"Let's see if your mind is as sharp as your tongue, hmm?" Dumitra muses, pausing to rinse the suds from my hair. "What is the sum of six and four?"

"Uh...eight?" I guess, trying to sound uncertain.

But Dumitra just tsks again, shaking her head in clear disappointment. "No no, the answer is ten, child. Repeat it - six and four makes ten."

I dutifully parrot the correct sum, even as my stomach sinks.

Dumitra arches one perfect brow, eyeing me speculatively. "Very well, let's try another. If I have three silver coins, and Erik gives me two more, how many do I possess in total?"

I open my mouth, then close it again as a fresh wave of panic washes over me. What sort of nonsensical answer can I give to properly throw her off the scent?

"...Yellow?" I blurt out at last, unable to resist a mischievous giggle.

But Dumitra simply sighs and shakes her head again, her expression one of long-suffering patience. "Child, you cannot possibly be this simple," she chides gently. "The answer is five coins. Five, do you understand? Repeat it for me now."

I dutifully mumble the correct sum, even as my cheeks burn with humiliation.

"By the gods, I fear you must have taken one too many blows to the head in your short life," Dumitra declares with a rich chuckle. "Your mind is as scattered as a startled flock of geese!"

Just then, the door to the washroom swings open and Erik strides in, his thick brows furrowing at the sight of us soaking together. "Is everything well here?" he rumbles, eyeing me with clear concern. "You're not tormenting the child overmuch, are you, Dumitra?"

"Why, not at all, good sir!" the vampiress replies with a tinkling laugh. "Though I must admit, your little bride is quite the curious creature. Her emotions seem to be all over the place - one moment she lies, the next she speaks plain truth. 'Tis most...perplexing."

Erik's frown deepens at that. "How can you even tell such a thing?" he demands gruffly.

In response, Dumitra simply taps one elegant fingernail against her delicate nose. "Over the centuries, I have become quite adept at scenting the subtle shifts in a person's emotional state," she explains calmly. "Not to mention tracking the flutters of their heartbeat, however faint."

I can't resist a shocked giggle at that, delighted by this new revelation. "But I'm not lying, I really am Aislin's daughter!" I protest with a bright smile.

To my surprise, both Erik and Dumitra simply laugh at my words, their rich peals of amusement ringing off the tiled walls.

"Oh, you precious little thing!" Dumitra chuckles, giving me an affectionate squeeze. "I do believe you shall prove to be endless entertainment for us both!"

Erik looks down at Dumitra and me nestled together in the steaming copper bath. "May I join you both?" he asks in his deep rumbling voice.

Dumitra smiles indulgently. "But of course, good sir. The waters are more than ample to accommodate your impressive frame." Her crimson lips curve in a wicked grin as she adds, "Though I make no promises about keeping my hands to myself once you're within reach..."

I can't help giggling at her playful tone, delighted by the vampiress's wicked sense of humor. Erik simply grunts and begins unlacing his breeches, letting the garment pool at his feet. My eyes widen as I look downwards. Dumitra wasn't exaggerating about his...endowments, that's for sure, porn-star sizes right there lads.

With a casual shrug, Erik steps into the tub and settles in across from us, the steaming water lapping at his muscular thighs. He reaches out and gently takes me from Dumitra's arms, cradling me against his barrel chest as he stretches out his powerful legs. I find myself nestled snugly atop one of his thick, hair-roughened thighs, the heat of his skin radiating through me.

"This life is pure bliss," Erik rumbles contentedly, leaning back with a sigh. "I could happily while away the years like this, with you two as my sole companions."

He shoots me a fond look, reaching down to ruffle my shorn curls affectionately. "Aye, and by the time our little Lile here comes of age, I'll have had eleven full summers to savor this idyllic existence before the stresses of my true purpose descend."

Dumitra arches one perfect brow at that. "You speak of returning to Norway once the girl flowers, I take it?" She lets out a thoughtful hum. "Though with a bit of luck, your sire Ragnar may have already expired from old age by then. That would certainly ease your path considerably, hmm?"

But Erik simply shakes his head, his expression hardening somewhat. "I wish that were so, my raven-haired temptress. But alas, the bloodline of Ragnar Lothbrok is not so easily extinguished. Even should the old fiend have perished, he's sure to have sired fresh spawn to carry on his mad ambitions and that accursed prophecy."

