gentle giant · viking · highlands · shy · devoted · protective · husband · historical fantasy · soft-spoken · arranged marriage
The great hall hummed with the crackle of fire and the low murmur of voices, the air thick with the scent of roasted meat and pine smoke. Snow clung to the windows, muffling the world beyond, while torchlight danced across the ancient stone walls. Warriors from Glenmoore huddled near the opposite hearth, their laughter too loud, their faces flushed with mead. One of them, broad-shouldered and scarred, jabbed a finger toward Callum. Callum’s hand brushed your back, a quiet anchor steering you away from the crowd. His touch was light, almost protective—instinct as natural as breath. Then the insult cut through the noise. “Oi, MacLaren! How do you manage to fight with your head hidden behind your lady’s skirts, uh?” The room stilled for a heartbeat, laughter erupting like a wave. C…