The Rose Without Thorns. { Thranduil X Oc }

Chapter 3 : Game Of Patience

" I guess I didn't truly understand the benefits of this occupation " 

Perhaps it was the pure childish innocence of the little elfling that walked by my side , that made a small smile appear on my thin lips. It felt almost awkward since I was used to false smiles , laughing at jokes that no one truly finds amusing .

As I walked with Legolas in glourious sunlight I founf myself relaxing as he pointed out various things. 

" Look Rora , Look " 

Legolas exclaimed as he pointed at a sapphire butterfly walking along the edge of a fountain wall. How closely he seemed to watch everything . A skill that undoubtedly would  be of use in the future. He broke away from my clasp he ran towards the butterfly soon showing as he walked carefully towards the butterfly , using the small hands he caught the butterfly gently . When I caught up with him , he was peering in at the trapped butterfly. 

" Perhaps you should release it Legolas " 

" But Rora I want to show it to Ada " 

" Is it fluttering against your hands. " 

Legolas giggled and I knew the poor thing was fluttering against his hands. 

"  Then it is frightened , would you like being caught by a larger creature , whom you cannot communicate with " 

He shook his head regretful and opened his hands released it. 

" Sometimes it is best to admire from afar " 

He nodded and returned to my side , taking my hand once more. And we turned only for me to freeze on the spot. The smile vanishing from my lips. 

" My Lord " 

I released Legolas hand and bowed deeply my heart hammering in my chest. Legolas however smiled brightly and ran from my side 

" Ada ! " 

He squealed happily as he ran to his father hugging him. I kept my gaze low , of course I had seen the kind before. In my line of work I saw him often , spoken to him. But always in the context of work. Standing before him now. I was unsure of how to truly act , especially since I had his son who had snuck out. Things were not looking so good for me now. Thranduil was known to have a quick temper when it came to Legolas's safety and I would rather not be on the receiving end of that temper. 

" You may rise " 

He spoke in his usual monotone voice and I relaxed slightly as were he angry I would know it by now. Slowly I straightened my stance. 

" My Lord , it is both an honor and a pleasure to see you " 

I soon realized that , that may not have been the correct thing to say as when I replied in my most polite voice , he seemed somewhat annoyed at it but nodded softly . I couldn't help but wonder what I said wrong . 

" You are Aurorialis Neluinan , to be my new adviser , are you not ? " 

I instinctively tried to fix my hair panicking as to how unprofessional I looked when I noticed the small smirk upon his lips. Almost invisible .. .I don't think ill ever even admit to myself why I was looking in that direction in the first place. He knew exactly who I was , of course he did. I technically worked for him for centuries , New title same sort of duties only now .. a bit more stressful. Being as respectful as I could be , despite my anger I replied calmly. 

" Indeed I am my lord " 

" I find myself curious as to what my son was doing with you " 

I saw Legolas look down fiddling with his hands. 

" I found him playing nearby when I was walking milord . I noticed that he was alone and offered to walk him back to the palace " 

" I see " 

The king hummed almost , as if debating my words. Legolas nodded eagerly and when the king was watching him . I winked at the elfling and he returned it trying not to giggle. I knew it was dangerous to lie to the king but at the same time ... I liked the feeling I got seeing Legolas smile so brightly. Perhaps I was being selfish ... Perhaps because it reminded me of another elfling I knew once. 

The king returned his gaze to me and I found myself avoiding it. He was intimidating and I had a feeling he was trying to catch me out and that irritated me. 

" I must return to the palace to prepare for tonight. I bid you a Good day and I expect to see you later Aurorialis " 

" Of course my Lord " 

" Perhaps you should brush your hair also " 

He turned his back to me but not before I saw the broad smirk and biting back my temper I answered calmly 

" Of Course my lord " 

It was like a  game of patience , and currently I felt like the pawn. 

Legolas waved as he followed his father and I waved also 

" Oh and Aurorialis ,  Do try to not lie to me in future. " 

I felt my heart freeze in my chest but all I could hear was a low chuckle.