7. Dexari

Chapter 7

Dexari

I stride through the palace halls with purpose, yet my mind is a battlefield, torn between thoughts of Sloane and the intricate plan I am about to set in motion. Toward this end, there is a matter demanding my attention.

Guards nod as they open the infirmary doors to let me pass, and I make my way to the med suite where my second-in-command has been recovering. There, I find Gorlag dressing. His movements are stiff, each action betraying the pain that lingers in his body, yet his jaw is set with determination.

My eyes narrow as I take in his condition. He has several stab wounds on his torso, one that is dangerously close to his heart. "Vagan has cleared you to leave the infirmary?"

Gorlag grunts in affirmation, the sound more beast than man. "The healer says I am well enough, though I cannot return to full duty yet."

"You are fortunate to be alive," I conclude. "A few centimeters either way, and the female's blade would have pierced something vital."

Gorlag's eyes darken at the mention of Sloane. "I am aware of that," he says, the words thick with barely restrained fury. He meets my eyes, and the burning hatred I see there gives me pause. "If the punishment for her crimes is death, sire, I request the honor of ending her sorry life."

The vehemence in his voice surprises me. Gorlag has always been fierce, yet this…this is personal. I find myself caught between understanding his desire for vengeance and fulfilling my growing need to protect my mate. The very thought of Gorlag's hands on Sloane—of him harming her in any way—unsettles me in ways I cannot yet comprehend.

I take a deep breath, knowing what I am about to say will not sit well with my trusted second. "There will be no punishment of the human female, Gorlag."

His jaw clenches and his hands close into fists as he struggles to process what I have said. "You cannot be serious, sire. She is a murderer."

I am not yet ready to reveal the entire truth and doubt Gorlag is ready to hear it. "She is also a universal breeder, and I need an heir."

My words hang in the air between us, heavy with tension. I watch as Gorlag's eyes widen in shock, the color draining from his face. He looks as if he might collapse.

"Sit down before you fall down," I order, guiding him to a nearby chair, the authority in my voice leaving no room to argue.

Gorlag sinks into the chair, his eyes unfocused as he grapples with my intention. I understand his reaction all too well; it mirrors my own when I realized what Sloane meant to me. The very idea of begetting an heir with a female who is not an orc upends everything our people believe. It threatens to unravel the entire fabric of our society.

The silence in the med suite is as tense as Gorlag's labored breaths, and I question whether he is, indeed, well enough to leave Vagan's care.

I can almost see the thoughts racing through his mind, for I have experienced similar ones: the implications of a half-breed heir, the potential revolt of my people, the complete upheaval of everything we know and believe.

What will happen when my people learn that the human female is not just a murderer and the future mother of my child—she is also my perfect genetic match? My future queen?

Finally, Gorlag looks up at me, his expression a mix of anger and resolve. "Sire," he starts, then stops.

I nod, encouraging him to continue. I need to hear him out. Gorlag's acceptance of this unprecedented situation is imperative. He is not just my second, he is my closest ally. I consider him a friend.

"What if the female refuses to give you an heir? Will you force yourself on her?" He smiles cruelly; that thought brings him a twisted sense of justice.

"Never," I growl, offended by the mere suggestion of forcing myself on Sloane. "I have a different plan to ensure her cooperation."

Gorlag's face contorts with disappointment. "Do not tell me you plan on making this female your queen."

"No." I meet his relieved gaze, allowing the silence to stretch between us. At least not yet.

"What is your plan?"

A slow, deliberate smile spreads across my face. "I am going to let her escape, and you are going to help me."

Gorlag stares at me, his mouth opening and closing as he struggles to process my words. He is considering the sheer audacity of letting a prisoner flee without punishment. "Why would you do this, sire?"

"To beget an heir from the human female, she must willingly come to my bed," I explain. "For her to make this choice, she must first experience her only other alternative."

Understanding dawns on Gorlag. "You plan to let her experience the bitter taste of freedom alone in the forest?"

I nod, pleased that he has grasped the core concept of my plan. "Exactly. And when she returns—because she will return—she will do so of her own free will."

Gorlag's brow furrows. "Yet she has already experienced survival alone in the forest. That is where we found her, where she took Bulux's life and nearly took my own. How will this time be any different?"

"Then, she was on the run from slavers and armed with a blade. Now, she has experienced the luxury of house arrest in the palace guest suite. When I let her escape, she will be unarmed and dressed in a cumbersome robe."

Gorlag slowly nods. "What if the female does not survive in the forest? Your chance of begetting an heir will die with her."

"I will not allow that to happen. Guards will follow her and keep her safe while putting obstacles in her path that encourage her return to the palace."

Even as I voice those words, a slight change in the plan forms in my mind. A change I do not share with my second just yet, although a thrill of excitement surges through me as my cock hardens and my spikes fill with seed.

Soon, Sloane will understand that her future lies with me. And when she does, nothing will stand in our way of ruling the Kingdom of Ari. Together .