Brenna's POV

Another week had gone by as I continued helping out in the kitchen. As much as I hated bringing food to Great Hall, I didn't complain. The food and drink needed to be replenished more frequently than usual this week because a company of Orc came back from the battlefield to rest.

Helena became overrun in the kitchen, so I did my best to help. I'd hoped I would hear word on Jasper since more Orcs were back. I desperately needed to know if he was okay, but I heard nothing.

All I could do was continue to work and try to get my mind off him, but I was getting restless. I felt my life had gone stagnant these past few weeks. When I wasn't helping out, I was in my room. The anger I had felt was dissipating. I just wanted to curl up next to him again and feel safe and wanted.

I picked up a tray of ribs and went through the kitchen doors to the Great Hall. Orc get-togethers were much different than human get-togethers. They were full of loud music, drunken dancing, fighting, and what they call "fucking".

As usual, a few guys were on top of a banquet table stomping, chanting, and singing with pints in their hands. I watched for a minute, but a crash brought me back to reality. A brawl broke out nearby.

From what I could tell, they were only roughhousing. It was mostly a show of strength, so I went about my business. The ones who weren't knocking heads were eating and drinking with a woman in their lap.

Many of the men were married and loyal to their wives. The married men didn't partake in other women, but I can't say the same for the younger Orcs. Even if they had a love interest, they still messed around with the entertainers until his woman promised herself to him.

I thought custom was repugnant. However, knowing this made me understand Jasper's behavior a little. Once I sat the meat out, I headed towards the commotion. I was sure there was a mess to clean up.

It felt so surreal to be cleaning up after Orcs. Who'd have guessed this would be my life? Honestly, I wasn't mad about it either. I wasn't used to being treated equally. I didn't feel like all eyes were on me, waiting to see me slip up. I had to admit I felt like I was running in circles. 

I was growing bored. I had gotten so used to living for my father's image, but now that wasn't the case. I didn't know what to do with myself, and I was waiting all day every week to hear news on Jasper.

I found the source of the noise. When a few of the younger Orcs had tussled a moment ago, they knocked over some mugs. I pulled a rag from my apron to soak up the ale. As I leaned over the table, a strong arm went around my waist. Before I knew what was happening, they hoisted me onto their broad shoulder.

"Here we go." I thought.

I wasn't keeping count, but I think this was the fifth time it happened to me. Sometimes the whole lot of them get so riled up and singing that they all join in with the singing and scoop up the closet woman to them.

I was always a little embarrassed and startled when it happened, but I'd gotten used to it. The warriors were all having a good time and happy to be home. The first time one of them scooped me up, I almost beat him. I laughed to myself thinking about it.

Before he put me down, something caught my eye. It was Paige. I hadn't seen her in a few nights, which was abnormal. The whole time I've worked in the kitchen, she's always been here every night, always at the same time. For two days now, she was nowhere to be seen.

There was something off about her. I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Her face looked pale. Just as my feet touched the floor, she fainted and hit the floor. Everyone in the Great Hall gasped. Then, there was a period of silence as other women rushed over to her.

I walked toward her but didn't get there before she opened her eyes. She'd probably not want me near her. Nonetheless, I was concerned. The women surrounding her asked if she was okay. One of them placed a cup of water in her hands.

I couldn't hear what she was saying back to them. I wasn't close enough, and she spoke too softly. Then, she placed her hand on her stomach. Some of the women's faces grew more concerned.

A sick feeling crawled into the pit of my stomach. It hadn't occurred to me before. I was taught intimacy with a man was used for one thing. It only had one purpose; I swallowed hard. I could feel my hands getting clammy. My back began to sweat.

Was it possible that Paige was pregnant? How would I find out? I can't just walk up to her and ask.

More thoughts raced through my mind. I didn't know what to do.