The King of Starlight and Lullabies (Thranduil x OC fanfic)

Chapter 6- Of Hatred and Love

"Father," a voice came from the far end of the hall, halting whatever Thranduil was about to say to her. She couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed when his fingers dropped from her chin, turning to face the voice.

"Legolas," he spoke with utmost ease and elegance. Caledra's ears perked up at this as she leaned, trying to peer around Thranduil to get a look at the prince. He looked like a younger version of the King himself, to no surprise. His blue eyes and platinum hair... He was certainly a sight for sore eyes. His eyes were softer than Thranduil's, however. Whether it was from youth or a difference in personality was unknown.

"There have been a small band of orcs spotted to the east, at the edge of the forest, should we pursue them or-"

"Are they within the forest or not?" Thranduil answered rather hardly to be speaking to his own son.

Legolas hesitated for a moment, seeming used to the harsh way he spoke, "As of yet, no. But they could easily-"

"If they are not within the forest, they are not of my concern." He said, a bit more loudly than was probably appropriate for the small room. "If they do enter the forest, you may take action."

Legolas pursed his lips, "but father, this is not-" he paused, seeming to notice Caledra in the background, slowly slinking towards the door. Rats, she thought, knowing her escape had been noticed. "Who is this?"

Thranduil turned to you, eyes lighting up as he noticed you trying to slowly slip away, a small smirk on his lips. He clicked his tongue, "a new toy of mine,"

Caledra felt her heart practically catch on fire from her fury at that point, glaring at Thranduil as Legolas's eyes lingered on her for a second, obviously unsure of what was going on. He looked back at his father, eyebrow quirked up. "Just a servant of mine," Thranduil said, waving his hand lazily to dismiss any more questions.

"Anyway," Legolas began, turning back to Thranduil. "We cannot let them just roam free and unchecked, it's-"

"Enough." Thranduil said sharply, quieting the Legolas instantly. "I will have no more of this; you heard my orders. You may run a patrol on the east end if it will quiet you, but no more."

Legolas bowed, taking his leave.

"My son," Thranduil said, staring after him as he left, "is quite morally ambitious, full of inexperience... Quite like his mother," he said, eyes distant as he watched his retreating figure disappear. Caledra had her head tilted at this, recalling almost nothing of the late queen. She was said to be generous and kind, a free spirited sort. Which, now that she thought about it, made her and Thranduil quite an odd pairing. However, before she could ponder this any further, she was interrupted. "I have business to take care of; wait in my chambers, I will be there shortly." Thranduil muttered, turning away and practically storming out of the hall.

*

There were few things Thranduil truly hated, and there were also few he truly loved. As he stalked the corridors, rather sullenly and deep in thought, he thought about all things that fell into those categories.

But by the Gods, she was the only thing that made it into both.

The mere memory of her would send him into despair as he remembered the last time they spoke, the last time they saw each other. The way they would sit and watch the stars, innocent and without true purpose. Every moment spent together was so precious to him. Oh, Heavens, she was perfect in every way, and he hated her for that. To leave him here alone.

"My Lord Thranduil," an elf spoke, snapping him out of his gaze. He shouldn't be thinking about this, about her. He had work to be done.

*

One person sleeps in this bed!

Caledra glared at the bed in disbelief, as she traipsed throughout the King's quarters. The bed itself was practically the size of an ordinary room. Oh, the luxury of being a king.

Everything about the room was magnificent. It was like the trees framing it had simply moved aside, making way for a large cavern inside. There was very little furniture, which surprised her, although she supposed he hardly spent any time in here to begin with. Besides the bed there was however a large stand with a set of armor and a large sword in a sheathe hanging next to it. She made her way over to it, taking her time. It was nice to be alone, away from everyone. She actually liked to be alone. It gave her time to think about things and observe her surroundings.

Nearing the stand, she tentatively put her hand out to the chest plate, feeling the cold metal on her fingertips. It was amazing how even his armor was graceful, with the patterns engraved and etched into it, deep grooves brushing over her hands. She didn't dare even touch the sword in its sheathe, so she instead just admired the fine craftsmanship in the armor.

I have a lot more respect for whoever makes something this beautiful than anyone who wears it, she realized, gazing lovingly at it. It was true, she had never been particularly skilled at any type of craftsmanship which, she supposed, is what landed her in the docks. If you can't make something, the best you can do is move it around.

Thinking of the docks, she began to realize that she would truly never work there again. No more would the sun beat down on her as she toiled away. She couldn't help but feel ecstatic over that, not that her new occupation was that much, if at all, of a step up. Perhaps someday she would have lovely, soft hands, she thought hopefully, squeezing her palms.

Oh and Auric! She never had gotten to visit the poor lad after they said goodbye. She was sure he was doing fine, however she did miss him terribly. And being in the presence of the King made her miss him even more.

Her thoughts, now drifting back to the king, were full of troubled anger. She made her way back over to the giant bed, arms crossed over her chest as she stared at it crossly. Why does one person get all of this, when others are struggling to get by? It just didn't seem right to her.

There was one other thing in the room she hadn't examined yet, over in the far corner behind the bed. There seemed to be a raised dais, and something steamed out of it. She had an inkling of what it might be, and her walk over soon confirmed it, and in that moment there was nothing she wanted more than to sit down in the heated water and rest her tired muscles. Although most houses had a washroom with a bathing pool in it, this one was just spectacular. She looked around, slowly dipping a finger in as she checked the temperature. It was so warm. Oils and soaps were nearly arranged around it in a color coordinated order. Caledra couldn't help but snort at that. It seemed the King was a bit of a neat freak.

The best part about it however, she discovered, was the fact that the roof above it was open. She looked up in wonder at the millions of stars in the distance. How relaxing this must be!

She was considering getting in, if only for mere minutes, when the door clicked open.