𝑳𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑻𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 - 𝑰𝒗𝒂𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔

11

The weather in Kattegat was cold and biting, a harsh contrast to the warmer climate of King's Landing. The wind howled through the wooden longhouses, reminding all that winter was close.

When Ivar was preparing to leave Kattegat for England alongside his father Ragnar and the other Vikings, Daenaera asked to come with them. Ivar forbade the idea outright — he wouldn't let her risk herself in battle or on the road.

Two weeks later, Ivar returned alone. His brothers asked where their father was. Ivar's voice grew grim as he explained: King Egbert of Wessex, a supposed ally, had handed Ragnar over to their enemy, King Aella, who would show no mercy. The Lothbroks once again set sail for England, driven by vengeance.

When Daenaera heard the news of Ragnar's fate, she did not hesitate. Without telling anyone, she climbed Sylvarion and flew across the sea to England herself.

Ivar did not expect to find his wife there—but when he did, relief flooded him. After avenging Ragnar's death, Ivar decided to remain in England to press their conquest further.

⸻

As they gathered to eat, Ubbe spoke first, breaking the heavy silence.

"Speaking for our father, I think we should claim and settle the lands Egbert gave us," he said. "The Saxons are fractured; this is a prime opportunity. We have the resources to establish a permanent hold."

Ivar hummed thoughtfully, then his eldest brother turned to him.

"Do you agree, Ivar?"

"I don't want to disband the army," Ivar replied, putting away the cloth he'd wiped his hands with. "In fact, I want to continue the war while we still hold strength. My suggestion is to return north—to the lands where we defeated Aella. We should build a permanent camp near the coast, allowing us to raid at will."

"Our father dreamed we would be more than raiders," Ubbe argued.

"You're not listening," Ivar said firmly. "We must have a stronghold. Up north, we are closer to home and shipping routes. We can build an impregnable fortress."

"Where?" Hvitserk asked.

"I've heard of a town called York," Ivar said, looking at Hvitserk, then Ubbe. "It sits on a major river, not far from the sea. We should take it."

"No," Ubbe said, chewing thoughtfully. "It would seem like a withdrawal."

"Yes, it would—but tactically," Ivar scoffed. "If we establish ourselves deep inland, we're surrounded by enemies." He drew a circle in the air with his fingers. "At York, we're nearer to home. Right, Hvitserk?"

Hvitserk looked between Ivar and Ubbe, then nodded. "I agree. We should take York."

Ubbe was quiet, eyes distant, considering. After a long pause, he smiled and said, "It's a good plan." He stood and left the room.

Ivar's grin stretched wide. When Hvitserk left, he turned to Daenaera.

"I have an idea, dear wife," he said, eyes sparkling.

"What is it?" Daenaera asked, moving closer.

"We could use your dragon in battle."

Daenaera's eyes went wide. "What? Are you mad? If anything happens to Sylvarion, I will never forgive you."

"Nothing will happen, I promise. Just trust me." Ivar smiled, sipping from his cup.

⸻

Later, Ivar and Daenaera sat on a cliff overlooking the dark sea and the scattered lights of distant homes. Daenaera nestled between his legs, her silver hair shining softly in the moonlight.

"This is so beautiful," she murmured.

"Not as beautiful as you, my princess," he whispered, pressing gentle kisses to her neck.

"I can't imagine being married off to some lord who would never love me like you do," she confessed.

Ivar's heart clenched at her words. "You don't have to imagine that. You're already mine, and I will never let you go."

She smiled and pressed her lips to his. His hands found the back of her neck and her hips, pulling her close.

"I am the luckiest man with you, my future king," Daenaera whispered into his ear.

Ivar felt warmth spread through him. Not only did his wife not care about his crippled legs, she was his constant support—his strength and sanctuary. The love and safety she gave him were unlike anything he'd ever known, save for his mother.

He was truly happy.