Page 60 of Shared By Two Orcs

“You look gorgeous today,” says Duma.

“I second that,” adds Yamarz. “Come on then, let’s get going while the weather is good.”

I walk between them as we venture out into the forest. Tingling inside me is a slight discomfort, something I try to hide with a smile.

“How are the both of you?” I ask.

“No complaints over here,” replies Duma.

Suddenly, I grimace as the pain flares up for a split moment. My lovers turn to me in fright.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” I say, throwing up my hands. “I just have a small stomach ache.”

“We can go back if you’d like?” asks Yamarz.

“No, really, I’m okay.”

They look at each other concerningly, each of them taking a hand of mine as we continue forward. The pain reduces to a minute numbness, nowhere near as bad as this morning but still present enough for me to feel. The elixir begins taking a stronger effect as we walk through nature, aided by the clean forest air. The whole time, I’m revising countless ways to open the big reveal.

We come to a stream. The water is as clear and blue as the sky, through which we see caesin chasing each other around. The boys set their bags down, taking out food and drinks while I prepare the blankets. They continuously shoot glances between the water and each other.

“Who’s up for a swim?” asks Duma.

“Me! Come on Willo,” says Yamarz.

“No thanks,” I snap.

“You're not going for a swim?” he asks. “Why not?”

“I just don’t feel up for it. You guys go ahead.”

Duma and Yamarz shrug before stripping. They then take turns doing magnificent dives into the water. I watch on, laughing and cheering as they wrestle around in the water. Occasionally, they shoot suggestive looks at me.

“Nothing you do is going to make me get in there!”

“Suit yourself!”

The tension of telling them I’m pregnant is killing me, pestering me like an annoying insect that won’t stop buzzing around.

“Can we eat?” I call to the guys. “I’m getting hungry.”

“Alright, alright, just give us a minute.”

Although I’m starving, I’m more eager to tell them than I am to eat. They climb out from the water, drying themselves off before joining me. I keep trying to speak but my worries hold me back, clutching the air from my lungs each time I open my mouth. A pit forms in my stomach.

Duma offers me some salted dripir. My stomach growls as I take it from him. I decide to eat in an effort to calm down, hoping some food will help my anxiety subside. Without noticing, I eat a lot more than I usually do, something that the guys take notice of.

“Well,” chuckles Duma. “I’m glad you like the meat.”

Yamarz pulls out a bottle of rirzed wine as well as three glasses.

“Care for a drink?”

“No thank you,” I reply before chomping down on more meat.

“Hmm, more for us then.”

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