I'm back, fellow readers!

Let me tell you, things have been busy on my end. I'm still in the process of writing a personal novel of mine and I'm currently dealing with some ridiculous coworker drama that's causing me a lot of mental and emotional stress :( I considered looking for a new job, but now it looks like I may have an out. I'll just be switching departments at my work, so fingers crossed!

Anyway, this chapter was a delight to write! I've been waiting for this one pretty much since this story's conception ;)

Please do enjoy!

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In the months following the arrival of the Dwarves from Ered Luin and the return of Bilbo Baggins to Erebor, the rebuilding of the mountain was coming along smoothly. With the help of the Men of Laketown, as well, the fortifications of the mountain were repaired, the gate was rebuilt and a new bridge was crafted over the rubble that they had used as a makeshift one for some time. The rubble and stone debris throughout were recycled and used to rebuild broken walls, pillars, stairs and archways. It was beginning to look more and more like the Lonely Mountain of old with each passing day.

On top of the restoration of Erebor, there were also preparations being made for Thorin and Aelin's upcoming wedding. Women in Laketown had taken it upon themselves to collect various things they could use to help decorate: flowers, curtains, candles and any sort of trinket they could spare among them. To accommodate their guests who were not accustomed to being inside a mountain, Thorin and Aelin also decided they would have their wedding ceremony outdoors, especially since spring was in bloom and the weather was sure to be pleasant. In addition, they had asked Gandalf to be the officiant who would marry them and the wizard was more than happy to oblige. Dwalin, Balin, Fili and Kili had been asked to stand at the altar with Thorin while Dis, Nori, Dori and Ori were asked to stand with Aelin at the altar. Naturally, they all accepted without hesitation.

A few weeks before the wedding, however, Aelin was having second thoughts about what she wanted in terms of her wedding attire. One day, she met up with Dis, desperately needing a woman's advice for her dilemma.

When Dis arrived in Aelin's private chamber, she asked Aelin, who was sitting on her bed, "Whatever is the matter, Aelin?"

"I'm starting to rethink my decision for my wedding attire," Aelin answered.

"Why is that?" was Dis's next question. "I thought you were going with nice, formal attire that wasn't a dress?"

Aelin wrung her hands together. "I...I actually think I might want to wear a dress…," she timidly admitted.

Dis was taken aback. In the months she had been in Erebor, she had gotten to know Aelin quite well and this was certainly not something she expected to hear from her soon-to-be sister-in-law.

"Color me surprised," she commented. "Are you sure that's really what you want? After all, you have made it quite clear that you are not fond of dresses at all."

"That's my dilemma: I hate dresses, but...I want to do it for Thorin," said Aelin.

Dis narrowed her eyes and tilted her head. "I don't understand."

"It's my understanding that the males of any race love to see their brides in dresses, especially at their wedding," Aelin explained. "I feel guilty depriving Thorin of such a privilege. I know you told me he spent a long time never really thinking of marriage, but now that that prospect has become a reality for him, I assume that is what he would want: to see his future Queen walk down the aisle to him in a beautiful dress. I don't want to take that away from him."

It was then that Dis understood. Aelin was trying to abide by the rules of society just to please her KIng and was willing to sacrifice her own comfort to do so. To her, that just proved even more how much Aelin truly loved her brother.

She then began to chuckle.

Aelin was confused by her reaction. "What?" she asked.

Dis shook her head, smiled and said, "Oh, Aelin, you sweet darling. There is no need for you to compromise your own comfort just for Thorin's sake. Has he pressured you into wearing a dress for the wedding?"

"No," said Aelin.

"Then that is that. If Thorin truly wanted you to wear a dress, then I am sure he would've pressed the matter further to convince you, but he has not. That is because he loves you the way you are and he is perfectly content with whatever you choose. What you wear is simply a material matter; what really matters to him is that he is pledging his heart, his soul and his life to you: the woman he loves and has chosen to live out his days with."

"I know, but...I can't help but feel that-"

"Aelin, listen to me: when you're married, you will find that Thorin will find you beautiful even in the most mundane circumstances. You will wake up in the morning with the most ghastly hairdo, only wearing your nightwear and he will still think you are the most radiant being ever to grace this mountain."

"You really mean that?" Aelin inquired.

"Trust me, he will be satisfied no matter what you wear on your wedding day," said Dis.

Hearing those words from Dis actually seemed to give Aelin the reassurance she needed. She was starting to feel better about the whole dress situation. It was silly of her to be so worried about such a thing.

