11. Renowlf

"The Elders areready to see you now, King Renowlf," the Council's clerk announces nervously.

I am not accustomed to waiting and do not hide my annoyance at the delay. After a sleepless night and restless morning, the suns were high in the sky before Dolphus informed me that the Council finally convened. The only thing that kept my beast in check was Gantok's report when he came to my chamber.

Once Bayliss was gone, he told me that Mia's injuries were superficial in nature and that her recovery would be swift and complete. When I voiced my concerns about breeding such a small female, he assured me that the tiny human was heartier than she appeared, and she should have no difficulty carrying my heir to term. Contrary to Bayliss' snide remark, he said her risk of dying during childbirth was no greater than an orc female's risk. He also confirmed that Orgel stated the truth: Earth females do appear to be universal breeders.

The clerk bows his head at my obvious displeasure before turning his back toward me and leading the way into the sacred chamber located deep within the palace. I allow my second to follow us so he can bear witness to my proclamation before the Elders.

When we enter, the clerk scurries away, and the Elders rise. With a slight wave of my hand, I motion for them to take their seats.

"We apologize for the delay, King Renowlf," Chief Elder Plouhgus says. "It is highly unusual for the Council to be summoned without proper notice, and two of our Elders were attending to business outside the kingdom." The slight rebuke in his tone does not sit well with me.

"The Council serves at the pleasure of the king," I remind him. "Although I do not need to explain my actions, an abrupt summons was warranted because an off-world female entered our kingdom's walls."

"Is that why you are here, to seek our guidance regarding the female?" Plouhgus asks.

"No." My response is curt.

"Are her injuries more serious than they appear?" he probes.

"I have seen to the female's welfare and have spoken with Gantok regarding his examination of her. The healer assures me that Mia will make a full recovery."

"That is good news," Elder Drekmer, the only female on the Council, says. "Is it true that she is a universal breeder?"

"Gantok's off-planet inquiries appear to support that," I tell her.

Drekmer smiles. "Then you will soon have the child needed to secure our kingdom for another generation."

"That is why I have requested your audience," I say. "Bayliss visited my quarters yesterday, and she reminded me that fathering a child is not enough. Securing our kingdom requires a legitimate heir. I am here to announce that I have chosen my queen and wanted the Council to hear my proclamation before it becomes public."

Beside me, Dolphus inhales sharply. He did not expect this.

"My niece has already shared the good news," Elder Crayliss says with delight. "You have chosen wisely, King Renowlf. She will make an excellent queen and a wonderful mother for the child borne from the breeding slave."

My beast tenses at his slander of my mate. "Bayliss is mistaken and spoke to you out of turn, Crayliss. I have chosen wisely; on this we agree. Yet it is not your niece who will rule by my side."

"You dare to rescind your proposal?" Crayliss' glee turns to outrage. "This is unacceptable!"

I glower at him. "There was no proposal made, Crayliss. Either your niece misunderstood, or she is purposely manipulating the situation to her advantage."

"She would not do that," Crayliss growls, although we all know that Bayliss is a master of manipulation.

Plouhgus puts a hand on Crayliss' arm, a gesture designed to remind him of his place, and says, "Then we shall assume that Bayliss misunderstood the king."

After a long pause, Crayliss nods his agreement before grumbling, "Get on with your proclamation, then. If not Bayliss, then who?"

"The gods have spoken," I declare, knowing full well I am about to do the one thing I warned Mia not to do: reveal the secret that will put her life in danger. "My cockspikes have emerged for the human female. Mia from Earth will be my queen."