Page 34 of Obeying the Orc
“I’m sort of new here and I’m not sure if I should be telling you where she is, sir.” She moved toward the kitchen. “Madame Sage!”
The pretty madame exited the kitchen area holding a mug of coffee in her hands. When her eyes met with mine, she smiled and said, “Well, it’s about time. Tell me, Mr. Thazurok, do you really intend to make an honest woman of Natalee?”
“I do.” In my heart, we were already joined together. I’d told myself she had become my wife-in-truth the first time we’d lain together, but I hadn’t counted on her refusing my marriage proposal. “Is she here? I have to see her.”
Madame Sage nodded toward the door. “She stepped out a few minutes ago. Said she was going on a walk.”
I rushed back out into the early morning, coughing as a passing wagon kicked up a cloud of dust. Then I hurried in the direction of the bridge that led over Winding Dragon River. I had a strong suspicion where I might find Natalee.
Along the river, several young boys sat with fishing poles. I headed further down the bank to the secluded spot we’d chosen for our picnic, weeks ago before Natalee had gone to work at The Sweet Siren. Weeks ago, when I should have pushed my doubts aside and pursued her, courted her properly, and made her my wife before she ended up seeking refuge at the tavern.
Gods, what a fool I’d been to believe I wasn’t ready for a wife. I was more than ready, and my heart sang at the prospect of making her Mrs. Natalee Thazurok.
There. I spotted a petite female with gleaming auburn hair seated on a blanket, wearing a blue dress. It was the same dress she’d worn to our picnic. My pulse quickened as I reached her. She was staring at the rushing water and didn’t notice me at first. I stepped closer, and when my shadow fell over her, she finally looked up with a gasp.
Relief filled her eyes as she stared at me. “Knot?”
I sat next to her and took her hands in mine. “Marry me, Natalee. Marry me today.”
“Knot, I don’t think…”
“Listen to me. Just listen. We can stay in Faircross or leave town on the next stagecoach. Whatever you want. But there’s no good reason we should stay apart. Whatever my future holds, whether I’m meant to stay in Faircross, whether I’m meant to take up orating in a temple again here or somewhere else, or perhaps never at all, or have a simple life somewhere far away from here, I want that future to be with you. I love you, Natalee, and I want to spend the rest of my life loving you and making you happy. Everything else—all the worry you have for my reputation and yours—none of that matters as long as we’re together.
“If we try staying in Faircross, we can always leave if you don’t feel accepted here. I won’t see you hurt, Natalee. I want to fix all your hurts and keep you as mine. My sweet wife.” I stroked her hair behind her ears and then went back to holding her hands in mine. “Have I mentioned that I love you? Gods, I love you so much I can hardly breathe sometimes.”
She wiped away a lone tear that had trickled down her cheek. “Oh, Knot, I love you too.” She smiled.
“Then sayyes. Say you’ll marry me.”
“All right.” Her smile widened and she laughed as more tears streamed down her face. “Yes, Knot Thazurok, I’ll marry you.”
A burst of joy filled my heart. I pulled her up and wrapped my arms around her small body, holding her tightly against my chest.
This was where she belonged. At my side and in my embrace.
I closed my eyes and thanked the gods she’d said yes. Finally. I had prayed hourly for this moment to come to pass. She probably didn’t even realize that meeting her had helped cool much of my anger toward the gods. She might not know it yet, but she was healing allmyhurts, and I owed her everything in return.
When I pulled back to kiss her, she moaned sweetly against my mouth as I took command of the kiss and held her face as I explored and tasted her.
“Let’s get married right here. Right here beside the river,” I said. “I’ll go find the judge. He always stays at The Bluebird Inn. I’ll find him and meet you back here. If you want to bring some friends to bear witness to our union, I won’t object. Whoever you want. Everyone from The Sweet Siren if you wish it.”
She grinned up at me. “I’d like to keep it small. Maybe just Madame Sage and Floura. Well, Trevonn too. Oh, and Lottie. Are you inviting anyone?”
“If I run into the mayor or the sheriff, I’ll invite them. But I’m not going to waste too much time hunting them down. I can’t wait to make you my bride.” I briefly considered inviting my friend Parcos Glade, but considering the conversation Natalee had overheard, I quickly decided against it. I kissed my soon-to-be wife again. “Meet me back here in an hour?”
“I promise I won’t be late.” Her eyes shone bright with happiness.
We walked back to town together, holding hands and talking about the plans for the next few days. I wanted us to spend tonight at The Bluebird Inn, then leave tomorrow morning for my cabin. I whispered to her that I might not allow her to wear clothes for a week, and she blushed so adorably that it took all my self-control not to follow her into the tavern and have my way with her before our wedding ceremony.
We parted ways in the center of town after exchanging a quick kiss. Natalee headed for The Sweet Siren to find her friends, and I headed for The Bluebird Inn in search of the traveling judge.
As luck would have it, I found Judge Howler exiting the inn as he reached the steps.
“Judge. I’ve been looking for you.”
“Not now,” the portly human male said as he rushed down the steps. “I’m on my way to officiate a wedding ceremony.”
“Wait!”
