The Elven King's Princess

CH. 6 - DINNER

=THRANDUIL=

I am already waiting in the dining chamber when the guard arrives, escorting princess Aeverie. We are eating in one of the three dining halls I normally use. The first two are much larger, suitable for hosting guests and foreign visitors, while this one is much smaller, intimate almost. It is even rare for guests to be welcomed here.

I notice immediately that the problems I saw with Aeverie earlier, go much further than poor grooming. Now that she is cleaned up, hair brushed and wearing clean clothing, I can truly see the toll the last few weeks have taken on her.

The gown she's wearing drapes loosely off of her. Reminding me that Aeverie is a mortal human and she is much smaller compared to elves. I took a mental note to have my maids tailor clothes suitable for the petite princess.

Her gaze is hollow, skin, ashen and pale in human mortal standards.
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I swallow my anger, furious that her condition was not brought to me sooner but not wishing to take it out on her.

'Good evening princess Aeverie.' I said, approaching her.

With one nod, I dismissed the guard. Leaving me and the princess alone.

'Th-Thranduil..' she responds with a hoarse voice, forcing out a smile. She managed to give me a clumsy bow and I get the feeling she isn't really here with me.

'Come, sit and join me.'

I take my place at the head of the table and signals her to sit to my right. She did so but refuses to meet my gaze.

The table is covered in a spread of different, hearty dishes. Mostly of food suitable for the mortal royalties. I wanted to make sure there would be something that may appeal to her.

Aeverie kept her gaze trained down on her lap and unsure what to say or how to begin, I pour each of us a drink.

Her hand is on her glass before I even finished pouring and she takes a deep drink before promptly snorting into her cup. She threw me a questioning look.

'W-water?' she asks quietly, placing her cup back on the table as if burned.

'I think you've had quite enough wine.' I mumbled with a smirk. 'Sometimes it is best to help a clear mind.'

I think she tried to hide her snort but failed miserably. 'And sometimes a clear mind can be a burden.' She responded.

I chuckled at her remark. Her obvious annoyance towards me somehow disguises the fact that she is still not well.

I serve myself a plate of rabbit stew and nodded to her.

'Please help yourself princess.'

She just looked across the table but made no movement to get any food.

With a long suffering sigh, I scoop a large ladle of stew onto her plate as well.

'Now, please eat, dear princess.' I said firmly. Trying not to sound too commanding.

Aeverie looked at me with her doe eyes and with shaky hands, she picks up her spoon and slowly begins to eat. It's only once she is on her fourth bite that I begin to eat, watching her closely I as did so.

Something feels off. She is physically here with me but I have this feeling she is still far away. This thought bothers me more than I can explain. I looked at her closely, doesn't she realize, I am trying to help her?

I passed her a roll and again, she threw me a look. Her doe eyes displaying annoyance and hesitation. I nudged it closer to her and as if defeated, takes it with a sigh. A gentle smirk formed on my lips. I looked on at her amusingly as she tears small pieces off the bread and chews them slowly.

When she finishes, she sat there quietly and returns her gaze to her lap.

I frowned, my stomach tossing at the thought of losing her too, after so much death and bloodshed.

'Aeverie' I spoke her name softly, but she didn't even glanced at my direction. I reached out and gently placed my hand across hers.

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