Page 7 of The Orc's Wife

Unlike the army, which belonged to Urgan, the palace guards were loyal only to the Imperator. He paid them well and supplied them with fine food and females. They would jump to his defense as soon as Urgan made one sudden movement.

And while Urgan was fighting his way through their rank, some guards would make their way to the dungeons and slit Una’s throat before he could get to her.

He would never risk her life.

And the Imperator wouldn’t go down without a fight, Urgan knew. The orc ruler was still a powerful enemy, even though he hadn’t been fighting for years. But he still trained with weapons, and he was still extraordinarily strong.

Brute force wasn’t the answer. Urgan would have to win with his wits and strategy.

“If that is so,” he replied, locking his fury behind his cool voice, “I’d gladly turn to training the young officers, my Imperator. I can teach them everything I know, share all my personal secrets of battle strategy.”

The Imperator leaned forward, his eyes flashing. Of course he was tempted, Urgan thought with disdain. No one in the army had ever managed to replicate his ingenious battle formations and attack plans that had allowed him to claim so many victories with minimal losses.

The Imperator thought it was a trick.A secret, as Urgan had called it. In truth, he had devised his strategies always for a particular situation, taking into account the terrain, the weather, the numbers of his and his enemy’s troops… It was a talent, not a trick.

“This would please me,” the Imperator said. “Yes, you can trainmyofficers. Now that’s settled, I am told congratulations are in order! My daughter tells me you have a new mate. A human, no less.”

Urgan let the air out of his mouth in a long, calming exhale. He had avoided speaking of Una, but of course, news had traveled.

“Yes. I am mated at last.”

“It’s a pity you’ll be so busy training my officers. I hope your mate can amuse herself with viewing the city on her own. And if you’re quick and thorough with performing your duties, you may even get some time to enjoy her.

“Now, general. I will not strip you of your title yet. That will be done as soon as the rest of your troops come back from former Tokoma lands. You can report for duty at the army training grounds when that happens. For now, enjoy your well-earned rest. You are dismissed, general.”

Urgan nodded stiffly and left the throne room, only one thought pounding in his head.

The Imperator had made a veiled threat about Una.You may even get some time to enjoy her.As if their days were numbered.

She was the Imperator’s hostage to ensure his good behavior, Urgan realized. Her safety had been uncertain before, but now, it was obvious she was in danger. He would have to post trusted guards in front of their rooms. And once again explain to her the importance of staying put.

On his way out of the palace, he sent word to his servants to attend to Una. He wanted nothing more than to attend to her himself. But if they were to have a future, he had to act fast and organize his troops.

Before he could see her, he needed to have a word with Grikh and update him on how matters stood. It took him over an hour to ride to his friend’s home, talk, and return. Grikh didn’t have good news.

The part of Urgan’s army still stationed in the capital had just received orders from the Imperator himself. They had been deployed to keep the peace in some of the more distant lands.

The Imperator was ridding the capital off people loyal to Urgan. If this continued, he would soon stand alone, with no coup ever possible. Before his army returned from Tokoma in two or three weeks, he might even be banished or dead. And Una with him.

Uneasy and filled with growing anger, Urgan strode to the dungeons to have a quick word with her before he departed to speak with some of his trusted warriors who were still in the city.

But when he reached his chambers, they were empty. Una was gone.

Chapter 3

Una

As soon as he left, I looked around for something to throw. That impossible orc! Did he seriously think I would be stuck in his dungeon, trembling in fear just because his fiancée from the past had snarled at me?

Really, who did he take me for? I was no shrinking violet. And I had thought he knew this! Wasn’t it why he had dragged me here?

Bastard.

Well, fine,maybeI had been afraid. But years of training had prepared me for this. When other people in my village trembled and bowed before every orc, I forced myself to face them head on. When no other girl wanted to volunteer to prepare a feast for our orc rulers, I stepped forward every time and did it, so others didn’t have to.

I made it my job not to be controlled by fear.

And now, Urgan was expecting me to give in to it? Well, I couldn’t. And I was itching to see Dogar Val in all its misery and glory.

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