The Orc Ing

~If you're new, I'd recommend starting on chapter 1. Thank you for reading! Thank you Indie and S for editing! If you are just here for the hot and heavy, start at the beginning and somewhere on page 2~

| Chapter Eight |

The sun was high in the sky, rays of light warm against Astera's face. She clutched the blanket tighter around her shoulders. The Sanctuary's towers had been built against sheer cliffs overlooking the lake. The crescent-shaped cliffs loomed over the water, nearly half a league tall. Mist from the crashing waves left behind a rainbow shimmer in the air.

The lake fanned out front of her, partially hidden by the cliffs and rising mist. Twinkling lights speckled the cliffs and the city below. From the Solar's balcony everything looked small and insignificant. Everything except the water.

Astera chewed off another piece of dried fruit. Her stomach had stopped roiling enough for her to manage a few bites. The elixir and the pleasant warmth from the wine had burned off hours ago, leaving a familiar throbbing pain in her head. The scent of rain hanging in the air was clearing her mind at least. She felt like she could think again.

The glass door slid open and Soarruk stepped out onto the balcony. He sat down beside her on the bench, scooping her up into his arms. She was too tired to protest his touch. His bodily warmth was already chasing away the ache pulsing behind her eyes.

He adjusted her in his lap so they could both stare out at the lake. She could feel his lips move against her temple as he spoke. "You slept well?"

She shrugged, trying to ignore the blush creeping up her neck. They hadn't slept very much at all. At least he hadn't forced her to get out of bed until late in the afternoon. Someone had come knocking, and this time he had been the one to turn them away. Astera had wanted to stay in bed as long as possible.

His hands massaged her shoulders, snaking up her neck to knead her scalp. He seemed to sense where she was hurting, as his fingertips ghosted over her temples. She closed her eyes. As the pain was momentarily soothed her mind drifted. She mulled over their conversation the night before.

Uncertainty leaves you open to manipulation.

Her father had told her those words once, told her to always act with utmost confidence. A sour taste crept up her throat.

My confidence has been misplaced.

He was the one she was no longer sure of. She was split wide open now.

She sucked her bottom lip in between her teeth, chewing on it as she thought.

Protect the treaty. Help my people... help the orcs.

If she could help both their peoples, then she needed Soarruk to trust her.

But can I trust him?

Her thoughts turned endlessly in her mind. The longer they sat, the more restless she became. There was no easy solution.

One of Soarruk's lower hands moved to slip between the blankets. Her stomach flipped as his hand spread over her abdomen. His upper hands were still gently moving in her hair. "You will have to leave the Solar eventually," he murmured.

"Just a little while longer. I like the view."

"Hmm.. so do I." He placed a kiss on her temple. "Something troubles you."

She shook her head, not trusting herself to speak. The gnawing in her chest grew worse.

I shouldn't have said anything last night. I should have kept silent-

"Astera."

He had stopped rubbing her scalp, and the headache was beginning to throb again. Hesitantly, she leaned back into his touch. The soothing motions returned.

"It is nothing." She gritted her teeth. "Tell me about the rest of the celebrations. There are four more days?"

Soarruk paused, seeming to weigh his words before answering. "Aye. Tonight is the hunt. Then Ishten and court."

"Ishten?" Astera asked. It took her a moment to remember the orcs' words on her wedding night: 'the

Bridal Scrimmage.

' Her face turned pale. "Is there going to be a fight?"

Soarruk chuckled at her expression. "Yes. It is a test." He interlaced their fingers, his much larger hand engulfing hers. He brought her hand up to his mouth, the soft press of his lips warming her. "I think you might enjoy it."

The hairs raised on the back of her arm. She didn't like his expression- his eyes were narrowed on her, but glinting with mirth, his mouth slightly upturned at the corners. "You are teasing me now," she said slowly. "Tell me the truth!"

"I cannot lie to you, remember? It is a tradition between tribes. You ought to see for yourself."

She tried to work out what the joke might be, but gave up. She turned away from him with a huff. "Fine, if you don't want to tell me, then so be it. A hunt tonight, then a fight tomorrow, and court. And then?"

His stubble was itchy along her temple. "Once the celebrations are over, I think you should enjoy spending time among our people. Eventually you will decide your role."

