Page 23 of Loved By The Orc (Monster Orc Brides #4)

My protest is cut off when Brachard raises his hand and stands abruptly. “No more, Negan.”

I open my mouth to protest again but my mouth clamps shut when Hisa and Shalia step forward and take my hands.

They turn me away, bringing me out of Grumpy’s path as he heads toward the fire where the cage is placed.

Tears fill my eyes as my two friends avoid my gaze.

Why aren’t they helping me? I had their backs the entire time each of them had males they chased after.

When Hisa wanted Tok, and Bakog didn’t approve because Tok was older than us despite being his best friend.

And when Shalia wanted Bakog but he refused because of the vision he had as a child of his future mate being kidnapped.

I commiserated with my sisters. We all cried together.

We all bitched together. And we all declared West Mountain orcs fools. But now? Where is my sisterhood?

“Bring out the orc,” Brachard booms.

Ironically, it’s Bakog and Tok who drag him out of the cage and force him to his knees.

Varguk’s eyes meet mine. They glitter with rage when he sees tears streaming down my face.

I feel like I failed. How could I not convince my own godfather not to punish Varguk?

How could I not convince him of our love?

How could I not convince him that I chose to give the precious virginity that for some reason is considered some kind of weird gift.

Truth is, I’m probably the only female who retained her virginity into adulthood.

“Now, once again, prisoner. Do you admit you failed in keeping her safe?”

Varguk doesn’t hesitate. “I failed,” he says.

“And were you the one who offered your Southpeak royal oath? My life for yours ?”

“I made the promise. I don’t regret it. I would offer it again and I’m prepared to meet my consequences in the failing of that oath. ”

There’s a snicker from somewhere in the Southpeak section. Someone is more than happy that Varguk will pay for his brothers’ kidnapping of me.

“Then it is I, King Brachard of the West Mountain Orcs, who hereby doles out your punishment. Varguk of the Southpeak clan, son of King Vronus, who shall dole his own punishment to your brothers.” He turns to the Southpeaks.

“Because it does not escape our notice that while Varguk was foolish enough to swear his life away, it was your other sons who did the deed.”

A whimper escapes me. At least Grumpy will not let Auglesh and Leviton off. My eyes prickle for a moment and then burning tears flow unchecked down my face.

Will he maim Varguk? Will he keep him in the prisoner cages and toss him over the mountain?

Because I swear I will break him free this time.

I will escape with him whether my father finds me in the middle of it or not.

And both clans can hunt us down for the rest of our lives.

I will hide out. And I’m sure with Varguk’s skills, we can be safe for the remainder of our days. We can.

“Your punishment shall be a lifetime sentence. A forever fate.”

My stomach clenches. This is exactly what I feared. He is going to keep him locked up forever. And I’ll be dragged back to our village in the north while he’s barely fed and kept out in the elements.

“You are hereby tasked with the chore of keeping our bridge safe for the rest of her life. Now, I realize that Oshin raised a headstrong daughter.” He glares at my father, who scowls back. “Because of that, I must level the playing field.”

Level the—? What does that even mean?

“And I know that Oshin probably wouldn’t like this,” Brachard barks.

“It is up to him as to whether the Blackheart orcs wish to go to war over my decision. But I am exerting my right as Negan’s godfather.

I hereby proclaim Varguk, formerly of the Southpeaks, now considered a West Mountain prisoner, shall receive punishment.

He is to be mated to Negan of the Blackheart clan to forever protect her, a job he dismally failed the first time.

A lifetime commitment to her safety in penance. ”

The entire area erupts in chatter, the Southpeaks protesting. And I almost protest until I realize… we’re mated. Without a ceremony. Without anything fancy, which I don’t need, because we’re orcs, not half human. Like my two sisters clutching my hands between them, squeezing my fingers.

I risk a glance at Varguk and he looks floored, his jaw slack and confusion strewn across his brow. Several of the Blackheart males mutter angrily, though they are those who are with Denruk’s crew. But a look passes between my father and Jacovi.

They accept this.

My father steps forward. “I’ll accept your decision only because I no longer consider Varguk a Southpeak.

I would never give her to that clan. As you said, Varguk is instead a prisoner of West Mountain.

A male cast from his clan because his own father agreed to allow his punishment.

His father also agreed to the punishment of his brothers.

For that reason alone, I agree with King Brachard’s ruling. ”

Hisa and Shalia stare at me in shock. Their eyes are wide, their faces pale. They are as flabbergasted as me. All of us, thinking the same thing. This is too good to be true.

“Now, for the Southpeaks, I will give you ample time to get off our land. You have one moon to get me the pieces of the other two sons. I will allow two more moons for them to heal, and then I expect them to show up in person so I can match their scars to their missing parts.”

“How will I know they will be safe?” King Vronas scowls.

“My word shall be enough. Unless you’d like to call off the bargaining and we’ll declare war here and now? Maim the sons ourselves?”

“No, no,” King Agor says quickly. “Vronas spoke out of turn.”

“All is well, then. I’ll have my guard escort you to the south bridge.”

Everyone else stands stock still as the Southpeaks are guided from the village. Then, in a much looser fashion, the noise starts to pick up .

“We will celebrate my last decree,” Brachard announces. “Because the Blackheart orcs have a long ride home. They need food and ale and a good night’s sleep before they head out. So bring on the feast! We will celebrate! We shall party until dawn!” He raises his fist into the air.

Across the court, cheers echo.

“And someone get our prisoner into the river to bathe,” Brachard scowls. “I can’t have that filthy male presented to my precious goddaughter.”