The Elven King's Princess

CH. 7 - THANK YOU

=AEVERIE=

I inhale sharply. I jolt as my skin prickled where his hand lies across mine. The fog that I had welcomed begins to lift and I can see everything in the room with a startling new clarity.

I look at where our hands are intertwined and then I look up at him. I was now looking at the eyes of the elven king who has saved my life and welcomed me and my people into his kingdom. There is softness on his face that i've never seen before. I have always regarded him as somewhat cold and strict, emotionless. But right now, I see something different. There is something there too... sadness and pain.

'Aeverie, I have been where you are.' He said ever so gently, it made me shiver. 'Now is not the time to give up dear princess. You must fight.'

My chest started hurting again.

'Why?' I ask, meeting his piercing stare. 'What is the point?'

'You have to. For your family, for yourself.'

I snort and gave him a humorless laugh.

'Aeverie.' He said firmly.

I threw him a look of distaste. I wanted him to see the pain and grief in my eyes and realize why I wouldn't want to go on with this meaningless existence. My eyes began to sting, from the tears i've been holding back. I looked away.

Thranduil squeezes my hand and when I look up at him, he is holding a handkerchief and nudges it towards me. I look at this elven king's beautiful face and he gave me a sad smile. I took the soft piece of fabric and gently wiped the tears from my eyes.

'Does it ever go away? The pain?...' I ask.

He shakes his head slowly, his mouth a thin line.

'No. It is always there. Though, it does grow easier to bear with time.'

A sad smile formed on my lips.

'Thank you for your honesty.'

Thranduil bows his head and the warmth from his hand made me feel a little lighter.

After coaxing me to have dessert, king Thranduil walked me to my room. Not many words were spoken, just a silence between us that only the two of us understand.

Before closing the door, I turned to him once again. With a genuine smile, I met his gaze.

'Thank you, king Thranduil..' I spoke firmly. Hoping that he'll understand it was a thank you for everything he has done for me and not just for the dinner.

He seem to understand it and a big genuine smile flashed across his face, with a warmth in his eyes that will melt a heart.

As I close the door, I breathed in deep. Tonight will be the first night since my return to Mirkwood that I will go to sleep without a bottle of wine as my companion.

♦ - ♦ - ♦ - ♦ - ♦