Delicate

||Chapter 2||

(y/n)'s Pov

As you and Legolas walked the through the halls, you couldn't help but think of worry for your well being.

Sure you and Legolas have been acquainted, but you are still mere strangers to each other.

"Legolas?" you called out softly.

He responded with a 'hmm' and turned to look down at you, waiting.

"Do you really wish to be wed? I do not want to rob you of your happiness of finding true love." You confessed.

He suddenly stopped, stopping you as well—seeing as how you were holding on to his elbow.

"Mellon nin, this is for our people, and although I am against the idea of marrying not for love. We cannot deny that our people seek the guidance we have." He explained.

It broke your heart because you knew what he said was true.

You felt selfish, thinking that maybe one day you could find the right ellon for you and you would be forever bounded by love.

It came as a surprise when your parents had spoke to you of your engagement.

It enraged you, and after days of pleading and crying you had learned to accept it.

"Do not carry the burden by yourself Mellon nin. I am here to stand by your side." you encouraged, which seemed to lift his spirits up as you neared the dining hall.

~•~

Dinner consisted of the king, Legolas, you and your parents.

It started out uncomfortably before Legolas broke the silence by telling everyone about his most recent adventure to find the man named Strider, and befriending him.

After that, you excused yourself and said that you were off to retire.

Legolas followed after you, offering to take you to your room.

You agreed of course—it would have been embarrassing to suddenly get lost and end up at the stables.

In which the event had happened to you numerous times in the time you have spent here.

You bid the ellon goodnight and gave him a soft hug for your gratitude.

You laid down on the soft mattress, with a sigh escaping your lips.

The stress escaping your body as you cleared your mind and soul. Falling into a deep slumber.

After an hour of your seemingly peaceful sleep, you awoke with the need to step outside.

Pulling the covers away from your small form, you take a robe and wrapped it around you, keeping you warm.

You opened the window and the cool air of the night entered your room as you sang a song to yourself, in order to let out your hidden emotions.

You sang in Elvish, your eyes closing.

"The stars are very beautiful, above the palace walls. They shine with equal splendor, still above far humbler halls."
You look up to the stars that littered the night sky.

"I watch them from my window, but their bright entrancing glow. Reminds me of the freedom I gave up so long ago.."

You think back to the times when you were a young elleth, so joyous and carefree, you wished to go back to that time.

"The royal circlet of bright gold rest lightly on my brow."

You placed your crown—given to you by the king, on your head.

"I once thought only of the rights this circlet would endow."

Your mothers words rang through your ears. 'The people depends on you, my dear.'

"But once I took the crown to which I had been schooled and bred. I found it heavy on the heart, though light upon the head.."

You had stopped singing when you felt tears run down your cheek, you reached a hand  to the stars, hoping they would take you with them to be free.

You pulled your hand back and closed the window, deciding that sleep would come easy as your eyes grew weary.

As you opened your eyes again, the sun was streaming through your windows and a knock rapped at your door.

"Come in." you called out.

In came Elbereth, looking as chipper as ever. "Good morning My lady, have you rested well?" she asked politely.

You nodded and pulled the covers off yourself and standing up. "I slept fine Elbereth. Did the king sent for me?" you asked in confusion.

"No My lady, The prince has. And as your personal handmaiden, it is my duty to assist you in preparation." she bowed before walking towards your closet.

"Legolas? What ever could he want?" you asked softly to yourself.

Elbereth took out an elegant white dress for you and ushered you to the bath.

After slipping on the dress, she had picked out she had proceeded to work on your golden tresses, then placed the crown atop your head.

Elbereth smiled at you with  encouragement, "You look very beautiful My lady, Prince Legolas is a lucky ellon to have you as his bride."

'Oh Elbereth, I didn't wish to be his bride.' you thought sadly, but nonetheless smiled at her.

~•~

Song used: Cost of the crown