She smiled and said, "Thank you, Dis. I appreciate your counsel."

Dis smiled back and bowed her head. Then she got a contemplative look in her eyes. It seemed as though she had just thought of something.

"What is it?" asked Aelin.

Bringing a hand up to her chin in thought, Dis replied, "Actually...I may have an idea that would appease both attire ideas."

Aelin raised her eyebrows, curious. "I'm listening…."

Finally, the long-awaited day of the wedding arrived. The air was abuzz with excitement and joy as the last of the preparations were being taken care of and guests were beginning to arrive. Bard, his children and a majority of Dale arrived first followed shortly by Thranduil and Tauriel. Very soon after that, Dain and a small band of Dwarves came. Within the hour before the wedding, all of the Dwarves of Erebor started to assemble outside. The ceremony was taking place in a small field area to the side of the mountain, so that was where everyone was gathering.

Inside the mountain, Thorin was getting ready and Balin and Dwalin were keeping him company. Moreover, Balin was ensuring Thorin had everything ready.

"Did you remember her wedding band?" Balin inquired.

From behind a screen where he was changing into his proper clothes, Thorin answered, "Aye, Balin, I have it."

"And you gave her yours?" was Balin's next question.

"Aye, she has it," said Thorin, emerging from behind the screen in dark blue royal attire.

Dwalin came up beside his brother and stated, "Leave the lad alone, brother. He's got everything under control."

"Today is supposed to be a wonderful day. I just want to ensure that everything goes smoothly," said Balin.

Thorin said in response to that, "Balin, it is my wedding day. I am sealing myself to the woman I love for the rest of eternity. Even if things go wrong and it turns into a disaster, that is the only thing that matters at the end of the day."

Balin smiled at him, but then his eyes widened as if he had just remembered something. "Did you remember to write your vows?" he asked as Thorin was lacing up his boots.

"There was no need for it. I already know in my heart what I wish to say," Thorin told him.

Dwalin grinned. "Aye, I'm sure you do."

Thorin then pulled on one of his fur coats over his shoulders. "I have been ready for this day since the moment I proposed to Aelin. I would have married her right then, if I had the chance."

He looked over at Balin, expecting him to say something or ask another question, but, to his surprise, he found the old Dwarf looking at him with tears in his eyes.

"Balin, what's wrong?" he asked, now concerned and garnering Dwalin's attention, as well.

Balin reached up and brushed a stray tear from his eye, sniffling. "Do forgive the tears of an old man…," he said, his voice quivering. "It's just...my heart is so filled with joy this day." He conjured up a smile, despite his emotions. "In a time long past, you once were against the notion of marriage and believed you would forever be alone. It broke my heart to hear such thoughts from you...and now...here you are...preparing to marry a most wonderful woman; a woman that I have seen you grow to truly love in every way possible. I will not say it is a miracle because I always believed that one day, you would find someone that would change your view of love and marriage...but even still, It is almost unbelievable to me that this day has finally come."

The elder Dwarf approached Thorin and laid a hand on his arm. "I have had no sons of my own to share such happy occasions as these with, but you, Thorin, I have come to love and cherish like a son. I have watched you grow from a young, headstrong boy to a warrior to a leader and now, to a righteous and benevolent King, admired by his people and who restored his kingdom. All I ever wanted for you was to find true, real happiness...and today is meant to be the happiest day of your life; a day I once feared I would not live to see...and I am blessed to be a part of it."

Overwhelmed with gratitude for the words of his dear friend, Thorin embraced Balin fondly. "Balin...I cannot begin to say what your words mean to me," he said to him. As they pulled back, he continued, "I am grateful for the counsel and friendship you have given me over these many years. You have been a Dwarf I always knew I could turn to and my fondness for you is equal to that which you have for me, perhaps if not more. You have been a mentor, a councilor, a guide and a true father-figure to me. I am glad you are here with me on this special day."

Then he turned his attention to Dwalin. "And you, as well, Dwalin. I would certainly not be where I am today without you by my side."

Dwalin looked away with a slight grin and wagged a finger at him. "Oh no, don't you start getting sentimental on me," he warned.

However, Thorin simply ignored him and said to him, taking a few steps forward, "You are a brother to me, Dwalin, and your fierce loyalty is something that can never be challenged. I consider myself fortunate to call you my closest friend and my devoted protector."

Dwalin let out a small "humph". "I am afraid I cannot accept that last honor. That one goes to Aelin, considering she literally died to protect you," he commented. Then he reached out and grasped Thorin's wrist. "Though, I would do the same for you in a heartbeat, should such an occasion ever arise."

