"Is scandalous. Yes." I find the email address I need, a journalist who's been critical of reality show ethics. Start composing a message. "I'm counting on it."
"You'recountingon dishonoring your?—"
"I'm counting on the fact that you hate being embarrassed more than you hate humans."
Borgat's breathing changes. The particular huff that means I've surprised him.
"Explain."
"Option one: You denounce me publicly. Exile me for choosing a human mate. Prove every stereotype about orcs being inflexible, honor-obsessed, and unable to adapt to modern inter-species relations."
I attach the files to my email. Add a subject line:Reality Show Fabricates Evidence Against Contestant—Bachelor Has Proof.
"Or?" Borgat prompts.
"Option two: You publicly support my courtship as a bold diplomatic move. Position yourself as a progressive elder who recognizes the political value of high-profile human-orc partnerships."
"That's—"
"Strategic. Yes. I learned from the best."
I can hear him thinking. Borgat raised me after my father died in the border wars. Taught me that honor and pragmatism aren't opposites, they're tools, and knowing which to use when is what separates survivors from corpses.
"You're asking me to approve a courtship based on television spectacle."
"I'm telling you I'm courting her regardless. You can either position the clan to benefit politically, or you can waste energy fighting a battle you'll lose."
"I could cut your clan funding?—"
"And I could give interviews about how orcish elder councils prioritize pride over the welfare of young clan members trying to navigate a changing world."
Silence.
Then, surprisingly, Borgat laughs. Deep and rough, like rocks grinding together.
"You learnedverywell."
"Is that a yes?"
"It's a... provisional acknowledgment that you've left me little choice." He pauses. "This human. She's worthy of this scandal?"
I think of Trinity's hands smeared in flour. Her sharp humor and sharper instincts. The way she said my name in the pavilion, trust and desire tangled together.
"Yes."
"Then I'll draft a statement of clan support. But Korgan—if this ends badly, if she proves false or the relationship damages clan standing?—"
"It won't."
"Your certainty is either admirable or idiotic."
"Probably both."
He huffs again. "Send me details of the production company's actions. If I'm supporting this publicly, I wantammunition for why the clan is 'concerned about the ethical treatment of our kinsman in human media.'"
I grin at my phone.
"Sending now."
