Ambassador to Madness

Credit goes to SunnyRose

Chapter 8: Between Two Kings

Summary:

Bilbo and Thorin must navigate giving the gems back to Thranduil and dealing with Thror's madness.

Bilbo felt like he was in a daze. He didn't remember much about getting out of the treasury, just an insistent tug at his arm pulling him in a particular direction. Perhaps, he should try to fight his way out of the hold. After all, it couldn't be anything good after his disastrous encounter with the king of this mountain.

"Come on, Bilbo! This way."

Bilbo relaxed a little, recognizing the dwarf's voice. He let Dwalin steer him towards their suite with little protest. Thorin was on his feet the moment they appeared. He took one look at Bilbo before turning a sharp glare onto Dwalin.

"What happened?" Thorin demanded.

"I don't know, I found him this way." Dwalin answered back.

"I knew this was a terrible idea." Balin groaned from where he stood by the mantle.

Bilbo was led to his chair by the fire, a glass of mead shoved in his hands that were almost too numb to hold it. A blanket was draped over his shoulders that almost immediately slipped off again given how much he was shaking. Bilbo tried to focus on little things to get himself under control. The buckles on Thorin's boots, the snag in the rug, the coolness of the glass in his hands.

"Bilbo! What's wrong? Did you fail?" Thorin asked, his hands upon his shoulders grounding him.

"Bilbo, lad. What can you tell us?" Balin asked, inching closer as well.

Bilbo slowly looked up, meeting the three pairs of worried eyes with blinking indifference. It almost made him want to laugh. In fact, he could feel the beginning of a smile twitching on his face.

"I met the king." He all but slurred.

Dwalin immediately began issuing dwarvish curses as Balin went white as a sheet. Thorin's jaw locked, and his fists trembled.

"How bad is it?" Balin begged. "Bilbo, what did you tell him?"

Bilbo took a deep breath as he recalled the meeting. Those cold blue eyes dancing in the light of the gold.

"I...I invited him for tea."

"What is it with you two and tea?" Balin demanded looking between Bilbo and Thorin.

"And then?" Thorin pressed, ignoring Balin for the time being. "What happened Bilbo?"

"Would you like to have tea with me, Your Majesty?"

Bilbo hardly dared to breathe after uttering his offer. He expected at any moment Thror would call the guards to cart him off to the dungeons...or worse.

"What?" Thror demanded taking a step forward.

Bilbo took a deep breath through his nose as he slowly pulled himself to his feet. The clinking of coins was the only noise as they fell back into the pile.

"I...It's just that, we haven't really gotten a chance to get to know one another. I thought we might...have a chat. Over tea."

It was almost impressive how even his voice managed to remain when he felt as if his whole body was shaking like a leaf. The necklace, a heavy weight in his pocket, threatening to drag him down again. He waited for what felt like hours for Thror's response to which his answer was rather simple.

"Get out."

"And...so I did." Bilbo summed up.

"I don't know any being with more luck than you." Dwalin laughed, shaking his head.

Balin nodded in agreement, but Thorin's eyes still remained wild and uncertain. His hand reaching out to cup Bilbo's own.

"You're okay then? Nothing else happened?"

Bilbo hesitated before giving Thorin a quick nod. He didn't think his husband would handle hearing the end of his story well.

"Wait!" Thror demanded.

Bilbo froze, midstep, turning around with dread.

"Empty your pockets." The king smiled sardonically.

Bilbo felt himself pale, trying to ignore the weight of the necklace threatening to drag him down.

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty?" Bilbo nearly heaved.

"You heard me! Obey your king!"

Bilbo quickly made a rush of patting himself down. What was he going to do? What could he do? He reached into his other pocket only to pull out an object he had completely forgotten was in there in the first place. When he and Gandalf were making their way from the Shire, they had stopped at a skin-changer's house named Beorn. Bilbo had become quite taken with the cosy cottage and its lush garden and had taken an acorn from the ground to remind him of his travels.

