“Which they’re perfectly capable of doing,” Lord Frax’mo says. “The drums of war haven’t been this loud since The Great War.”
“We also provided you with a solution,” Lady Frax’mo says. “I wish you’d take a bride. Our daughter would make a fine one for you. But if you won’t marry her, at least let the human provide you with an heir. I know how much you hate them, but isn’t this why we asked for reparations in the first place? To continue our bloodlines?”
“We asked for reparations because we would have gone extinct without them,” I state impatiently. “We no longer need humans. I should have put an end to the arrangement long ago.”
“They still make good pets,” Lady Frax’mo says. “And now that war is on the horizon, some of the Lords and Ladies want to start buying more humans. We may not need them to survive, but soldiers are soldiers, regardless of where they come from.”
I shake my head angrily and adjust my crown. This is really going to happen. My kingdom is going to be plunged into war the minute I’m gone because of a fucking prophecy. Apparently, I ensured our survival just so orcs could start killing each other.
“All I’ve wanted is to live out my final days in isolation,” I sigh. “Uzrirgard doesn’t need a king. The country could run itself. We’re at peace. We’ve got enough resources to ensure we survive for more generations than I’ve been alive. All this progress… for what? More bloodshed? More death?”
“Unless you do something about it, Your Majesty,” Lord Frax’mo says hesitantly.
I feel anger rising in my chest. We’ve come so far. I ensured my kingdom overcame the worst catastrophe in our history. Most orcs grow up dreaming of white collar professions, not battlefields. I’ve given them everything, andthisis what I get in return?
“I shouldn’t have to do anything about it!” I spit back. “Do you know why I chose to spend my final days here? Why this fortress is full of so many ghosts?”
“It’s where you commanded Uzrirgard during The Great War after your wife died,” Lord Frax’mo replies hesitantly. “It’s where… she spent her final days.”
“Where she died alone because I was on the other side of the world, trying to ensure there was a home to come back to,” I growl. “But that’s not the only reason. The rest of them are buried in the graveyard that overlooks Zgromul. Since the two of you think it’s so easy for me to solve this problem, on your way out, count the tombstones of the children who didn’t live long enough to see the kingdom they were expected to rule!”
Lord Frax’mo winces and takes a step back. His wife doesn’t. She still looks determined.
“We understand that you’ve suffered, Your Majesty. We understand what you’ve lost,” Lady Frax’mo tries to reason, looking me in the eyes. “But a lot of orcs are going to die if there’s no successor when you’re gone.”
“And you’re just going to lay all that at my feet, because you think it’s inevitable. That if I die without an heir, Uzrirgard falls,” I sigh, shaking my head again.
“My grandmother was a soothsayer,” Lady Frax’mo says like I need a reminder. I knew her grandmother personally. “Several of her prophecies came true. It’s hard to disbelieve things you’ve seen with your own eyes.”
“Icould fill a book with fucking prophecies and claim they’re from the Twelve Gods,” I counter. “Doesn’t mean they are. Even a broken clock is right twice a day.”
“All you have to do is breed the human girl,” Lady Frax’mo says. “I’m sure you can manage that. I made sure I bought one who would be suitable. She’s pretty and her aptitude scores are high. There were no medical issues other than malnourishment and dehydration, but I’m sure she’s recovered by now.”
“She has,” I answer without thinking. “She’s doing very well.”
Lady Frax’mo’s eyes narrow slightly, like she hears something in my answer I didn’t intend to reveal. What happens in the walls of this fortress, especially in my bedchamber, should not be her concern. I hate that it’s become my entire kingdom’s concern.
“If she’s not to your liking, I can attend the next auction and find one who is. I’m sure it doesn’t matter to you. You hate all humans equally, right?” she inquires.
I don’t get a chance to answer. Lord Frax’mo gets a notification and looks up at me with panic in his eyes.
“Your Majesty! We’ve got a problem,” he says nervously.
“I have Lords and Ladies who handle problems for me,” I snap. “You’re one of them.”
“Yes, but this may be a little more complicated than that,” he responds hesitantly. “Today is the day the cargo ships arrive for us to send food to the humans.”
“Like every month.”
“Only one boat came today, and it’s not empty,” he attempts to sound soothing. Fails. “There are humans onboard. Women. At least a hundred of them.”
“What the fuck?” I snarl, immediately turning my attention to Lady Frax’mo. “Is this your doing?”
“What!? No, Your Majesty!” she hastens to distance herself from the problem, shaking her head vehemently. “I only bought one.”
“It’s not just humans, either,” Lord Frax’mo adds. “There’s food too… I don’t understand. I need to go see this in person.”
“Then go do your fucking job,” I roar, glancing at Lady Frax’mo. “This conversation isn’t over. We’ll continue it soon, onmyterms.”