Ragnar Lothbrok - King of Norway

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Name: Ragnar Lothbrok - King of Norway

Age: Mid 40s

Sex: Male 

Nationality: Norse

Sexuality: Bisexual/Polyamorous

Marital Status: Married to Queen Aslaug….and regretting my choices

I was in love with the Monk Aethelstan, my closest friend. I never got the chance to tell him how I really felt about him before his life was stolen from me.

Family: Son - @bjornironsideviking Ex-wife -  @lagertha-lothbrok

Gyda, Ubbe, Hvitserk, Sigurd Snake in the Eyes, Ivar the Boneless

Religious Affiliation: Pagan

Weapons: Longsword and axe

Affiliated with: @thelastkingdomrp The Last Kingdom RP group.

The Last Kingdom and Vikings crossover.

Having disappeared for years after the failed battle in Paris, Ragnar hears word that his son Björn and ex-wife Lagertha have made their home in Bebbanburg, Northumbria. Traveling there with his grandson Hali, and granddaughter Asa he quickly learned of his son Björn’s desire to wed Prince of Ulaid, Ronan. Coming to an agreement with the Prince’s father, Finan, an alliance was made and the handfasting joining their people occurred under the Samhain Moon.

Due to it being late in the season, and knowing the waters will be treacherous trying to return to Kattegat to fetch the dowry for his son’s union, Ragnar decides to spend the winter amongst his new family and friends. Not in any big hurry to return to his wife Aslaug in Kattegat. If not for his sons he would have left her and her bitterness behind.

After helping Finan rescue his husband, Lord Uhtred, Ragnar started gaining the trust of the Irishman and the Dane. He is now watching over the King of Wessex, Alfred, as the man serves a sentence for his crimes against the Irishman and Dane for years of treachery. Ragnar finds himself intrigued by the King of Wessex. The man reminding him much of his lost love, Athelstan, and he is curious to see how deep the affections between them will grow. He just has to be cautious so that he doesn’t lose the trust he has built with the Irishman.

*images found on Pinterest

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Sitting in the hall with Tora on his lap, Ragnar stares into the fire gently burning in the hearth. He can hear the faint sounds of Revna growling out her pain as she prepares to give birth to her second child. Finan and Uhtred are at her side, and they have sent word for Lagertha to come assist in the birth. As the Shieldmaiden enters the hall, she gives Ragnar a knowing look, also reminded of a time long ago. She places a comforting hand on Ragnar’s shoulder.

“Revna is strong…” Lagertha whispers to soothe her ex-husband’s worry. “…tonight will not end like it did for her.”

Ragnar looks up into Lagertha’s eyes, seeing the same mistiness in her eyes that is reflected in his. He gives her a gentle nod, grasping onto the hope that her words hold true. “She is her father’s daughter…” he softly utters, knowing the strength of the big man that is his best-friend, his brother.

“See that it is so…” Ragnar looks into Lagertha’s eyes. He knows it is a heavy burden to place on Lagertha’s shoulders. The guilt still weighing heavily on her that there should have been more she could do to save Gyda.

As Lagertha heads upstairs to Revna’s chambers, Ragnar looks down into Tora’s eyes. The little girl’s bright blue eyes and dark hair reminding him so much of her mother. Memories of that night drift into his mind, as he remembers holding a little Revna much like this when her mother was giving birth. Gunnar had asked him to watch over his daughter while he remained at his wife’s side. Ragnar readily agreed as he carried Revna into the Great Hall and sat with her cradled against his side in front of the hearth.

Screams had pierced the air and Ragnar had winced at each one, his arm tightening around little Revna offering her comfort to relieve her fears. But it was the silence that followed that weighed heavily on his heart. He waited for what seemed like forever, listening for the sound of a babe’s cry, but none came. Then he heard the anguished cry of his best-friend and his heart sunk into his stomach. He wrapped his arms tightly around Revna as he rushed out of the Great Hall.

The sight he was greeted with has been forever etched into his memory. Gunnar slowly walking towards him with tears streaming down his face. His hands and arms coated in the blood of his wife. The big man sunk to his knees, letting out another anguished cry, and Ragnar had never seen him look so small as he did in that moment. Gunnar didn’t need to say a word, Ragnar knew, as his own tears started streaming down his face for his friend’s pain. He placed his hand on the top of Gunnar’s head as the big man leaned into his leg. Looking up, he saw Lagertha step out of the cottage, her eyes red and puffy with tears and the same blood coating her hands.

“I am so sorry, my brother…” Ragnar softly said around the hitch in his throat, holding Revna even tighter against his chest.

People of the village started gathering around, witnessing his brother’s pain. Ragnar could feel the sobs wracking Gunnar’s body as the big man clung to his leg, could feel his tears wetting his trousers. As Ragnar looked out amongst the people, trying to put on a strong front, he noticed Gunnar’s ex-wife standing in the crowd. A smug look on her face, with her nose tipped up. He felt a chill run up his spine when Kalda’s eyes met his, a smile coming her lips.

To this day, Ragnar cannot shake the feeling that Kalda might have cursed his best-friend. Stole away his happiness in retaliation for breaking her heart, by taking away the one he held most dear. He could not prove it, but just the look in her eyes said it all. A scowl came over Ragnar’s face as he returned Kalda’s gaze, the woman quickly leaving under his threatening glare.

“Ragnar…please watch over her…” Gunnar whispered between shuddering breaths. He couldn’t even bring himself to look up at his daughter.

“You know I will.” Ragnar reassured his friend, tightening his hold around Revna.

Ragnar watched helplessly as his friend staggered to his feet. A brief glance shared between them before Gunnar stumbled off into the forest. He didn’t see his friend for three days as he sought solace in the silence of the wilderness. As he grieved his wife’s loss.

Ragnar shakes himself from his reverie when Tora starts to babble and reach out to Hati, who licks her hand. “All will be well…your móðir is strong.” He whispers reassuringly to Tora. And to himself.

@ronanofulaid @alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

As the Northman whispers down to Tora, the King of Wessex strides closer and places a hand on Ragnar’s shoulder.

The past several months, Alfred had gotten to know Ragnar perhaps more than anyone else he’d ever met. It was life changing, having a relationship like that. He’d learned that the two of them shared a deep affinity for stored pain and emotions, having lived a fairly eventful life before knowing each other. Still in only just his 40s, the King of Wessex sometimes feels much older, and he knows Ragnar does too. They’ve both been married. Had children. Ruled their own lands. But the King of Wessex is pretty sure he’s never been in love before meeting Ragnar Lothbrok.

Alfred kneels down to his knee, giving Tora a smile. He’s wearing a dark cloak covering an airy, light tunic. He runs cold, even in the early summer.

“Lost in thought, are we?” Alfred says, giving Ragnar a knowing gaze.

@alfredofwessex69

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Feeling the comfort of Alfred’s hand on his shoulder, Ragnar lets out a shuddering breath. A little smile curling his lips as he looks into the Saxon’s stormy eyes.

“Ghosts of the past…” Ragnar says almost under his breath as he shakes his head in an attempt to rid himself of the memory.

Revna’s cries and growls are getting louder, and Ragnar tries to calm the sudden shaking of his hand. “She is strong…so strong.” And Kalda is not here.

Tora tries to wiggle out of Ragnar’s lap wanting to play with Hati. The Northman chuckles as he sets her down on the fur in front of the hearth. The wolf curling around her as she plays with his ears. Ragnar shakes his head, amazed that the wolf tolerates Tora climbing all over him.

Taking Alfred’s hand, Ragnar pulls him on to his lap, wanting to feel his Saxon King close. “Thank you for coming. For being here with me.” Ragnar gives him a sincere look. Different from his usual mischievous and mysterious playfulness.

Right now the Northman seeks comfort. Comfort that only the King of Wessex can give him. Cupping Alfred’s cheek, Ragnar pulls him in for a kiss. There is no point in hiding what he feels for Alfred, besides, he’s sure half the village and fortress already knows.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

“She is indeed.”

Alfred softly chuckles as Ragnar sets a squirming Tora down, then watches as Hati so naturally tends to her. The King had never seen anything like it. It’s more distracting even than Revna’s cries. There’s nothing more natural than childbirth, and Alfred doesn’t have the same trauma associated with it. His child’s health is a whole other concept he doesn’t like to reminisce about.

When Alfred stands, he blushes instantly as the Northman pulls him into his lap. Ragnar is very unapologetic and outwardly affectionate, and Alfred always wishes he could be as brave. A rare grin spreads across the Saxon’s face.

“There’s no need to thank me. You are my greatest concern.” Alfred says, before leaning into the most tender kiss. As they pull away, the Saxon takes Ragnar’s hands.

“You’re trembling,” he says, bringing the Northman’s fingertips to his lips and leaving soft kisses on them.

“I’m here.”

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Ragnar wants to say it’s nothing when Alfred takes his trembling hands in his, but that would be a lie. He knows the trembling won’t stop until he knows that Revna and the babe are alright. He feels over the last few months he has grown close to the Irishman, especially after their sons wed, and he would never wish upon him the kind of pain losing a wife or child can bring.

He gives Alfred a tender smile as he kisses his fingers. The gesture going straight to his heart and calming some of his nerves.

“Yes you are, and I love you for that.” Ragnar softly says as his eyes reflect the feelings in his heart.

When Gunnar and Cinaed enter the hall, Ragnar’s heart ticks up a beat in concern for his brother. He shakes the lingering thoughts from his mind as Gunnar rushes up the stairs to check in on his daughter.

All will be well…the Gods have blessed us with so much, surely they will continue to do so.

Perhaps even Alfred’s God…

Ragnar’s bright blue eyes return to Alfred’s as he takes in a calming breath. “I’m not usually like this…” the Northman shakes his head as a little embarrassment colors his cheeks.

“Revna lost her mother giving birth to her sibling…” Ragnar offers by way of explanation. “…it carries a lot of memories.”

“One of which, I never gave voice to…” The Northman admits. Alfred would probably think it superstitions nonsense. Curses and such. But Ragnar believes it whole-heartedly. Kalda cursed Gyda to make Gunnar pay for leaving her. 

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

When Ragnar practically brushes off his emotions and tells Alfred he’s not usually like this, the Saxon furrows his brows.

King Alfred is possibly the calmest, most stoic presence in all of Bebbanburg. He has little to no reaction to Gunnar and Cinaed’s arrival besides a subtle nod and a small smile. It’s truly only Ragnar who can bring him out of his shell in the privacy of their shared cottage. Still… he stays sitting across the Northman’s lap regardless, not one bit ashamed of being connected to him. Not here in Bebbanburg, especially.

“You’re allowed to be any way you need to be,” Alfred says softly, intertwining their fingers.

“I gathered that it’s harsh memories for you. But she is strong. Like her father.”

Alfred doesn’t know them well enough to make a pristine judgement, but he knows Revna is fearless. He knows Gunnar is even more so. God surely wouldn’t frown upon their lives. He tilts his head a little and looks into the Northman’s piercing eyes when Ragnar says he never gave a voice to something. Alfred fondles the Northman’s cheek with his hand, tenderly running his thumb across his lower lip in adoration.

“Do you want to unburden yourself? You know I have a good ear.” Alfred practically purrs.

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Ragnar lets out a soft breath as Alfred intertwines their fingers giving him a little nod. The comfort of his touch settles deep within his bones and his mouth curls into a little smile. Only for Alfred.

“I know…I keep reminding myself of that.” Ragnar gives his love a bashful smile. 

The Northman leans into Alfred’s touch as he caresses his cheek then runs his thumb across his lip. His eyebrow quirks as a mischievous look comes to his eyes, despite knowing this is neither the time or the place. His arms tighten around his King coaxing Alfred to lean against him further.

Looking into Alfred’s eyes, Ragnar hesitates to give voice to his thoughts. Even though they have both been open to speaking and learning about each other’s beliefs, he’s not sure if Alfred will dismiss the admission. Say it was God’s will that Gyda passed when she died. That women die in childbirth all the time.

