Page 22 of Her Viking Master

Völva. He had said that before, without explaining it. I opened my mouth to ask, but Sven placed a finger against my lips, silencing me.

“All will be explained in time,” he said. “For now, you must attend the morning bath with your new sisters. After that, and your first class, we will break our fast.”

Sven turned away, and I realized he had picked up his handheld, the shiny device seeming very out of place in his primitive subterranean ‘house.’

“I’m callingMorAstrid to come collect you,” he told me, glancing back over his shoulder.

“MorAstrid?” I asked, apprehension crawling through my belly. “Who is… who’s that?”

“MorAstrid is the crone who supervises our bed thralls. You will obey her as you would me.”

I felt my forehead crease hard, my lips parted with unspoken questions. Before I could form any of them into words, though, a sharp knock sounded at the wooden door.

“HerraSven?” I heard a woman’s voice say. “Is your little thrall ready?”

I swallowed hard, looking at Sven’s handsome face. Surely he would say no, that I would be allowed to put some clothes on, or go to the toilet, or…

“Yes,Mor,” Sven said. “You may come in and get her.”

I gasped as the door swung open, instinctively pulling the furs up to cover my naked body. An older woman entered, her steel-gray hair pulled back in a severe braid. She wore a long, dark dress with intricate Norse embroidery along the hem and sleeves. The contrast between her conservative attire and my own nudity made my cheeks burn with shame.

“Herra,” I whispered, turning to Sven with pleading eyes. “May I… may I at least put on a robe?”

Before Sven could answer, the woman—MorAstrid, I assumed—clicked her tongue disapprovingly. “Don’t be foolish, girl,” she said, her voice stern, but not unkind. “You have no need for such modesty now. Your body belongs to yourHerraand to the Sons of Odin.”

I felt my face grow even hotter, if that were possible. My gaze dropped to the floor, unable to meet either Sven’s orMorAstrid’s eyes. As I did so, I noticed something that made my breath catch in my throat—a long, supple leather strap hanging fromMorAstrid’s belt. The sight of it sent a shiver of fear through me, memories of the whipping I’d received on the longship still fresh in my mind.

“Come now,”MorAstrid said, her tone brooking no argument. “Get up and follow me. The others are already bathing.”

Reluctantly, I pushed back the furs and stood, acutely aware of my nakedness. Goosebumps prickled across my skin in the cool air of the chamber. I crossed my arms over my chest, trying to preserve some small measure of modesty.

MorAstrid’s eyes raked over my body, assessing. “Hmm,” she murmured, almost to herself. “A bit scrawny, but we’ll soon fix that. You’ll need more meat on your bones to please yourHerraproperly and bear strong children.”

I felt my eyes widen at her words, my mind reeling at the implications.MorAstrid turned to Sven, her weathered face softening slightly as she addressed him. “HerraSven, did your little thrall please you as she should?”

I felt my face burn even hotter, if that were possible. My eyes darted to Sven’s face, watching his expression intently. To my dismay, a surge of pride and affection swelled in my chest as a satisfied smile spread across his handsome features.

“Indeed she did,MorAstrid,” Sven replied, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine. “I found her cunt, mouth, and anus very enjoyable. She takes instruction well and shows great promise.”

My heart swelled at his praise, even as a part of me recoiled at my own reaction. How could I feel proud of being used in such a way? And yet, I couldn’t deny the warmth that spread through my chest at Sven’s words, the desire to please him that seemed to grow stronger with each passing moment.

MorAstrid nodded approvingly, her eyes once again scanning my naked form. “Good, good,” she murmured. “But there is always room for improvement.” She turned back to Sven, a glint in her eye that made me tremble. “I will make certain her body becomes even more pleasurable for you,Herra.”

My humiliation deepened as I imagined what that ‘improvement’ might entail. Would there be more whippings? More degrading acts I would be forced to perform? And how could that thought send a confusing thrill of anticipation through me?

MorAstrid’s hand closed around my upper arm, her grip firm, but not painful. “Come along now, girl,” she said, tugging me toward the door. “It’s time for your bath.”

I cast one last glance at Sven as I was led away. His blue eyes met mine, filled with a mixture of possession and the other thing that looked almost like tenderness. Whatever it was, it made my heart ache.

As we stepped out into the cool, damp corridor, I heard the sound of splashing water and feminine voices echoing from somewhere ahead. My stomach churned with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity.

MorAstrid’s voice cut through my swirling thoughts. “Remember, Mary,” she said, her tone stern. “This is your new life now. Embrace it, and you will find great joy in your service.”

CHAPTER12

Mary

The sounds of splashing and female voices grew louder, and then the corridor opened up into a large, circular chamber dominated by a steaming pool of water. The air was thick with moisture, carrying the scent of herbs and salt.

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