I Am My Own (Reader x Thranduil)

Chapter 3

"My Lady?"

A knock came to the door pulling me from an afternoon meditation. It was Saevel. An entire day had passed and I still hadn't left my room since I was first directed to it. The only other visitors I have had were two elves that dropped off my belongings and left without saying a word, so I was grateful to hear Saevel's voice again.

"Please, come in Saevel!"

I grinned wide when I watched her peek around the door. I missed the company of Maewin and Saevel was the closest thing here that I had to a friend.

"Is there something wrong," I asked when I noticed she seemed to be set on a specific task.

"No My Lady, nothing wrong at all," she said gliding over to a wardrobe and pulling out a dress, this one more elegant than the one I was wearing.

"King Oropher has asked for your company at tonight's dinner."

"Really," I asked a little too quickly. I tried to contain my anticipation. "Will... Thranduil be there?"

I was beginning to get antsy about meeting my fiance.

"Yes My Lady, I do believe so."

"Please, Saevel. Call me (Y/N). "

She immediately gave me a surprised look of concern and her mouth slowly parted.

"Oh no My Lady, it would be disrespectful. We are told to never address a royal by their name only."

"But Saevel-"

"This is the gown I believe would best suit dinner with the King and Prince."

I could tell she was trying to avoid the conversation and I didn't want to push her since I seemed to already be making her nervous.

I looked over the dress she had pulled out and noticed something didn't seem right.

"This gown is no doubt beautiful but," I placed my hand on it to feel of the fabric, "it's a little extravagant for just dinner don't you think."

The gown was laced around the bottom with a golden thread on top of a deep purple. It trailed up in designs of delicate swirls that were carefully placed and stopped by wrapping around the waist.

"It is very fancy My Lady, but is extravagance not the common attire for those of your status?"

I nodded my head. "Yes but I don't feel as if this is necessary. Is there anything else. Perhaps something a bit simpler than this?"

Another look of concern flushed over her face before she went back to the wardrobe to replace the purple gown with a simpler green one. In my eyes it was perfect for dinner.

I slipped into the dress with the help of Saevel and we then went over to the vanity where she formed intricate braids that laid over the top of the rest of my hair. The final part to the outfit was a set of family jewelry I suggested on using. It was just as simplistic as the dress, a silver band that wrapped around the top of my head and a matching necklace with a single emerald in the middle of it.

"I do believe you are correct, My Lady. This is much better. Over-elaborate fabrics and accessories would only take away from your beauty."

I blushed and touched my necklace. I wanted to wear it so badly because when I first meet my future family, I really wanted my parents to be there but this was the closest they could get. Wearing something so closely connected to my family gave me courage.

It was finally time.

Saevel directed me to the dining hall where she stopped outside of the doors.

"This is as far as I go. The King and his family are waiting for you."

Nervousness swallowed me and I twisted my betrothal ring on my finger out of habit. A tense feeling pulled in my throat and I hesitated. Saevel spoke up again.

"Do not worry, My Lady," she smiled, "they will be very pleased with you."

That somehow gave me the courage I needed. I straightened my body and lifted my head before giving a nod of appreciation to my new friend who placed her hand on one of the door knobs to open it for me.

For a good first impression, being mentally focused is required... I wasn't however.

Right away, as I walked in, the conversations being held were hushed and all eyes turned upon me. I was previously under the impression that it would just be King Oropher, his wife, and Thranduil that I would be dining with. This wasn't the case.

Instead there were about twenty other elves seated at a long table. I assumed they were high in ranking, judging by the expensive gowns and robes they were wearing and every single one of them were now looking at me. It took all of the strength inside me to not lose my posture.

Saevel was right. Thranduil was unlike any elf I had ever seen before Immediately I was able to point him out with confidence, knowing for a fact he was the Prince of Greenwood. His hair of course was the first thing I noticed, seeing as though it was white enough to draw attention in pitch black dark. His eyes were the next thing that drew me in. They were serious yet playful, making it difficult for me to decipher his true emotions.

We held each other's gaze for a long moment before it became awkward and I quickly looked at the ground. I was also trying to hide my bright pink cheeks. He really was handsome.

I didn't know exactly what to do next so I just stood there, waiting for direction. It felt as if a century had passed before King Oropher stood up from the head of the table.

"May I have your attention," he called down the table. "I would like to introduce to you my soon to be daughter-in-law, Princess (Y/N)."

Extending his arm, the large silver cloak he had on flowed gracefully as he gestured to me. He beamed with pride and actually appeared to be genuinely happy.

Maybe this will not be so bad after all.

The elves stood and bowed their heads in recognition of me and I returned the action. Oropher then beckoned me to come and take a seat, sitting across from Thranduil and next to my future mother-in-law.

Oropher motioned for the party to continue and music had begun to play from the corner of the large hall. Food and wine were brought out and merry conversations picked up.

"It is a pleasure to finally meet you my dear," said Queen Daealla, "You are even more beautiful than they have said."

I smiled into my plate of salad and thanked the Queen for her gracious comment.

"But I assure you, Your Highness, I am merely average when it comes to appearance."

I looked up and met Thranduil's blue eyes that were already staring me down from across the table. It seemed he was studying me.

"Nonsense!" Oropher cried, startling me enough to jump slightly. "Thranduil must be one of the luckiest elves to ever live if he has the honor of gaining your hand in marriage."

I doubt he truly felt that way.

He didn't seem too pleased by my company which I completely understood. Perhaps he did not want to be married off either. Maybe he wants to live freely. Maybe he is love with someone else.

I took one more glance at him before returning to my food.

"Yes, she is most ravishing," said Thranduil.

His voice surprised me with it's smooth, deep tone and I quickly looked up to find him smirking.

"I am very lucky."