16. Renowlf

When Mia doesn't answer,I take her silence as agreement. I stand, towering over her as she floats in the cooling bath. Her face shows no fear, only lingering anger marked with uncertainty. I hold out my large, rough hand, and she places her smooth, delicate fingers in my palm so I can help her out of the water.

There is nothing I want more than to scoop her up in my arms and carry her to my quarters. Instead, I wrap her in a drying cloth and lead her out of the cleansing room.

She stands, silent yet compliant, as I use the cloth to remove the moisture from her skin. Even though she is small, the abundant curves of her breasts, hips, and thighs are vastly different from the lean, muscled physiques of orc females. Soft and enticing. So very alien.

When I kneel to dry the small patch of fur between her thighs, she moans and parts her legs for me. "Don't mistake my body's response to your touch as anything more than just that," she scolds. "A physiological reaction."

I bite back a grin. "I understand."

Her ripening scent calls to me. So, I lean forward, burying my nose in her warmth, and inhale, breathing in her heady musk as I dry her trembling legs. "Do you wish for me to slake your need before we go?"

"Are you kidding?" She pushes me away and snaps her legs closed. "Things are not okay between us, Renowlf, and a quickie won't fix what's broken. Besides, your people are waiting."

Soon,I tell my restless beast. Soon.

"I will make things right between us," I vow.

"Don't count on it," she mutters, covering herself with a simple shift.

"Will you accompany me to the town square?"

She raises a single brow. "Are you really giving me a choice?"

The only response I will accept is yes, although I know Mia will not be happy if I tell her this. "Yes… and no. I need you there."

"Really? Give me one good reason why."

"I am the king and your presence is required as a sign of respect." The look on her face tells me I have not chosen my reason wisely and add, "It is not safe for you to stay in the palace alone and unguarded. With me, you will be protected."

She hesitates, then nods. "Fine. But I'm not staying for the afterparty so you'd better find someone willing to babysit me while you celebrate."

Her words do not fully translate, yet I understand their meaning. "As you wish."

She dresses in the formal robe left by Agavar. The exotic fabric skims loosely over her curves, the colorful dyes swirling around her like a rich tapestry. The length and proportions have been altered to fit her perfectly.

It is a robe fit for a queen. My queen.

She tugs at the tie holding up her thick mane and uses her fingers to comb through the unruly curls that fall over her shoulders and down her back. "I need to do something with my hair."

"Wear it loose," I suggest, more for myself than for her because I find the color and texture alluring. I run my fingers along her jaw, letting my thumb brush her full lips. "It is wild and untamed, just like you."

She leans into my touch before catching herself and pulling away. "A little too wild for an official announcement," she says with a frown, smoothing the strands as best as she can and using the tie to secure the curls behind her head.

"If you are ready, we must go," I say, placing my crown upon my head.

The look on Mia"s face is resigned as she slides her feet into slippers and takes my offered hand. Together, we leave her suite.

Dolphus and a small entourage of guards wait for us on the palace steps. As we approach, they bow their heads in respect. I release Mia's hand and push her gently toward my second. Dolphus nods in understanding and takes the lead of our small procession. He is a formidable orc, with broad shoulders and a stern expression, and marches towards the town square with purpose, his footsteps nearly silent on the cobblestones.

Mia follows closely behind him, her short stature setting her pace at a brisk walk. The human female who captured my heart looks exquisite with the colorful robe swirling around her frame and the rich tendrils of her hair falling down her back.

I fall into step behind her, a commanding presence with a spiked crown and battle scars worn proudly on my chest. The guards follow me, dressed for battle, their swords sheathed at their sides, as I walk toward my destiny.

When our group reaches the edge of the town square, the restless orcs that have gathered around murmur with excited anticipation. They all know why I am here; Bayliss has undoubtedly made sure of that by seeding the gossip and speculation.

Dolphus leads Mia up the steps of the raised dais and seats her to the left of the makeshift throne. Rayowlf, seated to the right of the throne, greets her with a knowing grin. I have not shared my true intention with my younger sister, although she appears to know my plan.

The air is thick with anticipation as I make my way onto the raised platform. When I take my seat on the throne between Rayowlf and Mia, the crowd breaks into cheers, and chants of "King Renowlf!" reverberate around the square.

Will my people still cheer when I claim Mia as my queen?