Page 44 of The Orc's Promised Bride

Ulric’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t deny it. “We speak of your situation, not mine.”

But Lothar recognized the same fear in Ulric’s eyes that he felt in his own heart. The king wasn’t just giving advice - he was wrestling with his own doubts about worthiness and fate.

“My union with Jessamin was arranged for political reasons. Her father needs allies. I need stability for my people.”

The words rang hollow to his ears. He’d seen the way Ulric watched Jessamin at dinner, how his expression softened when she spoke. The king was lying to himself if he thought it was simply a political arrangement.

“And the Trials?”

“They are a way to give my warriors hope. Perhaps to strengthen our bloodlines against the Curse. I know it is not a permanent solution, but it is something. I will not endanger that hope.” Ulric’s voice grew harsh. “Not all of us have the luxury of following our hearts.”

The bitterness in those words confirmed his suspicions. The king felt the mate bond but was denying it, trapped by duty and obligation. Just as he was trapping himself with doubts and fears.

“What do you think I should do?”

Ulric sighed, looking suddenly weary.

“If you truly feel the mate bond, don’t waste time questioning it. The gods rarely grant such gifts. And when they do, only a fool would refuse them.”

He could hear the bitterness in the king’s voice. Here was a male who understood exactly what it meant to deny the mate bond, who lived with that choice every day.

“I’ve spent so much time trying to protect her, trying not to frighten her.”

“Perhaps she needs you to be honest,” Ulric said quietly. “With her and with yourself.”

He looked at the king, and saw the truth written on his face. Ulric knew exactly how he felt, and was making a different choice.

“A mate bond is not just about attraction or compatibility,” Ulric added. “It’s about finding the other half of your soul. The gods don’t make mistakes in such matters.”

The truth of those words resonated deep in his chest. Every moment with Jana felt right in a way he’d never experienced before. Since the moment he’d first seen her, he’d known she was his to protect and cherish.

“I want to tell her,” he admitted. “But she’s been hurt before. Trapped. I don’t want her to feel pressured.”

Ulric’s expression hardened and he stood abruptly, pacing over to the window.

“Then show her that you’re worth trusting. That your bond is worth exploring. Don’t let fear or doubt rob you both of what could be.”

The passionate response surprised him. He studied the tension in Ulric’s shoulders, suspecting that the king spoke from painful experience.

He pushed back his chair and stood, a newfound resolve settling over him. He wanted Jana - not just physically, but all of her. Her trust, her love, her future. He’d waited long enough.

“You’re right,” he told Ulric. “I need to talk to her. To tell her exactly what she means to me.”

Ulric nodded, his expression distant as he continued staring out the window. He took a step toward the door, then paused. He thought of the way Jessamin had looked at Ulric during dinner. Of the way Ulric had looked at her.

“My king?” He waited until Ulric turned. “Perhaps you should consider having a similar conversation with Jessamin.”

Ulric’s face went blank, but he caught the flash of longing in the king’s eyes before he masked it.

“I’ve seen how she looks at you. And how you look at her when you think no one notices. Perhaps your marriage was meant to be more than just a political alliance.”

“That is presumptuous of you,” Ulric growled, but there was no real heat in his words.

“Perhaps.” He shrugged. “But I’d hate to see you both miss out on something precious because you didn’t follow your own advice.”

He bowed slightly and left before Ulric could respond, hoping his words would sink in. The king deserved happiness as much as anyone, and Jessamin’s quiet strength would complement him well.

He headed back to the convent, filled with determination. The mate bond hummed inside his chest, drawing him towards hismate. But as he entered the courtyard, the sound of panicked voices brought him to an abrupt halt.

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