"Don't tease me, Circe," he grumbled, though the faintest edge of amusement betrayed him.
"But it's so fun," she replied, her grin unapologetically mischievous.
The room had its merits but Circe suspected none of them truly registered to Ragnar. His attention remained fixed on the beds, as though they had personally conspired against him.
A knock sounded at the door before the silence could stretch too long.
Ragnar moved to answer it, opening the door just enough to peer out. Two young human women stood in the hallway, each holding a bucket full of water. He stepped aside to let them in.
A wooden partition separated the main chamber from the bathing area, and he watched quietly as they poured the water into the copper tub. Steam curled upward, carrying the scent of floral oils. The women worked quickly and silently, eyes downcast, and once their task was finished, they bowed and departed without a word.
Ragnar locked the door again.