But Ragnar knows different. He knows what he saw. That look in Kalda’s eyes seeing Gunnar sobbing against his leg. The satisfaction.

“I believe there were nefarious forces that caused Revna’s mother to pass in childbirth. A curse enacted by Gunnar’s ex-wife.

…she was not a good woman. She never really loved Gunnar, she just loved the position he gave her. She trapped him by seducing him. By getting pregnant. By forcing him to marry her, even though he didn’t love her.

She didn’t want him to be happy. She wanted him to suffer for choosing another. So she took Gyda away from him…and from Revna.

I have never told him that…” Ragnar admits as he looks into Alfred’s warm eyes.

“I know…I know. It sounds silly. But I can’t shake the feeling…” A haunted look comes to Ragnar’s eyes. Even now, he doesn’t want to say anything to Gunnar. He doesn’t want to dredge up the ghosts of the past. Especially now that his best-friend is so happy. So in love.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

Alfred smiles almost brightly as Ragnar gives him that mischievous look. They were brought up so differently, and yet they just fit so well into each other’s lives. The King has never smiled like he does with Ragnar. He listens closely and intently as the Northman begins to speak, furrowing his brows in concentration, trying to keep track of the chronicle of events in the past.

“A Seeress?” Alfred asks him. He’d been near death when he’d spoken to one himself, and since then he believes another curse had died with her. It’d only been a handful of years ago. Thank God he has recovered since then, much due to an old friend. As Gunnar continues, Alfred feels the emotions run through his lover, the spirited belief in the telling of events.

“It doesn’t sound… silly,” Alfred smiles again. He doesn’t think he’s ever said that word before now.

“Your intuition is likely of the Gods. Of God,” the King tilts his head.

Alfred can already sympathize with the unknowing party in this situation. He would be beside himself if it were Ragnar… possibly. They don’t speak of their wives, and if they did it would only bring a certain amount of pain.

“Do you think this is worth bringing up now? To Gunnar, or Revna?”

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

“Something like that…” Ragnar answers as his hand comes up to nervously tug at his beard.

“Among my people there are women that have special abilities to commune with the Gods…to perform rituals and magic. They are called völvas… and they practice seiðr. It can be used for good, to help in healing, blessings and to seek wisdom. But it can also be used to curse, or cause sickness and harm to befall others.

I believe Kalda used it to cause harm… She was such a bitter woman.” A scowl comes to Ragnar’s face. He remembers warning Gunnar that she would try to bewitch him. But young men do stupid things when they let their cocks do their thinking for them, Ragnar thinks wryly. Hel, he fell into the same trap with Aslaug.

Ragnar rubs his hand over his face as he lets out a sigh. The thought of telling Gunnar sits like a lead weight in his gut.

“I think Gunnar is trying to move on from the past…as he should. He is happy now. A new grandchild coming, and his handfasting to the young prince to look forward to.” Ragnar shakes his head. 

“I-I can’t do it…not now. Not when there is so much to celebrate.

…maybe later. I’ll sit down and have a talk to Revna about it.” Ragnar looks pleadingly into Alfred’s eyes. He knows the King won’t reveal what he has just told him. He knows he can trust Alfred.

“If Kalda finds out about her sons…” Ragnar swallows a heavy lump in his throat. “…I fear she will seek vengeance.”

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

This pagan magick is a harrowing thought to the King of Wessex. But among such adventures with Uhtred over the years, he’s been made a believer. Especially in their younger years when Iseult was there— someone Alfred grew very fond of. Not all women are scornful, he’s reminded, by thoughts of her and by Ragnar’s words that the abilities can be used for good. But the possibilities are near endless.

Alfred shrugs a little, his own worry showing in his eyes. This isn’t a burden that Ragnar should carry alone. And he’s not necessarily alone, especially with the Saxon’s presence, but he can tell it’s very heavy.

“This woman — Kalda. Where is she now?” Alfred asks, looking into Ragnar’s eyes.

“Kattegat? … I do think, perhaps… Gunnar should know sooner than later. Yes he will be married, but loose ends must be tied. Not that I have much experience in it,” the King sighs.

“I don’t know. But I’m here, and I will have those conversations at your side if you need me to be your strength.”

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

“As far as I know she is still in Kattegat…” Ragnar shrugs his shoulders. It’s been many years since he has been back to his homeland, and honestly he hasn’t been looking forward to returning anytime soon. Although he still owes Finan that dowery for Björn and Ronan’s marriage. Perhaps he’ll have to send some men to fetch it for him, as long as they swear to secrecy.

“….and hopefully that’s where she remains.” The Northman utters. He can’t imagine she would have any reason to travel to Northumbria. At least he hopes not.

Ragnar tilts his head back and forth as if he’s trying to decide if reviving old ghosts is a good idea. “Argh…you are probably right…he has a right to know. I just hate to cause him pain.

…but Revna. If there is a chance Kalda might seek vengeance against her, the shieldmaiden and Irishman need to know so they can protect their family.”

Bringing Alfred’s hand up to his lips, Ragnar places a gentle kiss on his palm. “Thank you for being beside me. You are so much more than just my strength. You ground me in ways no one else has ever been able to.

When that time comes to reveal the secrets of the past, I would welcome your counsel.” Ragnar says with gratitude.

@alfredofwessex69

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Sitting in the hall with Tora on his lap, Ragnar stares into the fire gently burning in the hearth. He can hear the faint sounds of Revna growling out her pain as she prepares to give birth to her second child. Finan and Uhtred are at her side, and they have sent word for Lagertha to come assist in the birth. As the Shieldmaiden enters the hall, she gives Ragnar a knowing look, also reminded of a time long ago. She places a comforting hand on Ragnar’s shoulder.

“Revna is strong…” Lagertha whispers to soothe her ex-husband’s worry. “…tonight will not end like it did for her.”

Ragnar looks up into Lagertha’s eyes, seeing the same mistiness in her eyes that is reflected in his. He gives her a gentle nod, grasping onto the hope that her words hold true. “She is her father’s daughter…” he softly utters, knowing the strength of the big man that is his best-friend, his brother.

“See that it is so…” Ragnar looks into Lagertha’s eyes. He knows it is a heavy burden to place on Lagertha’s shoulders. The guilt still weighing heavily on her that there should have been more she could do to save Gyda.

As Lagertha heads upstairs to Revna’s chambers, Ragnar looks down into Tora’s eyes. The little girl’s bright blue eyes and dark hair reminding him so much of her mother. Memories of that night drift into his mind, as he remembers holding a little Revna much like this when her mother was giving birth. Gunnar had asked him to watch over his daughter while he remained at his wife’s side. Ragnar readily agreed as he carried Revna into the Great Hall and sat with her cradled against his side in front of the hearth.

Screams had pierced the air and Ragnar had winced at each one, his arm tightening around little Revna offering her comfort to relieve her fears. But it was the silence that followed that weighed heavily on his heart. He waited for what seemed like forever, listening for the sound of a babe’s cry, but none came. Then he heard the anguished cry of his best-friend and his heart sunk into his stomach. He wrapped his arms tightly around Revna as he rushed out of the Great Hall.

The sight he was greeted with has been forever etched into his memory. Gunnar slowly walking towards him with tears streaming down his face. His hands and arms coated in the blood of his wife. The big man sunk to his knees, letting out another anguished cry, and Ragnar had never seen him look so small as he did in that moment. Gunnar didn’t need to say a word, Ragnar knew, as his own tears started streaming down his face for his friend’s pain. He placed his hand on the top of Gunnar’s head as the big man leaned into his leg. Looking up, he saw Lagertha step out of the cottage, her eyes red and puffy with tears and the same blood coating her hands.

“I am so sorry, my brother…” Ragnar softly said around the hitch in his throat, holding Revna even tighter against his chest.

People of the village started gathering around, witnessing his brother’s pain. Ragnar could feel the sobs wracking Gunnar’s body as the big man clung to his leg, could feel his tears wetting his trousers. As Ragnar looked out amongst the people, trying to put on a strong front, he noticed Gunnar’s ex-wife standing in the crowd. A smug look on her face, with her nose tipped up. He felt a chill run up his spine when Kalda’s eyes met his, a smile coming her lips.

To this day, Ragnar cannot shake the feeling that Kalda might have cursed his best-friend. Stole away his happiness in retaliation for breaking her heart, by taking away the one he held most dear. He could not prove it, but just the look in her eyes said it all. A scowl came over Ragnar’s face as he returned Kalda’s gaze, the woman quickly leaving under his threatening glare.

“Ragnar…please watch over her…” Gunnar whispered between shuddering breaths. He couldn’t even bring himself to look up at his daughter.

“You know I will.” Ragnar reassured his friend, tightening his hold around Revna.

Ragnar watched helplessly as his friend staggered to his feet. A brief glance shared between them before Gunnar stumbled off into the forest. He didn’t see his friend for three days as he sought solace in the silence of the wilderness. As he grieved his wife’s loss.

Ragnar shakes himself from his reverie when Tora starts to babble and reach out to Hati, who licks her hand. “All will be well…your móðir is strong.” He whispers reassuringly to Tora. And to himself.

@ronanofulaid @alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

As the Northman whispers down to Tora, the King of Wessex strides closer and places a hand on Ragnar’s shoulder.

The past several months, Alfred had gotten to know Ragnar perhaps more than anyone else he’d ever met. It was life changing, having a relationship like that. He’d learned that the two of them shared a deep affinity for stored pain and emotions, having lived a fairly eventful life before knowing each other. Still in only just his 40s, the King of Wessex sometimes feels much older, and he knows Ragnar does too. They’ve both been married. Had children. Ruled their own lands. But the King of Wessex is pretty sure he’s never been in love before meeting Ragnar Lothbrok.

Alfred kneels down to his knee, giving Tora a smile. He’s wearing a dark cloak covering an airy, light tunic. He runs cold, even in the early summer.

“Lost in thought, are we?” Alfred says, giving Ragnar a knowing gaze.

@alfredofwessex69

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Feeling the comfort of Alfred’s hand on his shoulder, Ragnar lets out a shuddering breath. A little smile curling his lips as he looks into the Saxon’s stormy eyes.

“Ghosts of the past…” Ragnar says almost under his breath as he shakes his head in an attempt to rid himself of the memory.

Revna’s cries and growls are getting louder, and Ragnar tries to calm the sudden shaking of his hand. “She is strong…so strong.” And Kalda is not here.

Tora tries to wiggle out of Ragnar’s lap wanting to play with Hati. The Northman chuckles as he sets her down on the fur in front of the hearth. The wolf curling around her as she plays with his ears. Ragnar shakes his head, amazed that the wolf tolerates Tora climbing all over him.

Taking Alfred’s hand, Ragnar pulls him on to his lap, wanting to feel his Saxon King close. “Thank you for coming. For being here with me.” Ragnar gives him a sincere look. Different from his usual mischievous and mysterious playfulness.

Right now the Northman seeks comfort. Comfort that only the King of Wessex can give him. Cupping Alfred’s cheek, Ragnar pulls him in for a kiss. There is no point in hiding what he feels for Alfred, besides, he’s sure half the village and fortress already knows.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

“She is indeed.”

Alfred softly chuckles as Ragnar sets a squirming Tora down, then watches as Hati so naturally tends to her. The King had never seen anything like it. It’s more distracting even than Revna’s cries. There’s nothing more natural than childbirth, and Alfred doesn’t have the same trauma associated with it. His child’s health is a whole other concept he doesn’t like to reminisce about.

When Alfred stands, he blushes instantly as the Northman pulls him into his lap. Ragnar is very unapologetic and outwardly affectionate, and Alfred always wishes he could be as brave. A rare grin spreads across the Saxon’s face.

“There’s no need to thank me. You are my greatest concern.” Alfred says, before leaning into the most tender kiss. As they pull away, the Saxon takes Ragnar’s hands.

“You’re trembling,” he says, bringing the Northman’s fingertips to his lips and leaving soft kisses on them.

“I’m here.”

