Chapter 10: Redundant

Thranduil was still asleep when Glandur came to take over from the younger, more inexperience healer in the morning. Tauriel left with aching hesitation, not wanting become unaware of what went down between deceiver and deceived. Tauriel's head felt tight with worry, for the king to be found out, for Legolas' reaction if so and for not being there if Thranduil needed her and there happened to be other unforeseen aftereffects of the seeds. She was not allowed near for the rest of the day however and could only hope for a desirable outcome. Unable to talk to someone about any of her feelings and experiences over the last few days, she retreated into her room, feeling drained and dejected. She didn't know herself when she fell asleep, but she found herself passed out on the bed when banging on her door woke her up. She had to fiddle with the candle in the darkness before she pulled the latch open, "what's wrong?" The redhead urged Galion standing on the threshold, "is it the king?"

"His Majesty requests your presence," the servant confirmed.

"Is he unwell? Is he in pain?" Tauriel followed Galion down the hall promptly.

"I do not know," the butler answered serenely, without much haste in his steps. "I only know he's asked for you."

Tauriel shook her head in disapproval of the other elf's attitude and took the lead in advancing towards the king's chambers, "did he look well when he asked? What was he doing? Where is Glandur? Did the king eat anything?"

"I've been given leave. I believe it was Our Prince who was with the king all day and I've only been asked to stand by in case His Majesty needs anything for the night. I've been asleep," Galion admitted, but at least he was providing some information now, "the king shouted me in to call you. I do not know how he's been."

The redhead sighed and sped her steps. She was way ahead of the servant and did not wait for him when she dashed into the king's private chambers, half expecting a repeat of the previous night. "My Lord? Are you alright?" Tauriel eyed the king as he lay in bed in a light, almost see-through, white tunic as nightwear, most of his skin exposed at the chest and abdomen. The elleth thought he looked somewhat pale and preoccupied, but he didn't seem to be in obvious agony like last time. "Is your stomach sore?" She questioned nevertheless, stepping close, ready to examine him.

Thranduil shook his head, "calm down, Tauriel. I am well. Your concern is somewhat touching all the same," he smirked at her provocatively, "you no longer consider me the enemy perhaps?"

Tauriel swallowed and bowed her head. If they were really back to that now, did that mean he was really well? "I am sorry My Lord. I didn't get to suitably apologise for my behaviour as we were otherwise engaged."

"And which parts are you apologising for?" Thranduil pulled himself higher on his pillows, seemingly with no difficulties. "What I need to know is which acts you regret, or would do any different."

The warrior elleth felt familiar defiance swell in her at his words. He had his principles and she had hers. It wasn't something she would back from, and she was not going to start lying now, apart from that little scheme he'd talked her into, "I believe help should be given, if help is needed. But thinking that I could force my king to help was foolish."

Thranduil sighed, "I am glad you have learnt something, but that doesn't sound like I could expect nothing but obedience from you in the future. Though I didn't suppose that would be the case," he rolled his eyes. "However, you have done a great service to me recently that I could've asked of nobody else. I'll have you know that we have succeeded in our endeavour. Legolas is in his mother's rooms I have had opened for the first time in centuries and claims to stay till he has seen and read everything there is to learn in there, from diaries to artwork and favoured books read a hundred times over. So as I promised, you are pardoned. I expect you to resume your position in the guard and try not to step out of line too much." His words came to a halt with resolute decisiveness.

"I shall endeavour not to disappoint you, My Lord," Tauriel said truthfully. "I will do my best to stay away from Legolas," she promised.

The king raised an eyebrow, "I've not given you that order."

"It's probably for the best…" The redhead started.

"For now," Thranduil agreed, "but what do you think will keep Legolas here after he's finished with his exploration? I can't very well fall ill every time, can I?"

"My Lord?" Tauriel questioned again, once more confused by his intentions.

"He is angry with you for the time being. But once that settles, he will be looking for his childhood friend, perhaps to share all the new knowledge."

"He has been looking for more than a childhood friend. Wasn't that the issue, My Lord."

Thranduil scoffed and gave a trivialising wave that was in reality nothing but. "As you have witnessed, I am willing to make sacrifices for the sake of the only family I have left." At Tauriel's startled face he added, "may that sacrifice be an undesirable spouse choice of the crown prince."

Tauriel's expression turned even more panicky, "Is Your Lordship commanding me something I would be prone to disobey?"

The king waved her off, "we shall see what happens, all in time. You're perchance getting some centuries ahead of yourself."

"Are you sure you're alright?" Tauriel frowned, this time not meaning his physical health.

Thranduil looked at her hard and probing, not missing the sarcasm, but deciding to ignore it. He was in too much of a happy mood for petty feuds. "Go tell Galion to fetch some medicine. Red, vintage and Dorwinion. Me and you, we need to drink on a successful venture," he nodded suggestively.

"Is that wise?" She challenged, "has your stomach recovered enough?"

The blond elf's lips curved into a smile, "you are an incurable rebel Tauriel. I sort of like it," he admitted, coquettish. "My stomach you can check if you wish, make your own mind up," he pulled the lapel of his night shirt out of the way.

"That won't be necessary," Tauriel squirmed uncomfortably. He was already scarcely dressed as it was, there was no need to expose himself even more. "I can see you've already partaken of your favourite medicine," she drew her conclusion from his provocative behaviour, "quite a lot of it I would presume."

"I am the happiest I've been for a long time," Thranduil acknowledged.

The End.