She half-turned to face him, her eyebrows raising in surprise, "You would let me choose my involvement with your kingdom?"

"Our kingdom," he corrected.

Astera blushed, turning to face the water again. It seemed almost absurd that this would be the choice he gave her. Even more frustrating, the thought of choosing something on her own was exciting. Almost enough to distract her from the uneasy sensation building inside her. He was pushing her to rethink things. Constantly forcing her to be an active participant..

Her eyes narrowed. "What if I liked leading your armies? Would you let me

choose

to lead the Merkradh Vrel?"

Soarruk chuckled. "You wish to ride beside me into battle? Then, my pretty flower, you shall spend the rest of your life in the training arena."

"Training?! I have fought with a sword before-"

"You are slower than any female orc, and weaker than any male. Your strengths do not lie in your prowess over a battlefield."

"I could learn," she said stubbornly.

"If you desire training it can be arranged. But you will choose another role."

She squinted at him, searching his face for the trick. Unreadable dark eyes stared back at her. "If I am going to decide for myself, then I should see the rest of the city too. Maybe I could visit the smithy! Seeing weapons being forged..." Her voice broke off wistfully.

Soarruk's lips pulled down slightly at the corners. "There are still a few hours until I have to leave for the hunt. Would you like to see the lake?"

She looked over the balcony's edge, eying the serrated cliffs below. It felt very strange, being so high above everything else. She leaned back into Soarruk's embrace. "I would like that too."

He led her back inside. She followed him down the hallway, to a room dominated by a large stone tub. It was almost big enough to be considered a pool. A stone bench ran around the inside of the tub. They undressed, and Astera hesitantly dipped her foot into the water. It was pleasantly warm. She sank into the water with a satisfied sigh. Sitting, the water came up to her collarbones.

Soarruk joined her. She eyed the soapy sponge in his hands.

"Give me that," Astera said. At the darkened look he gave her, she cleared her throat. "Please."

His left-side arms pulled her in close as he handed over the soapy sponge. It was a little large in her hands. She began scrubbing her skin while Soarruk lounged back in the tub.

She watched him from the corner of her eye as she worked. Memories of their last bath together in Thelfare made a blush creep up her cheeks. He was filthy now too, the reddish ritual marks from the night before still stained his skin. His lips were slightly parted, tusks peeking out either side of his lips.

Her stomach flipped, seeing him so unusually relaxed. He didn't question her when she moved to straddle his knee. A slight thrill went up her spine as she stared over his muscular chest. Gripping the sponge between both hands she scrubbed it across his shoulders. The sponge followed the contours of muscle between his neck and shoulder. He leaned his head back against the wall, spreading out his arms, encouraging her to scrub over the surface of his chest.

She worked the sponge methodically, watching his dark green skin disappear under the creamy soap suds. Her fingertips brushed over thick layers of scars. She wondered about the battles he'd been in, the rumours of all the demons and humans he'd killed.

When the felshi had attacked him in the forest, he'd been dragged half a league through the trees. There wasn't a visible mark left from the attack. There were other marks though. Thin angry red lines left behind by very human nails. They ran down the length of his abdominal muscles. Her blush deepened. No, those marks definitely hadn't been left by a demon. She swallowed thickly, brushing the sponge over the scratches she'd left on his chest.

I managed to do more harm to his skin than bloody demons!

A snort of laughter escaped her lips at the thought. She froze. Soarruk didn't stir, but she thought his eyes twitched open slightly.

She continued her meticulous scrubbing. Her fingertips ran over rippling muscles that were strung too tight. She dropped the sponge into the water. Her thumbs worked in circular motions to ease out the knots forming under his skin. Warmth emanated under her fingertips.

Soarruk didn't make a noise as she worked. His breaths grew longer and slow. When she realized he was half asleep she gently ran the sponge over his face. Even after a gentle scrub, there was still a hint of stain leftover from the ritual marks.

Astera sank backwards to begin washing her hair. Her eyes closed, fingers working soap through her scalp. Once her hair was clean she began working sections into coils. Soarruk's eyes cracked open. He fished the sponge out of the water. He ran it over her throat and across her chest as she worked her hands through her hair. It felt... efficient, having his help. Until he threw the sponge across the tub and dove for her mouth.

