Orc Boyfriend: Bodrik (special preview)

The Orc’s angered expression shifted, he looked near tears, almost terrified. “Why? What have you done to it?”

“Nothing,” you whispered. “It’s all safe.” You glance behind you as you can hear the knights whooping and hollering from outside. “Tell me,” you glance back to the children. “Are you with the refugees?”

The young Orc scowls. “We were hidden during the last siege. Our parents said they would come back for us, but if not, to go into the mountains.”

“How did you get in without the knights seeing you?” You asked.

He glances aside, looking at one of the smaller Orcs who was starting to snivel and cry. “We’ve been hiding in the basement chambers since before you all arrived here. We’ve been trying to save supplies, but since you and the knights came, we’ve been trapped.”

You nodded to him. “I won’t ask who is waiting on you or where it might be, but I trust there is someone who is going to be expecting you.” You set down your candle on the table. “Come morning, the knights will all be passed out drunk. The other girls and I can get you out of here.”

The young Orc grimaces, his brow pinching as his dark eyes look almost black. “Why would you do that?”

“Because we’re bait here,” you answer softly. “If we get you out and away, there will be no reason for your people to come here. Gather as much as you can carry and we will lead you out.”

His eyes widen as he gazes at you. “Are you not the King’s property? Why would you spite him?”

A cold spike goes through your heart at that moment. “He can own our bodies, but he cannot control our loyalty.” You then hold your hand out towards him, telling him your name. “What is your name?”

“Bodrik,” he answers with a snarl. As he takes your hand you can feel his bones and the roughness of his skin.

You gather the other girls of the haram and together you help Bodrik and the children gather supplies. Come morning, when all the knights are passed out drunk, you lead the children away. Bodrik leads you through a pass where there is a secret entrance he sends the children through. Before he goes he turns back and looks at you.

“When I am strong, I will come back and rescue you.” He says this with a seriousness and stalwart determination of princes in storybooks. You smiled at him and placed a gentle kiss upon his forehead.

“Save yourself before you save anyone else,” you whisper to him.

“I mean it!” Bodrik is called by the children and his attentions are turned for a moment. “I’ll get big and strong, I’ll kill Nazrath with my own hands, and I will set you free. I’ll even love you if you let me.”

“You best hurry,” you urged him. “Go, go.”

“I vow everything I said!” Bodrik is pulled through the entrance, and you assured he is safe and you will never see him again.