GYDA

I told my family everything about what had happened between Olivia and me. Fiona was heartbroken by the news, while Anandi was hysterical, and Mom and Emmy were both furious. They reacted so loudly that they woke up a few of my nieces, and before I knew it, I had several little kids hanging around my neck. I hadn't even finished my dinner yet.

"They're finally asleep again," Fiona announced later as she and Anandi walked into the room.

"Good," my mother answered. "Sit down, then we can start." She had announced that she wanted to talk things through today because she would go on a trip tomorrow and would not return until the next day.

Sadly for me, there was only one thing I wanted to do right now and it wasn't taking part in a serious conversation about the council. I longed to go to my room, lie in bed, be by myself, close my eyes, and fantasize about being back with Orvar. I knew it was a little silly. I should be happy to spend time with my family again, but I just couldn't help myself.

Fiona sighed as she dropped into the chair next to me. She looked tired.

"I can't wait for this," she whispered while placing a hand on my belly and patting it a few times. She winked at me , and I couldn't help but smile when she did. I placed my hands on her hand, and we sat like that.

"As you all know, I have a meeting with the council tomorrow. Like every year, we shall come together after the breeding moon to discuss matters," Mom started. "I will also address everything that happened between you"—Mom looked at me—"and that little wench."

I immediately felt a little bad, afraid that something awful would happen to Olivia. She was stupid, yes, but also young. I didn't want her to get shunned or tortured or anything severe like that. Plus, Orvar had already dealt with her. She was as short-haired as I was, and everyone had witnessed her shame. I felt her punishment was already given. But it was out of my hands now.

"Is that really necessary?" I asked, quietly.

"Of course, Gyda!" Mom replied. "I trust the council to deal with that wicked, rotten, jealous girl. You know that they always know what is best for us. And they always take care of us."

"Y-yes, Mom," I answered.

The council consisted of a few dozen people. At the top stood the men. Then there were two handfuls of powerful women and some 'head mothers', a bunch from each town. Mother was one of those heads. Olivia's mother, Isolde, was another one, so tomorrow might turn out to be...interesting. I didn't know if Olivia had come clean to her mother about what had happened.

I guess what Orvar had done was in my best interest because, otherwise, the council and other women might have chosen Olivia's side over mine. At least now every woman knew it was her that had done me wrong and not the other way around. If it was her word against mine, I'd probably have lost, as she was perfect and I was often seen as an annoying, curious kind of girl—if I were to believe all my previous school teachers.

As Mother kept on talking, I yawned a few times, dead tired. She took no pity on me. She even ordered I should pay more attention to her, which was hard, but I tried. The truth was that I couldn't care less about that stupid council of elites. Obviously, I wouldn't tell her that, because Mother always highly valued and praised them as if they were Mother Moon themselves. The will and rules of the council were our laws.

After half an hour, our mother finally said I should go to bed after this long evening. Fiona snorted.

"What is your problem this time, Fiona?" Mom asked.

"You should have let her sleep before this whole speech, Hilde," Fiona replied. If there was one thing that our mother hated, it was to be called by her first name by any of her daughters or granddaughters.

Fiona was the only one that could get away with it, though. The others and I would have received a slap in the face by now, but not my oldest sister, even though Mother and she fought the most in this house. Maybe that was because Fiona was the oldest and, therefore, the next head of the family.

~

As I lay there in the dark silence, my thoughts filled with the image of dark grayish skin and the sound of Orvar's deep, hoarse voice and low chuckles.

It was like I was under his spell, not able to think about anything or anyone else!

Just thinking about Orvar made my stomach flutter and my heart beat faster. It made my knees weak and my hands clammy. I'd never heard of a woman wanting to be with an orc, and it was ludicrous thinking about such a thing. Unthinkable might even be the better word. But then I remembered Betsy. And while I first found it unbelievable and crazy, she would voluntarily live with an orc and even have him as her husband, I understand it better now.

It was actually funny thinking how it was just two nights ago that I lay in this same room, under these same sheets, begging Goddess Luna to protect me. Begging her to stand by me, fearing what would come. Fearing the orcs.

And just look at me now...

I brought Orvar's perfect braid to my nose and inhaled the faint scent that lingered in his hair. This hair was soft, very different from the bristly hair on his chin that had been a little rough against my skin. I touched my face and could still feel the slight burning sensation his beard had caused. The man had teeth and monstrous nails, sharp as knives, yet it was his facial hair that brought the most soreness.

I smiled in the dark while sniffing at the strand of hair.

Of course, the place between my legs was still a little tender too... Sometimes it even felt like he was still inside of me—like I was still filled by him.

Now my smile went even wider.

"You should sleep, Gyda..." I whispered.

I knew I should take my own advice. I was so tired, but I just couldn't stop thinking about him. And about the child that was growing inside of me. Half him, half me. Orc or human. Boy or girl. Or maybe there grew nothing there at all... That would make me sad, but giving up a son or raising a girl without her father would make me sad too.

Could I be like Betsy? Living there without my family? Orvar might not be waiting for a mate at all. Maybe he was just gentle and kind to me because he was convinced I carried the son he so longed for.

"Ugh, just sleep already!" I ordered myself after another hundred questions haunted my mind.

*****

The next day, mother left early. As I waved her goodbye, a little plan formed in my head.

It was Friday today, but was I really going to let this chance be taken away from me? It was a chance to do whatever I wanted because there was no mother here to watch me. Emmy was my only problem now, but she would be too busy to constantly keep her eyes on me. She had her kids and own chores, as my other sisters did.

Today was the perfect day to visit Amira on the other side of town, and I wouldn't let that chance be taken from me. I knew that once I was going to visit her on Saturdays, those days were going to be a struggle for me. Even if I finished my chores as fast as I could, it was still a bit risky and there wouldn't be much time left. However, today I could just walk over to her and enjoy the day in peace.

I desperately wanted to meet her mother. She seemed like such an amazing woman. And the fact that orcs sometimes came by also played a part in my wanting to go there. I was so curious.

Notes: I realize that this chapter (and the next one to come) aren't the most exciting ones as they lack our favorite orc. BUT, I need to share some information before going deeper into Gyda & Orvar's relationship 💚 sooooo I might double update this week 😛