Orin

Page 9

"Thank you, mother." Elise moves to get the door. She curtsies as I get even with her.

"I apologize for my comments. I know better. I spoke more out of jealousy that he has a husband than any true feeling against you."

"I've got a brother you know." I tease. She bites her lip. "But then you noticed didn't you." she blushes brightly and nearly runs back to her seat. I just laugh and head for the bedroom. I got him settled sitting in the bed a light fur over his legs.

"How are the babies?"

"I think they're sleeping. That'll probably change when I try to sleep. What will you do while I sleep?"

"Polish my sword then maybe go find Bruce make sure he's not being a nuisance." a light knock came on the door.

"Enter." Anise and two others came in with a platter a piece.

"Her highness asked that you have enough for the day to eat as much as you'd like. We brought some in case Prince Orin might like something."

"Thank you." Altair says. He looked at me. "Fill me a plate?" i gather a full plate and give it to him. Once he's eaten he scoots down so he's lounging on the bed and closes his eyes. I do just as I said. I sit and polish my sword before heading to find Bruce. I can't find him anywhere and finally ask the guard on the main floor if he was seen. They said he'd left the castle heading for a Beer Garden down the street. I found him with several empty mugs in front of him and three Elves standing staring at him. I sighed and stepped up to the table.

"I thought I told you to behave." I say to him. He holds his hands up.

"I have behaved just fine. I came, I've watched my language, I've kept to myself and drank my ale's just fine. They came and asked me to leave. I was simply telling them that unless they gave me a good reason to leave I was going to sit here in peace and drink." I looked at them.

"Do you know who I am?" I ask.

"Prince Orin. Do you know this Orc?"

"He's my younger brother."

"We understand he wishes to drink but it is unseemly to have him drink to a stupor here. If he'd like he has but to ask at the castle and they will have as much drink as he'd like delivered to his room. We'd appreciate him leaving."

"Bruce." I say. He sighed and stood.

"Unseemly?" he says snorting. "It's much better to drink where I might have some form of company. Alone in my room is boring. Is there anywhere in town I might find company?" he asks the Elves. I wince. Elves were free with their lovers but to my knowledge they didn't have brothels. One Elf raises an eyebrow.

"Ask at the castle, they will find someone who would wish to keep you company."

"So whatever I want I can just as at the castle for?"

"Indeed." Bruce just shakes his head.

"My appreciation." They bowed. Orcs didn't say thank you. It meant to lower yourself to someones debt and they didn't do that. I walked him back toward the castle.

"Are you really going to ask for a bed mate?" I ask him.

"Have a better plan?"

"Look for a mate instead."

"Among Elves? I'd rather kiss fathers ass."

"But I know a princess who has noticed you."

"One of his sisters?"