Page 38 of Charming the Troll's Heart

“That’s...” Graz is at a loss for words. “That’s terrible.”

“Terrible?” It’s the best thing to ever happen to me. “The mating bond is anything but terrible.”

“With ahuman?” He gapes. “It’s not possible. And even if it were, it’s foolish. Nothing good can come out of it.”

Of course something good can come out of it. My happiness. My joy. My completeness.

“Graz.” I rise up to my feet, and grip his shoulder in one hand. “Have you ever felt it? What it’s like to meet your mate?”

Graz growls at me. “You know I haven’t.” He drops his head in his hands. “Of course it would be you. The guy who fucks anything with two legs, and does crazy things like stealing from Gusak.” I stay silent, letting him get it all out. He looks sad as he turns back to me. “I’ve always wanted it, you know. A mate. It’s not fair that you would find one first.”

I think I understand now. “You have plenty of time, Graz.” I shake his shoulder. “Maybe you’re meant for a little human, too.”

“Me?!” He pulls away and groans, looking at Rimi. She returns his stare with an uneasy smile. It’s a good thing she can’t understand what we’re saying. “Never.”

I know what it’ll take to sell him. I lean forward and whisper in his ear, “They have the tightest cunts you’ve ever felt in your life.”

Then I pull away, and his eyebrows have risen up to his hair. “No way.”

“It’s the most marvelous feeling in the world. You’ve never experienced anything like it, I promise.”

Rimi’s eyes narrow, and I think she might have an idea of what I just said.

“You’re serious?” Graz lets out a sigh and runs a hand through his stiff black stripe of hair. “Man, always thinking with your cock, aren’t you?”

“It’s just one of the many perks.”

Graz turns his eyes back to Rimi, and he studies her carefully. “I guess I have no choice.” Resigned, he crouches down by the fire pit so he can get a better look at the worm in his hand. “But I don’t know how I can possibly help you get her on that ship.”

“I know we can figure it out.” I grin. “That’s what we’re good at, right? Finding the impossible path through.”

Chapter18

Rimi

They argue for a long time, Lo’zar and his friend. I try not to look as concerned as I feel. What if this Graz fellow decides to turn us in? Where would we go if he doesn’t help us?

But then, it seems like perhaps Lo’zar has gotten through to him. They’re discussing something very important, and I wish desperately that I could understand them.

What’s going on?I ask as the big orc sits down by the fire and examines one of glow worms.

I think he’s going to help us. We’ll get you on that boat, Rimi. I promise.

Right. The boat. That’s why we’re here, after all. Lo’zar risked everything to find me a way home.

I nod slowly.Okay. I trust you.

Then, suddenly, the orc sits back on his heels. He turns to Lo’zar, clutching the worm, and talks fast.

What’s he saying?I ask.

Something about...Lo’zar trails off as Graz continues gesturing animatedly.About magic. What else do you know about it?he asks me.Are there other legends?

I try to drag up my memory of all the stories I read as a girl, the history my private tutors taught me.

In the old kingdom,I say, Lo’zar translating,people had magic.That was how the beast Riggamora grew so strong—by inhaling humans’ magic, and that’s also why we don’t have it anymore.But maybe we found the remnants of it.

Lo’zar nods quickly and repeats the information to Graz. Then, as if struck by an idea, he suddenly starts gesturing and talking.

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