Legolas shifted, uncomfortably, at the thought of his father’s ill will. While he loved his father, he did not agree with him and his ways, that were often cruel and unjust. Legolas realized this was never about their relationship, it was about his father’s desire for power. And Y/N was either a great ally or a great enemy of that power. 

If his father already knew of their relationship, then he already had a plan in place to end it.

His mind waged war with itself, as he tossed around his options and their outcomes of how to avoid the threats his father cast. At this point, there was no use in trying to go back to life as normal, for too many secrets were in the open. There was not a point, either, in reasoning with his father, for when Thranduil  was set in his ways, there was nothing that would set him off course. One idea, however, kept creeping back into his thoughts, that would ensure her freedom. He could try to convince her to leave, but he knew she held a deep sense of duty to the crown. No matter how much she loved him, she would not leave; Unless, she was forced. 

He shook his head at the thought, yet he could not deny, she would be safe and free from his father’s control over her. If his father held no value to her name now, Legolas knew his father would be reckless with her life later. 

But what had she ever done to make her deserving of such an act? Maybe it was not something she had done, but he had done. His mind recalled something he had given her, something the King was searching for.

“Legolas,” a yawn came from beside him as she rolled to face him.

“Yes, Darling,” he whispered sweetly.

“Did you ever sleep?” She asked.

“Yes,” He lied, “Only for a short while.” He began to stroke her face, lovingly, “It is just after the sunrise, I must be leaving you now.”

She looked away, “I can’t help but feel this is the last time, I will see you in this light for a time.” She grabbed his hand and laughed, “Perhaps, I am far too paranoid for such visits.”

He couldn’t help but pull away, he felt dirty and undeserving of her. How could he turn his back on her? She had never asked anything or needed anything of him but this once, his word. His word to protect her in which he promised, knowing damn well there was no power behind it. He pulled himself from the bed, and began to dress himself. She stared at his back, where his muscles were tense with distress, she sensed truth in her words from before. A nervous feeling came across her. 

“Legolas,” she heard herself say. 

He pulled on his shirt, refusing to face her. “Yes, Darling.” 

She sat up, “Whatever it is that troubles you, know that we can go about it together, there is no reason to hide your worries.”

He closed his eyes, “I must leave you, before someone sees me.”

She crawled out of the bed quickly as he opened the window. 

“Legolas,” She repeated, this time more desperate. 

He stopped, half way out the window. He looked to her, “I will find you when it is safe.” is all he said before he crawled out, closing the window behind him.

She tried to move to follow him but she stood frozen. She tried to call for him but no words came to her, for her vocal cords felt strained. The only thing that moved, were her thoughts abusing what little hope she clung to, the hope that quite literally, went out the window. She did not know it then, but this was the first time she had felt betrayed, and certainly was not the last.

---

“Then he left?” Tauriel said with anger, “With no explanation? What the hell does “When it’s safe” mean, it could apply to an array of things.”

Y/N had told Tauriel everything from the beginning of their meetings, to the visit from Thranduil, to this morning. Well not everything, the daggers were skipped over. Y/N did not know why, but she felt it better to keep them secret.  

“Yes,” Y/N replied, her voice weak, “He has never acted that way before. I can not help but wonder what he will do. What is he confronts the King?”

Tauriel shook her head, “I understand how it looks from the outside but surely there is some greater reason then this? Even if not, why would Thranduil go to such extremes to separate you two? It’s not like the prince is affianced. Why would he create such theatrics? Especially when no one knows.” 

Y/N shrugged and shook her head, “I should have just obeyed his order and talked to Legolas, he would have agreed at some point. Instead I- I acted as if it were a suggestion. How could I be so foolish, Tauriel? I’ve allowed such childish behavior to risk my future or worse, and for what?” Y/N buried her face in her hands. Tauriel scooted over to her and grabbed her hands.

“Y/N, listen to me. Nothing has happened. We do not know the prince has done anything, yet. There is still time to find him and talk to him.”

“I do not know if I can.”

“Well, you’ll never know if you do not at least try.” She countered.

Y/N shut her eyes tightly and took a deep breath, “Tauriel, I can not be banished for this.” her voice cracked.

Tauriel tilted her head to the side and looked sadly at her friend, she squeezed her hands. “Hey, Hey do not speak of such dark things. Even if that does happen, just think you will finally know if the textbooks were right about the meadows and castles.”

Y/N opened her red eyes and looked to Tauriel, “I envy your positivity.”

Tauriel smiled and patted her friend’s hand, “I doubt that will ever happen, Y/N, You are far too valuable to the King.”

Y/N opened her mouth to speak but tilted her head. She heard the sound of crunching leaves approaching their spot in the woods. 

“Do you hear that?” she asked standing.

“Settle now, it’s probably a fawn.” Tauriel said.

Y/N stood still listening, she heard voices. “Someone approaches.”

Tauriel now stood, her bow at her side. 

Y/N saw a familiar build emerge from the brush, his starlight hair sparkled in the sun. 

She bowed instinctively and when she looked up she saw two guards behind him.  

“Your Grace,” Tauriel spoke for her, her tone bitter, “It is peculiar to see you in this part of the forest at this hour. Is there some sort of disturbance nearby which would explain this unusual encounter.”

Legolas did not look at her but kept his gaze on Y/N. He held no emotion in his face, nor none in his tone. “No Tauriel, I’m here with orders from my father to bring Y/N back to the castle immediately. He desires her presence.” 

“What kind of orders?” Y/N asked, not breaking his gaze.

Legolas looked to Tauriel then back to Y/N, “You are under arrest for high treason, larceny and false imprisonment.”

Tauriel gasped. Y/N laughed, not believing the words that came from his mouth, “What the hell are you talking about? Is this some kind of sick jest?”

He stepped toward her, unwavering, “I believe you know what I speak of.”

She then scoffed bitterly, “No I do not know actually. How about you enlighten me on these absurd accusation, my lord.” She said sarcastically. 

“You are under arrest for stealing the White Gems of Lasgalen. Now, if you will just return to my father with me, then you can hear more-”

“I will be damned if I go anywhere with you! What the hell do you mean stole the White Gems? and False Imprisonment? Of whom? You?! Legolas this is absurd, do you even hear yourself? Did your father put you up to this? That bastard-”

He slapped her across the face. Tauriel gasped. The forest fell silent.

Y/N touched her cheek, it stung of fire. She looked to him, stunned, infuriated and hurt. His eyes widened slightly, shocked at his own actions but he quickly made his face of stone again.

He tightened his jaw and looked down. In a low voice, which was barely even audible, he said, “Do not make this more difficult than it already is.”

She looked to him, her vision a haze of red. She held out her hands, as a guard came and chained her wrists together. 

He finally looked up at her. She had never looked away. 

She spit at his feet, “You bastard.” she growled before she was dragged away back to the castle.