“I think it’s wonderful,” she said.
Zulka the Proud appeared from the kitchen carrying a tray laden with pastries. Her dreadlocks were tied back with a green ribbon that matched the decorations. She set the tray on the table and stood back with her hands on her hips, surveying the room with satisfaction.
“The cake is almost ready,” she announced.
From her chair, Audrey watched her friends fuss over every little detail.
The house looked different from a year ago. The shelves that had once held only books in orc language now displayed a whole collection of English classics. Woven rugs covered the floor, colorful curtains hung at the windows, and framed drawings decorated the walls.
She caught Angela’s eye and smiled. Raknar the Steadfast had been the first to go to the institute. He’d returned with Angela, clearly smitten despite his usual stoic nature. Hokran the Distant had followed just weeks later, bringing back Mina. Both women had adapted to horde life with grace, and Audrey had found genuine friendship with them over the months.
There was a sharp knock at the door, and everyone paused.
Brumis the Bold stepped inside, her expression somewhere between reluctant and curious. She held a gift wrapped in rough brown paper, the corners folded haphazardly and held together with too much twine.
“The captain made me come,” she said gruffly, standing just inside the doorway. “I didn’t want to.”
Audrey met her eyes and saw the lie for what it was. Brumis was interested, even if she wouldn’t admit it. The orc warrior’s gaze traveled around the decorated room, taking in the twisted streamers, the balloons, and the table covered in cheerful decorations.
“Well, you’re here now,” Shauna said brightly, crossing the room to take Brumis by the arm. “So, you might as well help.”
Brumis resisted for a moment, but Shauna was persistent. She dragged the tall orc further into the room and thrust a handful of streamers into her hands.
“Hang these,” she instructed. “And make them twisted like Varka is doing.”
Brumis grumbled something under her breath but started working.
The room filled with chatter and laughter as the women worked together. Dorsha finished with the balloons and started tying them in clusters, hanging them from the ceiling beams alongside the streamers. Angela helped her, standing on her toes to reach the hooks.
“What games are played at baby showers?” Maika asked. “Natalie mentioned games earlier.”
“There are a few traditional ones,” Audrey said. “Like cutting a piece of string to match how big around you think the mother’s belly is, then measuring her actual belly to see who was closest. Or being blindfolded and tasting different foods to guess what they are, or choosing a word that no one is allowed to say for the whole party, and whoever says it has to do a penalty.”
The orc females looked at each other, then burst out laughing. Audrey laughed, too. She knew how ridiculous it all was. A year ago, she wouldn’t have imagined herself talking about baby shower games.
Audrey was reaching for her teacup again when the front door opened and Morgath poked his head inside. His eyes swept theroom, taking in the decorations, and his expression shifted to something between confusion and amusement.
“Is everything all right?” he asked, his gaze landing on Audrey. “I heard a lot of noise and wanted to make sure you didn’t need anything.”
“We’re fine,” Audrey said, waving him away with her free hand. “This is a female gathering. You’re not supposed to be here.”
Shauna marched over to the door and shooed him back outside.
“You can’t hear what we’re talking about,” she said. “It’s against the rules.”
“What rules?”
“Baby shower rules,” Natalie called from across the room. “Now go away.”
He shook his head, baffled, but backed out.
“I’ll be at the diner if you need me,” he said. “Call for me if anything happens.”
“I will,” Audrey promised.
Zulka brought out a magnificent cake. It was three layers tall, covered in frosting that had been dyed a pale green. Delicate flowers decorated the top and sides, their petals so detailed they looked almost real. She set the cake on the table with pride.
“This is beautiful,” Audrey said. “You made this?”
