Eclipse of Hearts ✔

Chapter 64. [Vaughn]

Vaughn's life had taken a pleasant turn. Suddenly from one day to another Thorin had disappeared. First panic had controlled the city, but together with the other council members he had brought back peace to Erebor. Soon whispers went around that Thorin had lost his mind and had drowned himself in the lake. Someone claimed he had seen him in Lake Town, but the statement hadn't been very convincing. 
Vaughn had no idea what could have happened. The only women who had been around him the last years, had left the city as well and that couldn't be a coincidence.  He wouldn't be surprised if Iorwen wanted to keep his sister away from him, but he did not understand the role Thorin would play in that scenario. That guy had been a nuisance lately. Or had that retarded bitch planned to bring him to the elf?  
That prospect really upset him. He wouldn't admit it aloud, but he feared the elf woman. Her influence on Thorin was so enormous that she would probably ruin all his plans, not to speak about what would happen if she found out he had kept silent about the existence of the young prince or princess. Actually it was about time he eliminated her for good, and he could only be sure of that if he did it himself. Even more, it would be wonderful to feel her hands or tongue for once... to experience first-handed the "magic"  she was capable of. 
He had to lure her and he knew exactly how to do that. It was possible some sacrifices had to made, but there was much more to gain. After all, there were others creatures with the same interests.

In the meantime he enjoyed his new position. The council believed he had to succeed Thorin for the time being, and he did so with pleasure. He intended to make himself much more popular than his predecessor, whom was hated by pretty everyone. If Thorin returned and things wouldn't work out as Vaughn wanted, he would make sure nobody wanted him to give up the throne for that drunkard, who had never listened to calls of his own people. 
The only one he was worried about, was Kíli. He hadn't received the confirmation the men had killed the dwarf, and actually he had expected their success by now. The dwarf could claim his throne any moment and it was hard to warn the guards, for it would make him look untrustworthy. He didn't want anyone to know that he was prepared to betray Erebor, and his king, for the right price. 
Vaughn opened the wooden closet in his sleeping room. There was a steel chest, filled with objects he had stolen for the treasure room. He couldn't keep his hands off and he wanted to have something in reserve when he had to flight. He didn't assume, but he was prepared for the worst. Aymara could tell somebody the truth and it was important she returned as soon as possible. She was of more value than the whole chest with gold, but it would be hard to lay his hands upon her again. He had both under- and overestimated her. She couldn't seduce the king, but she had the courage to leave Erebor forever. 

Vaughn caressed the golden brooch one last time. Then he closed the chest, locked his room and walked to the other side of the city, were the administrative complex was situated, just as his office. There he had an eye on all the messages that were send and received, and he would write a new letter as off now. 
He was distracted for a moment when a young girl passed by. It was a very young thing, barely having curves, but she was beautiful and he would love to lay his hand on her. With aversion he turned his eyes away. It was about time new women arrived in Erebor, for their absence frustrated him and he had enough of his own hand giving him his only satisfaction.