Page 29 of The Orc Outcast's Mate

“She used to do more crafts before she got pregnant and before... well...” Savrah’s face paled, and she went quiet.

“Yes, it’s all been a trial since the tragedy. Things are still so uncertain,” Maythra said.

“Uncertain?” Miranda asked, unable to help herself.

“Miranda,” Beleda interjected then, standing pensively with the empty kettle still in her hand. “Are you Govek’s conquest?”

All eyes were on her in an instant and Miranda thought their weight might sink her down into the floor. Bury her alive.

“I mean... I don’t plan to have his child anytime soon if that is what you are asking,” Miranda said. Of course, she wasn’t. They’d just met.

And... did she even deserve to have a baby after abandoning her babies on Earth?

Stop.

She took a deep breath, pushing the horrors away.

“Well, that is a relief,” Maythra said.

Beleda went back to fixing up the tea and Savrah sagged in her seat. Miranda glanced between them. “Why is that a relief, Maythra?”

She’d thought the woman might dodge the question but instead she narrowed her sharp gray eyes and Miranda felt stuck right through. “You must have not been with him long if you have to ask.”

“Maybe I haven’t known him as long as you, but I’ve been alone with him for days and he’s done nothing to make me think he wouldn’t be a good father.”

Maythra’s mouth curled almost in disgust and Miranda’s spine straightened. “If that is the case, then he must have you perfectly beguiled.”

Miranda huffed out a disbelieving laugh. Just where did this woman get off?

“Miranda,” Maythra’s voice went lower. “Heed my warning. Do not remain with that male. Do not tie yourself to him. I have lived in this clan for more than fifty years. I have seen everything that male has done. You would do well to take my advice.”

“Take what advice, Maythra?” Viravia asked, coming back down the steps. Savrah got up quickly to take the bundle of clothing from Viravia’s hands.

“You needn’t worry.” Maythra said, with a wave. “Govek and Miranda aren’t planning any children.”

“I was gone a moment, and you are already asking her about such personal matters?”

“I would think Govek’s decision to bear a son would be of particular importance to you, Viravia.”

“We shouldn’t be discussing such things so soon after Miranda has arrived. We should be making her comfortable and helping her settle in. Miranda, let me show you to the washroom.”

Miranda wasn’t sure if she would rather get dressed or shake all these women until they explained what was going on. She took the clothes Savrah handed her and followed Viravia across the living space toward a door in the corner.

“Take your time,” Viravia said, pushing open the door. Inside the torches were already lit. Miranda entered, and the door clicked shut behind her.

The space was exactly what Miranda would have expected from a rustic bathroom. A rather large wooden tub sat near the back. It didn’t have a faucet and Miranda hated to think how much time it would take to boil water to fill it. There was a sink on a pedestal off to the left and a toilet that—thankfully!—appeared to be made from ceramic rather than wood.

It was clean and cozy from the light from a few torches flickering on the wall above the sink and Miranda found herself lingering, trying to get her bearings.

This was fine. Everything was fine.

Leaving the clothing on the side table near the door, she used the toilet, which had an old-fashioned rope pull to flush, but she couldn’t figure out how the sink worked to wash her hands. It was wood like the tub and didn’t have a faucet either, but they must use water with it because the smooth shiny surface was scattered with little droplets.

She went to try on Viravia’s clothing. The cotton was rough and had buttons down the front. The long sleeves and high neck resembled those of the other woman. It would be nice and warm. The fit looked about right.

She set down the clothes for a moment and pinched the bridge of her nose as anxiety twisted up her gut.

She absolutely should have asked Govek a million questions about his clan before they arrived here. But there was no point beating herself up about that now.

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