Page 31 of The Orc Outcast's Mate

“And that was considered very fast.”

Maythra cut in. “Anything is possible with that monster. It’s possible his break from Yerina has made Govek obsessive. We all know how he treated her.”

Miranda clenched her fists. Where the heck did she get off calling Govek a monster? And who was this Yerina? Govek’s ex?

“Watch your tongue, Maythra,” Viravia’s voice was clipped. “What transpired between Yerina and Govek is rumor, and imprints are born from care and trust, not obsession and control.”

“Perhaps for other orcs it is about love and care, but Govek is an abomination.”

Okay, wow.

“You know what he did at Clairton.”

“Maythra,” Viravia warned again.

Beleda piped up. “Maybe Govek has known Miranda for longer than we think? His break from Yerina is a full season past now. And his hunts often took him to distant places. Perhaps he met her elsewhere and has been wooing her for a while.”

“Govek doesn’t hunt outside the Rove Woods. He might be fueled by rage, but he isn’t stupid. And Oakwall is the only human village within these woods,” Maythra countered. “No, I’m certain he must have stolen her. Just look at her condition.”

“She is in rough shape,” Savrah said so softly Miranda almost couldn’t make it out. “Do you think she might have been a slave? I overheard one of the warlord’s warriors talking about how the Waking Order forces men and women who refuse to join their gospel into labor. They treat them like animals.”

“If she was, then Govek didn’t steal her. He saved her,” Viravia replied.

“Ha, rather he took her to be his own slave,” Maythra said.

“That’s too far.” Viravia said. “I will not have you speaking so ill of my kin.”

Miranda pressed her ear to the crack to hear better. What did Viravia mean by her kin? Were... were they related?

“You still call him kin after what he did at Clairton?”

“We weren’t there, Maythra. We don’t know what happened.”

“We weren’t, but it is our good chief who told us of Govek’s transgressions.”

“Transgressions he was forced to commit in order to retrieve his brother’s remains.”

“So, you are trying to justify Govek’s horrors?”

“All I am saying is that we should look upon his loss of sanity with compassion. I know how I felt when Tavggol’s remains were returned in that state. As his brother, Govek must have been utterly devastated.”

Oh wait, hold on now. Tavggol was Govek’s brother. And Viravia was Tavggol’s mate. So Viravia was Govek’s sister-in-law? And the baby was Govek’s nephew?

“I think Chief Ergoth should have more grief over this than any of us, Viravia. He lost both his sons at Clairton that day. Tavggol in spirit and Govek in mind.”

He lost both his sons? Govek is the son of the chief?

“I think the only one who truly lost his mind was Chief Ergoth when he sent his only remaining son to Estwill.” Viravia snapped.

What was this about Estwill? Hadn’t Govek been going to war? Was the war at Estwill? Miranda’s heart thundered in her ears, and she tried to calm it so she could keep listening.

“How dare you? Chief Ergoth is our steady leader. I know him better than any in this clan. I am his only true confidant, and I can assure you he was torn to bits over his decision to send his only living son to Estwill. Even with how vile Govek can be.”

“Insult Govek so blatantly again and I will no longer welcome you in my home.” Viravia’s clipped tone sent a shiver down Miranda’s spine.

And still, Maythra found the gall to argue. “I speak only the truth.”

“You speak cruelty toward the male who may well become the next chief of Rove Wood Clan.”

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