The first time I’d been in that workshop, my own head had almost been turned by the potency of all that gold. Freyja, who lived for beautiful things, I knew would be bedazzled. And so she was. In spite of the stink, and the heat of the forge, that necklace, displayed against a backdrop of rock, blazed out like the light from the sun. I saw her eyes widen; her lips part. She held out her hand to touch it . . .

Dark against the orange glow, the Sons of Ivaldi watched her. I told you they worshipped beauty; they’d never seen anything like her before. Desire, unveiled and in Aspect; as I said, even Odin, married to Frigg and a seemingly happy father-of-three, had been known to lust after Freyja, although he kept his feelings at bay and hidden to all but Yours Truly.

The Sons of Ivaldi had no such restraint. Their dark eyes shone; they practically drooled.

Dvalin stepped forward. ‘To what do I owe . . . ?’

‘How much is that necklace?’ said Freyja.

Dvalin shrugged. ‘It’s not for sale.’

‘But I want it,’ said Freyja. ‘I’ll give you gold. Whatever you want.’

Once more, Dvalin shrugged. ‘I have all the gold I can use,’ he said.

‘Well, surely you must need something?’ Freyja gave him her sweetest smile and touched him on the shoulder. ‘Besides, it would please me so very much. Don’t you want to please me?’

Slowly, Dvalin nodded. His brothers stepped forward to join him. From the shadows I saw them, hungry and filled with longing. ‘Oh, yes. I want to please you,’ he said.

Freyja’s smile grew broader. She reached out to touch the necklace; studded with gemstones; gleaming with runes; lithe and light as a golden snakeskin.

‘I’ll give you the necklace,’ Dvalin said. ‘In payment for four nights of pleasure.’

‘What?’ said Freyja, the smile fading.

‘One night for each of us,’ Dvalin said. ‘We made the necklace together. It’s unique. It’s stitched through with glam. The wearer’s beauty will never fade. Nothing will ever spoil it – or you. That’s my price. Now what do you say?’

Freyja bit her lip. A tear, burning gold in the light of the forge, ran slowly down her cheek.

‘Four nights,’ said Dvalin. ‘After that, the necklace is yours for ever.’