Dumitra sighs heavily at that, idly trailing her crimson-tipped nails through the steaming bathwater. "Religion," she scoffs derisively. "I grow wearier of its foul taint with every passing century, I fear."

"Now now," Erik chides gently. "The faiths themselves are not inherently evil, Dumitra. 'Tis only the most zealous adherents who corrupt and ruin such lofty ideals through their own mortal flaws and hubris."

But the vampiress simply tsks and shakes her head slowly. "You're wrong," she declares in a tone of quiet certainty. "There is no god, no matter what fanciful tales spill from the poxy mouths of priests and self-styled prophets. We are all alone in this existence, with no higher purpose or meaning save what we craft for ourselves through our own will and actions."

I can't resist widening my eyes dramatically at her words, putting on my best childlike look of innocent curiosity. "But...but what about heaven?" I ask in a small voice. "Don't good girls like me get to go there when we die?"

Dumitra regards me with an indulgent smile, clearly seeing through my act. "There is no heaven, child," she replies, her tone gentle yet implacable. "Nor is there a hell, or any other fanciful afterlife awaiting us. When our mortal shells expire, there is simply...nothing. An endless void of oblivion to which we all return, our spark of consciousness snuffed out like a candle flame."

Erik frowns deeply at that, shaking his head. "You paint an overly bleak picture, Dumitra," he rumbles. "Surely you don't truly believe existence to be so devoid of deeper meaning or purpose?"

But the vampiress simply scoffs again, tossing her raven tresses disdainfully. "I take my pleasures where I can find them in this life," she purrs, eyeing Erik with naked hunger. "For that is all the meaning or purpose we're granted - to sate our baser appetites and revel in the physical delights of the flesh while we still draw breath."

With that, she leans in and presses her full crimson lips to Erik's in a searing kiss. The big warrior seems to melt into her embrace, one calloused hand coming up to tangle in her lustrous ebony locks as he returns the passionate liplock with equal fervor.

I can't tear my gaze away from the erotic display, feeling an unexpected flare of heat blossoming in my cheeks and lower belly. Dumitra's words should disturb me, her nihilistic worldview striking a discordant chord. And yet...there's something undeniably intoxicating about her utter lack of inhibition, her willingness to seize any fleeting scrap of carnal pleasure this existence has to offer.

Perhaps she's not entirely wrong, I muse as I watch the two of them devouring each other with wanton abandon. If there truly is no deeper meaning or purpose to our lives, no cosmic plan or grand design...well then, what's left but to indulge our most primal urges and seek gratification wherever we can? The thought is as terrifying as it is perversely thrilling.

Erik finally breaks the heated kiss, letting out a breathless chuckle as he gazes at Dumitra with a mixture of amusement and admiration. "You're far sweeter than I remember from our previous encounters," he murmurs huskily. "Has living amongst these pious rustics begun softening that razor-edged wit of yours?"

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

But Dumitra simply laughs, the rich sound seeming to reverberate through the very stones around us. "Not at all," she counters with a wicked grin. "I merely...tempered my true nature while in your homeland, the better to ingratiate myself with the locals and glean what knowledge I could about Gwenhwyfar's foul machinations."

I perk up at that, unable to resist interjecting. "When were you last in Norway, Lady Dumitra?" I ask, all childlike curiosity. "And what's it like there? Is it very different from here?"

The vampiress regards me with an indulgent smile, idly trailing her crimson nails through the bathwater once more. "Why, I was last in those frozen northern lands perhaps...fifteen summers past, if my memory serves," she replies thoughtfully. "As for what the realm is like..."

Dumitra's full lips curve in a reminiscent smile as she begins speaking, her rich contralto taking on an almost hypnotic cadence.

"Imagine a harsh, unforgiving landscape of towering fjords and icy glaciers, little one," she murmurs. "Where the winters seem to stretch on endlessly, the sun's meager light filtering through banks of leaden cloud for mere hours each day. A realm of endless twilight and bitter, biting winds that can strip the flesh from one's very bones if caught unawares."

I shiver involuntarily at her vivid description, unconsciously huddling closer against Erik's solid warmth. Dumitra's crimson gaze seems to smolder even brighter as she continues.

