Page 46 of The Orc's Promised Bride

Plans? What plans? Her hands trembled as she gripped the edge of the bench. The stones felt ice-cold beneath her fingers despite the warm sun.

“Don’t worry, Khorrek.” The woman’s voice dripped with honey-sweet venom. “I know exactly what to do. But my reward…”

“You’ll get what was promised - as long as you handle Jessamin properly.”

Another laugh, this one sending chills down her spine.

“Oh, I will. By tonight, she won’t be a problem anymore.”

She shuddered at the implied threat and her fingers curled tighter around the edge of the bench.

“Be careful,” the male cautioned. “This must not lead back to Lasseran.”

“When am I not?”

She heard a faint rustling, as if they were leaving, but she couldn’t move. Finally she took a deep breath and eased away from the bench, her legs trembling as she tried to move silently through the overgrown vegetation. Leaves rustled and a branch snapped beneath her feet despite her care. Just a few more steps to the archway into the inner gardens…

A massive shadow fell across her path. She jerked to a halt, her breath catching in her throat as she looked up into the scarred face of an orc warrior. His dark armor gleamed in the sunlight, and a jagged scar ran across his features. His tusks were filed to sharp points, unlike Lothar’s smooth ones. This must be Khorrek.

“What brings you to this secluded spot?”

His voice held the same menacing undertone she’d heard moments ago, but she forced her lips into what she hoped was a casual smile.

“Just… taking a walk. The gardens are lovely.”

“Are they?” Khorrek’s eyes narrowed as he studied her. “Strange. Most of the Brides prefer the inner courtyards.”

“I-I like the quiet.” Her voice quivered despite her efforts to keep it steady. She clasped her hands together to hide their shaking.

“The quiet?” He took a step closer, towering over her. “Perfect for… overhearing things?”

Her heart pounded so hard she was sure he could hear it. She tried to back away but found herself against the wall.

“No, I… I just arrived. I haven’t heard anything. I’ll be going now.”

A huge hand clamped down on her arm. The grip wasn’t painful but she knew she couldn’t escape it and panic flooded her veins as the memories came roaring back. Rough hands, dark spaces, being trapped. No, not again. She thrashed wildly against his grip, but his fingers only tightened.

“Help-”

The cry died in her throat as his other hand slammed over her mouth, the leather of his glove cold against her skin. The pressure of his fingers made it hard to breathe.

Her feet left the ground as he lifted her like she weighed nothing. Through tear-blurred eyes, she saw a cloaked woman watching impassively.

“Proceed as planned,” Khorrek growled. “I’ll deal with this one.”

The woman nodded and slipped away.

“Now what did you hear, female?” he demanded, removing his hand from her mouth but leaving it close enough to muffle any attempt to cry out.

“Nothing,” she whispered.

“Do not lie to me.”

The hand on her arm tightened, the threat implicit.

“Just voices,” she stammered. “I didn’t hear any names.”

He leaned in closer, the tips of his tusks inches from her face, and studied her face. She did her best to look innocent, but her heart sank when he shook his head.

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