#ringsofpower

For a brief moment, Elrond leaned against the door frame, arms crossed over his chest, a smug smirk playing on his lips.

Y/n’s eyes suddenly lit up as she finally unearthed the scroll she had been seeking, grasping it triumphantly, a soft smile breaking across her features.

So he spoke up, “Looking for something, Princess?”

She yelped and flipped around, hiding the scroll behind her back. “I wasn’t doing anything!”

“Oh?” he raised an eyebrow, “Weren’t you?”

“No…” she muttered,

“What do you have there?”

“…Nothing.”

“Princess, what do you have there?”

“…I don’t have anything.”

“No? What’s behind your back then?”

“My hands,” she said sheepishly,

“Oh?” He smirked smugly, stepping closer, “Well then, please allow me to kiss your hand in greeting, Princess.”

“The- there is no need for that… my Lord Elrond,” she shook her head,

“Please, I insist. It is only proper, princess.”

She slowly shifted a little and revealed her left hand, keeping her right hand well hidden.

Elrond smirked and took her hand, giving it a tender kiss. “And the other?”

“Why?” panic set across her face,

“I wish to give that hand a kiss also.”

She slipped her left hand from his and returned it behind her back. She shuffled her hands around a little and slowly revealed her right hand, keeping her left hand hidden.

He raised an eyebrow and gave her right hand a small kiss. “Now, may I have both?”

“…No.”

“Why not?”

“My hands are… tired,” she said,

“Are they now?” He smirked, “Princess, please show me both of your hands.”

She let out a soft sigh, her shoulders slumping as she reluctantly unveiled her other hand, which clutched a scroll tightly. Guilt hung heavily in her gaze, causing her to avert her eyes, unable to bear the intensity of his eyes.

The specific scroll she had was one Elrond kept very safe. One of the very few remaining scrolls from the fall of Eregion.

He tried to hold back his shock and tried to remain calm, atleast until he knew why she was taking it. “And for what purpose have you come to take this scroll without asking?”

“…I…I-”

“Princess?”

“My father asked me to.”

“You’re father,” he sighed, “Why am I not surprised?” He held his hand out expectantly,

She nodded and handed it over, shamefully. “Please forgive me, My lord Elrond. I didn’t want to steal it. And I know I would have brought it right back after my father-”

“Princess.” He stopped her, “It is not your fault, I will not chastise you for following the commands of your king and… your father.” He nodded, giving her a small smile, “I know your father has been after this for sometime now, I am sorry he brought you into his deceptions.”

“He so often does,” she sighed,

“I assure you, my anger is not with you, Princess.” He reassured her,

“Thank you,” she smiled softly,

“Go on, back to your father.” He told her, “Tell him how I… forced it from your hand and you fought bravely against me, only to fail at the last moment.”

She nodded and began to head to the door,

“Princess Y/n?”

“Yes, Lord Elrond?” she turned back to him,

“Why did your father send you? Surely he could have sent someone… far more sly, far stronger, far better at such espionage? Forgive me, but why you?”

“I assume he thought you might go easier on me if you did find me.”

He chuckled, “I suppose that is true, I do have… such leanacies when it comes to you, Princess.”

“So… May I take it for my father?” she asked,

“Nice try,” he smirked, “Go on,”

She nodded which a slight giggle, “But… may I still come for our usual tea tomorrow?”

“Of course, you can.” He winked,

“I shall see you then, My Lord Elrond,” she smiled, holding her dress and scampering back to her father,

Elrond smirked and hid the scroll somewhere better in his office, ensuring to lock the drawer tightly, knowing the king would not stop at just sending his sweet daughter.