To Hide a Princess

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter 17

I got a message this morning. I woke up to find a small letter slipped under my door from legolas. I have to meet him at midday in the white courtyard. It's one of my favourite places in the palace, along with the waterfall. Both are beautiful calm places that are perfect for thinking and drawing.

It feels different though, this meeting. Don't get me wrong, I have met him many times in the last few weeks. He's shown me parts of the town and palace. We've been to so many beautiful places. He's just slowly showing me his world. We go riding a lot too. We both love it. Aranel has finally accepted legolas and doesn't run away from him. It was very sweet though. Aranel even tried to keep me safe from legolas- I'm just thankful that they've got used to each other at last.

I don't know why this meeting feels different. Possibly because legolas always finds me himself if he wants to see me. Or every so often he sends a servant if he's too busy. I'm not that hard to find really. I'm always with my instruments, in the kitchens or by the waterfall. I'm gaining trust slowly but I'm still not allowed out of the palace alone. I don't know when that'll change but legolas and Arwen are good companions so I don't mind too much. It's almost freedom. It's just strange tht legolas didn't meet me though. I'm curious as to why. It can't be that bad. Can it?

Its almost noon so I head off to the courtyard to meet him. It's the white courtyard which is also known as the courtyard of stars. It's so beautiful. It's a large hexagonal space with arches all around the edge. The arches cross and intertwine with pale gold vines climbing around then. The vines reach up and curve over at arching to a curved roof. White flowers bloom on the vines, opening their petals into a star shape. Light slips through all the tiny Gaps in the roof decorating the floor with dappled sunlight. Strands of lights are also woven into the vines lighting the area so it sparkes and shines. The floor is all white stone but have gold strands running through it creating a spiderweb of woven gold on the floor. Candles are scattered around the edge so the whole courtyard flickers with dancing light. It's magical.

I walk into the beautiful area just a few minutes early so I can wait for legolas. I hate being late and I like to prepar myself before anything begins. Enchanted music from a hidden source filters into the courtyard but other than that it is completely secluded. Just how I like it. I hardly have to wait at all before legolas enters through the far arch. A smile lights my face as I see him and he smiles in return. However with him the is a new look in his eyes. Regret and a hint of cautiousness is hidden behind his smiling gaze. It just goes to further my worry. He walks to me and gestures to one of the ornate benches pfir us to sit before he opens his mouth to speak.

"Elemmire! I see you got my note. Sorry I didn't find you myself, I was busy in a meeting with father and I had to rush."

"Of course. Can I ask why you wanted to talk?" He nods in reply and his face drops to s'more sincere expression. I'm gradually worrying more and more. Is he ok? What's happened to make him like this?

"I have news. I'm afraid that it isn't welcome to you but this time I'm sorry there is no chance to compromise on this"

I only send a confused look in his direction as response but my heart is beating faster with every second that passes.

"we're leaving middle earth" he says strait out. I'm in a confused state of shock.

"Who's leaving? You? Your father? Arwen?" I question panicking. He just sighs in an almost apologetic manner.

"Elf kind Elemmire. We all are. You too."

No this cant happen. I can't leave! This is all I've ever known. I've never had a home but I'm getting used to this place. It's the first place I've settled in my life after my kingdom. If anything then this is my home. I can't leave now. I'm starting to love this place. Just like always the this I love get ripped away from me just as I start to understand and love them. Is is home to me. The first ever place. I refuse to leave. They cant't make me can they? Well they can I suppose. Legolas already said there was no room to compromise so this is it. I have to leave. Either way I don't know what I'd do if I stayed. I would slowly die. As much as I hate to admit it, I do need legolas. I cannot just split from him. It would literally split my soul now completed into two parts. I would do that to myself but I could never do it to him. I love him too much. This is what I was afraid of. I'm dependant on him. Well I guess this is it. I'm leaving and I have no choice.

"But why?" Is all I manage to say.

"We have to love. It's this or death. We can be immortal forever. I will be with you forever. It's life and its hard but I'll still be with you. It's not all bad. Shhh don't cry. It breaks my heart to see you so sad"

I didn't even realise I was crying until he said that. This is affecting me far more than I ever thought it could. Gradually all my self pity melts away giving way to anger. It just isn't fair however childish that is. Why does this happen to me. It's happening too many times and I'll break if it happens much more!

"No Legolas!" I mutter before repeating it louder and looking him in the eye.

"Sorry? We have to! There is no arguing this Elemmire it's decided!"

"Yes it's clearly decided. Ever think of asking before you arrange my life for me? No of courses not. Why would you do that?!. I'm just the little girl off the streets after all!" I'm getting mad.

"It's for the good of our kind! It's not all about you!"

"No it's not all about me. Of course not! So why does it keep happening to me. I've lost too much Legolas so how dare you suggest I'm not affected! You know nothing about me!"

"we'll how do you expect me to know about you when you keep pushing me away! You have so many secrets I don't know where to start with you! Our lives could be complete and happy by now but no! You have to be too stubborn and selfish to let us have our happy ever after!?! What do you expect me to do? I can't just chase you forever! It'll kill me someday!"

His words strike me where is matters and all my anger flows from me in a second. I deflate and collapse down on the bench. The tears start to flow again as violent sobs wrack my body. He sits downs next to me holding me up and keeping me close.

"I'm so sorry" I whimper. He responds by lifting my chin so I'm looking into his eyes.

"No Elemmire. I'm sorry I know it's hard. It is for all of us. I'll be with you through it all. It'll be ok"

"but it's my home. My first home in three years I don't want to leave"

"No Elemmire, you're home is where I am. Where I go, you go. We'll stay together ok? We'll find somewhere new and make it magical."

"I like the sound of that. Thank you" I whisper. I'm still upset but yes. I can deal with it. I always knew we would have to lee sometime I just didn't expect it to be so soon. I can stay strong.

Legolas interrupts my thoughts with a soft kiss. It's not hard or desperate but more like a question. A symbol that we can make this work. And it will work. It's just simple and soft.

"Elemmire?" He questions. I murmur a yes. Our faces still close, foreheads touching. "What did you mean? When you said you hadn't had a home in three years?"

I should have known that was coming. I shouldn't have said that. I'm not ready to tell him yet.

I only respond by pushing my lips back against his. This time its more passionate, hard and desperate. He pulls me onto his lap so I'm straddling him. One hang is on my back pulling him against him. His other hand tangles in my hair holding my head close. I move my hands up his back tracing his muscle before tangling them into his hair. He moves my hair to one side and kisses my jaw line before moving down my neck. I fail to suppress a moan as he starts to such and bite on my sweet spot. As we kiss I can feel him smirking at my reaction.

I can't up but think. Maybe some day I'll tell him my full story.