Page 14 of The Orc King's Bride

“You underestimate me, Father,” I say, my voice cold. Resentment at his lack of trust in me runs deep.

His eyes blaze with the fury of a former king who refuses to relinquish his power. Gorlag’s hand goes to the hilt of his sword, ready to intervene on my behalf. Yet before the confrontation becomes violent, my mother steps between us.

“Enough,” she says, her firm voice demanding obedience. She puts her hand on my father’s chest. “Dexari is smart and cunning, my love, just like you. Hear him out before passing judgment.”

His nod of agreement is almost imperceptible, yet he takes a step back.

“If you are willing to share, my king, we would appreciate knowing your reasons for letting the human female escape,” my mother says. Her formality does not hide her demand for more information, although it does lessen the sting. She is a far better diplomat than my father.

“I am allowing Sloane to escape to help her realize that life in the kingdom is a better choice than a life on the run. There is more to it than that, of course, yet this is the crux of my plan.”

“There is no reason to let the female go,” my father says, as if my plan holds no merit. “I already approached her with a deal: an heir for her freedom. All you need to do is get on board, Dex.”

The words hit me like a physical blow, the realization of his betrayal sinking in deep. My father went behind my back, undermining my authority, to take control of a situation that is mine to command.

“And Sloane agreed to this ‘deal’?” I ask, unable to believe she would even consider it.

“Well, not in so many words,” he replies, making me think she did not agree at all. “Yet I am certain you can gain her acceptance.”

“I see.” My smile does not reach my eyes. “You had no right to intervene, Father. That deal is off.”

“If you are worried about the legitimacy of a child born to the human, there is an easy solution for that,” he continues, undeterred. “Simply choose the most appealing orc female to be the child's mother and your queen.”

The mere thought of another female taking Sloane’s place by my side ignites my primal rage. My words ring with finality. “Legitimacy is not the issue. Sloane's freedom is.”

“Because she killed your guard?” Gorlag asks, seeking to diffuse my anger and perhaps understand my deeper motives.

“No.” My voice rises, determined and unyielding. “Because she belongs to me, and I will never let her go.”

Chapter 14

Sloane

The moons castlong shadows across the opulent guest suite, telling me that it’s almost time for the shift change. I can’t wait to ditch this gilded prison. Although, if I’m being honest, I’m a little sad that I didn’t get to know Dexari a little better.

It’s been a while since I had sex. A long while. If we had met under different circumstances, I might have jumped his bones.

Earlier, I put my dirty cargo pants and tank top on underneath the ridiculous bathrobe. They don’t smell great, but will give me better mobility once I discard the robe. I’ve stashed the pocket knife in one of the cargo pockets, and strips of the chemise I was wearing in another. The strips can be used as bandages if I get hurt.

Hiding the grappling hook wasn’t as easy, since it’s kind of bulky. I tied it to one of my belt loops and let it hang down the side of my thigh, where it’s mostly hidden by the fullness of the robe. Not ideal, but it’ll have to do.

I wish I had sturdy boots to wear. The worthless slippers wouldn’t last five minutes outside, and there’s no way I can runin them. Barefoot it is, then. My calloused feet will be fine. And if I step on a nail or something? Well, that’ll just be one more adventure to add to my list.

Time to listen for the guard’s call to Command. I press my ear against the door, waiting for my signal to get moving. That’s when I hear hurried footsteps.

“There is a fire in the kitchen,” someone shouts. “All guards are to report immediately.”

“I cannot leave the prisoner,” the guard outside my door argues.

“You can and you will. If we do not get the fire under control, there will be no prisoner to guard. Hurry!”

My guard is being called away? This is so much better than a shift change. I can hardly believe my luck.

Reaching under the robe, I retrieve my pocket knife and select the tentacle gadget. I insert the wiggling appendage into the door lock and hold my breath. After a few agonizing seconds, I hear it—the soft click of the lock disengaging.

Relief makes me giddy, but I’m not free yet. I retract the tentacle tool and grip my pocket knife in my hand, hoping I don’t have to use it again. I ease the door open and slip out, closing it behind me to avoid raising suspicion.

The glass elevator would be a faster way to the ground floor, but it’s too exposed. So, I opt for the stairs instead, my bare feet silent against the cool stone. The palace is oddly quiet, but I’m not complaining. The fire has made my escape almost too easy.

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