Page 3 of Hungry Like a Wolf
“I am intrigued.” She swiped her tongue over her lips and smiled at him, tipping her head so her hair fell over her right shoulder.
“Oh, but…” He frowned, knowing he’d raised her hopes. “I am not going to make you my queen. Do not think that, Helga.”
A flash of disappointment crossed her eyes and she quickly looked away, staring at the fire.
“I am sorry.” He was only half sorry because she might as well know she wasn’t queen material. He had no intention of ever marrying Helga despite their closeness.
“It is your prerogative as king,” she said, “to choose a wife. A wife you think will make a wise and brave queen and if that is not me, then I understand. My blood is not royal and if it is the gods’ bidding that it never is, I will accept my destiny.”
“Mmm.” He hesitated, trying to think what Haakon might say in this situation. He was much better with words that dealt with emotions. “I know you’ve held my hand and wiped my tears these last months, and I thank you.”
She huffed out a breath. “I have never seen a tear, Your Grace, and I’ve held your cock as much as your hand.”
He shrugged. Perhaps sentiment didn’t suit him, after all. “That is probably true.”
“It is how I have seen it.” She took a drink then leaned forward and tore off a piece of bread. “How is Thormod today?”
“He has cried for his mother. His tears seem endless.”
“Poor little thing.” She looked into the quiet shadows. “It will take time; that is what heals.”
“But if that is the case, I fear he will forget her eventually. I fear I will too.” He frowned and summoned Siggy’s pretty face with her eyes as blue as a summer’s day and her lips soft and kissable and always ready to smile. He’d been a lucky man.
But she was gone now.
The same as everyone else.
“The gods have been harsh to you, but you still have your son—you must be thankful for that,” Helga said softly.
“I am.” He pressed his hand to his heart. “But he reminds me of everything I have lost.”
She finished her food and drink and slipped to the floor at his side, legs folded and her hands on his thighs. She looked up at him, the light from the flames dancing on her face. “Some things that are lost can be found.” She studied his eyes. “Is that what your new plan is? To go looking…for them?”
He laughed, not with much humor, but at least it was a change from scowling. “How is it you know me so well?”
“I have known you since we were each no taller than a goat and our pleasures came from poking at the fish in the creek, gathering smooth stones from the beach, and tormenting the frogs when they leaped from the spring water beside the well.”
“Ja, we have been there for each other for many summers and winters. You should know that I will not desert you or my people for long. I wish for health and prosperity and new trading routes and partners.”
“That is good to hear.” She nodded and then tipped her head, studied him. “We have been there for each other even more so this winter.”
He took a sip of his drink and listened to a roll of thunder in the distance. It was true. Helga had been a comfort to him since he’d lost Siggy. She always seemed to be there when his mood was nudging toward black. “Our pleasures are different now we are no longer children.”
“They are, Your Grace.”
He watched her mouth moving as she spoke.
“Would you like pleasure now?” She glanced downward, at his lap, as though seeing his cock through his clothing.
He swallowed as a rush of heat went to his groin. “Ja.”
“Then let me give it to you.” She ran her palms up his thighs and tickled her fingers over him, stroking his now-stiffening cock.
Her mouth on him would be a balm for his pain and a welcome distraction from his grief. “Even though I will not make you queen?” He stroked her hair. “You still…?”
“Ja, for I am here to serve you, my king, and help you in any way I can.” She pulled at his pants.
He lifted up so she could free his cock.
