“I just?—”
“Want to get to know me, I’m sure. You play the hall like some manipulative noble lady. Be honest—are you claiming you don’t want influence?”
Eidunn is sharper than I thought. Even if I don’t wish her ill—I just want her as an ally—she has still picked up on my method of building trust.
“You win, Eidunn. I have been taken as a slave. I used to be a freewoman, a traveler at that. Sure, I want influence. I want protection.”
“Finally, some honesty.” She snorts. “Took a while.”
“Forgive me then. I never meant to be dishonest, just friendly. I never wanted to do you wrong or anythi?—”
“I know, I know. I said you seemed manipulative, not evil.”
“Well, that’s something at least,” I laugh. “So you don’t think I’m cursing the farm?”
She gives me a serious look, like she’s considering the accusation.
“I don’t,” she answers. “But Thyra does. Best hope she doesn’t convince the jarl.”
“Indeed,” I reply.
We sit for a few seconds in silence, but my mind is racing. I’m not sure whether Eidunn is with me or not. She doesn’t seem to hate me, but does she like me? Hardly. Still, it will be easier to move her from indifference to ally than from hatred.
“So,” I say, keeping my voice low. “You know my secrets, now tell me yours.”
“My secret?” She looks at me, confused, but behind her drawn eyebrows, I see a hint of worry. Of sadness.
“Yes. I can tell something is on your shoulders. I knew the first day I was here.”
She tenses visibly, hesitating for a second before turning away.
“It’s nothing.”
“I’ve been honest, now it’s your turn.”
“I told you—it’s nothing.”
“Look, I’ve seen you return to your bed, late at night, with tears in your eyes.”
“I noticedyouwere gone last night,” says Eidunn with a raised eyebrow.
Ouch. How many of the girls had noticed me leaving? Hopefully the jarl doesn’t punish all the thralls for the berries. Only me.
“And you know where I went. Now tell me where you go. It can help to share. I see how it affects you. I want to help.”
“Help?” she scoffs. “How will a thrall girl help me?”
“You said yourself that I play the hall like a manipulative noble. Who knows? Maybe I can pull some strings.”
She laughs.
“I’m not sure whether you’re optimistic or just arrogant.”
“Don’t change the subject now,” I say with a wink.
“Fine.” Her shoulders sink as she releases a long breath. I don’t interrupt her, giving her time to formulate her thoughts. She’s about to share with me. Open up.
“It’s…” she begins. I merely nod for her to continue. “I go to visit a warrior.”