He opened his mouth to continue, but Thorin stopped him, saying with a grin, "Save the rest of your words for your speech at the celebration tonight."

"Aye, very well," Dwalin agreed.

Just then, there was a knock at the door, followed by Fili's voice saying, "Uncle, it's Fili and Kili. We have urgent news."

Now concerned, Thorin asked Balin to open the door. Once he did so, Fili and Kili entered the room with a hooded figure behind them.

"What is this urgent news, lads?" Thorin asked them.

Kili motioned to the figure behind them. "This Dwarf told us that someone is going to try and sabotage the wedding."

"More than one someone, actually," said the male voice of the unknown Dwarf. He removed his hood to reveal his face. He had a much smaller beard than most Dwarves and he appeared to be a bit younger; older than Fili and Kili, for sure, but younger than Thorin.

"How do you know this?" asked Thorin.

The Dwarf answered, "Because I was one of them...but I am no longer a part of that plan. That is why I came to warn you."

"Who would do such a thing?"

Fili then answered, "He said...it has to do with Aelin."

This was already beginning to set Thorin's teeth on edge. He looked back to the Dwarf. "Who are you?" he asked.

The Dwarf replied, "Someone who knows Aelin and doesn't wish to see her day ruined." He took a step forward. "I do have an idea, your Majesty, to thwart the plan of those who seek to stop your wedding, should you choose to accept my help."

"How do I know I can trust you?" asked Thorin.

"I came forward and revealed the truth, including that I was once involved in the plot against you. That was a great risk on my part. If I were not to be trusted, I would not have done so in the first place," said the Dwarf.

Thorin looked to Dwalin, then Balin and then Kili and Fili. They all seemed to wordlessly agree that the Dwarf had a point and that they should, at least, listen to him.

Then Thorin straightened up and simply replied, "I am listening."

An hour later, the sounds of the trumpets rang outside of Erebor and all of the wedding guests eagerly awaited the arrival of the bride, who was going to be joining the ceremony from inside the mountain. At the altar, which consisted of a wooden archway decorated with lace and flowers, Thorin waited patiently for Aelin with Dwalin, Balin, Fili and Kili to his left. On the other side of the altar, Dis, Dori and Ori took their places. In the center of the archway, Gandalf stood, beaming proudly.

In the gateway, Aelin stood with Nori, inhaling and exhaling deeply. Her palms were sweating and her heart was racing. Her nerves were building up with each passing second.

"I can't believe this is happening," she said.

Nori rubbed her back. "Relax, Aelin. If you keep breathing the way you are, you'll pass out halfway to the altar," he replied. "This is a moment to be happy about, not nervous."

"I know, I know. It's just...this is such a big day; one I never imagined I would have...I'm still finding it hard to believe that this is real."

"Well, believe it. You are about to walk down the aisle to Thorin Oakenshield at the altar, where you two will be joined together in holy matrimony and then you, my dear sister, will be officially crowned Queen Under the Mountain."

Aelin let out another loud sigh. "That is the part that makes me even more nervous," she said. "Am I really cut out to be Queen, Nori? I haven't the faintest idea how to run a kingdom!"

Nori placed his hands on Aelin's shoulders, looked right into her eyes and stated, "Aelin, you are the most qualified woman to be Queen! You have a strategic, diplomatic mind; you fight for what you believe in, you don't back down from a challenge, you are firm in your standards, you are loyal, compassionate, brave and, most importantly: you know what it's like to be a civilian; you know the people. You can better understand their plights because you yourself have been there. Besides, Thorin will be at your side to help you learn how to rule. You will also have Dis to guide you, since she is a Princess and has had to govern the Dwarves of the Ered Luin in Thorin's absence. The company will also support you, no matter what."

After listening to Nori's words of encouragement, Aelin could feel her nerves beginning to calm. She gave him a smile. "You always know exactly what I need to hear, Nori. Thank you," she said gratefully.

He offered her his arm and said, "Shall we get you married, then?"

With a nod, she hooked her arm through his and they began their walk.

Bofur was standing around the corner, saw them coming and cried out to the guests, "The bride approaches!" As the guests rose to their feet, he pulled out his flute and began to play a lovely melody for the bride to walk to.

Thorin felt his chest tighten in anticipation at seeing Aelin in her wedding attire for the first time...then his breath caught in his throat as he then beheld her standing at the end of the aisle.

He was astonished to see that Aelin was actually wearing a dress!

