Ambassador to Madness

Credit to SunnyRose

Chapter 2: 

State Secrets

Summary:

Thorin gives Bilbo a tour, and Bilbo gets a little more insight to Thorin's methods.

Bilbo did not feel bad in the slightest when he requested breakfast to be brought directly to his chambers rather than dining with the other 'ambassadors' that morning. He was rather used to his own company and needed to sort out his thoughts on the events of the previous day. In some ways, he wanted to give Thorin another chance. However, it ultimately would not matter. Bilbo had no intentions of getting married or living in Erebor.

Therefore, once he was finished, he dressed in a yellow waistcoat and blue jacket and awaited the prince's arrival for his tour with relative indifference. If he found himself fluttering about the room or picking at his clothes, it was merely in excitement of finally being shown the mountain by a true Ereborian. A knock at the door announced the time.

Bilbo heaved a deep breath schooling himself in his manners. Surely, the prince couldn't inspire his ire at every meeting. However, when he got to the door, he found himself rather disappointed upon seeing Balin's face smiling back at him.

"Master Baggins." The older dwarf bowed his head.

"Good morning." Bilbo greeted. "His Highness?"

"Will meet us down at the Accountants' Guild." Balin informed. "He had a trade meeting that ran just a bit longer than usual."

"Ah." Bilbo nodded. "Well, lead on then, I guess."

Balin swept his hand, and they were on their way.

"I've heard from the prince that your dinner last night went...well."

Bilbo had to fight down the urge to snort. Instead, he decided to play up on some diplomacy.

"I certainly hope the prince wasn't offended by my...abrasiveness."

Balin chuckled. "On the contrary, Master Baggins. He's spoken of little else. I dare say Prince Thorin has yet to meet another like you."

Bilbo gave him a wry grin. "I'm not sure that's really a compliment."

The white-haired dwarf laughed heartily as he slapped Bilbo on the back.

"To be fair, I wouldn't consider Prince Thorin having been at his best either. Perhaps today will put things in perspective for both of you."

If by 'put in perspective' he meant Bilbo would no longer be running from the mountain screaming, the hobbit could only hope. From where Bilbo's room was located, the Accounting Guild was down three floors, and around the backside of the mountain. Bilbo had heard many complaints over the years of the Shire roads being confusing, but as they took a lift, two flights of stairs, five overpasses, and three underpasses to get there, Bilbo knew he would be lost without a guide. Needless to say, he was trying to hide his huffing and puffing from Balin while simultaneously taking in the extraordinary architecture. It was rather hard to regret his decision to come when faced with such a view.

At the base of the mountain where they were standing, the natural light was filtered in through crystals and mirrors and seemed to illuminate the main highways that stretched miles and miles above. The silhouette of the dwarves carrying on their way just added to the majesty. Not unlike his cousin's ant farm, but Bilbo would do well to keep that opinion to himself. However, Balin led him into a tunnel, away from the sights above, and closer to the forges if the sudden oppressive heat was any indicator.

When Balin had said 'Accounting Guild', Bilbo had thought of the bookkeeping he did back home. He had wondered then what was so special that Thorin would start a tour from there. Well needless to say, these 'accountants' were not mere bookkeepers. Gems, silver, and more gold than he thought possible was stacked on desks all the way along the length of the hall. The dwarves were busy counting, weighing, and logging each and every piece.

"Is so much treasure really mined each day?" Bilbo asked.

Balin laughed as he raised an eyebrow at the hobbit. "Each day? Master Baggins, what you see before you were only mined this morning. It will quadruple before this evening."

Bilbo's jaw dropped, and he had to remind his feet to keep moving. What he was looking at right now would be more gold than what the Shire would see in five years. Where did they put it all? Why did they need so much?

"Ah! And there's our illustrious prince." Balin announced picking up the pace just slightly.

Sure enough, four desks down stood Thorin with his back to them as he conversed with the dwarf stationed there. Bilbo couldn't see his face, but he could see the face of the worker. His wide smile and awe-filled eyes spoke volumes about what kind of a leader Thorin was. Some sort of weird airy feeling fluttered in Bilbo's chest at the sight. It was nice to know that Thorin truly was well respected by his people. It made it easier to forgive him for the pony ride of a day he had previously.

