The Black Queen of The North (A Thranduil Story)

Chapter Eight: Sorrow

Thranduil's POV

Upon returning from the stables our little adventurous party was just in time for breakfast. We sat down at the large dinning table and waited for our food to be served. "Katterina did you tend to the parchments I left you last night?" Karrinos questions breaking the silence. "Yes I reviewed everything you left me brother." Katterina rolls her eyes dramatically. "There is no need to be rude." Karrinos snorts. "Oh don't be so sensitive." She chuckles, ignoring his  request. "So what is this that I hear of a further campaign in the west?" Aaros pipes up. "That, Aaros my dear, is not your concern." Katterina states commandingly. "Oh but I believe it is your grace." Aaros retorts. "None of your forces will be required for the campaign so no my lord it is not your concern and that is final." She orders, her eyes are no longer the sterling color they were earlier but are now hard and metallic, her voice lacks emotion but I can tell from the look she is giving Aaros that she is not in the mood for his games. I do not quite understand the tension between the two of them but I can tell from every look she gives him that she would rather die a hundred deaths than be in his company for longer than necessary. "I did not know we were going forward with those plans?" Verowen pipes up from the far end of the table."Well when our business here in the Woodland Realm has been seen to I want to set out west to ensure that things are still in order." Katterina answers him rather directly. "Must you speak of this on today of all days Katterina?" Karrinos questions in a rather emotive tone. "Now is not the time nor the place Karrinos." Katterina hisses. "Well today was not the time for you to speak of your continued efforts in defying our father." As much as I would like to say something I feel as if I would be intruding in a very serious family matter. "Then father will take it up with me." I have never seen her like this, her eyes are a stormy grey and her long, thin fingers are clenched so tightly against the table I fear they might break. "Well then he might just have to wait another 400 years?" This is when I feel a change in the atmosphere, the room suddenly becomes rather cold and the look Katterina is giving Karrinos can only be described as utterly seething. "Enough." She has this way of barking orders in a tone that is so calm that Legolas hasn't even taken notice of the argument going on around him. "What Katterina the truth is the truth." The smug look on Karrinos's face just seems to aggravate Katterina even more. "Somethings are better left unsaid brother." To my surprise her answer is calm and cold, it's almost unbelievable how controlled she is. Only moments ago I swore she was about to lunge across the table to stab Karrinos with my finest silver and now she sits calmly in her chair; her eyes fixed on something in the far corner of the room. "I will just have to take it from you then, I mean considering your vast knowledge of the subject." Does this man truly have a death wish? I do not believe she will react kindly to his abuse of her attempt to ease the situation. "You forget you are a prince and I am your queen, Karrinos, I know mother taught you better manners than that." Katterina drags her gaze lazily across the room and back at Karrinos. "Please we are in the halls of our host, there is no need to air your pity drama here. Forgive him Thranduil, he lets his heart get the best of him sometimes." She smirks at me and bows her head lightly in mock apology. "At least I have a heart!" Karrinos wails sitting forward in his chair. This is where I see Katterina reach her breaking point. "Some do not have the luxury of tears and weakness. Some of us have to bear the burden, we don't get to sit in our mothers closets crying. Some of us have to be strong because someone has to do it! It's nothing pretty but it has to be done!" Katterina's  posture has changed completely, she looks like she is ready to start a war. She rises from her seat, "I have lost my appetite." With this she exits the room. "Karrinos how could you say that?" Verowne says looking at him with glassy eyes. "You say you have a heart but that is the way you speak to your own sister ? She also lost her mother that day!" Before Karrinos can answer the question Verowne bows his head to me and departs to find Katterina. Even though the atmosphere at the table is tense Legolas seems to be oblivious to what has happened and this is the only things that I am grateful for. "Forgive me if it is not my place to ask Karrinos but is today the remembrance of your mother passing?" I will navigate this situation with utmost caution. "Yes, it is." His reply is distant and I can tell that he is struggling to remain composed. "My condolences." I bow my head in respect of their departed mother. "Thank you." Karrinos mutters under his breath.