Annalee

Faraine was incredibly pleased when I spoke to her of my day with the prince the next night. We sat up for hours in my bed with our crinkled nightgowns and bright eyes, talking and giggling like elflings again. She was not at all judgemental of my behavior when Arahaelon's soul connected with mine, and I was secretly relieved. I felt so stupid for running, and it upset me to know that I hurt him. I told him I was not ready for what was blossoming between us, but in my heart, I know that I want him more than anything. I am just afraid of loving him... and, most of all, afraid of losing him.

This morning, Faraine has a day off from work. She and Itylra decided to close the shop for the day because they both need rest, and this is proved when Faraine comes stumbling tiredly into the dining room as Papa and I are eating breakfast. Her honey curls are tangled around her head, and her eyes are heavy with fatigue. Her baby blue robe is clumsily tied around her waist and the sleeves are slipping off of her pale, slender shoulders. A sleepy smile comes to her lips as she kisses our cheeks in greeting, and I meet Ada's gaze from across the table, both of us attempting to hold in our laughter.

"You seem tired," I comment as she plops down in the chair beside me, resting her head against her palm heavily.

"Hmm, that is probably because we stayed up so late talking," she mumbles, running her fingers through her hair, "We have not done such a thing in years."

"I thought I heard the two of you laughing," Ada sighs, shaking his head in faux frustration, and then he grins, "So, what were you two girls discussing? I am sure that I can guess."

I narrow my eyes at him.

"Why, Arahaelon, of course!" he exclaims, laughing merrily as he shovels scrambled eggs into his mouth.

I blush as Faraine joins in with his laughter, and she throws her arm around my shoulders. "My dear sister is in love. I just know it."

I cover my face with my hands. "I never said that," I groan.

"You did not have to!" they both exclaim at the same time, and this causes them to laugh harder.

A sudden quick and forceful knock at the door silences them, and we all stare at each other in wonder. I stand quickly.

"What if it is Arahaelon?" my sister whispers, eyes wide, "He cannot see you like this!"

I look down at my yellow dress, touching my curly hair anxiously, and then I eye her. "More like he cannot see you like that!" I exclaim in a hushed tone, pointing at her nightgown.

The statement is like splashing freezing water on her because she is dashing to her room before I can process her movement.

"Ada, answer the door please," I beg him as he stands, and he grins at me, his eyes crinkled and highly amused.

"Very well. Go sit in the living room."

I rush to the living room, my dress swishing around my feet, and I perch upon Ada's armchair, opening one of his books to a random page to look more natural. I hear the door open and the sound of Ada's voice, and my curiosity is sparked when an ellon enters the room behind him- an ellon that is not the Crown Prince.

"My lady," the guard says, inclining his head respectfully, "I have a letter for you from Prince Arahaelon."

I stand and curtsey, taking the parchment from him with shaking hands. "Is he well?" I question worriedly, wondering why he would not visit himself.

The dark-haired guard smiles kindly, and there is a knowing look in his blue eyes that tells me he knows exactly who I am. "The Crown Prince is perfectly well, my lady."

I nod, satisfied with that answer at the present, and I open the letter quickly and scan the small, looping calligraphy that belongs to my Arahaelon. I then fold it, meeting the ellon's gaze. "Please tell Prince Arahaelon that I will be happy to attend and that I will arrive as soon as I can."

He inclines his head once more. "As you wish."

"I thank you," I call as Papa shows him to the door, and I then sink into the chair, re-reading the note.

My Dearest Annalee,

Forgive me, for I am unable to escort you to the palace myself this morning, but I wish for you to visit me today. I have some news to share that I am sure you will find interesting, as well as surprising, and I wish nothing more than to see you again. Please come at your earliest convenience.

Arahaelon

News? My mind races with thousands of questions and possibilities, and I barely notice that Ada and Faraine have entered the room until my sister positions herself at my feet and Ada speaks up.

"What does it say, Annalee?"

I quickly read them the letter.

