[Queen of Orcs 02] - Clan Daughter by Morgan Howell

want to know what made her ask that question.”
    “I acted properly.”
    “My neck bears Dargu’s mark, which makes her nearer to me than kin. So, I ask you again—why this talk of blessing?”
    “I said we couldn’t thrimuk because we weren’t blessed.”
    “So, you planted seed in her chest,” said Zna-yat. “Did you not think it might grow?”
    “She came to me. How could I deny her?”
    “Yet you’ll have to deny her eventually. Your muthuri has wise nose, and she won’t be pleased by what it smells. You cannot oppose her. There’ll be no blessing. You must have known that.”
    “Hai,” said Kovok-mah. “I was both happy and sad. Soon, I’ll be only sad.”
    “And Dargu will be likewise. You’ve been unkind.”
    “I followed my chest.”
    “I understand,” said Zna-yat. “Your muthuri will not.”
    “I don’t blame her. I scarcely understand it myself,” mused Kovok-mah. “At first, Dargu was just some amusing washavoki. Different, but strange like all washavokis.”
    “Muth la guides Dargu,” said Zna-yat. “Perhaps Muth la guided you as well.”
    “Hai. This is Muth la’s doing. That’s why Dargu fills my chest. She smells strange, she’s not pretty, and yet…and yet…” Kovok-mah’s voice trailed off. He looked miserable.
    “It’s too late to undo last night,” said Zna-yat. “Whatever sorrow it will bring has already been un-loosed.”
    “Should I tell Dargu what awaits her?”
    “Thwa,” said Zna-yat. “Let her be content awhile.”

 
    Twelve

    Dar felt that she had been sent to Tarathank to fall in love with Kovok-mah. Believing that she had, there was no reason to linger in the city, so she told the orcs they would depart that night. Yet, when evening approached, Dar regretted her decision to leave. Her newfound passion imbued the ruins with an aura of romance, transforming everything. Overgrown streets became picturesque, and deserted buildings felt tranquil. The idea that she would never visit the pool again seemed unbearable.
    Zna-yat was preparing the final meal before departure when Dar grabbed Kovok-mah’s hand. “Come,” she said, tugging at him. Kovok-mah rose and followed her. In the hallway Dar whispered, “Let’s bathe before we go.” It was more a demand than a suggestion, and Dar was confident that Kovok-mah wouldn’t refuse. As she hurried to the pool, she felt gripped by aching need.
    At the courtyard, Dar shed her clothes and ran naked into the water. There, she impatiently waited for Kovok-mah to join her. When he entered the pool, she flung her arms about his torso and planted kisses on his chest. Kovok-mah sensed a desperate edge to Dar’s desire, and he sought to ease it. He lifted and held her so that they were face-to-face. “Dargu,” he said softly, “there’s no need to hurry.”
    “But we must leave soon.”
    “Everyone will be patient.”
    “Do you think they know why we left?” asked Dar, blushing at the thought.
    “This path is new only to us,” said Kovok-mah. “Many have traveled it since Muth la made world. Everyone understands.” He smiled. “I have time to give you kiss.” Kovok-mah puckered his lips and gave Dar a noisy peck on the nose.
    Dar giggled. “You’re silly.”
     
    Kovok-mah proceeded as slowly and tenderly as he had the previous night. After he brought Dar to climax, she moved to lie on top of him in a state of contentment. Kovok-mah said nothing, but gently caressed her back. After a while, Dar lifted her head from his chest. “Am I very different from urkzimmuthi mothers?”
    Kovok-mah had been expecting that question. “You are like them in many ways.”
    “How am I different?”
    “Your claws are flat, your eyes are different color, your nose is round, and your body is…” Kovok-mah searched for a proper description. “It is like youngling’s.”
    “How?”
    “You are light…delicate.”
    “Are my breasts like urkzimmuthi mother’s?”
    “Hai.”
    Dar’s eyes narrowed. “How do