Page 90 of Hunt Me

“Thank me? For what, my sweet Belzara?”

“For saving me from my brother. If it weren’t for you, I’d be stuck there, working my hind off for a handful of coins. There were times I didn’t receive a wage, and Belzar would tell me to be grateful I had a roof over my head and to stop complaining. Once, he told me he would send me to the brothels, but they’d send me right back. I thought I had my chance to escape when the merchant proposed marriage to me, but he was only after my measly portion of the tavern. What a fool I’ve been. I will be a spinster, never to know what another’s touch and affection will feel.”

Matilda’s joyous mood tanked. Orcs weren’t known for their attractiveness. In fact, many called them hideous. Typically, they coupled within their own race; however, there weren’t many orcs in Night Falls; pickings were slim. Matilda believed beauty was in the eye of the beholder and that there were many beautiful things about Belzara—loyalty, empathy, compassion—the list went on. Any gent worth his grain of salt would be lucky to have her.

“Cheer up, Belzara. There is someone out there for everyone. You just haven’t found him yet. Hell, if I wasn’t fated to the pale one, I would make an honest woman out of you just for your stew alone.”

“Your words haunt me.”

Matilda gasped. “How so?”

“Being wedded to you would be an absolute nightmare.”

“I ask once more, how so?”

“Your hair sheds like you’re some woolly beast, you talk too much, you’re a ruffian, and—”

“And she is perfect for me,” Luka said from the doorway, making Matilda’s cheeks heat.

“For a king, I thought you would’ve had higher standards.”

Luka frowned in disapproval. He noticed that Matilda and Belzara had a peculiar relationship and felt that Belzara was verbally abusive to his fated mate. Matilda would laugh it off, and the women would change the subject. He didn’t like it, but Ezra told him to stay out of it, and he would. However, at the first sign of a tear, he would throw Belzara on her ass.

“If I were to reach any higher, I’d surpass the moon.”

“You flatter me, my King.”

“Suddenly, I feel unwell. May I be excused, my Queen?”

“Of course. I’ll find you.”

Belzara curtsied to the royal couple and left.

“She makes my fangs itch.”

Matilda rolled her eyes, knowing she’d receive a lecture about her dear friend. “I know Belzara can be opinionated and crass, but she’s like a mother to me. She clothed, fed, and housed me, and—”

“Generosity doesn’t beget abusiveness.”

“Abuse? You’re mistaken, my King,” she insisted. “It is only playful banter between Belzara and me. She means not what she says in earnest.”

“The playful banter, as you call it, appears grotesquely one-sided.”

“May we put this subject to rest?” she asked, suddenly feeling a headache coming on.

Luka studied her in silence. His queen wasn’t usually one for pleasantries. He took a closer look and noticed how washed out she appeared. She had bags under her eyes, and her rich skin was dull and sallow.

“We may as soon as we put you to bed.”

“I’m not tired,” Matilda protested as he scooped her off her feet.

“As a precaution, I’ll have the physician visit after your nap.”

A few minutes later, she was changed into her nightgown and tucked beneath the thick furs she loved. “Sleep, my Queen,” he demanded, closing her eyelids with his fingers, only for them to snap back open. “Always so stubborn,” he whispered, kissing her lips.

“Perhaps you can bore me to sleep by recounting your day.”

Luka snorted and smoothed his hand gently over her belly. He felt a soft push from his child and smiled. “He is incredibly strong.”