It was a simple gown that didn't quite reach the ground with long, lace sleeves and elaborate, silver embroidery along the sweetheart neckline and the hem of the dress, She wore a thin belt made of small diamonds around her waist and a white ribbon choker tied around her neck. Her ebony hair was done in multiple braids and pulled up into a flattering updo. In her hands, she carried a bouquet of wildflowers.

To Thorin, she was more beautiful than the brightest star and more radiant than even the sun itself.

Aelin and Nori began to walk and that was when Thorin found another surprise about Aelin's appearance: there were two slits in the front of her dress and when she walked, her legs pushed through to reveal she was wearing white trousers and white boots underneath.

Thorin couldn't help but chuckle quietly to himself. He should've known Aelin wouldn't completely give up the idea of wearing trousers, given her immense dislike for dresses. Even still, that didn't change the fact that she was the perfect picture of a Dwarven bride and a Dwarven Queen.

As she approached the altar, Aelin turned and hugged her brother tightly. Afterwards, Nori took his place between Dis and Dori at the side of the altar. Aelin then turned and saw Fili and Kili smiling dotingly at her, along with Balin, Dwalin, Dis, Dori and Ori. The remainder of the company were all seated in the very front seats of all the wedding guests and they had waved at her as she walked by. These were the faces of her companions; her found family.

Lastly, she looked to Thorin and the brightest, happiest smile spread across her face as she beamed with excitement. He was dressed in his best regal attire and wore a new raven crown upon his head. He extended a hand to her and brought her closer as she took it.

"You look wonderful, my love," he whispered.

She grinned. "Thank you."

"Please be seated," declared Gandalf to the guests, who quickly obeyed. Once they were in their seats, Gandalf went on to say, "Welcome to all who have traveled near and far for this spectacular occasion." He motions with his hands to Thorin and Aelin. "Today, the King Under the Mountain is marrying his chosen Queen and the line of Durin shall be secure once more in their joining together. Today is a day of peace, love, joy and restored prosperity. If there is anyone who is opposed to this marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace."

"Oh, we oppose this marriage!"

A chorus of startled gasps sounded from the crowd and all heads whipped around to find the source of a voice, which had sounded female.

Aelin looked to see four figures standing up near the back of the makeshift aisle: three male Dwarves and one female Dwarf standing in front of them. Right away, she knew who these people were.

"No…," she gasped.

"Who dares speak against this wedding?" Dwalin demanded through a growl as he stepped away from the altar was beginning to walk to the aisle.

Aelin stepped out and laid a hand on his shoulder, stopping him, while keeping an eye on the disturbers. "Hold your ground, Dwalin. I know who these people are," she stated.

"As do I," added Nori, his brow furrowed in anger and his fists clenching.

Aelin took a few steps out down the aisle, glaring at the intruders. Then she declared loud enough for all to hear, "Their names are Zedd, Rama, Kardur and Jéka...they're my former friends who were hired by my father to spy on me and betrayed me back in Ered Luin."

The guests began to mutter amongst each other.

Then Aelin began to walk towards them, stating to everyone behind her, "I will handle this."

"Are you sure?" asked Thorin.

"Trust me. I want to deal with them personally," she answered with a nod and then continued forward.

Behind her, a small grin etched up on Thorin's face.

She stopped a few feet away from her former friends. "How dare you show your faces to me…!" she spoke, seething.

Jéka, the female Dwarf, who was standing in a defiant position with a hand on her hip, just scoffed. "Spare us, Aelin. Do you think that because you're marrying a King that you're better than us?"

Aelin's eyes narrowed. "Actually, yes," she replied. "In fact, even if I wasn't about to marry a King and was still living in Ered Luin, I would still be better than the lot of you because I don't betray my friends."

"The world we're a part of is a competitive one," said Zedd, smirking. "It was your own fault for trusting us and not being able to take the heat when you got burned."

"If that were so, then how are the four of you still together? It's a wonder you haven't betrayed each other yet," Aelin commented.

Rama then said, "It's because we simply work well together."

Aelin didn't buy that for a moment. "Right…," she simply said, indicating she didn't believe them.

Though, she caught eyes with Kardur, who was standing in the back of the group, for a brief moment and was a bit taken aback when she saw him. He wasn't glaring at her like the rest of them; the look in his eyes was apologetic and steadfast. Then he gave her a subtle nod and his eyes softened even more.

Then ever so slightly, he pointed to himself. "I'm with you," he mouthed to her, faintly pointing at her.