Faraine's eyebrows furrow, but I notice that my father shifts uncomfortably, looking almost guilty. I eye him carefully, and when he notices, his countenance morphs into nonchalance.

"What do you think happened?" my sister asks, diverting my attention from my father for the moment, "What news does he have to share, I wonder?"

"I have not the faintest clue," I say quietly, pondering his letter.

"Well, 'Lee, the sooner you get there, the sooner you will find out," she says with a wink, and I grin.

____

When I reach the doors of the palace, there are guards stationed on either side. I wring my hands together nervously as I quickly eye the looming, beautiful palace that casts its gigantic shadow over me and much of the forest. The other times I have been to the palace, I was with the prince or his family and did not need any explanation to get past the guards.

"I have a summons from Prince Arahaelon." I am proud that my voice comes out even and calm, and I pass the letter to the guard on the right.

He quickly scans the letter, a small smirk pulling at his lips, and when he passes the note back to me, his gray eyes are full of mischief and secrecy. "Of course, Lady Annalee. You are welcome here."

I raise my eyebrow in surprise, for this is the second stranger I have met today who knows me. Does talk really travel so fast? Then again, the letter did say my name... but his mischievous smirk makes me think he already knew me.

The guards step back as the door is opened, and I smile at them in thanks before hesitantly stepping inside.

"You will find Alwin on the staircase to your left. He will take you to your prince."

I turn back to glare at the guard, whose teasing and mirthful tone causes me to blush, but the doors shut and I am left alone.

I inhale slowly, trying to find my courage. I have had a strange feeling about this meeting since I first got Arahaelon's letter, and all of the teasing from strangers and the odd way I am being led on just increases my suspicion.

My heart is anxious, more so than usual, and honestly I am afraid of what Arahaelon has to tell me. What if it is something dreadful?

I shake my head, banishing the negative thoughts, and I stride through an entryway on my left, spotting Alwin by the most beautiful grand staircase I have ever beheld.

"Alwin!" I exclaim, hurrying my steps, and passing servants turn to look at me, secret smiles coming to their lips as they do.

Alwin grins, wrapping his arms around my waist tightly. "Good morning, 'Lee. I am so happy to see you arrived safely."

"And I am so confused as to why I am here," I breathe as I pull away from him, my hands rested on his biceps. "What is going on?"

He smirks, winking at me slyly. "That is something that I cannot tell you. You will have to figure it out on your own."

I huff slightly, narrowing my eyes. "Well then, can you at least tell me why I am being treated so strangely by the guards? You are friends with them all, I presume."

His eyes are dancing with gaiety, so delighted by my confusion. "I cannot tell you that, either, Annalee. So, I suggest you follow me. All will be clear to you soon."

He takes my arm, guiding me up the stairs, and I lift my skirts with the other hand, praying that I will not fall down. My heart is beating against my chest like the wings of a giant eagle, and I realize I very much I hate surprises. I like to be prepared for what is to come, not have it hit me in the face all at once. But it is Arahaelon who has asked me here, and the thought of his loving nature eases my fears a tiny bit.

With each step I grow closer to him, and I cannot keep the smile off of my face. I can feel that he is near through our bond, which has strengthened ever-so-slightly, and I am surprised to feel his anxiety and nervousness thrumming silently in the background of my soul. Surely that is just my own feelings?

I tuck my hair behind my ear, remembering the way he held me in his arms a few days ago and the way our foreheads touched so softly, like flower petals brushing against one another in the breeze. I did not fully realize the extent of how much my soul has longed for him these past few days until now. I cannot wait to gaze into his eyes and look upon his handsome face again.

I am knocked from my meanderings as Legolas suddenly appears in front of us. He smiles, gazing at me with poorly contained exuberance. "Alwin, I will take her from here."

I look at Alwin in time to see a brief flicker of confusion cross his face, but his smile is back in seconds. "Of course." He turns to me, taking my hand and kissing it softly. "I will see you soon."

