Lotr oneshots

Duty and Desire - Thranduil x reader

The halls of the Woodland Realm were huge and totally beautiful, with golden lights hanging from the trees and shimmering leaves that looked like something straight out of a dream. Every time you walked through them, you felt kind of small-especially when you knew who was watching.

Thranduil.

The King of the Woodland Realm himself. He was tall, like seriously tall, with silver hair that seemed to glow even when there wasn't any sunlight. And those eyes? Icy blue, like they could see right through you. It was super intimidating. But at the same time, you couldn't help but feel drawn to him, even though he was always so serious and distant.

But today felt different.

Thranduil was sitting on his throne, as usual, looking all regal and untouchable. There were a few elves talking to him about some boring trade stuff, but his eyes kept flicking to you. It was quick, like, blink-and-you-miss-it quick, but you saw it. Every single time. And your heart did that annoying thing where it started racing even though she wasn't doing anything except standing there.

Suddenly, the elves finished talking, bowing and leaving the hall. Thranduil stayed on his throne, his gaze still locked on you. You tried to play it cool, even though Your hands felt kind of sweaty.

"Lady (Y/N)," his deep voice rang out. Why did he have to sound so...perfect?

"Yes, my lord?" you replied, stepping forward, hoping you wouldn't sound as nervous as you felt.

"Come closer," he said, in that smooth, commanding tone of his. You swallowed, moving toward him, your heart practically beating out of your chest.

When you were close enough, he rose from his throne, his robes brushing the floor like some kind of magical cloud. He stepped closer, standing right in front of you. The air between you felt electric, like there was something hanging in the space, just waiting for one of them to reach out and grab it.

"You seem distracted," Thranduil said, his voice soft but teasing, like he knew exactly what was on your mind.

You blinked. Was he...flirting? No way. He was Thranduil, King of the Woodland Realm. He didn't flirt. Right? But the look in his eyes was different now, warmer somehow, and way too intense. It made you feel like you were the only person in the entire forest.

"I-uh-no, not distracted. Just...thinking," you stammered, mentally kicking yourself for sounding so awkward.

"Thinking?" He tilted his head slightly, his silver hair falling perfectly over his shoulder. "About what?"

You. The word almost slipped out, but you bit your lip, trying to hold it back. Instead, you said, "Just...the beauty of your kingdom."

Thranduil's lips twitched, like he was trying not to smile. "Is that so?" He stepped even closer now, so close that you could feel the warmth coming off him, smell the faint scent of pine and mint.

You looked up at him, trying to steady your breath, but it wasn't helping. The way he was looking at you-like you were some kind of mystery he was determined to solve-it was doing weird things to your insides.

"I have noticed," he began, his voice low and almost...gentle? "That you, too, are a part of this beauty."

Your heart stopped beating for a second. Did Thranduil just call you beautiful? No. This was definitely some kind of dream. Maybe you had fallen asleep in one of the trees or something.

"I-uh...I don't know what to say," you mumbled, feeling your face get hot.

"You don't have to say anything," he replied softly, his fingers lifting your chin so you had no choice but to meet his gaze. "Not everything needs words."

For a second, it was like the world outside didn't exist. It was just the two of you, standing there, the golden glow of the trees casting everything in a warm, magical light. Thranduil's hand was still on your chin, his touch surprisingly soft for someone so powerful.

Your heart was pounding so hard now, you were sure he could hear it. Should you say something? Do something? But before you could even think about it, Thranduil leaned in. His lips brushed against yours, soft and warm. Was this actually happening?

It was a gentle kiss, nothing too crazy, but it sent shivers down your spine. Your eyes fluttered closed as you kissed him back, your hands automatically finding their way to his chest, where you could feel the steady beat of his heart.

When you two finally pulled apart, Thranduil's gaze remained locked on yours, and for a moment, everything else seemed to fade away. The forest, the kingdom, the heavy responsibilities he carried-they didn't matter. Not right now.

"You don't know how long I've waited for this moment," he whispered, his voice so soft that it almost felt like a secret only meant for you.

Your heart skipped a beat. She stared up at him, her mind racing. "You have?"

A small smile, barely noticeable but undeniably there, played at the corners of his lips. "I am not as distant as you might think. Sometimes, even a king wishes for more than just his crown."

Your breath hitched in your throat. Was this real? Was he saying what you thought he was? That the icy, untouchable Elvenking-Thranduil-had felt something for you all along?

"I..." you started to speak, but Thranduil gently pressed a finger to your lips, silencing you softly.

"There's no need to say anything," he murmured, his touch lingering as he reached down to take your hand. Slowly, he laced his fingers with. "Just stay. That's all I ask."

Your heart raced, and for a second, all you could do was stare up at him, overwhelmed by the intensity of his presence and the sincerity in his words. This was Thranduil-regal, untouchable, a king whose heart had been shrouded in ice for so long. Yet here he was, standing before you, offering a part of himself that few had ever seen.

And in that moment, you knew you wouldn't need to think about it. There was only one answer.

"I'll stay," you whispered, squeezing his hand in return.