22. Renowlf

I standat the edge of the town square with Dolphus, discussing the poisonous presence of Bayliss. Her manipulations are a concern, and I must ensure that she is no longer a threat to Mia.

"Bayliss must be dealt with," I say. "Mia"s safety is paramount."

Dolphus nods in agreement, his expression grim. "I"ve made the requested security changes, sire. Bayliss will be contained with limited access within the palace, and I have posted extra guards as we discussed."

"Good."

"There are reports that she has fled the kingdom," Dolphus says. "A skimmer is missing from the palace hangar."

"Is that so?" Relief washes over me, yet I remain cautious. "It could be a trick. We must remain vigilant."

"I agree." Dolphus looks troubled; he knows we cannot underestimate Bayliss"s cunning nature.

The sounds of laughter and music from the ongoing celebration remind me that I have left Mia alone with my guards long enough.

"Let us join the festivities, Dolphus. If you receive additional information regarding Bayliss or her whereabouts, inform me immediately."

"Very well," he replies.

As Dolphus and I return to the gathering, my senses heighten and my eyes scan the crowd for any sign of danger. The music pulses with a primal beat that thumps through my chest. As we get closer to the dancing orcs, a cry pierces the air.

The sound is unmistakable.

"Mia!" I yell to Dolphus.

Time slows as my mind registers the terror in her voice and my beast responds with the need to PROTECT. I sprint toward the commotion, barreling my way through the crowd. The warrior within me takes control, and I draw my sword to prepare for battle.

The music stops as I push through the throng of startled revelers. When my eyes finally lock onto Mia, her beautiful face etched with fear, my grip tightens on my sword.

She is being held captive by Dorlok, a rambling, drunken orc whose bloodshot eyes flicker with resentment. "This human has no place ruling over us!" he slurs.

My guards form a defensive ring around her and the intoxicated offender. Yet their presence does little to cool my rage.

"Renowlf!" Mia cries out, her wide brown eyes meeting mine. I will not let the orc harm her.

"Release my consort, Dorlok," I command, the threat in my voice unmistakable. My muscles coil like a predator poised to pounce, ready to unleash my wrath upon this foolish creature.

"She has no place here, sire," Dorlok says, although he finally seems to understand he made a grave mistake.

"It is I who decides her place in the kingdom, not you." I raise my sword. "Release her now or prepare to meet the gods."

Tension fills the air as I wait for Dorlok to respond, and a quiet hush falls over the town square. All who are here know that I do not make idle threats and am prepared to end the drunken orc's life.

With an anguished cry, Dorlok shoves Mia toward me and falls to his knees. "Forgive me, sire," he begs, his head bowed.

With my free arm, I crush Mia to my side and her arms wrap around my torso. "Are you hurt?" I ask.

"No, just a little freaked out," she says, then buries her face against me.

"Tell me why you should not suffer the same fate as Orgel the Trader," I bellow to the kneeling Dorlok.

"It was the mead, sire. I must have drunk too much…I am not in my right mind."

"Renowlf," Mia says softly, although her voice carries in the now-silent town square. "You can"t kill every orc who doesn"t feel like I"m fit to be queen."

"I can, and I will," I tell her, loud enough for all to hear.

"Have mercy on me, sire," Dorlok begs.

"Let him sober up before you decide his punishment. Please," Mia pleads, her eyes staring into mine.

"Very well," I say, my voice strained. Turning to Dolphus, I add, "Take Dorlok to the dungeon and let him sleep off the mead."

"Yes, sire," Dolphus replies before dragging Dorlok away.

I take a deep, ragged breath, attempting to calm the storm of emotions waging war inside of me. My mind grapples with the audacity of Dorlok"s actions and wonder how many more of my people feel that Mia does not belong here.

Sheathing my sword, I hold Mia tightly against my chest as if to shield her from the ugliness she just experienced. Her body trembles against me, and I feel a surge of regret for leaving her side.

"I should never have left you alone," I say.

"This wasn't the first drunken ass who's manhandled me," she says, her breath warm against my skin. "And I wasn"t alone. I was dancing with Rayowlf. I don"t know where she went."

I glance around us, yet my sister is no longer in the square. "Her guard knows to get her to safety at the first sign of danger. I suspect she will be disappointed that she missed all the drama."

Mia smiles. "I bet you"re right."

As we stand there, embracing, I take note of the tense silence. The weight of my people"s expectant eyes on us bears down on me. They are looking for direction.

I release my tight hold on Mia to address the crowd, standing before the orcs with my intended queen by my side. My voice booms across the square: "If anyone here feels the same as Dorlok, speak freely now or suffer severe consequences later!"

The silence that follows is deafening. I scan the crowd, searching for any sign of dissent. Yet, all I see are faces filled with concern.

"Very well, then," I declare, my voice firm. "Let the celebration continue!"