32. Dexari

Chapter 32

Dexari

I wake with a start, my body protesting as I shift in bed, the healing fanghound wound still a painful reminder of my near-fatal encounter. I reach for Sloane, expecting to feel her warm, soft body beside me. My hand meets cold bedding instead.

My eyes snap open. "Sloane!" I call out, my voice echoing in the empty chamber. Silence answers me, making me uneasy.

I throw off the covers and stand, ignoring the twinge of pain in my side. With quick, practiced movements, I secure my loincloth around my waist and grab my comms device, tapping in the code to summon Mornah.

As I wait for my maid to arrive, I pace the length of the sitting area, my mind running through increasingly dire scenarios.

I growl in frustration, combing my fingers through my disheveled hair. Why would Sloane leave so soon after consummating our bond? And where would she go?

The door to my quarters opens, and Mornah steps in, her face a picture of serene composure. "You called, sire?"

"Where is she?" I demand, unable to keep the worry and frustration from my voice. "Where is Sloane?"

I catch a hint of amusement in Mornah's eyes, which heightens my irritation. "There is no need for concern, sire," she says. "Your consort is in the courtyard garden, breaking her fast with her dragalor. It is a part of her morning routine."

Sloane has not fled, has not been taken. I release a long, relieved sigh. "That will be all, Mornah."

Yet she does not leave with my dismissal. "Mistress Sloane is not a typical orc king's consort, sire. She has an independent spirit, and a desire to connect with the kingdom's subjects on a personal level. Giving her the space to spread her wings, so to speak, will go a long way toward ensuring her happiness."

"Did I ask for your opinion on this matter?" My question has more bark than bite.

Mornah ignores it. "It has only been a few suns cycles, yet she has adapted well to palace life."

"I agree." I am pleased that Sloane has accepted her role as future queen, yet a part of me bristles at her independence. I cannot protect her if she does not stay by my side at all times.

Mornah clears her throat. "Before I go, there is another matter that needs your attention, sire. King Renowlf has been trying to reach you. Without revealing the details of recent events, the royal page has been making excuses for your delay in returning his call. I fear the page cannot stall him much longer."

"I will reach out to him."

"It would be wise to inform him of your injury, so he does not feel like you are avoiding him."

I nod, knowing Mornah is right. Renowlf has been a steadfast ally, and he deserves to know why I have not returned his call sooner.

Mornah's voice takes on a hint of motherly encouragement. "And sire, if I may suggest..." She pauses, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Perhaps you might share the news about your newly consummated relationship, and invite the king and queen of Owlf to Sloane's coronation. I believe your consort would welcome the chance to meet another human female."

"An excellent suggestion," I say, smiling. Worry about Sloane's whereabouts fades to the background as I anticipate her happiness at meeting Queen Mia.

After Mornah leaves, I move to my communication device, my fingers hovering over the controls. I take a deep breath, centering myself, then initiate the call to Renowlf. It's time to update my ally—and to share the joy of my new bond with Sloane.

Before I can complete the call, there is a loud knock on my door. When I open it, my mother Paxari stands there, her face etched with worry.

"Dexari, you must come quickly," she says. "Your father is in a rage. He is not pleased with your choice of queen."

"I do not need to explain my actions to him, Mother, or mollify his feelings. Now that I wear the crown, pleasing him is no longer—"

She interrupts my arrogant diatribe by grabbing my arm. "There is no time to argue. Denari believes the human female reneged on her agreement to provide you with an heir and has somehow manipulated you into naming her queen. He is on his way to confront her about it. I fear he may do something rash."

"Sloane never agreed to his insulting scheme." I feel the color drain from my face. "How angry is he, Mother?"

Paxari's eyes are wide with fear. "It is hard to say, yet I have not seen him like this in many cycles of the seasons. You need to come now and defuse the situation before Denari does something we will all regret!"