“Is it still the same?”
“I’m a slave, Kilda.”
“So am I.”
“You’re a Volva.”
“Yes, but?—”
“I like you, but please stay out of it.”
“I only want to help.”
“Help? What will you do? Challenge him to a duel?”
“As you say, I am Volva. Perhaps I can use my position.”
“Tell the jarl, perhaps? So he knows of my dishonor?”
“You’re being abused, Eidunn.”
“A man won’t think that way. He will claim I just regret being easy to bed.”
“Thyra then.”
Eidunn laughs, a dry, tired sound.
“It’s complicated. Thyra wouldn’t give a fuck, especially if it came from you.”
“Then tell her yourself.”
My new friend’s brow furrows.
“You don’t think I’ve thought of that?”
“I don’t know, I just?—”
“You just, you just… you just stay the fuck out of it, Kilda.”
She moves to the door, choosing flight over confrontation. I can’t imagine the pressure she is under. The shame of being made a victim.
“Please, don’t go,” I beg.
She stops without turning. Her heavy breathing fills the silence.
“Please, Eidunn,” I continue. “I’m sorry. I want you to be happy.”
“Fine. I know, but not everything is so simple. Not everything is easy to solve.”
“I won’t mention it again. I promise. Let’s relax a little and talk about something else. Eat.”
“I have duties to attend to, and you have a meeting with the jarl. He’s probably waiting already.”
I grab Eidunn’s arm and turn her toward me. I have to look up to meet her eyes.
“Thank you for your care, Eidunn,” I say, pulling her into a firm hug.
At first, she stands rigid, but when I don’t let go, she relaxes and folds her arms around my back.
