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“Her mate is Todo.”
I stare at her.
“The orc Prince Imp just defeated,” she says.
“Oh.” I don’t know whether to be sad her mate probably has a concussion or feel a little happy because she is so mean. But I choose peace; I choose silence.
“So where is your mate?” I ask after a few minutes. She knows much about my life and my mate, and I’d like to know about her.
“I haven’t been chosen yet.”
My eyes widen. “Why not?”
“I…It’s complicated.”
“Okay.” I hope it isn’t rude that I asked her.
“So how long have you known Imp?” She asks
“Just over 9 months.” I say.
She stops what she’s doing. “Only 9 months?”
“What is it?”
“Orc kind court for years before we are even allowed to talk to them in a room alone.”
“Why?” My voice comes out a little pitchy.
She shrugs. “I don’t know. It’s a test to the men, you need to see if they really want you as a mate and if they are worthy. That takes time.”
“So, everybody waits for years?” I ask in disbelief.
“Pretty much yes.”
“Then you get married?”
“What is married?” She asks.
“You know, officially being together.”
“Oh, you mean vowed?”
“Yes.”
“With us, a male will approach you and try to win you over and it is up to you to be strong and make him work for you. When he has earned you, he can go talk about taking you with the King and your father. Then he gives you his horn before or during the vow ceremony.”
I look at the one Igor gave me.
“Like this one?”
“Yes. That is Imp’s horn. He left it behind when he got banished, but it is yours now as his mate.”
“Oh.” I lick my lips, I have so many questions. But I’m also a little happy that Igor didn’t just win back his place with his people, he claimed me too.
“Before they are declared men, they need to hunt iyobis for their horn. It’s a way the tribe determines if they are worthy to be allowed to feast with male orcs and to determine if they are ready to provide for their own families.”
Interesting.“So, Igor has never given his horn to anyone?”
