Dinah provides a momentary distraction, pouncing on a toy mouse and tumbling across the floor. We both laugh. “Good morning baby kitty,” Anna croons, picking up the tiny ball of fur and giving her hugs and kisses.
The tension eases slightly. But the want remains. Building. Simmering. Getting harder to ignore every single day.
I’m gathering eggs from the basket when there’s a knock on the door. I can hear them chatting outside. I freeze. “They’re here,” I say, looking at Anna.
Her eyes go wide. “Your parents? Now?”
I cross to the door, very aware that I haven’t started cooking yet. That the ingredients are just spread out on the counter. Anna is sitting at my kitchen table in that teal sweater looking absolutely edible and my parents are about to meet her for the first time.
I open the door.
My father stands there, massive even by orc standards. Silver streaking his black hair, horns scarred from decades of hunting, carrying gear over his shoulder. He’s travel-worn but powerful. “Son,” he greets, gruff as always.
Beside him, my mother. Maggie Irontree, human, fifty-something, grey streaking her brown hair. She’s been with orcs long enough that nothing intimidates her. Including barging into her son’s cabin unannounced.
She barely glances at me. “Where is she?” My mother demands, sweeping past me into the cabin.
I’m slightly offended. No hug for her only son?
Father chuckles at my expression as he follows her inside.
Mother spots Anna immediately, sitting at the kitchen table. She beelines straight for her.
“Oh, you’re beautiful!” she exclaims. “And look at those colors! That teal is gorgeous on you!”
She pulls Anna into a hug before my female can even stand. Anna looks startled but pleased.
“I’m Maggie. Keric’s mother. So glad to finally meet you!”
“It’s nice to meet you too,” Anna manages.
“We’ve been waiting years for Keric to find a Bride,” Mother continues, not letting go of Anna’s hands. “Years. I’d almost given up hope. And now here you are!”
“Oh, we’re not—I mean—” Anna tries.
“Nonsense. You’re living with my son. You’re his Bride.” Mother waves this away like it’s already settled.
“Mother—” I attempt to interject.
“Hush. Let me meet her properly.” Mother sits down right next to Anna, completely focused on her.
My father approaches more slowly and nods respectfully to Anna. “Anna Lee. Heard about your situation.” His voice is deep, authoritative. “It’s good that you came to the commune. You’re safe here. My son will protect you.”
The certainty in his tone seems to ease some of Anna’s nervousness. “Thank you,” she says quietly. “That means a lot.”
“Would you like to stay for breakfast?” Anna gestures to the kitchen, where ingredients are clearly visible but nothing’s cooking yet. “We were just about to start.”
I could kiss her for that invitation. My Bride is a kind human with perfect instincts.
A huge smile lights up my mother’s face. “We’d love to stay and eat with you. Wouldn’t we, Cadoc?”
Father nods. “Been traveling since dawn. Food sounds good.”
Mother immediately launches into questions, leading Anna into the small living area. “Where are you from? What do you do? Do you like the commune? Have you met the other Brides?” She barely gives Anna time to answer, just keeps asking, delighted to finally have a potential daughter-in-law to interrogate.
My father notices the ingredients spread out. “Need help with breakfast, son?”
The subtext is clear: he doesn’t think I can cook properly and wants to make sure the food is actually edible. I’m slightly offended but also appreciate the help. “Yes, thanks.”
