands together on her. She watched his eyes darken as she offered herself to him. "Lady Oakenshield," he whispered, and buried his face in her throat, as moans of pleasure escaped his lips. "I love hearing my name on your lips," she said, kissing him softly on the mouth. Their tongues entwined and the lazy caress built swiftly into heat again. Their eyes never left each other as they fell off the mountaintop together. The ebb and flow of love everlasting, never ceasing, a rhythmic dance that lasted long into the late afternoon. Sometimes smooth, sometimes rough, sometimes wild, but always there, always.Thorin slowly opened his eyes. The afternoon sun was slowly moving down the mountain. "Should we have a bath now?" he said pulling her up by the hand. "I've still my story to tell you." "Okay." He sat back down. She moved to sit between his thighs so her back leaned against him. He began to pay tribute to her body, leaving very little doubt that he adored her. He loved her little gasps and sighs of pleasure. He reached down and lifted her to sit on his lap. He was just holding her, barely touching her. "Now tell me a story, my beloved."Lady Oakenshield turned and took his face in her hands and kissed him. It was sweet and full of promise. Full of love and the future. "Once upon a time, there was a Prince and Maiden who fell in love and were mated. They wanted nothing more than to be together for all time. They always said to everyone who asked what the future held for them, "Love and Justice." But they can't say that anymore. Because there is no Justice."Thorin looked at her. His eyes were wide. "What are you saying?"Lady Oakenshield laughed. " No more you and me. Just us. House of Durin's heir is growing inside of me. You, Thorin Oakenshield, King Under the Mountain are soon to be Father Under the Mountain." With that, she stood up and danced away. Thorin scrambled to his feet and chased after her. You could hear their laughter echo through the valley of Dale. "Grendel, are you sure?" Grendel laid on the chaise munching on another honey cake. "I'm sure, you Rat bastard. Now get me another honey cake, before I upend this mug of ale all over your battle boots. By the gods, I feel awful. When will this Dawn Scourge end? If he weren't to be the heir of Durin, I have him cut out of my bloody gut." "Don't talk that way Grendel. We're going to have a baby." Frerin danced around the room. I can't wait to tell Thorin. He will be so excited. Especially since Kili mated with Filegwen and Fili's not mated yet. House of Durin will live on to the next Age." He danced his way out of the suite, stopping only to tell Grendel's maid to keep her stocked up in honey cakes and ale until her nausea passed. He found Thorin in the museum starring an ancestral artifacts. "Hello, brother!" Frerin practically sang his greeting. "Brother! I was on my way to your suite. I stopped here to check out some information and found myself wandering through our heritage." Thorin clasped his brother in a bear hug. "Have I got news..." They both said at the same time. "You first," said Thorin. "Oh, no, you first, your Majesty." Frerin bowed, grinning ear to ear. "I'm afraid, whatever news you have will be unfairly overshadowed by mine," Thorin looked at his brother with a twinkle in his eye. "I think not, brother. But if you insist. Frerin straightened up, and put his hands on Thorin's shoulders. "What is the most important thing in the world to us?" "Honor." "More important." "Loyalty." "More important." "There is nothing more important than honor and loyalty, brother, except family." "Right. Family." "What about family?" Thorin started to get a bit uneasy. "Grendel and I are proud to announce we are increasing House Durin by one. We are giving you the next heir after me of course." Frerin fairly beamed with pride. "Isn't that the greatest news you've ever heard? Grendel is going to have a baby! House Durin will live into the next Age." "Frerin, hold still. Frerin!" Thorin grabbed at him to calm him down. "You might want to hold on to this column." He motioned for Frerin to move over next to a column. Frerin leaned against it and crossed his arms. "What is it brother? Are you sick? Is Lady Oakenshield sick?" He put his hands back on Thorin's shoulders. "What is it brother? You can tell me anything. I can handle it. What is it?" "If you'll shut up, I'll tell you." Thorin smiled at his brother. He was remembering how his brother was always so anxious to support him when they were younger. "Lady Oakenshield is with child. She carries the next heir to House Durin, even before you, your child, and Fili. We will make an official announcement next week. Now we can make it a double announcement. Congratulations, Frerin. I look forward to being a new Uncle. Lady Oakenshield is on her way to tell Grendel now."Frerin stood there looking at Thorin. His mouth open but no words were coming out. "Oh by all that is holy, Grendel. She has the Dawn Scourge. She's been sick for three weeks now. How about Lady Oakenshield? Sick too, I suppose." "Healthy as a war pony. I didn't even know