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Orin

I HOPED WHATEVER QUEEN Grace had to say would not take long. I disliked leaving Olivia’s bedside. My hands fisted at my sides as I waited.

With her hands on her hips, Queen Grace narrowed her eyes at me.

“Your grace? Is something wrong?”

She ejected a tight-lipped huff. “I’m upset with you.”

My posture stiffened. “My apologies Queen Grace. I am unsure what I have done to upset you.”

She pointed at the infirmary doors. “ That should never have happened,” she accused.

My eyes jerked to the doors and back to her. I rubbed the back of my neck. “I agree. She should not have gone to the marketplace alone.” Grace’s gaze pierced through me, making me feel both exposed and vulnerable.

“Didn’t you tell Clor to keep away from her?”

My jaw clenched, and my lips formed a straight line.

“Yes, I did have a conversation with him,” I answered, crossing my arms in front of me. She also believed I was at fault for Olivia’s injuries, which intensified my guilt.

I already knew I had shared some of the blame. But I never expected Olivia to go to the marketplace unescorted.

The Queen readjusted her stance and tapped her foot, eyeing me. “Can I ask you a question?”

I gave a single nod and frowned, curious about where this was headed.

“Do you like Olivia?”

My brows lowered, and I dropped my arms to my sides. What kind of question is that? “Yes. Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”

“Olivia has feelings for you,” she said.

My head jerked back. Oh? Queen Grace had a skill for addressing my fears that made me think she could read my mind, but I knew humans couldn’t do that.

She continued. “Why do you avoid her?”

Her unexpected question startled me, and I blinked in surprise. I thought about our few interactions, but I already knew why I was avoiding Olivia.

At first, I thought it was simply a fear of rejection, but it ran much deeper than that. My biggest challenges were my self-doubt and insecurities about not being good enough or a suitable mate. Grimacing, I stared at the Queen, unable to find the correct words to say.

Grace grumbled under her breath. “Men.” She folded her arms. “Would you like a bit of advice on human women?”

Her decision to discuss such matters with me left me puzzled, so I shrugged.

This conversation seemed highly inappropriate, especially given that she held the title of Alara’s Queen. On the other hand, if she could assist me in communicating with Olivia and developing trust, I was open to listening.

Queen Grace dipped her head releasing a sigh, then looked up. Her eyes searched mine, waiting for a response.

“Okay,” I croaked, then cleared my throat. “Yes.”

“Still the strong, silent type, huh?” She smirked.

I tilted my head, trying to interpret the true meaning behind her comment.

The Queen shook her head, a smile appearing on her face.

“Look, we females are an emotional bunch. But in Liv’s case, being pregnant has enhanced her hormones.

She tends to be more tender at times. I’m sure she would like it if you spent time with her.

Your lack of communication is hurting her, to be honest.”

My chest seized tight with pain. “That was never my intention.” The thought that I could be hurting her hadn’t occurred to me. My stomach twisted in knots just thinking about it.

Queen Grace rested her hand on her hip. “I want a straightforward answer.”

“Always.” My voice was firm.

“Is there someone else, and that’s why you don’t speak to Olivia?”

I flinched. What is she talking about? Olivia was the only female I wanted. And had ever wanted.

It felt like I was on trial at a Protectorate tribunal, defending myself against accusations I didn’t deserve. I’d always admired Grace, even before she became Queen, but this aspect of her was less pleasant.

My mouth opened, prepared to voice my objection.

She scrutinized me.

“There is no one else,” I said with a hint of indignation.

“Okay, so there has been a misunderstanding...But why don’t you tell Olivia you’d like to spend time with her?” Her tone was gentler this time as she studied my face.

I grunted in response, not wanting to confess my insecurities to the King’s mate.

How could I reveal Olivia occupied every corner of my thoughts? Yet I wasn’t convinced I could fulfill her needs or meet the standards she deserved. I didn’t want to vocalize that. I couldn’t. I didn’t want the Queen thinking any less of me.

With my silence, her face changed to one of compassion. “City guards are allowed to have relationships too,” she grinned.

My mouth refused to form words as I acknowledged her with a bob of my head. To speak of my fears out loud would only remind me I had failed to protect Olivia and was not a suitable mate.

Queen Grace took a step toward me and placed her fingertips on my forearm. “What is it that is stopping you from talking to her?”

Frustrated, I ran my hand through my hair.

Surprising even myself, I blurted out, “She won’t want to be with me.” The sharpness of my own words caused my jaw to tighten.

Her face softened. “Well, I know she does. Both of you need to communicate with one another. I promise you I know what I’m talking about.” She offered me a comforting smile.

I shrugged, unsure how to make things right or if Olivia truly wanted to be with me.

The prospect brought a subtle boost to my mood.

“Talk to her and you’ll see how amazing she is. You two are totally meant for each other,” said Grace.

My heart raced. I was well aware that Olivia was incredible . She is my perfect mate.

“I do not want to give up.... but I cannot force her to accept me when I am...” I halted, a frown forming on my lips as I abandoned my incomplete thought. It was hard to shake the feeling that I was not deserving of her.

In a soft tone, the Queen continued, “Olivia is lonely, Orin. She’s unsure about what to do after the baby arrives. I’m worried she doesn’t feel welcome here. She’s been mentioning the idea of leaving to join a human colony once the baby arrives.”

My heart pinched. No! She can’t leave! The thought of never seeing her again was unbearable. “I am committed to doing whatever it takes,” I declared.

Queen Grace’s eyes were fixed on me, filled with reflection. “Listen... if you want Olivia to know you're serious about her, you gotta earn her trust. I know Alaran males are loyal mates. Let her see that side of you. She needs to know you won’t let her down. She is afraid of being abandoned.”

I gulped at the sudden realization. So am I.