"Goodbye," I say softly as he turns and leaves, and my confusion grows ever stronger as I look back to Legolas.

He is giving me the strangest look this morning, as if he knows the most delicious news and is barely able to restrain himself from telling me. He looks so excited, reminding me of Nym when I bring him blueberry pie, and I almost laugh aloud at the thought.

"Are you going to tell me what is going on?" I ask him doubtfully. "No one else will tell me, and I am beginning to get quite frustrated."

He laughs loudly, slinging his arm over my shoulders the way that Tadion likes to do, and he begins to lead me down the hallway. I stumble as I try to catch up to his quick steps, and my cheeks are flushed from all of the mixed emotions rushing through me.

"Of course I cannot tell you! That would ruin all of the fun."

"Did Arahaelon set you all up to this?" I question him quietly, "Or does he not know?"

"Hmm," he hums, maneuvering us through the servants and high-ranking elves that stare at us as we pass. I am shocked at how many there are, never before having seen more than three in a single hallway, and I wonder if maybe they know what is going on. "I do not think I am allowed to tell you that."

"I should have known."

"But cheer up, dear sister, for you shall know the answer to all of your questions in time."

I furrow my eyebrows, and he picks up his pace, taking my hand and leading me to the Family Wing of the palace. Again, I am stumbling as I try to match his quick stride, and I keep my eyes on the floor, feeling the gazes of more people than I am comfortable with, eyeing me like predators.

"What did you just call me?" I question him, secretly pleased that he thinks of me as a sister. It feels nice to be so accepted by him and his siblings, especially since I have never had much experience with having friends.

"We must hurry," he says evasively, and his voice drops to a mumble I am not supposed to hear, "Arahaelon is probably a trembling wreck by now."

I stare at the back of Legolas's head, smiling. So I was right about Arahaelon's emotions! But why in Middle Earth is he nervous?

"Here," Legolas says, stopping in front of a single door in the long, empty hallway. He turns to me, his eyes so bright they are practically glowing. He squeezes my hand in his, staring at me for long moments with a look I cannot begin to decipher. "Whatever he says in there," he begins lowly, his face completely serious, "Remember what it is your heart feels. Listen to your heart, Annalee, and look to the future. Do not let your head get in the way of your emotions."

I open my mouth, prepared to ask him what he is going on about, but he silences me with a single wave of his hand.

"Promise me."

I stare into his open eyes- the same eyes that welcomed me immediately into his life. I remember him calling me sister a few moments ago and the way he watched Arahaelon and I in the gardens the other day, his eyes happier than any other person's I have ever seen. I decide that I trust Legolas, for he is like a brother to me. I decide to listen to his words that came directly from his heart.

I squeeze his hand back, smiling shyly. "I promise."

A small sigh of relief comes from his lips, and he leans forward, planting a sweet kiss to my cheek. "Thank you," he whispers emotionally, kissing my cheek one more time, "I will see you soon."

I am left alone in front of the door.

I wring my hands nervously, the stupid habit coming back to me as I am suddenly hit with the full force of my worries. Arahaelon is behind this door, and he has news to share with me. Everyone has treated me so strangely, including Legolas with his parting words. Listen to your heart, Annalee.

I inhale shakily, running my fingers down the surface of the door, feeling the grooves and patterns in the wood underneath my fingertips, and I swallow thickly, closing my eyes for a moment. I breathe deeply, attempting to calm my pitter-pattering heart, and my eyes flutter open as I place my hand on the cool doorknob.

I shall listen to my heart, no matter what Arahaelon has to tell me. I promised Legolas.

I finally enter, feeling like a peasant girl sneaking into her master's off-limits room. I am shocked to see the library for the very first time, and the smell of old parchment and spilled ink wafts up to my nose, luring me deeper inside. The room is massive, housing what must be thousands and thousands of books. The aisles of shelves almost reach the tall ceiling, and there are dozens and dozens of them, lining the room as far as the eye can see. Even the walls of the vast library hold hundreds of books, shelves built inside of them and spanning the entire room.

