Page 62 of The Orc Outcast's Mate

“I’m. Fine,” Miranda said so forcefully that Govek wondered what might actually have her so defensive. What were doctors like on Earth?

“It really won’t take long at all,” Wellia interjected, ringing her plump hands. “And we can do it right here. We don’t have to go back to the healing house if you don’t want to.”

“You want to give me a physical in the middle of the street?”

“It’s done with magic,” Govek said, choosing his words carefully. “Hovget will only need to hover his hands over your head, and his conjuring will draw your condition to him.”

“Magic, huh?” Miranda said softly. “And if something is wrong with me?”

Govek’s gut twisted. “Then we will treat it.”

Miranda looked a little more stricken. “And... if there isn’t?”

Govek could not discern why being unwell was less upsetting than being well. “Miranda, you already think you are fine. Would this not just confirm that?”

She hummed softly, pursing her pink lips together and crossing her arms. The wind caught up her brown hair, displaying her neck.

She was so beautiful, he couldn’t catch his breath.

What if she was sick?

“Please, Miranda?” Govek asked softly, ignoring the wide-eyed look his pleading earned from Hovget. “For me, will you?”

She groaned. “Fine. Okay. Just... whatever. It’s okay.”

Hovget approached and Govek tensed. “You need to release her, Govek, or you’ll get muddled in.”

Govek knew that, but he still hesitated a moment, his touch lingering on Miranda’s back before finally stepping aside.

“I just stand here?” Miranda asked as Hovget raised his hands up.

“Yes,” he said, closing his eyes.

For a long moment, the only sounds were the wind in the trees and the subtle muttering of nearby orcs. Govek’s chest grew tight as he watched the waves of air shift around Miranda as Hovget’s magic dipped into her body.

Had Govek been allowed to learn magic, he could conjure this himself. Or a minor version of it, at least.

Govek stilled, brow furrowed.

This was the first time he’d ever wanted to perform a magical skill.

“Done. She’s well. No issues.”

“A-are you sure?” Miranda asked.

“Yes.”

“No radiation—er, I mean . . . poison?”

“Poison?” Wellia asked, approaching Miranda. “Were you also attacked by the boar?”

“You know about that?” Miranda tipped her head. “Man, gossip sure does fly here, doesn’t it?”

“Yes. We have heard. Goblin poison attached to a boar’s tusks, right?”

“Yes.”

“I want a sample of your blood, Govek.” Hovget was already reaching into his gray leather cloak for a vial. “Chief Ergoth said you would not consent, but I must insist on it.”

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