"Your Highness." Balin spoke up to get his attention once they were close enough. "Master Baggins, as you requested."

Thorin half-turned towards them with a smile on his face. He nodded to the dwarf he was talking to who hurriedly got up and bowed before making his way towards them.

"A pleasure to see you again, Master Baggins." Thorin stated as he took Bilbo's hand in his.

Just like last night, he brought it up to his lips for a kiss. The warm feeling immediately shattered as he narrowed his eyes at the dwarf.

"You're not going to compliment my feet again, are you?" He blurted.

Thorin's eyes widened before a snort of laughter escaped him. It was a sound that seemed to shock all who heard it, including Balin and the prince himself.

"Fear not, I've learned my lesson."

Bilbo let a smile slip as the tension slid out of his shoulders.

"Very good, My Prince. I believe I was promised a tour?"

"Of course."

Thorin held out his arm for Bilbo to take. The hobbit hesitated for only a moment, overly aware of the sweat plastering his shirt to his skin. Still, it would be impolite to refuse. Gingerly, he placed his hand on the inside of Thorin's elbow, and the dwarf proceeded to cover it with his other hand. Then he took off down the line of accountants leaving poor Bilbo with his shorter legs to practically jog beside him. Thorin seemed completely unaware of his plight as he explained the function of the dwarves in this room. Bilbo could barely understand past the blood pounding in his ears. Something about weight and commissions. The gold gets minted. That was the general gist of it, he guessed.

"Now, we'll go up to the markets." Thorin announced eagerly.

Up? Sweet Yavanna. Luckily, they took a lift. Bilbo pulled his hand from Thorin's grip and rested them on his hips as he took deep breaths to hide how out of breath he truly was. Thorin raised an eyebrow.

"Are you alright, Master Baggins?"

"Just...peachy." He breathed.

After going up five levels, the motion of the wooden platform stopped. Thorin opened the gate and swept his arm out for Bilbo. The hobbit gathered all his dignity and walked at a reasonably hobbit sized pace as he prayed with each step that the shooting pain in his side would simply disappear.

"Have you been to the markets yet?" Thorin asked.

"Just some of the food stalls. But that was back when I first got here with Gandalf."

Thorin looked about ready to sneer at the Grey Wizard's name before his face relaxed into its usual mask.

"Well, then you are in for a treat. There is much the markets have to offer."

If the noise level was part of the treat, Bilbo really didn't want anymore. The large space was packed tight with dwarves, men, and Bilbo swore he saw a few elves. Tents and small huts were arranged in five rows down the length of the hall which, according to Thorin, was by the products they sold. Bilbo had thought Shire markets were pushy. The vendors looked to be practically yelling at their haggling customers until a price was decided upon, and then they presented the item with a large smile. Bilbo decided hobbits were more...crafty. If you really wanted to get a good deal, you needed to know everything about the seller and their family and compliment them into submission.

It was clear to Bilbo that Thorin was beating a line for the weapons and smith-crafts row of the market. He wondered if he should point out the uselessness of such things on him when he remembered how proud Thorin was of his crafted bead. A fond smile caught his face as he worked to keep up. He thought he was doing well, the prince was within touching distance, and then the most amazing smell hit him. Bilbo turned his head to see a small tea hut just at the bend of the food vendor's row. The hobbit looked back to tell Thorin, but the dwarf was already gone. He released a deep sigh of annoyance before shrugging. There really was no use chasing after him when he had no definite idea of where the dwarf went. Taking advantage of the situation, Bilbo stumbled over to the tea shop with eager eyes.

"Greetings, Master Hobbit." The silver haired owner nodded.

"Ah, yes, good morning. Can I ask what you currently have brewing?"

"That would be the white peony blend."

"It certainly smells amazing! So clean and crisp."

The dwarf's eyes widened in glee at a fellow tea connoisseur.

"Precisely! Can I interest you in a sample? It makes for an excellent palette cleanser."

"Please do!" Bilbo beamed.

The dwarf turned away to prepare the cup leaving Bilbo to peruse the other selections when he felt a presence come up behind and crowd him. He turned ready to excuse their rudeness when he caught sight of Thorin's irritable face.

"Why did you leave?" Thorin demanded.

