SIX MONTHS LATER
THE DRESSMAKER WAS A LIAR.
Well maybe not a liar, but royal purple didn’t highlight my features, like she insisted. Truthfully, I would’ve been happier greeting our guests in one of my wool gowns. Bazur isn’t dressing up, he wears his wool shirts and fur cloak and no one says anything because he is the king. Me on the other hand? I need to be primped and polished whenever we hold court.
The old dressmaker told me it was tradition. It’s not as if I want to disrespect their customs but could the royal color be something other than purple. It doesn’t suit my hair and makes my skin look sick. This latest creation has puffy sleeves and gold thread. I look like a rotten cupcake instead of a queen. I sigh and tuck some of my curled pink hair behind my ear.
Bazur walks in and his eyes immediately light up. I try not to sulk over seeing him in his regular clothes. The king’s room we share is completely renovated. The stone walls are polished, decorated with tapestries that tell the tales of Bazur’s father and Bazur’s own bravery. There’s even a royal portrait of us done by one of the people from Black Claw Village. We try to go back at least once a month but it’s been tricky.
Being a royal is so much work that I look forward to when we can make the journey back. When we are in the village it’s like nothing has changed. I help Myren with the sick and wounded, teaching the midwives the incision births to do in my absence. Bazur and I enjoy dinner at his small kitchen table and make love underneath the skylight. It’s perfect. It’s what I want us to return to but that will take time. Until then, I will be patient and suffer through this contraption of a dress.
“You look beautiful, akorzag,” Bazur says, coming up behind me and kissing my neck. His hands squeeze my breasts that have been pushed up by the lacing of this gown. Bazur would think I looked beautiful in a wool sheet. The thought has my pussy turning wet but I still manage to shake my head.
“I look ridiculous, I can’t see why I’m not allowed to wear my regular clothes like you.”
His dark brows furrow. “Who says you can’t?”
I sigh and lean back against his chest, both of us staring at our reflection in the large mirror.
“The dressmaker told me it’s tradition for the queen to wear these formal gowns whenever we have visitors. Practically passed out when I told her I was more comfortable in my own simple gowns.” I let out a groan. “I don’t want to be ungrateful but I feel uncomfortable like this.”
Bazur nods. “Then tell her you won’t wear them.”
“I can’t do that, I’ll seem rude,” I say, my cheeks turning pink. “It’s fine, it’s only for an evening.”
My mate’s lips return to my neck as his hands skim up my front. He’s insatiable for me. There’s always a frenzy the first time we come together and then a second time follows that’s softer, more emotional. I love both versions of our fucking and as much as I would love him to take me now, we can’t.
My palms sweat as my nerves kick in.
“Bazur,” I hiss, “we’re needed in the throne room.”
“I am the king, they wait for us,” he says, running his tongue along my exposed shoulder. His hands tangle in the front of my gown before he rips it clear down the center. I gasp, my eyes flying open as my breasts are exposed. Bazur reaches inside my shredded gown and kneads one gently.
“Bazur!” I scream.
“You’re welcome, my mate, now wear a dress that you like.” He kisses my lips and helps me take off the ruined gown. I slip into one of my regular ones, it’s pale gray and hugs my body like a second skin. Instantly I feel better and more relaxed.
Bazur and I lock hands just as the dressmaker enters the room carrying a gossamer train I was supposed to attach to the dress. Whoops. The ancient orc’s eyes go to the dress on the floor then back up to me in my plain gown. Her graying braid whips at her back with the force of her head moving.
“Your Majesty, why are you not dressed? The guests are arriving—”
“That would be my fault,” Bazur interrupts, his hand possessively curling around my waist. “I couldn’t keep my hands off of her, your gown was the unfortunate victim. I hope you understand.”
“Of course, my king, of course,” the dressmaker bows and my cheeks color.
Without another word Bazur pulls me from the room and I giggle, pressing myself into his side. Gods, I love him. These past six months have only solidified that. Every day with him is an adventure, an opportunity to sink deeper into our feelings for one another. Sure we fight sometimes, but no male knows how to apologize better than Bazur.
“Can you rip all of my dresses?” I ask as we make our way down to the throne room.
“I prefer you naked anyways.” His smile is beaming and so beautiful it takes my breath away. This life is wonderful and perfect. Now it’s time for me to reconnect with my old one.
The throne room has been redecorated in our time here. On the dais no longer sits that horrible throne of bones. We had it destroyed, the bones comprising it were given proper burials. In its place are two identical stone thrones. Simple and efficient, just like the type of rulers Bazur and I are. It’s still a shock that I am a ruler.
