The Black Queen of The North (A Thranduil Story)

Chapter Six: Festivities

Thranduil's POV

The rather rapid movement of the water around me startled me, pulling me from my thoughts, reminding me that I had to finish getting ready for the festival. The water in the bathtub was now cold, I hadn't even realized so much time had passed. My thoughts kept me preoccupied. There were so many things racing through my mind it was hard to pin point exactly which one had left me practically paralyzed in my bathtub for over a half hour. Tonight was the spring equinox and for the first time since my wife's passing I was concerned about my status attending the festivity. Katterina must have an escort. She does not seem like the kind of lady to arrive alone to a ball. She would probably arrange for Aaros or Verowne to escort her. The thought of Aaros touching her pale skin, placing his hands upon her hands, lingering on her waist, his eyes raking over her body like it was nothing more than a means to an end. It infuriated me beyond measure. If I had it my way I would have happily removed his head from his shoulders as to ensure he never dared to look at her that way again. I stopped myself. What am I doing ? She has barely spoken to me, and on the occasions that she has the conversations were nothing but necessary. They were formalities, addressed in the way all nobility seemed to address them; with rigid, shallow, false interest. I hated it. I could so clearly see that she was not who she was. When she spoke to Verowne she seemed so comfortable, her voice was warm and filled with vibrance, it was not cold and colorless as it was whenever we had conversed. Something deep down inside of me longed to have her speak to me in that tone.

I cannot act in such a childish manner. I am no longer a young prince, frivolous and shy. I could gain the affection of any woman, elf and mortal alike, if I really wanted to- but I simply did not feel that courting a woman was an effective way for a king to spend his time. There is no place for love when one has the fate of a kingdom to over see. A little voice in the back of my head involuntarily chimed in, what if the burden could be shared ? Does love not ease the heart in times of great despair? Whilst this meaningless internal debate had continued to rage within my subconscious I had at least managed to get out of the bathtub and dry myself as well as my hair. I stood with my towel wrapped around my waist staring into my vast wardrobe. My eyes settled upon a silver ensemble, the tunic was formfitting and had a high collar that flared just below my jaw, the leggings were almost the same shade of grey but did not have the same elegant silver embroidery that the tunic had, a large silver cloak with a velvet red inner lining accompanied the ensemble and to finish it off a rather striking pair of ebony black boots. I began to get dressed, fiddling with my clothing till every last piece of material sat exactly as I had wanted it to. I then turned to the mirror in front of my dresser and began to brush and smooth out my hair after which I placed my crown upon my head as well as assigning each piece of my jewelry to its intended place, I then sat back and admired my excellent taste. I was ready to attend the festival.

I stood from the chair in front of my dresser and walked briskly across my chambers to the door that lead into the main hallway. I stopped as my hand touched the cold steel of the doorknob. I took a shallow breath. A painful memory flooded through my mind involuntarily. Tonight I would once again see an abundance of happy couples. I did not resent them but it was just a painful reminder of how alone I truly was. No. I will not let such foolish notions get the best of me. I pulled open the door rather forcefully. Waiting just before my door was young Legolas. The surprise painted on his face told me he was just about to knock. "Hello Ada." He greeted me. "Hello my little leaf." I beamed at him, he had just reminded me of what Katterina had said- I am never alone as long as I have Legolas. "Are you ready for the party little leaf?" I questioned him inquisitively. "Yes Ada, I had Maidhion help me get ready." He smiled his genuine, radiant smile and I step forward taking his hand. "Well then we better leave now. We wouldn't want to be late." With that we began our walk down the hallway to the Great Hall.