"Me?" Bilbo defended. "You were the one who stomped off to leave me high and dry."

Thorin heaved a heavy sigh as he used his fingers to push back his raven strands.

"Here you are, Master...Your Highness?!"

The poor shopkeeper nearly dropped his cup, he was so startled. Thorin returned back to the strict picture of poise as he clasped his hands behind his back and bowed slightly.

"W-What can a humble tea owner like me do for you, Sire?"

"I was just curious as to what had my hobbit so preoccupied." Thorin answered, wrapping a hand around Bilbo's waist.

Bilbo felt himself puff up at both the gesture and the wording as he just barely managed to keep himself from throwing his elbow into the forward prince's gut. Meanwhile, the other dwarf looked back and forth between them with a level of awe.

"O-Of course. Master Hobbit, your tea. And is there anything that catches your fancy, Your Highness?"

Thorin didn't answer right away as he watched Bilbo take a sip from his cup. The hobbit sighed in bliss at the perfectly brewed cup. Aware of Thorin's eyes on him, he raised an eyebrow.

"It's quite good if you're considering getting a cup yourself."

Thorin smirked. "Don't mind if I do."

He then proceeded to take Bilbo's hand and tip the cup into his own mouth. His face flared with the immediate rush of heat at the audacity of this dwarf. However, before he could berate the prince in front of all and sundry, he caught the dwarf's attempt to mask his disgust. He tried and failed to repress a snicker.

"White tea isn't for everyone." He mused.

Thorin hummed in response as he seemed to be trying to hold onto politeness for the sake of the shopkeeper. Bilbo shook his head at him before turning back to the nervous dwarf.

"It's a very fine blend, Master...?"

"Dori!" The other blurted.

"Master Dori." Bilbo nodded his head. "If you don't mind, I would take a can of it, the chamomile, and also the jasmine green mint."

"Of course, Master Hobbit."

As the silver haired dwarf busied himself with Bilbo's order, Thorin leaned over to whisper in his ear.

"How can you stand that stuff? It tastes like dirt!"

"It does not." Bilbo scoffed. "I can't help it if your taste buds aren't developed enough to recognize decent tea."

"My buds work out the taste of dirt just fine." Thorin grumbled.

"And that is your opinion no matter how terribly wrong it is."

Dori returned with Bilbo's tea, placing them in a very practical little basket for him.

"Thank you!" He awed. "How much?"

"No charge." Dori insisted.

"Posh." Bilbo waved him off. "These are excellent teas and deserve to be treated as such. Please, what price?"

"Just having such distinguished guests as yourself has been payment enough."

Bilbo would have continued to argue with the dwarf had Thorin not put his hand around the hobbit's shoulders to urge him away.

"Thank you, Master Dori. I dare say we will be frequenting your shop soon."

Bilbo wanted to protest, but he realized the futility of such things. He would just have to come down later without Thorin and square up his account. Dare not let any Ereborians think Bilbo, as the lone hobbit of the mountain, was not one for recognizing wares of value!

Thorin led him towards the other side of the market, which was his original destination before Bilbo got sidetracked, still with his arm draped around him. It led to many open stares that had the hobbit shifting to get away, but Thorin was determined to keep him close this time.

"So, I recognize this is the official tour, but as a true Ereborian, where would you take me?"

Thorin frowned in thought. "What do you mean?"

"What are your favorite parts of the mountain? What locations are secret and dear to you?"

Thorin blinked in surprise before a small, but genuine, smile spread across his face. Bilbo's throat felt clogged and face overly warm, but he blamed it on the trek.

"I love to walk deep into the diamond mines with nothing but torchlight and watch the room glitter like stars in the sky. I love being near the forges with the sweltering heat and the pounding of hammers on the anvils. It's like its own kind of music. All individual pieces and melodies, but the same rhythm. My favorite place, though, would have to be the ravens' roost. There is a spot up there where you can see for miles, and it feels like all of Middle Earth is before you."

Bilbo felt himself smile, enthralled by Thorin's passion for his home.

"It sounds lovely." Bilbo murmured. "Quite different from my Shire, but lovely all the same."

