Page 55 of The Orc's Promised Bride

He turned to face her, taking both her hands in his.

“I need to follow my own advice,” he said softly.

Her dark eyes met his, curious and trusting. The sight nearly stole his breath. He’d never seen anything more beautiful than the way she looked at him now.

“I love you.” Tears welled up in her eyes and his heart clenched. He rushed to continue, “I know it’s too soon, and I understand if you don’t feel-”

“Stop.” She squeezed his hands, her voice fierce despite the tears tracking down her cheeks. “I love you too.”

Joy rushed through him so intensely it made him dizzy. His Beast purred in satisfaction as she hugged him, pressing herself against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her, breathing in her scent, still hardly able to believe this remarkable woman was his.

CHAPTER 27

Jana’s knees nearly buckled with relief as Jessamin’s eyes finally fluttered open. Almost an hour had passed since the second dose of antidote but she’d been gradually improving ever since. She hurried forward with the fresh batch of antidote, her hands steady despite her relief.

“Here, drink this.” She held the cup to Jessamin’s lips. “Small sips.”

Jessamin’s hand trembled as she reached for the cup, and Ulric took it, holding it carefully to her lips. He’d been holding her the entire time. She checked Jessamin’s pulse - still a little weak but steadier than before. Her skin felt cooler as well, the feverish heat receding.

“What happened?” Jessamin whispered.

“You were poisoned,” she said gently. “Someone put something in your tea.”

The other woman’s eyes widened.

“Mira,” she whispered. “Mira brought me the tea this morning.”

Ulric’s jaw clenched, his massive frame going rigid with fury.

“She will pay for this treachery,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous, and Jessamin put a shaky hand on his arm.

“Wait,” she said weakly. “There may be more to this than we know.”

But Ulric shook his head, his expression grim.

“She tried to kill you. That is all I need to know.”

She watched the interplay between them, seeing how naturally they turned to each other. The mate bond between them was obvious now, though neither seemed ready to acknowledge it.

Jessamin up at Ulric, her face still pale.

“I heard your voice,” she whispered. “When I was lost in the darkness, I heard you calling me back.”

Ulric stiffened and the vulnerability she’d glimpsed earlier vanished behind his usual mask of control. Damn. She’d hoped that he’d finally acknowledge the truth. She shook her head and touched Lothar’s arm.

“We should give them privacy.” She turned to Jessamin, switching to her professional demeanor. “You’re still very weak. Drink lots of fluids and try to rest, and I’ll check on you later.”

“Thank you,” Jessamin said softly.

Ulric looked at her and for a fleeting second his earlier vulnerability returned.

“Thank you, Lady Jana. I am in your debt.”

“You’re both welcome.”

Lothar took her hand and guided her towards the door. She caught one last glimpse of Ulric’s face as they left - a mix of longing and fear that made her heart ache for both of them.

The door closed behind them with a soft click, leaving the king and his bride alone to face their feelings for each other.

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