Princess's Revenge: Slave to the Soulbound King Chapter 115

Adelaide

I woke up slowly in silk sheets, morning sunlight casting golden patches on the marble floor. My hand reached across the bed, finding only the lingering warmth and familiar scent of Lycanthar—pine, leather, and a wild freshness. His pillow's slight depression showed he had already risen for his duties, leaving me with just the memory of his presence.

Rising gradually, I couldn't suppress the satisfied smile that spread across my lips. This life—being so deeply loved and cherished—was everything I had once only dared to dream of. The weight of recent events seemed lighter somehow, knowing that we had prevented a war and exposed the true enemy lurking in the shadows.

As I completed my morning ablutions and prepared for breakfast, a firm, purposeful knock echoed through my chamber.

"Please, come in," I called.

The door opened to reveal Zaroka's commanding presence. The orc princess wore traditional tribal attire today—a deep brown leather corset adorned with silver runic symbols marking her royal status, a lightweight traveling cloak draped over her shoulders, and elegant weapons hanging at her waist. Her bearing spoke of departure.

"Good morning, Adelaide," Zaroka's voice carried its characteristic directness wrapped in warmth. "I've come to bid you farewell."

A pang of loss struck me immediately. "You're leaving? So soon?"

Zaroka nodded with the certainty I had come to expect from her. "The alliance treaty between our peoples has been signed and sealed. My mission as Grimstone Vale's representative is complete. My father, the chieftain, sent word that there are internal tribal matters requiring my immediate attention."

I crossed the room toward her, sincerity coloring my words. "Your departure fills me with regret. During this time, you've been not merely an ally, but a true friend."

Zaroka's features softened into a genuine smile as she reached for her waist, withdrawing a magnificently crafted dagger. The blade measured roughly a foot in length, its hilt adorned with gleaming emerald stones, while ancient orcish runes etched along the steel caught the morning light with cold fire.

"This is 'Tribe Guardian'—a ceremonial blade passed down through generations of my royal lineage," Zaroka explained, extending the weapon toward me with both hands. "It has protected my ancestors through countless perils. I want it to safeguard you, to keep you brave and strong, protecting yourself while defending the peace we all seek."

I accepted the dagger with reverence, feeling its substantial weight and the history it contained. "This gift is far too precious, Zaroka."

"Worthy of a future Wolf Queen," Zaroka declared, then opened her arms wide.

We embraced tightly. In that brief but meaningful moment, Zaroka whispered against my ear: "When next we meet, I hope to see the real you—Princess of Eldoria and Lycanthar's Wolf Queen."

My eyes glistened with emotion at her words. "Thank you, Zaroka."

She pulled back with a mischievous wink that reminded me why her friendship had become so precious.

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Zaroka

Leaving Adelaide's chambers, I strode through Lycandor Keep's familiar corridors, my mind churning with conflicting thoughts. The friendship I had forged with the human princess exceeded all expectations, becoming one of my mission's most treasured achievements.

Yet another unexpected development awaited resolution—my feelings for Third Legion Commander Vespera. Not mere warrior's respect for strength, but something far more personal and dangerous.

Vespera's office occupied the castle's eastern wing, positioned near the military training grounds. The door stood slightly ajar, allowing me to hear the rustle of parchment and murmured conversations within. Drawing a steadying breath, I knocked firmly against the wooden frame.

The internal sounds ceased, followed moments later by Vespera's characteristically gentle "Enter."

Pushing the door wide, I discovered Vespera standing behind a massive table covered with maps and documents, discussing strategy with several officers. He wore Third Legion's distinctive forest-green uniform, silver insignia gleaming on his shoulders in the morning light. Upon seeing me, his eyes brightened briefly before resuming their professional composure.

"Forgive the interruption," I addressed the assembled officers directly. "I require private words with the Commander."

The military men looked to Vespera, who nodded his dismissal. They departed with respectful efficiency.

Once the door closed behind them, Vespera set aside his quill. "Princess Zaroka, how may I assist you?"

"I've come to say goodbye," I stated without preamble. "Alliance business is concluded, and duty calls me back to Grimstone Vale."

Vespera's expression grew complex—surprise, disappointment, and careful restraint warring across his features. He moved to the window overlooking the training yards where soldiers practiced their drills, finally speaking with measured calm: "Safe travels. May the Moon Goddess protect your journey."

I studied his profile silently, waiting for additional words that never came. The office atmosphere grew increasingly heavy with unspoken tension.

"That's all?" I finally broke the silence, challenge threading my voice. "Nothing else you wish to say?"

Vespera turned, genuine confusion creasing his brow. "What would you have me say?"

I stepped forward boldly until barely an arm's length separated us. His forest-clean scent filled my senses as I caught the uncertainty flickering in his gaze. "I care for you, Vespera." Meeting his eyes directly, I spoke each word with deliberate precision. "I want to know if you feel the same."

Vespera visibly startled, rare color rising to his cheeks. His mouth opened, closed, then opened again as he searched for appropriate words.

"I—" he began, voice slightly unsteady. "With Garrick's recent removal from command, Third Legion affairs demand my complete attention. I have no time to consider personal relationships."

I raised an eyebrow, advancing another step. "That wasn't my question." My gaze burned with intensity. "Do you have feelings for another woman?"

Vespera met my stare with honest directness. "No."

Without warning, I stepped forward, cupped his face between my hands, and pressed my lips to his. The kiss carried all the force and tenderness that defined my nature—orc determination tempered with genuine affection. Vespera initially froze, but quickly his arms encircled my waist, returning the kiss with surprising passion.

When we separated, my eyes blazed with unwavering resolve, fingers still caressing his cheek. "Orcs lack werewolves' ability to mark their mates, but we're equally territorial about what belongs to us." My voice dropped to a possessive growl. "From this moment, you're mine, Vespera. No other woman may claim your heart. When tribal business is settled, I'll return for you."

Vespera's lips curved in an unusual but genuine smile. "You're always so direct."

"This is the orc way," I replied with pride. "We waste no time on pointless hesitation." Challenge sparked in my eyes. "Do you accept?"

Vespera remained silent briefly, his gaze searching mine with the intensity of a man weighing duty against desire. This rational, peace-loving commander seemed to balance competing priorities on invisible scales. Finally, he nodded. "I accept."

Satisfaction bloomed across my features as I claimed another brief but heated kiss, then turned toward the door. At the threshold, I glanced back one final time. "Take care of yourself, Vespera. Don't let me discover you've done anything foolish in my absence."

Vespera's soft laughter carried warmth that reached his eyes. "I'll await your return, Princess Zaroka."

I departed with complete contentment, my heart full of anticipation for the future. This wasn't an ending—it was a beginning.