Thorin nodded in response but never pursued information after Bilbo's home or offered to show that side of the mountain to him. Bilbo sighed in defeat at the close of what could have finally been a comfortable conversation between the two of them. It made him wonder if Thorin truly saw it. How spectacularly incompatible they were, or if he was so wrapped up in forcing a fallible engagement on them all because Bilbo spoke his mind?

They finally arrive at the stand Thorin had clearly been in such a hurry to get to as he pulled them to an abrupt stop, nearly sending Bilbo crashing into the dwarven lady next to him. As Bilbo stood on tiptoes to peer over the crowd of dwarves milling about, Thorin explained why they were here.

"This is Torlan, son of Torki's stand. He is a master in any and all forms of metal working and is my master in silversmithing." The prince bragged with no small amount of pride.

Bilbo could just barely make out the burly dwarf moving a red-hot piece of metal into a barrel of water causing a massive 'hiss' as the rising steam obscured even more of Bilbo's view. The gathered dwarves all began to murmur excitedly amongst each other.

"That's...lovely, but why exactly are we here? Why are all these dwarves gathered?"

"Because his work is the best." Thorin shot back as if that should have been obvious. "And he only sells the pieces he deems worthy that he made that day. Some wait years for the chance to claim an original of Torlan Forge Whisperer."

The metal was pulled out and Bilbo could hear the master grunt before pulling out a chisel. The scratching and 'pings' were uncomfortable to Bilbo's ears, yet the dwarven audience stood raptured by the simple song. It didn't last long before there was silence.

"Ear cuff." The smith grunted.

In seconds, the crowd erupted in shouting amounts as quickly and loudly as they could.

"Ten pieces of gold!"

"Twenty!"

"Twenty-five!"

Bilbo's face stretched as his eyes widened and jaw dropped. Twenty-five pieces of gold. As a starting price?! Bilbo could only imagine if his poor father was alive to hear this. He would have passed out on the spot. As it was, Bilbo definitely felt he could follow in his footsteps as he felt the need to fan himself with the increasing price. Then, his companion shouted a price that nearly sent him over the edge.

"Fifty pieces of gold!"

A hush fell over the crowd as they all craned around to see the audacious dwarf only to whisper and gasp at the sight of their prince. Torlan gave a small smirk before he motioned Thorin forward. It was only by Thorin's guiding hand that had the hobbit moving as well. Torlan looked between the two of them before leaning in to murmur something in Thorin's ears. The prince gave some sort of grimace but was nodding at the smith. Torlan raised an eyebrow at his apprentice as he presented the small piece of metal that Bilbo was almost appalled by how much it was. A pretty bauble certainly but not worthy of such fuss he would think. However, this folly was far from over.

"For my Prince and his companion."

Ice flooded Bilbo's veins. Thorin faced Bilbo with his fake, forced smile, and Bilbo felt his breakfast from earlier threaten to make a reappearance.

"For you, Master Baggins." Thorin repeated, offering the little trinket in his massive palms.

Bilbo looked down at the ear cuff, up into Thorin's urgent face, and to the crowd watching them with their breath held. Bilbo had never felt so out of his depth before as he just stood there, his mind still trying to process everything going on. Thorin cleared his throat, and Bilbo realized it had been a rather long time with him not doing anything. His throat just felt so dry and it was cold. Which was strange. Just a moment ago, he could have sworn he was so warm he could pass out. Perhaps he should sit down. Yeah, that's what he should do...nope, his legs weren't working correctly and the ground was coming up fast. He was most certainly passing out. He tried to convey this, but only a soft 'nope' left him before his world became dark.

It couldn't have been long. In fact, Bilbo was almost certain from the noise level around him that he most assuredly had to still be in the marketplace. However, the soft bed beneath him made as little sense as the white curtains surrounding him. That's when he was able to pick out the familiar voices from the din.

"What did you do?!" Balin demanded.

"Exactly what you told me to!" Thorin shot back. "I was...wooing him."

"Lad was just a little overexcited." An unfamiliar, louder voice added. "No harm done. He should be up shortly."

"This is a disaster." Balin groaned.

"That's not what Nori says." Thorin snorted. "Apparently, the hobbit swooning over my 'romantic gesture' has won over quite a few of our people. So, I suppose in that aspect the day is a success."

"Well good. The hobbit is frightened enough by you to pass out in public places, but at least the ruse we set out to create is in place."