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Ragnar wants to say it’s nothing when Alfred takes his trembling hands in his, but that would be a lie. He knows the trembling won’t stop until he knows that Revna and the babe are alright. He feels over the last few months he has grown close to the Irishman, especially after their sons wed, and he would never wish upon him the kind of pain losing a wife or child can bring.

He gives Alfred a tender smile as he kisses his fingers. The gesture going straight to his heart and calming some of his nerves.

“Yes you are, and I love you for that.” Ragnar softly says as his eyes reflect the feelings in his heart.

When Gunnar and Cinaed enter the hall, Ragnar’s heart ticks up a beat in concern for his brother. He shakes the lingering thoughts from his mind as Gunnar rushes up the stairs to check in on his daughter.

All will be well…the Gods have blessed us with so much, surely they will continue to do so.

Perhaps even Alfred’s God…

Ragnar’s bright blue eyes return to Alfred’s as he takes in a calming breath. “I’m not usually like this…” the Northman shakes his head as a little embarrassment colors his cheeks.

“Revna lost her mother giving birth to her sibling…” Ragnar offers by way of explanation. “…it carries a lot of memories.”

“One of which, I never gave voice to…” The Northman admits. Alfred would probably think it superstitions nonsense. Curses and such. But Ragnar believes it whole-heartedly. Kalda cursed Gyda to make Gunnar pay for leaving her. 

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

When Ragnar practically brushes off his emotions and tells Alfred he’s not usually like this, the Saxon furrows his brows.

King Alfred is possibly the calmest, most stoic presence in all of Bebbanburg. He has little to no reaction to Gunnar and Cinaed’s arrival besides a subtle nod and a small smile. It’s truly only Ragnar who can bring him out of his shell in the privacy of their shared cottage. Still… he stays sitting across the Northman’s lap regardless, not one bit ashamed of being connected to him. Not here in Bebbanburg, especially.

“You’re allowed to be any way you need to be,” Alfred says softly, intertwining their fingers.

“I gathered that it’s harsh memories for you. But she is strong. Like her father.”

Alfred doesn’t know them well enough to make a pristine judgement, but he knows Revna is fearless. He knows Gunnar is even more so. God surely wouldn’t frown upon their lives. He tilts his head a little and looks into the Northman’s piercing eyes when Ragnar says he never gave a voice to something. Alfred fondles the Northman’s cheek with his hand, tenderly running his thumb across his lower lip in adoration.

“Do you want to unburden yourself? You know I have a good ear.” Alfred practically purrs.

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Ragnar lets out a soft breath as Alfred intertwines their fingers giving him a little nod. The comfort of his touch settles deep within his bones and his mouth curls into a little smile. Only for Alfred.

“I know…I keep reminding myself of that.” Ragnar gives his love a bashful smile. 

The Northman leans into Alfred’s touch as he caresses his cheek then runs his thumb across his lip. His eyebrow quirks as a mischievous look comes to his eyes, despite knowing this is neither the time or the place. His arms tighten around his King coaxing Alfred to lean against him further.

Looking into Alfred’s eyes, Ragnar hesitates to give voice to his thoughts. Even though they have both been open to speaking and learning about each other’s beliefs, he’s not sure if Alfred will dismiss the admission. Say it was God’s will that Gyda passed when she died. That women die in childbirth all the time.

But Ragnar knows different. He knows what he saw. That look in Kalda’s eyes seeing Gunnar sobbing against his leg. The satisfaction.

“I believe there were nefarious forces that caused Revna’s mother to pass in childbirth. A curse enacted by Gunnar’s ex-wife.

…she was not a good woman. She never really loved Gunnar, she just loved the position he gave her. She trapped him by seducing him. By getting pregnant. By forcing him to marry her, even though he didn’t love her.

She didn’t want him to be happy. She wanted him to suffer for choosing another. So she took Gyda away from him…and from Revna.

I have never told him that…” Ragnar admits as he looks into Alfred’s warm eyes.

“I know…I know. It sounds silly. But I can’t shake the feeling…” A haunted look comes to Ragnar’s eyes. Even now, he doesn’t want to say anything to Gunnar. He doesn’t want to dredge up the ghosts of the past. Especially now that his best-friend is so happy. So in love.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

Alfred smiles almost brightly as Ragnar gives him that mischievous look. They were brought up so differently, and yet they just fit so well into each other’s lives. The King has never smiled like he does with Ragnar. He listens closely and intently as the Northman begins to speak, furrowing his brows in concentration, trying to keep track of the chronicle of events in the past.

“A Seeress?” Alfred asks him. He’d been near death when he’d spoken to one himself, and since then he believes another curse had died with her. It’d only been a handful of years ago. Thank God he has recovered since then, much due to an old friend. As Gunnar continues, Alfred feels the emotions run through his lover, the spirited belief in the telling of events.

“It doesn’t sound… silly,” Alfred smiles again. He doesn’t think he’s ever said that word before now.

“Your intuition is likely of the Gods. Of God,” the King tilts his head.

Alfred can already sympathize with the unknowing party in this situation. He would be beside himself if it were Ragnar… possibly. They don’t speak of their wives, and if they did it would only bring a certain amount of pain.

“Do you think this is worth bringing up now? To Gunnar, or Revna?”

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

“Something like that…” Ragnar answers as his hand comes up to nervously tug at his beard.

“Among my people there are women that have special abilities to commune with the Gods…to perform rituals and magic. They are called völvas… and they practice seiðr. It can be used for good, to help in healing, blessings and to seek wisdom. But it can also be used to curse, or cause sickness and harm to befall others.

I believe Kalda used it to cause harm… She was such a bitter woman.” A scowl comes to Ragnar’s face. He remembers warning Gunnar that she would try to bewitch him. But young men do stupid things when they let their cocks do their thinking for them, Ragnar thinks wryly. Hel, he fell into the same trap with Aslaug.

Ragnar rubs his hand over his face as he lets out a sigh. The thought of telling Gunnar sits like a lead weight in his gut.

“I think Gunnar is trying to move on from the past…as he should. He is happy now. A new grandchild coming, and his handfasting to the young prince to look forward to.” Ragnar shakes his head. 

“I-I can’t do it…not now. Not when there is so much to celebrate.

…maybe later. I’ll sit down and have a talk to Revna about it.” Ragnar looks pleadingly into Alfred’s eyes. He knows the King won’t reveal what he has just told him. He knows he can trust Alfred.

“If Kalda finds out about her sons…” Ragnar swallows a heavy lump in his throat. “…I fear she will seek vengeance.”

@alfredofwessex69

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Sitting in the hall with Tora on his lap, Ragnar stares into the fire gently burning in the hearth. He can hear the faint sounds of Revna growling out her pain as she prepares to give birth to her second child. Finan and Uhtred are at her side, and they have sent word for Lagertha to come assist in the birth. As the Shieldmaiden enters the hall, she gives Ragnar a knowing look, also reminded of a time long ago. She places a comforting hand on Ragnar’s shoulder.

“Revna is strong…” Lagertha whispers to soothe her ex-husband’s worry. “…tonight will not end like it did for her.”

Ragnar looks up into Lagertha’s eyes, seeing the same mistiness in her eyes that is reflected in his. He gives her a gentle nod, grasping onto the hope that her words hold true. “She is her father’s daughter…” he softly utters, knowing the strength of the big man that is his best-friend, his brother.

“See that it is so…” Ragnar looks into Lagertha’s eyes. He knows it is a heavy burden to place on Lagertha’s shoulders. The guilt still weighing heavily on her that there should have been more she could do to save Gyda.

As Lagertha heads upstairs to Revna’s chambers, Ragnar looks down into Tora’s eyes. The little girl’s bright blue eyes and dark hair reminding him so much of her mother. Memories of that night drift into his mind, as he remembers holding a little Revna much like this when her mother was giving birth. Gunnar had asked him to watch over his daughter while he remained at his wife’s side. Ragnar readily agreed as he carried Revna into the Great Hall and sat with her cradled against his side in front of the hearth.

Screams had pierced the air and Ragnar had winced at each one, his arm tightening around little Revna offering her comfort to relieve her fears. But it was the silence that followed that weighed heavily on his heart. He waited for what seemed like forever, listening for the sound of a babe’s cry, but none came. Then he heard the anguished cry of his best-friend and his heart sunk into his stomach. He wrapped his arms tightly around Revna as he rushed out of the Great Hall.

The sight he was greeted with has been forever etched into his memory. Gunnar slowly walking towards him with tears streaming down his face. His hands and arms coated in the blood of his wife. The big man sunk to his knees, letting out another anguished cry, and Ragnar had never seen him look so small as he did in that moment. Gunnar didn’t need to say a word, Ragnar knew, as his own tears started streaming down his face for his friend’s pain. He placed his hand on the top of Gunnar’s head as the big man leaned into his leg. Looking up, he saw Lagertha step out of the cottage, her eyes red and puffy with tears and the same blood coating her hands.

“I am so sorry, my brother…” Ragnar softly said around the hitch in his throat, holding Revna even tighter against his chest.

People of the village started gathering around, witnessing his brother’s pain. Ragnar could feel the sobs wracking Gunnar’s body as the big man clung to his leg, could feel his tears wetting his trousers. As Ragnar looked out amongst the people, trying to put on a strong front, he noticed Gunnar’s ex-wife standing in the crowd. A smug look on her face, with her nose tipped up. He felt a chill run up his spine when Kalda’s eyes met his, a smile coming her lips.

To this day, Ragnar cannot shake the feeling that Kalda might have cursed his best-friend. Stole away his happiness in retaliation for breaking her heart, by taking away the one he held most dear. He could not prove it, but just the look in her eyes said it all. A scowl came over Ragnar’s face as he returned Kalda’s gaze, the woman quickly leaving under his threatening glare.

“Ragnar…please watch over her…” Gunnar whispered between shuddering breaths. He couldn’t even bring himself to look up at his daughter.

“You know I will.” Ragnar reassured his friend, tightening his hold around Revna.

Ragnar watched helplessly as his friend staggered to his feet. A brief glance shared between them before Gunnar stumbled off into the forest. He didn’t see his friend for three days as he sought solace in the silence of the wilderness. As he grieved his wife’s loss.

Ragnar shakes himself from his reverie when Tora starts to babble and reach out to Hati, who licks her hand. “All will be well…your móðir is strong.” He whispers reassuringly to Tora. And to himself.

@ronanofulaid @alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

As the Northman whispers down to Tora, the King of Wessex strides closer and places a hand on Ragnar’s shoulder.

The past several months, Alfred had gotten to know Ragnar perhaps more than anyone else he’d ever met. It was life changing, having a relationship like that. He’d learned that the two of them shared a deep affinity for stored pain and emotions, having lived a fairly eventful life before knowing each other. Still in only just his 40s, the King of Wessex sometimes feels much older, and he knows Ragnar does too. They’ve both been married. Had children. Ruled their own lands. But the King of Wessex is pretty sure he’s never been in love before meeting Ragnar Lothbrok.

Alfred kneels down to his knee, giving Tora a smile. He’s wearing a dark cloak covering an airy, light tunic. He runs cold, even in the early summer.

“Lost in thought, are we?” Alfred says, giving Ragnar a knowing gaze.

@alfredofwessex69

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Feeling the comfort of Alfred’s hand on his shoulder, Ragnar lets out a shuddering breath. A little smile curling his lips as he looks into the Saxon’s stormy eyes.

“Ghosts of the past…” Ragnar says almost under his breath as he shakes his head in an attempt to rid himself of the memory.

Revna’s cries and growls are getting louder, and Ragnar tries to calm the sudden shaking of his hand. “She is strong…so strong.” And Kalda is not here.

Tora tries to wiggle out of Ragnar’s lap wanting to play with Hati. The Northman chuckles as he sets her down on the fur in front of the hearth. The wolf curling around her as she plays with his ears. Ragnar shakes his head, amazed that the wolf tolerates Tora climbing all over him.

