The Black Queen of The North (A Thranduil Story)

Chapter Three: Unexpected.

Thranduil's POV

I lay my head down onto the ground beneath my body once again. How had she done that? She was less than half my size. I had trained for many centuries, fought in many battles and yet she so effortlessly rendered me vulnerable. Slowly I stood up from the floor of the arena and dusted myself off. Was this truly a matter of the craftsmanship of a weapon? It couldn't possibly be. There was something about her. The words she had left me with 'Some things are not as they seem' , that was a question begging for an answer. I had to find her. Quickly I gathered my things and ensured that I looked presentable. I began my journey down the long halls of my palace to the sleeping quarters when something caught my attention.

"Well it would be rude not to accept a gift as thoughtful as this wouldn't it?" Katterina spoke. "Yes your grace, it is very generous of lord Merronin to send such a gift so far." The person whom she had addressed answered. "Then I will find the Elvenking and ask him if I may make use of his kitchens." She said in a very political manner. I had to do something she could not know that I had been eavesdropping for that would not reflect well on my manners. I quickly walked forward and turn the corner. Katterina and a tall man stood in the hallway before me. "My lord, I was just on my way to come find you." She smiled a smile that was so clearly only used to charm any poor soul into letting her get her way.

"I would very much like to make use of your kitchens, if you would allow me to?" Her smooth voice taking a slightly more enticing tone. "Very well, may I enquirer as to why?" I was curious as to what the two had been speaking about earlier. "I have received a gift from a dear friend, some spices and foods from my realm. A comfort of sorts if you will." That is hardly a gift I thought to myself. "You may make use of the kitchens, I will escort you." She bowed her head in thanks and followed behind me with the guard at her side.

"Thank you my lord." She said plainly as she entered the kitchen. I noticed how she began to analyze the room, trying to place everything and find her way so she could prepare the food correctly. "I can stay to assist you." I offered. "No my lord I assure you that I am a skilled cook and I will eventually find my way with the placement of your utensils and crockery." Her eyes still searching and scanning the room. "That is unlike a good host. Truthfully I should not let you make your own meals but as it is a gift and I doubt our cooks would be able to prepare the meal to your liking, I believe it is appropriate considering the circumstances but then I must stay and assist you."

"Very well then." She spoke in her usual cold tone. "Verowne, what is your favorite dish?" She questioned the guard in a very warm and informal tone. "My lady you make Zuppa just the way my mother use to make it." The tall man answered with a playful smile. "That is because your mother taught me how to make it Verowne." She said rolling her eyes at him. "I remember. One day my father and I returned home to find the princess in her finest gown standing beside my mother trying her hardest to mimic my mothers actions but not really succeeding." Verowne laughed. "That is not funny Vero." The queen exclaimed, a slight blush covering her cheeks. "Oh yes it is! You never wanted to do anything other than ride every horse you came across and play in the forest. Your mother was mortified." The guard countered. "She was just worried that I would never learn the skills that a queen requires." Katterina said matter-of-factly. "And a fine lady you made your grace." Verowne said winking at her before he bowed his head. "Enough with the titles Vero, I taught you how to use a sword, I believe our friendship surpasses such social graces." Katterina spoke in a calm tone.

"You will have to remind me one more time my lady." The guard answered respectfully. Throughout their conversation Katterina had cut up and prepare most of the ingredients and begun to prepare the meal that she was making. I had silently been listening to their conversation as I gathered and passed Katterina all the utensils that she had needed. I caught myself smiling at the thought of her as a young girl. She was always so organized and regal, it was hard to imagine her as a child, innocent and confused. She was so complex and the thought of her having a simple side, a side that I could actually read intrigued me. "My lord?" Katterina questioned pulling me from my thoughts. "Forgive me my lady, what is it?" I tried my hardest not to seem startled. "I just wanted to thank you for allowing me to use your kitchens my lord, I made you some Zuppa if you would like to try it." She said bluntly but with a small smile. "That truly wasn't necessary my lady but thank you very much." I returned her smile but the slight hint of surprise on her face told me that she did not expect my tone to be quite as warm as it had been, to be honest neither had I.