6. Chapter Six

Chapter Six

Valpar

The scent was the only reason I had decided to go to the ball.

I had intended to stay away from the party from the start of this journey. I didn't care to watch the dancing, the happy, smiling faces, and watch as all the other creatures gained mates.

It wasn't fair, and I hated the Moon Fairy.

She got our hopes up all those years ago, and for what? So we could fight in a war and receive nothing in return?

I snarled.

All these emotions swelled inside my body. I had no release, no tree, no mound of dirt or boulder to pound my fists in to or swing my blade at. We were staying on the palace grounds and had to keep things nice.

We must leave the area as we found it. We weren't monsters, and we were still trying to prove that to the many creatures that still looked at us in worry.

Sugha was the one orc they fully trusted. He was the joyous one of us all, but, he was also the one who hadn't lived the longest. He was the youngest of all of us. He wasn't bitter, yet.

I came to the party tonight because of the scent that surrounded the palace grounds. It was near and then it was far. I could not find the beginnings of it, but I could always find the trail of where the scent had once been.

After a lot of thinking, which had caused much of my distress, I realized it reminded me of a tea that Queen Clara of the Cerulean Moon Kingdom had given the orcs long ago. It was to help with sleep after the war—chamomile.

I requested the servants to bring me the tea. Maybe my body craved sleep, and the herbs would make me less on edge, but I was disappointed. This scent I craved and had smelt on the queen earlier had a sweeter smell, one that made my mouth water.

And so, I searched the palace grounds for most of my day, encountering nothing until a gentle breeze carried it straight to my lungs.

Infuriating!

"Can you at least smile a bit?" Sugha whispered to me as we stood at the entrance to the ballroom.

The largest room in the palace lacked nothing for what the king and queen had put together. Its towering walls and ceilings were filled with hanging, shining rocks, each one crafted and dripping with crystals that shimmered in the soft glow of the hanging candles. Decorated cloth, depicting scenes of creatures that lived in Bergarian meeting their mates, scenes of the land, and other kingdom pictures filled the walls, adding to the welcoming atmosphere.

As guests entered, their eyes were immediately drawn to the opulent centerpiece, a massive golden fountain overflowing with cascades of fae wine. The room buzzed with excitement as fairies and fae, their petite wings fluttering, darted through the air, offering trays laden with fancy food- barely enough to fill my tongue - and beverages.

Everyone's scents, along with the smell of food, was almost too much. I tried to block it out so I could smell only food and the scent I really craved, but I wasn't a shifter. I didn't have the skill set.

This was going to be a waste of time.

The room was alive with laughter, music and the clinking of glasses. I rolled my eyes. I scratched my backside, the for-mal wear itching my skin. The pants were too much, making me hot and my body leak fluid. I pulled on the string of the tunic and let my chest go bare. I did not mind feeling the air when a fairy flew by and gave me instant relief with a breeze.

"You shouldn't do that. Everyone is dressed up. What if you meet your miresa?" Sugha scolded.

All the people in the room were dressed in their finest clothes. Females sparkled in short cloth, and males in clothing that covered most of their bodies. Some had shiny rocks hanging on their chests, and others had extra fabric hanging around their neck dripping behind them as they walked.

The orcs were the least dressed, but it was very for-mal to us: White tunics with either black or brown pants. I'd rather have my shaft free than feel confined like this.

"Our miresas won't show up, anyway, why should I care?" I hissed, harsher than I would have liked, at my brother's excitement. I pulled my tunic from the ties of my pants. I despised the fact that the tunic made my soft belly more noticeable when tucked into the pants.

Sugha made a disappointed face. "At least let me pull back your hair. You don't even have a braid in it."

My lip curled, and I turned away from him, stomping over to the food. He tricked me earlier. He told me there was fungus growing in my hair and, sneakily, tried to brush it to make me look ‘presentable'.

I stomped over to the food, away from the tribe. My chest rose and fell as I gazed at the enormous spread. The first time we came to one of these balls, it was nothing but finger food. Small sandwiches, fruits and vegetables, and flower salads drizzled with honey. We were all starving at the end. Later, we went out and killed deer on the king's land, then roasted it on a spit to drown our woes and fill our bellies.