She was surprised to see this, but kept her emotions hidden from the others. Clearly, he was trying to be sneaky about something. Though she was cautious about trusting him initially, something inside her felt she had to in the moment.

"What do you want?" she then demanded, returning her attention to the other three.

"What else? We want to make sure you don't become Queen," answered Jéka.

Dain shot up from his chair and shouted, "You impudent wench!"

Jéka simply ignored him.

Aelin glowered at her. This new attitude bothered her; Jéka was never one to stand up to anyone and was considered spineless. Now, her defiance and newfound confidence both surprised and infuriated Aelin.

"Just what makes you think you have the right to decide that?" she then asked.

Zedd replied, "We are part of the people-"

"I am speaking to Jéka, Zedd, so cease your talking before everyone else here becomes as brainless as you," Aelin spat, interrupting him.

That garnered startled reactions from the crowd...but pleased and even proud grins and "oh's" from the company of Thorin Oakenshield.

"Why, you insolent little…!" growled Zedd, stepping forward and raising a hand to strike her.

However, his arm was halted as Dain suddenly appeared at Aelin's side, his hand around Zedd's wrist. "Lay one hand on the Queen...and I will take your head and mount it on my wall!" he threatened him, shoving him and causing him to stagger back. Then he added loudly, "Then the rest of your body, I'll feed to my pigs!"

"Nonsense, Dain, That would be rather unfortunate...for the pigs," said Aelin, a smirk appearing on her lips, drawing a few pleased chuckles from the crowd.

Jéka stepped forward and then suddenly proclaimed in a loud voice to the crowd, "This woman is unfit to be Queen! Do you even know the kind of woman your King is about to marry? She is a thief! She stole from many people, including King Thorin himself!"

More gasps.

Aelin clenched her teeth. Jéka was now trying to twist the story of when Aelin had attempted to steal Thorin's ring to make it seem as though she had succeeded.

Jéka continued, "This woman is a criminal and a liar! You are running the risk that she will deceive you all and lead you into ruin! You would let someone with a shady, deceitful past like that be on the throne of Erebor and rule you?"

It was in that moment, Aelin braced herself, mentally preparing for the uprising Jéka was surely about to bring against her.

"This is just as Norin predicted...maybe he was right about me…," Aelin began to think to herself.

Nori then cried out his rebuttal from the altar, "Funny how you fail to mention that the lot of you are also thieves and liars!"

All eyes were back on Jéka, now suspicious and unbelieving.

Just then, a random Dwarf in the middle of the seated crowd stood up and declared, "I stand with Lady Aelin!" When everyone looked at him, he went on, "She has helped work alongside many of us during the rebuilding of Erebor. She has looked out for our wellbeing and ensured that we are settling in well. That is not the character of someone so intent on deceiving us. I don't believe a word this woman says!"

Another woman stood up, as well, holding a small child in her arms. "Lady Aelin made sure my children were fed right when we arrived from our long journey. That and she helps bring in supplies when we get them from Dale. Even if she was once a thief, it's clear to me that she's nothing like that anymore. I, too, stand with Lady Aelin."

"A true Queen supports her people and she has done that every moment since we all got here," stated another Dwarf, joining in.

"She is kind and determined to do what is right," said another.

"I don't care if she was once a thief! Lady Aelin is not that person now and should be commended for it!" shouted someone else.

"You have no right to show her such disrespect!" cried another Dwarf.

Before long, a great majority of the wedding guests were standing from their chairs and yelling things at the four intruding Dwarves, defending Aelin's honor.

Aelin was overwhelmed. She had not expected such support from the people, but it appeared that she had truly made an impression on them. She was so afraid that the people would hear she was once a thief and would turn on her or even Thorin for it, like Norin predicted, but it seemed that was not to be.

"Looks like you were wrong, Norin...and I was right," she thought triumphantly. "You tried to get in my head and make me believe that Thorin's people wouldn't accept me...and I can't believe I almost let you. I hope you're seeing this from whatever hell you ended up in...because I won."

Aelin caught Jéka's angry gaze and gave her a devious, triumphant grin.

Jéka then shouted, "Are you all mad? Did you not hear a word I just said?"

"Oh, they heard you," suddenly spoke Kardur, moving around Jéka and Zedd and putting himself next to Aelin. "They just don't care."

"Kardur?" asked Rama, confused.

Kardur looked to each of them as he proclaimed with determination, "Stop this, all of you. Aelin has never deserved anything that we've done to her! We mistreated her and abandoned her, all at the behest of her conman father, whom we all knew was wrong, but you all didn't care. You only cared about the score we would earn from it, so someone else's feeling didn't matter to you."

