The Ties That Bind

Chapter Twenty-Five

A single candle remained lit, its solitary flame casting only a small circle of light across the bedside table where it stood in its wax-dotted silver dish. But the darkness didn't trouble Eirlys as she sank back against the pillows, trembling as she tried to catch her breath. Her eyes closed of their own, her arms tightening about Thorin's neck to draw him against her. He trembled as well, burying his face in the slope of her neck, his fingers tightening about hers as he pressed her hand into the pillow alongside her head.

His breath came as hot, hard blasts along her neck, his growled, "Eirlys," a husky whisper in her ear. She shivered at the heaviness in his voice, at the solid, firm heat of his body against hers. Drowsiness swept through her as her heartbeat finally slowed and her breathing calmed. Eyes still closed, she nuzzled him, her lips brushing his ear. She smiled when that simple motion made him shiver against her once more.

His heart beat with such force, it reverberated through her, although it also gradually slowed to its normal pace. He didn't move though, and she had no desire for him to, either. They fit together so perfectly, she didn't care if he ever moved again.

Then, he lifted his head to gaze upon her with heavy-lidded eyes and a sleepy smile on his lips. "Maralmizi," he whispered, his eyes soft but serious.

She held his blue-eyed gaze even as she offered up a slight shake of her head. "I'm afraid I don't know what that means."

But even as she spoke the words, a strange chill rippled through her, one that had her almost breathless as it set free a flurry of butterflies in her belly.

The outer corners of his eyes crinkled as his smile widened. He didn't reply at first, but instead brushed her lips with his in a light, teasing kiss, then whispered, "I love you."

Her heart stopped. It simply ceased to beat. She couldn't breathe, either, as her lungs refused to work properly. But strangely enough, neither seemed to cause any pain or discomfort in the slightest. Her, "You—you do?" emerged as a breathless whisper.

"You sound surprised."

"Well... I suppose I am surprised."

"Why?"

"Because you didn't wish to marry me, but were rather strong-armed into it."

"Nonsense. You should know by now that I cannot be strong-armed into anything. I will admit, I was a bit hesitant because I had never thought I might be part of an arranged marriage, but make no mistake, I am with you because I wish to be with you. You have stolen my heart, Eirlys of Mirkwood, and I have no desire for you to return it."

Now her heart beat once more, and at thrice its normal pace, but only for a moment as she smiled up at him. "Say it again, Thorin."

His eyes softened further. "I love you."

"Now say it in your tongue."

"Maralmizi."

She reached up, let her fingertips brush along the braid at his temple. "I love you, too, you know. I've wanted to say it for weeks now, but had not the courage to utter the words."

"As have I," he confessed, "and I've not for the same reason."

"Am I to believe you didn't have courage? You faced off with a dragon, Thorin. And orcs. And goblins."

"And not one of them frightened me as much as you laughing at me for confessing my feelings did."

"Why would I laugh at you?"

"Because you, Princess Eirlys, are stunning. You could have any man you wish and yet you found yourself married off to me, of all people. No one would fault you for not wanting that."