Keir the Orc (special preview)

Each morning the sun rises and comes through your window. The small sun charm your mother made catches the first light and casts little rainbows all over your floor. The rooster crows, signaling the start of the day, but you’ve already been up long before, getting ready for the work day ahead.

Your family owns a small dairy farm at the edge of Obresh. Each morning you got out to check on the cows, let them out to graze, and then check to see if the chicken coop has any eggs. Day in day out the routine is the same.

“Good morning, lass.”

You stop in your tracks, looking towards the supply shed where the door was open. It closed, revealing your father’s assistant Keir. The tall orc already had mud on his knees and was taking out the pitch fork to clean the cow’s stable.

You curtly nodded your head at him. “Good morning.” You kept walking towards the barn.

“I already went ahead and led the cows out,” Keir said. He pushed back the brim of his hat enough you could see his golden eyes.

You frowned a bit at him. “You know I like to tell them good morning, Keir,” you fussed. You stepped back towards him. “I’ve known all those cows since they were calves.”

Keir smirked. “You seem to forget that I’ve known them just as long, lass.”

It was a struggle to hold back your scowl. “Stick to your given tasks, Keir, and I will stick to mine.”

Keir tilted his head to the side and his long braid became dislodged from under his hat. “I heard that suitor of yours was coming by today. Didn’t want you working too hard when he showed up.”

Your face turned bright red in an instant. Your eyes darted side to side and you clutched your hand around the base of your neck. “That’s none of your concern.”

“Can’t help it if your father tells me about it.” Keir said with a chuckle.

Your frown deepened. “He likes to complain. I doubt I could find anyone good enough for him.”

Keir shrugged. “I don’t want to say much else to make you mad, lass.”

“What else would you say then?” You stomped closer to him. “Nate is a fine boy.”

He bit back a laugh, stifling it but rubbing his rugged chin. “A boy, is he?”

You shoved Keir’s arm, making him laugh in response. “He’s good, has a mind of business, and could help the farm.”

“Is that all?” Keir’s gaze ran over your face before he shook his head.

You kicked the dirt and lowered your eyes. “Love comes with time. Like with my parents. Their marriage was arranged, but they love each other now.”

“Perhaps you will get lucky,” Keir murmured. “That’s all I’ll say on the matter. I won’t go any further.” He walked towards the stables with the pitchfork over his shoulder. You frowned after him, taking in his broad back and firm rear. You noticed his pants were split and you quickly looked away.

“He probably doesn’t even notice.” You slung open the door to the chicken coop. “I’ll have to tell him. Can’t have my father’s own assistant walking around with split pants like that.” You grumbled under your breath the entire time you searched for eggs.

Glancing aside you saw Keir hefting out dirty straw from the stable. He had taken off his shirt, and only his suspenders covered his upper body. The morning was cool, you thought, but working hard in the stable could make any soul work up a sweat. Your eyes lingered on a glistening bead that trailed down from his neck, between his large chest, and into the trail of curls on his stomach.