"Annalee."

I turn at the voice I have longed to hear, and I see Arahaelon sitting in a royal blue armchair by the fireplace that is on the furthest wall from where I am standing. I walk to him slowly, my fingers clenching the material of my skirts anxiously.

I become acutely aware of the material of my dress and the tips of my hair brushing against my skin. I suddenly feel small in the massive library, and as I walk to Arahaelon, the floor seems to grab at my ankles and the distance between us seems to grow instead of lessen. I can hear my ragged breath in the thick silence of the room, and my heart beats faster and faster in my chest.

The Crown Prince is dressed in robes of dark purple, with black bottoms accentuating the toned muscles of his legs and a finely crafted tunic that matches his robes. He stands as I approach, his deep green eyes searching my face intensely, almost as if he is trying to engrave the image into his mind. His silvery-white hair is long, falling past his chest, and it is braided in several places, a silver circlet resting upon his head neatly.

I stop in front my him, rolling my lips in, in yet another nervous habit. My breathing is shaky as I look at him uncertainly, not knowing what is going to be said. The only comfort I find is that he looks just as nervous as I am, maybe even more.

"You look beautiful," he says quietly, his voice low and rumbling.

I blink once, surprised. I then look down at the floor bashfully, not able to hold his burning gaze. His first words to me are unexpected, and I find myself stuttering out a reply. "I-I thank you."

Silence falls upon us awkwardly, and I want nothing more than to be able to talk easily with him again. I have no idea what is going on, and I feel lost and confused. His behavior only adds to my anxiety.

I open my mouth to speak, my words rushing over one another in an attempt to fill the silence that is suffocating us. "I find it funny that all of the guards suddenly know who I am. Everyone has been acting so odd this morning. Even Legolas and Alwin would not tell me what was going on. I-," my words falter for a moment as I meet his gaze, "-I was hoping you would tell me."

He exhales quietly, reaching out a hand to me. "Come, sit with me."

I take his hand, that same funny feeling I always get rushing up my arm and spreading throughout my entire body. He pulls me to him, guiding me to sit in the chair that is in front of his, and for a moment our eyes meet, the small space between us causing my cheeks to burn. He searches my eyes, so close to me that I could count each one of his eyelashes if I had the time, and I sit down slowly, Arahaelon following my lead. He continues to hold my hand, as he always does, and I smile slightly.

"Thank you for coming. I know you must be so confused and worried. I was unable to come to your house this morning, but I hope you can forgive me," he begins, holding my gaze.

"'Twas no trouble," I reply quietly, the silence of the library swallowing us.

"I wish to tell you the news- the news that kept me from visiting you. Again, I must apologize."

I shake my head. "You need not worry about such things. I knew you must have been busy. You are the Crown Prince, after all."

He searches my eyes for a moment. "Well, I was."

"Was?" I question him, furrowing my eyebrows and crinkling my nose. "You are no longer a prince?"

He chuckles softly at my confusion, reaching out to touch my face tenderly. His eyes are soft and gentle, staring into mine with such love and warmth, and my heart takes flight again. "What I mean to say is that I will not be the Crown Prince for much longer, Annalee."

"Why?" I ask him, still not catching on, but how am I to think clearly when he is so close to me-when I can feel his gaze like a touch? "Are you ill?"

He chuckles again, the sound rumbling deeply in his chest, and he runs his fingers down my cheek before letting his hand fall to take my other hand. "No, I am not ill. My father called me to his study a few days ago to tell me that he is now ready to give up the throne." His tone is patient and calm, washing over me like the sea, and it takes me a moment to process what he is telling me.

"You are the king." My statement is short and simple, leaving my lips as a mere breath. I can only stare at him in wonder and shock. Arahaelon is king. He is my king.

"I will be, whenever we proceed with the coronation, but the news is already spreading throughout Mirkwood that my ada is stepping down. I wanted to tell you myself," he says, lifting my hand to his lips to kiss my knuckles.

