Page 127 of The Orc's Captive Bride
“You can and you will. Because if you don’t, and something terrible happens, it’ll be on your head.” Her voice softened fractionally. “Please. We’ve been traveling for days. We’re exhausted. We just need to speak with King Ulric. After that, he can decide what to do with us.”
The guard hesitated, clearly torn between duty and curiosity, then he sighed. “Fine. But if you try anything, we’ll kill you both. Understood?”
“Perfectly.”
She turned and walked back to him with her head held high. He lifted her back onto the horse and she settled against him like she hadn’t just confronted an armed orc warrior with nothing but words and attitude.
He stared down at her. Amazed. Terrified. Desperately in love.
“You’re insane,” he whispered.
“I’m effective. There’s a difference.”
“Come on then.” The guard gestured. “Before I change my mind.”
Surrounded by the other guards, they followed him, Courage calm despite the presence of so many orcs.
He kept one arm around Thea, acutely aware that they were walking into what might be an execution.
The forward camp appeared through the darkness, larger than he expected and well-organized. Ulric’s forces were no ragtag rebellion. They were a proper army, disciplined and prepared.
The guards led them towards the center of camp, to a large tent bearing Norhaven’s sigil. Ulric’s command tent.
His hands tightened on the reins.
Please let this work. Let him listen.
The tent flap opened and light spilled out. King Ulric stood framed in the opening, massive, imposing, and every inch the warrior king as his eyes locked on Khorrek.
He forced himself to dismount and to meet the king’s gaze without flinching.
“Khorrek,” Ulric said calmly, his face unreadable, and he winced. They hadn’t met under the best circumstances. “Did Lasseran send you?”
“No, but I’ve brought information about his plans.”
“Why?”
“Because he’s close to succeeding with his plans, and we have to stop him. I’m willing to face whatever judgment you deem appropriate, but please—hear us out first. What we have to say could save your people.”
There was a heavy silence before Ulric jerked his head towards the tent. “Come inside. Both of you. We need to talk.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
The tent’s interior was larger than Thea had expected. Several orcs were gathered around a central table covered with maps, all of them massive and intimidating.
But that wasn’t what made her freeze.
There are human women here.
Two of them, clearly… belonging.
The first was small and blonde. Beautiful in a way that suggested royal breeding. She wore practical traveling clothes but carried herself with innate grace. She had to be Queen Jessamin, the arranged bride Khorrek had mentioned.
And beside her?—
A taller woman with chestnut hair in practical braids and sharp green eyes standing close to a huge scarred orc who kept one protective hand on her shoulder.
Another mate bond.