"This is all according to your plan to begin with!" Thorin snapped back.

"Enough!" Bilbo croaked, hating the dry sound of his voice.

There was silence before the curtain was pulled back to reveal the three dwarves in question. Balin looked resoundly guilty, Thorin had his arms crossed and unreadable eyes, and the older dwarf Bilbo didn't recognize with a hearing trumpet seemed to be assessing him. Bilbo could feel himself shaking with his emotions, but he wasn't quite sure which to express just yet.

"I told you he would wake soon. How do you feel, laddie?"

"I feel like I better get some answers soon or I'm...I'm...well, I'll pack my things and leave immediately." He swore.

Thorin rolled his eyes at the weak threat before taking a seat at his bedside with a naturalness that made Bilbo want to throw something at him if there was anything nearby that he could throw.

"Calm down, Master Baggins."

"Calm down, calm down! Damn it! I'm...I'm angry and rightfully so! I could scream! I'm so frustrated with your lack of open communication, and you blatantly backed me into a corner! If you think I would even begin to consider marriage after such a display..."

"Sharza (Quiet)!" Thorin demanded as he rubbed a hand through his hair. "No wonder you were the hobbit sent. The Shire must finally be getting some long-awaited peace in your absence."

Bilbo crossed his arms not amused in the slightest.

"Y-You...! You...are the rudest, most egotistical, and uncaring creature I have ever met! I feel sorry for the unwitting soul you finally manage to shackle to your side, but I assure you it won't be me!"

Bilbo moved to get out of bed, and Thorin reached out and grabbed his arm to stop him.

"Unhand me!" Bilbo demanded. "HELP! HELP! HE'S HOLDING ME HERE AGAINST MY WILL!"

The prince immediately released him and jumped back as if Bilbo had suddenly become a snake. Thorin's jaw locked and his blue eyes blazed.

"YOU'RE NOT A PRISONER! QUIT YOUR INSUFFERABLE SQUEALING AND GO BACK TO YOUR PRECIOUS SHIRE IF THAT'S WHAT YOU WANT!"

"QUIT ORDERING ME AROUND, AND I WILL GO BACK, OF THAT I ASSURE YOU!"

"BY MAHAL'S GRACE, IT CAN'T BE FAST ENOUGH! YOU KNOW YOUR PROBLEM IS-!"

"ENOUGH!" A third voice cut in.

Bilbo and Thorin both whirled around to see Balin standing there looking quite irate. The other dwarf was behind him rubbing at his ears.

"Don't even need this confounded thing with this lot." He muttered before moving away towards the fireplace.

"Enough." Balin repeated with a huff. "Mahal's Mercy, Thorin, just tell the lad the truth."

The prince spun around on his advisor. "He doesn't need to know..."

"He does, because we need him, and he needs to know what he's getting himself into."

Thorin held the older dwarf's gaze for as long as possible before heaving a sigh that was really more of a groan. That may have worked for Thorin, but Bilbo was not so easily swayed. They need him? What rubbish was this?

"Master Balin..." Bilbo began before the advisor turned his pleading glare onto him.

"Master Baggins. You have every reason to be confused and upset and offended. However, we had our reasons for the ruse and the secrecy. All I can ask is that you listen with an open mind before passing any rash judgement."

Bilbo's hands balled at his side, and he hated when his voice broke.

"Do I have a choice?"

Balin's eyes softened. "Yes. You most certainly do. And if you still hold strongly to your convictions after this, I will personally see you to the front gates myself. Even if it is in spite of my prince's wishes."

Balin's dark eyes bore back into Thorin at this, and the dark-haired prince held his glare as long as he could before he ducked his head as if he were being scolded. It was enough to appease Bilbo...for now. He slowly nodded and sat back down on the bed. The other dwarf came back over to hand Bilbo a cup of tea that he was fairly certain came from the basket he got from Master Dori.

"You're going to need it, lad." He grunted which made Bilbo look back at Balin sharply.

The advisor had the bridge of his nose pinched between his fingers, shaking his head.

"Thank you, Oin." He sighed.

The other dwarf nodded before stepping out of the room. Balin raised his head again, but this time it was solely to address Thorin.

