Page 110 of The Orc Outcast's Mate

“Of course.” Viravia’s eyes were still alight with curiosity, but she was kind enough not to press. It made Miranda want to open up about everything. Her babies, Earth, the war...

But no... putting all her horrors on Viravia would be incredibly cruel. Especially after the woman was being so kind and helpful.

So, she simply moved into the next important topic. “Viravia, we were also hoping to know how Oakwall feels about Govek.”

Viravia blinked, perking up again. “Oh? Did they contact you, Govek?”

“No.”

Her shoulders slumped. “I see. Chief Ergoth hasn’t wanted to tell them much, especially about the merger, but he has been telling everyone in the clan that he fully intends to keep control over the trade relations and peace with Oakwall. I have no idea what Kar—the warlord is going to say when he finds out. He wants you to be the full chief, Govek. He doesn’t want Ergoth to have any power here anymore.”

“Do you think Oakwall would be open to Govek being in charge of the trade?” Miranda broached.

“Well, yes, of course,” Viravia said without the slightest hesitation. She glanced at Govek. “You... don’t agree, Govek? This isn’t about Yerina, is it?”

“My father has made it clear that Oakwall would not be comfortable with my presence.”

“Your father is looking out for the good of the clan, but he rarely looks out for your good,” Viravia said, and a smile quirked Miranda’s lips. “I’ll be blunt. There are a good number of Oakwall residents, as well as orcs here, that like to speak ill of you, but most know that Yerina is full of boar shit. Her story changes every blasted trade. Only the imbeciles who thrive on drama truly listen to her tales now.”

Miranda’s smile widened. Seeing someone finally go to bat for Govek was so refreshing. She shot Govek a triumphant look that softened when she found him looking relieved.

“You might get a few odd looks, but I doubt anyone would be brave enough to be openly hostile, especially knowing you are going to be the next chief of Rove Wood Clan.”

Govek’s expression darkened, and Viravia saw it just as well as Miranda.

Viravia was about to ask, so Miranda cut in. “The trade is day after tomorrow, right? Will you be going too?”

“I... yes, I will,” Viravia said, reluctantly allowing the shift. “I have some things that I need to pick up from some artisans of Oakwall. For the baby.”

“Oh yeah?” Genuine interest flooded Miranda. “What kind of things?”

“Things for feeding him, mostly,” Viravia said, stroking her belly again. “Women in my family have always struggled with feeding at the breast. Sorry. I’m sure you don’t want to listen to me blather on about that.”

“Oh, I don’t mind. I used to work with young kids before I... came here.”

“You did?” Viravia asked. “As an instructor?”

“Uh, well, kinda? More like I would watch them when their parents were busy. Some of them were still being bottle fed, so I have experience with it.”

Viravia’s eyes brightened. “Interesting. You fed babies milk? Without being a wet nurse?”

“Oh yeah. All the time.”

“In that case”—Viravia got up and hurried to her cabinet, pulling out a basket—“could you give an opinion on these? I had the glassmaker at Oakwall construct them and then another artisan made the tops from leather and tree gum.”

She set them down in front of Miranda and excitement danced in her. “Nipples for bottles?”

“Yes. I’d seen them used at one of the larger villages only once in my childhood. Replicating what I saw has been quite a challenge.”

“You got the shape right,” Miranda said, fitting the top onto the glass jar. It was nice and snug. “But the hole is too big for a newborn.”

“Hold on.” Viravia went to fetch a parchment and quill. “Do you mind if I take notes?”

“Of course not,” Miranda said with a smile.

And take notes she did. Viravia wrote down almost every word Miranda said. It felt odd to be treated like such an authority on the matter. Odd, but good.

Halfway through, Miranda glanced at Govek, wondering if he was getting bored and found him brooding, lost in thought. His eyes slid from Viravia’s rounded stomach and back to his massive hands.

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