He had thought of it as a lucky charm and would place it in his coat whenever he felt like drawing upon that luck. He must have subconsciously placed it in his pocket tonight, knowing what he would be doing.

"Well? What is it you have?" Thror demanded rushing up to him.

Bilbo held out the little acorn before him, stopping Thror in his tracks.

"What is that?"

"It's an acorn." Bilbo answered simply.

Thror gave him an odd look as he narrowed his eyes and scrounged his eyebrows as if trying to decipher the meaning behind such a gesture.

"Why do you have it?"

"Well to plant it, of course."

Thror gave him a derivative snort. "In what? The stone?"

"On the mountainside, if his Majesty would be so gracious."

Thror turned and waved him away as if the sheer effort of having to deal with him had become too much. Bilbo felt the sweat break out over his face as he heaved a large sigh. Hoping he was finally free, Bilbo walked quickly lest the king change his mind again.

"Oh, and Halfling?" Thror sneered right before Bilbo had reached the exit.

Bilbo could feel his shoulders droop in despair as he carefully turned back to the king. A maniac gleam had glazed his eyes, and Bilbo repressed the shiver traveling down his spine.

"If I ever find you in here again, I'll kill you."

"So then, you, did it? You got the necklace?" Dwalin asked.

Bilbo carefully placed his drink to the side before pulling out the packaging from his pocket. As he unwrapped it, the three dwarves' faces fell to awe as the silvery light filled the room. The Gems of Lasgalen, gems of pure starlight, finally free of their golden prison.

"Well then, now comes the tricky part, I'm afraid." Balin sighed. "How do we get it to Thranduil without the king's knowledge?"

"We need to somehow convince him to come to another meeting." Thorin remarked. "Let's start with Prince Legolas since he seems more open..."

Thorin trailed off at the three knocks on the door. Bilbo paled as Balin quickly wrapped the gems back up and hid them away. Had Thror decided to kill him after all?

Thorin stalked to the door, looking back to make sure everyone was as inconspicuous as could be. His broad form blocked the dwarf on the other side from view, leaving Bilbo in the dark over their visitor's identity and what they could possibly want. Thorin said something to them before closing the door and returning to their sides. His grim face indicated that their problems were far from over.

"Well?" Balin asked.

Thorin locked eyes with Bilbo, something akin to worry shining through. Bilbo didn't like that one bit.

"Bilbo and I have been summoned to meet with the king. Tomorrow morning."

***

Bilbo was a wreck come morning. He had tossed and turned most of the night before giving up trying to read instead. Not even the flowery and magical world of Loth could distract him for long. His fingers shook as he did up the buttons on his shirt, and he barely managed a sip of tea before his stomach threatened to rebel. One look at Thorin, and he could see that his husband had a similar evening. However, where restlessness stole at Bilbo's mind, irritability had settled in Thorin.

"Quit fidgeting." Thorin snapped as they walked briskly down the hall.

"I'm not fidgeting." Bilbo complained as he pulled at his coat.

"Also, you don't breathe a word. No offers of tea."

"Right, because I'd hate to have to be turned down twice for that." Bilbo shot back, rolling his eyes.

"I can't believe I let you talk me into this." Thorin complained.

Bilbo took the comment like a stab to the gut. This was all his fault. His sympathy and lingering grief weaving together to create the noose that would hang them. Bilbo was supposed to be here to make things easier for Thorin. To ease the heat bearing down upon him by freeing him from the scrutiny of the one person they were on their way to see. Bilbo stopped Thorin with a hand to his arm. The dwarf turned, his jaw locked and ready for a fight.

"Thorin, I'm sorry." He stated.

Thorin's eyes searched his own for a long moment before he turned away with a sigh.

"I wish I could say it's going to be okay, but..."

"Tell him it was me. All me. You had nothing to do with it."

"He will kill you." Thorin shot back.

Bilbo swallowed the lump forming in his throat as he nodded his head in understanding. He knew that. But he was expendable. Surely, Thorin knew this? Instead of looking relieved, Thorin looked ready to pitch a fit. His nostrils flared, and he ran a hand roughly through his hair.

