Page 12 of The Orc and the Innkeeper

I force a smile, reminding myself that this is all an act. “Thank you.”

“I have something for you.” He reaches into his pocket, pulling out a ring. An engagement ring.

My breath catches as I take in the intricate design, the way the delicate gold band wraps around itself like vines, leading to a large, brilliant emerald at the center. It’s gorgeous, and undeniably orcish in its craftsmanship.

“Thorak,” I breathe, my eyes wide. “It’s beautiful. But isn’t this a bit...much? For a fake engagement?”

He shrugs, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “Go big or go home, right? If we’re going to convince Robert, we need to sell it.”

I nod, swallowing hard as he takes my hand in his, his skin warm and slightly calloused against mine. He slides the ring onto my finger, and I’m struck by how right it looks, nestled against my skin.

Get a grip, Mariah. This isn’t real.

I take a deep breath and link my arm through his, putting on my most dazzling smile as we enter the restaurant. The hostess, a friendly dryad with flowers woven through her hair, leads us to our table, where Robert is already waiting.

The interior of Fusion is a marvel, a perfect blend of rustic and modern. Exposed brick walls are adorned with abstract art, while sleek metal light fixtures cast a warm glow over the space. The tables are a rich, dark wood, each one featuring a unique centerpiece that showcases the restaurant’s commitment to innovation. At one table, a delicate ice sculpture shaped like a dragon emits puffs of colorful smoke. At another, a miniature garden of bioluminescent mushrooms pulses with an otherworldly glow.

As we make our way through the restaurant, I take in the diverse crowd, a mix of humans and various monster species. A group of elves shares a laugh over a plate of shimmering, iridescent sushi. A vampire couple clinks glasses of a deep red liquid that could be wine...or something else entirely.

Kingsley stands as we approach, his expression guarded as he takes in my arm linked through Thorak’s. I paste on my most convincing smile, channeling all the love and affection I can muster as I gaze up at the orc beside me.

Here goes nothing.

“You’re…the innkeeper,” Kingsley says slowly, recognition lighting up his eyes. “Right?”

“Mariah,” I say, holding out a hand. He shakes it stiffly. “It’s so good to see you again!”

As we settle into our seats, I catch Kingsley’s gaze darting around the restaurant, his brow furrowed. He seems to be taking in the unusual decor and the diverse clientele with a mix of fascination and unease.

I lean closer to Thorak, placing a hand on his muscular arm. “This place is amazing, isn’t it, honey?” I say, loud enough for Robert to hear. “I love how it brings everyone together.”

Thorak nods, his golden eyes warm as they meet mine. “Absolutely. It’s one of our favorite spots in town.”

I flip open the menu, scanning the array of unfamiliar dishes. “Ooh, look at this,” I say, pointing to a particular item. “Dragon fire chili. Have you ever tried that, Robert?”

Kingsley clears his throat, looking distinctly out of his element. “Can’t say that I have.”

“Oh, you must!” I insist, my voice bright with enthusiasm. “It’s a specialty here, and it’s absolutely delicious. The chef uses a special blend of spices that really brings out the flavor without being too spicy.”

Thorak nods in agreement. “Mariah’s right. It’s a must-try.”

I make a show of perusing the menu, asking Thorak for his recommendations and showcasing our familiarity with each other. “What about the mermaid’s tear risotto, babe? Remember how much we loved that last time?”

As the evening progresses, Thorak and I work to keep the conversation light and engaging.

“...and then, if you can believe it, the pixie sneezed and accidentally turned the entire town square pink!” I recount, grinning at the memory. “It took a week for the color to fade, but in the meantime, it was like living in a cotton candy wonderland.”

Kingsley listens, his expression a mix of amusement and disbelief. I make a point to include him in the conversation, asking about his own experiences and thoughts on the town.

When our food arrives, I admire the artistic presentation. My mushroom and mermaid’s tear risotto is a swirl of iridescent blues and greens, topped with delicate edible flowers. Thorak’s dragon fire chili is served in a miniature cauldron that flickers with enchanted flames.

“Trust me, Robert, you won’t regret trying this,” I say, offering him a bite of my risotto. “The chef uses a special ingredient, mermaid’s tears, which are said to evoke feelings of joy and contentment in those who consume them.”

As Kingsley hesitantly takes a bite, I catch Thorak’s eye, searching for any sign that our act is working. He gives me a subtle nod, his hand finding mine beneath the table and giving it a reassuring squeeze.

But despite our efforts, Kingsley’s questions become more pointed as the evening progresses.

He leans forward, fixing us with a probing stare. “So, tell me, how do you two plan to navigate the challenges of an interspecies relationship? Surely, there must be some...obstacles?”

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