The Truth Beneath the Rose

Not So Secret

The scurrying of footsteps woke Nevaeh in the early hours of the morning. It was only just becoming daylight. The maids were scrambling about the lodge, cleaning and preparing for the day ahead. Nevaeh yawned and glanced down at Thorin. He hadn't moved all night. His head was heavy on her chest and his hot breath danced across her skin. His soft snores made a small smile play on her lips. His hair was hiding his face. Nevaeh delicately brushed it away. She took in the features of his sleeping face. He looked years younger when he wasn't scowling. His wrinkles less prominent. His mouth hug open slightly, and he drooled a bit. Nevaeh stifled a giggle. But even like this, he was still beautiful to her. Maybe even more so. She sighed and looked toward the window. She hated to wake him. He looked so peaceful and unbothered. But she knew he wanted to leave this place as soon as possible and they had no time to waste.

Her cold fingers glided over his shoulder. He shivered. "Thorin." She cooed. "Come now. It's time to wake up." Thorin began to stir and stiffly turned his head the other way, not fully waking. "Clever." She giggled, once again brushing his hair away. She could see he used it as a way to cover his face from any light. "Up, up, up." She patted his cheek. He groaned and shifted to look at her through sleepy eyelids. "Good morning." She grinned. He was a sight, lips pouted and a grumpy scowl on his face.

Slowly, his features relaxed. "Morning." He said, his voice husky from his heavy sleep.

"I take it you slept well." She laughed. Thorin's arms tightened around her.

"Mm." He replied. "Very well. You're quite comfortable."

"You're not so bad either." She smiled, but it faltered slightly. "Today is the big day." Nevaeh said as hopefully as she could. "By the end of it, you'll be the King Under the Mountain." Thorin stiffened slightly. This was a day he knew would come. But that wasn't the only possible ending to this day. "What is it?" Nevaeh asked, noticing his shift in demeanor.

He was silent for a moment as he tried to find the words. "I've waited so long for this. To take back our home." He sighed and he laid his head on her chest. "Now that we're here, I don't know how to feel. If we are successful, everything is going to change. It will not be easy, I know, but the uncertainty of the future frightens me."

She gently took his jaw in her hand and forced him to look up at her. "Don't worry about the future, my love. At least not now. Worrying about the future will get you nowhere. Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life. Be afraid when the time comes. Do not be afraid now."

He gave a small smile. "I am happy." He dropped a kiss onto her shoulder. "I am the happiest I have ever been."

"Truly?" She raised an eyebrow.

"Truly." He answered seriously. "I have had moments of joy and I have felt content, but never have I felt as I do now."

"Is that so?" Neaveh grinned.

"It is. I'll never be content without waking to you every morning and bedding you every night." He captured her lips with his. "I'm afraid you've spoiled me, my dear."

"Who knew the rugged warrior had such a way with words?" She fawned dramatically. "Is that what you say to all the girls?"

"Only the pretty ones." He retorted, earning him a smack on the ear. His eyes darkened and an evil smile formed on his lips. "You'll pay for that."

"Oh really?" She rolled her eyes. In one swift move, Thorin had her pinned beneath him and held her arms above her head. She could easily be free of him, if she wanted.