"Like I said, you don't talk."

The throne room was no less formidable than the first time Bilbo had viewed it so many months ago. They had been ushered in immediately, and the sound of the doors closing behind them nearly had Bilbo jumping in place. Their steps slapping against the walkway being the only sound to echo in the cavernous space. The closer they got, the drier Bilbo's throat became. He felt as though he were approaching the executioner's block and had to fight down the instinct to turn tail and run.

Thror remained expressionless as they stopped before the dais and bowed to the king. Thorin placed himself slightly ahead of Bilbo, whether in an attempt to protect him or minimize his presence, Bilbo couldn't say.

"Your Majesty..."

Thror held up his hand, stopping Thorin before he could even get started. Thorin's hand turned to a fist at his side as he lowered his head a fraction of an inch in submission.

"You've been keeping secrets from me, boy."

Bilbo couldn't help but mentally wince at the derogatory term Thror used on Thorin. He knew it was intended to get a rise from Thorin, but the prince didn't react beyond a tick in his brow.

"You think I don't know what goes on in my mountain?"

Bilbo thought he might actually throw up. Especially when Thror's eyes slid over to pierce him beneath his cold stare.

"Elves in my mountain, visits to the jeweler's guild, and your charming pet gracing me with his presence last night."

Something slimy and hard rolled in his gut at being referred to as a pet. Anger shattered the thick glass of fear, as his expression twisted into a sneer. King or no, Thror would learn the shame of a proper Shire dressing down. Thorin's hand merely slid over his wrist, giving it a small gentle squeeze.

"If you think I will treat with that inbul-hibir fundhamâd-ublag (pointy-eared lembas muncher) ..."

"Please, Your Majesty. I can explain, and I promise it is in no favor of Thranduil." Thorin finally interrupted.

Thror sat back on his throne, looking irritated for the interruption, but clearly inviting Thorin to continue. Thorin's confidence wavered for only a moment before he pressed on. Bilbo watched him closely wondering what he could possibly come up with to get them out of this one.

"When my Consort was visiting their kingdom on his journey here, he stole the Elf King's wine goblet and hid it beneath the mattress. They have searched in vain for it, and I had a new one commissioned to mock his plight."

Bilbo could feel his jaw drop as he turned his gaze onto Thorin. That was his secret to tell! Not Thorin's. If Thorin had any regret over telling Bilbo's tale, he did not show it. His eyes remained ahead on Thror whose eyes had narrowed, and grin grew sharp.

"So, your halfling has a history of sticky fingers then?"

"Only for the elves." Thorin shook his head. "He had asked me where you would be last night, and I told him the treasury. There was no ulterior motive behind his presence besides wanting to know more about his new family and share in his disdain for the Mirkwood as well."

Bilbo absolutely could not believe the lies spewing from Thorin's mouth. If this ever got back to Legolas and the others, Bilbo would be absolutely mortified. What's worse, he couldn't even defend himself. Not when the alternative was to have Thror's suspicions turned towards them once more. Mentally promising recompense later, Bilbo held his breath as he awaited the king's verdict. The dwarf began to chuckle before it erupted into loud guffaws that echoed off the walls in a rather disturbing way. It was a sound of madness, and it had Bilbo's toes curling at the sound.

"If it's to ridicule Thranduil that we have invited him, then you shall present him with this goblet here in the throne room. Do not forget how he sought to cheat and slander us. As for the halfling..."

Thror turned his cold gaze onto Bilbo, making a shiver travel straight down his spine.

"I believe I've made myself clear."

Bilbo bowed his head with a mumbled 'yes, Your Majesty'. They were quickly dismissed after that. Thorin waited until they were safely back in their suite before he released a sigh of relief.

"That could have been worse." He commented.

Bilbo didn't say a word as he set about making tea.

"What did he mean by making himself clear?" Thorin asked, leaning against the table as Bilbo puttered around.