Taking Alfred’s hand, Ragnar pulls him on to his lap, wanting to feel his Saxon King close. “Thank you for coming. For being here with me.” Ragnar gives him a sincere look. Different from his usual mischievous and mysterious playfulness.

Right now the Northman seeks comfort. Comfort that only the King of Wessex can give him. Cupping Alfred’s cheek, Ragnar pulls him in for a kiss. There is no point in hiding what he feels for Alfred, besides, he’s sure half the village and fortress already knows.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

“She is indeed.”

Alfred softly chuckles as Ragnar sets a squirming Tora down, then watches as Hati so naturally tends to her. The King had never seen anything like it. It’s more distracting even than Revna’s cries. There’s nothing more natural than childbirth, and Alfred doesn’t have the same trauma associated with it. His child’s health is a whole other concept he doesn’t like to reminisce about.

When Alfred stands, he blushes instantly as the Northman pulls him into his lap. Ragnar is very unapologetic and outwardly affectionate, and Alfred always wishes he could be as brave. A rare grin spreads across the Saxon’s face.

“There’s no need to thank me. You are my greatest concern.” Alfred says, before leaning into the most tender kiss. As they pull away, the Saxon takes Ragnar’s hands.

“You’re trembling,” he says, bringing the Northman’s fingertips to his lips and leaving soft kisses on them.

“I’m here.”

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Ragnar wants to say it’s nothing when Alfred takes his trembling hands in his, but that would be a lie. He knows the trembling won’t stop until he knows that Revna and the babe are alright. He feels over the last few months he has grown close to the Irishman, especially after their sons wed, and he would never wish upon him the kind of pain losing a wife or child can bring.

He gives Alfred a tender smile as he kisses his fingers. The gesture going straight to his heart and calming some of his nerves.

“Yes you are, and I love you for that.” Ragnar softly says as his eyes reflect the feelings in his heart.

When Gunnar and Cinaed enter the hall, Ragnar’s heart ticks up a beat in concern for his brother. He shakes the lingering thoughts from his mind as Gunnar rushes up the stairs to check in on his daughter.

All will be well…the Gods have blessed us with so much, surely they will continue to do so.

Perhaps even Alfred’s God…

Ragnar’s bright blue eyes return to Alfred’s as he takes in a calming breath. “I’m not usually like this…” the Northman shakes his head as a little embarrassment colors his cheeks.

“Revna lost her mother giving birth to her sibling…” Ragnar offers by way of explanation. “…it carries a lot of memories.”

“One of which, I never gave voice to…” The Northman admits. Alfred would probably think it superstitions nonsense. Curses and such. But Ragnar believes it whole-heartedly. Kalda cursed Gyda to make Gunnar pay for leaving her. 

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

When Ragnar practically brushes off his emotions and tells Alfred he’s not usually like this, the Saxon furrows his brows.

King Alfred is possibly the calmest, most stoic presence in all of Bebbanburg. He has little to no reaction to Gunnar and Cinaed’s arrival besides a subtle nod and a small smile. It’s truly only Ragnar who can bring him out of his shell in the privacy of their shared cottage. Still… he stays sitting across the Northman’s lap regardless, not one bit ashamed of being connected to him. Not here in Bebbanburg, especially.

“You’re allowed to be any way you need to be,” Alfred says softly, intertwining their fingers.

“I gathered that it’s harsh memories for you. But she is strong. Like her father.”

Alfred doesn’t know them well enough to make a pristine judgement, but he knows Revna is fearless. He knows Gunnar is even more so. God surely wouldn’t frown upon their lives. He tilts his head a little and looks into the Northman’s piercing eyes when Ragnar says he never gave a voice to something. Alfred fondles the Northman’s cheek with his hand, tenderly running his thumb across his lower lip in adoration.

“Do you want to unburden yourself? You know I have a good ear.” Alfred practically purrs.

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Ragnar lets out a soft breath as Alfred intertwines their fingers giving him a little nod. The comfort of his touch settles deep within his bones and his mouth curls into a little smile. Only for Alfred.

“I know…I keep reminding myself of that.” Ragnar gives his love a bashful smile. 

The Northman leans into Alfred’s touch as he caresses his cheek then runs his thumb across his lip. His eyebrow quirks as a mischievous look comes to his eyes, despite knowing this is neither the time or the place. His arms tighten around his King coaxing Alfred to lean against him further.

Looking into Alfred’s eyes, Ragnar hesitates to give voice to his thoughts. Even though they have both been open to speaking and learning about each other’s beliefs, he’s not sure if Alfred will dismiss the admission. Say it was God’s will that Gyda passed when she died. That women die in childbirth all the time.

But Ragnar knows different. He knows what he saw. That look in Kalda’s eyes seeing Gunnar sobbing against his leg. The satisfaction.

“I believe there were nefarious forces that caused Revna’s mother to pass in childbirth. A curse enacted by Gunnar’s ex-wife.

…she was not a good woman. She never really loved Gunnar, she just loved the position he gave her. She trapped him by seducing him. By getting pregnant. By forcing him to marry her, even though he didn’t love her.

She didn’t want him to be happy. She wanted him to suffer for choosing another. So she took Gyda away from him…and from Revna.

I have never told him that…” Ragnar admits as he looks into Alfred’s warm eyes.

“I know…I know. It sounds silly. But I can’t shake the feeling…” A haunted look comes to Ragnar’s eyes. Even now, he doesn’t want to say anything to Gunnar. He doesn’t want to dredge up the ghosts of the past. Especially now that his best-friend is so happy. So in love.

@alfredofwessex69

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Sitting in the hall with Tora on his lap, Ragnar stares into the fire gently burning in the hearth. He can hear the faint sounds of Revna growling out her pain as she prepares to give birth to her second child. Finan and Uhtred are at her side, and they have sent word for Lagertha to come assist in the birth. As the Shieldmaiden enters the hall, she gives Ragnar a knowing look, also reminded of a time long ago. She places a comforting hand on Ragnar’s shoulder.

“Revna is strong…” Lagertha whispers to soothe her ex-husband’s worry. “…tonight will not end like it did for her.”

Ragnar looks up into Lagertha’s eyes, seeing the same mistiness in her eyes that is reflected in his. He gives her a gentle nod, grasping onto the hope that her words hold true. “She is her father’s daughter…” he softly utters, knowing the strength of the big man that is his best-friend, his brother.

“See that it is so…” Ragnar looks into Lagertha’s eyes. He knows it is a heavy burden to place on Lagertha’s shoulders. The guilt still weighing heavily on her that there should have been more she could do to save Gyda.

As Lagertha heads upstairs to Revna’s chambers, Ragnar looks down into Tora’s eyes. The little girl’s bright blue eyes and dark hair reminding him so much of her mother. Memories of that night drift into his mind, as he remembers holding a little Revna much like this when her mother was giving birth. Gunnar had asked him to watch over his daughter while he remained at his wife’s side. Ragnar readily agreed as he carried Revna into the Great Hall and sat with her cradled against his side in front of the hearth.

Screams had pierced the air and Ragnar had winced at each one, his arm tightening around little Revna offering her comfort to relieve her fears. But it was the silence that followed that weighed heavily on his heart. He waited for what seemed like forever, listening for the sound of a babe’s cry, but none came. Then he heard the anguished cry of his best-friend and his heart sunk into his stomach. He wrapped his arms tightly around Revna as he rushed out of the Great Hall.

The sight he was greeted with has been forever etched into his memory. Gunnar slowly walking towards him with tears streaming down his face. His hands and arms coated in the blood of his wife. The big man sunk to his knees, letting out another anguished cry, and Ragnar had never seen him look so small as he did in that moment. Gunnar didn’t need to say a word, Ragnar knew, as his own tears started streaming down his face for his friend’s pain. He placed his hand on the top of Gunnar’s head as the big man leaned into his leg. Looking up, he saw Lagertha step out of the cottage, her eyes red and puffy with tears and the same blood coating her hands.

“I am so sorry, my brother…” Ragnar softly said around the hitch in his throat, holding Revna even tighter against his chest.

People of the village started gathering around, witnessing his brother’s pain. Ragnar could feel the sobs wracking Gunnar’s body as the big man clung to his leg, could feel his tears wetting his trousers. As Ragnar looked out amongst the people, trying to put on a strong front, he noticed Gunnar’s ex-wife standing in the crowd. A smug look on her face, with her nose tipped up. He felt a chill run up his spine when Kalda’s eyes met his, a smile coming her lips.

To this day, Ragnar cannot shake the feeling that Kalda might have cursed his best-friend. Stole away his happiness in retaliation for breaking her heart, by taking away the one he held most dear. He could not prove it, but just the look in her eyes said it all. A scowl came over Ragnar’s face as he returned Kalda’s gaze, the woman quickly leaving under his threatening glare.

“Ragnar…please watch over her…” Gunnar whispered between shuddering breaths. He couldn’t even bring himself to look up at his daughter.

“You know I will.” Ragnar reassured his friend, tightening his hold around Revna.

Ragnar watched helplessly as his friend staggered to his feet. A brief glance shared between them before Gunnar stumbled off into the forest. He didn’t see his friend for three days as he sought solace in the silence of the wilderness. As he grieved his wife’s loss.

Ragnar shakes himself from his reverie when Tora starts to babble and reach out to Hati, who licks her hand. “All will be well…your móðir is strong.” He whispers reassuringly to Tora. And to himself.

@ronanofulaid @alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

As the Northman whispers down to Tora, the King of Wessex strides closer and places a hand on Ragnar’s shoulder.

The past several months, Alfred had gotten to know Ragnar perhaps more than anyone else he’d ever met. It was life changing, having a relationship like that. He’d learned that the two of them shared a deep affinity for stored pain and emotions, having lived a fairly eventful life before knowing each other. Still in only just his 40s, the King of Wessex sometimes feels much older, and he knows Ragnar does too. They’ve both been married. Had children. Ruled their own lands. But the King of Wessex is pretty sure he’s never been in love before meeting Ragnar Lothbrok.

Alfred kneels down to his knee, giving Tora a smile. He’s wearing a dark cloak covering an airy, light tunic. He runs cold, even in the early summer.

“Lost in thought, are we?” Alfred says, giving Ragnar a knowing gaze.

@alfredofwessex69

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Feeling the comfort of Alfred’s hand on his shoulder, Ragnar lets out a shuddering breath. A little smile curling his lips as he looks into the Saxon’s stormy eyes.

“Ghosts of the past…” Ragnar says almost under his breath as he shakes his head in an attempt to rid himself of the memory.

Revna’s cries and growls are getting louder, and Ragnar tries to calm the sudden shaking of his hand. “She is strong…so strong.” And Kalda is not here.

Tora tries to wiggle out of Ragnar’s lap wanting to play with Hati. The Northman chuckles as he sets her down on the fur in front of the hearth. The wolf curling around her as she plays with his ears. Ragnar shakes his head, amazed that the wolf tolerates Tora climbing all over him.

Taking Alfred’s hand, Ragnar pulls him on to his lap, wanting to feel his Saxon King close. “Thank you for coming. For being here with me.” Ragnar gives him a sincere look. Different from his usual mischievous and mysterious playfulness.

Right now the Northman seeks comfort. Comfort that only the King of Wessex can give him. Cupping Alfred’s cheek, Ragnar pulls him in for a kiss. There is no point in hiding what he feels for Alfred, besides, he’s sure half the village and fortress already knows.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

“She is indeed.”

Alfred softly chuckles as Ragnar sets a squirming Tora down, then watches as Hati so naturally tends to her. The King had never seen anything like it. It’s more distracting even than Revna’s cries. There’s nothing more natural than childbirth, and Alfred doesn’t have the same trauma associated with it. His child’s health is a whole other concept he doesn’t like to reminisce about.

When Alfred stands, he blushes instantly as the Northman pulls him into his lap. Ragnar is very unapologetic and outwardly affectionate, and Alfred always wishes he could be as brave. A rare grin spreads across the Saxon’s face.

“There’s no need to thank me. You are my greatest concern.” Alfred says, before leaning into the most tender kiss. As they pull away, the Saxon takes Ragnar’s hands.

