I was happy to be dismissed and finally be alone. Or I tried to find a place I could be alone, but that wasn’t easy. Everyone’s eyes were on me. I tried to smooth my hair down, but I was wondering if it did any difference. People kept staring and I knew none of them. I just wanted to go home and hide with Xipe in bed.

I was making my way through another massive room when someone stepped in front of me, blocking my path.

“You’re a pagan,” the stranger said in my language with a very heavy accent.

I met his gaze and straightened my back. “Yes.”

“I didn’t know they let animals roam free at these gatherings,” he said and smirked at me.

“They allowed you and your manners in,” I replied coolly. I don’t even know where that response came from. I was usually not very clever. I wish someone had heard this.

“Your people have raped and killed men and women in my village.”

“I was not a raider.” I was not backing down or apologising for something I hadn’t even done.

“But still you were marked by their gods! You’re just a savage beast!”

And then Xipe turned up, stepped right in front of me and pushed the stranger back.

“Repeat that,” he growled, stepping very closely to the man.

“You brought the savage here?” the man asked and arched a brow at Xipe.

“Do you know who I am?” Xipe asked with a low voice. “Do you know what I used to enjoy? I’m Xipe Totec.” The stranger’s face turned pale. “I used to love flaying those who offended me. Slowly. I’d remove their skin from their hands first. When I was done with one hand, they’d be begging for death. When I was done with the second, the pain had made them mad. Imagine what I’d like to do to you right now. And keep imagining it when you even think about looking in my lover’s direction again.”

I took his hand in mine and pulled him back. I didn’t want to cause a scene, but everyone were staring. Xipe had been speaking with a loud enough voice for everyone to hear.

“Xipe,” I whispered.

“Thank all the gods my lover has a softer heart than I do,” he growled angrily and turned back to me. “Come Frej. None of these people deserve to be in your presence.”

***

“They hated me. They didn’t know me, but they hated me,” I whispered into Xipe’s hair.

“They hated you because of me, Fakkel. My parents…” He sighed deeply and looked up at me, from his position under me. “They’ve found me a wife and I denied her.”

“Really?” I moved down to his chest and he circled his arm around me.

“I’m supposed to be my father’s heir. I need a mate by my side for that to happen. Ideally they’d choose a woman, which they have. So we can… Have children the natural way and keep our culture alive.” He closed his eyes briefly and then looked up at the ceiling. “I don’t like them. Women. My parents know that. The least they could do was to choose a man.”

“I’m sorry,” I breathed and kissed his cheek.

“Don’t be.” He turned his head and kissed me back. “You’re here. You’re everything I need.”

I nodded and snuggled closer to him. “Xipe?”

“Yes?”

“Do people really think my people are savages?”

He sighed deeply and ran his hand through my hair. “Yes. Some do. They don’t understand your culture. All they see is lesser buildings than their own and judge you on that.”

“So because we don’t live in castles, we’re savages?” I asked, less impressed with the situation.

“To some, yes.” Xipe moved in and kissed me again. “I know the truth though. You focus all of your building efforts on your ships. They’re amazing and nothing compares. Your culture is just different from the one in East Anglia and they’re all pompous asses so they don’t think anyone but them are right. They think they’re the civilised ones because they take regular baths.” He chuckled and I did too. “Don’t listen to them, lover. I’m just as savage as you. Probably more.”

“I’ve never killed anyone when I was alive,” I admitted. “I was never picked to go raiding and I never volunteered. I just liked helping the seer and no one objected to that.”

“I can’t imagine why anyone would object. You’re...” He turned on his side and gently brushed his thumb over my cheek. “You’re very pure, Frej.” He put his hand on my chest, over my beating heart. “Your soul. It’s very powerful. I’m sure they could feel that and that’s why they left you with the seer.”

“You really think so?”

“Of course. Why else would they choose you to sacrifice?” He kissed me on the forehead very softly. “You’re so powerful.”

“I don’t know what that means...” I whispered.

“It means I can teach you so many things, lover. I want to share my knowledge with you.”

“I’d like that.” I smiled at him and he smiled back.

“Me too.”