Page 48 of The Orc's Captive Bride
“That is my duty.”
“Your duty is going to kill you.”
Silence.
“That has always been true.”
The words were spoken so softly she almost missed them. But the resignation in his voice—the acceptance of his own death as inevitable—made her chest ache.
“Khorrek—”
“We should return to your rooms,” he said. “You need food. Rest.”
Back to that professional distance.
“Fine,” she muttered. “Let’s go.”
They walked in silence through the endless corridors and past the silent servants who wouldn’t meet her eyes. Back to her beautiful prison.
He unlocked her door with mechanical efficiency. “Food will be brought shortly. Rest. I will stand guard.”
Always outside. Always apart.
“Will you eat?” she asked.
“When you’re settled.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
His jaw clenched. “I will be fine.”
“Khorrek.” She touched his arm before she could stop herself. God, he felt good. Warm and solid. “Please eat something. You can’t protect me if you collapse.”
“I won’t collapse.”
“Orcs need food too, don’t they?”
A muscle jumped in his cheek. “Yes.”
“Then eat. Please.”
She didn’t know why it mattered so much. But it did. He mattered.
“I will eat,” he said at last. “Later.”
Not the promise she wanted, but close.
“Thank you.” She released his arm and immediately missed the contact.
His eyes met hers for a moment. Just long enough for her to see the hunger there. The regret.
Then he stepped back, putting a safe distance between them
“Rest, Dr. Monroe.”
The formality was back.
“Fine,” she said softly. “I’ll try.”
