Instadrabbles by Kaylee Arafinwiel

The Judgement of Prince Thranduil

{sentencing, possible, court, division}

The next morning, when Thranduil woke, his cousin Saeldur was there to help him dress in formal clothing. He grimaced. "Saeldur, I haven't even had breakfast yet. I might possibly spill on these," he said dubiously. He tugged on his blue silk tunic, embroidered with the emblem of Elu's winged moon combined with the great tree of Greenwood. "Do I have to wear that?" he demanded, as Saeldur carefully put the elfling's circlet on him.

"Yes, you do," Saeldur said. "We'll have breakfast after morning court."

"But court comes after breakfast, and elflings aren't invited," Thranduil protested.

"This one is different," Saeldur said, dividing Thranduil's tresses to work in his house braid.

"Can I have Helvui?"

"I suppose," Saeldur sighed, handing the rabbit to his cousin.

Thranduil hugged Helvui close and followed after his much older cousin as the two walked toward the minor throne room. Saeldur slowed his steps, keeping them carefully measured so Thranduil could keep up. When they entered, Saeldur took his seat on a bench at Oropher's left hand, with his father. Queen Felith lifted Thranduil onto her lap, seated on her throne.

The miscreant brought before Oropher was a kitchenmaid, who had been caught wolfing down the royals' jam pastries! No wonder breakfast had been delayed..
"What sentence would you give her, Thranduil?" Oropher asked his heir, who blinked.

"Um..." Frowning, he thought. "If she ate our breakfast, she has to make more? And stand in the corner after," he added. "Because that was naughty."

Oropher very carefully did not grin as the young elleth blushed scarlet. "The judgement of Prince Thranduil has been rendered," he intoned. "Let all depart in peace."