Page 60 of The Orc's Promised Bride

“Go,” she told him softly. “I’d like to talk to Kari.”

She rarely felt comfortable enough to be alone with strangers, but something about Kari’s open friendliness, as well as their shared experience, put her at ease.

Once he left, Kari settled them both with cups of fragrant tea.

“So tell me everything,” she urged.

She described the strange storm that had brought her here, then her encounter with Lothar in the forest. When she mentioned making the antidote for Jessamin, Kari leaned forward intently.

“That’s incredible! I’ve always felt there was a reason we were brought here.” Kari’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Not just for our mates, though that’s wonderful too. But I think we have a greater purpose in Norhaven.”

“Because of the Curse?”

“It certainly seems possible.” Kari beamed at her. “Especially since I’m pregnant.”

The world reeled around her.

“Pregnant?” she echoed weakly. “But the Curse…”

“Exactly. I mean, I can’t prove it yet, but it has to be true, doesn’t it?” Kari’s expression grew more serious. “The orcs are a dying race, and we are the key to their future. Our children are their salvation. We are the answer to their prayers.”

Jana stared at her, unable to form words. Was it possible? Had Freja really chosen them to save an entire species? The idea was overwhelming, and a tiny part of her quailed at the responsibility.

“I don’t believe that Freja brought us here just to be orc broodmares.”

“Well, that wasn’t exactly my phrasing,” Kari said dryly. “I just think that it’s part of a bigger plan to save the orcs.”

“Yes, but why us? I’m sure there are plenty of other women who would have been willing to be brides.”

“I don’t have the answers.” Kari shrugged. “But I believe Freja chose us for a reason.”

“So it was a choice for you as well?”

“Yes, but not before I came. Afterwards. But then Wulf prayed to a male god. It probably didn’t occur to him to ask.”

Kari’s expression was so disgruntled that she couldn’t help laughing. “Perhaps the gods are more flexible than we thought.”

“Maybe. In any case, I’m glad you’re here.”

“So am I,” she admitted, and realized she truly meant it. “It’s nice not being the only one who speaks English. Although Lothar manages very well.”

“We’ll have to make sure our children speak both languages,” Kari said innocently, and her mouth dropped open. It was too soon to be thinking about children. Wasn’t it?

Before she could think of a response, a knock interrupted them. An elderly orc female entered, her silver hair in elaborate braids and her eyes sharp with intelligence.

“Jana, this is Merow, our healer,” Kari said. “Merow, Jana just saved King Ulric’s mate from poison using an herbal antidote.

Merow’s eyes lit up with interest.

“Indeed? Which herbs did you combine?”

She described the antidote she’d created, warming to the topic as Merow asked detailed questions about quantities and preparation methods. The older female’s knowledge was impressive, and she found herself leaning forward eagerly as they discussed the medicinal properties of various local plants.

She barely noticed Kari’s satisfied smile as she watched them talk, too absorbed in comparing notes with someone who shared her passion for both herbs and healing. They were deepin conversation about a promising native fungus when heavy footsteps approached.

She turned to find three massive orcs filling the doorway - Lothar and his brothers. He immediately came to her side to introduce her to his brothers. Wulf carried himself with quiet authority, and she had no trouble picturing him as the leader of the clan. The other brother, Egon, was even larger than his siblings, his scarred face stern until he gave her a shy, surprisingly sweet smile.

“You are welcome amongst us,” he said quietly.

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