Her words echoed in my mind, swirling around my thoughts. As warriors, our loyalty to one another and the King remained steadfast, unyielding even in the face of adversity.

The determined Protectorate warrior refused to surrender. No matter what, I couldn't abandon the idea of being with Olivia. I would dedicate my entire life to my K’sha if she would have me, never wavering in my loyalty.

This was a completely unfamiliar experience for me.

Finding my K’sha was something I never anticipated, let alone imagined. My heart quickened its pace, and a surge of hope filled my entire being. “You mean I should woo her?” I asked, smiling and remembering the occasions when I heard other males use that term.

Using her forefinger, she gestured at me with a big smile. “Yes, that. Show her you’re thinking about her.”

My hands opened and closed by my sides. “What is the best way to show her... if I cannot find the correct words?” Even I noticed that my voice sounded constricted.

It was obvious from my words that I had little experience with females.

Watching my reaction, Queen Grace placed her hands on her hips and chuckled. “Take it easy, you’re not heading into battle. This isn’t rocket science...Start with bringing her flowers or a thoughtful gift. Human women love that.”

I pressed my bottom lip between my teeth. I had never heard of giving flowers to a mate, but I would do anything to win my K’sha’s trust and love.

“Then tell her how you feel,” she said.

I listened attentively. “Understood.”

“Elaborate on the fact that she is your K’sha.”

My lips parted. Wait. “How do you know?”

She glanced at my bare arms, then back at me, and shrugged. I was filled with more embarrassment.

“I will follow your advice. Thank you, Queen Grace,” I said with a grateful bow of my head. I simply wanted my K’sha to accept and desire me.

Grace grinned while giving my arm a playful slap. She had changed her attitude since we entered the corridor. “Anytime, Orin. Anytime. Good luck.”

I inhaled deeply, exhaled with a sigh, then whispered a prayer to the Gods, determined to win Olivia’s heart and be with her forever.

Back at Olivia’s bedside King Trex reached out to me at the most inconvenient time. I acknowledged him, then shifted my gaze towards the medic and Queen Grace.

“The King has summoned me. How long before Olivia wakes up?” I asked, noting the worry in my voice. It wasn’t as if I could refuse my King, but I hated having to leave Olivia’s side for even a moment.

Rekna gestured with his hand. “For much of the rotation, she should be in a deep sleep,” he assured.

I lowered my head and departed from the infirmary, stealing a last glimpse at my lovely mate sleeping soundly.

UPON MY ARRIVAL, I found King Trex standing staring out the window of his office. He turned and returned my salute when he saw me.

“I wanted to update you on things. Commander Tinuk has been replaced by a senior member of the city guard. He did not go willingly and I suspect there are others like him, but he won’t admit anything. He is being detained until I decide what to do with him.”

I felt honored that Trex valued me enough to keep me up to date. But I hoped to finish our meeting quickly so I could get back with Olivia before she woke up.

“I want to discuss one other thing. Considering things with Tinuk, I have decided I would like you to return to the palace tomorrow... as my personal guard. You will accompany me during the day. Except when I am in my suite of course.” He chuckled.

My chest puffed. Personal guard to the King of Alara and my former ship’s Captain? “It would be an honor, sir.” I saluted him again.

King Trex took my excitement in his stride and folded his arms. “How did it go at the marketplace?”

“We arrested more troublemakers...but Olivia was injured.” The recollection of encountering her huddled under the table, distressed and wincing in anguish, resurfaced.

In an instant I was transported back to that place, overwhelmed by feelings of panic and shame for failing to keep her safe.

The King’s authoritative voice rescued me from sinking into despair. “What happened? Is she okay?” he asked.

My throat felt thick and my face heated. I grimaced. “She was knocked down and kicked...She has sustained multiple injuries, but the medic says she and her youngling will be okay.” I paused, then added, “I’m unsure of her reason for going to the marketplace alone.”

Trex stepped toward me and put a hand on my shoulder. “Where is she now?”

“The infirmary. She and her youngling are being monitored by Rekna for at least one rotation.”

King Trex bobbed his head, frowning. “I’m glad she will be okay, but you should be with her. Our talk could have waited.”

“She is asleep right now. Rekna says she won’t wake for a while. I am headed back to her when we are finished here.”

Trex dropped his hand and gave me a knowing grin. “You are a loyal warrior. But if she is your mate, as I suspect, you will have to learn to balance your duty to me, with your duty to her.”

His statement caused my head to snap back in surprise. I wasn’t sure how to respond.

His smile widened, and he angled his head. “Your mating marks are even more visible than they were on the ship. I’ve known all along there was something between you both.”

I let out a sigh and rubbed my forehead. “That’s just it, sir. There isn’t. I’ve been too afraid to tell her how I feel.”

King Trex’s lips pressed together. “You have always been a warrior first. I was the same until I met Grace. Do not worry about telling her. She will accept you I am certain of it.”

My mind was filled with relentless self-doubt. Trex had experience with females before he encountered Grace. I did not.

I ran my fingers through my hair, clearing my throat.

“You will soon come to terms with what it means to be both warrior and fated mate.” King Trex’s smile radiated an unexpected warmth and empathy that took me by surprise.

Our relationship had always been professional, or as I preferred to think of it, official. Previously, I would have never considered discussing personal matters with him.

“Do not be hard on yourself. Finding our K’sha is not something many of us are prepared for. Our traditions have been abandoned by many who have given up hope on being blessed with their fated mate. I can assure you of one thing...you will not feel settled until you claim her.”

I frowned, nodding my head.

“You two will figure things out” Trex said with a wave of his hand.

I wondered if Queen Grace would tell him of our private conversation. Then decided it didn’t matter. I intended to tell Olivia everything when she woke up.