Mainly I oversee healing and science, helping those humans who were recently freed get an education and learn new skills. Bazur rules firmly but fairly and only has had to deal with a couple generals who were resistant to the new changes. Whatever trouble comes our way, Bazur will keep me safe. He always does.
The throne room is filled with humans and orcs alike as we take our seats on the throne. My brother steps into the center of the room and hush falls over the crowd. Bazur and I don’t wear crowns but our authority is there regardless.
My brother’s beard is longer. He’s been away these last two months to meet with our liaison in the east. I’ve missed him. Before he left our relationship had progressed so much that we started sharing I love you’s and have made new memories together.
“How was your trip, brother?” I ask. Bazur captures my hand and kisses the back of my palm. My mate feels extra possessive with so many other people in the room. As much as I know he would never do it, a part of him is deadly serious about keeping me confined to the bedroom all day so that no one gets to see me.
Perhaps, I’ll grant that wish as his name’s day gift next month.
“Uneventful, but our vampire contact has sent the prince’s regards and recognizes you both as the new King and Queen of the Orcs.” Karth grimaces but goes on. “The Vampire Prince of Windgate Castle, is old and mean but fair. I don’t think we’ll be hearing much from him now that he has what he asked for.”
Bazur and I both nod. I can’t help the shiver that runs down my spine as I recall what it was exactly he wanted in exchange for that elixir. What could someone possibly need with that much poison? I hope we never find out and whatever he’s planning to use it for stays confined to the Walled City.
Karth bows and steps back. My leg bounces as we wait. Bazur squeezes my hand and offers me a reassuring smile. I’ve been anticipating this day eagerly. Now that it’s only moments away I don’t know how I’m going to handle it.
“Don’t be nervous, everything will be fine.”
Faintly I can hear the sound of hooves, they get louder and louder as each moment passes by. My heart is beating wildly as the sounds get closer. Hooves give way to thunderous footsteps that clank with the armor the guards are wearing. My throat closes as I watch them file into the throne room.
A legion of dark elf royal guards come through the door. They keep perfect unity as they march toward us. A few of the orc’s eyes go wide as do the humans. The dark elf guards are armed with swords, their gray skin and red eyes are lit by the torches lining the walls. They form parallel lines and face the center.
Then, in the doorway they appear. King Arkain and Queen Elveena of Myrkorvin, wearing their matching black pointed crowns, dressed in their royal black and red. King Arkain looks as severe as ever but Elvie’s silver eyes are alight with mischief as they walk down the path their guards created towards us.
Bazur and I rise and step down from the dais to greet them at the bottom. Elvie, my friend who I haven’t seen in so long. Will things be awkward? The last time we had contact was when I was in Moonbourne. That had been around Yule.
Just over nine months since we last saw each other. Has that time made us strangers?
The moment is tense as Arkain and Elvie approach. Standing in front of each other, Arkain and Bazur size one another up, both placing protective hands on us, their mates. They’re the same height and build and assess each other for a potential threat.
We are silent for a moment, Elvie and I just staring at each other. My friend looks the same but something is different. There’s a new mature glow about her. Whatever it is I don’t get to study it for long as she bursts into a giggle and throws her arms around me. I do the same, laughing and crying into her neck. She’s so much taller than me, her chin rests on top of my head.
“I’ve missed you, Kae,” she says, holding me tighter.
“I’ve missed you too. Much has happened.”
“I can tell that from your scent alone.” Her eyes dance with amusement as we pull apart from each other. “Which is why, I convinced Arkain to let us stay for a week.”
Arkain rolls his eyes but pulls her into his side. “I can deny you nothing, my mate, you know that.”
“I do, that’s why you get my mouth on your cock so often.” Arakin makes a choking sound and lightly swats her ass. I snicker and Bazur’s eyes meet mine with alarm. I shrug as if to say, That’s just Elvie. My friend’s eyes turn back to me.
“I can’t believe it, Kae. An orc mate, becoming a queen, finding your brother? Is there anything you haven’t done in these past few months?”
“It’s surreal.” I cover Bazur’s hand resting on my hip and give it a squeeze. “It’s love.”
Elvie and Arkain share a look and smile softly at each other. Bazur kisses the top of my head and my chest feels like it’s going to burst, overflowing with so much emotion.
“First the official business,” Elvie says and nods to her mate. Arkain clears his throat and speaks loud and clear.
“As King and Queen of the Dark Elves, Elveena and I officially recognize your ascension to the throne and proclaim that you have our full backing and support as leaders of the orcs, King Bazur and Queen Kaethe.” Applause breaks out around the room and we nod our thanks to them.
