Page 31 of The Iron Oath
“Thank you, but it was not needed.” She gave them a nod and guided Amuleta behind her. She walked toward the stable where her shukan was waiting for her.
“Where are we going?” Amuleta asked. She had to jog to keep up with Magoza.
Magoza slowed down to allow Amuleta to walk next to her.
“Back to Angarth.” Magoza tugged her closer.
She ignored the stares from the villagers as they strolled down the road. Many were still out due to the trials. With the abundance of travelers coming into town for the event, every inn would be filled to capacity. The pubs and bars would be packed as well, as many would be celebrating the wins and losses of the day.
“But I can’t leave Lulu.” Amuleta tugged on her hand.
Magoza spun to her with an arched eyebrow. “Who is Lulu?”
TWELVE
Amuleta turned aroundand caught sight of Lulu trailing behind them. Magoza had looped a rope around Lulu so she would follow them. Lulu walked as if she had no care in the world. Her big pregnant belly was showing, and Amuleta was sure she should be delivering any day now.
“She’s fine. I’ll make sure we don’t go too fast. Once we are at Angarth, she’ll have the best grass to graze.” Magoza must have picked up on the slight worry Amuleta had for her beloved shukan.
“I worry about her. She’s so pregnant.” Amuleta chuckled.
The shukan’s belly protruded so much on both sides that she wondered if Lulu was having twins, or maybe even triplets.
“Shukans are highly intelligent. If it was too much for her, she would let us know.”
“She can be stubborn when she wants her way.” Amuleta turned back around and settled in the saddle in front of Magoza. Lulu didn’t appear to be in any distress. She was sure Magoza was right. If Lulu hadn’t wanted to take her to town, the shukan would not have budged once she got on her.
Magoza’s hand on her stomach brought her back flush to her. She glanced down at the larger hand resting on her soft belly. There was a fluttering in her stomach that she couldn’t explain. Was she nervous to be going with Magoza?
Terribly.
She was already shocked by how Magoza had reacted in front of the others outside the arena. She had hoped to get Magoza alone to congratulate her, but Magoza had waved her over. All eyes had been on them. The moment the male orc had uttered his words, the doubt had come rushing back to her. She didn’t belong there or with Magoza.
Then Magoza had gone and defended her.
The fierceness she had displayed for Amuleta had taken her breath away. She saw Magoza in a different light. She had truly meant what she’d said.
But that was one male. What about an entire nation? How would they be together if an entire kingdom would be against them—because Amuleta was a half-breed.
Amuleta settled back against Magoza’s chest. A pleased rumble vibrated from Magoza’s chest. Her hand tightened on Amuleta’s stomach.
“And why am I going to your home?” Amuleta asked.
She cleared her throat hearing the raspiness in her voice. She rested her hand on top of Magoza’s. Solana and Lyra, the twin suns, beamed down on them as they made their way down the road that led to the stronghold. Magoza chuckled and guided them off the main road. Amuleta took in the plush nature that surrounded them. The shukans handled the new territory when they went down a slope with rocks and mud, coming out on a dirt path. The new route was flanked by thick trees and brush. The suns could be seen high in the bright-blue sky.
Amuleta didn’t recognize the area. “Or are we still going there?”
“We are taking a back way. I sometimes prefer to not enter through the main gates. After the trials, I’m sure I will never be able to get in if everyone saw me,” Magoza replied.
Amuleta relaxed slightly. For a second the thought that Magoza didn’t want anyone to see her crossed her mind, but hearing her explanation erased the doubt. It made sense. The way Magoza had been flocked the second she’d come out of the doors, Amuleta was sure the same would happen at the stronghold.
“Don’t worry, mate. Soon everyone will know who you are and what you are to me. I don’t plan to hide my feelings for you. The entire fecking world will know you are mine.”
Magoza dropped her face down and planted a heated kiss on Amuleta’s shoulder. The move elicited a gasp from Amuleta. She tilted her head to the side to give Magoza better access. Magoza’s lips trailed her shoulder to her neck. Her tusks gently scraped her skin, causing her to automatically shiver.
“You aren’t afraid of the repercussions you may face because of me?” Amuleta breathed.
Her heart rate increased from Magoza’s touch. Her hand slid down Amuleta’s torso and reached her thighs.
