"There! See?"
He examines it critically. "Adequate."
"It'scute."
"I don't do cute."
"You literally just made a star cookie with pink icing."
"Strategic color choice."
I kiss his cheek. "Sure, warrior."
For his tradition, Korgan teaches me a greeting ritual, a specific hand clasp with forehead touch that signals trust and respect between allies.
"Position matters," he explains, guiding my hands. "Wrong angle implies subordination."
"So this is politics."
"Everything is politics." He adjusts my grip. "But also intimacy. You only offer this to someone who's earned it."
We practice. His forehead against mine, warm and solid. His hands steady on my shoulders.
"Like this?" I whisper.
"Perfect."
The moment stretches. Intimate despite the cameras, the audience, the spectacle.
Claudia's voice breaks it: "Challenge four, PASSED. Which brings us to our final test."
The screen reveals the last challenge, and my stomach drops.
Traditional Orc Bonding Rite: The Claiming
Borgat stands. Walks to the center of the space.
"In orc culture," he announces, voice carrying, "a bonding claim requires three elements. A public declaration of intent. A demonstration of worthiness. And acceptance of vulnerability."
Korgan's hand finds mine.
"Korgan Dongoran has already demonstrated worthiness through his actions, protecting his chosen partner, challenging corrupt systems, honoring both cultures." Borgat's gaze is piercing. "Now he must declare intent and accept vulnerability. Publicly."
Oh.
Korgan turns to face me fully. Takes both my hands.
The studio goes silent.
"Trinity Lewis." His voice is steady, but I can feel the slight tremor in his fingers. "I claim you. Before my clan, before your people, before anyone watching. I choose you as my partner. My equal. The person I want to build a life with, in whatever form that takes."
My eyes sting.
"I offer you my strength, my loyalty, my protection. I offer you honesty, even when it's difficult. I offer you my trust, which I don't give easily." He squeezes my hands. "And I offer you my vulnerability. The parts of me that are uncertain, afraid, still learning how to be gentle."
A tear escapes. I don't wipe it away.
"I can't promise perfect. But I promise to try. To listen, to adapt, to fight for us." His warm eyes search mine. "If you'll have me."
