Page 40 of The Orc King's Bride

My mate looks royal, radiant. Her ceremonial robe drapes around her, making her appear like a goddess descended from the heavens. The deep blue fabric shimmers as she walks, and the silver accents catch the light, making her appear almost otherworldly.

Our eyes meet, and the air shifts between us. It is a flicker of something deep and ancient that I have felt since the moment we met. Does she feel the pull, the undeniable connection that ties us together? Her smile tells me that yes, she does.

When she finally reaches me, I take her hands in mine. I offer her a small, private smile, then turn us both to face the people honoring us today.

“I, Dexari, King of Ari, stand before you to present my intended queen, Sloane of Earth. Together, we vow to protect this kingdom, to uphold its laws, and to faithfully serve its people with honor. Together, we will ensure its prosperity, and with the blessing of the gods, we will forge a future worthy of our ancestors.”

Sloane lifts her chin, her voice clear and strong, though I can hear the edge of uncertainty behind it. “I, Sloane, pledge myself to this kingdom, to serve as its queen with honor and strength. I vow to stand beside you, Dexari, to serve with all that I am.”

The simple words, spoken for generations, hold enormous promise. I can see in Sloane’s eyes that she is making this choice willingly and despite her fear. She is choosing me, choosing this kingdom. And that choice means more to me than any blessing the gods could give.

I nod to my second, who is seated in the front pew. He stands and approaches Sloane, her bejeweled crown in his hands, andtakes a knee before her. At my signal, he then rises and places the crown gently on her head.

“Majesty,” he says with a respectful nod of his head before returning to his seat.

The orcs rise to their feet, fists pounding against their chests in a gesture of respect, their voices rising in unison as they chant the kingdom’s blessing upon us.

“All hail King Dexari! All Hail Queen Sloane!”

Their jovial chants fill the chapel, yet all I can hear is the steady thrum of my heart as I turn to Sloane. She is mine now, by fate and by choice. Together, we will lead this kingdom into its glorious future.

Epilogue - Sloane

FOUR WEEKS LATER.

I adjust the communicator’s holo-projector, making sure Mia can see the entirety of our newly redecorated living room. I haven’t tackled the bedroom redesign yet.

“What do you think? Too much?” I ask, gesturing to the Earth-inspired decor I’ve integrated with Dex’s boring orc furnishings.

Mia’s holographic form shrugs, but there’s a warm smile on her face. “Maybe a little. But you’ve managed to blend both cultures beautifully. If you love it, Sloane, Dexari must love it, too”

I grin. “He says he does, although I’m pretty sure he’s just saying that because I threatened to withhold sex if he didn’t.”

“You would do that?” Mia asks, surprised.

“Oh, hell no,” I clarify. My libido has never been stronger—and Dex is the only one my body craves. “But he doesn’t know that.”

We both laugh, and I feel so much gratitude for Mia’s friendship. It’s been invaluable having another human to talk to, especially one who understands the unique challenges of being mated to an alien orc king.

“So,” Mia says, her eyes twinkling with mischief, “when are you going to tell Dexari your news? I’m dying to hear about his reaction!”

I bite my lip, excitement and nerves warring in my stomach. “Soon. I want to break it to him in a special way, you know? In a way he’ll never forget.”

Just then, I hear the door to our quarters open, and Dexari walks in.

“Speak of the devil,” I murmur to Mia. “I should go. I’ll call you back later with all the details, I promise.”

Mia nods. “Good luck!”

Dexari’s brow quirks with curiosity. “Break what to me in a special way?” he asks, the deep rumble of his voice sending a delicious shiver down my spine. “Do you have more decorating plans?”

“I do, but that’s not it.” Time to tell my orc mate the most important news of our lives. I take a deep breath, my eyes already filling with tears. “I went to see Vagan this morning.”

“You are crying.” Dexari’s expression immediately shifts to concern. He steps closer, his large hands gently grasping my shoulders. “Are you ill?”

I shake my head. “No, I’m fine. These are happy tears.” I take his hand and place it over my flat belly. “Vagan just confirmed what I suspected. I’m pregnant, Dex. We’re going to have a baby.”

Dexari stands perfectly still, his eyes wide with shock. Then, a smile brighter than both suns combined spreads across his face. Without warning, he sweeps me into his arms, lifting me off my feet in a crushing embrace.

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