"Traitor!" exclaimed Zedd.

Ignoring that, Kardur turned to Aelin. "Aelin, I am sorry. I never wanted to be a part of this from the beginning, but I was a coward and never defended you. I have carried that guilt for years, but not anymore. I want to make things right."

Aelin found herself speechless at Kardur standing up for her and also apologizing. All she could do in return was gape at him in happy disbelief.

"Surely, you're joking," commented Jéka with a roll of her eyes.

Kardur looked back at her, his expression serious and replied, "Do I look like I'm joking about any of this? Aelin has done nothing to deserve us crashing her wedding. Since we left her in prison, she has not sought us out nor have we. She has done nothing to us over the last many years, so why did we even do this? What has she done to deserve us ruining her life again?"

"She is about to become Queen, Kardur," stated Rama.

"We are not about to answer to her," added Jéka, casting a challenging look at Aelin.

Aelin responded, her expression darkening, "Keep this up and you won't have to...because I will kill you myself."

"You won't get the chance to," replied Jéka. Then she added to Kardur, "You want to stand with Aelin? Very well. You will die with her, too." Then she cried over her shoulder to Zedd, "Now!"

Zedd brought his hand to his mouth and let out a loud whistle.

Everyone flinched, preparing themselves for something to happen….

Nothing happened.

The sound of slow claps echoed in the air. Aelin turned around to see Thorin walking up behind her, shaking his head and grinning while clapping his hands.

"Well...it would seem you were right, Kardur," he stated.

"What are you talking about?" spat Jéka.

As he came around to Aelin's other side, Thorin replied, "Kardur came to me prior to the ceremony and warned me that you miscreants were going to sabotage the wedding and also kill my bride."

"Wait, you knew?" asked Aelin, startled.

"Aye," he said. He went on, "Upon receiving this information, I enlisted the help of Bard, King of Dale, and also Tauriel, Mirkwood's Captain of the Guard, to find the archers you secretly had placed along the mountainside above us."

He then called out Bard and Tauriel's names and, in that moment, they emerged from a small cliff on the mountainside, holding two Dwarves each by their bound wrists. This caused more shocked gasps and muttering amongst the crowd below.

"How…?" was all Aelin managed to say. She was too astonished knowing that Thorin knew of all of this and was able to put a stop to it.

"Come now," urged Thorin, motioning back to the altar behind them as he walked back towards it, not even giving Jéka, Zedd and Rama anymore attention.

"You may have stopped us now, but we will be back. This is not over," stated Zedd.

Aelin turned to him and responded, "That's where you're wrong, Zedd. It is over. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a King I need to marry." Then she looked to some nearby guards and ordered, "Guards, take them away. I want these criminals out of my sight." With that being said, she turned away and went to follow Thorin.

The guards grabbed Zedd and Rama, but before the guards could grab her, Jéka let out an angry screech and yelled, "You are not better than me, Aelin! I will not answer to you!" Then she pulled out an axe from behind her and lunged towards Aelin with the axe held above her head.

"Aelin!" shouted Fili at the altar.

Unbeknownst to him and everyone else, Aelin knew Jéka would try to attack her and she was prepared. She withdrew her mithril knives from underneath her dress; from the belt of her trousers, flipped around, crouched down and brought her knives to an "X" formation above her head, catching Jéka's attempted blow. Everyone around them all cried out in alarm, seeing the future Queen being attacked.

As she held Jéka's axe in place, Aelin shouted, "Everyone, stay back! This wench is mine to deal with!" Then she gave a shove forward, pushing Jéka back.

In her fury, Jéka just started swinging wildly with her axe, her attacks bearing no thought or coordination behind them. Aelin simply had to dodge and step away from each swing. At one point, Jéka swung towards Aelin's head and she ducked underneath it. Seizing the opportunity, she took her tightly clenched fist and took a hard strike right at Jéka's stomach, knocking the wind out of her and making her double over as she fell to her knees, dropping her axe and clutching her stomach.

"You made this way too easy," commented Aelin, looking down at the groaning woman and then proceeding to kick her axe away.

Jéka looked up at her, still with anger-filled eyes. "Just you wait, Aelin," she said through her moans. "We'll find your father again...and he will put an end to this madness."

Aelin simply smiled. "Good luck with that. I believe you will find him at the bottom of the Long Lake. He's dead...and to make it even more poetic, he died by my hand."

"No…!" Jéka groaned in defeat.

