Page 22 of The Orc Outcast's Miracle

“Part of the magic stops outsiders from speaking their opinions. Only those with pertinent information are allowed to have a voice during judgments.” He finished packing.

“But you did have pertinent information,” she said, watching him work. “Do you use it for all judgments?”

“Yes, and some announcements as well. Likely my father would have used it for Karthoc’s announcement had he known it was coming.” He packed a water flask before tying his bag up tight. “The clearing also allows my brethren to draw conclusions easily. Once their minds are made up, they are resound.” His voice grew low again and he wouldn’t look at her. “Nothing can change their minds.”

“That doesn’t sound good,” she said. “It sounds like that means people’s opinions can be swayed based on who gets to speak first.”

His fists balled up so tight his hands shook.

“Govek . . . who gets to speak first?”

“The parties who are wronged speak first.”

So that meant he always went last?

Her heart ached for him, and she moved in to take his hand in hers. Trying to soothe it so he wouldn’t cut himself.

He sighed heavily and relaxed. “We must go now, Miranda.”

“Okay,” she said, eyeing her little pile of evidence again.

Things would be different this time. She was the one who was harmed in this, so she would get to speak first.

She would get justice. For her and Govek. They would fight for this together. They would win.

“Miranda.”

He stood at the door and propped it open for her to go through. She filled her lungs with the icy morning air and stepped out into the woods.

“All right then, let’s go get our ‘oozing’ done,” he said.

The bubble of turmoil popped in an instant and laughter burst out. “Oh my god, Govek, it’s schmooze. You know what? No. Keep calling it ooze. I’d rather Oakwall think we’re weirdos.”

He snorted his agreement. They walked in silence for a long while, feet crunching on the icy ground. The cold began to penetrate her cloak.

“Gosh dang, it’s cold. So fricking cold. Why is Faeda so freaking cold?”

“It’s near winter, Miranda.”

“Well, why don’t you hurry up and make it spring for me then?” She shot him a look while warming her fingers with her breath.

He swung his cloak out around her shoulders and yanked her into his heat.

The temperature under his cloak was at least twenty degrees higher, and she almost groaned with pleasure. “Oh wow. Okay, yeah, this is way better.” She moved his arm around her back so she could curl into his side. Walking was a little awkward, but well worth it.

“I’m glad you approve.” His voice was tinged with delight, but his face was still tense.

She pursed her lips and moved his hand up from her waist. “Plus, it has the added benefit of being able to cop a feel.”

“Cop a what—?” He broke off in a choke as she pushed his hand to her boob. His fingers twitched, stroking her chest, and she shivered.

“We can get all naughty, and no one would ever know.”

“I think they would know, Miranda,” he said, though he didn’t move his hand away.

“Even better. We can just let them be jealous.” She paused in the stride to bring his hand up to her mouth and kissed his palm.

He melted, his tension finally ebbing as his lips quirked.

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