The Elven King's Princess

CH. 23 - DON'T WORRY, I WILL

THE next few days passed slowly but not uncomfortably as Aeverie began to get used to her new surroundings. She mostly spent her time in the library, curled up in the corners of the room itself, lost in whatever book she's reading. Reading helps relieve her overthinking. It relaxes her mind from thoughts of the elven king. Although, she'll admit, he never really left her mind. The last talk they had in his council room, really affected her. It left a questionable feeling in her. The thought of not knowing what she had done wrong just kept nagging at her and the only thing keeping her from marching to his council room to confront him, is the fact that she's actually scared of considering the growing feelings inside of her.

She also considered the elven king's suggestions about asking Legolas to go with her. So when she's not in the library, she's usually with Legolas, walking around, exploring the kingdom, exploring the vast lands of the woodland realm.

Today, she went to the cliff, with Legolas. The enchanting beauty of the place, captivated her heart. They both sat under a large oak tree by the edge of the cliff.

'So... It's so nice that you're finally getting better each day. I'm happy that you're starting to heal..' Legolas stated, smiling to Aeverie.

'Well..i'm getting well, better and stronger everyday. Thank you for your help..'

'I'm glad to hear that..' Legolas flashed a genuine smile.

'It's really a good thing that my father took you in and it seemed like he's doing a pretty good job of taking care of you. Believe me, this is the first time that i've seen him care so much for a mortal human. He loved your father very much, he was one of the few whom he trusted with his life. And I know he will love you just as much. And I am really glad that you are here...' Legolas stated, a glint of amusement lighting up his eyes.

'He will love you just as much.' Aeverie shivered at the words. It's affecting her in a way.

'King Thranduil had been tolerating me since the day he saved me you know, maybe even more than he should. And I am very grateful for that, his understanding of the situation, his patience. He's really admirable..' Aeverie remarked, trying her best not to blush.

A glimmer of smile tugged at the corner of the prince's mouth. 'Oh he's so much more than the facade he's building up for himself.' He said snorting.

They both laughed. Prince legolas then looked to the ground. Slowly, after a lengthy silence, his eyes returned to Aeverie, his expression now a tight mask of hidden depths. 'Aeverie, I have no intention of staying long,..'

Aeverie whipped her head to look at Legolas.

'What? Why?..' Aeverie asked, quite flustered.

'Well, i'm not sure how much longer i'll stay here but I have plans of going back to Rivendell, to stay with the fellowship there.'

Aeverie angled her head, curious. 'The fellowship?'

'Yes... you know, the feeling of knowing that I belong there. Those men, even though we are all different from each other, we have unity and the sense of responsibility.' Legolas said, eyes sparkling with intensity.

Aeverie presented him with a feeble smile. 'I guess... you finally found your true calling, is that it?'

'Yes.. my true calling..' Legolas paused and smiled to himself.

After a while, Legolas turned his whole body towards Aeverie.

'Princess Aeverie... I have a favor to ask.. a favor that's---I know this might be sudden but---can I entrust my father to you?' Legolas blurted out.

'W-what do you mean?'

'I won't be staying here in Mirkwood, Aeverie. I have to go and explore the world on my own and that means leaving my father here alone. But you're here now, I won't be worried about him as much, now that you're here. I want to---entrust my father to you Aeverie. Take care of him, always be by his side... I know this is---asking too much.. but we are the only ones he's got left..' Legolas stressed, his voice gentle but affirming.

Aeverie stared at him sadly. 'I guess we're the same, you and your father are the only ones I got too.'

Legolas reached out his arm to touch Aeverie's shoulder.

'Aeverie... you being here, meant something. And I know, you'll do good by him as he does by you.'

Aeverie smiled genuinely and understandingly. Prince Legolas might think he's asking for too much, but it's not the case for Aeverie. Taking care of king Thranduil and being by his side is not too much for her, it's something she'd willingly do, even without Legolas, asking it for a favor.

'Don't worry... I will..' she answered. Eyes bright and smiling.

♦ - ♦ - ♦ - ♦ - ♦