“Now, the fun business,” Elvie says even as Arkain tenses beside her. She looks over her shoulder to one of her ladies-in-waiting and nods. They scurry off only to return a few moments later with something wrapped in a blanket. The dark elf female bounces the bundle gently and bows as she hands it over to Elvie.
I narrow my eyes and let out a gasp as I see what was retrieved. Not a what, a who.
There nestled in that black blanket stitched with the Myrkorvin crest is a beautiful baby. Its skin is a very light gray, with white hair just a few shades lighter than Elvie’s. Its silver eyes are the same color as my friend’s. Elvie cradles the child in her arms and Arkain tickles its chubby cheek with a clawed finger.
“Elvie…you never said,” I trail off.
“It all happened so fast, there was no way to get word to you.” The baby lets out a soft coo and pure happiness shines on Elvie’s face. She looks perfect holding her baby. Arakin and Elvie stare down at their child, both smiling softly. It makes me look up at Bazur and see what I’m feeling reflected back on his face.
One day, that will be us. One day very soon.
“Would you like to hold her?” Elvie asks. My heart turns over in my chest and I nod, taking the soft bundle from her arms. “Kaethe, I’d like you to meet Princess Miralyn Kae of the Dark Elves, our daughter.”
Tears slip down my cheeks and my laugh is watery, I’m touched by their kindness. To name their daughter after me? I have no words, I tell them as much.
“We were hoping,” Elvie says, “that you two would agree to be her godsparents.”
My eyes fly to Bazur whose smile is soft. Looking towards the King and Queen of Myrkrovin, my friends, I nod my head frantically.
“Of course, we would be honored.”
I look down into Miralyn’s tiny face. Her big eyes close and she’s asleep within seconds. She’s so tiny and perfect. I thought I wanted time with Bazur all to myself but this feeling of holding a child in my arms makes me realize what I truly desire. A family, Bazur’s and mine.
Tickling her babysoft cheek, I’m certain and ready to take this next step with my mate.
Our dinner with Elvie and Arkain ran late into the night.
It was just like old times, sharing stories and telling jokes. There was so much love and laughter. Not to mention I think Arkain and Bazur could be great friends, they’re both so serious and surly. They talked about hunting which made me and Elvie groan with disinterest.
We parted a few minutes ago with hugs and promises to spend time together tomorrow without our mates. I love Bazur, but sometimes you just need time with a female friend. Besides, I’m hoping Elvie can help me with a few techniques I’ve been meaning to try out with my male.
If her and Arkain’s screams of pleasure that used to shake the castle are anything to go by, she definitely knows what she’s doing in the bedroom. Bazur and I have been known to scandalize a few castle guards ourselves. I’m curious about what all is out there and I’m looking forward to talking to someone else who understands.
Back in our chambers, Bazur helps me get out of my gown, placing soft kisses against the back of my neck. I sigh as he strips me down, before I turn and crawl on the bed naked. I look over my shoulder and see his eyes locked on the sway of my ass.
“Did you have a good day, akorzag?” he asks me, knowing what effect that word has on my pussy. I roll onto my back as the fur on the bed tickles my sensitive skin.
“It was one of the best days,” I say. “I’ve missed Elvie so much. It’s baffling how much both of our lives have changed since we last saw each other.”
Bazur is naked soon too and crawls up the bed towards me. His monstrous cock bobs before he settles his body between my splayed thighs. Kissing me until I’m breathless, his fingers skimming up my sides.
“You looked perfect holding their baby.” My stomach flutters as he presses a kiss to my chest. “I can’t wait until it’s our baby in your arms.”
“Me neither,” I confess, taking his face in my hands. “Bazur, I love you. From the moment you captured me in your net, until right now, this love for you has only grown. You promised to make me safe and you have. I know I said I wanted to wait but I’m ready. Both of our families got taken away from us. I want us to make our own and do everything to keep it safe.”
Bazur groans and slams his mouth into mine. Our kisses are frantic, consuming, and taste like love. His hands squeeze my breasts, my hips, my ass, touching everywhere he possibly can. His hand trails down to my pussy and feels how wet I am. I urge him to sink inside of me by pressing my feet to his backside.
“I love you so much, Kaethe. As long as I have you everything is perfect.”
I kiss him again, feeling our souls knit together. My life was ruled by fear and loss. Now there is only this, only us. This is the right time, whatever happens next Bazur is with me and that is all I need.
“I love you too,” I say, reaching between us and guiding his cock to my entrance. “Now come inside of me.”
