She doesn’t turn to me, keeping her face pointed at her destination.
“Going to bed,” she replies, taking a step forward.
I move quickly, blocking her path. Eidunn turns her head, again keeping only half her face visible to me. She’s hiding something. I can guess what it is. I’m worried I’m right.
“So late?”
“Fuck off, Kilda.”
She begins moving around me, but by Odin, I’m not letting her escape. I step into her space. Our chests collide.
“What the fuck, Kil?—”
I ignore her complaints, grabbing her chin and turning her face forcibly. The side of her lip is swollen, making her mouth asymmetrical and uneven. A dark bruise is spreading beneath the swelling. Eidunn, the most gorgeous girl in the valley, has been disfigured.
“Fuck’s sake, Eidunn,” I whisper.
“Leave it!” she snarls, smacking my hand away as her eyes flash in panic. Loss of honor is just another layer to the pain she carries.
“My ass, leave it. Who did this?”
“Mind your business, witch.”
“Why did he hurt you?”
Eidunn steps back, her usually beautiful features twisted in a defiant glare. She carries venom in her voice.
“Not every slave girl can speak freely without punishment.”
“Was it Njord?”
“Mind your fucking business.”
She walks around me, but I block her again.
“Tell me wha?—”
Her hand whips across my face, shocking me. A burning sensation invades my skin. If she would just let me help. Such pride has no place among friends. I keep my eyes on her, prepared to dodge the next attack.
“I just want to?—”
“Stop my walk again—I’ll fucking kill you.”
“Eidunn, I?—”
“On my honor, Kilda.”
I step out of her way, letting her stalk toward the longhouse.
Her form becomes smaller before disappearing into the thrall quarters. Poor woman. Her anger. It’s justified. Even if it’s directed at me. This has gone on long enough. None of my girls will suffer in silence. I won’t allow it.
Very well, Eidunn, you win. I will mind my own business.
But it just so happens, you are my fucking business.
CHAPTER 46
Iwoke up early. Eidunn’s situation and slap had shaken me to my core, but I slept like a baby after. It’s easier when the mind is made up, when there is no doubt. I’m making a move. I have to help my friend, my sister. I’m just not sure how to do it yet.
