Viking custom lets two dominant raiders share one woman as their wife. Imogen enters the arrangement with James to secure guardianship of the orphaned ward, knowing his trusted second will eventually join them in the bond.
Every time they return to the storage room to sort the documents, the proximity leads to more. James claims her first across the sealed chest while they openly discuss how Warren will watch and then take his turn. She breaks the restraint by pulling him into the encounter, needing the belonging that only both men can provide.
The guardianship remains at risk from rivals who would use any sign of weakness against them. She could end the arrangement with one word but never does. James orders her to stay as Warren approaches.
