Page 51 of The Iron Oath
Amuleta was in awe at how the female handled herself with hard-nosed male orcs.
“We will keep you updated on the matter. In the meanwhile, we have arranged quarters for you here. You are welcome to stay if you like.”
Magoza pulled Amuleta to her side and wrapped an arm around her waist. It felt good to know that they could start planning a future together.
“I thank you for your hospitality. I am exhausted and would appreciate a nice bed to lie down on,” Larek said.
“I will have someone come and escort each of you to your individual quarters,” Dura said.
“Magoza, go take care of your mate. She looks like she’s about to fall over,” Tulak said.
At that moment, a yawn escaped Amuleta. The chieftain was right. She had risen early that morning so she could make it into town for the trials. It had been an extremely long day.
“Kraz, Ranhos.” Magoza didn’t waste any time in guiding Amuleta out of the room.
Amuleta giggled as they exited. Magoza entwined their fingers together, and they walked down the hallway. She allowed Magoza to lead her through the winding hallways. In a building this size, she would be lost in no time.
“So does this mean we can be together?” Amuleta asked. She already knew the answer, but she just needed Magoza to say it out loud.
Magoza paused and brought her flush against her. She tilted Amuleta’s chin up so she could meet her eyes. A smile appeared on her orc’s face.
“We were always going to be together,doakir,” Magoza murmured.
She lowered her head and placed a soft kiss on Amuleta’s lips. Her hand clasped the nape of Amuleta’s neck. A moan slipped from Amuleta; Magoza’s tongue pushed forward into her mouth. A surge of desire rushed through Amuleta. She reached up and held on to Magoza’s tunic. The kiss was over much sooner than she would have liked. She blinked to bring her vision back into focus.
“Now let’s go get some rest. Come tomorrow, we have plenty to do.”
“You have the trials tomorrow,” Amuleta said. She wasn’t going to be doing anything but supporting her mate.
“We also have a bonding ceremony to plan.” Magoza tapped Amuleta on the nose. “Or did you not think of that?”
Amuleta’s mouth dropped open in shock. No, she hadn’t even thought of that. The only thing that consumed her wasMagoza and being with her. She didn’t know the first thing about planning a bonding ceremony.
“I can see the worry on your face. Don’t fret. My mother can help with the planning.” Magoza chuckled. She wrapped her arms around Amuleta and lifted her.
“I can walk!” Amuleta exclaimed. She rested her arm across Magoza’s shoulders and held on.
“I know, but I want to carry my mate up to our quarters,” Magoza said. Her long legs allowed her to walk much faster.
“Our quarters?” Amuleta echoed.
“If Angarth isn’t where you want to live, then we can either move in with your mother or build our own?—”
“The keep is fine. I don’t want to take you away from your family,” Amuleta said.
“My family will be fine. Wherever you are is where I belong. That’s all that I want.” Magoza arrived at a staircase and took the steps two at a time. Once she got to the top, she paused and turned her amber eyes on Amuleta.
“And all I want is to be with you. Forever,” Amuleta replied softly. For the first time in her life she actually felt as if she belonged somewhere and was accepted for who she was. The gods were blessing her with happiness, and she was going to take it.
“After the trials, we shall begin planning our future. Is that okay?” Magoza strode down the hallway.
“It’s more than okay.”
EPILOGUE
“Magoza Cydassi,it gives me great pride to announce you as the winner of the trials,” her father shouted.
The crowd in the arena roared with cheers. Magoza’s body ached in ways she didn’t know it could. But as Tulak strode toward her with the winner’s medal, she straightened to her full height.
