Underneath It All

Disclaimer: Aragorn and Legolas, not to mention Boromir, belong to J.R.R. Tolkien and his estate.
This is totally and completely AU and includes mpreg. There is no Sauron, no Ring and no Fellowship. Feedback would be lovely.

‘thoughts’


The following morning the King, the Prince and two advisors had a meeting in the King’s study, discussing the further details of the impending marriage. After hours of debating and intense discussing they had already come to an agreement on several subjects.

“Is it agreed, then, that Prince Legolas is allowed to visit Mirkwood once a year?” Tiríon, King Thranduil’s chief advisor asked. “My King has made it very clear that he wishes to see his son regularly. Also, he wishes that Prince Legolas brings the child - or children, in case there will be many - with him whenever he comes to Mirkwood.”

Aragorn’s chief advisor, Deallgar, nodded. “That sounds very reasonable. I can assure you that King Elessar doesn’t want to keep Prince Legolas away from his father and his family. The Prince is allowed to visit his father’s realm anytime he so wishes, with the condition that he asks for King Elessar’s permission in case he wants to take the child – or children – with him. For himself he doesn’t need any permission.”

Aragorn resisted the urge to roll his eyes. The two advisors didn’t seem to remember that ‘King Elessar’ and ‘the Prince’ were present and could very well speak for themselves. The King knew, however, that the advisors enjoyed this kind of meetings, so he kept quiet, opting to subtly eyeing the beautiful Prince. Legolas looked as bored as Aragorn felt. King Elessar smirked as he saw the Prince yawning widely at some point, and Legolas blushed as he realised that the King had noticed his boredom.

“Thank you, gentlemen”, Aragorn finally said, standing up. “I am certain there still are some things that need further discussing, but I also think that there is no need to bore myself and Prince Legolas to death in the process. If it meets with your approval we can hold another meeting tomorrow morn.”

The advisors realised that they were dismissed, and so they left the two Royals alone, after bowing down to them and wishing them a pleasant day. Legolas sighed in relief as the door closed behind the two.

“Thank you, Aragorn, for sending them away. I was ready to fall asleep”, the young Elf exclaimed, smiling in gratitude. “I have to admit that I am not used to this kind of meetings. Back in Mirkwood I wasn’t allowed to attend any meetings my father held with his councillors; and in truth, I didn’t even want to! I was certain that I would not find them interesting in the least. And after this meeting I am certain that I was right, then!”

Aragorn laughed. “I know what you mean, and I often wish, also, that it wasn’t my responsibility to attend meetings and negotiations. But alas, with the title come also the duties, and as a King I cannot run away from my responsibilities, even if they are not to my liking.”

Legolas nodded thoughtfully, biting his lower lip. “Is it my responsibility also to be present in the meetings after we are wed?”

Aragorn couldn’t help a mischievous smile. “It can be arranged if that is what you wish”, he said teasingly, barely containing laughter as the Prince wrinkled his nose in distaste.

“No, no, I most certainly do not wish that”, he quickly replied, before realising that the King was merely teasing him. He stuck out his tongue at Aragorn and blushed as the King laughed at his childish antics. ‘You are a fool, Legolas, and now Aragorn knows it also! Surely he has noticed that I am nothing more than a child’, Legolas thought and was angry at himself for not acting like a mature Elf but like a silly little Elfling instead. For some reason he felt a strong need to prove his husband-to-be that he was an adult and would make a fine spouse. ‘And now I have ruined everything by acting like a child.’

Aragorn stopped laughing when he realised that the Prince looked miserable and was truly embarrassed. “Legolas, look at me”, he said gently. The Elf didn’t want to meet his eyes, but reluctantly lifted his gaze as Aragorn tenderly lifted his chin with his fingertips. “I am sorry for laughing at you. You just looked so sweet and adorable, sticking your tongue out like that. I didn’t mean to offend you, Legolas. Please believe me.”

