We are alone on the street, a small fountain to the left of us that barely flows, the perfect spot for a reprieve. I pull her to rest on my thigh and not sit beside me. The impish think we are bonded, so I must show her affection as if she were. I was confident my cock would show her my intentions, but now I'm not so sure.
“My brother, Bellator. He is a fierce warrior who has fought for the impish of Imperia for a long time. I received word that tensions were growing, and it may no longer be safe for orcs in this Realm. Yesterday at the Gate, when you first saw me. I was coming… I am coming to check he is okay and try to convince him to return to my Realm.” Leaning into the crook of her neck, anyone looking would think this is a lover's affection. Softening my voice, “There are rumours the Emperor has gone insane, that he has a sickness of the mind and believes things that are not true.”
“Someone is watching us. The shadows moved.” She whispers, her voice trembling.
“You are safe with me,” I nuzzle closer, breathing her in. “Lean into me and smile, they will think we are lovers.”
“How do you know what lovers means, but you don't know what a penis is,” she chuckles.
“My friend only told me so much when we spoke about being bonded to a human. If you will allow me to have your body, there are several things I would like to try.” My cock stiffens in my pants, and I try to adjust her position so she is not bothered by it.
“My body…” she trails off. “They have left, keep telling me about Bellator.”
Her performance not to give us away was perfect. Clearing my throat, I continue, “My brother was taken prisoner, and I need to find him and free him. I can not risk the Emperor hurting him. He is the only family I have left.”
“Oh, Steve, that's awful,” she says, throwing her arms over my shoulders. “I can't imagine what it would be like to actually like your family, let alone be worried for them. We will find someone who knows something. I promise.”
Her optimism is beautiful, and the pull in my chest only gets stronger the longer I am in her presence.
“You seem to be adjusting to this life rather quickly. I am pleased, but know if you need a break, it is okay to have ameltdown.” I try to offer comfort. “Portarius, my friend who is bonded to a human, told me many things about females, andmeltdownshappen periodically.”
“I'm going to have to meet them when this is all over, and we’ve found your brother,” she chuckles, leaning against my body and resting her head againstmy chest. “My life wasn't the best on earth. Not one I'm dying to return to at least.”
Is this why she has not wept for her mother or father? Was she hurt by them? She has spoken briefly of the men who chased her the night she passed through the gate, but I've been more focused on her being with me now than what she ran from.
“Tell me everything,” I grunt, an idea forming on how we can get vengeance.
Chapter 7
Bellator
HOUSE OF WOLVES - MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE ?
For three days we rode, stopping only to rest when it was absolutely necessary. I informed the others of the order and assured them I would do my best to straighten everything out when we returned to Imperia. The battle on the front was too close to ending for us to be gone for too long. Naively, I assumed my word would be taken as truth, and we would return to enjoy some of the fighting before completely destroying the enemy.
That is what I believed would happen.
I have not seen the Emperor in person for many years. My last visit to Imperia was fleeting at best. Each time we manage to defeat the West, they seem to re-coup twice as fast, and we’re left back at the front all over again. The thriving city I expected is no longer. The orcs I travel with are similarly shocked at the state we find the city in. Guards met us on arrival, and wewere immediately imprisoned. I directed my men to follow the instructions given, and we were quietly led into nearby cells.
We grant the impish the illusion of power while residing here, and somewhere over the years, they have forgotten the strength we wield. If we wanted, we could destroy the chains that bind us, the walls that cage us. An imp is nothing compared to an orc, but we are also not senseless in our fighting.
“Oi, you there? His Holiness wants to see you.” The guard yells toward me.
“That is the Commander of the Imperian Army, and you will address him correctly.”
“Easy, Airmatus. He follows the orders he has been given.” I say, trying to pacify the unease filtering through the chamber. The illuminating sky orb shines no light on us here; we are too deep underground, and the sparse torches burn so low that it tells me more about the conditions of the city than they think it does.
“Who do you speak to, boy?” I call out. “You need to use our name unless you mean all seven of us to stand and follow.”
A low growl rumbles from some of the orcs, and I see the poor guard's hands tremble as he unlocks the steel gate. The guard is so small he looks like an undeveloped imp. Scrawny and in over his head. His captain should be ashamed, sending this child to wrangle us, because if we were a lesser species, the boywould remain down here forever. I ease off the cool stone floor, stepping forward until I tower over him, only the flimsy steel bars to separate us.
“I'm sorry, Sir,” he whispers, taking one of the glowing torches. “We've been told not to use your name or title.”
My heart sinks hearing this, not because I'm attached to the notoriety that comes with it, but more that this is far more serious than I ever could have imagined. We walk in silence, ascending stairs and secret passageways until we wait behind a closed door. The boy giving three sharp taps to signal our arrival.
“My father fought under you during the great battle of Trezzinita. He always spoke highly of your command. It has been an honour to meet you today.” He whispers, facing the door. The flickering light showing a bow of his head as he talks. A small gesture of respect–defiance.
“Tell your father, it was my honour to have him in my defence. I hope he is well.” I whisper back.