"I'll have Dwalin standing guard outside to ensure your privacy. Come find me when you're finished."

And just like that, Bilbo was left alone with the last person on Arda he ever wanted to breathe the same air as again. He took a sip from the cup in his hands. The chamomile was a good choice and brewed well. He would definitely have to stop back by Dori's stand before he left. The tension settled heavily in the silence, but Bilbo refused to be the first one to break it. After a very drawn-out sigh, Thorin finally relented.

"I don't even know where to start." He admitted.

"Most start at the beginning." Bilbo huffed, having no pity on the dwarf. "Why is your king so committed to this false union?"

"He's not." Thorin answered, perplexed.

Bilbo nearly dropped his cup as he looked up sharply at Thorin.

"My Thain was told by Gandalf that..."

"Tharkun." Thorin interrupted with a roll of his eyes. "This was all his idea to begin with! Meddlesome interloper."

Bilbo let that sink in as he took a sip from the cup. Well...he would be having words with Gandalf later, that was for certain. Finally, Bilbo released a sigh.

"Okay, clearly there is something going on that Gandalf has deemed unimportant to share, but if you want me to be of any service you have to help me. If King Thror does not need an ambassador, and is not in favor of seeing you married, why am I here?"

Thorin huffed a sigh as his eyes remained glued to the opposite wall. His jaw muscle jumped with how much he tightened it though.

"It is...something of a secret."

"I am a very good secret-keeper." Bilbo pointed out, more than just a bit curious at this point.

Thorin finally turned his blue eyes onto him now with skeptical frustration, but just a small hint of amusement gave Bilbo the encouragement to press forward.

"No, really! I kept Bridgette Boffins secret of using bought pie dough instead of homemade for years! It wasn't my fault that Lobelia saw her one time and blabbed it to the entire neighborhood."

Thorin shook his head in exasperation but still seemed rather tight-lipped. Honestly, Bilbo should have just taken this as a sign and bid the dwarf farewell right then and there. However, part of the reason for his being a notorious secret-keeper, was his rather nosy nature to know any and all secrets. And there was a rather juicy secret here. He could feel it.

"Would it help if I shared a secret of my own first?" He finally offered.

Thorin put his face in his hand as he stared at the hobbit with a smirk. "Does it have to do with pie dough as well?"

"No, no! This is a good one. I promise you." Bilbo assured as he took a sip from his cup for dramatic effect. "Alright then. So, on my travels here, Gandalf and I took advantage of the hospitality of Thranduil's halls."

Bilbo could see Thorin's smirk fade and his eyes glaze over. He knew well that the elves and dwarves, while not enemies, weren't exactly friendly. That's how he knew Thorin was going to enjoy Bilbo's story.

"And one evening, after we were dismissed back to our rooms, I was starting to feel rather peckish and decided to sneak my way into the kitchen where I found a platter of finger foods and a goblet of wine set out. There was no one around, and it didn't seem like it was for any particular person, so I gathered it up and headed back to my room. Turns out, it was the Elf King's personal goblet, and there was a kingdom wide search for it. And by the time I realized this, I got nervous and hid it between the mattress and bed frame. There's probably still a chance it's just lying there."

Thorin didn't say anything for a long moment, and then that moment was interrupted by his loud guffaws. Tears were snaking out of the corners of his eyes as Bilbo watched in amazement somehow finding the rather obnoxiously arrogant dwarf even more attractive when he was laughing. If only there was an improvement to his personality.

"You...you burgled from..." He tried to speak between the chuckles that refused to stop.

"Burgled. Certainly not." Bilbo declared with a wiggle of his nose. "I overstepped the boundaries of hospitality by accident, but I am no thief."

That set Thorin off again, and Bilbo decided to calmly sip from his tea until the prince decided to finish, ignoring the deep burning from both his cheeks. It was an honest mistake, and he didn't think it was as funny as the dwarf made it out to be.

"That...that was a worthy secret, Burglar." Thorin smirked as he wiped at his eyes.

Bilbo bristled at the nickname. However, before he could correct the dwarf...again, he noticed Thorin had adopted a more somber atmosphere.

"My grandfather is unwell." He whispered.