Their lips crashed against each other wildly. New marks marred his shoulders as her slippery hands sought purchase against his heated body. His lower hands gripped her thighs so he could pull them around his waist. She pressed her body hungrily against his. Her arms wrapped around his neck so there was no space between them.

As they kissed she moved her hips experimentally. Her clit rubbed against his hardened length. She groaned at the sensation, pleasure spiking through her. He tasted like salt and the smoke from the pyre the night before. Soarruk had to gently tug her hair backwards to convince her to break their kiss.

His warm breath trailed along her jaw. And then lower. His lips met her sensitive skin. He began sucking on the fresh marks he'd left the night before. She moved her hips again and he growled against her neck.

She lifted herself up slightly, her hips angled upwards. His cock teased her entrance. His head slid against her folds, tracing the outline of her cunt. She slowly sank downwards onto him, hissing at the slight ache in her core. She was sore after the night they'd spent together.

Soarruk held her hips tightly, but didn't control her movements. His hands moved with her, squeezing encouragingly as she slowly rode his cock.

He held her still for a moment so he could lean backwards on the bench, spreading his legs out wide. He leaned his head back against the wall. His upper hands stroked over her chest. His thumbs teased her tightened nipples. He lifted each breast, caressing slowly. He ran a finger over the faint scar he'd left under her breast. She shuddered at the movement. He grinned, seeming pleased with himself.

Her eyes narrowed. She lifted her hips agonizingly slow, sitting back down until she was fully seated on his cock, and then grinding against him. Soarruk grunted, his hands spasming against her hips. She did it again, lifting slowly, lowering heavily onto him, grinding at the base. This earned her a growl.

"You are teasing me, evil little creature."

It took an effort not to grin at his angry expression. "Oh?" She grasped his shoulders so she could adjust her knees, and then she ground on his cock, moving her hips back and forth. The friction was delicious against her clit. She bit her lip, panting into his shoulder as she flexed around him.

She rested her head against his collarbone, slowly lifting herself and easing back down. "I don't think this is particularly evil, you know."

The hands on her hips flexed lower, pinching her ass. She yelped in surprise. Before she could move, Soarruk was standing, supporting her weight in his arms so he stayed sheathed within her. She squealed as he exited the bath. "I'm not done yet-"

"Neither am I," he grunted. He barely made it a step outside the tub before he gave up and fell to his knees, gently placing her onto the cold tile floor so he could fuck her properly.

"S-Soarruk!" Her complaint morphed into a moan as he thrust into her fully. She wrapped her legs around him. His movements grew faster. The rapid pounding turned sloppy as he neared climax. It didn't take much. Astera squeezed her thighs around him, bucking up into his motions and then hissing out her release. As she spasmed around his cock he continued to thrust, grinding down and cumming too. She could feel his cock jumping inside her with each throbbing surge.

She tried to glare at him, but failed. "Now we need to bathe again."

He kissed her, his mouth moving expertly against hers. When she began to melt into his embrace he pulled away. He grinned at her, slowly easing out. He brushed a finger through her centre, smearing some of his cum onto her damp lower abdomen. He rubbed his thumb in soothing circular motions. "You are perfect just like this," he murmured. He planted a kiss hotly against her mouth before wrenching himself away to grab them towels.

After they were clean and dried off Astera moved to her closet. The room had a large mirror and dressing stand. The far wall housed two large floor-to-ceiling wardrobes. Her eyes were drawn to the beautifully carved doors. They depicted one continuous scene: an orc woman, sitting on the forest floor beside a large furry beast. On the other side of the wardrobe a lone orc hunter stood watching the pair.

Astera opened the heavy door, expecting the closet to be empty. To her surprise, there was already a small stack of clothes.

They must be things Shadback and Gulfine mended!

She marvelled at the trousers and long-sleeve shirts. She rarely had the chance to wear such practical clothing.

Her coffers from the palace had been delivered the night before. The large trunks were stacked in the corner, untouched. A lump formed in her throat whenever her eye caught on the swirling waves of her family's crest. The loneliness reared its ugly head, the maw inside her gaping open for a moment.

A problem for another day,

she decided.

