Page 13 of Orc Chained
“I would like to know what arrangements will be made for our room and board, clothing allowance, and whether or not we will be required to serve as concubines.”
He rattles off a series of provisions I recognize as more or less standard, with concubinage being optional and compensated should we choose.
“I, however,” he finishes, “will not require service in my bed.” He gives us another thin smile,though his gaze lingers on Maezii. “I will not be foolish enough to reject an offer, should you find it advantageous to make one.”
Maezii and I exchange a look. She tugs on her prayer necklace once, and I turn back to the Icarian.
“We—”
“Wife.”
I hear the word right before I’m lifted and thrown over a hard shoulder.
FIVE
“Hey, asshole!”Maezii yells and leaps at him, aiming for ankles, shins. He whirls, keeping her at his front, dancing out of the way of her feet and clawed fingers.
He swears. “Get off me, yapping rat! I’ll drop her!”
“Is that a threat? Drop her, bitch! Drop her!”
I ignore them both and go for his weapons belt, but he’s “unarmed” per Sorting requirements. I rear up, trying to get him to dislodge me despite an arm firm across my thighs.
“Put me down, Rathhur.” I use the same tone I use on hysterical fathers.
“Interesting tactic,” I hear the Icarian say. “You may wish to rethink the next few moments. Security approaches. Human female, I strongly advise retreat. Come stand beside me and I will ensure you come to no harm as this foolish one inevitably dies.”
I freeze. I don’t want Sorting security, they’ll kill him.
“Let me go, Rath!” I say, twisting. “You aren’tsupposed to touch me. This is against the Sorting rules.”
“I’ll touch my wife how I please,” he snarls, but stops, his chest rising with a deep breath. “You’ve had your fun and made your point. Now you’ll come home.”
“Put me down and we’ll talk.”
He sets me on my feet but immediately bands an arm around my waist, tucking me against his side. I lift my hand and wave cheerily at security.
“We’re fine. My cousin has a terrible sense of humor!”
“Kya Kya, I don’t think he actually has one at all,” Maezii says.
The Icarian steps in front of him.
“Move,” Rathhur says.
Ya?onar clasps his hands behind his back. I wince at the subtle insult. “You have not introduced yourself,” he says.
It’s a very, very polite threat from an Icarian. I kick Rath’s ankle. He glares down at me, then grimaces.
“Ratthur, husband of many years to Kyona Lethergen.” He bares his teeth. “This Uthilsen female at my side who you seek illegal contract with.”
“Rude,” Maezii mutters.
Ya?onar regards him like you would an unruly youth you aren’t certain is worth the energy to teach good manners.
“Half Uthilsen,” I correct, “and No Clan.”
“Clarify your statement,” Ya?onar says, his posture one of polite demand.
