Page 13 of To Love A Monster
“I am sure that Aylin would want a bath before the celebrations—come, you will bathe in my home, and I will find you more suitable clothing,” Daerla said as she took my hand, my heart racing as I noticed a small crowd had gathered. Orcs, humans, and some small children. A baby crying drew my attention, and I felt my face grow hot with worry.
What were they thinking? Did they approve of me? Were my elvish ears concerning to them? So many questions filled my thoughts as I allowed Daerla to take me to her enormous, warm clay and stone hut.
A fire and small cauldron sat in the middle of the room, and a large handcrafted wooden bed sat close, covered in many red and brown furs. Baskets and dried meats hung everywhere, along with herbs and spices. I was shocked at the number of swords, daggers, and armor that hung on the walls, the feeling of war a not-too-distant memory.
“I see why my son chose you, Aylin. You are so lovely. Your heart is kind and pure, and I know your smile comforts him.” She said as she took a small bucket of water and placed it over the fire.
“I hope your village agrees; their gaze was strong on me.”
“Do not worry, child. Their gaze is not one of ill intent. They are happy for their Chief. Daegon has refused to choose a mate for a long time, despite our better efforts.” Her words confused me since Daegon had not mentioned that he had refused to take a mate.
“He refused?”
“Oh yes. Many female humans and orcs were brought to him, but he did not feel what for them. He said it was like searching for a piece of gold in a pile of horse dung. That did not stop him from sticking his cock into unworthy maidens.” She laughed as I nervously joined, my cheeks growing hot as I slowly removed my cloak and placed it aside.
“Daegon speaks of a forced mating that the elders wanted. What does that mean, forced?” Daerla stopped what she was doing as my question was an important one. I hoped that my question was not rude or intrusive to ask.
“A forced mating is when you take someone as yours when you truly do not love them. It’s a sad bond based on lies and loneliness. When an orc or a human takes a mate, they do not love, and the bond grows sour and full of resentment. You will notice that those in a forced bond do not show love to one another and do not enjoy each other in the throws of pleasure. Most take secret lovers, but I am sure Daegon has told you how he detests those that take secret lovers.”
“I feel so unworthy of Daegon.” The words slipped past my lips as they earned a concerned look from Daerla, her hand patting her bed as her gaze was soft and understanding. It was comforting to be held by a mother, my heart longing for my mother as I pictured her trapped in her ice prison.
“I felt that way too when Rogon brought me to this village. Orcs are not like humans; they seem like gods, but if you were not worthy of my son, he would never have chosen you. His heart would never have chosen you. When Rogon brought me here, I was so scared of him—I refused to mate and even refused his touch. There were times I even slapped his hand away when he tried to touch me.”
“What changed?”
“Rogon showed me his gentle side, his less wild side. We mated in a field of soft tall grass and did not return to the village for many days. Daegon is like his father in many ways, but he has not seen the harshness of war as his father did, he saw a small battle that lasted a little over a month, but his father fought the Nightfrost and the Elves of Oryndaas for many years.” I now understood why Rogon looked so stern at me at first. He had been forced to fight my father in a senseless war.
“Have you allowed Daegon to touch you?” I blushed at her words as I nodded my head, Daerla hugging me close to her as she sensed my blushing. “Do not feel ashamed of this, Aylin. Mating is beautiful and should be celebrated.” She said as she grabbed a large comb that was carved from a large bone. “I know that most humans shy away from the mere mention of mating, but orcs are not shy, and it is common to hear the cries of pleasure each night in the village.
“Daegon assures me that when we—mate, I will not feel pain,” I spoke my words carefully, fearing that I would say something unkind or unfit.
“My son does not speak the full truth. Before I mated with Rogon, I had never known a man or orc. Fear not, dear Aylin, the pain will subside quickly, and your mating will be perfect.” She said as she brushed my long brown hair, the water steaming as she excused herself and took it off the fire.
