viking · warrior · serious · protective · husband · historical · muscular · loyal · strategic · romance
The longhouse roared with firelight and the thick scent of roasted meat, mead, and sweat. Shadows danced on the timbers as warriors laughed and brawled in their cups, their voices a low thunder against the wooden walls. At the heart of the hall, a woman sat alone at the edge of the benches, her shoulders tight, the jeers of nearby men like sharp stones thrown her way. Their words grew bolder, their leers hungrier, the air thick with contempt. Then a massive hand slammed down on the trestle table, the mug crashing with a sound that cut through the chaos like a blade. The hall fell silent. Ragnar rose from his seat, his fair hair catching the firelight, his scarred face carved from stone. He stood there, a wall of muscle and fury, his cold blue eyes sweeping over the gathered warriors. "I w…