Page 96 of Ironling
With the requests from Captain Aodhan and coming bridge construction, Aislinn had brought on two more blacksmiths, a woman named Caitlín and an orcess named Edda—business and romantic partners both, who’d come from the south for a new life, just as so many others had. Hakon was shocked to see an orcess here, mate-bonded to a human female no less, but welcomed the help.
Two human lads from the city were also taken on as apprentices. Hakon gave up his room at the back of the smithy to them and claimed another on the north side of the castle. Few rooms were inhabited here, as it was draftier and further from the kitchen. That served his purposes nicely, and almost every night, Aislinn stole into his room unseen.
Orek was quiet for a long while. He stood watching the children play, his expression mild, but Hakon could feel his mind working.
Hakon checked his temper as he waited for his friend to say something. This was the first test he needed to pass—if he didn’t have support amongst friends, he’d have none at all.
“You’re sure?”
“Yes. The bond is already in place.”
That got Orek’s attention. “Hakon…”
“She’s my mate,” he rumbled. “What else can I do?”
Silence fell between them for another long moment, Hakon’s guts clenching with rage. Why could Orek have a human mate and not him? It was unfortunate that Aislinn’s noble bloodstood in their way, but he wouldn’t find a finer mate. She was everything to him, perfect, and he meant to—
“I understand. Truly, I do,” Orek sighed. “Even after I accepted my beast’s demands that Sorcha was mine, the burden of an unrequited mate-bond weighed heavily. I wasn’t sure how I could ever fit into her life here. Some days, I’m still not sure.”
Hakon’s brows rose in surprise. “But she’s your wife now.”
“Thank fates for that. But I’m still learning my place here. All Sorcha and I can do is take things as they come and build our life. My mate deserves nothing less, and I will do it, whatever it takes, for her.” Orek’s look was grave when he turned it on Hakon. “Can you be what your mate needs?”
“Always.” Hakon would give her whatever she needed or wanted, whether it was a new tool or the moon itself.
“Can you fit your life to hers?” Orek pressed. “I don’t envy your plight—a human woman is one thing, a human noblewoman is much more.”
Hakon ground his back teeth, his answer grating against his throat. He didn’t know how to tell his friend that Aislinn’s life as a noblewoman wasn’t what was best, that although she was gifted and devoted, she would surely be happier with a simpler life full of only what she wanted to do.
He would give her that. He’d promised to make and build her whatever she wanted, and that included a new, better life.
Yet, the words didn’t come easily. His confidence wavered when it was time to say them aloud. He couldn’t help thinking of just how gifted and just how devoted she was. It’d be no small thing for her to give up the life of Liege Darrow.
It was the only path he saw forward, though. He wouldn’t be welcomed as her mate and husband within the human nobility. Fates, there were times he didn’t think himself worthy of having her for a mate, even in secret.
Hakon couldn’t give her up—but he also didn’t know howlong this half-life they had could last. A love confined to the shadows could never truly grow.
Orek gave his shoulder a supportive slap. “She’s a fine woman. I don’t know what is to come, but if there is a way, she’ll think of it.”
Hakon nodded, trying to be content.
He had his mate in his bed most nights. He shared her laughter and her worries. Soon, he would win her heart. Then, he would brave asking her to choose him over all else, just as he loved her above all others.
Fates, he loved her. Of course he did, she was his mate.
That love had to be enough.
Sorcha squealed in delight before Aislinn slapped a hand over her mouth. Her friend wriggled in the warm water, her smile evident even under Aislinn’s hand.
“You wench!” Sorcha giggled when Aislinn finally removed her hand. “How long?”
“Almost two fortnights now. But even before…”
Sorcha slipped under the water and came back up with a smug grin on her face. Aislinn splashed her for the grievous offense.
Folding her arms on the stone ledge of the bath, Sorcha propped her chin on her forearm and waggled her brows expectantly. “And?”
Aislinn groaned, covering her flushing cheeks with her hands. “He’s wonderful. In every way.”
