Lord Bruz is the first to speak. “Your Majesty, our spies are reporting that the situation in Concord City is dire. The people are calling for blood. Orc blood.”
“They should be calling for their president’s blood,” King Lix’tuk rumbles. “He’s the one behind this, not us.”
“The people don’t see that. They just see an old enemy they’ve feared their entire lives,” Lord Bruz says.
“Have we heard any news from the wolf shifters or the demons?” King Lix’tuk asks.
“Same as before, Your Majesty,” Lady Sharog replies. “The wolf shifters are our allies, but unless the humans attack Uzrirgard, they won’t take action. The demons… well, they’re as useless as they’ve been since the rift closed.”
“I still think a preemptive strike is our best bet,” Lord Frax’mo growls. “We can burn Concord City to the ground before they even know what hit them.”
My heart skips a beat. My family is in Concord City. Rose could still be there, if she was bought by a wealthy man.
“Webelievewe can,” Lady Ushug interjects. “If the humans have been able to keep the food a secret, then they could have weapons or defenses we’re not prepared for.”
“We’re supposed to be keeping closer tabs on them than that,” King Lix’tuk says, glaring at Lord Frax’mo. “Or have all my Lords and Ladies been too busy worrying about what goes on in my bedchamber to worry aboutrealproblems?”
“Our intel is not as precise as we hoped,” Lord Frax’mo answers. “I take full responsibility for that.”
“As you should,” King Lix’tuk reprimands. “As much as I’d love to watch that eyesore burn, I don’t think that’s the answer. Too many casualties for no reason.”
“Then our other option is to go after their food,” Lady Ushug says. “That’s what my team has been working on. We don’t know the exact location of the facility, but it has to be big, based on what we saw during the speech. I’ve narrowed it down to four locations that seem like they would make the most sense logistically. They need to be able to transport the food to the entire country.”
“I don’t like that either. I already told you that,” King Lix’tuk retorts, drinking some of his blackroot coffee. “I still regret The Salting. If humans are able to produce their own food, I don’t want to starve them again. Their government has done that enough, and it will just make them hate us more than they already do.”
“If that’s even possible,” Lady Sharog sighs. “They’ve turned us into villains. Turned your human pet into a martyr.”
My jaw tightens at the word pet, and to my surprise, King Lix’tuk’s does too. He glances at me, his dark gaze softer than ever, despite what is going on. Or maybe he’s just really tired.
“What about my plan?” King Lix’tuk growls. “We can hack into their television feed. If I can talk to the humans and tell them their president is lying, then maybe I can get through to them. Most of them know my name.”
“Yes, they know who you are, Your Majesty,” Lady Sharog says. “But that’s not necessarily a good thing. They’ve been taught to fear you. Nothing you say is going to stop what is going on inthe streets. If anything, it’ll just give President Highton more ammunition.”
“Like he needs more ammunition,” Lord Frax’mo gripes. “Military enlistments haven’t been this high since they were drafting people for The Great War. It’s a powder keg, Your Majesty. We shouldn’t light it for them.”
“Fuck,” King Lix’tuk growls, shaking his head and adjusting his crown.
They continue discussing their options. I listen but don’t say anything. I don’t think it’s my place to speak. But after listening to them debate the same topics over and over, an idea surfaces. I’m not sure if it’s a good idea or a bad idea. I reach over and put my hand on King Lix’tuk’s wrist, waiting until he can give me his attention.
“Could I say something?” I whisper.
King Lix’tuk’s nostrils flare like he’s angry, but then his expression softens. “Sure, go ahead. Everyone, Clover has something to say.”
“She shouldn’t even be here,” Lord Frax’mo snarls. “She should be serving the purpose she was purchased for. In your bed. Providing Uzrirgard with an heir.”
King Lix’tuk starts to say something, but I meet his dark stare, and he bites his tongue. I don’t know how this is going to go, but every orc in the room is looking at me. I’ve got their attention.
“You mean with my legs spread, waiting for him to put a baby in me?” I ask, meeting Lord Frax’mo’s aggressive stare. “Because that’s all I’m good for, isn’t it? Making sure Uzrirgard has a king,so that the Lords and Ladies don’t tear it apart fighting for the throne? Even if it costs my life.”
“It’s why my wife bought you,” Lord Frax’mo replies condescendingly.
“And we’ve seen how well that has worked out,” I say, finding some courage beneath the anger that has been boiling since President Highton’s speech. “I’ve been turned into the face of human suffering and I’ve become a symbol… or a martyr, as Lady Sharog put it, even though I’m still breathing, despite your wife’s wishes.”
“We don’t know for sure it will kill you,” Lord Frax’mo says defensively. “This has nothing to do with the current problem. We won’t be fighting each other if we’re united against your kind.
“There doesn’t have to be a war,” I say, surprised that King Lix’tuk is actually letting me argue with his war council. “Now or ever.”
“And how are you going to stop this one, much less… fucking hell, I’m not discussing this with a damn human. She’s probably a spy,” Lord Bruz says angrily.
