Page 15 of Valpar

I cleared my throat. “Sorry, thought I saw a bug.”

“I was flying today. There might be.” She patted her hair. “As long as it isn’t a whisp, those things will knot my hair up, and I can’t get them out.”

I breathed a sigh of relief when Sugha and Melina continued their conversation.

“Are you sure the tribe won’t stay in the bedrooms? We have plenty of space.” Melina waved over at the male servants. They were wary as they stepped forward, but followed her orders.

“No,” Sugha said, waving his hand. “Orcs in enclosed spaces, still a no, I’m afraid. We like being outdoors. Besides, being able to see the moon so clearly is a treat.”

Melina nodded happily while Sugha continued with the pleasantries. The other orcs murmured to each other, pointing at different paintings on the wall and the shiny jewels displayed in the windows.

It was like they had never been here before.

“Sorry, Osirus isn’t here. He’s with our niece, who arrived earlier this afternoon. You might see her bouncing around thepalace somewhere. But please, make yourselves at home. You can go anywhere in the palace, as always. Order anything from the kitchen and I hope, this time, your mission will bring you mates!” Melina’s wings fluttered, her hair flying around her head.

I nodded and without saying a word I pointed in the direction of the nearest exit so the tribe could set up their tents.

As much as I tried to push through and get the tribe settled, I couldn’t help but think of the faint scent on Melina. What was it? And why could I not stop thinking about it?

Chapter Five

Calliope

They were right there.

I leaned over the banister of the small balcony in my room, looking at the breathtaking view. The vibrant curtains gently caressed my ankles while the cool breeze whispered against my bare thighs.

I could almost see the big, green orcs down at the courtyard-turned-campsite. They looked like little peas walking around, or cooking meat that smelled delicious. The orc camp was bustling with activity. I could see them prepping more pieces of meat tobe cooked over a roaring fire. The smell was intoxicating, and my stomach grumbled in protest.

They argued a lot and when they couldn’t agree on something, they settled the argument by throwing fists, clubs or swords. They swung and yelled, stomped around, and told one another they were ugly.

I found it pretty funny.

I wish I could see up close what they looked like.

Some said they were hideous, others said they were ruggedly handsome. I wanted to see for myself.

Dang it for being a human and having small, squinty eyes.

I leaned over a little more before I heard Simon bleat behind me, grabbing the ruffles of my night dress that settled on my upper thigh, and pulled me backwards.

Simon had expensive taste. He loved silk. He already ate the bottom of my silk dress last night when I tried sneaking peeks of the burly, green men.

Simon pulled harder. The threads ripped, and I swatted him away.

“Ugh, you are no fun,” I grumbled, and planted my feet firmly back on the ground, with my hands fisted the golden railing.

I wish there were vines closer so I could grab hold and climb down, just so I could see them without detection, but of course Uncle Osirus would be meticulous in his directions for the gardeners and make them prune the foliage away from my window.

All the other windows and balconies had vines on them. Mine didn’t.

You get caught climbing down from your room one time, and he has to have the gardener go clipping away.

I narrowed my eyes again and crossed my arms. Simon bleated, dipped his big horns and pushed them into my butt to get me moving.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m going,” I said, before I looked over the railing one more time to see if the orcs were still there.

They were filing inside.

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