“I wouldn’t know,” she sighs, eating some of her sandwich and sipping her water. “By the way, are there any books in the library that would help me learn orcish?”
“Why do you want to learn orcish?” I ask, surprised.
“If I’m going to live the rest of my life in Uzrirgard, it would be nice to speak the language,” she answers. “Or at least be able to read it.”
“It will be rare for you to interact with anyone other than me, but all orcs can speak your tongue,” I say. “We use it more than our own language, because of how easy it is. But if you really want to try learning orcish, there are a few books. I’ll find them the next time I’m in the library.”
“Thank you,” she replies.
I’m done with my sandwich, so I finish my water and push my plate toward her. “I’ll come find you when it’s time for dinner.”
“Okay,” she says, watching as I leave the dining hall.
Control. That’s all this is. If I keep my head clear, keep her occupied, keep her at the foot of my bed, I can survive one human girl in my fortress.
I think part of the reason I can’t bring myself to send her away is because she hasn’t given me a reason to. Her manners could be improved, but that’s not her fault. She doesn’t annoy me on purpose. That’s working in her favor. I tell her to entertain herself and she does. If I stay out of the library, I’ve got the fortress to myself. Not that I use all of it.
I spend the rest of my day moving between my office and throne room. I’m wasting time. Nothing really needs my attention. Days like this always feel longer than the rest of them. I expected my final days to pass in a flash, not drip like molasses on a winter day. They seem to be even longer now that I’ve got a little human girl to worry about.
I’ve got an entire kingdom that no longer needs me. I guess she’s the only one in Uzrirgard whotrulyneeds me, but all she really needs is my mercy. Maybe some restraint. There will always be a loincloth between us. I won’t give into temptation again like I did last night, no matter how much I drink. It’s too much of a tease, anyway. Yeah, I liked it, but I’ll never defile myself enough to let ahumangive me that kind of relief.
After wasting all the time I can, I walk back to the library. Clover’s sitting at the table, reading a book, looking prettier than ever. And the way she smiles when I walk into a room just makes everythingmoreannoying. Maybe I should have whipped her after all. At least then she wouldn’tsmileevery time she sees me.
“Time for dinner?” she asks.
“Yes,” I confirm. “You can go get started with it. I’ll find some books for you.”
“Okay!” she says happily. “Grog tonight, or water again?”
I glare at her for a moment, but it’s late enough that I won’t get so drunk that it clouds my judgment.
“Grog,” I answer.
After Clover leaves the library, I find several books that should give her a start on learning orcish. I’m not sure if she’ll ever become fluent, but if she’s determined enough, she might learn to read it. Maybe even watch some of our movies without needing me to explain everything that isn’t obvious.
Dinner is the same as last night. Sometimes I ask for more variety, but I’ve gotten used to eating the same thing during the week. It’s just fuel. Sustenance so I don’t starve. I don’t even have a favorite meal anymore. I stopped caring about stuff like that a long time ago.
Once we’re finished with dinner, we go to the theater. Clover has another one of the blended strawberry drinks. I’ve got several bottles of grog.
The movie is a comedy. I’ve never found much humor in movies like this, but Clover seems to enjoy it. Most of the things that are over the top and foolish to me make her burst out in fits of laughter. Maybe humans just find things more humorous than orcs.
“That was really good,” she says once the credits begin to roll across the screen. “Are there other movies like this? Funny ones?”
“Yeah,” I gesture toward the projector booth. “If you get bored in the library, you can always watch one. I’m sure you can figure out how to play them.”
“I’ll keep it in mind,” she says. “Are we going to bed now?”
“I am,” I growl, standing up.
“Okay, I’ll be there shortly. Just going to take a shower,” she says sweetly.
“Take your time,” I throw the words over my shoulder as I walk toward the door.
I move toward the bedchamber faster than I normally do. Hopefully, it’ll be a long shower for her. I need some relief and that will be a lot easier if she’s not in the room with me. It’s been almost a week since my last release. I’m definitely overdue.
Once I’m in my bedchamber, I strip down to my loincloth and grab a rag for my seed. It won’t catch everything, considering how much seed a healthy orc spills, but it’ll make it easier to clean things up. Just hope I can finish myself off before she’s done with her shower.
“Never had to worry about privacy before,” I complain to myself, slightly annoyed as I settle into bed and loosen my loincloth.
