Page 31 of Storms & Sacrifice
“Because it’s funny every time,” Nylan sucks up from his seat, a smart thing to do when food isinvolved.
“Flattery will get you everywhere, sweetheart.” The stout orc ruffles Ny’s hair with a warm grin. “What about you, David? Having fun?”
Even though I’m sure he has no idea what I’veactuallybeen up to, I still try and fail to not have my whole body turn red at the question. Then I remember I need to answer. “Yes, sir. It’s been very, uh, interesting.”
“I bet.” My turn to get my hair ruffled. Then he picks up one of my arms, inspecting its size. “Still too scrawny. Good thing you are here to eat.”
“Are the chefs the ones to come out and take the orders now?” Khazak tries to draw the attention off me.
“My own son, trying to get rid of me.” Rurig puts his hand over his heart in mock pain. “Alright, what can I getyou boys?”
Rurig takes Ragnar and Nylan’s orders first before turning to Khazak and me.
“I willhave the—”
“I know your order,” Rurig cuts off his son with a wave of his hand, making Khazak roll his eyes. “What aboutyou, kid?”
“I, uh.” I haven’t even looked at a menu.Did we even get menus?“I’m not surewhat you—”
“You know what, I remember what you ate at dinner the other week. I am going to surprise you,” Rurig cuts me off as well, and Khazak and I share a look. “Food will be out in a bit. First round of drinks is on the house!” With a smile and a slap to his son’s back, Rurig leaves us, a female orc bringing over four mugs of beer a minute later.
Once the beer and conversation start flowing, I feel a little more relaxed and like my old self. I still don’t have much to say, but I’m happy to sit and listen while Ragnar and Nylan talk abouttheir day.
“So, thesamecustomer who argued with me about that book title came back in today with a friend to back him up. No matter what I do, he won’t believe me when I—food!”
Nylan spots our meal being carried toward our table on a large metal tray. I can see the steam rising from some of the plates—all except Nylan’s salad. Ragnar got a steak, and Khazak a large meat-filled sandwich. It looks like I also got a steak, except mine is already cut up. Rurig knows I can use a knife, right?
I don’t get much time to contemplate before an arm is around my waist, pulling me into its owner’s lap. Who also happens to bemyowner. I’m caught off guard by the sudden movement (and the fact that he’s able to lift me so easily), and I look back at Khazak, wondering what’s bringing this on. He hasn’t fed me like this since...shit my first week with him, I think. A quick glance across the table reveals Nylan doing the same thing, Ragnar already bringing a forkful of salad to his elf’s mouth.
In fact, a look around the restaurant shows plenty of couples doing this, men and women alike. That must be why my steak came pre-cut: to make it easier for Khazak. A few are even kneeling on pillows, including the man at the table right next to us. In fact... I think that’s Councilman Bloodfield and his avakesh from earlier. They’re seated with a woman who is as well-dressed as the councilman, and all three seem to be having a nice evening.
A forkful of steak tapping my lips reminds me that it’s rude to stare, and I sheepishly take the bite while Khazak chuckles. After that, I forget about any awkwardness over my seat, leaning back against his broad chest and relaxing. The more Khazak feeds me, the more I feel like my old self. I debate trying to eat the next few bites of steak sexily, but I’m not actually sure that’spossible.
“You have something on your...” Khazak swipes a thumb against my lower lip after feeding me. Before he can pull it away, I dart my tongue out to lick it off, drawing the whole thing into my mouth. His eyes darken with heat when I nip it lightly before pulling back. Okay, Iwas wrong.
Later, when we’re nearly done eating, I can’t help but notice when the woman at the table next to us stands. She kisses the councilman on the lips, and his avakesh on the forehead before making her exit. The two male orcs look ready to leave themselves, and the councilman drops some coins on the table to pay as they both stand—noticing us when they turn around.
“Captain Ironstorm.” He’s surprised to seeus again.
“Councilman Bloodfield.” Khazak actually tries to stand with me still on his lap, only stopping when I flail, trying to keep my balance.
“No need for that, Captain.” Bloodfield takes the seat Nylan was in previously, nodding for his avakesh to do the same in mine. “Are you all enjoying the festival? I suppose I do not need to ask you that.” He winks at me, reminding me that he was in the audience for my earlier “performance.”
“It has been a very enjoyable weekend so far,” Khazak answers for thetwo of us.
“I actually had a question for you...” Bloodfield then starts speakingveryfast in Atasi, and I am completely lost. I frown, the only one unable to understand the conversation. Still, it seems rude to ask a man of his age and rank to speak in another language just for my benefit, so I mostly just try to look like I know what’s going on, to mixed effect.
“Your name is David, correct?” Bloodfield’s avakesh asks me quietly, seeing through my ruse.
“Yeah, it’s nice to meet you...” I hope I’m not supposed to alreadyknow this.
“Xugar.” He flashes me a smile. “It is nice to meet youas well.”
“Now you know what I sound like when I’m not whimpering and moaning.” I wiggle myeyebrows.
“My master and I thought that was quite an impressive display, especially for someone so new to this.” He sounds really formal but also genuine.
“Yeah, there have been a lot of ‘firsts’ in the last few weeks.”Most of them good.“Like eating in someone’s lap in public.”
