Page 34 of The Orc's Promised Bride

“You must both be tired after your journey. Let me show you to your quarters.”

They followed her through the winding stone corridors, passing elaborate tapestries and flickering wall sconces. The convent’s architecture spoke of an older time, with high vaulted ceilings and ornate carvings adorning the archways.

Jessamin stopped before a heavy wooden door, producing an iron key.

“I apologize for the simplicity - we have limited accommodations for mated pairs.”

She unlocked the door and gestured them inside. Although simply furnished, the spacious room had a large window overlooking the courtyard gardens and thick rugs on the floor,but one feature dominated his attention - a single large bed draped in soft linens.

“I trust you’ll find everything suitable,” Jessamin said softly, already backing toward the door. “Rest well.”

“Thank you, Jessamin,” he said, but his gaze was fixed on his mate, his pulse pounding at the thought of sharing the bed with her.

The click of the latch echoed loudly in the room, leaving them alone at last.

CHAPTER 18

Jana’s pulse quickened as she stared at the huge bed dominating the room. The mattress looked far more inviting than their makeshift sleeping arrangements in the forest, piled high with blankets and pillows. But something about having actual walls around them made the prospect of sharing it feel different - more deliberate.

“I’ll take the floor.” Lothar’s deep voice broke through her thoughts. He shifted his weight, not quite meeting her eyes. “There are enough blankets to make it comfortable.”

“No.” The word came out before she could second-guess herself. “We’ve been sleeping next to each other all week anyway. And it would look strange if anyone found you on the floor, given that we’re supposed to be…”

She couldn’t quite finish the sentence. His eyes darkened and he took a half-step toward her, then stopped.

“Are you certain?”

Her heart was thudding against her ribs so loudly she wondered if he could hear it. The bed seemed both massive and tiny all at once. Her stomach twisted in a mix of anticipation and nerves.

“I’m sure,” she said, and was surprised at how steady her voice sounded. “I trust you.”

His sharp intake of breath made her heart skip. She watched as he carefully removed his boots and embroidered vest, leaving him in just his pants and thin linen shirt. The play of muscles beneath the fabric reminded her of his strength, but she wasn’t afraid. Instead there was a flutter of anticipation low in her belly.

“I… I’ll get ready for bed,” she said, and slipped into the adjoining bathroom, her hands trembling slightly as she closed the heavy wooden door behind her.

The space was simple but functional, with a stone basin set on a long counter and a wooden toilet with an overhead tank. There was even a type of shower over a sunken area with a drain in the middle. The plumbing might be a little different, but the amenities were remarkably similar to what she’d left behind.

Her reflection in the polished metal mirror was almost unrecognizable. She looked so different - her eyes shining and cheeks flushed. Happy rather than haunted. This new world suited her.

Because of Lothar.

She washed her face and brushed her teeth using an odd wooden toothbrush, then caught a glimpse of a nightgown hung from a hook behind the door, another instance of Jessamin’s thoughtfulness. The nightgown was clearly meant for a bride - all delicate lace and flowing silk in pure white. Butterflies dancedin her stomach at the thought of wearing something so revealing but she stripped off her dress and reached for it.

As she did, she caught a glimpse of the scars marring her wrists, long-healed and barely visible but still a painful reminder of her past. She’d fought so hard to heal, to build a life for herself.

I won’t let it break me again.

She took a deep breath and pulled the nightgown over her head, the delicate fabric whispering over her skin, and took another quick look in the mirror. The gown transformed her into someone who belonged in this world of arranged marriages and ancient magic. Transformed her into a bride.

Before her nerves could take hold, she turned and pushed open the door.

Lothar stood at the window, his broad shoulders rigid beneath his shirt, his hands clasped behind his back. At the sound of her footsteps, he turned sharply.

His eyes locked onto her and darkened, the green irises swallowed by inky blackness. The transformation sent a shiver down her spine - not of fear, but something far more primal. Her breath caught as he prowled a step closer.

“You grow more beautiful every time I look at you, my valai,” he said, his voice rough and deep.

His expression was hungry, but the heat in his gaze wasn’t the predatory stare of a stalking animal - it was the desire of a male who wanted his mate. The air between them crackled with tension as he took another step forward, and her skin tingled with anticipation.

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