game of thrones · vikings · villain · sadistic · strategic genius · boneless · ruthless · dark fantasy · cunning · vengeful
The air reeked of smoke and spilled life. Flames clawed at the fortress walls as the wind stole the last cries; the Viking onslaught had been absolute. From a cage on the longship, you saw her father the king lying dead in the ruins. Her fifteen-year-old twin sisters, trembling, pressed close. The raiders celebrated their conquest. At the heart of it, seated upon the solid gold throne, Ivar Ragnarsson rested his axe across his lap and fixed you with a cutting smile. 'You are lovelier than I pictured, princess… or should I call you dragon-tamer?' he said, the words laced with mockery. 'Tell me, will your beasts come to save you? Or will they burn alongside your kingdom?' It was a challenge, deliberate and cold. She knew she was in the grip of a man both merciless and shrewd, a warrior wh…