Page 196 of The Orc's Captive Bride
This is insane. This is completely insane.
She opened her mouth with no idea what she was going to say, but knowing she had to say something. These people—these leaders—deserved more than stunned silence.
“I…” Her voice came out hoarse, barely audible even to herself.
She cleared her throat and tried again, forcing herself to stand straighter despite her trembling legs. Khorrek’s hand remained steady at her back, and she drew strength from his presence.
“Thank you,” she managed, and was relieved when her voice carried. “All of you. For your support. For your faith. I…”I have no idea what I’m doing.“I will do everything in my power to be worthy of it.”
It wasn’t eloquent. It wasn’t the kind of stirring speech a queen should probably give.
But it was honest, and judging by the approving nods from Ulric and the warm smile from Jessamin, it was enough.
Vorlag materialized beside her, his ancient face creased with what might have been relief. The other Veilborn priests moved forward as well, creating a protective barrier between her and the still-celebrating crowd.
“Enough,” Vorlag said quietly, though his voice somehow carried. “The queen is exhausted. Let her rest. There will be time for ceremony and formality in the days to come.”
He turned to Khorrek, speaking low enough that only those on the dais could hear.
“Take her away. She needs quiet and safety, not adulation.”
Khorrek didn’t hesitate. Before Thea could protest—or even process what was happening—he swept her up into his arms, cradling her against his chest.
“I can walk,” she protested automatically, but her voice lacked conviction.
“Can you?” His golden eyes searched her face, seeing far too much.
She opened her mouth to argue, then closed it again.
No.Honestly, she wasn’t sure she could make it down the dais steps without falling on her face.
“That’s what I thought,” he said, but there was no mockery in his tone, only concern.
He turned and started walking, and the crowd parted before them like water. Several familiar orc faces appeared—Declar, Grask, others she recognized from the journey—forming a protective barrier around them without being asked.
The plaza echoed with continued celebration as they left, but the sound grew more distant with each step. She let her head fall against Khorrek’s shoulder, too tired to maintain the facade of dignity.
Queen, some part of her mind whispered.I’m queen now.
The thought should have been terrifying.
It was terrifying.
But wrapped in Khorrek’s arms, surrounded by warriors who’d chosen to protect her, walking away from a crowd that had cheered her name…
Some tiny part of her also felt something else.
Hope.
The Obsidian Keeploomed before them, its dark stone seeming to absorb the moonlight rather than reflect it. Thea had only seen it from the outside during her brief moments in the city, and even now, held safely in Khorrek’s arms, it sent a chill down her spine.
This was Lasseran’s seat of power. The heart of his reign of terror.
And now, apparently, it was hers.
The thought made her want to laugh and cry simultaneously.
They passed through the massive gates—standing open, torches blazing in welcome—and into a courtyard that seemed designed to intimidate. Everything was sharp angles and dark stone, beautiful in a harsh, unforgiving way.
