Eowyn stripped off her damp clothes and climbed into the scented water, sinking back into its warmth with a sigh of relief.

Where can Legolas be? she wondered. He said he would be in his study all day, reading his father’s papers. She picked up a cake of soap and began working it into lather—Oh gods! Has something else happened on the Northern border? Has Haldir sent for him?

The strange feeling of anxiety—of something’s being not quite right—that had been haunting her since she had awoken beside The Aelvorn suddenly overwhelmed her. Was Legolas in danger?

Was she sensing it through their strange bond?

She must find out.

She must find out now!

She climbed from the bath, quickly dried herself, and reached for her dressing robe. It was not there. She rushed into the bedroom and opened the wardrobe.

What is going on? Where are my clothes—

The bedroom door opened behind her.

She turned, crying out in relief, “Lassui! Oh, Lassui! I was so worried about you!”—and flew to him, arms outstretched.

Legolas pushed her away. “Princess Eowyn,” he said, coldly, “these are my private chambers.”

“Lassui?” She stared up at his angry face. “What is wrong?”

“Please,” he said, “make yourself decent.” He pulled the coverlet from the bed and handed it to her, disdainfully averting his eyes. “And stop using that ridiculous nickname.”

To be continued...