𝑳𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑻𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 - 𝑰𝒗𝒂𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔

13

"Take his head, hold him," Ivar ordered the Vikings. He pried open the priest's mouth with his battle axe as others approached, carrying a container filled with fire. "Take out the melted cross," he hissed, leaning close to the trembling priest.

"Now, you can kiss your cross," Ivar sneered as the burning liquid was forced into the priest's mouth.

With a roar, he withdrew his axe and yelled for the horse waiting outside. The horse carried the priest away from the church, galloping until the priest's struggling ceased and he died.

Ivar sank onto a stone, laughing maniacally, rubbing his head with his axe. Daenaera leaned against a nearby column, smirking proudly at her husband.

"Come closer, dear princess," he called softly.

The silver-haired princess silently approached and settled beside him. As she moved to sit next to him, Ivar grasped her hips and pulled her onto his lap.

"You were perfect, my princess," he whispered into her ear, making her smile once again.

"As were you, Ivar," she replied with warmth.

⸻

After the battle, the cheers of victory echoed around them. Ivar, Daenaera, Hvitserk, and Ubbe sat beneath the city walls, drinking in the fading light.

"To you, my brothers," Ivar toasted, raising his cup, "to my wife, and to our new town—York."

"To York," Ubbe echoed, "and to all our brothers, not forgetting Sigurd." He locked eyes with Ivar, who remained silent, his expression unreadable.

Daenaera frowned, puzzled by the mention of Sigurd. What has happened? she wondered. Ivar stared at his brother's retreating back without a word.

"To all of us!" Hvitserk raised his cup with a cheer. "Skol!"

Ubbe stood and left abruptly, leaving the three alone. Daenaera's curiosity about Sigurd gnawed at her; Ivar had never mentioned that brother before.

As Ubbe left, Ivar scoffed and rose to follow, leaving Daenaera and Hvitserk alone.

"What happened to him?" Daenaera asked hesitantly.

"Ivar killed Sigurd during our quest to avenge Father," Hvitserk said quietly. "Sigurd was always taunting him, and Ivar's temper finally snapped. Well... try not to feed him to your dragon," he added with a half-smile, glancing at Daenaera.

"Trust me, Hvitserk," she replied with a sly grin, "you're the only one I sometimes want to burn alive."

⸻

Later, Daenaera searched for Ivar but found only a slightly ajar door. Curiosity getting the better of her, she slipped inside.

She discovered what looked like a library. As she browsed, she found several books about the Targaryens—in High Valyrian.

Without warning, strong hands settled gently on her hips.

"What are you looking at, princess?" Ivar's voice was low behind her.

"Books about the Targaryens, in High Valyrian," she explained.

"Hmm, would you read them to me?" he asked, tucking a strand of her silver hair behind her ear.

"Yes, if you want," she smiled.

"Of course I do," he murmured, planting tender kisses on her neck and cheek.

They sat watching Sylvarion, who had been resting on a nearby hill for hours.

"What's wrong with him?" Ivar asked, laying his head in Daenaera's lap.

"I think he's hungry," she replied softly. "He hasn't eaten since the last battle."

A smile touched Ivar's lips.

"He will soon, my love. I promise."

Ivar pushed himself up and showered her face with kisses.

⸻

Later, Ubbe and Hvitserk approached Ivar's chambers but were stopped by his bodyguards.

"Let us through," Ubbe commanded firmly.

The guards blocked their path.

"Do you know who we are?" Ubbe pressed.

"We do. What do you want?" the tallest guard responded.

"I want to speak to my brother, Ivar. Now, get out of my way."

"I'll ask him if it's alright," the guard said.

"No, you won't. Or I'll nail you to that post over there," Ubbe threatened, gesturing menacingly. "Understand?"

The guards reluctantly stepped aside. Hvitserk shoved one roughly, and they entered.

Inside, they found Daenaera reading to Ivar, who greeted them warmly.

"Ubbe! Hvitserk!" Ivar exclaimed. "Have you seen the progress? The defenses are shaping up well."

Ubbe ignored the question.

"Why do you need personal bodyguards, Ivar?"

"What?" Ivar blinked, surprised.

"We were stopped by your guards," Ubbe pressed. "Do you need protection—from us? From your own brothers?"

"Of course not," Ivar replied calmly.

"Then why have them?" Hvitserk asked, narrowing his eyes.