"You are going to be king," I state dumbly, still in shock. "I- I mean, we have had the conversation before, that you would one day become king, but I had no idea-" My voice leaves me on the last syllable, and I shake my head.

"It does not change anything, Annalee," he whispers passionately, leaning closer to me, "Do you understand me? My title does not change who I am. It does not change how I feel about you. It does not change the bond that is growing between us."

I look at him skeptically, but warmth pools throughout my body at his passionate words. "You are sure? Your family... does not find me unworthy of you now?"

"Of course not. Everything is just the same as it has been," he says soothingly, giving me a small, reassuring smile.

I analyze him for a moment, knowing there is more. "You are not telling me everything. I can see it in your eyes. I can hear it in your voice." My eyes narrow slightly as I analyze him, trying to figure out what he is hiding.

For the first time, he is at a loss for words. His gaze drops from mine, and he traces small patterns on the back of my hand. I can hear the birds chirping outside the open window somewhere behind us and the tree leaves rustling in the wind, and I can even hear the distant sound of clinking metal and strong voices from the practice fields that float up to the library on the wind. All these sounds remind me that time is still flowing on, but here, in this library with Arahaelon playing with my fingers, it seems to have stopped all together.

"You can tell me anything, Ar," I say faintly.

He remains silent, and I can feel a hurricane of emotions building up inside of him: worry, fear, love, passion. My heart aches knowing that he is torn, and I just wish he would tell me what is hurting him.

"You have never called me that before."

I furrow my eyebrows, thrown off-guard by his random statement. "What?"

"You have never called me Ar. Does this mean I can call you 'Lee?" he questions with a smile that does not quite reach his eyes. "I have been tempted to several times since your family calls you that."

I blush a bit, overwhelmed once again by his affectionate gaze. "You may call me whatever you wish," I state, clearing my throat slightly, "I just want to know what is on your mind."

Once again he looks down at our hands, his eyebrows coming together. "I wish to tell you more than anything," he says, his quiet voice sounding strained, "But I am afraid."

"Afraid? You never have to be afraid when speaking to me. You can tell me anything. Anything," I say, intertwining our fingers.

He breathes deeply, pulling me closer and resting his head on my shoulder. My pulse races at his touch.

"As king, I must marry," he states slowly, sighing, "Marriage is one step closer to securing the throne, and it will please the people to have a grand wedding and a new queen."

My heart sinks in my chest. He is going to marry. His father is forcing him to marry someone else. "Oh, Ar," I sigh as he pulls back to look at me, and I search his eyes. "I am so sorry. I know you were afraid this would happen."

I stand, turning away from him as tears spring to my eyes. I never thought it would hurt this much. My heart can barely take the news that he is so fearful to tell me. His father is forcing him to marry a stranger, despite the fact that he and I share a bond.

My chest rises and falls quickly as I breathe rapidly, attempting to not cry in front of him. I can feel my chin scrunch up, my lip quivering with suppressed sorrow. The news is like a knife to my chest. Just when I was becoming hopeful of my future with him, this happens. But that is how life is, right? The moment we think everything is perfect, it all comes crumbling down. I brace my hands on the window sill, closing my eyes tightly and trying to calm down, and I allow my perfect posture to slip, my shoulders curling over as if they are trying to protect me from his words that I know are coming.

"Annalee," Arahaelon murmurs, his footsteps following me to the window. "I think you misunderstand."

"I understand perfectly. This explains why you did not come and see me these past few days. You did not know how to tell me." I swipe at my eyes sorrowfully. I do not know if I love him. I am not sure of anything anymore, but knowing he will marry another is breaking my heart. The thought kills me inside, and I cannot stop the tears that flow down my cheeks. "You did not know how to tell me that you are marrying another."

His fingers enclose my wrist, twirling me around to face him. "No, Annalee, I am not marrying another."