Bilbo continued on like he hadn't heard him. It didn't take Thorin long to pick up that it was deliberate.

"What?" He complained with a sigh. "Was it the 'don't talk' comment? Look, I didn't mean..."

"You told my secret!" Bilbo interrupted, unable to take anymore.

Thorin flinched before rubbing a hand down his face.

"I know, I'm sorry. It was all I could think to say..."

"It wasn't your secret to tell!" Bilbo exploded.

"It's not like it was a big secret." Thorin tried to argue.

"You don't get to decide that! What if I told Balin that you misplace trade reports on purpose, so you don't have to read them? Or better yet, told Thror the truth of our marriage? The fact of the matter is you have now placed me in a position to be embarrassed in front of our allies who incidentally are also about to be embarrassed."

"What would you have done in my place? Told the truth?"

Bilbo shook his head as he shakily poured the hot water into his teacup. He watched the liquid slowly turn darker as his mind replayed the conversation from earlier. The worst part wasn't the fact that Thorin had betrayed his trust. It was listening to the foul things Thror dared to call him in Thorin's presence without his husband rising to his defense.

"I don't know, Thorin. Perhaps I should just be a good pet and keep my mouth shut from now on."

Thorin froze. His entire being seized by the need to defend himself. Instead, he lowered his gaze to the floor.

"I would never treat you as such."

"Given everything that's happened between us since the beginning, how can I trust that?" Bilbo asked softly, almost desperately.

He wished Thorin would fight back. Argue with him, get angry, something familiar for Bilbo to fight against. That way he wouldn't have to come to a terrifying realization about his marriage. A realization he has never allowed himself to even consider. He actually wanted this, them, what they had, he wanted it to work. But Thorin didn't say a word. Bilbo took a shaky sip from his tea, trying not to feel like everything was about to crash down around him.

"I need to talk to Balin. We should organize a meeting with Thranduil. Sooner rather than later at this point."

Bilbo nodded, not trusting himself to say anything else at that point. Thorin hesitated for a moment before slowly backtracking to the door and letting himself out. Bilbo fell into his seat, putting his head in his hands. What was he still doing here?

***

Bilbo should have known it wouldn't be as simple as just handing Thranduil the gems and calling it even. There was an order to how to maneuver this politically since Thranduil basically threatened Bilbo to get the gems. Bilbo was willing to let it flow like water under the bridge, but Balin explained it wouldn't be a very good idea to have it be known that all one has to do is threaten Thorin's consort and he'll do whatever you ask. It would basically paint a target on Bilbo's back.

He had been caught sneaking into the king's treasury and was threatened by said king for it. As far as Bilbo was concerned, there already was a target on his back. However, he let Balin and Thorin tweak the wording to make this more favorably to them. Bilbo's job was just setting up the meeting, and a single note sent to Legolas accomplished that.

They agreed to meet in the conference room nearest to the elves' residential wing. The less attention brought to this meeting, the better. Therefore, it was Thorin, Bilbo, Balin, and Dwalin meeting with Thranduil, Legolas, Nallor, and Tauriel. The tension rolling off everyone was near suffocating, and Dwalin and Tauriel's fingers were never too far from their weapons.

"So, what have you come to offer me this time in hope of keeping the peace? A gilded plate to accompany the goblet?" Thranduil drawled.

"The only bargaining chip we bring is the one you asked for." Thorin stated, his words clipped as he had Balin open the box in his hands.

All four sets of elven eyes were drawn to the necklace with looks of wonder and awe. Thranduil's hand reached across the divide only to hesitate and draw back, his eyes growing hardened.

"I have seen this trick before, Dwarf." Thranduil spat. "What will it be this time? Some new tax that I am to pay? Another export of wine I am to lose?"

"The necklace is yours." Thorin nodded to Bilbo.