Bilbo's previous decision to have no sympathy for the dwarf evaporated in the air. In fact, he almost wasn't certain he heard him correctly at first until Thorin pinned him with a desperate look. Well, that would certainly qualify as a necessary secret. Bilbo set his cup aside on the bedside table as he folded his hands before him and gave Thorin his full attention.

"Your grandfather...I don't understand. Does he need a healer?" Bilbo finally asked.

Thorin snorted, staring off to the right with a dark look.

"It's not a physical illness, but one of the mind."

Bilbo nodded, still relatively unsure what to do with this information.

"I'm afraid I don't know much about how to help with that." Bilbo finally stated.

Thorin gave a mirthless laugh, his eyes softening some when he looked back at Bilbo.

"I shouldn't think so, Master Baggins. None do. He has been consumed with his riches, Dragon Sickness, they call it. My only hope now is to soften the effects of his rule until I can inherit the throne. My father and I were ruling Erebor together behind the scenes until his...passing."

"And so, please don't think me uncaring, but circling back to the original problem, you need a husband...to ease your right to the throne?" Bilbo tried to guess.

Thorin merely shook his head.

"I love my grandfather." He continued with a sigh before giving a small shrug. "I mean, I want to love my grandfather, I loved him once long ago. But he has become...cruel and careless, and I fear for Erebor. I have even sent my sister Dis to live with her husband and sons in Ered Luin years ago because I don't know how he will react to having more heirs."

"Surely, not his great-grandsons." Bilbo tried to protest, but Thorin's piercing gaze stopped him.

"The war I fought in that earned me the title Oakenshield, I was supposed to perish along with my father and brother."

A shudder worked its way down Bilbo's spine. He shouldn't have pressed, and damn these dwarves for insisting that he know! These were secrets he shouldn't be hearing. There was no way he, a simple hobbit of the Shire, was to know of royal family plots and shame.

"Thorin...why don't you leave? Go to your sister and nephews!" Bilbo cried aghast.

It was the first time he had spoken so casually to the prince, and yet neither of them noticed. The dark-haired dwarf's gaze was so sad, and yet filled with a firm strength Bilbo couldn't help but admire.

"Erebor is my home. Besides, I worry for its people if I were not here to protect them." He explained. "No, once Balin and I learned the...truth. No matter how hard it was to swallow, we had to come up with a plan that would make me look less...threatening in my grandfather's eyes. I fear he thinks I want to take his throne from him by force, and I dare not dwell on what measures he is cooking up to remedy it."

Bilbo forced himself to swallow against the pain that threatened to overtake his chest. To live in fear of one's own grandfather...he couldn't even imagine. He certainly disagreed with his own quite often and was frequently annoyed by him, but he has never feared the Old Took.

"So, if I were to appear as a fool in love..." Thorin purposely hid his gaze from Bilbo. "Especially with someone below my station with no hope of giving me heirs..."

At his pointed gaze, everything suddenly fell into stark clarity. Thorin intended to use him as a shield against his grandfather's paranoia. It made perfect sense. Hobbits had no desire for gems and riches. A simple, country male who managed to snare the heart of the heir to the most powerful kingdom in all of Arda. It was so brilliant, and yet he felt sick to the very pit of his stomach. His hands were antsy, and he had a strong desire for his pipe, but he dare not reach for his teacup in case he decided to retch the contents instead.

"You still haven't answered...why me, specifically?"

Thorin looked miserable, and Bilbo came to realize just how hard this must be on the prince.

"Because I need your help. You came highly recommended by Tharkun, and I didn't expect you to be...you." He explained gesturing to Bilbo. "A head of wit and a spine of mithril, but after you spoke to me in the conference room, Balin and I both realized you were exactly what people would expect out of a consort. It would...sell easier, especially considering you're not...a dwarf."

Well, there it was. There were many emotions welling up that made Bilbo want to stomp his foot, burst into tears right there, and pull out his hair. Never in his wildest imaginations did he expect he was being summoned for something like this. A fake marriage to make a mad king take his heir less seriously in terms of succession all because he was a qualified candidate.

"Surely, you must see that we both would be unhappy in this arrangement?" Bilbo implored.

"My happiness is not a factor." Thorin's brows knit together.

Bilbo gave him a bitter smirk. "Which entirely lies the problem. You are willing to sacrifice everything, including my happiness whether I wish it or not."

