ERIK I paused before I went back into the cave, knowing that my arrival with the needle and tendon was just going to cause Tova more pain. I smiled to myself ruefully. If she had been any of my men, I would have sewn it up myself and judged them for making any sort of noise. I did have to give her credit. She has barely made a sound even though the pain must be intense. I went into the cave and saw Birgir bending over the fire, tending another pot that was starting to smell delicious. I realized he was making a soup to feed the girl and probably ourselves. I silently handed him the items he requested and then left the cave again. I began walking towards the village and I was soundlessly joined by two of my guards. Once on the outskirts of the town, I pulled the hood of my cloak up over my face. I had left my seal skin cloak back at the cave and was wearing a very modest cloak made of wool that would easily pass for one of the villagers. I looked at my guards and they unders

TOVAErik came back a few hours later bearing packages. He tossed a parcel at Birgir and then put a larger one on the pallet that I slept on. I looked at him questioningly. “A dress, cloak, and some toiletries. We are returning home in style.”“Thank you,” I said, fingering the package. He inclined his head and spoke to me softly.“I would be honored, my queen, to help you get ready.” He chuckled softly. “I am no lady in waiting, but I can help.”I looked at Birgir with a little bit of alarm, but he refused to meet my eyes, busying himself with the package that he was given. “Oh, okay,” I said in the silence. Birgir tried to hide his smile of amusement and I let out the breath I was holding, looking Erik in the face. “I would like that, your grace. I am moving slowly and raising my arms is still a little hard.”Erik suddenly got serious. “When we return to the castle you will move into my chamber and only Birgir and I will attend to you. I do not trust anyone there right n

TOVAThe forest was thick but one of the guards had commandeered a horse from a nearby farm. I was lifted up on to its bareback, sitting sideway. King Erik walked beside me, hand on the horse’s neck. Another guard led him by the rope through his halter.We trekked through the forest for about three miles before it began to thin, and we saw the beginnings of a few farms and pasture lands. The nine of us were silent; the guards were too well trained to chatter and I’m beginning to notice that King Erik prefers silence. Birgir and I had nothing to say so we went along in the quiet.I noticed that some of the villagers were coming out of their huts, standing at their doors, watching us walk into town. No one said anything, but all the men and young boys were saluting the king and the women would curtsy as we passed by. Erik moved his hand to my leg underneath the cloak and he would occasionally give my calf a light squeeze. I was confused as to what that meant.We passed through t

TOVAI stiffened a little when he put my on his lap, his large member stiff under me. I sat upright, ramrod straight, and Erik put his arms around me. “Shhh, little one,” he said, using the pet name Birgir has called me since the day he showed up at my parent’s house. “Relax. It will be okay.”I took a deep breath and let him pull me backwards so that I was leaning against him, my mangled back gently resting on his chest. He took a bar of soap from the edge of the tub and started rubbing it on my arms, making gentle circles with the fragrant soap.I let him raise my arms and clean underneath, and then circle my breasts with the soap. He grazed the bar across my nipples that responded by becoming erect. He chuckled when he saw that, his head leaning over my shoulder looking down. I snuggled further back into his chest, relaxing further.He washed my belly, and I could feel my body responding, my hips starting to move under his ministrations. He put the soap aside and reached f

ERIKI gave a nod to Birgir and he understood, standing up. Tova looked up from the map with alarm. “Are you leaving?” she asked, a quiver in her voice.Birgir looked at me with a warning look. “Yes, little one. It’s time to sleep. I will see you again tomorrow. If you are feeling up to it, I know Bo would like to see you. I will take you to the stables and ride with you if you would like.”She bit her lip and nodded. “Yes, my Keeper. I would like that.” I approved of the formal way she addressed him. He leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead, giving me a warning look that irritated me. I knew what he was wanting, but she was mine. I would do as I saw fit.Tova stood at the table, watching Birgir leave the room. We could hear the antechamber door shut and I reached out to touch Tova’s arm. She jumped but quickly composed herself.“It is time for bed,” I said. She demurred, looking down, but following me to the bedchamber.The servants had been in, draining the b