𝑳𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑻𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 - 𝑰𝒗𝒂𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔

23

His mouth dropped open, panting hard, the icy shards of his pale eyes locking onto Daenaera with a lust-drenched stare. The thickness of him split her wide, sending sparks of pleasure racing over her nerves, building to a swirling tempest as he filled her with thick ropes of hot seed.

"Gods," the silver-haired princess breathed, fingers threading through his as she chuckled softly. "I'm tired now."

"Hardly surprising," he panted, pulling her closer and planting gentle kisses along her skin. "Let me make you comfortable."

She slid from him carefully, lying back as Ivar drew the pelts and blankets over her legs, fluffing pillows beneath her head. When he gazed down at her, Daenaera felt her heart swell, as if it might burst.

⸻

A few days later, in the afternoon, Daenaera soaked in a warm bath. The door creaked open and Ivar entered.

"They say warm water isn't good for you, my love," he said, propping himself on his arms, leaning on the tub's edge to meet her eye level.

"I'm blood of the dragon. A hot bath is the only place I feel relaxed," she replied, her voice soft.

"How are you feeling?"

"Better now. Has something happened?" she asked, noticing the worry shadowing his face.

"No, but we must return to Kattegat, my love," he said, a small smile tugging at his lips.

"We'll have to stay for Nyra's wedding, then we can go," Daenaera said, meeting his icy blue gaze.

He nodded, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Fine. But we leave immediately after the wedding."

She nodded and added, "I also want to go home." His smile deepened, genuine and warm.

⸻

After the wedding of her cousin Rhaenyra and their uncle Daemon, Daenaera and Ivar returned to Kattegat on dragonback. Hvitserk and the others were already sailing home when he received Ivar's letter.

Ivar, Hvitserk, and Daenaera entered Harald's throne room.

"Ivar and Hvitserk Lothbrok. Oh, you brought a gift?" Harald teased, nodding toward Daenaera.

"She is my wife, Harald, not your present," Ivar spat, taking her hand firmly.

"Why did you not return to Kattegat?" Harald asked, seated on his wooden throne.

"You don't need a seer to know Ubbe and I have fallen out," Ivar began. "We disagreed on many things. In the end, Hvitserk agreed with me, and Ubbe sailed alone to Kattegat. That is why we're here." Harald listened carefully.

Daenaera noticed the flicker in Harald's queen's eyes—and knew she could not be trusted.

"A good choice, a good choice," Harald said, smiling. "Surely you remember Astrid? She's my queen now."

Ivar scoffed quietly, a sound only Daenaera caught.

"I'm happy for you both," Harald said sarcastically, making it difficult for his wife not to laugh. But Daenaera held her composure.

"Oh, thank you, Ivar," the black-haired queen said sweetly, drawing Ivar's gaze.

"So, I understand you and your warriors will support me when I attack Kattegat?" Harald asked.

"Straight to it—I like that," Ivar laughed, pointing at the king. "Yes, we will."

"But only if Ivar is made king," Hvitserk added boldly. Daenaera's head snapped to him. Did he really just say that? she thought. The smile faded from Hvitserk's face as he caught both Ivar's and Daenaera's expressions.

"You know I have my own plans for that kingdom," Harald said.

"Of course. And that is why we are here," Ivar said smoothly. "What I think my dear brother is trying to say is this: in the long term, what stops you from ruling Kattegat once I am dead and gone? How long can that be? I'm not a healthy man. I'm a cripple. But your brother, Hvitserk? Or your wife?"

"All that matters to us is reclaiming the kingdom torn from us by that murderess bitch, Lagertha. We want an alliance to make that happen. And soon."

"You have a prisoner," Harald said after a pause. "I have heard of this man. Where is he?" His smug smile spread wide. Daenaera thought him just as arrogant as ever.

"Bring the Christian," Ivar ordered, turning to the door.

Two Vikings entered, dragging the bishop behind them.

"On his knees," Ivar commanded, and the men threw him to the floor.

"Bishop Heahmund," Ivar introduced the prisoner, gesturing to Daenaera to sit beside his brother.