I Am My Own (Reader x Thranduil)

Chapter 13

The party was bustling with the reunion of long-time friends and merry conversations encouraged by elven wine and food. Everyone of elven superiority within a 100 mile radius seemed to have shown up for the engagement.

I had remained in my blue gown but Maewin tugged lightly at the loosely hanging material of her light green gown I forced her to wear. Saevel had gone off in search of a set of jewelry to add to the dress and when she returned with a silver necklace and circlet Maewin nearly sprinted out the door.

"I can't," she had said, "It's just not right. I'll be out of place."

After a bit of convincing she finally gave in and was now hiding behind me as we entered the dining hall.

"I don't fit in," she mumbled.

"Maewin, you are a guest of honor here," I said turning to her.

She began to wring her hands.

"Please try to enjoy yourself," I pleaded, "Now come on."

I searched in the crowd for Thranduil and found him speaking with a group of elves. I started towards him before Maewin latched onto my arm.

"I can't go over there," she exclaimed.

"Of course you can! Why not?"

"I mean, I don't want to," her cheeks flushed, "I don't belong there."

Of course she did. I knew she would fit in and even capture the attention of a few elves but I didn't want to push her to do something she was clearly uncomfortable with so I nodded, squeezed her hand and said, "It's okay. Just promise me you'll at least try to have fun."

She squeezed my hand back and smiled. I watched her dissolve into the crowd of people.

The elves Thranduil was talking to, I discovered quickly, we're captains in the guard of the city. They were discussing matters of security.

"I believe we should post a few more soldiers on the outer eastern walls of the city," Thranduil said as I approached from behind him.

"Yes, sir. I agree," said an elf with long dark brown hair, "That sector needs a bit more strength."

"This is a night of celebration! I'm sure your duties as prince can be put on hold for a little while."

My voice slightly startled Thranduil, as well as a couple others from the group, and he spun around quickly to find the source. He then smiled lightly and crossed his arms.

"It's a full time job and you of all people would know that."

I do. That's why I came to Greenwood in the first place.

He unfolded his arms and took one of my hands.

"I'm glad you're here," he said, "I think it's time for the main course and after my parents are seated we're next, otherwise everyone would have to wait."

The thought of making a room full of hungry powerful elves wait for a meal made my insides turn and I squeezed his hand to signify I was ready to go.

After taking our seats at the longest table, others followed in suit taking whatever spots were available. Thranduil and I sat across from each other. Queen Daealla sat on my right and across from her was my father. On Thranduil's right side was my mother who had quickly started a conversation with him.

The seat to my left was empty and I scanned the crowd for Maewin, hoping she'd notice and plop down next to me.

"Is this seat take," said a low voice that belonged to none other than Glorfindel.