Chapter Text
The young queen of Mirkwood, it was the title you have received after you have undergone a union with the Elvenking. The position has granted you countless privileges given that you now have great power over the kingdom, and yet, you could not confidently say that you are elated with your circumstances.
Every single time that the darkness blankets the sky, your hesitation grows bigger and gnaws into your gut harder. You were doubting yourself more and more, and the arrangement that you have with him was not helping.
Like a garden of begonia, he tended to hide you from the internal matters of the kingdom, no matter how evident it is that you wanted to gain more than what he let you.
"Her words are not incorrect," you stated, your gaze following her when she left. "The races outside the bounds of your territories needs our assistance."
"How long have you been there?" he asked despite being aware that you were staying close some time now.
"They will eventually affect us in one way or another." You stepped into the light, emerging from the shadows casted by the pillar. "If we could prevent things from worsening, then why must we not act sooner?"
His eyes softened, yet his tone was just as stern as it usually was the moment he remarked, "You have yet to learn how it is to be a queen."
He was right; what he said was nothing short of factual. A young elf like you, who was closer to age with his son than him, was bound to be flawed. Compared to the former queen, his deceased wife, you did not entirely know how politics work, and you let your emotions get ahead of you whenever you make a decision.
Naive, you were and still are.
Deep down you knew that in his eyes, you were a youngling, a fawn that was not yet mature.
"It appears that I had not been watching my mouth carefully." You lowered you head. "Forgive me for my insolence, my lord."
He became quiet, sauntering to you.
"I have never said that you were being insolent."
"Pardon me for assuming."
Again, you bowed.
The table had food just enough to fill it but not too much to overflow. The dining area was dead silent if it were not for Legolas and your chattering about his recent patrol.
"We have successfully cleaned the forests of the spiders, Mother."
You took a sip of wine from your goblet, your attention solely focused on the prince while he narrated in high spirits.
"That is relieving to hear, my prince." You patted your mouth with a napkin, smiling through the cloth. "However, I must remind you that you need not address me as such."
"As what?"
"Mother." You folded the fabric neatly and put it on the table. "I am the current queen, not the one who have given you life."
You fixed your crown with your hand, lifting it slightly before it could slip away of your hair. The act did not help, though; it only made the headpiece fall off quicker. In resignation, you had no other choice but to take it off all together.
Just as you thought, it did not fit you nor would it be fitting you any sooner.
"You are finished eating?"
"Yes, my prince."
"Are you certain?"
You hummed in confirmation.
"I shall now retire for the night."
You stood up from your chair and made your way toward Legolas, walking behind the seated Elvenking. You put your forehead on top of the prince's head, which he welcomed, and whispered something---a prayer.
It was a little tradition that he have always seen you do with his son before you go elsewhere even prior to the two of you falling into a mother-son relationship. It was something you only do with Legolas and Legolas alone, and not even Thranduil himself had been bestowed a blessing from you.
"I shall see you the next morning, sprout."
With a boyish grin, he said, "Have a pleasant evening, Mother."
You did not go to your shared quarters, and instead made a beeline to the dungeon. As you treaded on the halls and descended the stairs, the eyes of the guards who you have walked past lingered onto your form. Light on your feet, you ambled straight to the cell of the leader of the dwarves, your right hand holding your crown securely.
"Thorin Oakenshield, is it?"
"What do you want from me, elf?"
"Do not be on guard, for I have not come here to cause you harm," you spoke softly, your voice lacking the edge or condescension that your king has. "Nor did I come here to attempt to convince you as this kingdom's queen."
His eyes widened a fraction, his gaze moving from your eyes down to your feet, obviously bewildered that learn that you were Thranduil's other half.
"What is it then?"
"I only wish to know what he asked from you so he would assist you with your journey."
Upon hearing your request, his guard significantly broke down, as though looking at you was looking at an adolescent who did not know that the person to whom they were infatuated with had been adoring someone else this entire time.
"White gems of pure starlight," he replied, earning a nod of understanding from you.
You were not that ignorant, and you were not ignorant of the reason why he desired to have the crystals. Stories of his undying devotion for the deceased queen has never not circulated the kingdom, and when she finally left, the whispers only loudened. Up until the present, he still yearns for his former wife, and what has just recently transpired was a proof of it.
That fact left you wondering for the reason why he even wedded for a second time. Sure, his council was involved, but he was the king and he has the absolute authority to refuse their suggestion. It did not make sense to accept it---not when the heir apparent, Legolas, is there.
"I am grateful for your honesty."
"I do not want your gratefulness."
Despite the harshness of his words, you offered him a quirk of your lips, muttering a prayer in the language of the elves.
"I sincerely hope for the safety of your group."
Done with your objective, you left him on his own. In the dim spaces of the castle, you navigated your way to the place you should be right now.
"You said you are to retire for the night." The Elvenking's voice suddenly reached your ears, almost startling you. "Yet I did not see you in our chambers."
You turned on your heel, seeing the esteemed elf's displeased expression clearly even when the light was scarce.
"I apologise. I am simply taking a stroll before resting."