His Queen

Chapter 12 - Kitra

She wakes the next morning earlier than needed in hopes of taking a relaxing bath before the council meeting. A couple of elves had come in as she was waking up with breakfast and the water for her bath. She got out of bed as soon as they left the room and removed her nightgown to climb into the tub, allowing her muscles to relax. The water wasn't as quick to turn a different color as she bathed. There was a knock on her door and her cousin came in to keep her company while she relaxed. She sunk deeper into the tub so Alana couldn't see her breasts.

Kitra leaned her head back against the edge of the tub, closing her eyes as the warm water enveloped her. The scent of lavender from the bath oils wafted through the air, further soothing her senses. Alana settled herself on a nearby chair, her long golden hair cascading over her shoulders as she regarded her cousin with a gentle smile.

"How are you feeling this morning, Kitra?" Alana asked, her voice soft and melodic. "I hope you slept well after the long journey."

Kitra sighed, letting the tension drain from her body. "I did, thank you. It's a relief to have a moment of peace before the council meeting. I have a feeling it will be a long and arduous affair."

Alana nodded in understanding. "These are troubled times, and the decisions made today will have lasting impacts."

Kitra opened her eyes and met Alana's gaze, a flicker of worry passing between them. "I fear for what the future holds," Kitra confessed. "The darkness grows stronger with each passing day, and I cannot shake the feeling that we stand on the brink of a great change."

Alana reached out and grasped Kitra's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "You are not wrong. But we can only meet it head on."

Kitra drew comfort from Alana's words, allowing herself a small smile. Rising from the bath, Kitra reached for a soft towel and began to dry herself.

"Just wait behind the screen for a moment." She told her cousin. As soon as Alana was behind the screen she stood up and dried herself off with a towel. Once she was dry, she wrapped a midnight blue floor-length silk robe around herself and joined her cousin at the table. She goes over to the floor-length mirror and turns around to look at her scarred back skillfully dropping it down the back while covering her front.

"We should get you ready for the council meeting," Alana told her. She looked back at her cousin and suddenly realized that she was already dressed for the meeting. The dress was a long, flowing gown with a deep V-neckline and long sleeves. The velvet was a rich green fabric with a fitted bodice, cinched at the waist with a thick, copper-colored belt that is adorned with a decorative buckle. The skirts were full and flowing, with a thigh-high slit on the left side. The dress was embellished with delicate gold floral embroidery that runs down the sleeves and across the bodice. With a heavy sigh, she allowed Alana to do her hair. Alana is able to get her hair into an intricate low bun while leaving a section of hair on her left side, tied into a ponytail with a silver ribbon.

The dress that she had picked out was one of her favorites. The dress was a long, blue gown with a fitted bodice and a flowing skirt. It was made of a rich velvety fabric, the skirts , falling to the floor, with the long fitted sleeves. The dress had a high, collarless neckline that is accented by a beautiful, intricate black trim. The trim continued around the wrists and down the front opening of the dress. The bodice was a darker blue color with beautiful detailed stitching, and a black belt at the waist.

Kitra and Alana made their way through the winding halls of Rivendell, the soft rustle of their gowns echoing in the tranquil morning air. Kitra's heart raced with anticipation and trepidation as they approached the council chamber. She knew the weight of the matters to be discussed, and the potential consequences of the decisions made within those walls.