Darkest Nights | Love of Royals: Book II

XXXVI: Turn My Back

Fíria's POV

Reuniting with Lyrenna later that afternoon is certainly an experience. My friend has changed into a modest winter gown of dark gold accented with black and sunflower yellow—where in Arda she got it from, I do not know—and snowflakes adorn her waves of rich ebony hair. She strolls up to me flushed and beaming with exuberance, with Gelya in tow, who is clad in shades of soft peach and white. They both look absolutely beautiful.

With Lyrenna linking my arm, the two of them accompany Tauriel and I into the halls and out of the snow. We send Legolas and Fírion away for a little while—and my brother chuckles knowingly as they walk off. Like we were going to gossip about Lyrenna's time with Gelya's brother in front of them.

At some point down one corridor, we run into Elena, who immediately falls into stride beside us. I don't mind the Queen's presence, not anymore.  She's always meant well—always strove to protect those she loves.  Much like myself in recent days.  And now she's healed me and helped save Legolas... I realise just how important she's been to our survival.

'One of my brothers has taken a fancy to Lyrenna,' Gelya smiles playfully.

The Queen bursts out laughing. 'Which one?'

'Luckily for her, it's Laedion, the older and less idiotic of the two.' 

'I don't think he's very idiotic,' says Lyrenna, looking at the floor. 'I think he's rather nice, actually.' 

'Handsome?' I smirk. 

'Charming?' drawls Tauriel.

'Don't bother her, you two! She needs time with a thing like this,' Gelya scolds us. As she does, Tauriel and I just laugh wickedly.

'You and Galion didn't take any time at all,' teases the Captain, shooting Gelya a smirk that sends her blushing bright pink.

The young maid stutters.  'Oh, well, that was—'

'I thought you two had marriage plans, but they haven't gone ahead yet,' says Tauriel.

'Next year, maybe. I'll wait until all of this royal fuss is over.'

'Royal fuss?' I exclaim in mock horror, 'I'll have you know Legolas and I are just as serious as your relationship. Tauriel and my brother's, on the other hand—'

'Don't listen to her,' Tauriel cuts across me. 'Fírion and I are as serious as... Elena's!'

'Oh, now that's dangerous territory,' I remark.

'I didn't think anything could be as serious as the King and Queen,' says Gelya.

'I think we should stop focusing on what we already know...' replies said Queen with a smirk, 'and return to the subject of dear Lyrenna.'

My lifelong friend tucks a strand of thick hair behind her pointed ear, still avoiding all of our eye contact. 'What even is there to talk about? I like him. He is quite the charmer.' 

'Aren't they all?' I say as images of Legolas's soft smile surface in my memory.

We all seem to drift off for a moment—most likely deep in thought about our own respective love.  But my mind is still a storm of turmoil as I look around at all the wonderful elves I have the pleasure of calling my friends.  Could I really be happy here, with all of them?  Will I not have to pretend anymore?  Can my brother and I finally be free?  That's up to us, and up to Thranduil and Elena.  I will literally drop to my knees and beg the King before I let him send me away, or whatever else he wishes to have done with me.  I may have been the cause of so much distress and destruction, but who ultimately started it?  He did.  And we finished it together.  He cannot just ignore that.