Lost and Found [Thranduil love story]

Chapter 33: Down from the door where it began

The next three months of waiting to fight the wraiths were sheer torture. It wasn't the anticipation of the battle that gnawed at me, but the endless, monotonous duties of being queen. To make matters worse, I was only the figurehead; Algernon and Marcus did all the actual ruling. Algernon, with his usual gruff efficiency, handled the day-to-day affairs of the kingdom while Marcus, against my vehement protests, busied himself with finding me a suitable husband among the nobility and the princes from other kingdoms.

"Your Majesty, might I suggest attending the council meeting today?" Marcus inquired one morning, his tone overly polite. "Prince Llewellyn from the Northern Isles is particularly keen to meet you."

I sighed, staring out of the window at the training grounds below where Algernon was waiting for me. "Marcus, I have more important things to focus on right now. Wraiths, remember?"

Marcus frowned but remained undeterred. "Your people need to see you. They need to believe in their queen."

"They need to believe in their queen's ability to fight off supernatural threats, not her ability to smile and wave at yet another prince," I retorted, already halfway to the door. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to dodge some imaginary arrows."

Down in the training grounds, Algernon was waiting with a look of mild impatience. "You're late," he grumbled.

"I'm a queen. I'm supposed to be late," I shot back, trying to catch my breath.

He rolled his eyes and tossed me a wooden sword. "Today, we focus on agility. You need to be able to move swiftly and dodge attacks."

"Great. Just what I need," I muttered, taking my position.

As we sparred, Algernon's voice was a constant drone of criticism and grudging praise. "Keep your feet light... No, not like that, you're practically stomping... Better, but still not good enough..."

After what felt like hours, we took a break. Algernon handed me a water flask, his eyes scrutinizing my every move. "You're improving," he admitted reluctantly.

"Thanks. I think," I replied, gulping down the water. "And how goes the quest for my perfect husband?"

Algernon snorted. "Marcus is thorough, if nothing else. You should be grateful he's taking care of it. Leaves you free to focus on the wraiths."

I groaned. "I just wish he'd leave it alone. I don't need a husband. I need to be ready for this fight."

"You need both," Algernon said bluntly. "A strong alliance through marriage could be just as vital to the kingdom as defeating the wraiths."

I knew he was right, but that didn't make it any easier to swallow. "Yeah, well, maybe I'll just marry the first prince who can beat me in a sword fight," I said, half-joking.

Algernon's lips twitched in what might have been the beginning of a smile. "Careful what you wish for, Your Majesty. You might find yourself married to a commoner."

As the days turned into weeks, my training sessions with Algernon grew more intense. He pushed me to my limits and beyond, making sure I was prepared for anything the wraiths could throw at me. Meanwhile, Trouble continued to train me in the use of ring magic, guiding me through exercises that left me both exhausted and exhilarated.

One evening, as I sat in my chambers, trying to relax after another grueling day, Marcus knocked on my door and entered with a scroll in hand. "Your Majesty, I have news."

"Please tell me it's not another suitor," I said, rubbing my temples.

"No, it's about the wraiths," he said, his expression serious. "According to our scouts, they're starting to manifest more frequently. The time is approaching."