Legolas couldn’t believe his ears. Aragorn was apologising to him? It was him who had acted childishly and yet it was Aragorn who apologised? That certainly was unheard of. The Prince knew that if he had done the same to King Thranduil, his father would have called him immature, childish and irresponsible. ‘Aragorn is a strange man’, Legolas thought and smiled at the King. ‘He is not like Adar at all.’ For the first time Legolas was at ease with the thought of marrying the King of Gondor. ‘I am certain he will not hurt me, even if I am inexperienced and ignorant when it comes to physical closeness.’

“Of course I believe you”, he replied softly and was happy to see the smile return to the handsome man’s face. “My embarrassment was of my own doing. It is I who should apologise for acting like an Elfling.”

“I think that was most endearing”, Aragorn said and brushed Legolas’ cheek with his fingertips. “You don’t have to try and be something that you are not, Legolas. I am aware of the fact that you’re very young still, and I will never hold it against you. Quite the contrary, I find you very sweet and refreshing. I merely hope that you won’t find my company dull and lacking.”

“Never!” Legolas exclaimed quickly and blushed anew. What was wrong with him? Why did this man make him feel so emotional and excited? Legolas felt like he couldn’t control his feelings when he was with Aragorn; he couldn’t understand what was happening to him. He didn’t have any knowledge or experience of relationships, and so he didn’t realise that he, in fact, was quite attracted to the King.

Aragorn couldn’t take his eyes off the delicate features of the Prince. He looked even more beautiful than before, blushed like this. The King’s heart started beating faster, and he felt his palms start sweating. ‘Stop it’, he told himself, ‘get a grip. The Prince is an innocent, he isn’t aware of how enchanting he is; it is not right to lust after him so basely.’

Both were aware of the silence that had fallen. Aragorn quickly spoke, hoping to keep the Prince from noticing that he had practically been staring at him. “Uh, I just remembered that I have a meeting with the Steward. I’m sorry for leaving you on your own but I am certain you will find something to do ere it is time for dinner. Perhaps you could visit the library.”

“Perhaps I will”, Legolas replied, his blue eyes meeting the King’s grey ones.

“Oh, and one more thing”, Aragorn said as he remembered something. “I spoke with my councillors this morning ere you and your father’s advisor arrived, concerning our living arrangements. They suggested that we could live in the same quarters but have separate bedchambers. We would have a shared sitting room, though. My dressing room could be turned into a bedchamber; I can assure you that the room is spacious and comfortable. I can have the servants bring a bed and other furniture. How does that sound to you?” He was actually quite anxious to hear Legolas’ reply. What if the Prince turned down the offer?

Legolas nodded enthusiastically. “That sounds very good to me. Do you want me to move in before or after the wedding?”

Aragorn thought about it for a moment before answering. “I think it would be wise if you moved in today. This way we can get to know each other better before we are wed. I meant what I said earlier, Legolas; I want us to be friends.”

“But wouldn’t it be inappropriate for us to share living quarters before we are married?” the young Elf asked, blushing. “What I mean is, what if people think that we… uh… are intimate out of wedlock?”

Aragorn felt his cheeks warm. “I am sure no one would speak ill of their King”, he finally said. “I promise you; I will touch you thusly only on our wedding night. You have nothing to fear from me.”

“I know”, Legolas said and smiled coyly. “I was merely concerned about your reputation.”

Aragorn couldn’t suppress a grin. “Don’t be. Our living arrangements are none of anyone’s business.”

“All right then, I shall move in your quarters today”, the Prince said a bit shyly. He wasn’t exactly sure about what to think about living with the man, but he was willing to give it a try. ‘He is an honourable man and would not dishonour me by taking advantage of the situation.’

Aragorn nodded. “That matter is settled, then. I shall ask my servants to empty my dressing room and prepare the room for you. Your belongings will be moved in before dinner.” He then looked apologetic. “But now I really must go, Boromir is probably already waiting for me. We shall meet at dinner?”

“Aye”, Legolas said and grasped Aragorn’s hand briefly. “Thank you for trying to make me feel at home, Aragorn. I really appreciate it.”

Aragorn smiled at him, touched by Legolas’ words. “This is your home now, as much as it is mine. I will do everything I can to make you feel comfortable. I know that you weren’t given much say in this, but I promise you that I will try to be the best possible husband.”

