13. Dexari

Chapter 13

Dexari

My encounter with Sloane left me unsettled. The echo of her voice choosing the dungeon over me, the defiance in her eyes—it all lingers, muddling my thoughts and emotions.

I open a communications channel to Gorlag. "Meet me in my private quarters. I need an update on Sloane's impending escape ."

Each detail of the plan has been chosen with precision, the overall strategy worthy of a king. The pieces should be falling into place, yet I wish to hear this directly from Gorlag. Sloane will make her move to escape tonight, I am sure of it, and I am eager to ensure that nothing stops her.

Yet when I enter my quarters, I am met with an unexpected obstacle. My parents, Paxari and Denari, are inside waiting for me.

The sight of them lounging in my private space, unbidden, angers me. When I speak, the irritation is clear in my voice. "I am meeting with Gorlag. Whatever you wish to discuss will have to wait."

My father dismisses my words with a wave of his hand, a gesture so casual it borders on disrespect. "This is important, Dexari," he says, his tone imbued with the authority he no longer holds.

He still feels entitled to wield his influence, to overshadow my rule with his. Ari is my kingdom now, and I will not be cast into his shadow any longer. Before I confront him about this, Gorlag arrives, his presence a temporary reprieve from the tension simmering between us.

I turn my focus to the task at hand. "Is the disturbance set in place?" I ask, my voice returning to its measured, commanding tone.

Gorlag nods, yet his hesitation to speak freely with my parents in the room does not go unnoticed. "Everything is ready, sire."

Satisfaction hums through me. "Speak your mind, Gorlag."

"Are you sure you wish to let the female prisoner escape?" he asks.

"You are letting the breeding slave go ?" My father bolts to his feet. "Have you lost your mind?"

His rebuke is unacceptable, and I close the distance between us. "Do not forget who you are speaking to, Father." I reply. "My rule is absolute, my decisions final."

"You are weak." My father's eyes flash with disdain. "What kind of king jeopardizes the future of his rule by releasing such a valuable asset?"

"You underestimate me, Father," I say, my voice cold. Resentment at his lack of trust in me runs deep.

His eyes blaze with the fury of a former king who refuses to relinquish his power. Gorlag's hand goes to the hilt of his sword, ready to intervene on my behalf. Yet before the confrontation becomes violent, my mother steps between us.

"Enough," she says, her firm voice demanding obedience. She puts her hand on my father's chest. "Dexari is smart and cunning, my love, just like you. Hear him out before passing judgment."

His nod of agreement is almost imperceptible, yet he takes a step back.

"If you are willing to share, my king, we would appreciate knowing your reasons for letting the human female escape," my mother says. Her formality does not hide her demand for more information, although it does lessen the sting. She is a far better diplomat than my father.

"I am allowing Sloane to escape to help her realize that life in the kingdom is a better choice than a life on the run. There is more to it than that, of course, yet this is the crux of my plan."

"There is no reason to let the female go," my father says, as if my plan holds no merit. "I already approached her with a deal: an heir for her freedom. All you need to do is get on board, Dex."

The words hit me like a physical blow, the realization of his betrayal sinking in deep. My father went behind my back, undermining my authority, to take control of a situation that is mine to command.

"And Sloane agreed to this ‘deal'?" I ask, unable to believe she would even consider it.

"Well, not in so many words," he replies, making me think she did not agree at all. "Yet I am certain you can gain her acceptance."

"I see." My smile does not reach my eyes. "You had no right to intervene, Father. That deal is off."

"If you are worried about the legitimacy of a child born to the human, there is an easy solution for that," he continues, undeterred. "Simply choose the most appealing orc female to be the child's mother and your queen."

The mere thought of another female taking Sloane's place by my side ignites my primal rage. My words ring with finality. "Legitimacy is not the issue. Sloane's freedom is."

"Because she killed your guard?" Gorlag asks, seeking to diffuse my anger and perhaps understand my deeper motives.

"No." My voice rises, determined and unyielding. "Because she belongs to me, and I will never let her go."