Bilbo plucked the box out of Balin's hands to step across the divide and deposit it in Thranduil's hands. He could see Thranduil's fingers twitch, and for a small moment, images of himself being used as a hostage in order for him to escape with his prize played out in Bilbo's mind. He forced his feet to complete his task, only relaxing again when he was back by Thorin's side. He saw the tension subtly leave his companions' shoulders and guessed he wasn't the only one with such thoughts. Great, now they were rubbing off on him.

"Well, if that's it then. We will be on our way." Thranduil stated.

"Not so fast." Thorin stopped him, with his hand held up. "We still have other matters to discuss."

"Oh? And just what would that be?" Thranduil mocked.

"Your threat made against my Consort." Thorin intoned gravely.

"Prince Thorin," Nallor stepped in seamlessly. "I believe my King, Thranduil, has been misunderstood..."

"I understood his point perfectly well." Thorin interrupted. "And if he wants this alliance to continue, then we will proceed as such."

"And what has this alliance brought me?" Thranduil demanded, his eyes like ice.

"I have seen the golden armor of your armies and the silvery shine of their blades. Your smiths are talented, but not even the best of smiths can work with shoddy materials. We have provided well."

Thranduil's lips twisted into a wry smirk. "And now who is making threats?"

"It is no threat." Thorin denied. "Just the admittance of a truth. We make better...neighbors than we do enemies."

"Neighbors?" Thranduil repeated with a side glance to Bilbo.

"Yes." Thorin answered gruffly, moving his hand just slightly to grip Bilbo's sleeve.

If Thranduil noticed the gesture, he said nothing of it. Instead, he stared Thorin down as if trying to read any deception from his demeanor alone.

"Should I fear from my neighbors about being double crossed? I received word this morning about the King asking for an audience tomorrow. Yet, that's what I thought this meeting was about?"

Bilbo took a deep breath in through his nose even as he felt color flood his cheeks. Thorin didn't even spare him a glance, but Bilbo certainly was gaping at him after Thorin spoke.

"I told a secret. A secret that wasn't mine, and in turn has the potential to embarrass multiple people in this room. I hope you will accept my apology for my callousness with the king. You are free to do what you please, including leaving today if that is your wish. All that I ask is my...the ones dearest to me, don't pay the price for my mistakes."

Bilbo wondered at the pause. What was Thorin going to say? His Consort? Did he think Bilbo would find that too personal? A flutter of something familiar and foreign at the same time seemed to take residence inside his gut as he waited with bated breath alongside everyone else for Thranduil's response. The elf stared down the end of his long nose, assessing behind those cold eyes.

"You've...changed somehow." Thranduil finally admitted. "I used to think the line of Durin was all built the same. However, I think I enjoy being proven wrong in this instance. Nallor, if you'll retrieve my gifts."

"Gifts?" Bilbo asked, puzzled.

Thranduil nodded. "Congratulations for your marriage. Even if the invitation somehow got lost along the way."

Nallor returned bearing two scabbards. One of them being much smaller than the other.

"For you, Prince Thorin." Thranduil addressed first. "This is Orcrist, the Goblin-cleaver. A Gondolin blade forged by the high elves of the First Age. May it serve you well."

Thorin looked utterly baffled as he accepted the sword, pulling it out to examine the craftsmanship. Bilbo didn't know much about swords, but Bilbo could tell from the small amount of awe present on Thorin's face that it must be a good one.

"Thank you, King Thranduil." Thorin nodded as he sheathed the blade once more.

Thranduil nodded in return before turning to Bilbo. He gulped as he was presented with the other sword. He's never used a blade in his life and wouldn't know the first thing about whether or not this was a good one.

"I'm sorry to say this one has no name, but it is a forge-mate of Orcrist. May it serve you well, Consort Baggins."

Bilbo pulled the sword out, trying to hide the tremble in his hand as he examined it much like Thorin had. Other than the rather pleasingly whimsical vine-like design, he had no idea what would determine it as a good blade or not. Still, he would accept it with honor as he thanked Thranduil for the gift.

Thranduil smirked. "What are neighbors for? Please know that you are welcome to visit the Woodland Realms at any time...and leave freely when that visit is complete."

