Chapter 25

Rognar

I wait in the king’s chamber, much troubled. Adalind went to see her brother, “to get the full story,” she said, and I let her go, even though I know that there is nothing to be done. Dura deserted, an admission she made in the courtyard in front of witnesses. I wish I had interrogated her in private, but my shock at the time made me less wise than normal. I should have realized what her sudden reappearance meant, that the only way she could have been still alive is if she had left of her own will. Or happened on a fairy’s trap and fell between worlds, but one of those scenarios is much more likely than the other. Though, knowing Dura as I do, it would almost be more believable to me that she had been taken by the fairies rather than her deserting.

I will have to send her to her death, to the Killikar . I will have to give her a knife to slash her own throat, all the while knowing that Dura will never take the coward’s way out and will die a hot, painful, delirious death. She will know desperation and despair and it will be at my hands. I will have to tell her fate to her parents, my father’s cousin, who was always like an uncle to me, and his mate, and watch as their eyes darken in sorrow and their good opinion of me forever changes.

Why would she do this to me ? I find myself angry at Dura for what she is forcing me to do. I cannot give her leniency. It would be blatant favoritism. A righteous outcry would erupt at my corrupt actions and I would be challenged, rightfully so. Even my Axe or Shield might abandon me and take up the challenge, rather than let me fall into the self-serving attitudes of my forebears. It is a no-win situation that I am in and I see no way out.

At that moment, the doors swing open, and Adalind enters, determination gleaming in her eyes. She is flanked by Larek and Turnog, the orc members of her Gold Guard. They are Sworn to her service. She doesn’t even look at them as she declares, “You are dismissed.”

The young orcs back out of the room respectfully, closing the doors as they leave. They will wait on the other side until Adalind leaves again to go to the evening meal. But for now, we must be alone to talk.

I feel her emotions through our Mating Bond. She is ready to argue with me. There is hope that I don’t share in her heart. She still thinks to save our loved ones.

I sigh. “There’s nothing I can do, witch-queen. I am backed into a corner.”

My mate shakes her head. “You do not know what I know. I believe there is a chance.”

“She declared herself a deserter in front of everyone, witch-queen. And your brother declared himself her mate and bound himself to her fate. There is no wiggling out of this. They will have to be banished or my kingship will be in danger.” I still don't know what Adalind’s brother’s game is yet. He declared himself her mate and his words reeked of a half-truth. They smell of each other, but not nearly strong enough to be Claimed mates. Lovers at most.

Adalind rolls her eyes at me. “You orcs! Such dour fatalists! There is always wiggle room, even if you must make it yourself.”

She comes toward me and takes my hand, squeezing it tightly. “I believe there is a defense. One that will move the court and give us room to maneuver.”

Now I shake my head. “That is not the way it is done in Orik.”

Adalind snorts, an adorably undignified sound. “Dura said the same thing. You will both blissfully head to the chopping block based on tradition. May I remind you, my love, that we are not in Orik? This is Adrik and we will give Dura a trial like the ones the Great Houses just had. It will be expected even.”

“Why does that matter if she is guilty?” I ask, confused at how excited my wife seems.

“It matters , because she will be able to give a defense and her story involves saving a human, a very popular human, I might add, from certain death.”

That sparks my interest, but I will wait before asking about the details of Dura’s tale. I give my devious wife a small smile. “I take it you have a plan?”

“Oh yes,” my cunning female replies. “But we cannot do it alone. We will need allies.”

She smiles radiantly at me. “As luck would have it, I know just who to ask.”