Page 27 of Orin

“Then tell her how you feel,” she said.

I listened attentively. “Understood.”

“Elaborate on the fact that she is your K’sha.”

My lips parted.Wait.“How do you know?”

She glanced at my bare arms, then back at me, and shrugged. I was filled with more embarrassment.

“I will follow your advice. Thank you, Queen Grace,” I said with a grateful bow of my head. I simply wanted my K’sha to accept and desire me.

Grace grinned while giving my arm a playful slap. She had changed her attitude since we entered the corridor. “Anytime, Orin. Anytime. Good luck.”

I inhaled deeply, exhaled with a sigh, then whispered a prayer to the Gods, determined to win Olivia’s heart and be with her forever.

Back at Olivia’s bedside King Trex reached out to me at the most inconvenient time. I acknowledged him, then shifted my gaze towards the medic and Queen Grace.

“The King has summoned me. How long before Olivia wakes up?” I asked, noting the worry in my voice. It wasn’t as if I could refuse my King, but I hated having to leave Olivia’s side for even a moment.

Rekna gestured with his hand. “For much of the rotation, she should be in a deep sleep,” he assured.

I lowered my head and departed from the infirmary, stealing a last glimpse at my lovely mate sleeping soundly.

UPON MY ARRIVAL, Ifound King Trex standing staring out the window of his office. He turned and returned my salute when he saw me.

“I wanted to update you on things. Commander Tinuk has been replaced by a senior member of the city guard. He did notgo willingly and I suspect there are others like him, but he won’t admit anything. He is being detained until I decide what to do with him.”

I felt honored that Trex valued me enough to keep me up to date. But I hoped to finish our meeting quickly so I could get back with Olivia before she woke up.

“I want to discuss one other thing. Considering things with Tinuk, I have decided I would like you to return to the palace tomorrow... as my personal guard. You will accompany me during the day. Except when I am in my suite of course.” He chuckled.

My chest puffed.Personal guard to the King of Alara and my former ship’s Captain?“It would be an honor, sir.” I saluted him again.

King Trex took my excitement in his stride and folded his arms. “How did it go at the marketplace?”

“We arrested more troublemakers...but Olivia was injured.” The recollection of encountering her huddled under the table, distressed and wincing in anguish, resurfaced.

In an instant I was transported back to that place, overwhelmed by feelings of panic and shame for failing to keep her safe.

The King’s authoritative voice rescued me from sinking into despair. “What happened? Is she okay?” he asked.

My throat felt thick and my face heated. I grimaced. “She was knocked down and kicked...She has sustained multiple injuries, but the medic says she and her youngling will be okay.” I paused, then added, “I’m unsure of her reason for going to the marketplace alone.”

Trex stepped toward me and put a hand on my shoulder. “Where is she now?”

“The infirmary. She and her youngling are being monitored by Rekna for at least one rotation.”

King Trex bobbed his head, frowning. “I’m glad she will be okay, but you should be with her. Our talk could have waited.”

“She is asleep right now. Rekna says she won’t wake for a while. I am headed back to her when we are finished here.”

Trex dropped his hand and gave me a knowing grin. “You are a loyal warrior. But if she is your mate, as I suspect, you will have to learn to balance your duty to me, with your duty to her.”

His statement caused my head to snap back in surprise. I wasn’t sure how to respond.

His smile widened, and he angled his head. “Your mating marks are even more visible than they were on the ship. I’ve known all along there was something between you both.”

I let out a sigh and rubbed my forehead. “That’s just it, sir. There isn’t. I’ve been too afraid to tell her how I feel.”

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