“You’re trembling,” he says, bringing the Northman’s fingertips to his lips and leaving soft kisses on them.

“I’m here.”

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Ragnar wants to say it’s nothing when Alfred takes his trembling hands in his, but that would be a lie. He knows the trembling won’t stop until he knows that Revna and the babe are alright. He feels over the last few months he has grown close to the Irishman, especially after their sons wed, and he would never wish upon him the kind of pain losing a wife or child can bring.

He gives Alfred a tender smile as he kisses his fingers. The gesture going straight to his heart and calming some of his nerves.

“Yes you are, and I love you for that.” Ragnar softly says as his eyes reflect the feelings in his heart.

When Gunnar and Cinaed enter the hall, Ragnar’s heart ticks up a beat in concern for his brother. He shakes the lingering thoughts from his mind as Gunnar rushes up the stairs to check in on his daughter.

All will be well…the Gods have blessed us with so much, surely they will continue to do so.

Perhaps even Alfred’s God…

Ragnar’s bright blue eyes return to Alfred’s as he takes in a calming breath. “I’m not usually like this…” the Northman shakes his head as a little embarrassment colors his cheeks.

“Revna lost her mother giving birth to her sibling…” Ragnar offers by way of explanation. “…it carries a lot of memories.”

“One of which, I never gave voice to…” The Northman admits. Alfred would probably think it superstitions nonsense. Curses and such. But Ragnar believes it whole-heartedly. Kalda cursed Gyda to make Gunnar pay for leaving her. 

@alfredofwessex69

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Sitting in the hall with Tora on his lap, Ragnar stares into the fire gently burning in the hearth. He can hear the faint sounds of Revna growling out her pain as she prepares to give birth to her second child. Finan and Uhtred are at her side, and they have sent word for Lagertha to come assist in the birth. As the Shieldmaiden enters the hall, she gives Ragnar a knowing look, also reminded of a time long ago. She places a comforting hand on Ragnar’s shoulder.

“Revna is strong…” Lagertha whispers to soothe her ex-husband’s worry. “…tonight will not end like it did for her.”

Ragnar looks up into Lagertha’s eyes, seeing the same mistiness in her eyes that is reflected in his. He gives her a gentle nod, grasping onto the hope that her words hold true. “She is her father’s daughter…” he softly utters, knowing the strength of the big man that is his best-friend, his brother.

“See that it is so…” Ragnar looks into Lagertha’s eyes. He knows it is a heavy burden to place on Lagertha’s shoulders. The guilt still weighing heavily on her that there should have been more she could do to save Gyda.

As Lagertha heads upstairs to Revna’s chambers, Ragnar looks down into Tora’s eyes. The little girl’s bright blue eyes and dark hair reminding him so much of her mother. Memories of that night drift into his mind, as he remembers holding a little Revna much like this when her mother was giving birth. Gunnar had asked him to watch over his daughter while he remained at his wife’s side. Ragnar readily agreed as he carried Revna into the Great Hall and sat with her cradled against his side in front of the hearth.

Screams had pierced the air and Ragnar had winced at each one, his arm tightening around little Revna offering her comfort to relieve her fears. But it was the silence that followed that weighed heavily on his heart. He waited for what seemed like forever, listening for the sound of a babe’s cry, but none came. Then he heard the anguished cry of his best-friend and his heart sunk into his stomach. He wrapped his arms tightly around Revna as he rushed out of the Great Hall.

The sight he was greeted with has been forever etched into his memory. Gunnar slowly walking towards him with tears streaming down his face. His hands and arms coated in the blood of his wife. The big man sunk to his knees, letting out another anguished cry, and Ragnar had never seen him look so small as he did in that moment. Gunnar didn’t need to say a word, Ragnar knew, as his own tears started streaming down his face for his friend’s pain. He placed his hand on the top of Gunnar’s head as the big man leaned into his leg. Looking up, he saw Lagertha step out of the cottage, her eyes red and puffy with tears and the same blood coating her hands.

“I am so sorry, my brother…” Ragnar softly said around the hitch in his throat, holding Revna even tighter against his chest.

People of the village started gathering around, witnessing his brother’s pain. Ragnar could feel the sobs wracking Gunnar’s body as the big man clung to his leg, could feel his tears wetting his trousers. As Ragnar looked out amongst the people, trying to put on a strong front, he noticed Gunnar’s ex-wife standing in the crowd. A smug look on her face, with her nose tipped up. He felt a chill run up his spine when Kalda’s eyes met his, a smile coming her lips.

To this day, Ragnar cannot shake the feeling that Kalda might have cursed his best-friend. Stole away his happiness in retaliation for breaking her heart, by taking away the one he held most dear. He could not prove it, but just the look in her eyes said it all. A scowl came over Ragnar’s face as he returned Kalda’s gaze, the woman quickly leaving under his threatening glare.

“Ragnar…please watch over her…” Gunnar whispered between shuddering breaths. He couldn’t even bring himself to look up at his daughter.

“You know I will.” Ragnar reassured his friend, tightening his hold around Revna.

Ragnar watched helplessly as his friend staggered to his feet. A brief glance shared between them before Gunnar stumbled off into the forest. He didn’t see his friend for three days as he sought solace in the silence of the wilderness. As he grieved his wife’s loss.

Ragnar shakes himself from his reverie when Tora starts to babble and reach out to Hati, who licks her hand. “All will be well…your móðir is strong.” He whispers reassuringly to Tora. And to himself.

@ronanofulaid @alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

As the Northman whispers down to Tora, the King of Wessex strides closer and places a hand on Ragnar’s shoulder.

The past several months, Alfred had gotten to know Ragnar perhaps more than anyone else he’d ever met. It was life changing, having a relationship like that. He’d learned that the two of them shared a deep affinity for stored pain and emotions, having lived a fairly eventful life before knowing each other. Still in only just his 40s, the King of Wessex sometimes feels much older, and he knows Ragnar does too. They’ve both been married. Had children. Ruled their own lands. But the King of Wessex is pretty sure he’s never been in love before meeting Ragnar Lothbrok.

Alfred kneels down to his knee, giving Tora a smile. He’s wearing a dark cloak covering an airy, light tunic. He runs cold, even in the early summer.

“Lost in thought, are we?” Alfred says, giving Ragnar a knowing gaze.

@alfredofwessex69

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Feeling the comfort of Alfred’s hand on his shoulder, Ragnar lets out a shuddering breath. A little smile curling his lips as he looks into the Saxon’s stormy eyes.

“Ghosts of the past…” Ragnar says almost under his breath as he shakes his head in an attempt to rid himself of the memory.

Revna’s cries and growls are getting louder, and Ragnar tries to calm the sudden shaking of his hand. “She is strong…so strong.” And Kalda is not here.

Tora tries to wiggle out of Ragnar’s lap wanting to play with Hati. The Northman chuckles as he sets her down on the fur in front of the hearth. The wolf curling around her as she plays with his ears. Ragnar shakes his head, amazed that the wolf tolerates Tora climbing all over him.

Taking Alfred’s hand, Ragnar pulls him on to his lap, wanting to feel his Saxon King close. “Thank you for coming. For being here with me.” Ragnar gives him a sincere look. Different from his usual mischievous and mysterious playfulness.

Right now the Northman seeks comfort. Comfort that only the King of Wessex can give him. Cupping Alfred’s cheek, Ragnar pulls him in for a kiss. There is no point in hiding what he feels for Alfred, besides, he’s sure half the village and fortress already knows.

@alfredofwessex69

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Sitting in the hall with Tora on his lap, Ragnar stares into the fire gently burning in the hearth. He can hear the faint sounds of Revna growling out her pain as she prepares to give birth to her second child. Finan and Uhtred are at her side, and they have sent word for Lagertha to come assist in the birth. As the Shieldmaiden enters the hall, she gives Ragnar a knowing look, also reminded of a time long ago. She places a comforting hand on Ragnar’s shoulder.

“Revna is strong…” Lagertha whispers to soothe her ex-husband’s worry. “…tonight will not end like it did for her.”

Ragnar looks up into Lagertha’s eyes, seeing the same mistiness in her eyes that is reflected in his. He gives her a gentle nod, grasping onto the hope that her words hold true. “She is her father’s daughter…” he softly utters, knowing the strength of the big man that is his best-friend, his brother.

“See that it is so…” Ragnar looks into Lagertha’s eyes. He knows it is a heavy burden to place on Lagertha’s shoulders. The guilt still weighing heavily on her that there should have been more she could do to save Gyda.

As Lagertha heads upstairs to Revna’s chambers, Ragnar looks down into Tora’s eyes. The little girl’s bright blue eyes and dark hair reminding him so much of her mother. Memories of that night drift into his mind, as he remembers holding a little Revna much like this when her mother was giving birth. Gunnar had asked him to watch over his daughter while he remained at his wife’s side. Ragnar readily agreed as he carried Revna into the Great Hall and sat with her cradled against his side in front of the hearth.

Screams had pierced the air and Ragnar had winced at each one, his arm tightening around little Revna offering her comfort to relieve her fears. But it was the silence that followed that weighed heavily on his heart. He waited for what seemed like forever, listening for the sound of a babe’s cry, but none came. Then he heard the anguished cry of his best-friend and his heart sunk into his stomach. He wrapped his arms tightly around Revna as he rushed out of the Great Hall.

The sight he was greeted with has been forever etched into his memory. Gunnar slowly walking towards him with tears streaming down his face. His hands and arms coated in the blood of his wife. The big man sunk to his knees, letting out another anguished cry, and Ragnar had never seen him look so small as he did in that moment. Gunnar didn’t need to say a word, Ragnar knew, as his own tears started streaming down his face for his friend’s pain. He placed his hand on the top of Gunnar’s head as the big man leaned into his leg. Looking up, he saw Lagertha step out of the cottage, her eyes red and puffy with tears and the same blood coating her hands.

“I am so sorry, my brother…” Ragnar softly said around the hitch in his throat, holding Revna even tighter against his chest.

People of the village started gathering around, witnessing his brother’s pain. Ragnar could feel the sobs wracking Gunnar’s body as the big man clung to his leg, could feel his tears wetting his trousers. As Ragnar looked out amongst the people, trying to put on a strong front, he noticed Gunnar’s ex-wife standing in the crowd. A smug look on her face, with her nose tipped up. He felt a chill run up his spine when Kalda’s eyes met his, a smile coming her lips.

To this day, Ragnar cannot shake the feeling that Kalda might have cursed his best-friend. Stole away his happiness in retaliation for breaking her heart, by taking away the one he held most dear. He could not prove it, but just the look in her eyes said it all. A scowl came over Ragnar’s face as he returned Kalda’s gaze, the woman quickly leaving under his threatening glare.

“Ragnar…please watch over her…” Gunnar whispered between shuddering breaths. He couldn’t even bring himself to look up at his daughter.

“You know I will.” Ragnar reassured his friend, tightening his hold around Revna.

Ragnar watched helplessly as his friend staggered to his feet. A brief glance shared between them before Gunnar stumbled off into the forest. He didn’t see his friend for three days as he sought solace in the silence of the wilderness. As he grieved his wife’s loss.

Ragnar shakes himself from his reverie when Tora starts to babble and reach out to Hati, who licks her hand. “All will be well…your móðir is strong.” He whispers reassuringly to Tora. And to himself.

@ronanofulaid @alfredofwessex69

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

“Ragnar,” the prince calls out from a distance as he approaches Lothbrok’s cottage. He sees the former King of Wessex carrying a pile of wooden sticks towards the Northman, and he suddenly feels like he’s intruding. Cinaed didn’t know much about these two — but they were cute together. A Northman and a Saxon. Bebbanburg was full of unlikely pairs, he supposes.

The prince doesn’t know Ragnar well… he’d only really introduced himself and spoke to him a few times. He seemed to be a good friend of his father’s, and an even better one to his mate. Ragnar’s ex wife though — he definitely doesn’t like her. Not after that day. Perhaps they would change… he’s still just barely getting to know people.

