The Elven King's Princess

CH. 25 - THE WOODLAND SPRING FEAST

THE day of the feast has arrived. The celebration seemed as magical and mysterious as ever. The elves were dressed in beautiful silks, with flower crowns or silver tiaras on their heads and seemed like they were floating with grace and beauty. There was magic done to recreate the night sky above the halls and Aeverie was mesmerized with it all. She could see the stars shining bright above them, reminding her of that night she spent with king Thranduil atop that tower. Looking at the stars, felt like a reminder of another world filled with beauty, where there was no fighting or suffering. There were fireflies in the air that looked like stars from the sky descended among them and were dancing around.

The princess danced around with Freya and with the other elves. Soon after, prince Legolas joined in the fun, with his closest friend in the kingdom, the beautiful red haired elf, Tauriel. It was Aeverie's first time, meeting Tauriel. She is captain of the guards and one of the best elf soldiers in woodland realm. She headed the security of the kingdom's borders that is why she wasn't in the palace.

'It's nice to finally meet you.' Tauriel greeted Aeverie with a beaming smile.

'Y-you know me?' Aeverie asked, cheeks flushed.

'Of course, you're the princess of Willowmere. And Legolas has told me a lot about you.' Tauriel remarked, taking hold of Aeverie's hand.

Aeverie flashed a smile and threw Legolas a funny look to which he responded with a sly smirk.

'It's a good thing you're doing better now princess. I hope you can start anew here, in Mirkwood, with us.' Tauriel softly said and gave Aeverie a genuine, thoughtful smile, squeezing her hand.

The sincerity in Tauriel's eyes warmed Aeverie's heart. it almost made her want to cry. She squeezed Tauriel's hand back and they laughed together.

A moment later, harps and flutes, signalled the arrival of the elven king, Thranduil. Aeverie's eyes darted towards the entrance to the hall. And when finally, Thranduil emerged, she caught her breath. Thranduil walked gracefully towards his throne chair, his fine robes of pale blue and silver, billowing around him as he moved. He was also wearing a new spring crown, a crown made with such fine details and was a token of appreciation from one the wood elleths that had served in his halls for many years.

When Thranduil entered the throne halls, his heart beamed with delight while looking at the beautiful magic that the wood elves had done to create an enchanting atmosphere. Lights flying around like night stars above their heads, flower ornaments that reminded him of the beauty of his forest, music and laughter, beautiful silks in all colors and lots of wine and good food. He looked around the hall, the enjoyment on the faces of his people and their smiles contrasted so much with the gloom he had seen on their faces from weeks ago, after the battle at Willowmere. It just goes to show, that even after all the sadness and bloodshed, they can always find something to be happy about, to celebrate.

As Thranduil sit on his throne, his eyes continued to scan the surroundings. His eyes fell on the familiar form of his son, blending with the crowd, staying close to Tauriel, the captain of his guards. And then his eyes drifted to the girl beside Tauriel. He inhaled sharply when he saw her. Princess Aeverie looked like a fairy in her blue silk dress. Her hair was braided beautifully with white flowers ornating her braids. She looked alluring, and breath-taking.

It's been weeks since he last saw and talked to her. He busied himself with his kingly duties for the past weeks just so he wouldn't think much of her. He felt his heart jump unwillingly as he continued to stare at her form. He turned his head away with urgency, not wanting to dwell on the sight of her, any longer.

'My lord?' he heard a familiar voice come from beside his throne.

It was Uriven, he was extending his arm to offer him one of the large goblets filled with wine that he was holding on a silver tray.

'Thank you Uriven.' He said after taking the cup. 'Please do enjoy yourself, I won't need any further assistance from you this evening.'

Uriven responded with a genuine smile and bowed.

As the celebration wore on, Thranduil left the comfort of his throne and walked around in his fine robes, allowing himself to bathe in the music of the feast and look upon his subjects. Elves everywhere and the people of Willowmere greeted him with respect and admiration in their eyes.

As he goes around chattering and laughing with everyone, he came to where his son, Legolas, was having fun with his friends, including Aeverie who seemed to be enjoying herself just as much.

'Father!!!' Legolas exclaimed as he threw his arm around Thranduil's body. 'You should join us here!'

Thranduil smiled coyly. Tauriel and Freya bowed their heads to him with smiles on their faces.

'I just came here to check on you.' Thranduil remarked. Trying his best to avoid glancing towards Aeverie who was also doing the same.

'We are---good father! I hope you are too..' Legolas responded.

Aeverie just stayed to the side, not wanting any attention from the king. But fate seem to be playing with her as Legolas suddenly pulled her from her spot and brought her in their circle, close to where king Thranduil was standing.

'Princess Aeverie!!' Legolas called out.

Thranduil's eyes unintentionally whipped towards Aeverie just as she was looking up towards him. When their eyes met, they both stared at each other as if taken aback. Both of them also turned away from each other at the same time as Legolas started to speak again.

'Father, look at princess Aeverie, she's doing much better now and isn't she beautiful?' Legolas exclaimed as he turned the clueless princess around, garnering small giggles from both Tauriel and Freya.

'Yes---she is.' Thranduil responded, his eyes looking back at Aeverie.

Aeverie's breath hitched at Thranduil's remark. She wasn't expecting him to say that. And now she's trying her best not to blush. Freya and Tauriel also threw Aeverie teasing glances, making her blush even more. 

Legolas chuckled casually, eyeing both Aeverie and his father. The look on his father's face surprised him. The admiration in his eyes while staring at princess Aeverie amused him. The king then disregarded it quickly and tapped his shoulder.

'Don't drink too much..' Thranduil said to Legolas and then turned to leave quickly, heading to another group of elves nearby.

Legolas was left arching his eyebrows while still looking at his father.

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