Where she is right - The story of Dís, daughter of kings.

8

Dís went up the broad flight of stairs to the royal wing. Guards saluted and opened for her. Slowly she went inside. It did not feel anything like home. The spacious corridor was brightly lit and the floor covered with precious carpets. It was dead silent and despite the thick carpets she heard footsteps approaching from one of the side hallways. She braced herself for another encounter with her brother, but it was Juntin who came around the corner. He had obviously been waiting for her. Dís heaved a sigh of relief.

Juntin did not escape that and he smiled his gentle smile.

"Where is he?", Dís whispered.

Juntin pointed to the large double doors just to the right of them. So Thorin had the former king's chambers of Thrór redone for himself. And it was his right to do so of course.

Dís nodded and looked down the corridor. She remembered in what direction her nursery lay and she expected Juntin to lead her there. Certainly he had already prepared everything. Just as she liked it. But the look he gave her, did not bode well. He turned around and opened the very next double doors to their right. Here lay the former chambers of Thrór's wife, her grandmother, the last queen.

Dís closed her eyes. She was so sick and tired of these little games. She was not the king's wife and she did not want these rooms. And she also knew Thorin was well aware of this fact. Quite annoyed she threw a glance through the open door. The first room seemed to be an office and reception room. Despite her anger she could not suppress a smile. She saw her favourite colours everywhere, her favourite timbers, furniture and carpets all similar to what she had chosen for herself in the Blue Mountains. A wonderful large desk. All of the finest craftsmanship. And everywhere vases with lush flower bouquets.

Thorin had always made fun of this absurd whim of men. A silly kind of ornamentation he had always called it. Dying plants in the house! But since her years among humans Dís had developed a most dwarven-unusual liking for plants and flowers. She has even enjoyed working in the garden and was thrilled to bits with her first home-grown beans and carrots. She walked around, rearranged some roses and looked at Juntin.

"He really tried hard I have to admit", she said with a sigh.

"Yes, that's right. No doubt. And I am to tell you he expects you to move into these rooms and no into any others."

"I thought as much", she replied dryly and continued, "Well, I think I will meet his request at least for this night. I am to tired for another confrontation."

"I thought as much", Juntin answered with an anxious look at the bloodstain on Dís's tunic.

The princess chuckled.

"Oh, Juntin! What would I do without you?"

"You would probably be asleep already. I am just delaying you, Princess", he said modestly.

He went to a cupboard and took a crystal carafe with red wine. Then he poured a glass for Dís and handed it to her with a bow.

"When shall I wake you tomorrow, Princess?", he asked.

"An hour before sunrise", she replied. Juntin raised his eyebrows in surprise, but nodded then without asking questions. He wished his mistress a good night and left quietly.

Dís remained behind alone, sipping her wine. Sweet and heavy. Just as she loved it. She strolled over to the desk and pulled out a few of the drawers. Fine parchment with the family crest, quills and ink. She ran her hand over the polished wood and sighed. Then she went into the next room. Her bedroom as it turned out to be. It was warm and pleasant, the bed already prepared and her nightgown laid out. She put her glass on the bedside table, turned around and froze. Just opposite her bed was a double door that, telling from it's position, led directly in Thorin's bedroom. Dís swore softly. A bold or key was not to be found of course. She thought for a moment and jammed a chair under the door handle as quietly as possible. The door to the reception room could be bolted and she locked it with a content smile on her face. Then she went into the bathroom, washed and took care of the little wound on her chest and looked around here. Next to the luxurious, spacious bathroom in green marble with cupboards, large mirrors, toilet and sink, a beautifully manufactured bathing grotto opened from there. Fed by the hot springs under the Erebor.