Soarruk chose their clothes: riding leathers and long-sleeve tunics. Once they were properly fitted, he led her down the tower's staircase. They didn't follow their usual path into the Sanctuary. Instead he wove down a narrow hallway.

The air grew damp, puddles of moisture growing in cracks in the tile floor. Thick boughs of moss grew in the walls. The sounds of waves roared in her ears, the noise of water breaking against the cliffs.

Eventually the hallway opened up to a wide open cave. The open water lapped against the shore of a huge wharf. Hundreds of boats of all different sizes stretched through the cave. It was difficult to work out what all their purposes might be, but she recognized fishing and row boats among the mass.

Steel and rope rigging lined the cave ceiling. Walking platforms were anchored into the walls and zigzagged overhead. The water wasn't as rough inside the cave. The rhythmic sounds of orcs working, and instructions being barked echoed off the cave walls.

A burly orc approached them, sharing a few words with Soarruk. The sounds of their voices were lost over all the noise around her.

There were orcs working on the closest boat, a small fishing vessel. They wore wide-legged pants and loose tunics. Unlike the Merkradh Vrel, their armour was much more sparse. Straps of leather with bits of protective steel plating, strung over their shoulders or parts of their arms and legs. Instead of weapons, they carried a variety of tools. Short blades, hammers, and hooked rods.

Soarruk appeared by her side. "There is a ship ready for us."

She followed him across the docks, the wood planks surprisingly sturdy under her feet. They had chosen an oared ship with a narrow body. It reminded her of a smaller version of the massive castle-like ships that traveled between Sarai and the Light Kingdom.

Astera stepped near the edge of the dock. Above the waves the edges of the boat were just visible. Her eyes caught on the sharpened point of the hull. It was reinforced with steel. The hairs raised on her arms. A gangplank was laid between the dock and the boat so they could board. The sailors unfurled the single large sail.

Astera's steps faltered. "The waves are almost as big as the ship," she murmured.

"The water isn't as rough as it seems."

"I've never been out on the open water."

Soarruk grinned. "You shall enjoy this, then. The ship is fast."

His words didn't help ease the nervous roiling in her stomach. He gripped her hand, pulling her up the gangplank onto the boat. They moved up to the upper deck.

They watched as the rest of the preparations were completed. The crew moved across the deck with a familiar ease, adjusting the rigging and oars. Her hands twitched nervously on the railing. She tried to soak up every detail of the interior of the ship. Her eyes caught on where grappling hooks hung from the ship's wall, attached to huge coils of rope. Her mouth ran dry. The sharpened hull, the rope and hooks... This was no traveling ship. It was outfitted for war.

They likely had no pleasure crafts, only vessels designed for destruction.

You aren't in the palace anymore.

The Orc King had promised his armies' fealty to her father.

All for me.

The weight was crushing again.

She turned to face the water, leaning against the railing. Soarruk stood behind her, upper hands gripping the railing so she was caged against his body.

The ship's captain was a thin, reedy-looking orc who bellowed out orders to the crew. He adjusted the ship's wheel as they began making their way out of the port. The pounding in her head increased as they left the cave. The wind picked up around them, howling loudly in her ears. The air was cool but the sun was still bright and warm overhead.

Soarruk had to lean down to speak to her over the wind, "There is a cove nearby we will set anchor at."

Her stomach flipped as they moved over the open water. The lake was a dark gem-coloured blue. Soarruk was right, the ship was fast. When they hit particularly hard waves her knees nearly buckled beneath her. He kept one arm around her waist. She clutched onto him tightly.

By the time they reached the cove her legs were weak. The ship stopped at a large dock that stretched onto the shore. Soarruk helped her off the ship, giving orders to the captain to return for them in an hour.

She barely made it two steps from the ship before her knees collapsed. She clutched the edge of the dock and began to wretch. Once her stomach was empty she sat up, leaning away from the water's edge. Soarruk had gone back to the ship and was returning with a small pouch. He crouched beside her.

"Watch the horizon," he said. He fished into the pouch and pulled out a piece of dry root. "Chew it. It will ease your sickness."

She had absolutely no desire to eat anything. She took it from him though, inhaling the sharp spicy scent. She nibbled off a tiny piece. The pounding in her head slowly began to ease.