The King's Hope

Chapter 22

Rhovanel

"Are you almost done? It's been almost an hour and I'm not even dressed!"

"Rhovanel, did you really expect this to end quickly?" Tarawen laughs as she pulls pins out. "You are just nervous, my friend. Trust me, all will be well." In my heart I know she is right, but my mind is still screaming at me to run. To run far away from here and never come back, that something is changing in this place today and that it will be the death of me and my family.

"Enough of your dark thoughts, Elrond has not foreseen any danger he is willing to speak of and I think that this day should bring gladness to your heart! It is a blessed day, a wedding. Arthon and I shall stay in your line of sight, look to us whenever you feel nervous."

"Thank you, my friend. Is that the last pin?"

"Yes, you are ready with this last item," Tarawen says, pulling out a starlight gem necklace. "I know this might bring up bad memories, but it is a traditional royal wedding-"

"It does not bother me at all. That day with Umon and Rivornor is long past, there is no longer any need to dwell on it," I answer quickly, putting the necklace on myself. "Is that all?" I ask, looking down at myself.

"Yes, and you are beautiful," Tarawen says, tears in her eyes. "Let us go, we wouldn't want to keep you away from Thranduil."

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"Harthor, this is the right thing, isn't it?"

"Do you love him?"

"Of course I do. I can't imagine a day passing without him."

"Then this is the right thing. Who is that?" he asks abruptly, pointing at Arthon and Tarawen.

"The healer, Tarawen. I should hope you know your nephew when you see him by now," I answer, fixing my necklace before we walk into the garden

"She is beautiful."

"I can arrange a meeting with her if you like," I say, gently hitting his arm.

"I might just allow you to do that," he says dreamily. "But today belongs to you and Thranduil. You look amazing, Rho. Enjoy this day."

"Thank you, Harthor. I am ready when you are." He smiles and offers his arm. I take it gingerly and hang on for dear life as we walk through a crowd of faces together. The only face I can look at is Thranduil. He is smiling, looking at me. Eventually everything fades away until it is only him. His eyes are a deepened blue, the color of a crystal river churning with rapids.

"Take good care of her," Harthor whispers sternly to Thranduil as he releases my arm. Thranduil never looks away from me.

The priest of Nel'thlyin beckons Thranduil and I forward.

"Maiden, are you certain of your heart's call?"

"I am."

"Keeper, are you certain of your heart's call?"

"I am," he says with his confident smile.

"Have you reflected on the import of your union, your desires and destiny?"

"We have," Thranduil and I answer in unison.

"Then vow by your heart, maiden."

"By my heart's trueness, I vow I stay by his side."

"And vow by your heart, keeper."

"By my heart's trueness, I vow I stay by her side."

"And those vows I have witnessed, and that union I shall declare: you are now husband and wife," he concludes with a smile. The gallery erupts into thunderous applause as Thranduil wraps his arms around my back and smiles against my lips.