Page 18

EIGHTEEN

“Your father used to tell me stories of this place,” Gelisha said.

Her brown eyes were clear as she spoke.

She walked around the small sleeping quarters they had been escorted to.

It was cozy with two beds and all the comfort of home that one would need.

The decor was simple but still tasteful with warm colors, fresh-cut flowers in vases, and light provided by sconces around the room.

A gentle breeze blew into the open windows, providing relief from the warmth of the night.

Even though the suns had gone down, it was still quite warm outside.

Amuleta sat on the plush mattress of the bed she would claim.

As much as she wanted to go to Magoza’s suite, she knew it was best that she remain with her mother.

If she grew confused, Amuleta would be able to help her.

She wasn’t sure what was going on, but those orcs who had arrived were apparently causing uproar in the keep.

The whispers were loud, and she kept catching the term “council” being thrown around.

Deep in her gut, she knew a council arriving at night was not normal.

“ Ranhos did always have wonderful stories,” Amuleta said softly.

Gelisha smiled and stopped by a beautiful painting on the wall.

“I used to scold him for embellishing some of his stories that he told you, but he always said there was no harm in making one look good in the eyes of their child.” Gelisha chuckled.

She tucked her dark hair behind her ear and continued appreciating the artwork.

“There was nothing he could have done to make me not love him,” Amuleta said.

Her father always had stories to share with her at home.

She would stare wide-eyed at him while he told tales of his travels and experiences.

“Your father was a good male, the best mate a woman could ask for and an even better father that I could have prayed for.” Gelisha spun around and sighed.

She looked around and motioned to the room.

“He used to tell me that everything would be okay. That one day we would be accepted and we’d move here to the keep so we could be here with him as a family.”

Amuleta remained quiet.

She knew how this story turned out.

Her heart not only hurt by losing her father, but how it affected her mother.

They’d both lost someone who they cherished.

Gelisha Sesh was a strong woman, and Amuleta hoped she could be half the woman she was.

“The moment Magoza said you were her fated mate, I couldn’t help but think of everything me and your father went through to be together,” Gelisha said.

She came to sit down next to Amuleta.

The solars had always been good to Gelisha.

She didn’t look her age, and many had assumed the two of them were sisters.

Her eyes crinkled in the corner as she smiled softly.

“I have tried my best to protect you from this world that could be beautiful but yet cruel. You are a grown woman, and I can’t tell you what to do.”

“ Banhas —”

“No, let me finish,” Gelisha interjected.

She patted Amuleta on the knee.

Wisdom burned bright in her eyes.

Amuleta nodded and took Gelisha’s hand in hers.

“You know the story of your father and I. The road for us to be together was not easy. I never wanted him to leave his clan and everyone he knew, but he was willing to accept the punishment for loving me. His family was strongly against us being together. He was to mate with an orc, not a human.

“I say this to let you know there will be pain.

There will be those who will try to insert themselves between the two of you.

There will be hard times, but if you love this Magoza or you know for certain that she is your fated mate, then don’t lose it.

Hold on to her. Fate makes no mistakes.

The fruits of your love will be well rewarded.

”

Tears blurred Amuleta’s vision.

She smiled and leaned forward, allowing her mother to wrap her arms around her.

She returned the hug and squeezed.

“I love you, Banhas ,” Amuleta murmured.

The warm trails of tears slid down her cheeks.

She didn’t know what she would ever do without her.

“I love you, danhas . More than you will ever know.”

A knock sounded at the door.

They pulled apart and smiled.

Amuleta reached up and wiped the wetness from her face.

She stood and made her way over to the door.

She opened it slightly and found Soula standing outside in the hallway with a cart with covered dishes.

The aroma that greeted Amuleta had her stomach rumbling.

“My lady. I have supper for you and your mother.” Soula gave a slight bow to her.

Amuleta would never get used to anyone bowing to her.

“Please come in.” Amuleta stepped back and pulled the door open farther.

She waved Soula in.

The orc smiled and guided the cart into the room.

“Fodor sends his greetings,” Soula said.

Amuleta smiled. The head cook had always been kind to her.

He always insisted that she come to the keep first with her collections and even paid her handsomely to do so.

She always ensured he got the best, not because of the money, but because of his kindness.

“I shall have to go and visit him when I get the chance.” She shut the door and followed Soula.

The orc stopped next to the small table and began setting it so Amuleta and Gelisha could dine.

“Whatever this is smells delicious.” Gelisha pushed off the bed and came to the table.

She took her seat while Soula placed the last dish on the table.

Amuleta joined her and sat across from her.

“This meal was prepared by Fodor himself. If you should need anything else, just press that button on the wall.” Soula pointed to a golden button.

She removed the tops off the dishes, and the aroma grew more intense.

Amuleta’s stomach rumbled, announcing itself for all to hear.

“ Shamir omie ,” Amuleta said.

She eyed the tasty meats and vegetables that were grilled to perfection.

It had been a long while since she had eaten.

“ Wulcimu .” Soula gave another bow.

“I will return to collect the dishes once you are done.”

The attendant spun on her heels and quickly exited the room.

Amuleta turned to her mother and found her already digging into her plate.

“Oh my, this is good!” Gelisha exclaimed.

Amuleta laughed and reached for her utensil and stabbed a juicy morsel of meat and brought it to her mouth.

The taste exploded on her tongue.

It was seasoned and cooked exactly how she liked it.

They continued enjoying the delicious meal.

Their conversation flowed, but in the back of Amuleta’s mind she couldn’t help but worry why those orcs had arrived at the same time as they had.

She was sure it had something to do with the attack earlier.

It was too much of a coincidence, but the only thing she wasn’t sure of…

Were those orcs for or against she and Magoza?