Thorin released a short breath as he nodded. Bilbo thought Thranduil was getting off rather lightly considering he didn't ever actually apologize. However, he realized that was probably the best they were going to get. At least it was done and neither side declared war. Bilbo looked over at his husband, beaming proudly at the dwarf. He knew it was not within Thorin's nature to be agreeable when his pride was at stake, and yet, he really came through. Bilbo could see exactly the sort of king he would be and thought the day couldn't come soon enough for Erebor.

They made their farewells with Bilbo wishing the elves a pleasant journey home before leaving to return to their suite. Dwalin and Balin didn't say a word, but Bilbo caught glimpses of their own surprise and awe. Bilbo slipped his hand into Thorin's and gave it a tight squeeze. He was rewarded with a small smile tugging at the dwarf's lips. Bilbo grinned in return until he remembered...they still had the king to face tomorrow.

***

"So, what are you going to say to Thror." Bilbo asked, once again walking down the familiar hall to meet with the king.

"I'll tell him the truth. Thranduil chose to return to Mirkwood earlier than anticipated."

"I did appreciate it; what you said to him about telling my secret."

Thorin suddenly stopped, and Bilbo stopped beside him. He felt suddenly exposed under Thorin's searching gaze, and he had to resist the urge to pull at his collar.

"I'm tired of this." He finally admitted.

Bilbo felt his indignation rearing to go on the end of his tongue when Thorin held up his hand to stop him before he even got started.

"I'm tired of making mistakes by you. I've realized I do want to be someone you trust, someone you can call...friend. I honestly don't know if I'll ever actually get it right, but I want you to know...I need you to know...I am trying."

A loaded confession that had Bilbo's insides squirming. Thorin was right to an extent, they have been wrong-footed since the beginning of this whole thing. And at times Bilbo had to wonder if Thorin made it up to him because he was genuinely sorry, or to keep the ruse alive. But there has been a shift lately to their relationship. This whole business with the Gems of Lasgalen was a testament to that as Thorin never would have gone along with such a convoluted plan before. Especially if it were to the benefit of elves.

Bilbo has never had much patience in others. His family could attest to that, or perhaps they couldn't, considering it was because of this reason that he didn't visit with them much. Even before his mother had started getting sick, Bilbo was becoming...unsociable. But with Thorin it was different somehow. Maybe it was because Thorin actually listened to him. Thorin trusted him. It's what made forgiving him easy and perhaps returning a bit of that trust as well. He would like to have a friend.

"I know. I trust you." Bilbo felt the airy answer pass through his lips before he could think any more of it. Saying it out loud, Bilbo found that it was true. He gave a nod before repeating himself, this time firmer. "I trust you. I do. And I see you. I'm sorry I made you doubt that. You are my husband after all."

A smile graced Thorin's lips that took Bilbo's very breath away. Free of burden, but with a twinkle of fondness as Thorin nodded.

"I'm very glad to hear that."

Bilbo felt a smile pull at his own face as his heart gave a leap in his chest. Thorin truly was unfairly attractive. It was something Bilbo had noticed upon their first meeting, and it continued to be true. Back then, he had been able to distract himself with the dwarf's deplorable manners. He didn't know what it would do for his poor heart if the dwarf continued to smile and make such confessions.

"Right." Bilbo cleared his throat as he turned away. "Shall we be on our way then?"

Thorin hesitated for a moment before nodding and escorting him to the throne room once more. Bilbo subtly released a sigh, no longer the subject of that bright blue stare. No, developing a fondness for his husband was entirely out of the question. There would be no more disarming smiles in the hallway, thank you very much.

The throne room was as imposing as ever once they passed through the large doors. Its king, however, was a different story. Pacing about like an aggravated wolf, Bilbo felt himself falter in his steps having no desire to approach the dwarf in his state. Thorin, on the other hand, never slowed, never wavered. The only thing to denote his distress was a small furrow forming between his eyebrows.

