Total pages in book: 138
Estimated words: 125077 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125077 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
“Come now,” Mor Astrid said, her tone brooking no argument. “Get up and follow me. The others are already bathing.”
Reluctantly, I pushed back the furs and stood, acutely aware of my nakedness. Goosebumps prickled across my skin in the cool air of the chamber. I crossed my arms over my chest, trying to preserve some small measure of modesty.
Mor Astrid’s eyes raked over my body, assessing. “Hmm,” she murmured, almost to herself. “A bit scrawny, but we’ll soon fix that. You’ll need more meat on your bones to please your Herra properly and bear strong children.”
I felt my eyes widen at her words, my mind reeling at the implications. Mor Astrid turned to Sven, her weathered face softening slightly as she addressed him. “Herra Sven, did your little thrall please you as she should?”
I felt my face burn even hotter, if that were possible. My eyes darted to Sven’s face, watching his expression intently. To my dismay, a surge of pride and affection swelled in my chest as a satisfied smile spread across his handsome features.
“Indeed she did, Mor Astrid,” Sven replied, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine. “I found her cunt, mouth, and anus very enjoyable. She takes instruction well and shows great promise.”
My heart swelled at his praise, even as a part of me recoiled at my own reaction. How could I feel proud of being used in such a way? And yet, I couldn’t deny the warmth that spread through my chest at Sven’s words, the desire to please him that seemed to grow stronger with each passing moment.
Mor Astrid nodded approvingly, her eyes once again scanning my naked form. “Good, good,” she murmured. “But there is always room for improvement.” She turned back to Sven, a glint in her eye that made me tremble. “I will make certain her body becomes even more pleasurable for you, Herra.”
My humiliation deepened as I imagined what that ‘improvement’ might entail. Would there be more whippings? More degrading acts I would be forced to perform? And how could that thought send a confusing thrill of anticipation through me?
Mor Astrid’s hand closed around my upper arm, her grip firm, but not painful. “Come along now, girl,” she said, tugging me toward the door. “It’s time for your bath.”
I cast one last glance at Sven as I was led away. His blue eyes met mine, filled with a mixture of possession and the other thing that looked almost like tenderness. Whatever it was, it made my heart ache.
As we stepped out into the cool, damp corridor, I heard the sound of splashing water and feminine voices echoing from somewhere ahead. My stomach churned with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity.
Mor Astrid’s voice cut through my swirling thoughts. “Remember, Mary,” she said, her tone stern. “This is your new life now. Embrace it, and you will find great joy in your service.”
CHAPTER 12
Mary
The sounds of splashing and female voices grew louder, and then the corridor opened up into a large, circular chamber dominated by a steaming pool of water. The air was thick with moisture, carrying the scent of herbs and salt.
My fellow bed thralls were already in the water, their naked bodies glistening in the flickering torchlight. I felt a rush of heat to my cheeks as I took in the scene before me. The pool was larger than I had expected, carved directly into the stone floor and filled with steaming water that gave off a faint herbal scent. Other pools, baths, and sinks lay around the central lagoon, some of them steaming and others apparently cool, or empty.
Around the walls of the cavern, I could see the same kind of ornate carvings that seemed to run throughout the underground complex: the gods above, and the men crouched over prostrate naked women, enjoying their possessions in poses that made me blush even harder.
As Mor Astrid urged me forward, I caught sight of Camille, her dark hair slicked back from her face as she scrubbed at her arms with a rough-looking cloth. Our eyes met for a brief moment, and I saw a paradoxical mixture of defiance and resignation in her gaze. Amélie was nearby, her pale skin flushed pink from the heat of the water. She seemed lost in thought, mechanically washing herself as if on autopilot. Sophie stood waist-deep in the water, her blonde hair piled atop her head as she massaged some kind of oil into her skin.
“In you go,” Mor Astrid said, giving me a gentle but firm push toward the edge of the pool. “Make sure to wash thoroughly. Your masters expect cleanliness from their thralls.”
I hesitated for just a moment, my last shred of modesty making me want to cover myself. But a sharp look from Mor Astrid had me quickly stepping into the water. The heat enveloped me, soothing my aching muscles and washing away the evidence of the night’s activities. I couldn’t help but let out a small sigh of relief as I sank deeper into the pool.