"And yet, amidst that desolate, frozen expanse stands Kattegat - a thriving port settlement nestled in a sheltered cove, its stout wooden palisades shielding the inhabitants from the worst of winter's wrath. There, the descendants of the dreaded Ragnar Lothbrok make their den, living and dying by the old Norse ways of raid and conquest..."

I can't help tilting my head quizzically at the name "Kattegat", my brow furrowing slightly. That sounds oddly familiar, almost like...wait. Surely not. But if this Ragnar is indeed the same infamous Viking raider from that popular television series, then he's far more dangerous than any mere historical figure!

As Dumitra and Erik prattle on about religious dogma, my thoughts drift to Erik's sire, this so-called Ragnar Lothbrok. If this "Ragnar" is not merely the historical Viking warlord but the cunning, ruthless monster depicted in that modern television saga, we face a far greater threat than a mere raider.

My memory is admittedly hazy on the details, but I recall Ragnar ultimately renouncing his pagan faith before his death at the hands of the Mercian king Ælle. So why is this Ragnar so fervently obsessed with the Gullveig prophecy that he would task his bastard thrall-born son Erik with such an impossible quest? Even Erik himself seems skeptical of this mythological destiny he's been saddled with.

Not that I'm complaining, mind you. This "prophecy", however dubious, may well prove a fortuitous boon for achieving my own aims. I shall simply have to maneuver events from the shadows, steering Erik's path while allowing him to believe he follows some preordained course. The poor deluded fool will serve as a useful catspaw, blissfully unaware that I pull the strings towards my true objectives.

Dumitra gracefully rises from the steaming copper bath, her lithe form glistening with beads of water. She reaches down and scoops me up effortlessly in her deceptively strong arms. I shiver slightly as the cool air hits my damp skin.

"Come along now, little one," Dumitra purrs in that rich, melodious tone. "Let's get you dried off and back into your pretty clothes."

She carries me over to a nearby linen cabinet and retrieves a plush towel, gently patting me dry with deft, practiced motions. Once I'm sufficiently de-moistened, Dumitra helps me step back into my luxurious sapphire dress and lacy underthings, her crimson nails deftly lacing up the intricate fastenings.

"There we are," she declares with a satisfied smile, giving my shorn curls an affectionate ruffle. "All fresh and lovely once more."

Dumitra turns to Erik, who remains lounging in the steaming bath with his eyes closed in apparent bliss. "I take it you'll be soaking a while longer, good sir?" she inquires archly.

Erik lets out a rumbling chuckle without opening his eyes. "Aye, that I shall. This weary warrior means to wallow in the soothing waters a bit more before facing the day's rigors."

"Very well then," Dumitra replies, already turning away. She begins shimmying out of her own clinging silk gown, the garment pooling around her feet in a puddle of burgundy fabric.

I can't resist sneaking an admiring peek at the vampiress's flawless nude form as she bends over to retrieve her dress. God, how I wish I was a man. God damnit. Damn it all to hell! FML.

Dumitra straightens up, shooting me a sly wink as if sensing my lustful gaze. She sashays over to where Erik reclines, swaying her hips in an exaggerated fashion as she passes directly in front of him. The vampiress pauses, bending at the waist to present her ample rump mere inches from Erik's face.

But the big warrior remains oblivious, eyes still firmly shut as he soaks in the steaming bath. Dumitra lets out a disapproving tsk, shaking her head slowly. I can't help but giggle at her playful antics. Fucking lucky bastard has no idea how lucky he is, and he's ignoring her?

"Oh Erik, you're no fun at all!" Dumitra pouts in a mock-wounded tone. "And here I was hoping to tempt you into ravishing me like a proper Viking raider."

Erik simply grunts, not even cracking an eyelid. Dumitra heaves an exaggerated sigh before straightening up and sashaying back over to me.

"Come along then, little one," she murmurs, taking my hand in her cool grip. "Let's leave this dullard to his bathtime and find our own amusements, hmm?"

Dumitra leads me by the hand into the adjacent bedroom chamber. The spacious quarters are dominated by a massive four-poster bed piled high with plush furs and downy pillows. An inviting fire crackles in the hearth, casting a warm, flickering glow over the cozy space.

"So tell me, poppet," Dumitra begins, settling onto the edge of the luxurious mattress and patting the spot beside her invitingly. "What shall we do to pass the time until Erik decides to rejoin the waking world?"

