Queen under the Mountain (Thorin Oakenshield fanfic)

The Secret is Out

Myra P.O.V

The last few months were the happiest I've felt in a long time.  My family was whole & it felt right.  The kids adored Thorin & the twins. They were constantly around each other. I enjoyed retiring to my room & spending time with them. It made ruling so easier with an escape. However, my hermit behaviour was drawing attention.

People were beginning to spread rumours about my new lover. I brushed off the comments & continued on with my duties. But, Thorin was hearing them & was furious. He wanted so badly to barge out & knock some sense.

I struggled to keep him calm & hidden. Dis spent time defending my honour on his behalf. But, she couldn't keep doing this so I decided to schedule a major announcement. My mother didn't like this idea but understood why we needed this.

Today was busy as usual with meetings & settling local complaints. Bard came over to spend lunch & save me from endless meetings. It was so hard to not tell him the good news. I had to keep playing coy around my newfound happiness. All I could tell him was I had a large formal announcement in a fortnight. He eagerly accepted & offered help setting up. I agreed since it would speed up the process.

The day was finally here. Everything had been finished a day before the announcement. This gave us ample time to double-check that everything was right. Nothing was out of place. The rooms were ready for everyone: my family, Bilbo, Gandalf & our other friends.

Thorin & the boys had to hide while my ladies helped me dress. I had to get dolled up but didn't want to be too complicated. It took an hour and 1/2 to get ready. Everyone else was ready by then or needed a few minutes. We all gathered in my room to relax before having to file in. We had a 15 minutes before needing to head over to the throne room.

"You look nervous." Mother noticed as we lounged around

"I wonder how the world will take the news." I replied as I stroked the twins heads

"The shock will last for a long while. But, you need to be more worried about the immediate danger. Their return strengthens your rule. If there wasn't an immediate urgency for your death, then you'll ignite that spark in a few moments." She warned me

"For now, let us enjoy the calm before the storm." Dis interjected

She helped keep the peace. Thanks to her, my nerves were well controlled. The guards came to collect us right on time. We marched to the corridor behind the throne.

The horns were blown as everyone was introduced. My sisters & mother went first followed by Dis. The kids went together after I gave them a gentle push. I was last & headed for the throne.

Everyone remained kneeling until I sat. Everyone was nervously looking at me. My extended family were standing in front of me across the other envoys. The Steward of Gondor, Turgon, was eyeing me from his wheel chair. Ecthelion II & his pregnant wife were smiling along. They held onto their son, Denethor, & his sister like they were prepared to move them forward at any moment.

"1st, I want to thank everyone for making the long journey. For what I have to say today, I am glad to have my family & dear friends to celebrate with me. Despite the nerves, I am excited to share my news." I began

"In these last few months, rumours have begun to spread about my secret paramour. I wish to settle this issue for all to hear." I continued as my stomach flipped

"I do have a partner. This lovely man has been spending time with myself & my children these past months. We have been extremely happy in each other's company." I revealed, earning gasps & whispers from everyone