Now, we can fill our stomachs in here and watch everyone else get their miresas.

At least we won't go hungry at this party.

The tribe was still mingling, sniffing and looking. They were looking for any sign, for a spark that a female or a male could be theirs, but they were coming up with nothing despite the large, crowded room.

Orcs are not meant to feel. We are meant to hit, kill and hunt. To feel is to be vulnerable. To let any of this feeling out, we are to hit, stomp and roar into the Wood to let out this— emotion. Unfortunately, since we are here in the palace, we cannot let out our frustrations, instead of hitting things, they resorted to drinking and hitting each other.

I filled my plate. As the years went by, King Osirus had begun to serve meats and breads to satisfy the orcs' hunger. I filled it with not just meat, but the sweets that Sugha liked to bake in his cabin.

I'd never tell him how much I cared for his pies and cakes, but I'm sure he knew I'd steal them.

I rubbed a hand over my softer belly.

Worth it.

I took my plate and sat on a so-fa furthest away from the crowd. I sunk into the plush cushion and watched the fae and shifters mingle. Most stayed away, but a few adventurous fae and fairy females spoke with the orcs, their hands brushing their arms, and a head tilt to a private hallway.

I bit down on a large roll and ripped it with my teeth.

No decency, these creatures.

As the night wore on, with my belly full and the mingling progressing, the lights dulled and the music grew louder. The fae and shifters danced, their bodies moving, grinding against each other to the beat of the drums. I watched from my spot on the sofa, a sense of envy creeping through me as I watched them let loose and enjoy themselves.

My eyes landed on a group of orcs in the corner, their jeering laughter filling the room. They were all drunk, talking amongst themselves, swapping war stories with other males not yet paired.

The music was loud and hit me in the chest. I was ready to escape the party and return to my tent for the night, when I smelled it.

The same scent that caught me the first day I was here.

I was too afraid to move, and my instincts told me to stay right where I was, as I took deep breaths.

Bassza, it was like a heavenly fairy blessing me.

I put my plate to the side and gazed around the room, too scared to move far, should I lose the scent. Before I could stand, I heard a scream, and something fell straight into my lap.

Soft pink tresses fell around me, cascading like ocean waves that seemed to defy gravity. Despite its almost weightless form, I felt an unusual force pressing against my legs, holding me firmly in place. The creature's touch hit me like a bolt of lightning, as if it possessed a power beyond my comprehension. As I looked down into the mess of hair, I couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity.

Was it an animal?

I growled and almost threw the creature off me when I heard its voice.

"I am so sorry! Sorry!" she gasped.

The voice was high in a state of distress, and my instincts went on high alert.

As I gained my control, I saw legs kicking and arms waving around my body, while she tried to regain her balance. Finally, I grabbed her around her waist and held her close to me.

Heat ran through my skin as I grabbed onto her. The lighting jolted through my chest once more. The heavy burden I carried lifted, and a euphoric groan escaped my lips.

What was this magic?

She had a delicate sprinkling of freckles across her nose and cheeks, adding youthful innocence to her appearance. The strands of pink hair cascaded down her shoulders, perfectly complementing her fair complexion. Her heart-shaped face held soft, rosy lips that formed a smile as she met my gaze. Those big blue eyes held a glimmer of curiosity. The way she looked at me, with a mixture of surprise and wonder, made the drum in my chest skip a beat, and I couldn't help but be drawn to her magnetic presence.

Her small, delicate hands were placed on my chest as she steadied herself.

Her dainty features and petite stature made her appear fragile. Despite her size, there was a sense of strength emanating from her presence. The subtle curves of her body, accentuated by her wide hips, hinted at a womanhood. Her small nips, barely noticeable, added to her youthful charm.

I could carry her around all day and do my chores, and not break a sweat. That thought became more appealing as she sat there in my lap, rubbing her sweet backside against my shaft.

I let out a low groan as my shaft filled with seed and my life force. Not once have I felt it fill on its own, without me willing it.

What magic has this female cursed me with?

"I'll just get off now," she said, still staring into my eyes.

She made an attempt to leave my lap by moving her backside down my leg, but that only fueled a primal urge to keep her with me.

I did not want to let go, and I would not let her leave.

