The Elven King's Princess

CH. 13- THRANDUIL'S THOUGHTS

Days later...

THRANDUIL tended to his daily sovereign duties. He took to answering correspondents and receiving council members. And finalizing the memorial of his fallen soldiers, ensuring all the widows are well cared for.

'THANK you, Uriven. That will be all.'

'My lord..'

Uriven placed a handful of scrolls that he has requested on the edge of the desk before bowing low and taking his leave. He remained hunched over his desk. It was a calm, rather uneventful day. With the sun just beginning to set over Mirkwood.

He hadn't gotten over the stargazing moment from nights ago nor his sensitive interaction with Aeverie. He felt that they had an understanding of some sorts. But there is still something tugging at his mind. The words she blurted out in her moment of unawareness, stayed with him. Although he was able to ignore it that night at the tower, it kept nagging at him even after they have parted ways and he was already at the confines of his room, and until now.

Is that the only reason? He remembered the longing in those amber eyes.

Why would she ask that? He recalled how panic stricken she was when she realized what she just blurted out, then. He'll admit though, his heart jumped at the question. Is that really the reason? His close ties with her father, is it the only reason why he is the way he is with her? Why he kept tolerating her, more than he should? Why he is so gentle with her? Or is it...something else entirely? Something...deeper...something only he knows but would never consider.

He remembered her image perfectly, the way the stars were bathing her beautifully. He recalled the feeling of not wanting to look away from her. In his eyes, she was so fragile and delicate, a beauty set apart from the likes of his people. A mortal.

He shook his head. Had it been wrong? It certainly hadn't felt inappropriate.

In fact, he dared to contemplate the feelings more closely. Perhaps, he felt for her even more than he should. But it is still unclear as to what it is. Although, one thing's for certain, he felt some kind of responsibility for her, since that night he saved her from the fire. He's just not sure if it is because of his gratitude for her father or if it was of his own.

He can't deny though that he enjoyed the time he spent with her on that tower. It made him feel a certain warmth in his heart that he hadn't felt for a long time. It fact, he would want to experience it one more time if given the chance. His lonely heart yearned of that feeling but as soon as he entertained the idea, his mind shuts him down.

No... this is foolish!

He pinched the bridge of his nose and released a frustrated sigh. He wouldn't get anywhere with this diffusing train of thoughts. He still have important matters to focus on.

♦ - ♦ - ♦ - ♦ - ♦