"Are you saying I should be selfish like you?" Thorin snapped.

Bilbo huffed. "No, I wouldn't dare ask the Prince of Erebor to think of something other than his schemes and his needs. That would be the epitome of selfishness."

"I don't have any other choice!" Thorin roared. "Do you get that?! Does your capacity for understanding reach beyond the borders of your precious Shire to realize I'm...?"

And like a puppet with his strings cut, Thorin just folded.

"I don't have any other choice." He repeated softly.

"Please." Bilbo turned to Thorin fully only moments from falling to his knees in a plea. "You must know that this is insane."

It was only after Thorin winced that Bilbo regretted his word choice. However, he could tell Thorin knew what he was asking. He didn't even have to look into the haunted blue eyes before him. This insanity was Thorin's everyday life.

"Dwarven engagements are notoriously long. No one would bat an eye if it was two or three years before we married. With your Shire being months away, we could even drag out the process. In the meantime, those loyal to me will be working on a solution. It's possible you wouldn't have to marry me at all."

Bilbo's eyes fell to his feet that had taken to hanging off the edge of the bed the longer this discussion went on. Whether his instinct was to run or comfort the desolate dwarf, he knew not.

"I need time to myself to think." He finally told him. "I'll give you my answer in the morning if you can wait that long."

Thorin nodded before getting up again.

"Of course." Thorin answered gruffly, still lingering. "Master Baggins..."

Bilbo raised an eyebrow as he waited for whatever belabored sales pitch the dwarf would throw at him to convince him this was a good idea. He didn't know if it was his expression or the weight of his terrible secret, but whatever Thorin was about to say died on his tongue. Instead, he fixated Bilbo with such a soft expression, the hobbit wondered if he could melt metal with that gaze.

"Your hair...it has some gold and copper in it. I didn't notice before."

Bilbo had to resist the urge to reach up and touch it like an idiot.

"Oh, yes, um, I try to tone it down when I can. Not the most desirable shade in the Shire."

"What a shame." Thorin hummed. "I find it rather...comforting. Like working in a forge."

"Uh, thank you." Bilbo blushed realizing this was the first real compliment Thorin had given him.

Thorin nodded his head, his hands crossed behind his back. "No, thank you...for listening. I'll get Dwalin to escort you back to your room. One moment."

And with that, the prince was gone, leaving Bilbo with his whirlwind thoughts. The hobbit collapsed backwards on the bed with a groan. What a day. And he had a feeling it was only going to get longer. How was he expected to sleep with gold mad kings and fake arranged marriages on his mind? A small, giggled burst forth when he realized, this was the first time he had thought of the prince as genuine and approachable. What if that was the state of their married life? A handful of somber, real moments in amongst half-truths and verbal battles? How did one survive that? No, he couldn't imagine there even remotely being reason enough to agree to such terms. Then his traitorous mind reminded him of Thorin's laugh. Dwarven engagements are notoriously long...also rattled around rather unhelpfully.

"Master Hobbit?"

Bilbo lifted his head to see a rather large dwarven warrior standing there nearly scaring the life out of the poor hobbit.

"Prince Thorin instructed me to take you back to your rooms...but my brother also wanted you to know that you are free to resume your travels if that is your wish and I will take you to the front gate. So... what's it going to be?"

Bilbo sat up and got to his feet as he gathered his purchases and belongings.

"My rooms will be perfectly acceptable for now." He instructed.

He didn't say anything, but the miniscule sag to his shoulders made Bilbo think that the burly dwarf was relieved he wouldn't have to defy his prince. It made Bilbo wonder just how many were aware of Thror's condition? It was an unsettling notion to think of one with such a condition being able to fully command the kingdom on a whim, and one that didn't leave Bilbo the whole walk back. Once back to his door, Bilbo bid his silent companion 'good evening' as his thoughts turned to more productive dilemmas. Such as if that dwarf, Bombur, would be willing to bring some more of that delicious tart and custard to his suite with dinner? For Bilbo was done with conspiracies and false marriages and impossible dwarves.

However, the moment he realized he was not alone, all of his hopes to leave reality behind even for a little while went out the window at who was seated comfortably in the sitting room, smoking his pipe.

"Gandalf."