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“We’ll be happy to introduce you to some eligible orc females, son,” Roktas said. “Last I knew, you weren’t interested in mating. Not yet, you said. You want to keep playing until your team wins the title.”
“Which we may do tomorrow.” He knuckled his father again.
“As for that,” Brogis said, “I’ve arranged for a box for us tomorrow. We’ll have a great view of the game.”
“Wonderful.” Drunella linked her arm through his. “Let’s go eat, shall we? I’m sure you’d like to get a good night’s sleep before your match, Brogis.”
Roktas offered his other arm to me, and with a smile, I walked with him into the dining room, Jarum following.
They’d set only one end of the enormous table for the meal.
Drunella took the seat at the head with me and Jarum on her right, and Roktas and Brogis sat on her left.
A group of orcs dressed in stiff orange suits brought out the first course.
I peered down at the golden fried balls on my plate, each about an inch across. A tiny bowl with what looked like dip took up the center.
Since they looked like deep fried mushrooms or something similar, I lifted one and popped it into my mouth.
I was eating a rock.
If I bit down harder, I’d crack a tooth.
Drunella’s wide-eyed gaze landed on me, and she gasped. “Grunter! Doesn’t she understand basic orc graces?”
Chapter 13
Jarum
“She’s not an orc,” I told my mother, irritated. “She hasn’t eaten aesobs, which means we need to be patient with her.”
Kassia removed the aesob from her mouth and laid it on the plate. Her hand shook and color filled her face. Seeing her upset made me want to tell my mother we were leaving now.
“It’s okay.” Kassia shot me a watery smile. “So many wonderful new dishes to try. So much to learn.”
“I do apologize,” Mother said, and I was glad to see that she truly meant it. She tapped Kassia’s arm. “You’re doing well. Look at you. You’ve already completed one of the tests!” The last came out forced, but she must’ve realized she’d crossed a line and if she didn’t retreat, she’d be in trouble.
“Yes, I’m looking forward to the next test.” Kassia leaned into my side, looking up at me, and I was glad to see her shoulders loosening. “Then we can talk about a wedding date.”
“You’ll marry in the human way?” Brogis asked, his sharp gaze darting to my mother. His clenched fists on the table told me he would’ve jumped to Kassia’s defense if I hadn’t beaten him to it. Seeing that warmed me through. I loved my brother, and he felt the same about me.
Maybe I’d introduce him to a few humans, starting with Kassia’s cousin, Flora.
It was time my mother learned to accept everyone as her equal. Just because she’d grown up wealthy and privileged didn’t mean she could treat others as if they were beneath her.
“Like this,” I told Kassia softly, lifting a spoon. I tapped on the side of the aesob. It cracked, splitting into two halves, revealing creamy centers. I scooped some out and ate the delicacy, savoring the salty-spicy taste.
“I thought they were fried mushrooms or rice balls.”
“It’s a delicacy. Try it. You’ll surely enjoy it.” Mother’s eyes met mine, and she gave me a quick nod.
Kassia chuckled and rammed her knuckles into Mother’s arm.
My mother stared down at her arm a moment before giving Kassia a wan smile.
I’d let Kassia know later that only males used the nudge to show affection or comradery. It was considered impolite if used among females.
“What’s this?” Kassia tapped her spoon on the small bowl in the center of our plates.
