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I tug at the shirt Odin let me borrow as we enter the penthouse. It doesn’t quite fit and I’m afraid I’m going to run into someone and have to explain myself. Luckily, there’s not a soul in sight. He goes to the left, toward his bedroom, and I go to the right, toward mine, closing the door behind me. It's strange how at ease I feel in this space versus how I felt at Grandmama’s house.
Shaking my head, I undress and pad to the bathroom so I can shower. When I’m finished, I feel a hundred times better. I take my time blow-drying my hair, letting it hang freely down my back. I then rub some of my favorite lotion over my skin. I smile when I see bruises that look like fingertips on my hip. Looks like Odin got a bit carried away, but I’m not mad about it.
In my room, I change into a loose-fitting t-shirt and shorts, even though it’s freezing outside. Grabbing a book to read from my dresser, I climb onto my bed and open to the first page. I’ve read this book before but love it so much that it’s become a comfort read.
I’m halfway through when Mother walks into my room without knocking.
“God, this room is drab, but I suppose it’s fitting for you.”
I put the book I’m reading aside. “Did you need something?”
“Yes. Odin is sending me to Rome since the honeymoon was cut short.”
Dread coils deep inside of me. God, the last time we were in Rome, she beat the crap out of me, and I had to stay hidden for weeks while my face healed just because she said I embarrassed her in front of her friends. I used to love Italy, but not anymore.
I have to clear my throat twice before I can speak. “When do we leave?”
“We? There is no we. Odin is sending me, though I have asked Mother and some of my sisters to join me.”
“What am I supposed to do, then?”
“Odin said it would be fine for you to stay here.” Her nose lifts. “For the life of me, I can’t figure out why he’s nice to you.”
I’m torn. Part of me wants to stay, but the other side knows this is ultimately a bad idea.
“Could I stay with Aunt Ayra?”
“Ayra is coming with me to Rome. Even if she wasn’t, I wouldn’t allow you to stay at her house.” She sniffs. “Ayra can’t manage her own children, much less you.”
“How long will you be gone?”
“At least a month.”
“A month,” I echo.
Her lips thin. “I don’t have to explain myself to you, Anna.”
“Of course not. I’m just surprised, that’s all.”
“Maybe one day you’ll find someone who will spoil you in such a way, though I find it unlikely.” She gestures toward me. “No man wants to come home to something like that. Perhaps while I’m gone, you will learn to take better care of yourself.”
“Yes, Mother.”
She turns, leaving me to stew. Why did Odin plan a trip for her? My body heats. I have an idea or two, but that doesn’t make it right.
I stay in my room until it’s late enough that I’m sure Mother is asleep. Slipping across the hallway, I open the door to the hidden staircase. Odin might not be up there, but I have to check.
Odin’s room is dark, but I can see the ember of his cigar as he inhales.
“Well, this is quite the surprise.”
I climb onto the bed, snuggling against him. He pulls me close, kissing the top of my head.
“Mother told me about her trip.” I look up at him. “A month?”
“I figured it would be enough time for us to get whatever this is out of our system.”
I don’t know what I expected him to say, but that’s not it. I want to ask him what happens if a month isn’t long enough, but I’m scared to hear his answer.