It was then Thorin returned to Aelin's side and he said to her, "This is your chance, Aelin, to get revenge on these Dwarves that wronged you. Send them to rot in the dungeons that they may suffer the same fate they subjected you to years ago."

"No," was Aelin's simple answer, which shocked everyone.

"No?" repeated Thorin.

"Prison or death is too good for these traitors to Dwarven-kind," stated Aelin. Then she spoke more to Jéka than Thorin or anyone else, "At one point in time, I would have gladly thrown you into prison for what you did to me; made you suffer the way I suffered...but I have changed. In fact, I have a better idea." She then spoke loud enough for all to hear, "Zedd, Rama and Jéka...my first act as Queen Under the Mountain will be to banish you from Erebor...and then I shall send word to all of the other Dwarf kingdoms to never let you back into their domain."

Just then, Dain cried out, "No need for that, lass! As Lord of the Iron Hills, I declare these three criminals barred from our lands!"

Cheers erupted from the other Dwarves of the Iron Hills around him.

Aelin grinned, pleased with Dain's support.

"You can't do that!" said Jéka as another guard was pulling her up from the ground.

"I can and I just did," Aelin said back.

"We would have nowhere to go!" cried Rama.

Aelin just shrugged. "That is not my problem. The consequences of your actions have caught up to you. You have no one to blame but yourselves for this." Then she told the guards, "Escort them through Dale and to the other side of the Long Lake. They can figure out how to maneuver Mirkwood themselves...that is, if they even make it out of there alive." She grinned in amusement, knowing her comment would mess with her former friends' minds.

Sure enough, Jéka, Zedd and Rama all looked apprehensive as the guards led them away. Aelin reveled in the moment of watching the people who ruined her life being taken away, more than likely never to be seen again.

Kardur approached her, gave a bow of his head and said, "I know I don't deserve your forgiveness, Aelin. My cowardice and inability to stand up for you against those three years ago caused much suffering in your life and I feel I am to blame...but, at least, I personally feel my conscience is clear, having warned the King of their plan and helping bring them to justice."

"That, you did," said Aelin. Then she asked Thorin next to her, "If you knew what was going to happen, why didn't you have them arrested immediately when they revealed themselves?"

"I wanted to give you the chance to face those traitors and deal with them yourself," answered Thorin. "I knew doing so would give you the closure you needed. You made right with me and your father is dead...facing those three was the last thing you needed to face in order to move on from your past completely. Besides, I had faith that you would handle things well on your own."

Aelin grinned and shook her head. "Sometimes I fear you put too much faith in me, Thorin."

"Though, was my faith misguided? You proved me right, did you not?" he asked in reply.

After grinning wider and rolling her eyes slightly, she replied, "Can we just get on with the wedding already?"

"Please!" both Fili and Kili begged from the altar.

As the crowd cheered and cried out their agreement, Thorin took Aelin's hand and led her back to the altar, where Gandalf was still patiently waiting. As things settled down, Bard and Tauriel returned to the ceremony and the archers they apprehended were being taken away.

Gandalf cleared his throat and said to start off, "I do hope there will be no more interruptions."

"If there are, the offenders will have to answer to me," stated Aelin, eliciting some snickers from the onlookers.

"Then let us commence with the vows," said Gandalf. "Shall the lady begin?"

Aelin nodded then turned her gaze to Thorin across from her. "Well...how do I even begin to put into words how my life has changed because of you, Thorin?" she began. "Looking back, I never imagined that we would ever end up here, especially considering I could barely stand you for the longest time."

Thorin chuckled along with the other members of the company.

"I know that, during the quest, I was stubborn, reckless, impulsive and gave you quite a bit of hell along the way...and trust me, that's not going to change after we're married either." She smirked and gave him a week.

Everyone had a laugh at that particular comment.

She continued with a smile on her face, "In all seriousness, though...I owe everything to you, Thorin Oakenshield. You helped me realize who I really am and brought me where I truly belong. I have never had an actual home until I came to Erebor with you. I have never known real friendship until I was made a part of your company. Most importantly, I have never known true love until I let myself be vulnerable for once and opened my heart to you. I know I have saved your life in the past from multiple dangers, but in truth, you saved my life. You have given me everything I have always wanted and that is one of the many things that made me fall in love with you. In the beginning, I thought I had hated you, but...as a wise Dwarf once said to me: the heart and the mind don't always agree."

Behind her, Nori smiled, remembering those were words he had said to her.

