Hummingbird Heartbeat

Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Maranda lay in that huge cold bed hours later, shaking slightly. Her wings were whole and attached to her. They were bound against her back to keep them from tearing at her skin. According to Thranduil if she flew too soon she could lose both wings for good. So she was still grounded. For several hours she had been pampered and waited on by nearly a dozen Elven ladies, washing her and dressing her and doing her nails and making her hair even, since it had looked really patchy. It was now so close to her scalp she might as well have just shaved it off.

She had heard Bilbo follow her to her room and had loudly told the Elves she was tired and hungry, could they get her some food while she napped. So they left and she and Bilbo were alone. She just had to wait for the last few feet to run off. Silence echoed.

"Bilbo," she hissed, kicking off the covers.

"Here," he answered, pulling off the Ring. "I'm sorry I didn't say-"

"I already knew. Look, I know how we get out, pass it off as your idea, go wait in the wine cellar for the keymaster to get drunk. He will, trust me, then snag the keys, free the others and come back for me. There's a festival at some point and then we can-" She buckled over.

"Mara!" Bilbo said in worry.

"No, it's nothing," she waved him off with a frown. "Has it been a month already? Look, just go. Come get me when it's time. If someone is here with me, knock over...that vase." She pointed at a delicate piece that was unmistakable.

"Okay. Yes good. Bye," he said and slipped the Ring back on. Maranda sighed and climbed back up onto the bed. She rubbed her face and shifted slightly. A few minutes later several platters of various foods were brought for her and she picked at it. She felt guilty eating this when she wasn't sure what her friends got. Her family. Had she actually called them family? She had. Oh geez. There was a knock on the door and Thranduil stepped in. Maranda flung a black berry at his head.

"Better, then," he said as Legolas stepped in after him. Several of the female handmaidens sighed and looked at him longingly behind the King's back. "I'm glad you're eating."

"More like refusing to. Is my Company getting this much?" she snapped and Thranduil arched an eyebrow.

"Do you wish them to?"

"Yes," she replied at once. "Yes I do." Thranduil waved a hand and several servants left.

"Done," the King said and walked around the room. Maranda clenched her teeth as a cramp smacked her right in the gut. This was bad. "You're used to giving orders I see."

"My mom calls me a natural born leader," Maranda said tersely.

"You will make a fine queen some day," Thranduil said airly.

"Don't be an idiot I-excuse me what?" She span to face him.

"As my son a good king."

"Father," bowed Legolas, a smile on his face.

"Wait wait wait hold everything, who said anything about getting married? I'm barely a legal adult!" she shouted and Thranduil arched an eyebrow again.

"Fairies live forever."

"Unless they commit suicide," Maranda snarled and Thranduil frowned.

"Are you really so against me?" Legolas said and Maranda glanced at him.

"It's more the whole idea of marriage itself. I never wanted to get married, and I still don't want to," she said and crossed her arms. "And no amount of stupid gifts or magic dust will change my mind."