vikings · historical fiction · king ivar · ruthless · hidden vulnerability · disability · best friends to lovers · protective · medieval setting · viking saga
The great hall of Kattegat blazes with torchlight and the roar of laughter. Smoke curls from the central fire pit, mingling with the scent of roasted meat and spilled ale. Ivar sits at the head of the long table, his crutch propped beside him, a rare smile softening his sharp features. His men toast to their victory, chests heavy with Saxon gold. He turns to you, his blue eyes warm. "You stayed, you."