“So, what I found out was that even if Surtur marries this other chick…”
“Oh great. Fire giants practice polygamy, don’t they.”
I nodded. “Yup. The one I talked to thought it was really odd that we don’t. I mean, we’re not talking full blown harems here, but having two or three wives…apparently isn’t considered abnormal at all, especially if you’re rich.”
Kanesha considered that. “I wouldn’t mind sharing,” she said, mischievously.
“Hey, don’t you dare make any bisexual threesome jokes.”
“Look. We both know…” She tailed off.
“I don’t want you to be some kind of concubine.”
She rolled her eyes. “Have you ever asked me about that? I don’t mind sharing. I would rather share than not have you at all.”
“But…”
“Seriously, Jane.” A pause, and then she tried my real, nigh unpronounceable name. Got it close. “Seriously. You have an obligation. I know you do. And I know I’m not…” A pause. “I don’t know.”
“I won’t let you end up in Hel’s Realm on your own. I know that.”
She grinned. “Thanks. I trust you on that front.”
I didn’t like being trusted. I didn’t even really like the fact that I really could make that promise to her. It made her too much like a pet. “I know you do, but it still makes me feel uncomfortable.”
“I know.” She took my hand. “However, I will not share you with Surtur and his other wives.”
I grinned. “Don’t worry. Besides, I found out that if I kill him they might just make me queen instead.”
Kanesha shuddered. “Oh dear. That…I can’t…”
“I’d rather ride with Thruor and her sisters, but that isn’t on the cards. Valkyries aren’t allowed to get married.”
Kanesha nodded. “I suppose…”
“She did say it was possible to quit and get married, but kind of frowned upon. I suppose that’s why some of the legends say they’re virgins. Which Thruor is…”
“…a long way from. I don’t want to think how many lovers she’s had.”
“Glad I’m more…monogamously inclined?” The idea of having more than one…well…I decided to forget about it for now.
Kanesha might be willing to share me. I’d yet to work out how I felt about being shared.