Page 35 of The Iron Oath
Magoza would win Amuleta’s mother’s trust. She didn’t know how, but she would prove that they weren’t the monsters she had probably made them out to be.
“There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t blame myself,” Tulak admitted. He pushed up suddenly from his chair and moved over to one of the windows closest to them. He folded his arms across his chest. “Please. Give your mother a message that I would like to speak with her. If only to explain what happened that day. It can be here, or a neutral meeting place. I’m willing to do whatever she wants.”
Magoza had never seen her father be so vulnerable. It made her heart hurt to think that he had been tortured all this time by his friend’s death.
“Will you ask her,doakir?” Magoza rounded the sofa. She needed to see her mate’s face.
By the looks of her tensed posture, this meeting might be too much for her. Magoza knelt in front of Amuleta and took her hand in hers. Amuleta offered a sad smile and gave a slight nod.
“I can’t promise anything but I will share the chieftain’s request with her.”
FOURTEEN
Amuleta steppedinto the magnificent suite in the north wing of the castle. It was decorated in bold dark colors with slight hints of a feminine touch here and there. A sitting area greeting them at first with a sleeping area off to the side. Thick plush rugs were strategically placed on the marble floors, while tasteful artwork adorned the walls. Sconces lined the walls which were already lit in preparation for nightfall. Her gaze landed on a four-poster bed with deep-burgundy drapes that encompassed it. The material matched the curtains that flanked the windows.
Amuleta turned in a circle to take in the entire room. From what she could see, it was almost as big as the cottage she shared with her mother. She slowly walked around the room to take it all in. Weapons were on display that must have meaning to Magoza on a bookcase with some leather-bound books, and a few were also hanging on the walls. She continued exploring while Magoza was speaking with someone at the door in a hushed manner.
This was where her mate lived.
Amuleta sighed and reached up to brush her hair away from her face. She turned back just in time to see Magoza open the door wider to allow a tall willowy orc female into the room. The female gave a short nod to Amuleta then cast her eyes down. She scurried into another chamber attached to the room.
“Soula will prepare your bath and obtain some fresh clothing for you,” Magoza announced, striding across the room toward her. She stopped in front of Amuleta and cupped her face with her hand.
“I can’t stay here tonight. I have to get back to my mother. She will worry,” Amuleta said. As much as she would love to spend the night in Magoza’s arms, Gelisha needed her. She couldn’t leave her. There was no telling what could happen if she became confused at night while Amuleta was not home. She couldn’t risk it.
“What if we sent someone to get her and bring her here?” Magoza offered.
Amuleta leaned into her palm and shook her head.
“She wouldn’t leave with anyone. It would be best if I go,” she whispered. She turned her face and pressed a kiss to Magoza’s palm.
“At least bathe first and allow me to provide you with fresh clothing and a meal. Then I will personally escort you home.”
Magoza took her by the hand and led her into the other room Soula had disappeared into. It was a large bathing room with an indoor toileting facility, a big tub built into the floor, dual sinks, and an elongated mirror resting above them. Amuleta had never seen a bathing room so fancy.
“The water should be just right,” Soula announced. She walked around the tub and placed thick, soft-looking towels on a table near the stairs that led down into the water.
The sight of the steam rising and the scent of flowers called to Amuleta. She bit her lip and stared at the tub. It wouldn’t hurtfor her to clean up first before going home. It had been a long, warm day. She had nothing like this at home, and the urge to be selfish for once in her life bloomed in her chest.
“Is there anything else you will need, Commander?”
“Please have a meal sent up for my mate and I to share.”
Amuleta’s eyes snapped over to Magoza. The orc was not holding back the word mate. Amuleta swallowed hard and offered the servant a smile before she dashed out of the room.
“So you are telling everyone who I am,” Amuleta murmured. She ambled over to the stairs that led to the bath. She eyed the water and breathed in the pleasing aromas.
“And why shouldn’t I?” Magoza replied.
She came up behind Amuleta and rested her hands on her shoulders. She nuzzled Amuleta’s neck with her lips, brushing the soft skin. Amuleta stared ahead, frozen at the sight of her in the mirror. She blinked, unable to believe what she looked like. Her hair was frizzy and standing up in every direction. Her green skin was flushed, and her clothing had specks of dirt all along it. She was a mess and had just met with the chieftain, his mate, Magoza’s sister, and no one had mentioned how crazed she appeared.
“Oh my,” she whispered. She reached up and tried to smooth her hair down, but it was windblown and needed a good combing.
“What is the matter?” Magoza lifted her head, her eyes meeting Amuleta’s in the mirror. She smirked and spun her around. Her tusks gleamed in the lights of the room. Her lips curled up into a grin. “You are ravishing.”
“I look as if I had been ravished.” Amuleta rolled her eyes.
“And you were.” Magoza dropped a hard kiss on her lips. Her hands snuck down and gripped Amuleta’s tunic. She tugged it over her head and dropped it down on the floor. She reachedfor Amuleta’s skirt next and removed it. Her heated gaze skated over Amuleta’s naked form. “You are perfect.”
