Page 7 of Orc Charming

“You’ve discovered my secret.”

Her sunny smile made mine lift as well. “I’ll introduce you to romcoms with my favorite one, Mate For A Minute.”

As the movie played, I stole glances at Cat, paying more attention to her than the show. Her enthusiasm for the film was infectious, and her laughter filled the room. While I tried to focus on the story and punchlines, my senses were entirely preoccupied with studying the way her lips formed a smile and how her laughter trilled out, making her face glow.

She was infinitely appealing, and I already couldn’t imagine not having her in my life.

Finally, the movie ended, and she shut off the TV, sighing with joy. “I love a happy ever after, don’t you?”

I never thought there’d be one in my future, but being with Cat suggested it might be possible.

“Tell me about your childhood,” Cat said, settling deeper into the couch cushions, facing me. She tucked her leg beneath her body. “Are you an only child like me, or do you have siblings?”

“Like you, I’m the only one.” There was no one to share the burden of my looming responsibilities. Except . . . “My cousin grew up with me, however. She’s a few years younger.”

“What was it like growing up in the orc kingdom?”

Long days of studies to prepare me for my future role. Working with various weapons until I’d mastered them all. Training late into the night sometimes, too. “The kingdom is amazing.”

“Maybe someday, I’ll visit.”

“I bet you’d enjoy it.” I imagined what I could show her. “The Caves of Shafaar. The falls between the main city’s valley and the next. We could swim in the light lavender pools and climb all the way to the top of the distant mountains to touch the snow.” All things I’d wanted to do but was told they’d interfere with my duties. My time was never my own. “In many ways, I grew up in a world where everything seems perfect—no real struggles or true hardships.”

Cat tilted her head. “It sounds like a fairytale.”

“It is.” For me, anyway. “But with all that perfection comes responsibility.” I held the future of the kingdom in my hands.

“Kind of like the way I grew up. I started working at the diner at sixteen, and I stayed on after I finished school. Mom needed the help, you know? And I wanted to be here for her. I’m grateful I didn’t move to the city. If I had, I would’ve missed out on these past years working beside her. We were like sisters. She had my same long brown hair, and her smile could warm even the coldest heart.” Her lips trembled. “I miss her a lot.”

I tugged her into my side and put my arm around her. “I’m sorry.”

She leaned into me. “Life’s amazing, but sometimes, it sucks.”

“It sure does.”

Her laugh snorted out. “Thank you for hanging out with me. I’m lonely here.”

“I’ve enjoyed being with you. I get lonely too.”

“In your fairytale orc kingdom? How’s that possible?”

“Because duty awaits me each morning, and it keeps me in its clutches long after I’ve retired at the end of the day.”

Cat’s eyes softened as she looked up at me. “It takes courage to step out of your comfort zone, to seek something more. Look at you, leaving the fairytale behind and moving to the human world. I admire you. That’s courageous.”

Her words made my heart flip over. “I’m just an orc trying to find his place in this complex human world.”

“Don't undermine yourself, Deegar. I can already tell there's more to you than meets the eye.”

I held my breath. “What could I be hiding?”

“That’s just it. I feel like you are, but you can’t be. You’re open. I can see that already. I like it.”

Despite our different backgrounds, there was an undeniable connection between us—a shared understanding of what it meant to have dreams and aspirations.

We sat in silence, welcome after the bustle of the day. I liked lounging on her couch with her warmth by my side. Our feet were propped on her low table, something that would never be permitted back home.

When her yawns started multiplying, I sadly released her.

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