The Royal Artist

Chapter 2

When y/n awoke the next morning, she was unsure of where she was. The bed in which she lay was as warm and soft as her own had been in Imladris, golden curtains hung from the posters in a protective canopy. The room was spacious and held a set of double doors that led out onto a balcony. There were three more doors led out of the room.

She spotted her saddlebag placed next to the armoire, carved from cherry wood. She swiftly climbed out of bed, still dressed in her clothes from the previous day and padded over to the brown leather satchel. After rummaging around for a moment, she produced a leather-bound book and some drawing charcoal.

She proceeds to the open doors and sits down on one of the chairs, flipping open the book to a clean page, she takes the charcoal in hand and starts drawing the view, being certain to get the shading just right.

She had barely set the image down onto the table, her hand stained with gray, and aching from overuse when a masculine voice spoke from the door.

"That is beautiful, you have an extraordinary talent, my dear."

Y/n turned around to see Thranduil leaning against the doorframe, carrying a large breakfast tray laden with food. The mere smell makes her stomach grumble. He sets the tray on the table and takes his seat across from her, a smile illuminating his features.

"I hope you do not mind, but I did not know what you would like, so I asked the kitchen to prepare something of everything." he looks rather shy and a dusting of blush covers his cheeks.

"This looks wonderful, thank you," she replies timidly before serving herself some orange juice, freshly cut fruit, and yogurt. They eat in silence until the food is almost finished.

"May I see some of your artwork?" Thranduil asks, eyeing the discarded sketchbook. "Of course." y/n replies, reaching for the book and handing it to him. He is silent as he ponders each illustration, making her more nervous by the second.

"I know they are not very good, I usually do not share my drawings..." she trails off as she bites her lower lip hard enough to draw blood. "You are utterly right, these are not good, they are exceptional. Looking at each of these make me feel as if I am there, at that moment with you. You have a beautiful gift." he says smiling as he hands the book back. She cannot help the scarlet blush coloring her complexion at his praise.

"Do you only work in charcoal, or do you work in other mediums as well?" he questions, steepling his long, dexterous fingers. "I work in charcoal, watercolors and oil paint. Although lately, I only have time to work in charcoal. I used to do a lot of painting when I was in Imladris..." she trails off, a shadow of sadness crossing her delicate features.

"I see." is all Thranduil says, clearly lost in his own thoughts until a sharp knock comes from the door of the sitting room. Thranduil calls out for them to enter and a female guard with auburn hair enters, giving a formal bow. "Forgive me for the intrusion my lord, but I was sent to inform you that the council is assembled for the meeting that you requested."

"Thank you Tauriel." he turns away from her to look back at y/n. "I am afraid I must go, but I will see you later. Feel free to explore the palace while I'm gone, Tauriel will escort you." he takes her hand, placing a soft kiss on it before departing.

"Hello, my name is Tauriel." the guard says, bowing in greeting. "Hello Tauriel, my name is y/n." she stands, bowing back. After going to the bathroom to wash, y/n walks back into the bedroom to see a simple, yet elegant ice blue dress laid out for her behind the dressing screen. "His majesty thought you might like it," Tauriel explains upon seeing her bewildered expression.

After donning the dress and putting her hair into elvish plaits she and Tauriel exit the chambers. They wander through the halls, with Tauriel showing her where everything is. By noon y/n's feet are aching and she has no idea how she is going to be able to navigate the cavernous halls without a map. The two elves rest on a shaded bench in the expansive gardens when Tauriel reveals "The king is holding a welcoming feast for you this evening. I have never seen him so entranced with someone before. The whole court will be there," she lets out an uncharacteristic giggle and gives a knowing smile.

That evening, y/n is dressed in a midnight blue dress with delicate silver embroidery that hugs her figure, showing off her curves beautifully. Her hair is slightly pinned back with midnight violets and spills down her back in soft waves. There is a light knock on her chamber door before Thranduil enters looking resplendent in garments matching her own with a silver circlet resting atop his head.

"You look gorgeous, my dear, a vision of loveliness" Thranduil sweeps into a low bow, a broad smile pulling at his lips. "Thank you," she giggles. "you look very handsome tonight as well, my king." she gives him a playful smile as his eyes darken infinitesimally before he returns the gesture as he leads her down the hallway and to the banquet hall.

When they arrive, the feast is in full swing with goblets of wine and large platters of food being served, elves playing lively music for the couples dancing across the floor and lanterns casting a golden glow over the entire scene. The night is filled with laughter and dancing.

After a few hours, Thranduil is swept away by one of his advisors about some trading agreement with the dwarves of Erebor and y/n is sitting on a chair, resting for a moment when Legolas approaches and offers his hand. "My lady, may I have this dance?" he asks, even though she would rather be anywhere else, she takes his hand with a forced smile and lets him lead her out to the dancefloor. Placing one hand on her waist and the other holding her hand, he leads her in a sweeping waltz.

"You look lovely this evening, my lady," he whispers in her ear. "Thank you, your highness," she replies stiffly. His hold on her tightens slightly and she winces. "I wish to apologize for my behavior the other night, it was unprincely of me to speak in such a manner before you." he twirls her. "Think nothing of it, your highness, it is already forgiven and forgotten." she forces a painful smile, even though she wishes she could crawl out of her skin and hide. "You must understand, I am, shall we say, extremely protective of my father. I will do anything within my power to ensure that he does not come to harm, anything." he hisses as the song comes to an end and he releases her, bowing before walking off.

It was a mistake to come here she thinks to herself before turning and hurrying out the hall, deaf to Thranduil's call of her name.