Since my conversation with Gandalf I felt quite as ease, I was determined to handle the situation tactfully if the grumpy king didn't throw anything out of the book at me. It was dinner time and the whole company was there. Gandalf and a few dwarves left as soon as they finished eating. Fili, Kili and a four others sat at the table, Dwalin and Balin were there too. Thorin was telling them some tale from the past that had the young dwarves glued to every word he said as they were fond of tales about Erebor. Two more finished eating and left.
Thorin started telling them how their mother had found their father and how in love they were. A harmless little tale was taking an awkward turn.
"How come you never married uncle? Did the ladies think you were too serious or you didn't find anyone good enough?" Kili asked eagerly since he thought that his uncle was in a good mood so why not pry something they had often wondered but never dared to ask.
Thorin smiled, "Well... I guess I didn't find anyone worth loving." He said stealing a look at me quickly.
" So you are trying to tell us that you've never been in love?" Asked Fili unable to contain his excitement over something they never thought they would know.
" I didn't say that. I am in love." He said quietly.
"Am?" Inquired both the young dwarves amazed. Balin and Dwalin also looked at Thorin surprised.
"Aye." Thorin nodded.
They young ones almost jumped out of their chairs they were so excited and amazed. They couldn't believe that their uncle who was always so serious could actually have the heart to fall in love. They thought he didn't have it in him.
My stomach started churning and I wanted to get up and leave but I didn't want to do anything unusual to raise suspicions. I was trying to will Thorin with my eyes to stop this conversation or at least change the topic.
"Tell us more. Who is she? Where is she? Does she love you too? Have you told her? Is she pretty? " There was a long line of questions. Even the older dwarves were staring at him in surprise waiting for the scoop.
" I think she loves me too but is too scared to admit it." Thorin's reply made my blood rise to my cheeks.
"Have you asked her? Why won't she admit?" They asked.
" I don't know. I wish she would tell me." Thorin said giving me a quick glance.
"Anyone for dessert?" I asked attempting to distract the dwarves and change the topic. Nobody seemed to be paying attention to me as no one replied.
"Who is she uncle? I really want to know why she won't admit." Kili mumbled in a deep thought.
"Why don't you ask her that?" Thorin looked at him.
"Yes yes we will. Who is she where is she? Tell us we'll ask maybe she'll tell us." All four dwarves both young and old started talking at the same time.
"Tell us who she is at least " Dwalin inquired after Thorin did not answer them.
Thorin didn't reply just raised his head and started staring at me without saying a single word.
"Maureen?" They all screeched. Thorin still didn't reply but kept his eyes fixed on me.
"Shit!!!! " I wanted the ground to open and swallow me. All the tactics had flown out of my head after this move.
The dwarves turned their eyes towards me. Having five sets of eyes fixed on me. Kili was the first one to break the silence.
"Why Maur?" I looked up from the table looking at each one of them.
" Your uncle is just trying to pull your leg." I said laughing softly.
"Am I?" Thorin challenged his gaze never leaving my face. "I've answered each and every question very sincerely as they deserved to know. Don't you think you should also answer truthfully as they are all so close to you".
They had me cornered and I guess I have no other option to be honest as well.
"Why are you doing this Thorin? " I asked him.
"What am I doing?" He said still staring at my face as if he was trying to find something there.
"Look first of your uncle is not in love with me. Second of all you people do realize who he is right? He is the heir to Erebor and a future king. How do you think his enemies would react once they find a weak spot? Where do you think they would attack once they know how to break him? " I say pointedly looking at the two young ones. I hear Thorin breathe deeply as if he's trying to stay calm but says nothing
"But Maur we are all here to protect you." Says Kili looking at me pleadingly
"No!! I don't need your protection. And I am not in love with anyone!! I exclaim angrily. I close my eyes and suck in a deep breath, "I'll go get dessert. And please I would request all four of you promise me that nothing that we talked about leaves this room." I turn and exit the room quicky.
I hear a loud crash and then see Thorin leave the room like a raged bull.