“I’m not hungry,” Thori said instinctively, though his stomach betrayed him with a quiet growl.
“I didn’t ask if you were hungry. I told you to sit.”
Njord’s tone brooked no argument, and despite himself, Thori found his legs carrying him to one of the fur-covered chairs. Njord took the seat opposite him and filled a plate with bread, cheese, and dried fruit.
“Eat.”
“I said I’m not—”
“And I said eat.” Njord’s voice held the same quiet authority that had made Thori kneel in the throne room. “You’re pale, and you’re trembling. You’ll eat, or I’ll feed you myself.”
The threat sent an unwelcome thrill through Thori, but he forced himself to glare.
“I’m fine.”
“You’re clearly not. You’ve been on edge since the trial. What’s bothering you?”
Are you serious?Thori wanted to say.It’s the cage, the drowning, the way you look at me like you’re going to devour me.
But he wouldn’t let Njord know that he’d gotten under his skin. So, he just tore off a piece of bread and chewed angrily.
“Nothing troubles me,” Thori lied. “I simply don’t appreciate that you tortured and killed an innocent man.”
Calling Egil innocent may have been a bit excessive, but Thori was so confused and angry that he couldn’t think straight.
“Innocent?” Njord said predictably. “Didn’t you hear the charges? Murder and the practice of forbiddenseiðr?”
“I heard them.” Thori took another bite to stall for time. “But drowning a man in a cage like an animal? That’s barbaric.”
“And what would you have done?” Njord leaned forward, watching him curiously. “How would the noble Asgardians have punished such a crime? And don’t tell me again that you’d given him the honor of the sword.”
Thori swallowed hard. Truth be told, Odin would’ve probably come up with a sentence just as cruel. Being clubbed to death by the crowd in the market? Carved up into a blood eagle if he were of noble blood? But Thori wouldn’t admit that.
“He may have been hanged from an ash tree,” he said snappishly. “But a hanging can be fast if executed properly.”
Njord studied him for a long moment, and Thori had the uncomfortable feeling that he could see right through him.
“Finish your food,” Njord finally said. “It’s late. I want to retire.”
The thought of sleep sent a chill through Thori. Would Njord make him sleep on the floor or drag him into his bed? Both options seemed equally unsettling.
Thori ate as slowly as he could get away with. But eventually the food was gone, and Njord rose and moved toward the sleeping chamber.
“Come.”
Njord didn’t wait to watch if Thori would follow him, but simply walked over to his bedchamber and started to prepare for sleep. Arrogant bastard. But despite everything, Thori couldn’t help noticing how handsome Njord was as he slipped out of his tunic, the broad expanse of his back showing the scars of countless battles.
“Well?” Njord glanced over at him. “What are you waiting for?”
Heat flooded Thori’s cheeks.
“I—I’d rather keep my clothes on if I’m going to sleep on the floor.”
Njord frowned.
“Who said anything about sleeping on the floor? SillyÁss. Strip and get in the bed.”
“But—”
