Page 85 of Valpar

I nodded my head slightly. “I didn’t want to hurt your feelings, and I didn’t know how to tell them no, either.” I hung my head. “They said they were doing it as a joke. For not claiming me yet.” You could hear everyone laughing in the background and the clanging of clubs and swords.

I felt so stupid. I couldn’t even tell Olur ‘No’. What kind of strong female was I for Valpar? I didn’t deserve to have males fighting over me when I couldn’t even tell them not to do these sorts of things.

“I’m sorr—”

Valpar growled and tilted up my hanging chin. “I’m proud of you.”

My eyes widened. He was proud of me?

“I’m proud of you for telling me the truth and being my good girl. You knew it would upset me, but you are so sweet as honey you did not want to hurt the tribe.”

My mouth dropped and I shook my head. “No, I was a push over. I let them walk all over me. I should have—”

Valpar leaned in and pressed a sweet kiss to my lips. It was a far cry from the usual ravenous mouth he had on me.

“You are the light source not only to me but to the others in the tribe. You give them hope. You have made them get along.” He glanced over his shoulder, and my gaze followed. The other males were laughing and slapping each other. Though it was a bit rough it was also very family like.

“Orcs do not get along. We do not spend time together. Only for traveling to mating balls. We do not laugh and speak to one another like any other species. But you have given them hope again. My little light source has made everyone happy, even this grumpy orc.”

My lip wobbled and I pulled on the leather strap that crossed his chest.

Valpar rubbed his chin. “We shall play this game they want to play. I cannot promise I will not show my jealousy as others try to win your affection. I’m going to win for your hand.”

I tilted my head in confusion.

Valpar stood up and rolled back his shoulders. “I will show you how strong and attentive I am. Then, once I win, I will pleasure you until you beg me to stop.”

I slapped my legs together.

I’m going to need me some new knickers.

“Do not fear me while I fight for you, my little fairy, because I will kill an orc or two if I have to.” Valpar winked and walked away, showing off his glorious butt.

“You don’t think he’s serious about the killing part, do you?” I leaned over to Finley.

Finley shrugged. “No, pretty sure he was serious. Orcs are weird.”

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Calliope

The atmosphere was electricas the entire ceremony transformed into an extravagant celebration. It surpassed any previous formal or tea festival organized by Uncle Osirus or Aunt Melina. Mesmerizing fairies and playful pixies observed from their vantage point in the sky. Fae and shifters arranged rows of chairs for the spectators, filling the air with anticipation. The servants and guards, caught up in the excitement, enthusiastically cheered for their favorite orc participants ineach thrilling event. The scene was alive with vibrant sights and joyful cheers.

There were so many events, I couldn’t keep up. More than half I didn't even realize were events. Such as picking which napkin to use—who knew that some orcs could sew? Another event I didn’t realize was who had the best loin cloth? I was handed several spares they had made and when I held up one that was not Valpar’s he threw a fit so large he put a hole right through the palace wall with his fist.

The muscles!

Osirus chuckled and waved like it was nothing at all, too intrigued by Valpar’s temper.

The orc who won the event, Taghig, screamed with triumph, flipping his loincloth over his back to give Valpar a perfect view of his butt.

Taunting was a thing, and boy, I was here for it!

In another event, I was presented a large tray with a variety of food on different plates made by each of the males. One plate had nothing but desserts, another with desserts, fruits and bread, and another was filled with steaming green beans, a hearty helping of meat, potatoes, a piece of fruit and a small treat on the side.

As I scanned the array of plates in front of me, my eyes landed on one that instantly reminded me of Valpar. It was filled with colorful fruits and vegetables, a stark contrast to the rich, indulgent treats that I usually enjoyed.

Over the past few days, Valpar had preached about maintaining a healthy diet, and it seemed like his words had finally sunk in. Without hesitation, I reached for the third plate and held it up triumphantly. In response, Valpar let out a deafening roar that reverberated through the crowded arena. He pounded his chest and stomped his feet, drawing cheers and applause from the audience gathered around us.

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