Page 49 of The Orc Queen

“They are organized. They make sure to not attack directly. They come with a mission and no matter how much stronger we are, they are slippery, and they always take what they came for.”

“You don’t think our army can stop them?”

He exhales, his hand lowering to my belly. “There is still a lot of animosity among us. We don’t engage as one.”

That is surprising. In all my talks with Igor I never thought he would want to be one with the Bonos. Perhaps this enemy is more dangerous than I know because he seems like he is willing to let the Bono in.

“Is that why you are back?”

“Other than taking a little assignment so I can see you? Yes. And I need to have a talk with Owa and Jani.”

“Why?” I ask.

I feel him tense a little. “I just need to ask something from them.”

“Okay.” I decide to not pry much because I know if it was important, he’d tell me.

We turn to silence again.

“I want to feed you, orc.” I say after some time passes, my hands brushing his big arm that’s draped over me.

He chuckles. “You’ve fed me plenty.”

I elbow him. “Don’t be naughty, orc.”

I try to move but he holds me. “You will feed me but just stay here for now.” He starts pushing in again and I clench. “Let me have you.”

Chapter eighteen

This Is Us

Igor

IwatchAriaasshe relaxes on the sofa with her head on the head rest as I massage her swollen feet. I can’t wait for our children to arrive not only so I can see them but so her body can travel lighter. She has been doing a lot. Our home is better than I thought it would be.

“Is there no way you can spend the night and leave tomorrow, orc?” She asks, her arms still covering her eyes.

“I wish there was, love.” I really do. Being here with her has unburdened me a little. But only a little. Too much is happening in this realm the more time I spend on it, especially seeing the state of the border.

But I must meet Owa because I have no clue how I’m supposed to do what she said I must. How am I supposed to conquer against this enemy? And I am hoping she can do something with the piece I got from the Soko.

Aria removes her hands over her eyes and looks at me with sadness marring her features. “Igor, does this mean you will never be home for long now?”

I want to lie. But right now, even I don’t know how everything is going to happen. What if it’s another 5 years before we can defeat the Sokos? How much will I be gone from her then? Can she understand that? Do I wish her to?

I open my mouth to say something, but someone knocks on the door. I am embarrassed to be a little relieved. I didn’t know what I was going to say anyway.

“Who is—”

Before I can finish, the door opens and who but Owa walks in with a basket in hand. Aria smiles and moves her feet down.

“Son of Zad, I didn’t know you were home.” She says as she stands near the door.

I get up. “I came yesterday to see Aria and the orclings.”

She takes me in but says nothing. I take the basket she is holding.

“I think I must leave you two then. Are you here long?” Owa doesn’t advance into the house. Aria comes closer to her.

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