Page 109 of Bound to the Orc King

Mother scoops both of them into a warm embrace, murmuring to Wranth, “I was so happy when Aldronn sent word of who you are. It’s so good to have more family.”

The stiffness goes out of my cousin’s shoulders as my father also pulls them into a hug.

“We must celebrate our family growing by three amazing additions!” Father says. “Have you eaten yet?”

“I was hoping we’d have lunch with you,” I say. “We have much to discuss.”

Mother loops an arm through May’s and pulls her into the castle, while Father escorts Naomi. We cut through the public rooms with their vaulted ceilings and marble floors until we arrive at the private royal wing of the castle. Here, tapestries warm the stone walls, and rugs cushion the floors, the woodenfurniture so finely made it needs no embellishments to highlight its natural beauty.

The large windows of the private dining room are thrown wide, letting in sunshine and fresh air and a view of the castle flower garden. Roses, lilies, irises, and snapdragons all bloom in a wealth of perfume and color.

We eat pork roast with stewed apples and fresh baked bread, chasing everything down with a light apple cider.

Although several of my letters outlined the basic story of Naomi using her teleportation powers to open the doors of Faerie, the couple goes into greater detail now, especially discussing Wranth’s origins as a royal cousin.

When they’re done, Mother turns to me. “The last letter we got said you’d been summoned by the goddess to find your moon bound bride. You must tell us everything.”

“Okay, maybe noteverything-everything.” May shoots me a mischievous grin. “I’m definitely not telling you what I heard the first time I read Aldronn’s mind.”

“Agreed.” I hide a wince, remembering how I immediately wanted to bed her. “They don’t need to hear every detail.”

May launches into the story of our quest to find and free the Moon Goddess, my parents hanging rapt on her every word. I fill in a few details here and there but mostly sit back and enjoy watching two of the most important people in my life fall in love with my sunny bride.

When she gets to the grand revelation, all their years of practice in schooling their expressions fails them, and they gape.

“She was trapped for three-hundred years by herhusband?” Mother says, sounding affronted.

“And everything she’s done for the past three-hundred years here in Alarria was to free herself?” Father says. “She didn’t do it to protect us?”

“I don’t know if it’s that simple,” Naomi says. “I feel like it might have been both. She protected a bunch of her ‘children,’ the Wild Fae,andshe set everything in motion to free herself.”

“Like sending these crystal necklaces to Earth.” May holds up her pendant. “And bringing us to Alarria as moon bound brides.”

“Why did it take three-hundred years?” Wranth asks.

“It took that long for people as amazing as May and Naomi to be born,” I say, seeing it clearly. “It took the right witches with the right magical powers, all coming together at the same time.”

“Not just us witches,” May says. “Everyone. You and Wranth and the other orcs each have your own magic. And then there are all the unicorns and dragons and werewolves and werepanthers and pixies.” She shrugs. “It was a huge thing. It took all of us.”

“I’m so proud of all of you,” Mother says.

Father adds, “The alliances you’ve formed are unprecedented in the history of Alarria.”

“Things will be different now.” I take a sip of cider and set down my glass with the definitive clink of fine crystal on lacquered wood. “I foresee a time of peace for our land, so I will not need to lead our warriors into battle anytime soon. I also think visiting the villages can be done by a representative who reports to you.”

“What will you do instead?” Mother asks.

My hand finds May’s and squeezes. We share a look, and I feel her brush against my mind.“Go on. It’s a good idea.”In between all the loving the night before, my bride and I talked and dreamed of a new future for both us and Alarria.

“The doors of Faerie are now open. Our realm is still somewhat cut off, but that could change at any moment, because we have no idea where Alarria’s original doors are. Instead of waiting for surprises—some of which might not be pleasant—I want Alarria to connect with other realms and establish good relations.”

“I’ll help,” May says. “I’ve traveled a lot on Earth and am pretty good at meeting people from various cultures.”

“My bride is being modest.” I smile at her. “She’s also studied several topics that will be of great assistance.”

“This is a large undertaking.” Father purses his lips.

“It is, but we would not do it alone. I want to bring this to the alliance and have the aid of the other Wild Fae.”

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