Brightest Stars | Love of Royals: Book I

XL: Epilogue

SIX MONTHS LATER - FEAST OF STARLIGHT, 2942

One night a year, the Woodland Realm comes to life in every way possible. I used to see it from my heavenly refuge, gaze in fascination at the merry celebrations and vast assortments of food and wine, and wonder what it would be like to be at the centre of all that joviality and feel the night grow and rise around me. All the while I knew that it was my light, the light of the Stars, that ignited the spirits of these elves. They all appreciated what I did more than I did myself.

To actually walk among them, to have their smiles greet you around every corner, is more than any Star deserves. The elves may have their own feelings towards me at any other time, but today, even the most arrogant or disagreeable of them have managed to put aside their contempt for me and contribute to the festivities. I would not say that Tavalon and his sons are exactly friendly, but they seem to be suppressing their feelings of resentment as best they can. Perhaps Thranduil gave them a little talk while I was otherwise occupied.

Thranduil is more than I deserve too.  My husband makes every second of my life worth living, and with him, I feel I am becoming the Queen I need to be.  It was difficult at first, but that first period of unsureness is finally beginning to ebb away, allowing me to come into my own.  I'll admit, there were a few nights early on where it was bad, where I would stress and panic and break down crying in Thranduil's arms, wishing that somehow my duty could fulfil itself.  I knew it was never going to be easy.  It was and still is Thranduil who helps and guides me like no one else could.  I often wonder whether he struggled to rule at first, or if Ellerian did, whilst knowing it is better off that I refrain from asking him.

Today is a day of confidence.  I manage not to stumble on my words while having some new dresses fitted, or blush when the shortage of Dorwinion wine is announced—which was down to a little party a few of us threw for Gelya's begetting day—or even panic when a pack of spiders are found prowling the edges of our borders.  The final event does make my palms grow so sweaty, Thranduil actually wipes my hands on his robe before taking hold of them, but I remain calm and stand my ground like any good Queen should.  Tauriel and the Guard are sent to kill them, returning soon after with black blood dripping from their blades.  If there is anyone Thranduil and I can trust to perform admirably, it is them.

Now that night has fallen, and the kingdom has been sealed, everything can really begin.  The late autumn has wrapped around the forest in a blanket of orange and burnt gold, bringing cold winds with the fading dusk and a clear sky perfectly timed for the occasion.  Every Star in the heavens is visible... save one.

That Star strolls through the brightly lit halls with a chestnut-haired Silvan to one side, the impeccably dressed Elvenking to the other and a glass of sweet red wine in one hand.  I can feel my gleaming diadem resting against my forehead, my flowing layers of pale blue and silver gown brushing lightly against my legs, and infinite elation radiating from me as my companions and I are welcomed into the crowd.

'What a beautiful dress! Those colours suit you so much,' Nairelin exclaims, her rosy cheeks flushing even pinker with excitement as her earthy-coloured eyes take in the sight of my new dress.

Personally, I think Thranduil's attire is even more fetching than my own seems to be. A suit of glossy grey and obsidian hugs the contours of his body, complemented by the huge cloak of blood-red velvet that cascades down from his neck and contrasts with the blinding platinum of his hair. His tall, pointed crown suits the season, adorned with sprigs of autumn leaves as though it were a tree itself, and adding to his already massive height so much that he had to duck to get through our bedroom door this morning. The memory of that moment triggers a smirk to tug at the corners of my lips.