“Daegon talks of us having many children. I hope my body can carry them all.”
“I was not able to give my mate many children, I fear that my son does not want the same lonely fate as his. Not having any siblings always caused him pain.” She said as she brought the water pot to me, along with several thick cloth rags. “I will leave you so you may bathe. I will see our seamstress for your gown for the celebrations tonight.” She left swiftly, my skin feeling warm as I slowly tore the blue gown and corset from my body. I washed away the pain of being trapped in my father’s palace and the muck of the long journey.
“May I enter?” Daerla’s voice sounded as I moved my hands in front of my naked body as she entered. She tied the leather straps of the thick cloth that covered the doorway, giving us privacy. “You do not have to be shy, Aylin. Often you will see orcs and maidens walking around void of clothes during the hot months.” I blushed and let my hands rest by my side as I trusted her words.
This was my home now and my people, I wanted to feel welcomed and comfortable in my skin. “I know you are used to covering yourself, but tonight is special.” She said as she laid the copper-colored gown out on the bed, my lips parting as I saw it was sheer and would barely cover my full breasts. The gown was lovely and soft, unlike anything I had ever worn. My mother could not gather the finest clothes for me to wear, but I was now mated to the Chief of the Ironshield clan.
“Will others see this as improper?” My question earned a hearty laugh from her, my cheeks blushing as I knew that I had to get used to the customs of their village. Daerla helped me into the dress, an underbust brown leather corset following as it lifted my breasts in such a way that it was hard to breathe. I told Daerla about the horrible ordeal with my father as she intricately braided my hair, a fascination in her tone as I told her of Halla and how she had saved me from my father’s clutches.
“My son risked his very life for you. He knew he was forbidden to travel to that mountain, yet he did so without question. He truly loves you.” She finished tying the thin leather straps of the gown behind my neck, my body still feeling naked under the fabric.
“His words have not been so blunt. He never said for sure that he loves me.” My words were filled with more sadness than I intended, Daerla patting my shoulder for reassurance as she braided several red and black feathers into my hair.
“Orcs express their love in many ways but mostly with their cocks.” She teased as I allowed myself to laugh. “Hopefully, your womb will be full and ready to carry a baby after tonight.” Her words did not comfort me but filled me with worry. My father’s hurtful words of a cursed union flooding back, and his warning that my womb would never hold Daegon’s child. Throughout my time in the palace, my father had brought me several tonics that tasted vile, tonics that I feared were filled with a dark purpose.
~~~
The village was full of music, food, and laughter, my hands holding a large cup of ale as my eyes searched for Daegon. It was custom for the mates to be separate during the celebrations for our mating lust to build to its full potential. I was yearning for him, the ache between my legs so vast it hurt to sit. Daerla did not leave my side; her arm hooked in mine as she introduced me to everyone in the village, their smile warm and their words inviting.
"How are you feeling?" A human woman named Ila whispered as she held her infant tight to her chest as it fed from her breast. "Frightful," I whispered as she smiled sweetly, her eyes turning to her mate Kaig, an orc Daegon had spoken fondly of. He was shorter than Daegon, with shoulder-length hair that was shaved underneath. He did not wear a tunic as Daegon but rather just breeches and a loincloth.
"Do not be so worried, Aylin. Your mating is celebrated and has brought tremendous joy to this village." She smiled, her smile slowly fading as she looked past me, a great shadow engulfing me as I turned to see Daegon. His body was void of all dress except for a leather loin cloth that barely hid his cock.
Ila excused herself as I felt a blush going over my cheek as his eyes looked me over, his hand cupping my cheek as he bent over and kissed me softly. "My people have had you for long enough, come my love. Our bed is finally ready." He took my hand and his and led me through the small crowd, everyone cheering and hollering as I felt my heart begin to race. Were they going to be listening to us? I did not care if they were; I only cared about giving myself entirely to Daegon and taking him as mine.
