Break This Crown | Legolas/OC

Prologue

A large crowd gathered in the streets, awaiting the arrival of the traitor sentenced to death. Twelve-year-old Madelyn Auvray pushed through the crowd, wondering what was the cause of such commotion. Getting frustrated, she heaved herself onto a stone statue and watched in horror as her father was led to the center of a platform with his hands bound behind his back. Madelyn jumped down and shoved her way through the crowd, once again. Just as the executioner grabbed his sword, Madelyn felt a tug on her arm. Whirling around, she came face-to-face with Aragorn, whom she knew through her archery mentor, Legolas. 

"Don't watch," he demanded gently, pulling her to him. 

Madelyn was confused, and she struggled to break free of his grasp. After a few seconds, Madelyn met his concerned gaze. "What's going on?" she asked weakly, realizing Aragorn was not going to budge. 

Aragorn opened his mouth to answer, but the sickening sound of blade meeting flesh made Madelyn jump and bury her face into his chest. 

"No, no, no," she murmured. Lifting her head, she made eye contact with Aragorn. "Please," Madelyn begged. "I need to see."

"Trust me when I say that is not something you wish to see," he replied gently and began leading her away.

Silent tears ran down Madelyn's face as she trudged to wherever Aragorn was taking her. She felt drained, as if all the energy had been sucked out of her. Looking up at him, she asked softly, "What of me now? I have no one left."

Aragorn sighed. "You may stay with me, if you wish," he spoke. 

~

Two Years Later

Madelyn looked in the mirror at herself and sighed. She couldn't take it anymore. Two years had passed since her father's execution, but people still whispered. Madelyn was scared to walk alone on the streets without Aragorn or Legolas, fearing that someone might try to hurt her. When she was with Aragorn, however, he could silence people with one intimidating stare. Since taking her in, he had become like a brother to her. He helped train her in sword fighting and her archery lessons with Legolas continued. 

Madelyn couldn't live like that anymore. She couldn't take all the judging stares. She loved Aragorn and Legolas but she knew she had to leave. Grabbing her sword and slinging her bow and quiver over her shoulder, Madelyn snuck out into the stables. She quickly saddled her horse and mounted him. Taking one final look at her home, Madelyn galloped away.