I stare at him through watery eyes. "You are not? But you said-"

"-there is only one elleth that I wish to have by my side for eternity, and that is you."

I freeze, blinking away the tears that cloud my vision, and I am met with the sight of his impassioned eyes, blazing with love and determination.

"I called you here today to ask you to marry me, Annalee. You," he says, reaching out to cup my cheeks in his strong hands. "When your father visited, Ada asked him for his blessing in our marriage. I had no idea. Your father gave his blessing happily, and I spent all this time wondering how I was going to propose to you."

I search his eyes, unable to believe such a thing. No words come to me.

"Legolas told me what to say to you. We practiced it over and over again," he admits, looking adorably embarrassed, "But when you came through the door, I forgot it all. Your beauty is overwhelming, Annalee. Did you know?"

Tears form in my eyes once again, and he wipes them away as they fall. "Say you will be my wife. Please, say you will," he pleads quietly, tears coming to his eyes, "I know that you do not love me, and I know that I promised I would not rush you into anything. But circumstances have hurried me into proposing. There is no one else in Arda I would have besides you. I love you. I love you."

A small sob escapes my lips, and I close my eyes. I do not deserve him. He is kind and gentle, loving and passionate. He deserves someone that is not afraid to love him back. He deserves a wife who will love him and comfort him always. I am not sure of anything in my life. I am full of fear about everything. I am a coward, and I am shy and completely unfit to be queen.

But I want to be his wife. Despite my fears and my mixed feelings, I know above all else that I want to be his.

"You barely know me, Arahaelon," I tell him quietly, "How can you love me?"

"I love you," he whispers, kissing my cheeks where my tears fall, and his voice is absolutely mesmerizing, washing over me like a gentle rain, "I cannot explain it. I only know that what I feel for you is overwhelming and cannot be pushed away. You felt it the other day. I asked you to forget what you felt, but now I am begging you to remember."

"I remember," I whisper, my heart in my throat, and I can barely think as he kisses underneath my eyes, erasing the traces of my tears. "I know that you love me, but I cannot marry you, not knowing how I feel. 'Tis unfair to you. I do not wish to hurt you. That is the last thing I ever want to do."

He pulls away, gazing into my eyes with his beautiful emerald ones that I adore so much. "I do not expect you to love me now, Annalee. We have a bond, and it will only grow stronger in time. I will wait as long as it takes for you to love me back. But I wish to marry you."

I watch as he sinks down onto one knee, pulling a small black box from his robes and looking up at me through tearful eyes. "Annalee, will you marry me and stay by my side for the rest of our lives? Nothing would bring me greater joy than to spend every single day with you and be able to call you my wife."

I swallow, crossing my arms over my ribs. "I do not know how to be a queen," I whisper to him, "Nor do I know how to be your wife. All I know is that I want to be yours."

He smiles, a slow, real smile that sends a buzzing feeling from my head down to the tips of my toes.

"Yes, Ar," I breathe, wiping away another pesky tear, "Yes, I will marry you."

His grin is the most beautiful image I have ever seen in my entire life, and my heart stops as he takes my hand, slipping a radiant, sparkling ring onto my finger. As I admire the gorgeous thing, he stands, running his hand down my arm and brushing his nose against my hair as I lean into him.

"You need not worry about anything, 'Lee," he says, and I can hear the smile in his voice as he says my nickname, "I am asking nothing further of you. Our relationship will stay just as it is for as long as you want. With the weeks leading up to our marriage and as long after as it takes, we will continue getting to know one another. Our only kiss that will be required is on our wedding day in front of our new kingdom, and we will not share a bed, if that is what you wish. All I desire is you, Annalee, and your happiness."

I blush violently, having not even thought of anything that comes with marriage. "Thank you. I would like that very much," I say, smiling at how gentlemanly and thoughtful he is. I look down at my hand with wide eyes, holding it up for him to see. "I cannot believe this. This is not at all how I thought this day would go."

