Page 26 of Orin

My mouth opened, prepared to voice my objection.

She scrutinized me.

“There is no one else,” I said with a hint of indignation.

“Okay, so there has been a misunderstanding...But why don’t you tell Olivia you’d like to spend time with her?” Her tone was gentler this time as she studied my face.

I grunted in response, not wanting to confess my insecurities to the King’s mate.

How could I reveal Olivia occupied every corner of my thoughts? Yet I wasn’t convinced I could fulfill her needs or meet the standards she deserved. I didn’t want to vocalize that. I couldn’t. I didn’t want the Queen thinking any less of me.

With my silence, her face changed to one of compassion. “City guards are allowed to have relationships too,” she grinned.

My mouth refused to form words as I acknowledged her with a bob of my head. To speak of my fears out loud would only remind me I had failed to protect Olivia and was not a suitable mate.

Queen Grace took a step toward me and placed her fingertips on my forearm. “What is it that is stopping you from talking to her?”

Frustrated, I ran my hand through my hair.

Surprising even myself, I blurted out, “She won’t want to be with me.” The sharpness of my own words caused my jaw to tighten.

Her face softened. “Well, Iknowshe does. Both of you need to communicate with one another. I promise you I know what I’m talking about.” She offered me a comforting smile.

I shrugged, unsure how to make things right or if Olivia truly wanted to be with me.

The prospect brought a subtle boost to my mood.

“Talk to her and you’ll see how amazing she is. You two are totally meant for each other,” said Grace.

My heart raced. I was well aware that Olivia was incredible. She is my perfect mate.

“I do not want to give up.... but I cannot force her to accept me when I am...” I halted, a frown forming on my lips as I abandoned my incomplete thought. It was hard to shake the feeling that I was not deserving of her.

In a soft tone, the Queen continued, “Olivia is lonely, Orin. She’s unsure about what to do after the baby arrives. I’m worried she doesn’t feel welcome here. She’s been mentioning the idea of leaving to join a human colony once the baby arrives.”

My heart pinched.No! She can’t leave!The thought of never seeing her again was unbearable. “I am committed to doing whatever it takes,” I declared.

Queen Grace’s eyes were fixed on me, filled with reflection. “Listen... if you want Olivia to know you're serious about her, you gotta earn her trust. I know Alaran males are loyal mates. Let her see that side of you. She needs to know you won’t let her down. She is afraid of being abandoned.”

I gulped at the sudden realization.So am I.

Her words echoed in my mind, swirling around my thoughts. As warriors, our loyalty to one another and the King remained steadfast, unyielding even in the face of adversity.

The determined Protectorate warrior refused to surrender. No matter what, I couldn't abandon the idea of being with Olivia. I would dedicate my entire life to my K’sha if she would have me, never wavering in my loyalty.

This was a completely unfamiliar experience for me.

Finding my K’sha was something I never anticipated, let alone imagined. My heart quickened its pace, and a surge of hope filled my entire being. “You mean I should woo her?” I asked, smiling and remembering the occasions when I heard other males use that term.

Using her forefinger, she gestured at me with a big smile. “Yes, that. Show her you’re thinking about her.”

My hands opened and closed by my sides. “What is the best way to show her... if I cannot find the correct words?” Even I noticed that my voice sounded constricted.

It was obvious from my words that I had little experience with females.

Watching my reaction, Queen Grace placed her hands on her hips and chuckled. “Take it easy, you’re not heading into battle. This isn’t rocket science...Start with bringing her flowers or a thoughtful gift. Human women love that.”

I pressed my bottom lip between my teeth. I had never heard of giving flowers to a mate, but I would do anything to win my K’sha’s trust and love.

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