Erik tilted his head and took the pitcher from her hands. “Here. You look ready to wilt. The hour is late, and you’ve had a long day. Mayhap, you should find your bed.”

“But Malmury …” As tired as Keely was, Malmury had succeeded in subduing her most acute feelings of rebellion. Time would be her best weapon in fighting back. All she needed was time to learn their habits, their weaknesses.

“Answers to me. Come, I’ll escort you to my chambers.”

She stumbled. “Your chambers?”

“Ja. Where else do you propose to sleep?”

A glance about the room revealed a bevy of lecherous and inebriated men, all anxious for a tumble between the sheets. The few women remaining to serve drinks seemed quite amenable to the situation. Where did the other servants sleep? The ones unwilling to indulge in carnal activities?

“I’ll just find a corner somewhere.” Others had done the same, sprawled about the floor like limp rugs.

“Sank showed me the dream.” His voice had dropped to a husky whisper.

“Dream?” Surely not the one where she’d enjoyed a host of sinful delights with her Viking lover. The one she’d sent Sank in a fit of insanity.

He bent his head and pressed his lips against the hollow of her neck. “The dream.”

Oh God, please don’t kiss me. If I give into my desires, I’ll bind myself to you in ways I’m not yet prepared for. It’s too soon. She pulled away and shook her head, feeling the exhaustion of a full day wash over her.