she was carrying my son until she told me this afternoon." "Are you so sure it is a son?" "Odds are with me, that it is a son. You know that just as they are with you." "Sons, growing up together just like you and Dwalin. Oh, gees, Thorin, I'm so sorry. Congratulations Brother! The best to you and Lady Oakenshield! I'm going to be a new Uncle too!" "Thanks brother. I wonder how our mates are getting on." "Trust me, Thorin, I would not want to be within ten leagues of that meeting. Not even with a legion of Orcs as my army."Lady Oakenshield had invited Grendel, Velvetia, Chrisnap and Janfief to tea. She'd already told Chrisnap and Velvetia she was with child because she wanted to start an program of soft movements to keep in shape and to order some lotions and ointment to keep her skin smooth and supple. She'd sworn them to secrecy until the official announcement the next week.Grendel came in acting her imperious self. She took the second best chair, and put her feet up on the table. After a disdainful look from Velvetia she took them off and asked for a stool. "My ankles are swollen." Grendel sniffed. "That's no reason to be impolite." Velvetia stated. "Look you. I'm about to have the heir to the House of Durin. I can be as impolite as I choose to be." She snorted. "So there." She kicked the stool out from in front of her and put her feet back on the table.Chrisnap opened her mouth as if to say something. Uh, Grendel..." Lady Oakenshield laid her hand on Chrisnap's arm and shook her head ever so slightly. Chrisnap nodded. "Grendel, I have some lotion in my bag. How about I rub your ankles for you. Maybe that would help."Grendel snuffled and looked down her nose at Velvetia. "At least someone knows how to treat a Princess."Velvetia's eyes turned to slits. "Let me tell you something you viper. You were a back alley bedder before you mated Frerin and were given a title. Your blood is about as blue as a wartfrog's. I on the other hand am of royal blood. I am a Lady, born of. My blood is as blue as the sky. "How dare you speak to me like that. One day I will be known as the Queen Mother." Grendel glared at her. "I suggest you close your mouth now. One flick of my finger and your fangs will be sitting in your lap. I suggest you get your paws off of the table before you start missing toes." She laid her hand on her cheek and started tapping her index finger along side of her nose. "Which first, fang or toe?" Grendel went pale. "You wouldn't dare touch the carrier of the heir of Durin," she sputtered as she removed her feet from the table.Lady Oakenshield turned to Grendel, "Ladies, ladies, let's behave ourselves now. Congratulations on your news of having Frerin's child. I am thrilled I am going to be an aunt as I am sure Thorin will be a great new uncle." "Be an aunt," Grendel interrupted, "I'm carrying the heir to Durin." "Grendel, and I'm sorry to have to tell you this way, I'd hoped it would be fun and wonderful. You've ruined it with your selfishness. I am carrying the heir to House of Durin. I hope you enjoy your role of being a new mother to your child and an new Aunt to the Crown Prince or Princess."Grendel stood up. "What?" Grendel screamed. "You can't be carrying the heir. You can't! You have Thorin! You're the Queen! You have everything! I have nothing! I have to bear the heir! I have to be the Queen Mother!" By this time she was hysterical. Chrisnap and Janfief tried to calm her down but she knocked them aside. "Don't touch me peasants. I am Princess Grendel. I am wife to the Crown Prince. I am the sister-in-law of the King!" She glared at Lady Oakenshield. "We will see who delivers the heir to the throne of the Dwarves." Grendel turned to go. Her eyes were flashing. "We'll see, Lady Oakenshield. We'll see. I wouldn't walk too close to the parapets or any staircases. They can be very dangerous for a woman in our condition." She turned and stormed out of the room. "Did she just threaten you?" Janfief was beside herself. "No, my dear. She was just a bit upset. Do not worry. She would never do anything to hurt me." Lady Oakenshield picked up the teapot. Everyone noticed her hand was shaking. "Would you pour out, Chrisnap?" she said as she abruptly set the teapot down and burst into tears. "You did what?" Frerin was pacing back and forth in front of the hearth. His hair was standing on end. He looked like he'd just come from a fight with a Warg and the Warg won. "I said, I may have over-reacted a little bit to the news that Lady Oakenshield is carrying the heir to House of Durin." Grendel was eating another honey cake and drinking ale. She was still suffering from nausea, but now she felt like she deserved to eat. "Grendel, when Thorin summoned me last night, he nearly took my head off. He said you threatened to kill Lady Oakenshield, in front of witnesses no less. You know that you can be executed for that. I don't call that over-reacting a little bit. What were you thinking?" "I wasn't thinking. I was mad at Velvetia." "What has she got to do with you threatening the Queen of the Dwarves?" "She's a Princess and I'm not."