Page 33 of The Orc's Promised Bride

“My king, if I may ask - what happens after the Trials conclude?”

Ulric’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“You withdrew from the Trials, Lothar. Why do you ask?”

“I encountered one of the Brides today. She expressed concern about what would happen if her chosen warrior didn’t succeed.” He kept his tone carefully neutral. “Or if some of the Brides didn’t choose anyone at all.”

Jessamin’s hands stilled on her goblet, though she didn’t look up.

“The Brides will not be forced into unwanted matches,” Ulric said, frowning. “Those who do not find mates initially will remain under my protection until they decide their path. We sought mates, not slaves.”

“Thank you, my king. I promised to seek an answer for her.”

“For Imara?” Jessamin asked softly, and he nodded, surprised she knew which Bride he meant. “I suspected as much based on your decision to withdraw, but she’s not the only one who worries.”

Jessamin looked over at Ulric and something passed between them that he couldn’t quite read.

“Many of the Brides feel pressured. Not by you,” she added quickly to Ulric, “but by their circumstances back home. They fear disappointing their families if they do not secure a match.”

Jana’s hand found his under the table, her fingers intertwining with his. The simple gesture pleased him and he traced circles on her palm with his thumb, savoring the connection.

The king shifted in his ornate chair, his massive frame somehow making even the sturdy furniture seem delicate.

“Perhaps we need to make it clearer that they have choices,” Ulric said, his deep voice thoughtful. “The alliance with Almohad doesn’t depend on forced matches. Since your withdrawal from the Trials, I’ve been considering this matter but the situation is… complex.”

He nodded, remembering the fierce competition he’d witnessed in the arena and the raw desperation in many of the warriors’ eyes.

“We offered these males a chance,” Ulric continued, staring down into his goblet. “Not a guarantee. But if that chance proves unsuccessful…”

His Beast stirred uneasily. Many had trained for months for this opportunity. Some had traveled great distances. The political implications of disappointed warriors returning to their clans empty-handed could be significant.

Under the table, Jana’s fingers tightened around his, as if sensing his tension. He squeezed back gently, grateful for her presence.

“I have a suggestion,” Jessamin said quietly, and Ulric immediately focused on her.

“Please, share your thoughts.”

“What if we arranged a series of social gatherings after the Trials? Similar to the ones we held before the Trials but more…relaxed. We could start with only the winners attending, but over time, invite previous candidates back. We could work our way through the roster, starting from the final matches and moving toward the earlier rounds.”

He considered the elegance of the solution. It would give the unsuccessful warriors hope while maintaining the prestige of winning, along with the first opportunity to find a mate. Just as importantly, it would give the Brides time to know their potential mates without the pressure of immediate commitment.

The suggestion also revealed more about Jessamin than she probably intended. She understood both the warriors’ pride and the Brides’ fears, as well as the intricacies of the political situation. His respect for the quiet female increased, and he suspected that Ulric’s did as well, although his face remained impassive.

“Thank you for the suggestion,” Ulric said, his deep voice carefully neutral. “It is an excellent idea, but I will need to consider how this affects our agreements, including ours.”

The words hung in the air between them. Jessamin’s serene expression didn’t alter, but he saw a flash of emotion in her eyes before she lowered them to the table.

Ulric hesitated a moment longer as if waiting for a response, but then he pushed back from the table.

“I will bid you good night.”

Even though the king addressed all of them, his eyes were focused on Jessamin’s downcast head. Once again there was no response and Ulric strode from the room, his footsteps echoing down the stone corridor. As soon as he disappeared, Jessamin’smask of careful diplomacy slipped, revealing a glimpse of longing that made his chest tighten in recognition.

It wasn’t the resigned acceptance of a political marriage - it was the ache of wanting someone who seemed just out of reach. He suspected the same expression appeared on his face when he watched Jana.

Jessamin cared for Ulric. Not as a strategic alliance, not as a duty to her father’s kingdom, but as a female yearning for her mate. The knowledge caught him off guard, and he glanced at his own mate. Was it possible that she could come to care for him as Jessamin did for the king?

“I think I will retire now,” Jessamin said softly, rising from her seat. She turned to them with a practiced smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

---