36. Mia

Three days later.

I pace back and forth in Renowlf"s chambers, the heavy fabric of my formal coronation robe swinging back and forth against my ankles like a big bell. I'm a nervous wreck.

It"s only been three days since the bloody sword fight at the hunting cabin, and Gantok has held Renowlf captive in the medical wing, tending to his many injuries.

I'll never forget the pained look on his pale face as the orcs carried him back to the palace. Renowlf nearly died from his wounds—and he would have if Jalloe and the other orcs hadn't shown up. Is he well enough for this?

The ever-vigilant Agavar reads my concern and places her hands on my shoulders. Her touch is warm and comforting, and stops my pacing. "Do not worry, majesty. Our king has healed enough for this joyous day." I've told her repeatedly that I'm not the queen yet and to call me Mia, but she refuses. She says formality is used in the kingdom as a sign of respect.

When Agavar releases my shoulders, Rayowlf throws her arms around me in an excited hug, her words echoing Agavar's. "I agree with Agavar. Do not worry about Ren. Delaying the coronation any longer would cause him more stress than the ceremony and celebration. Today, you become queen of Owlf—and my new sister!"

Taking a deep breath, I square my shoulders and lift my chin. This coronation is kind of like a wedding, which should be a happy time. I need to stop worrying and just enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

My orc companions have been working on my hair and makeup all afternoon. The elaborate styling makes me feel more like a beauty pageant contestant than a queen. I'd feel a lot more comfortable in the pants and boots I'm going to request once the dust settles. Despite all that, Ray's excitement makes me smile, and makes me think of the king who claimed my heart.

As the ladies fuss over the final details of my appearance, a guard knocks on the door, signaling that it's time to join Renowlf in the town square.

Taking the guard"s arm, he leads me out of the palace, with Agavar and Rayowlf following close behind. When we get outside, I stop, surprised. At the top of the stairs waits Renowlf, while a small group of guards, including Jalloe, wait below.

Renowlf looks breathtaking in his ceremonial attire, which is really just a fresh leather kilt and his finest weapons. Oh, and he's wearing his horned helmet crown. His eyes rake over me from head to toe. From the twitching bulge beneath his kilt, I think he approves.

"You look stunning, my queen," he says, holding out his hand.

"Thank you, my king. You don't look too bad yourself." I grin, placing my hand in his, and laugh giddily when he yanks me into his arms. "Dude, you have no idea how long it took to make me look like this. Don't mess up my hair and makeup."

"I prefer you messy," he growls, capturing my lips and stealing my breath.

Eventually, I pull away, nearly drunk with desire. This orc is strong and handsome and so very sexy. But best of all? He's mine. "I thought the guard was supposed to escort me to the town square, where you'd be waiting."

He keeps his arms around me, almost like he's afraid to let me go. "After all that has happened, I do not trust anyone but myself to be your guard and escort."

Dolphus" betrayal cut him deep. "You'll need to choose a new second soon," I say.

"I have already decided on Jalloe. He has earned it." He kisses me once more, though softer this time.

Slipping my arm through his, he escorts me down the palace steps, and we lead the small procession from the palace to the town square where we're greeted by a crowd of rowdy, cheering orcs gathered to witness my coronation.

I'm not sure if I'll ever get used to the sight of so many of them gathered in one place. That they're here to honor me, a human, as their queen is humbling. I'll work hard to be worthy.

Renowlf leads me onto the dais, waving to the sea of green faces below. I stand silent at his side, smiling nervously, a little overwhelmed by the weight of this moment.

He quiets the crowd before speaking. "By now, you have all heard of my recent battle against treachery and betrayal," he says in a commanding voice. The crowd listens in rapt silence as he speaks, their eyes fixed on their king.

"And you have heard of my triumph over the traitors who plotted to murder my consort and end my reign. Let it be known that, in the kingdom of Owlf, dissent will not be tolerated!" Renowlf's words echo across the square, and the crowd murmurs in somber agreement.

A sudden commotion at the edge of the square draws my attention. "Ren," I whisper, nudging him, in case he doesn't see what's happening. A few orcs are pushing their way through the crowd, their faces twisted in anger and hatred as they chant, "Bayliss. Bayliss. Bayliss."

"Jalloe, demonstrate what happens to dissenters," Renowlf commands, his voice booming with force and power. I should have known Renowlf would have a plan in place to deal with something like this.

With a signal from Renowlf's newly appointed second, a contingent of guards strategically scattered among the crowd converge on the Bayliss loyalists, capturing them before they can cause much trouble. "Public execution of the dissenters will commence tomorrow at suns set!" Jalloe declares to cheers from the crowd.

I tremble with relief, my legs shaky, when the potential threat is quickly neutralized. I'm not sure I'll ever get used to the violent ways of these orcs, but I'm not about to plead for lenience when it comes to the Bayliss loyalists.

Renowlf waits for the crowd to settle down, then turns toward me and takes my hands in his. "Mia, my perfect genetic match and fated mate, I vow to love, cherish, and protect you always. From this day forward, you are my queen, and I invite you to rule by my side. My body, heart, and kingdom are yours. I will slay any who threaten you and keep you safe within my embrace. You are the only one for this beast, and I will never let you go."

My hands sweat and my heart pounds as I repeat the simple pledge Agavar made me memorize while I was getting ready. "I, Mia of Owlf, vow to honor and obey you, Renowlf, my king and my mate." Emotion chokes my voice, and I blink back tears. This is the moment I bind myself to Renowlf and their kingdom forever. "I vow to bear your heirs and faithfully serve the people of this kingdom for as long as I am able."

When I finish, a guard approaches carrying a more delicate version of Renowlf's helmet crown. The guard hands the crown to the king who places it on my head.

Renowlf"s face shines with pride and love as he presents me to the crowd. "Mia, queen of Owlf!"

The square erupts in deafening cheers and shouts of "Long live queen Mia!"

This time, blinking doesn't stop my tears from falling. At Renowlf"s side, wearing the spiky crown he placed on my head, I feel like I've found my rightful place in this strange, alien world.