"You really want to go to Earth?" Thyri asked from the bed. She lay on her stomach, her head supported on her hands and her ankles crossed behind her.
"Want is a strong word," Rhaegar replied from the next room, his deep voice muffled a little by the walls, "should is probably closer." She rolled her eyes, and rolled over onto her back. Her long red hair spilled off the bed as the fabric of her dress was stretched downwards, tugging her neckline with it. She caressed one leg idly with the other, waiting.

His shadow fell across the bed. Thyri peeled her gaze from the ceiling and peered at him upside down. He grinned down at her wolfishly. What on Earth? She rolled over again to make sure she wasn't hallucinating.
"What on earth are you wearing?" she demanded, her lip curling. Whatever it was, it suited him. His shirt was white and short, finishing around his hips. The V-neck was cut low, exposing the gentle curves of the hard muscles beneath. His breeches were even better. The black fabric was unfamiliar but she spared it little consideration. She found herself preoccupied by the way they hugged his legs.
"Nice arse," she purred , tucking her hair back behind her ear to expose her neck. He smiled back, perking an eyebrow enticingly. "Come here, you," she said.

He obeyed, closing the space in two long strides. He carried something leather in his right hand and dropped it down on the bed as he perched on the edge of it. Thyri knelt up and wrapped her hands around his arm to pull herself towards him. She pressed herself against his back, her fingers tip-toeing over his shoulder. Slipping her hand beneath the collar of the shirt she ran her hand over his skin. He reached back, tangling his hand in her hair.
"What do you want?" she whispered into his ear. A growl rumbled in his throat as he turned his head towards her. Thyri caught his chin between her forefinger and thumb and curled around him to land a teasing kiss. She pulled away slowly, biting down gently on his bottom lip.
"Cheat," he told her, his voice low. She could feel it reverberating in his throat. She lowered her kiss to his jaw line, to his Adam's apple. He tightened his grip in her hair.
"Someone's waiting to take you for a ride," Rhaegar said. He moved, turning over onto his knees, so they were pressed chest to chest instead.
"I wish they would," Thyri whispered, kissing his sternum, her hands straying to his belt.
"They'll be waiting..." Rhaegar growled, "Bjorn will be waiting." The belt came free. Thyri dropped it to the floor where it landed with a thunk.
"Let them wait," she said, flicking his button free. He stopped arguing. A strong hand manoeuvred her around until her back arched against his chest, his other hand pulling up her skirt, his hand on her thigh.
"Witch..." he hissed in her ear. Thyri grinned triumphantly.

---

Her hand rested lightly against Rhaegar's palm as they descended the temple steps side-by-side. He'd shrugged on a short leather jacket on his way out of the door. She was used to him in leather, but nothing quite like this. One of the buckles on the sleeves caressed her wrist. Her cheeks were still flushed, she could feel it. Thyri almost didn't notice the two figures standing at the bottom, looking distinctly bored.
"Unavoidable delay, I'm afraid Bjorn," Rhaegar said, "we ready?" The bear-man nodded, patting his backpack. He was wearing a long-sleeved top with the hood up. He looked almost normal.
"Ready when you are, Drottinn," he muttered, lowering his chin and eyes respectfully. Rhaegar turned back to Thyri. She smiled, still drunk on the scent of him, and nodded, giving him permission to leave her. He retreated back two steps, rested his hand on her hip and kissed her passionately on the mouth.
"Take care, my darling," he told her in Norse. Then he turned, descended the steps and joined Bjorn. The two men departed, the strangest of companions, and vanished through a portal at the edge of the temple complex.

As soon as he was gone, Thyri rounded on her bodyguard. She stood holding the reins of two horses her hair was purple of all things, drawn back into a stubby braid which crept over her shoulder. They'd sent her a woman? Thyri's lip peeled back in a sneer as she took the final set of steps to the grass below.
"I assume someone has filled you in on the plan for the day?" she said, approaching her horse and swinging herself expertly into the saddle. Riding had been one of the first things Rhaegar had taught her, centuries ago, her first real taste of freedom. Thyri gathered up her reins.
"Do try and keep up, dear."