“Uh, sorry to interrupt. I was hoping to have a talk with you?” Cinaed smiles charmingly, offering it just the same to Alfred.

@cinaedofulaid

Hearing his name being called out, Ragnar looks up from the wood he is chopping to keep his and Alfred’s cottage warm. Even though it has been getting warmer during the day with spring being upon them, the nights still get a little chilly, and he endeavors to keep his King warm. Taking the bundle of sticks from Alfred, Ragnar places them with the other kindling his lover has been gathering.

“Thank you…” Ragnar gives Alfred a tender smile, before turning his attention to the young prince approaching them. He was gladdened to hear of Cinaed and Gunnar’s return from Ulaid.

A playful smirk tugs at Ragnar’s lips, as he tilts his head in curiosity at Cinaed. “We can talk…” he gives the prince a little nod, brushing his hands off on his trousers.

Stepping away from the pile of wood he approaches the young man. “What would you like to speak about? Gunnar treating you right?” He asks, even though he has already seen the devotion in his best-friend’s eyes towards his young lover.

@cinaedofulaid

[cinaedofulaid]

Cinaed steps away even further as Ragnar inquires about Gunnar. Not that he would mind if Alfred heard, but still. It’s even sweet that Ragnar would ask such a thing, and the prince beams.

“Of course! Yeah,” Cinaed says happily, his amber gaze twinkling. “He treats me so well. I um…”

The prince looks downward and hesitates a moment before speaking up. “Well, it’s just that you know him so well, for so many years, and… I wanted to see what you thought. I know he was uh, with women before and um… I don’t know. I don’t know.” Cinaed says it twice, shaking his head with a grin.

“As you’ve probably seen, my father hates the idea. But it’s no longer an idea. I abdicated and I want to dedicate my life to him, and I know you can speak to his character. Not that I don’t trust him, it’s not that at all. I just wanted to see.”

The prince shrugs bashfully, giving Ragnar a smirk. “… our relationship isn’t all that conventional. And I wanted to see what his greatest friend thinks about it.”

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Sharing a look with Alfred, Ragnar gives his lover a tender smile which his King returns. The Saxon giving the Northman a little nod as he heads inside the cottage to get the two men a drink while they start to talk. Ragnar motions with his head towards some tree stumps in the front of his yard, taking a seat on one of them while Cinaed sits on the other. A short time later, Alfred returns with a couple mugs of wine, handing one to Ragnar, while offering the other one to Cinaed. He whispers in Ragnar’s ear that he will wait for him inside, sensing that the young prince would like some privacy with the warrior to speak freely. Ragnar takes his hand and places a gentle kiss on Alfred’s palm, with a mischievous look flickering in his eyes. A little blush colors the King of Wessex’s cheeks, which he tries to hide giving the prince a quick nod before disappearing inside the cottage.

Ragnar can’t help the scowl that comes to his face when Cinaed mentions the women of Gunnar’s past. Not that he didn’t love Gyda, but her memory will always be marred with the pain his friend suffered at her loss. He still remembers when Gunnar disappeared into the forest for days to grieve her passing. Kalda on the other hand, was the worst decision Gunnar ever made in a woman. Once she became pregnant with their first child, she became a bitter, cold woman, and Gunnar could never do right by her. His friend was young and stupid when he got involved with that witch, and secretly Ragnar was thrilled when Gunnar found Gyda.

But even Gyda doesn’t hold a candle to the love he sees in Gunnar’s eyes for the young man sitting before him. A playful smile comes to Ragnar’s lips seeing a little bashfulness in the prince.

“You have done something I never thought possible…” Ragnar murmurs into his mug of ale, a teasing look in his eyes. “You have tamed my best-friend’s heart. I tried for years, before he was taken, to get Gunnar to find another lover. But he refused.

Gods, was he insufferable…” Ragnar rolls his eyes as he chuckles, remembering how ornery and short tempered his friend was.

“You have brought a light into his eyes that I haven’t seen in a very long time. He’s like a new man. Happy…and dare I say a little lovesick…” the Northman smirks.

When Cinaed mentions that their relationship isn’t conventional, Ragnar shrugs his shoulders thinking of his own unconventional relationship. He smiles fondly when he thinks of Alfred and the time they have spent together.

“Love doesn’t know convention…it doesn’t care. Love only knows the beating of your heart when you are near the one who brings you joy. The beaming smile on your face when you think about them.” Ragnar smiles at the prince.

“You are good for him…” Ragnar winks at Cinaed.

@cinaedofulaid

[cinaedofulaid]

“Thank you,” Cinaed smiles at Alfred, taking the mug of wine and taking a generous sip of it as he listens to Ragnar’s words. Cinaed watches as the Northman and King Alfred share tender gestures with each other, and he can’t help but think that it’s very sweet. He can quite literally see that they aren’t just lovers but are domesticated and happy together.

Ragnar’s accent is much like Gunnar’s, but the way he speaks holds attention like no other. His eyes are equally wicked and kind, and the prince suddenly feels a little unsteady as he looks into them. Then he remembers Ronan mentioning something about this. Something along the lines of Lothbrok being thousands of years of wisdom in the face of one man. Still, Ragnar doesn’t treat the prince like he’s young, and Cinaed likes that. He doesn’t even treat him differently for being Irish. He just wonders if he can feel something ancient staring back at him too.

Cinaed’s lips curl up as Ragnar mentions Gunnar being insufferable. He can’t imagine it. But he can imagine that stubbornness that he’s gotten to know so well. The words Lothbrok speaks about love is perhaps one of the best ways the prince has ever heard it described, if not the best. When Ragnar says that Cinaed is good for Gunnar, the prince blushes, feeling honored to hear him say that.

“Thank you,” Cinaed says softly with a smile.

“… he’s learning a lot about himself right now. Making up for lost time. I think this is where we are meant to be. To have you here, and the others… I know it’s good for him. We were going to be too isolated in Dúnseverick. And now we get to truly be together, whether my father approves or not.”

Shifting a bit on the tree stump, Cinaed crosses a leg over his knee and leans on his hand, his head tilting almost too smoothly. He’s strong and battled scarred, and yet his movements are feathery and lithe, every bit the faerie he secretly is as his sparkling amber eyes meet the Northman’s.

“I appreciate this. Very much. And I’d like to see you around more often… I know Gunnar would like it. Your mate seems very kind too.”

Did I just say mate?

“Uh, just don’t bring your ex-wife.”

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

“I’m sure he is…” Ragnar nods as a little flash of guilt crosses his eyes. He should have known Gunnar wasn’t dead on that battlefield. He was too strong to be bested by those Franks. He should have gone back for him, but at the time his focus had been on his son who had two arrows protruding from his back. It is something that will haunt him for the rest of his life, and he only hopes Gunnar can forgive him.

Ragnar lets out a soft chuckle, “I’m sure your father will get used to the idea in time. If he knows what’s good for him. Gunnar is a good man to have in his corner. A fierce warrior with unmatched loyalty. He’s a good man to have protecting what he holds most precious, his son.”

Nodding his head, Ragnar agrees. They should get together more often, even if he and Gunnar tend to get up to mischief whenever they are near. “I would like that very much…”

Ragnar’s eyebrow quirks up when Cinaed refers to Alfred as his mate, amusement dancing in his eyes. “He is once you get to know him…” Ragnar’s lips curl into a smirk. The last few months, he and the King of Wessex have gotten very close, and with their domestic bliss it almost feels like they are more than just lovers. Alfred stimulates more than just his body, the long talks they have about God and the Gods stimulates his mind as well.

A boisterous laugh rumbles from Ragnar’s chest when Cinaed requests that Lagertha not be with them. “Do I sense a hint of jealousy?” The Northman teases.

“You have nothing to fear…Gunnar doesn’t see Lag as anything more than a sister. They butt heads too much to be anything more.

I understand though…she can be a bit overly affectionate to those she cares about.” Ragnar gives Cinaed a knowing look.

@cinaedofulaid

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

“Ragnar,” the prince calls out from a distance as he approaches Lothbrok’s cottage. He sees the former King of Wessex carrying a pile of wooden sticks towards the Northman, and he suddenly feels like he’s intruding. Cinaed didn’t know much about these two — but they were cute together. A Northman and a Saxon. Bebbanburg was full of unlikely pairs, he supposes.

The prince doesn’t know Ragnar well… he’d only really introduced himself and spoke to him a few times. He seemed to be a good friend of his father’s, and an even better one to his mate. Ragnar’s ex wife though — he definitely doesn’t like her. Not after that day. Perhaps they would change… he’s still just barely getting to know people.

“Uh, sorry to interrupt. I was hoping to have a talk with you?” Cinaed smiles charmingly, offering it just the same to Alfred.

@cinaedofulaid

Hearing his name being called out, Ragnar looks up from the wood he is chopping to keep his and Alfred’s cottage warm. Even though it has been getting warmer during the day with spring being upon them, the nights still get a little chilly, and he endeavors to keep his King warm. Taking the bundle of sticks from Alfred, Ragnar places them with the other kindling his lover has been gathering.

“Thank you…” Ragnar gives Alfred a tender smile, before turning his attention to the young prince approaching them. He was gladdened to hear of Cinaed and Gunnar’s return from Ulaid.

A playful smirk tugs at Ragnar’s lips, as he tilts his head in curiosity at Cinaed. “We can talk…” he gives the prince a little nod, brushing his hands off on his trousers.

Stepping away from the pile of wood he approaches the young man. “What would you like to speak about? Gunnar treating you right?” He asks, even though he has already seen the devotion in his best-friend’s eyes towards his young lover.

@cinaedofulaid

[cinaedofulaid]

Cinaed steps away even further as Ragnar inquires about Gunnar. Not that he would mind if Alfred heard, but still. It’s even sweet that Ragnar would ask such a thing, and the prince beams.

“Of course! Yeah,” Cinaed says happily, his amber gaze twinkling. “He treats me so well. I um…”

The prince looks downward and hesitates a moment before speaking up. “Well, it’s just that you know him so well, for so many years, and… I wanted to see what you thought. I know he was uh, with women before and um… I don’t know. I don’t know.” Cinaed says it twice, shaking his head with a grin.

“As you’ve probably seen, my father hates the idea. But it’s no longer an idea. I abdicated and I want to dedicate my life to him, and I know you can speak to his character. Not that I don’t trust him, it’s not that at all. I just wanted to see.”

The prince shrugs bashfully, giving Ragnar a smirk. “… our relationship isn’t all that conventional. And I wanted to see what his greatest friend thinks about it.”

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Sharing a look with Alfred, Ragnar gives his lover a tender smile which his King returns. The Saxon giving the Northman a little nod as he heads inside the cottage to get the two men a drink while they start to talk. Ragnar motions with his head towards some tree stumps in the front of his yard, taking a seat on one of them while Cinaed sits on the other. A short time later, Alfred returns with a couple mugs of wine, handing one to Ragnar, while offering the other one to Cinaed. He whispers in Ragnar’s ear that he will wait for him inside, sensing that the young prince would like some privacy with the warrior to speak freely. Ragnar takes his hand and places a gentle kiss on Alfred’s palm, with a mischievous look flickering in his eyes. A little blush colors the King of Wessex’s cheeks, which he tries to hide giving the prince a quick nod before disappearing inside the cottage.

Ragnar can’t help the scowl that comes to his face when Cinaed mentions the women of Gunnar’s past. Not that he didn’t love Gyda, but her memory will always be marred with the pain his friend suffered at her loss. He still remembers when Gunnar disappeared into the forest for days to grieve her passing. Kalda on the other hand, was the worst decision Gunnar ever made in a woman. Once she became pregnant with their first child, she became a bitter, cold woman, and Gunnar could never do right by her. His friend was young and stupid when he got involved with that witch, and secretly Ragnar was thrilled when Gunnar found Gyda.

But even Gyda doesn’t hold a candle to the love he sees in Gunnar’s eyes for the young man sitting before him. A playful smile comes to Ragnar’s lips seeing a little bashfulness in the prince.