He laughs boyishly at my innocent statement, throwing his head back slightly. His eyes sparkle with unadulterated glee as he takes my hand. "Come, my family has been waiting for quite sometime now."

I take his hand, unable to stop smiling, and he leads me from the library and to the living room where I first met his family. They all turn to us in anticipation when the door opens, and it takes all of two seconds before we are surrounded by Arahaelon's sisters and mother.

"Annalee, you are just glowing!" Alarya gushes, cupping my face with her hands before pulling me into a tight embrace, and I laugh, wrapping my arms around her small waist in return.

"Look at that ring!" Lossenel says with a smile, taking my hand and turning it to see the diamonds sparkling in the light. She hugs me kindly, her smile never leaving her lips.

Almarëa grins, leaning forward to kiss my cheek. "We are going to have another sister! Can you believe it?"

Lossenel shakes her head. "'Twill take some time for it to sink in."

Legolas moves from talking to Arahaelon, and he wraps his arms around my waist, spinning me around. "I knew it!" he exclaims, "I told Arahaelon you would say yes."

I laugh as he spins me. "Okay, okay, let me down! I do not wish to throw up on you," I say, causing the others to laugh, and he obliges.

I meet his bright blue eyes, both of us just grinning for a moment. "Thank you, Legolas," I whisper lowly, and he nods.

Tadion appears beside us, pushing Legolas away jokingly. "Annalee!" he exclaims, opening his arms for a hug, and I step into his embrace, both of us laughing at his childish behavior. "I am so happy for you both," he says lowly, his lips at my ear, and for once, he is entirely serious, "I have never seen my brother quite so cheerful. I mean, look at that smile."

I glance over to see Arahaelon speaking to his family with the biggest grin I have ever seen on his lips. His gaze meets mine for a moment, and the smile somehow grows even wider.

"The most handsome one I have ever seen," I reply, embarrassed when I realize I have said it to Tadion.

He frowns. "Surely mine is more handsome."

I meet his teasing gaze, shrugging slightly. "I guess I am a little biased."

"Annalee."

I turn to King Thranduil, tensing immediately. Even though he has shown me nothing but kindness, I am still uncomfortable with him. He is just so intimidating with his icy eyes and tall build, and I always feel like a hobbit when standing in front of him. A small, very scared hobbit.

He gestures for me to come over, and I walk to Arahaelon's side, stopping in front of the king. He looks between us, his eyes merry and surprisingly welcoming. "A lot is going to change for the two of you," he says softly, his gaze shifting to me, "Annalee, I think I speak for all of us when I say that we are delighted to welcome you into our family. You and my son will do well together."

I blush as all eyes are on us, and Arahaelon and I share a smile. "Thank you very much, all of you," I say quietly, "I have never felt so happy in my entire life."

The king smiles, a real and blissful smile that reaches his eyes, which look between us with such pride and love. "I think you should go home soon, Annalee, and inform your family of what has happened, but in a few days we must begin planning the wedding and coronation."

I nod, feeling Arahaelon's warm hand in mine, and I feel dizzy with excitement. "Of course. I must tell Ada and Faraine."

"I will escort you home, since I was unable to this morning," Arahaelon offers.

"Actually, there are things we must discuss, ion nin (my son)," King Thranduil says and smirks slightly, "Come. You and Annalee have the rest of your lives to spend together. Right now, I need you."

Arahaelon leans in, kissing my cheek softly, and he whispers in my ear, "I will see you soon."

I watch as he follows his father out of the room, the door shutting quietly behind them.

"Would you like me to escort you home?" Legolas asks, and I turn, glancing at them all with an embarrassed smile. I am quite sure that I had gazed at the door for a moment too long after Arahaelon left, and their small smirks prove my assumption to be correct.

"I would love that, Legolas. Thank you."

__________

A/N: Sorry for the wait! I have been really sick the past few weeks off and on, so forgive me. I hope this makes up for the wait! Love y'all, and God bless! <3

Love,

Josie :)