I Am My Own (Reader x Thranduil)

Chapter 8

I led Nessa back into her stable and picked up a nearby carrot to feed her. I let my hand stroke the front of her head while the other fed her.

The ride back to the stables was done mostly in silence, not in an awkward way but instead peaceful. However, that did not stop my mind from wandering. I recalled Thranduil's mention of his father scouting out a bride for him and felt a little hurt inside that I wasn't chosen by my future husband himself.

Yes, it may seem like I didn't have a choice in my marriage as well but ultimately it was my decision. If it was going to be the absolute death of me to marry Thranduil, my parents would have understood and allowed me to choose someone else through love.

But my parents also knew I'd do anything for our people. No matter how much I didn't want to get married like this, Thranduil was still my own decision.

"I am surprised an elf of your ranking isn't allowed to choose his bride," I accidentally let slip out from my thoughts.

He turned from removing his reigns from Verrina with a look of complete confusion.

"I beg your pardon," he asked.

My cheeks flushed and I tried to clarify myself.

"You said your father was the one who chose me; that he sent out elves to find the perfect match."

He nodded and threw the reigns over the side of the stall.

"Only half of that statement is what I said."

Now I was confused.

"My father never made the final decision," he continued, "he merely insisted on who he wanted me to marry. You were my decision. From what I had heard of you, you seemed to be the best fit."

He said all of it so matter-of-factly.

"You chose me?"

He scoffed, "Of course! In all of elf tradition I have never heard of parents choosing the partner of their children. Insisting on a partner, yes. But as for choosing one, no."

I felt silly after hearing his comment as I came to realize he was right. I had never heard of an arranged marriage put together by parents in any elvish tradition.

Sheepishly, I turned to retreat out of the large open stable doors.

"Wait," Thranduil said, stopping me in my tracks.

I nervously turned to meet his gaze, anticipating what he might say.

"Allow me to escort you."

That wasn't what I was expecting, but I listened to his command and waited anyways, no matter how awkward it was.

He finished placing his riding equipment before coming to my side and folding my right arm around his left. He directed me out of the stables and onto a footpath that led to the palace.

It felt strange, to be physically in contact with a male elf. Other than giving my father a hug on occasion, this action was completely foreign to me.

The sun had dipped low beyond the horizon, letting dusk settle over the land. I noticed in the distance a set of rolling clouds and to drop a bit of the awkwardness I drew in a breath to speak.

"It looks as if we may get a bit of a shower soon."

I looked up at him to see if he had heard me.

"Yes," he responded, "It is much needed, too. The forest hasn't see rain in at least fortnight."

"Rainy days are my favorite," I said to keep the conversation going.

He turned his head quickly with his eyebrows furrowed together and a slight grin pulling at his lips.

"Why?"

"It's the best kind of day for reading. The sound of rain drowns out any noise from the outer world," I defended.

He excepted my answer by nodding as if he hadn't thought about that before. After a slight moment of silence he continued.

"I enjoy early dawn," he stated looking off in the far distance, "It's the time of day where everything seems most quiet. I usually watch the sunrise in the garden. You know, the place where you decided to abandon my company yesterday."

I blushed and swallowed hard before responding.

"About that, my Prince," I started trying to sound as sweet as possible, "I would like to offer-"

"Forgive me,"Thranduil said, cutting me off.

His apology threw me back and I pulled the both of us to a halt just before entering the gates surrounding the palace.

"I was very discourteous towards you and your feelings last night. My behavior was exceedingly ungentlemanly."

I searched his stern blue eyes for sincerity. He seemed to be genuine with his serious face staring down at mine.

"Your apology is accepted My Lord. But it is I who should be asking for forgiveness. I was the one who acted brash and put a negative mood on last night's dinner."

I turned my head to the ground shamefully, thinking back to how I had rudely dismissed Valori and yelled at Thranduil.

"Nonsense," he said lifting my chin, "If anything, you gave last night a unique spark. And I admire your strength of character."

I laughed under my breath. "Is that what you're calling it?"

He placed both of his hands on my shoulders. The physical contact made me shutter slightly. How will I survive the wedding night if I can't even get used to a simple touch of the shoulder?

"And you should call me by name. We are getting married after all."

I felt my cheeks burn again at the place my mind was at right now. He released my shoulders and walked over to the gate to open it. I took this moment while his back was turned to take a deep breath to calm my nerves. He gestured for me to go through the gate and I did as he asked and waited for him to shut it before taking my arm in his again.

The sun was completely out of sight by now and a cool breeze had settled on the kingdom as a precursor to the storms that were soon to come. We entered the home of King Oropher and Thranduil continued to escort me through the halls and past whispering servants and other elves. He took me all the way to my room which seemed to be further away from the main entrance than I remembered.

"I bid you a pleasant evening, my lovely bride."

"And a peaceful evening to you, my dear prince."

We gave each other the customary elvish gesture of farewell. Thranduil closely watched as I opened my door and crept quietly in, making direct eye contact with him before shutting it lightly.

I listened closely for his footsteps to dissipate on the other side before turning around and leaning up against the door and letting out a loud sigh. I had a lot to think about tonight.