“You have done something I never thought possible…” Ragnar murmurs into his mug of ale, a teasing look in his eyes. “You have tamed my best-friend’s heart. I tried for years, before he was taken, to get Gunnar to find another lover. But he refused.

Gods, was he insufferable…” Ragnar rolls his eyes as he chuckles, remembering how ornery and short tempered his friend was.

“You have brought a light into his eyes that I haven’t seen in a very long time. He’s like a new man. Happy…and dare I say a little lovesick…” the Northman smirks.

When Cinaed mentions that their relationship isn’t conventional, Ragnar shrugs his shoulders thinking of his own unconventional relationship. He smiles fondly when he thinks of Alfred and the time they have spent together.

“Love doesn’t know convention…it doesn’t care. Love only knows the beating of your heart when you are near the one who brings you joy. The beaming smile on your face when you think about them.” Ragnar smiles at the prince.

“You are good for him…” Ragnar winks at Cinaed.

@cinaedofulaid

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

“Ragnar,” the prince calls out from a distance as he approaches Lothbrok’s cottage. He sees the former King of Wessex carrying a pile of wooden sticks towards the Northman, and he suddenly feels like he’s intruding. Cinaed didn’t know much about these two — but they were cute together. A Northman and a Saxon. Bebbanburg was full of unlikely pairs, he supposes.

The prince doesn’t know Ragnar well… he’d only really introduced himself and spoke to him a few times. He seemed to be a good friend of his father’s, and an even better one to his mate. Ragnar’s ex wife though — he definitely doesn’t like her. Not after that day. Perhaps they would change… he’s still just barely getting to know people.

“Uh, sorry to interrupt. I was hoping to have a talk with you?” Cinaed smiles charmingly, offering it just the same to Alfred.

@cinaedofulaid

Hearing his name being called out, Ragnar looks up from the wood he is chopping to keep his and Alfred’s cottage warm. Even though it has been getting warmer during the day with spring being upon them, the nights still get a little chilly, and he endeavors to keep his King warm. Taking the bundle of sticks from Alfred, Ragnar places them with the other kindling his lover has been gathering.

“Thank you…” Ragnar gives Alfred a tender smile, before turning his attention to the young prince approaching them. He was gladdened to hear of Cinaed and Gunnar’s return from Ulaid.

A playful smirk tugs at Ragnar’s lips, as he tilts his head in curiosity at Cinaed. “We can talk…” he gives the prince a little nod, brushing his hands off on his trousers.

Stepping away from the pile of wood he approaches the young man. “What would you like to speak about? Gunnar treating you right?” He asks, even though he has already seen the devotion in his best-friend’s eyes towards his young lover.

@cinaedofulaid

[askuhtredragnarson]

After taking a nice long soak in his bathing tub, soothing his sore muscles, Uhtred finally gets out and dresses in his finest tunic and trousers for the feast. He spent the earlier part of the day chopping wood to keep the hearths in the Great Hall stocked to stave off the winter chill. The Dane decides to forgoes his leathers after putting on his midnight blue tunic with fine embroidery and black trousers. The feast should be a relaxed atmosphere, not warranting extra protection, and he knows how much his husband likes to slide his hand under his tunic to feel his skin. A little smirk comes to Uhtred’s face at the thought.

As he heads downstairs, Uhtred can smell the delicious scents coming from the kitchen as the servants start to bring out platters of food to be placed along the long table in the dining hall. His stomach already growling from the appetite he worked up earlier. Hati follows close on his heels, licking his chops as his nose makes a show of sniffing the air.

“Don’t worry…I’ll share.” Uhtred chuckles at the wolf dog. “If I don’t, you know Tora will toss down some morsels for you.” The Dane ruffles the fur on top of Hati’s head.

The side tables are already stocked with bottles of wine and jugs of ale as well as a variety of sweet cakes and pies for dessert. It’s been so long since they have had a gathering of all the family and Uhtred looks forward to catching up with everyone. The table should be mostly full tonight with additional faces gracing their presence. Uhtred looks forward to seeing the older Northman, and making sure he is comfortable with his accommodations. He had thought of offering Gunnar a small cottage that a young family just moved out of to move into a bigger home. Anything he can do to make the warrior feel at home.

Uhtred looks forward to seeing Finan’s youngest son, Cinaed, whom he has only seen in passing since his arrival and initial introductions. He was surprised when Finan told him the young prince has decided to remain for the winter, and he hopes it affords father and son a chance to bond.

After grabbing a mug of wine, Uhtred takes a seat at the head of the table as he waits for the rest of the family to filter in.

@thedarkprinceofulaid

[thedarkprinceofulaid]

Holding a now well rested Tora on his hip and his wife on his arm, Finan leads them into the hall and instantly beams when he sees Uhtred there ahead of everyone.

“Wow… look at you. Right on time, eh?” The Irishman drawls with a smirk as he nears him. He pulls out a chair for his wife before setting Tora in a high wooden chair, then he gives Uhtred his hand so naturally, smiling when the Dane gives it a kiss.

“Hello, darling.” Finan says, giving his Lord a proper introduction with twinkling dark eyes. He’d decided against his leathers as well, his beard freshly trimmed and his hair its usual proper messiness. He instantly gets distracted by the sweet cakes on the table, and then by the sound of people finally arriving. Finan is on the move, then— greeting everyone as they come in. A strong pat on the back for Osferth, a deep hug and a smooch for Lagertha, and a playful pinch for both Ronan and Björn. He’d never seen the young couple actually on time. Looks like Ragnar would be the one who’s late. Gunnar hadn’t arrived either. But it was still early.

When Cinaed arrives, Finan extends his arm to him, pleased when the young prince takes it and gives him a smile. He looks well. Better than ever, even. Perhaps the young man did need his rest. He quickly takes his youngest to Uhtred’s side, for another introduction as well as respect to the host.

“Lord Uhtred,” Cinaed says, giving the Dane a smile and a small bow. “Pleasure to see you again.”

He looks at Revna then, giving her the same. “Lady. A pleasure.”

When the prince looks into Revna’s eyes, his stomach suddenly drops at the familiarity. Perhaps now that he’d left his blissful chamber, he was reminded of the absolute gravity of his new affair. Feeling a blush rise to his cheeks, the prince clears his throat, taking a seat nearby them as he feels his brother kick him under the table and give a look as if to say, your nervousness is showing.

@askuhtredragnarson

[askuhtredragnarson]

“I can be on time…” Uhtred teases. “Sometimes…”

When Uhtred sees Finan and Revna along with little Tora he grins, happiness filling his heart. A chuckle rumbles from his chest when Tora lets out a little squeal when she spots Hati beside him. Her little fingers making grabby hands towards the wolf dog until he gets up and gives her a proper greeting, complete with a lick to her cheek. The little girl’s giggles contagious to everyone around her.

“Revna, you look ravishing as always…” Uhtred praises the shieldmaiden as he gives her a little wink. 

“As do you, baby…” the Dane softly husks as he takes his husband’s hand to place a kiss on his palm. A little twinkle in his eyes as he takes in his handsome husband.

When the others start filtering in, Uhtred watches with a lighthearted grin as Finan goes around greeting everyone. It’s one of the things he loves about his husband, how welcoming the Irishman is and how he can bring a smile to everyone’s faces with humor and his good-natured personality.

Uhtred returns Cinaed’s smile, giving the young man a bow of his head in greeting. “The pleasure is all mine. I hope you have been enjoying your stay here so far. If you have need of anything, don’t hesitate to ask.” The Dane offers with kindness in his voice.

He silently observes Cinaed’s greeting to Revna, noticing the blush rise to the young man’s cheeks. He gives Revna a lingering glance as she returns his gaze with a little shrug of her shoulders. Neither one of them sure what caused the young man’s fluster.

Uhtred shakes it off as Cinaed takes a seat at the table across from his brother. Maybe the young Irishman feels a little awkward in considering Revna as his step-mother. Finan had mentioned that Cinaed was closer to his birthmother than Ronan is.

Rising from his seat, Uhtred shares glances with everyone who has joined them thus far. “Welcome!” The Dane holds out his mug with a beaming smile. “Please, everyone, find a seat. We’re only waiting for a few more to join us before we can partake in this lovely feast.”

@thedarkprinceofulaid

[cinaedofulaid]

Just as he knows Ronan, Finan has almost a sixth sense when it comes to his children. He gives Cinaed a pat on the back as he passes him, having noticed the prince’s slight fluster. Perhaps he thought Revna was ravishing, like he did. Finan smirks at the thought.

The elder prince clears his throat, giving Cinaed a wide eyed look before pouring his brother some wine. It’s almost obvious when Cinaed takes a generous drink of it.

“Cinaed,” Ronan says with a playful tone. “Go get my pups. They’re outside playin’.”

“… what?” Cinaed nearly scoffs, furrowing his brows at his brother’s request. Ronan is trying to give him a distraction, but he has no idea.

“Go get my pups,” Ronan says again, kicking Cinaed under the table as he gives him a tense smile.

“Alright…” Cinaed says, standing abruptly from the table. He thinks it’s a strange request. The children are cute but they barely know him, and he’s not too keen on young humans yet. He strides to the doors of the hall purposefully, passing a few Northmen he doesn’t know before turning a corner and running into someone by mistake, pretty hard.

“Oh my god, I’m…” Cinaed looks up at who he body checked and his stomach drops, the piercing blue eyes staring back at him almost in amusement. The same eyes that had been gazing into his mere hours before during the most provocative of joinings.

“I’m so sorry. Gunnar, uh… pleasure to see you.”

“Gunnar!” Finan chimes out from afar with a big, bright grin. “Come on in!”

Ronan’s hand meets his face as his husband chuckles at the utter debacle that cascaded before their eyes.

@gunnartjorvason

[thedarkprinceofulaid]

As Finan nears the two of them, he grabs Gunnar’s shoulder in greeting.

“Gunnar, this is my youngest son from my first marriage, Cinaed. You’ve met, right? Oh, yes, at our last gathering perhaps.” Finan says to the Northman before looking at his son. The shaky nod and smile Cinaed gives affirms that they have, and perhaps Finan had been too heavy on the ale that night. He never imagined his son would be this shy — he’s usually like Ronan, bold and self assured.

“Perhaps since he’s stayin’ the winter, you could show him some of your sword skill. He’s a man now, having passed 18 summers recently.”

“Yes, he sure is…” Ronan says under his breath, before Bjorn nudges him with his elbow.

“I’d be honored.” Cinaed says more confidently, looking into Gunnar’s eyes unwaveringly. A moment too long, in fact.

“Alright, the food is gettin’ cold…” Ronan interrupts, having gotten up to grab Hali and lead him to his chair, and also to provide a buffer. These two were being way too obvious already with the way they looked at each other. Gunnar looks like he wants to devour his brother. Ronan looks at Revna, hoping she doesn’t pick up on it. She is so good at spotting subtleties like that.

@gunnartjorvason @revnashieldmaiden

[gunnartjorvason]

Having freshly bathed, Gunnar puts the finishing touches on his appearance. He straightens the dark braids that flow from the top of his head, before shaving the sides around them. He then gives his long beard a little trim, evening up the edges. Having arrived here with just a few articles of clothing, the Northman was relieved to find some new clothes at the market. A long black tunic with fine embroidery made by fellow Norse maiden, and a pair of dark trousers. It still amazes him how many of his people call this place home. It’s a true melting pot of people and cultures.

As he heads out the door of his chambers, he feels a little nervousness come over him. The warrior takes a deep breath to steel his nerves. He is anxious to see his lover, more than anything, but he hopes he can maintain the discretion of their relationship. The last thing he wants is to stir up trouble for the young man who has claimed his heart. He is also anxious to see his best-friend, curious to know Ragnar’s reaction finding out he’s alive.

