Read [Queen of Orcs 01] - King's Property for Free Online Page B

trouble.”
    “So?”
    Kol shook his head. “With that attitude you won’t last long.”
    “So I should become a whore? I’d sooner die.”
    “You need do neither. Just don’t provoke the men.”
    “And let them abuse me?”
    “If they try, tell them you’re my woman. They’ll stop.”
    Dar stiffened. “ Your woman?”
    “Yes.”
    “So you’re claiming me, as if I were plunder.”
    “No,” replied Kol. “I’m offering my protection.”
    “Why?”
    “Out of kindness,” replied Kol. He smiled. “Is that so surprising?”
    Dar thought it was. She studied Murdant Kol’s face, trying to divine the reason for his smile, but his pale eyes offered no hint.

 
    Six

    After Kol departed, Dar headed to the cooking site. Passing the women’s tent, she paused to peer inside. It was empty. Dar was tired after a troubled sleep, and the temptation to rest was irresistible. She slipped inside and lay down on the straw. I’ve done everything I’ve been told. If Neffa wants me, she can find me.
    Not long afterward, Neffa did just that and woke Dar with a kick. Dar avoided a second one only by springing to her feet. “Lazy sow!” yelled Neffa. “There’s no rest while the sun shines!”
    Dar suppressed the urge to kick Neffa back. “What would you have me do?”
    “Roast and pound grain,” said Neffa. “And when you’re done with that, I’ll give you other work. Next time I catch you napping, I’ll tell a murdant. He’ll have you whipped. Understand?”
    “Yes,” said Dar.
    Dar joined the women who were roasting and pounding the camp’s entire store of grain in preparation for the march. Loral was there, and she helped Dar get set up. Each kettle of grain took a long time to process, and even Dar’s work-hardened hands were blistered by the fifth batch. Dulled by the monotony of her work, she was caught off guard by the soldier. He seized her from behind, pinioning her arms. Then he lifted and swung her around. When Dar’s feet touched the ground again, she was facing Varf. Another soldier grabbed her ankles. Dar struggled to break free, but the two men held her fast.
    “Hello, birdie,” said Varf. “Remember me?”
    “Yes,” said Dar. Then, swallowing her pride, she added, “I’m sorry about this morning.”
    “Not sorry enough.” said Varf. He scanned the fire pit and pulled out a large stick. Its tip smoldered. “That porridge burned.” Varf blew on the stick until its end glowed orange.
    Dar glanced about frantically. The other women had stopped working. Their nervous stillness reminded Dar of fawns frozen by a hunter’s approach. Some nearby soldiers looked on, also. They appeared amused. “What are you going to do?” she asked.
    “Give you something to remember me by,” replied Varf. He bent down and lifted the hem of Dar’s shift.
    “I’m Kol’s woman!” blurted Dar.
    Varf stopped. “What?”
    “I’m Murdant Kol’s woman. He told me to say that.”
    The soldier holding Dar’s arms eased his grip slightly. “Varf…” he said in a cautionary tone.
    “She’s bluffing,” said Varf.
    “What if she’s not?” asked the other soldier.
    Varf stared into Dar’s eyes, then tossed the stick away. “Then I’d say she’s jumped from the pot to the fire.” He spit, hitting Dar’s foot. “Come on, men, the bitch learned her lesson.”
    The soldiers released Dar and retreated with Varf. She stood alone, feeling only partly relieved, for the expressions of the women made her uneasy. Dar hadn’t planned to say that she was Kol’s woman, and she feared the words that had saved her would have other consequences. As she pondered her situation, the women gradually resumed their work until only Loral glared at her. “That didn’t take long,” she said in a cold tone.
    “What do you mean?” asked Dar.
    Loral turned away without answering.
     
    Dar worked into the late afternoon surrounded by women, yet apart from them. Loral had ceased speaking to her, while the others