“There is no debt when he isourson. I love him too.”

He smiled. “You are a good mother to him. Better than his last one, who gave him and his brother no thought.”

“I will always try to be a good mother.”

He didn’t reply, instead he switched his attention to her other breast and carefully tweaked that nipple to hardness.

“Iamfeeling warmer.” She wriggled her toes, relieved the numbness had gone.

“I promise to always keep you warm and safe.”

“I know you will keep that promise.” She touched his beard. “I am glad you are home in Halsgrof.”

“As am I.” His questing hand slipped lower, over her belly, and to the juncture of her thighs.

“Njal,” she gasped.

“I know best how to warm you.”

She bit on her bottom lip as he slipped two fingers between her legs and found her entrance. She widened her thighs as he pushed in.

A soft moan left her throat, and she gripped the side of the tub. His fingers inside her were hot and thick, and he always touched her just how she liked. He knew her body better than she did.

“Let me give you pleasure,” he whispered, rubbing her sweet spot with his thumb.

“Oh, but…” She stared into his face. “You… you should also have…”

“No.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “I want to watch you take pleasure. See every moment of bliss on your face.”

She stared into his eyes and curled her toes. He was circling her most sensitive place—where the pressure grew—and stroking her cunny. “Aye… oh… Njal!”

He smiled and lifted a little, adjusting his position. He looked down at where his arm entered the water. Beneath the surface it was blurred as he stroked her, creating light ripples upon the water.

The air was warm and moist, fogging around them. For a moment, Tove wondered if this is also what Valhalla would be like. Calm, warm, quiet—full of love and passion.

“Take your pleasure, my queen.”

Her legs were shaking, not with cold, but with the need to reach a climax.

His rhythm was steady, firm. She relaxed into it. Her husband wouldn’t stop until she toppled into bliss, so she had no fear about being left unsatisfied.

“You’re even more beautiful with desire on your face, and in your eyes.” He smiled, his gaze not leaving hers. His breaths had picked up a little, as though excited to be watching her so closely as he touched her.

“I’m going to…” Her head grew heavy and she relaxed, laying it against the side of the tub. She closed her eyes, her lips parting. Her abdomen was taut and she was hot now, her skin tingling.

“Good,” he murmured, his lips brushing hers. “Take it, take what you need. I will always give it to you.”

“Njal,” she said on a pant. “My king.” She arched her back and her breasts rose, nipples breaching the water. The pressure was about to release, and soon bliss would claim her.

She batted open her eyes, and saw his face so close, dark pupils brimming with love, a line of concentration creasing his brow.

“It’s here…” She clutched his hard shoulder, the muscle there rippling and flexing as he worked her. “Oh, in the name of Odin… it’s here… I’m…!”

She held her breath, and not breaking eye contact savored the moment before her climax burst from her sweet spot, claiming her body.

Writhing in the water, she rode his hand, dragging his fingers deeper with the powerful spasms in her cunny. Groans tore from her throat, echoing through the damp air, competing with the sounds of the water splashing against the sides of the tub.

“I will always be here,” he said, his nose an inch from hers. “To give you everything you need.”