Saito the Orc (special preview)

Your marriage was an arranged one, and it was not a moment you were looking forward to. You had never met your future husband before the ceremony, and during the entire thing you were shaking like a leaf. Your parents had decided on this union almost at the spur of the moment. He was wealthy and came from a good family name, much like you yourself. The only thing that set him apart was the fact he was an accomplished warrior and had become a hero to Shimokobe. Your parents wanted nothing more than to be attached to that legacy.

The ceremony was terrifying for you, even though you were wearing the most beautiful dress that money could buy. Everything about the ceremony was exactly how you dreamed it as a child. Everything, except the groom. Saito was a massive and powerful man, you had always pictured yourself with someone who was an artist or writer. You were always so small in size, you had imagined yourself with someone elegant and thin. Saito was an orc, but even still, he looked to be the biggest out of his whole family.

If there was one thing about Saito that started to endear him towards you, it was that he would not touch you until you were ready. Your wedding night ended with both of you sleeping in separate rooms, which for the time was a relief. Once you moved into his home though, the worry that you’d not consummated your union crept in with every breath.

“It’s like dressing a doll, you’re so tiny.” Ichika was one of Saito’s sisters, all three of whom had taken you in like one of their own. Ichika helped you get dressed in the mornings while the others helped get food ready.

“That’s so embarrassing,” you murmured.

“Nothing wrong with that.” She smoothed down your skirt then smiled at you. “Being small and cute can be a good defense.”

I pouted, I felt more like a defenseless kitten. All this family seemed to talk about was defense, offense, battle, and war. Saito had a dojo on the grounds, and lots of eager young students who also lived in the home. Each morning they filed into the dining room for breakfast then went out into the courtyard to practice while Saito meditated inside.

“One of these days, you and Saito will have a little one learning to take up the family style,” Ichika sighed dreamily.

You watched the young students with a heavy knot in your stomach. You’d been married to Saito all this time, and still you had not been together as husband and wife should. You looked down, ashamed at your own fear and hesitance.

In the dining room Kaori and Natsuki were setting out breakfast for the family. You took a seat while Ichika poured you tea.

“Did you sleep well?” Kaori asked. She was the youngest and had taken a great liking to you.

You smiled at her. “I did, I hope you slept well too, sister.”

Kaori beamed from ear to ear, her small tusks appearing bigger. “I did! Thank you.”

Picking up your cup you inhaled, taking in the rich aroma of the tea. Then beside you, Saito’s great form appeared. He sat down beside you, bowing his head as Natsuki placed his tea before him.

“Good morning, dear brother,” the sisters all chimed.

“Good morning, sisters.” Saito looked down at you. “And to you, my bride.”

Your stomach lurched, curling into knots and stones. “Good morning,” you said as quietly as a mouse.

Saito’s long hair was down, and it was truly a marvel to behold. He never cut it, never let anyone else touch it. He claimed that cutting his hair would diminish his power, so he’d kept it long and growing since he was a young boy.

His eyes appeared golden that morning. Usually, they were like dark amber, but there was a light from within today. “You were up before me again this morning. I never even heard you move.”

“I didn’t wish to disturb you. You looked so peaceful and sweet.” He took his tea and drank slowly.

Weren’t sure what else you could say to him. You were afraid of making yourself appear foolish in front of him. He was strict with his students and expected things to go a certain way. You didn’t want to hinder his path. Although, you didn’t know what he expected from you yet.

“Can’t you have Oda take care of the class today?” Ichika spoke up as she took a seat at the table. “You’ve barely spent any time with your bride since you got married.”

Saito flinched beside you. “It is my responsibility to teach these children.”

“Doesn’t Oda also have a responsibility?” Natsuki challenged from her seat as well. Oda was her betrothed.