Page 9 of Agor the Merciless
“I’m going to need new clothes,” she murmured. Her old ones were scattered on the floor, dirty, and kind of ripped, too.
He nodded and went to rummage through his things. He pulled out a shirt that was his, and a belt to secure it with. He helped her put it on, and it was so big that it almost reached her ankles. She giggled as he struggled to make it work. The belt was too big, too, and he ended up having to use rope to tie the shirt around her waist.
“Fancy. I like it.”
He frowned, and she kissed him on the cheek to appease him. She put her shoes on, and she was ready to meet the horde.
They emerged into the bright morning sun, and Zoe had to shield her eyes with her arm and blink a few times to get used to the natural light. By the time she could finally see, a few dozen orcs had gathered around her and Agor in a circle. The captain held her close, and she was grateful, because his orcs looked dangerous. There were a few female orcs, too, and she identified one of them as the mage thanks to her clothing, but they didn’t look less scary than the male orcs.
“This is my bride,” Agor said simply. “My mate. Zoe. You will serve her as you serve me. You will make her feel welcome, because this is her home now.”
For a moment, Zoe’s heart beat in her throat. She looked around her, terrified that the orcs wouldn’t accept her. They were staring at her with curious eyes, especially the females. She ended up averting her gaze more than a few times, and she cursed herself for being so weak. She hadn’t been weak the night before, and she’d proved to Agor that she didn’t break easily. But now, in the bright light of day, she didn’t feel as strong and brave.
But then the orcs started nodding one by one, and she let out a breath of relief. They murmured amongst themselves in a combination of English and orc language, and Zoe started to relax. They seemed to be curious, even fascinated with her, but not malevolent. She knew it would take time for her to feel like she belonged here, but this was a good start.
Agor squeezed her arm gently to draw her attention.
She looked up at him, offering him a reluctant smile.
“My bride, what do you think about your new home?”
“Umm...” She looked at the forest beyond the clearing, at the big mouth of the cave, and listened to the river in the distance,and the song of the birds. It was wild, and she’d never been in the wilderness before, but for everything in life there was a beginning. “I love it! You’ll have to teach me your... umm... ways.”
“You don’t have to do anything.” He pulled her against him and kissed the top of her head.
“I know, but I want to. Not right now... But I’d like to help. Contribute.”
He frowned. “My bride will never have to lift a finger.”
“Okay, okay... But if I want to?”
“Then you shall do whatever you please. Whatever makes you happy.”
She grinned and craned her neck to look into his eyes. “You make me happy.”
His breath hitched at that, and Zoe felt proud of herself. To have such an effect on this huge, green-skinned beast was... something.
“My mate, I am devoted to you. To your happiness.”
“And to our future children?”
“Yes. Always.”
She lifted herself on her toes, but it wasn’t enough to reach him. Agor wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her like she weighed nothing. She pressed her lips to his, and when he responded eagerly, she thought...
This was their first kiss. And it was perfect.
Chapter Seven
The orcs scattered across the clearing, returning to their duties after Agor’s introduction. Sunlight spilled between the trees, warming Zoe’s skin through the borrowed shirt. The morning air carried unfamiliar scents – pine, wood smoke, and the earthy musk of the krags.
Agor’s massive hand squeezed her shoulder to get her attention.
“Captain’s duties wait for no one. Rest. Eat. I will return before sunset.”
“But what should I…”
“The horde serves you now. Whatever you need, ask.”
