Star Bride (A Stars of Varda Short Story Collection)

A Spring Announcement

I draw in a deep breath.

It is long past the usual mealtime in the Dining Hall, but it will not start until the King's arrival. A hush falls over the room as we make our late entrance. I try my best to stay composed, though it feels as impossible as stars vanishing from the skies of Valinor. With every step towards the table, I feel the weight of countless eyes. My heartbeat quickens.

Thranduil leans in, his voice a low murmur meant only for me. "Let them look, meleth nîn."

No doubt there is curiosity about our whereabouts for the day, about why I accompanied the King to his unknown destination from dawn to dusk. I adorn a casual smile and pretend nothing is different than any other evening. Pausing for a moment to adjust the folds of my plum velvet gown, I make sure I am not walking too close to him.

I cannot help but notice his striking appearance as he moves ahead. His robes, a deep forest green trimmed with gold, drape elegantly over his broad shoulders, his distinctive branched crown adding height to his already formidable presence.

And to think, I am going to marry him.

It still feels like a dream.

If it had been my decision, we would not be here. If it had been my decision, we would never have left the solace of Laurenendë. We would have taken our vows then and there before Eru and not returned for several days.

But Thranduil told me he wanted to honor tradition, not for his sake but for mine. He insisted I deserved the splendor of a springtime wedding feast with my father and my sister and her family from Imladris in attendance. He believed the future Greenwood Queen should design her own bridal gown and have it made by the most skilled tailors of the realm. After waiting a thousand years, he reasoned, what was one more year?

One more year feels like it might as well be a thousand.

The amber pendants cast a honeyed light on the faces of those gathered. Caewen studies me openly as we near the table. Does she notice something different? Are my lips swollen or is my face still flush? I made sure to check my appearance in the looking glass before leaving my chambers, even asking Gwendes for reassurance...

The moment I opened the door to my room upon my return from my journey with the King, Gwendes let out a small yelp of surprise. "Goodness, you look like..." She shook her head. "You look like you have been ravished."

It was not the first time this day I had been rendered speechless. I could not utter a single word. I kept opening and closing my mouth like a door caught in a gust of wind.

"Is everything all right?" she asked in alarm.

"I...well," I started, then let out a little laugh in surrender. I knew I would have to tell her everything before leaving for dinner. "Ravished is one way of putting it."

It was testament to our close friendship that she remained calm while listening to the whole story, asking questions here and there, her eyes widening many times, but not once bringing up her own once-held interest in the King. Thankfully her betrothal with Sírdor had smoothed over all matters of the heart. In truth, she looked very happy for me.

"Is he planning to make the announcement tonight?" she asked.

"I do not know. We never really spoke about it." At seeing her knowing grin, I feel myself blush. "I would not be surprised if he did."

"Now I wish I had not already dined with Sírdor and his family. I do believe I will regret missing this," she said. Then she winked. "Perhaps you should change into a proper gown for the occasion, my future Queen."