Legolas didn’t know what to say to that so he settled for smiling at the man, letting gratitude show in his eyes. What Aragorn just promised him was more than he would have dared to ask for. Legolas had a good feeling about this; Aragorn was a good man and seemed to respect him. Maybe this marriage wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

They said goodbyes; Aragorn went to meet Boromir and Legolas headed to the library.


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


After the dinner the two Royals walked together to their quarters. The servants had done a good job in turning the dressing room into Legolas’ private bedchamber. The King and the Prince sat together in the sitting room; Aragorn sipping some wine while Legolas settled for fruit juice.

“My father never allowed me any alcohol”, he explained as Aragorn looked at him with a raised eyebrow. “I am not accustomed to it and would surely end up embarrassing myself if I drank it now.”

Aragorn wasn’t very comfortable at that moment. He had had a talk with Boromir earlier that day and it hadn’t been a pleasant discussion. They had ended up having a fight; Boromir told him that he wouldn’t be surprised if someone had already claimed the pretty Prince and Aragorn was fooled into believing that he was the father. At that point, Aragorn had told his lover to back off and keep his mouth shut. Boromir had left after calling him a lovesick fool. “I don’t want to speak with you as long as you’re infatuated with that Elf”, he had snapped and stormed out of the room.

“Legolas, I would like to ask you something”, Aragorn finally said. Legolas raised an eyebrow, silently encouraging him to continue.

“Are you a virgin?” Aragorn asked awkwardly. “I’m sorry, but I have to be sure”, he added quickly, fearing that he had hurt the beautiful Elf’s feelings.

“Yes”, Legolas answered simply. “What about you, have you had lovers?”

Aragorn didn’t want to talk about his sexual conquests but felt like Legolas deserved an honest answer nonetheless. “I have had my share of lovers. A very fair share.” He blushed when he realised that that almost sounded like bragging. “Uh, I didn’t mean to boast about it. But yes, I have had lovers before.”

Legolas laughed a soft, little laugh, and Aragorn found some comfort in it. “Indeed, you have had no reason to remain chaste. I myself have never yearned for the touch of another and have therefore never known it. I’m not a very sensual Elf in that regard; I find my pleasure in completely different things. But worry not”, he added after seeing Aragorn’s somewhat alarmed expression, “I will yield to you and provide you with children.”

Aragorn coughed nervously. “And what of… well, you know that Men have their sexual appetites. How am I supposed to deal with it?”

Legolas smiled a small smile, blushing prettily. “I don’t expect you to be faithful to me, Aragorn. As I said, I have no desire to bed you or anyone else for that matter, apart from those times when we wish to have a child. You however are free to do what you wish, I care not. There’s only one thing I will ask of you; that there will be no illegitimate children running around.”

“I have no love for females”, Aragorn said a bit sharply. “My interest lies within males, exclusively. If I liked females I would probably marry a daughter of one of my councillors. So be assured; there will be no other children but ours.”

“All is settled, then”, Legolas said lightly and stood up. “There is no love between us, this we both know, but given time we will learn to trust each other. I believe we can find some happiness together”, he added kindly.

“’Tis my wish also”, Aragorn said. “May your rest be peaceful.”

“And yours as well.”

They then left the sitting room and made their way to their own bedrooms. Legolas closed the door behind him and sighed. He wasn’t as sure of himself as he had led Aragorn to believe. ‘I’m not sure if I can live up to everyone’s expectations… I don’t know what I am supposed to do. I don’t even know if I can endure my husband’s touches! What if I hate it? What if I will not conceive? Ai, Adar, why did you not tell me of this before it was too late?’

He then undressed himself and slid between the sheets. Normally he fell asleep quickly but tonight sleep eluded him. The wedding would take place in a fortnight. After that there would be no turning back; he would be married to Aragorn, give birth to his children and rule the kingdom with him. His only consolation was that Aragorn was a kind man and understood the situation. Legolas was certain that Aragorn would never force him into anything and would allow him the freedom all Elves need in order to survive.


TBC…

A/N: Please review. :)