Page 21 of Bound to the Orc King

It’s torture.

The only thing that makes it even a little bit bearable is feeling his erection bump against my ass. Dude’s got it as bad as me.

Silence doesn’t help, so I ask an endless string of questions about Alarria and how they live. The unicorns claimed the continent’s largest grass plain and live in herds that come together several times a year for various celebrations. “While our rulers confer, the warriors train during the day, sharing new techniques. At night, the young adults frolic and look for matches among the other herds.”

“And by frolic…” I ask in a knowing tone.

“Sex.” Starfall whinnies a laugh. “Lots and lots of sex. You have to try quite a few stallions to find a good one.”

I laugh with her.

“Are the orcs the same?” I ask.

“No,” Aldronn grunts.

“Don’t let him fool you.” Starfall tosses her head. “This one’s ridden plenty of fillies.”

He growls, his fingers digging into my stomach.

“So our king’s a bit of a player?” I don’t know how I feel about that. I’m not the super-jealous type, and I suppose it’s normal he’d have more experience since he’s older, but I can’t help wondering what “lots” means.

“Women throw themselves at him in every village,” the unicorn says. “It must be the crown, because it’s certainly not his charm.”

His voice smoothes into a wicked purr. “I’ll have you know I can be very charming.”

Heat pools low in my stomach. God, that voice! Totally panty melting. I can’t let him know it affects me. “So the scowls are only for me? Aren’t I the lucky girl?”

“The scowls are because you defy me,” he says.

“You mean because I’m not throwing myself at you with open arms and legs? Tough luck, dude. That’s not my thing.”

“It’s not all fun.”

“Oh, come on! I’m not stupid. Bedding a string of different women is every guy’s dream.”

“I will not lie to you, my bride. I’ve had several pleasurable encounters.” He clears his throat. “And quite a few I wish had never happened.”

I twist to look at him. “Then why did you sleep with them?”

“It’s my duty as king to find my queen and produce an heir. The Moon Goddess never hinted she’d bring me a moon bound bride, so I did what the royal family has done since arriving in Alarria. I did what was expected of me.” His eyes look hollow. It’s not an expression I’ve seen from him, and I don’t like it. “It was fun when I was younger, but lately…”

“What?”

“Must I say it?” Pain flickers over his face. “Can’t you read my mind instead?”

I grip my crystal and try, but nothing happens. I shake my head. Besides, he’s so closed up it’ll be good for him to speak some emotional truth out loud.

He lets out a held breath. “I have fleeting moments with women more interested in the crown than the man who wears it. It’s been…”

That haunted look is back. I can’t bear it, so I help him out. “Lonely. It sounds lonely.”

He nods.

I settle into my seat again, leaning back more comfortably. It seems Aldronn has a lot more layers than he lets on.

“By the goddess, I never thought to admit that to anyone. But I’m glad it was her.”

“I’m glad it was me, too,” I say.

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