"They've stolen from me. I know it! I just know those inbul-hibir fundhamâd-ublag (pointy-eared lembas munchers) would never leave this mountain empty-handed."

"Your Majesty?" Thorin interrupted Thror's mad ramblings.

The king looked up only to pin them under his glazed, unnaturally bright eyes.

"YOU!" Thror accused, taking a step in their direction. "How could you allow this to happen?"

"What to happen?" Thorin asked calmly.

"THE ELVES!" Thror roared. "They left sometime in the afternoon yesterday. You said you were going to mock them, right here in front of me, and you didn't!"

"I never made such promises, nor can I predict the moods of Thranduil and his ilk."

"COWARD!" Thror spat at Thorin. "A'lâju Mahal. (You shame Mahal)."

Thorin took in a deep breath and released it slowly. His shoulders remained straightforward and stiff. Bilbo couldn't allow Thorin to continue to bear this abuse alone.

"Your Majesty, if I may..."

"You may not! You beardless wretch!" Thror turned onto Bilbo. "Do you think I don't know? You had a hand in this! You are in league with the elves! A spy for them! You greedy little..."

"Take care of how you speak to my Consort." Thorin interjected, physically putting himself between the two.

"Consort." Thror scoffed. "He is a bed warmer I have allowed you, because you seemed desperate enough."

"He is my husband, and my One."

"He's not even a dwarf! He can't be your One." Thror threw his hands up. "However, if you want to continue this charade, I suggest a muzzle. Consorts are to be seen, not heard."

"And would Sigin'adad (Grandfather) have said the same?!" Thorin raised his voice for the first time in their conversation.

A loud smack echoed through the chamber causing Bilbo to cover his mouth to keep from crying out. Thorin's head had rolled to the side, his hands held tightly in fists at his thighs. The side of his face already pulsing an angry red from the slap he had received.

"You have always been an insolent boy." Thror hissed. "I weep for Erebor if you are its future."

Thorin slowly straightened, keeping his eyes pointedly down.

"May that day be far off, and the rule of King Thror ever prosperous."

"Get out."

Thorin and Bilbo wasted no time in heeding that order. Bilbo all but jogging to keep up with Thorin's long stride. However, when they were far enough away, he yanked at Thorin's arm.

"Thorin, please wait. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This wasn't what I intended when I said you had to defend me. I can't believe...please, let me take a look at that..."

"I'd like to court you."

Bilbo stood there gobsmacked, staring up at Thorin who watched him with soft eyes despite his swelling cheek.

"What?"

"I know it's unorthodox and we're already married but would like to do right by you. For once. Treat you how you should be treated, and courting is an excellent way to get to know the other person."

"Yes, if you're wanting to get to know a person romantically." Bilbo stressed.

Thorin's smile never wavered.

"Then I shall court you as a friend if that makes you feel more comfortable."

Bilbo tried not to let the last part overload his brain. Right now, he was just trying to process the whole 'courting after they already married' thing. That would be preposterous. This whole thing sounded like a disaster in the making. After all, what would the other dwarves say? What would they think of their marriage? This marriage that was a fictitious portrayal of love. Bilbo ought to be smart and deny the dwarf.

"Is it normal for dwarves to court after marriage?" Bilbo asked hesitantly.

Thorin shook his head. "Not usually."

Bilbo nodded. That was more than enough. He opened his mouth, only to be trapped by the hope bleeding through Thorin's lovely blue eyes. Eyes that he had compared once upon a time to his grandfather, but they were actually so different.

"Yes, I think that would...nice. Of course, you may."

Thorin gave Bilbo another one of those blinding smiles, and he knew in that moment he was gone. The silent oath made in this very hallway discarded and trod upon. A fondness, he reminded his treacherous heart. He held fondness for Thorin Oakenshield, because he could not allow himself to believe there could be anything else. With mad kings and deception hanging over them like a heavy wool blanket, anything more could be trouble. And yet, Bilbo has always had a knack for finding trouble.