Free Honor Among Orcs (Orc Saga) by Amalia Dillin Page B

headwoman having heard of her punishment. She shared the still warm bread with Bolthorn. He chose the smaller half, his expression so grim she did not argue.

    “The tracks left behind will be distinct, Princess. A woman’s slippers and an orc’s bare feet. And it will not be long before they know you are missing after they find your father’s body. We will be followed.”
    She picked at the bread, chewing slowly. Her father’s body. But was it truly? Bolthorn seemed so convinced, seemed to see so clearly what the king denied. But she could not think of it. He could not be her father, or she would lose what courage she had found to act as she must. Surely the Ancestors could not curse her for killing a man who did not believe her to be his daughter. And she must free Bolthorn. She could not live with the alternative. Could not remain here to be Alviss’s plaything.
    Mother, forgive me. “And if they find us, then what?”
    Bolthorn’s face grew grimmer still. “Then, I will do what I must.”
    “I see.” More men dead. She paced to the narrow window, staring out. She did not dare sit upon the floor; her back stung badly enough without trying, but it was her heart that ached now. What if it was Rodric sent? She could not leave Isabel without at least that small protection.
    “How long will it take them to search the castle?”
    “I think they will wait until morning to begin.” With her punishment fresh in their minds, they would not wish to overstep. Everyone kept to their own business after such public displays. “None are so loyal that they would risk his fury if he does not wish to be found.”
    “Then it must be tomorrow morning,” Bolthorn decided. “Can you get us more food?”
    “Yes.” Surely no matter what struggle followed the king’s death, the women in the kitchens would be left alone. She had to believe it. Had to trust Isabel to protect them. “At least a healthy day’s worth, if not more. They will think I only wish to secret myself away until my wounds heal and I can sit without pain.”
    His eyes narrowed, flicking over her body, but he said nothing. He did not need to. She could feel his anger from where she stood, even if his muscles had not tensed as well. She bit her lip again, wondering. Moments like these were what had lured her, what had made her believe…
    “Perhaps some cloth for bandages as well,” he said at last, and her heart twisted, hope withering in her chest.
    “Of course,” she murmured. He feared she would slow him, that her healing back would cause her trouble on the journey.
    Of course.

CHAPTER SIX
     

     
    If he never heard her say those words again it would be too soon. Of course. It was a curse from her lips, a judgment of his worth, and he had no doubt she found him lacking. Could she not believe for a moment that he cared for her, even when he felt her suffering as his own? Surely she could not deny some spark of friendship between them.
    He clenched his jaw. “If you cannot trust me, Princess, this journey will be a hardship for more reason than your wounds.”
    “You ask too much,” she said, stiffening.
    “I ask only for you to see me as I am,” he said, rising from the floor where he had knelt. “I am not your king or any of his lords. I am orc, sworn to your protection, sworn to serve my people.”
    “Yes,” she said. “Two oaths at cross-purpose. I am not a fool to mistake where your loyalties must lie.”
    So this was the heart of it. He might have laughed if she were not so serious. “My loyalties must lie with you in equal measure, it is the choice I made when I offered you sanctuary behind the glass. I do not regret it.”
    “And when you do?”
    “That day will never come.” He stepped toward her, glad she did not shrink back, and caught her hand, pressing his thumb to the cut across her palm. “I am not human, to betray you so easily, Princess. I am orc, and our bargain has been struck in blood. There is no going back now, not