An Unexpected Romance

Chapter 19

Chapter 19

3 months later...

"We've made it. We're back in the Shire," Primrose said.

She breathed in the familiar scents and smiled at Kili.

"Yes we are. I only hope that Uncle Bilbo isn't too cross with you," Kili said.

"Well there is only one way to find out," Primrose said.

Kili nodded and the two rode down through the Shire into Hobbiton. As they rode past Hobbits going about their business people stopped and stared at them. Some recognised Primrose and looked like they'd seen a ghost.

"Is that really you Primrose Baggins?" they called out.

Primrose merrily greeted those she knew as she rode past. Thorin and Fili had slept for most of the journey only waking when needing a feed or to be changed. There had been a number of stops on the way when the babies needed changing. Finally Kili and Primrose reached the hill leading up to Bag End. Primrose couldn't tell if her Uncle was at home or not so after they had dismounted Kili and Primrose made their way up the hill to Bag End each carrying one of the twins. Kili was carrying Fili and Primrose was carrying Thorin. Primrose took a deep breath and tried the door. It wasn't locked so Bilbo was obviously home.

"Hi Uncle Bilbo," Primrose called out, as they made their way inside.

Primrose led Kili through to the sitting room and there they found Bilbo smoking a pipe. He stared at Primrose and stood up.

"HOW DARE YOU RUN OFF WITH THE DWARVES WITHOUT TELLING ME WHAT YOU WERE GOING TO DO," he thundered.

"I'm sorry Uncle. I saw the contract there and you weren't up and they were leaving and so I just went with them," Primrose said.

"From what I heard you were a real asset to them," Bilbo said.

He was now smiling and Primrose knew it was alright. He had been pretending to be angry with her.

"I was worried sick about you until I got your message Kili. Thank you for looking after my niece. I was a bit upset that you'd married her without asking my permission but I'm sure there was a good reason for that," Bilbo said.

"There was. It had to be done quickly and quietly so my uncle wouldn't find out," Kili explained.

"How is your Uncle?" Bilbo asked.

Kili's smile left his face.

"I'm guessing you haven't heard and that is probably my fault for not including it in the message. Uncle died during the battle that took place after we retook Erebor. A filthy Orc killed him. My brother also died by the same Orc's hand. So I'm King under the Mountain as I inherited the throne," Kili said.

Bilbo nodded as that explained the crowns Kili and Primrose were wearing.

"So my niece is your queen?" Bilbo asked.

"That is correct. She is my wife and consort. Our children," he indicated the babies "are my heirs. Prince Thorin who Prim is holding is our first born so he's crown prince. Like my brother was. And I'm holding his brother Prince Fili. We named them for my uncle and brother. It seemed a fitting thing to do," Kili said.

Bilbo smiled.

"Can I hold them?" he asked.

"Of course you can. They are your great nephews," Primrose said.

"How do you tell them apart? They are obviously twins and identical" Bilbo said.

"We dress them in different colors," Primrose said.