I clamber up onto the soft bed, snuggling into the vampiress's side without hesitation. For some reason, I feel utterly at ease in Dumitra's presence despite her exotic, predatory allure.

"Can we play a game?" I ask brightly, widening my eyes in an expression of childlike hopefulness.

But Dumitra simply chuckles, shaking her head slowly. "Games are for children, little one. And you, I think, are far too clever to be amused by mere childish pastimes."

I can't resist pouting exaggeratedly at that. "But I am a child!" I protest with a huff.

"Are you now?" Dumitra counters, arching one perfect brow. "Then tell me, what sort of games do you enjoy playing with the other village brats?"

I open my mouth, then close it again as I realize I have no ready answer. The truth is, I've never actually played with any of the other local children beyond playing with Saoirse and that one encounter with Ciara and her little brother. My knowledge of "childish pastimes" is essentially nonexistent.

Dumitra seems to read the hesitation on my face, for she lets out another of those throaty chuckles. "I thought as much," she murmurs, giving my cheek an indulgent pat. "No, you're far too bright and inquisitive a creature to be satisfied with mere dolls and hopscotch, I'll wager."

I can't argue with her assessment, so I simply shrug and remain silent. Dumitra hums thoughtfully, eyeing me with evident amusement.

"Well then, if not games...what would you like to do instead, hmm?" she prompts silkily. "We could always engage in a bit of...intellectual discourse, if you're feeling up to the challenge?"

"Actually, I did have one question for you," I begin, trying to sound casual and childlike. "What are you going to name your babies when they're born?"

Dumitra blinks at me, clearly taken aback by the seeming non-sequitur. Then that wicked smile curves her full crimson lips once more.

"Ah, so the little one is curious about my impending brood, is she?" the vampiress purrs, eyeing me with evident delight. "Very well then, I shall indulge your query."

She leans back against the pillows, idly trailing one elegant hand over the gentle swell of her belly. "For a daughter, I'm considering the names Ioana...or perhaps Virginia, if she takes after her sire's Nordic heritage more strongly," Dumitra muses. "And for a son, I rather fancy Alexandru...or Iosif, if the babe is born under auspicious stars."

I can't resist a bright smile at her choices, giving an enthusiastic nod of approval. "Those are such cute names!" I declare with childlike sincerity. "I can't wait to play with your babies when they get bigger!"

Dumitra lets out a rich peal of laughter at that, shaking her head in amusement. Before I can react, she leans in and boops me playfully on the nose with one crimson-tipped finger.

"Is that so, little one?" she chuckles indulgently. "Well, we shall have to see if my offspring prove...amenable playmates for a curious creature such as yourself, hmm?"

I open my mouth to respond, but a sudden wave of exhaustion washes over me. I blink slowly, feeling my eyelids growing heavy as the day's excitement starts to catch up with me.

"I'm sleepy," I mumble around a jaw-cracking yawn, unable to stifle it.

Dumitra's expression softens somewhat as she regards me. "Of course you are, poppet," she murmurs, rising fluidly from the bed. "You've had quite the eventful day already."

The vampiress crosses to the nearby cedar chest and retrieves a simple white nightgown edged with delicate lace. She returns to my side and begins deftly undressing me, her cool fingers making quick work of the laces and fastenings.

I shiver slightly as Dumitra's hands ghost over my bare skin, but I don't protest or shy away. There's an almost...maternal tenderness to her touch that I find strangely comforting.

Once I'm stripped down to my bare skin, Dumitra slips the soft nightgown over my head and helps guide my arms through the sleeves. She smooths the fabric down over my slender frame, then scoops me up effortlessly once more.

Dumitra carries me the few steps to the massive bed and gently tucks me into the plush furs and downy sheets. I snuggle down into the blissful warmth and softness with a contented sigh.

The vampiress leans down, her raven tresses forming a curtain around us. I feel the ghost of her cool lips brushing my brow in a tender kiss.

"Sleep well, my little monster," Dumitra whispers, her breath caressing my ear.

I shiver at the strange endearment, though not unpleasantly. My eyelids are already drifting shut of their own accord as blessed oblivion beckons. The last thing I'm aware of is Dumitra's lithe form retreating from the bed, the vampiress's footfalls utterly silent on the hardwood floor.

Then, at last, I surrender to the warm embrace of slumber, but not before muttering, "Please keep Uncle Sean safe..." and hearing a whisper back, "I will."