Brenna's POV

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 had only 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.

After Paige had collapsed in the Great Hall, my mind and body were at a standstill. I forced my legs to move forward. I couldn't keep standing there like a stone. It would only draw more attention to my dismay.

My legs felt wobbly as they moved forward. I had to get out of here. I made my way back to the kitchen and leaned against the counter. My chest heaved with panic. I felt a hand rest on my back. I nearly jump out of my skin at the sensation.

"Are you alright, dear? You look a bit pale." Helena said with concern.

I took a few more moments to breathe. I was on edge and frazzled. I struggled to think of an excuse to explain my behavior.

"I'm just not feeling well," I said breathlessly. I was nearly hyperventilating.

She looked at me for a moment. Did she not believe me? I probably looked insane right now.

"Is it your stomach?" She questioned.

I nodded in agreement hoping she'd accept my answer. I pressed my palms more firmly into the edge of the counter. It wasn't necessarily a lie. I felt like I could vomit right now.

"Oh, you poor thing. It doesn't surprise me. There has been a sickness going around lately."

She led me to a seat near the fireplace; and placed a cup of water in my hands. Then, She went over to the cupboards and began digging. She pulled out a jar of crushed ginger and dried peppermint leaves.

"You might as well wait here until this has perked." She said.

I felt terrible that she was going out of her way, but I couldn't tell her what was actually wrong. She poured the concoction into a porcelain teacup and exchanged it for the cup of water in my hands.

"Here, drink this. It should help some."

I did as she asked. Once I swallowed the last of it, she took me by the arm and guided me to my bed chambers.

"Get some rest, dear. I don't want you in the kitchen tomorrow if you aren't feeling well."

"Thank you, Helena," I replied.

After Helena was gone, I paced back and forth through the room. What am I going to do; What could I do? How would I find out for sure? I can't just walk about the castle, asking people without making a fool of myself.

I'm sure everyone knows what happened, and it wouldn't look good on my behalf to seem so obsessed over this woman. Nonetheless, I needed to know. While spending more time with the Orruk, I learned they have one very sacred rule.

They always, always marry the mother of their child. They were loyal to their wives because they saw childbirth as revered and praised women for creating their children. When a woman became pregnant by an Orc, everything would change for him. He'd give his whole entirety to her. If Paige is pregnant, Jasper will marry her.

~The Next Morning

I was up all night pacing around the room, creating a plan. I had an idea, but I wasn't sure if it would work. There was a good chance Paige would see right through it, so I was finding it hard to work up the courage to act.

I envisioned Jasper coming home to find her pregnant. He would never give me a second glance. I wouldn't hold it against him, but that would be the end of his feelings for me, and I still hadn't thought through mine. I needed to know the truth now. If she is pregnant, at least I won't be taken by surprise when he comes home.

I forced myself to get dressed. I needed to get to the kitchen before any of the servant girls had the chance to visit Paige. I also needed to get there before Helena. She'd surely make me go back to my room if she saw me right now.

I made it down to the kitchen. Thankfully Helena wasn't there yet. I went to the cupboard and found the ginger and peppermint that Helena used last night. I set up the kettle and lit the hearth to remake the brew she gave me when I lied about my stomach.

I planned to go to Paige's room and say Helena sent me with medicine. While it perked over the fire, I read through the log book. The servant girls and Helena used this log to track their chores and keep a list of room assignments. I found Paige's name and memorized which room she stays in.

Just then, I heard the kitchen door open. Helena was standing in the doorway with a concerned look on her face.

"Oh my goodness, you look terrible!"

I gave her a weak smile. I was relieved that she didn't suspect I was up to something.

"You may need to visit the healer, dear."

"No, that's alright. I just came down to make another cup of the brew you gave me last night. I will go lie down for a little while after." I lied.

"Well, let me take you back to your room at the very least."

Gods, I needed to get to Paige quick before the servants did, or my story won't be as believable. I couldn't turn down Helena's offer either. I had to agree and hope I could still get to her room first.

Once Helena accompanied me back to my room, I waited for a few minutes until I knew she was far enough away. Thankfully she didn't talk long because she had work to do.

I pressed my ear against the door and listened to make sure she was gone. Cup in hand, I pushed the door open and headed to find Paige.