"In my heart, I always knew there was something between us, even when we were constantly fighting and it seemed one of us was going to kill the other before we ever reached the mountain. I just chose to not see it for quite a while. I am glad that I listened to my heart because it has led me to where I am meant to be...which is with you. I love you, Thorin, and a new adventure awaits us. Let us see it through together."

Thorin took a moment to collect himself, as tears had been forming in his eyes, cleared his throat and then began, "Aelin, when I first met you. I never realized that one unfortunate yet fateful night would put us both on a path that would lead us to this very moment. Aye, you've given me grief throughout our journey together...but trust me, if I have made it this far, then I can surely endure a lifetime of even more trouble from you."

Aelin and everyone else chuckled.

"Aelin, you are my match in every way. You are the only person that I have ever been completely vulnerable with. Somehow, in your stubborn ways, you brought out a side of me that hardly anyone ever sees and I have been all the better for it. You taught me to love myself when I could not. You believed in me in times when I didn't believe in myself. You have given me courage and strength; enough to make me want to be a King worthy of my people and, more importantly, worthy of you. I can no longer imagine a life without you by my side or me at yours. I promise to you this day that I will do all in my power to make you happy and give you a meaningful life that you've always deserved. I will love you until my dying day and even beyond that. You, Aelin, are my one true love, my literal savior, my brightest star, my light in the darkness and my destiny. After today, you will be my Queen and I shall be your King, but above all else, you will be my wife and I will be your husband. Our lives will be one and we will endure anything and everything together...just as we were always meant to."

By this time, Aelin couldn't hold back the tears of pure joy forming in her eyes. All of this seemed like a dream that was just too good to be true, yet she knew it was all real. In but mere moments, she was going to be this Dwarf King's wife.

Most of the company, too, had tears in their eyes or falling down their faces. Even Dwalin, the toughest of them all, was a bit misty-eyed himself.

Gandalf then spoke up with a smile on his face, "What wondrous, heartfelt words from these two. Let us conclude the ceremony. Thorin, son of Thrain, do you take Aelin to be your wife and your Queen, to love and cherish for the remainder of your days?"

Thorin grinned. "I do."

Then Gandalf turned to Aelin. "Aelin, do you take Thorin, son of Thrain, to be your husband and your King, to love and cherish for the remainder of your days?"

Aelin smiled brightly. "I do."

"Then, by the powers granted to me by the Valar, I now pronounce you...husband and wife. Thorin, you may bestow a kiss upon your Queen."

"With pleasure," Thorin replied as he then pulled Aelin into his arms and kissed her lovingly.

Thunderous applause rang out from the audience in celebration of Thorin and Aelin now being officially married.

Gandalf then held up his hands to bring silence to the crowd. "There is one last order of business to attend to before we make ready for the day's celebration."

He turned to Dis beside him and she withdrew from behind her a small, silver circlet with metal raven wings, similar to Thorin's crown but a bit smaller in size. She gladly handed it to Gandalf.

"Aelin...if you will please kneel," he said.

She gave Thorin's hand a squeeze, smiled at him and then proceeded to get down on her knees, bowing her head forward a little as she did so. Gandalf raised the crown up into the air for all to see and then gradually lowered it down onto Aelin's head.

"As of this moment, dear Aelin, you are granted the authoritative powers to help govern the kingdom of Erebor and its people. I now declare you Queen Aelin, Queen Under the Mountain and the next hope for the line of Durin."

As she stood back up, Aelin felt a sense of rebirth and reformation. In that moment, she felt like a new woman while simultaneously still feeling herself. She was no longer Aelin, the former thief and a woman from the streets. Now, she was Aelin, wife to Thorin Oakenshield and the new Queen Under the Mountain. She had come such a long way from her old life. Now, she had found something she never could have imagined. She had a real home, a new family and now, a marriage that she believed would last forever.

As the wedding guests cheered and applauded once more, suddenly Nori came around in front of Aelin and kneeled before her as he cried out with joy, "Long live the Queen!"

"Long live the Queen!" repeated the crowd, raising their hands to the air.

Aelin couldn't hold back her smile of bliss as she marveled in this joyous moment.

Nori caught her eye as he stood up, gave her a grin and stated, "I promised you I would be the first to bow to you when you were Queen, sister."

She chuckled through her tears and then threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tighter than she ever had. "Aye...that you did, brother."

.

I really loved writing this chapter. Not only was it just a wedding chapter I've been looking forward to, but it wasn't just a typical wedding, which made it more fun! I do love my twists ;)

Next chapter will be the wedding celebration and I can assure you, it'll be even more fun!

Until next time, my dears!