My grip tightened around her waist, and her fingers dug into my chest. The prick of pain was welcomed with those small painted talons.

"What's your name?" I rasped, trying to keep my anger at bay. I did not want to scare this female, I just simply wanted to know who she was and why she had this effect on me.

Moon Fairy…was she?

My heart pounded in my chest like large drums, echoing into my ears. Each beat was a reminder of the fierce emotions that this female had stirred within me. Her scent… the chamomile tea! It filled my lungs, made my mouth water and my cock leak with wild desire.

She continued to struggle against my hold, her eyes growing wide with confusion. I could see the questions swirling in her mind, but I needed answers just as much as she did.

"What is your name?" I asked again, my voice low and demanding.

Her lips parted as if she was about to speak, but then they closed again. She seemed to debate whether to reveal her identity to a stranger.

"Calliope," she breathed, holding still. Her hands were still on my chest, and when she tried to remove them, I let out a grunt in protest.

She quickly placed them back.

"Good, female," I hummed in appreciation, my tense body softening. Her ocean blue eyes dilated, her long lashes brushing her cheeks when she slowly closed them and opened them again.

I took my time studying her, my shaft filling by the second. She held perfectly still as I studied the cloth she wore. The blue silk cloth clung to her curves and went up her thigh.

"What is this cloth made of?" I asked, pointing to the item with a single clawed finger. I was trying to get her to talk, to hear her voice while I studied her body.

What creature was she? She did not smell like any creature I had encountered before.

Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion before she looked down at it. "S-silk," she explained with a small smile.

I had never felt cloth this soft and smooth before. My people were simple beings, wearing only what was necessary for survival. The texture means nothing. But this dress…it seemed almost magical in its appearance. It felt like the skin of this creature.

"I like it," I said honestly, my eyes roaming over her body once again.

I like it almost as much as this female's body.

She blushed at my words and fidgeted in my lap. "Thank you," she said softly.

I couldn't help but let out a low growl at the sight of her flushed cheeks and submissive posture. My possessive instincts were roaring to life within me – this female was mine to claim.

Bassza…mine.

My hand traced up her lower back and spine. She leaned into me, her breath coming in short, steady pants. Then, I felt something between her shoulder blades, and I paused.

When I pulled back, taking in her whole view, I saw none other than wings sprouting from her back.

My mouth went slack, and disappointment flared.

A fairy or a fae.

Could this female be using magic on me?

"W-what's your name?" The innocence in her voice was captivating. It took me by surprise each time she spoke. She captivated my body, the drum in my chest, my skin, and my shaft, telling me that she was the one, that she was mine, but my mind told me another.

It could be a trick. A trick from a fae or fairy trying to see my shaft, to play and toy with me.

My expression turned to a scowl, but her bright face didn't register my change in mood.

Calliope blinked several times, while her legs swung from my lap, since they couldn't reach the ground.

Why did she have to look so tempting?

"Leave." I gritted my teeth, picked her up by her tiny waist and placed her on the ground.

She laughed. "That's a weird name. Did your parents name you that? Is it a derivative of leaf or something?" She tilted her head and put her hands behind her back, rocking back and forth on her feet. "I know a couple of elves named Leaf. You match the name Leaf better because you're green. But I think I would call you Tree, or something, because you are so huge." She continued. "Hey, do you want me to get you a cupcake? They have my favorites out," She teased.

Calliope pointed over to the dessert table, and her tiny tongue swept across her lip. My shaft leaked more, and my hand covered my pants to conceal my want.

The fairy had cast a spell on me, that's all this is.

"Sure," I ground out.

"Kay, be right back! Don't go anywhere!" She hopped off, her rounded backside making me groan, but those damn wings caught my sight, again.

She is a fairy, or a fae. I never could tell which was which when they were in their larger forms. I stood, still staring at her as she gathered a plate for each of us, but I knew what I had to do. Get away from her, get my head on straight, and away from her bewitching powers.

As I turned, I smelled the sickly-sweet scent of King Osirus, and a laughing Queen Melina come closer.

"I knew she'd come," Queen Melina skipped joyfully toward me.

Osirus steadied himself after I almost knocked him over. He brushed off his arm, and his lips curled into a smile. "Indeed, but I have to say, even I did not see this little pairing coming."