Gunnar walks towards the dining hall, as he turns a corner someone slams into him pretty hard. It only takes a moment for him to realize who bumped into him as an amused smile comes to his face. He hand instinctively comes up to steady Cinaed, taking his arm gently as the young man gets his bearings. Seeing the surprise and touch of embarrassment in Cinaed’s amber eyes for literally running into him, the Northman’s smile widens.

“It was an accident. You have nothing to apologize for.” Gunnar’s eyes twinkle as a little smirk plays at his lips. “Pleasure to see you too…” his voice gets noticeably deeper. He can’t help himself when he is near Cinaed.

When he hears Finan’s voice call out in greeting, the Northman reluctantly releases Cinaed’s arm giving the older Irishman a nod and a smile as he approaches them.

“Yes, we have met. I showed Cinaed around the fortress when he first arrived.” Gunnar smiles with fondness at the memory sharing a brief look with the young prince. The blush that colors his lover’s cheeks telling him he remembers that day well.

“I’d be honored to practice sword skill with the prince. Although I have to admit, I’m a little rusty.” It behooves the warrior to admit that. “Perhaps he can teach me a thing or two, and help me regain my strength.” 

Gunnar finds himself lost in Cinaed’s eyes as the young man looks into his unwaveringly. Ronan’s interruption finally breaking the spell the young man has him under, as the warrior gives the other prince a bashful look before clearing his throat. 

As the brooding warrior walks into the dining hall, he takes in all the smiling faces of the ones already gathered, feeling a little more relaxed hearing laughter and the chatter amongst them. He takes a deep breath as dark thoughts filter in his mind, of gatherings that were not so friendly and peaceful. His hand coming up to his forehead as he wills the sounds ringing in his ears to go away. I’m not there…the warrior reminds himself. His eyes instantly seeking out Cinaed again as he focuses for a moment on the young man who brings him peace.

The warrior is caught off guard when suddenly he is wrapped in an embrace. Looking down, a soft chuckle rumbles out when he sees Lagertha’s blond hair as she nuzzles into his chest.

“Gods, I didn’t think it was true when Björn told me. But it is. You are alive.” Lagertha says in awe as she looks into Gunnar’s eyes, her hand softly coming up to rest on his bearded cheek.

Gunnar smiles tenderly at Lagertha as he returns her embrace. “It is true. I am alive. I have missed you and Ragnar so much…” Gunnar can feel the mistiness already coming to his eyes.

“It is good to have you back,” Lagertha says sincerely as she brushes a tear from her eye. “Please, make yourself comfortable. No one will bite…” she softly teases as she gives her friend a wink. “…at least not hard.”

@cinaedofulaid @thedarkprinceofulaid

[cinaedofulaid]

Cinaed wants to kick Ronan’s arse for interrupting that moment, until he remembers where they are. Surrounded by people. His father only feet away from them. The young prince gives Gunnar a nod before striding back to his seat, trying to focus on the people around him. All of them were new to him, so he makes a few introductions, until a woman’s voice in the distance catches his attention. The most beautiful blonde, nuzzling against Gunnar’s chest. It’s perhaps the first time the prince has ever felt jealousy, and it feels like he was just punched in the stomach as he watches her take a hand to Gunnar’s cheek.

“Who is that?” Cinaed firmly asks Ronan.

“Oh, that’s Björn’s mother, Lagertha. I’m sure you’ll meet her.”

“She’s… stunning.” Cinaed says quietly. Damn, if he thought this would be easier, he was very, very wrong. He finishes the wine Ronan had poured for him earlier, before pouring himself another glass.

Finan was so ridiculous earlier. Cinaed had been raised as a warrior, he didn’t need any extra training. He’d fought more battles this year than he could count. And now his deadbeat father was touting about him becoming a man?

Cinaed rolls his eyes at his own thoughts, trying anything to keep his eyes off of Gunnar, and the beautiful woman that so comfortably touched him. As he looks around the table, he catches Revna’s eye, and the tender smile she gives him makes him instantly give one back. She was sweet, and welcoming. He liked her.

But he was sleeping with her father.

“Fuck,” Cinaed mouths to himself. Everyone settles and digs in to their food, which provides a little distraction. It seems that his brother notices the smoldering feelings under his skin. The almost rage that jealousy can create. Ronan quickly gets his attention, stepping on Cinaed’s toe under the table.

“Have you met Rypere? This is one of Uhtred’s warriors,” Ronan says, nodding at the man who’d taken a seat near the young prince.

“No, I haven’t. Pleased to meet you.”

“Likewise, your Grace.” Rypere surprisingly responds with a bright smile. The young man quickly begins conversation, asking Cinaed about his homeland among other various questions, and Ronan takes a sigh of relief. This is harder than he originally thought. When the Irish were in love, they were as fiery as ever.

@gunnartjorvason

[gunnartjorvason]

Gunnar lets out a little chuckle at Lagertha’s words that no one will bite. “I have to say…you are a sight for sore eyes. You only get more beautiful with age. Ragnar was a fool for letting you go.”

“That he was…” Lagertha agrees with a wry smile as she takes Gunnar’s hand and leads him to the table.

“He is coming to the feast, right?” Gunnar asks as he looks around, still not seeing his old friend.

“Ragnar is always late to these gatherings.” The shieldmaiden chuckles. “Especially since he became guardian over the King of Wessex. I heard Uhtred gave his permission for Alfred to join. That should be interesting…” Lagertha hints at more than she voices.

Gunnar gives her a confused look, but she just shakes her head with amusement in her eyes.

“Just suffice it to say, Alfred and the Lords of Bebbanburg have a long history of discontent between them.” Lagertha gives a vague explanation.

As they near the table, Gunnar can’t help but feel a little disappointed that there isn’t a spot near Cinaed for him to sit. He knows they have to be cautious, lest others pick up on the feelings they share between them, but he was still hopeful to be close to him. The warrior doesn’t miss the young man sitting next to his prince, engaging him in conversation. He feels a flare of jealousy in his heart, and he can’t stop himself from glaring in the young man’s direction before he catches himself. Remembering there are many eyes upon them.

Lagertha leads him further down the table, pulling out a chair next to hers. “Please, sit. We have so much to catch up on.” She offers Gunnar a warm smile.

Reluctantly, Gunnar takes the chair Lagertha offers. It takes everything inside him, not to go to the young man sitting next to Cinaed and force him out of his chair. Even if he has to throw him out. Taking a deep breath, Gunnar sits down. Gods, this is so hard. Keeping my distance from him…

Gunnar’s hands tighten and release under the table, trying to calm himself as Lagertha chatters beside him. He only hears bits and piece of what she’s saying as he tries to calm his emotions. He glances down the table at his daughter, seeing a puzzled look on her face as she returns his gaze.

Shit…

Gunnar forces a smile on his face as he gives her a little nod of reassurance that all is well.

Gods, I have to get a handle on myself…the last thing I need right now is for Revna to suspect something.

@cinaedofulaid

[cinaedofulaid]

Trying to listen to the man beside him, Cinaed can’t help but hear Gunnar’s kind words to Lagertha, and it makes his heart drop again. It was a smaller table, so of course he could hear them if he focused on them — but he shouldn’t be eavesdropping. He probably shouldn’t be doing any of this.

Nice, Gunnar. How nice you are.

“… uh, yeah.” He answers Rypere’s most recent question with a smile. “I’ve decided to stay for the winter.”

Maybe. Perhaps staying for the winter isn’t his best decision of late.

“He takes up the Kingship in the Spring.” Ronan grins at Uhtred’s warrior.

“I’m sure you’ll be very popular with your Kingdom’s residents. A warrior King.”

Cinaed shrugs. To be quite honest, he’s completely uninterested in this conversation. All he can think about is how that woman had her hands all over the man he’d fallen for, even leading him by his hand to a seat. It was heartbreaking, for some reason. Perhaps just how intimate she was with him.

Dinner starts inevitably, most people looking calm and happy, and so far the Prince thinks he’s hiding it well.

“Will you excuse me?” Cinaed asks Rypere, standing from the table.

“Cinaed,” Ronan says quietly, hoping to stop him.

“I’m just getting another drink.”

The prince strides to a counter where servants are setting out copious amounts of ale. He takes a few, grabbing one for Rypere to dull any suspicion before thanking a few of the servant women. As he looks about, it seems that a few more people are arriving.

Great. More people I don’t know.

@gunnartjorvason

[gunnartjorvason]

As Lagertha prattles on, Gunnar’s eyes follow Cinaed as the prince gets up from the table to get another drink. He wants to join him, but at that moment Lagertha puts her hand on his thigh. The warrior grits his teeth, trying to hide how uncomfortable it makes him feel, but not wanting to cause a scene. He knows it’s innocent on Lagertha’s part. She doesn’t realize what she is doing. She just always been familiar with those she is close to. Placing her hands on their shoulders, arms and thighs. It’s like she communicates with touch. Gunnar loves her like a sister, and nothing more. There has never been more between them, and he prefers to keep it that way.

“Excuse me, Lag…I-I need to get a drink.” Gunnar makes an excuse to leave the table, and escape his discomfort.

Making his way to the side table, Gunnar is relieved that Cinaed is still there. Gods, he wants to touch him. Feel that lightening that drums through them whenever they are near. He offers the prince a warm smile, as his eyes reflect the love he feels for the young man. As he reaches for a mug of ale their hands brush against each other, almost as happenstance, but if he’s being honest he did it on purpose.

“How are you enjoying the feast?” Gunnar asks Cinaed as he takes a sip of the ale. He tries to sound casual, but there is an edge of jealousy in his voice. Gods he just wants to grab Cinaed’s hand and sneak off into some dark corner away from everyone where he can ravish him with a kiss.

Gunnar ignores the sounds of other people arriving, only having eyes for Cinaed at the moment.

@cinaedofulaid

[cinaedofulaid]

The prince decides to drink his mug of ale then and there, not necessarily wanting to return to dull conversation. He knows that he should make more introductions around the room, but everything he’s been witnessing across the room doesn’t have him in the best mood.

Cinaed looks up as Gunnar’s hand accidentally brushes against his, looking into his eyes as he smiles, but he doesn’t return it. He brushes a hand through his hair and takes a sip of his ale.

“It’s been fine. The food was good.” The prince answers neutrally.

“… I’m sure it’s nice to be around your people again. You seem very close to them.” Cinaed says, arching an eyebrow in Gunnar’s direction.

“Have a good evening.”

@gunnartjorvason

[gunnartjorvason]

Gunnar furrows his brows in confusion at the tone of accusation in Cinaed’s voice. Glancing back at Lagertha, he feels his stomach drop, fearing that Cinaed misread their interaction. It’s true, Lagertha is a stunning woman, but the Northman only has eyes for one person. A gorgeous Irish prince, that steals his breath every time he looks in his direction.

“Lagertha is dear friend of mine. We have fought many battles side by side together. She was there when my wife passed…” Gunnar glances away for a moment as he almost whispers the last part. 

“She’s like a sister to me…Only a sister.” Gunnar emphasizes trying to make his point clear, while also maintaining a level of casualness to their conversation in case anyone else ventures near.

Did you not see the way I was gritting my teeth when she laid her hand on me…the way I stiffened up. You are the only one I want to touch me like that. Just you…

Gunnar looks entreatingly into Cinaed’s eyes, willing the young man to see what’s in his heart before he comes to conclusions. If anyone should feel threatened, it’s him. With the way that other young man has been holding the prince’s attentions. Gunnar wants to let out a groan of frustration, not being able to speak plainly to his love.

@cinaedofulaid

[cinaedofulaid]

As Gunnar speaks, Cinaed nods, giving him a more attentive gaze as he lets out a breath.

“I’m not tryin’ to scrutinize you. At all,” the prince shakes his head, still looking into the Northman’s eyes as he keeps his voice low. The saddest part of having to keep their new relationship a secret, is feeling like he doesn’t know Gunnar seeing him now in public. They’d spent so much time speaking with one another and loving one another, and now they’re like strangers.

“I do hope you have a good night.” Cinaed says, taking his hand briefly to Gunnar’s arm.

“… You deserve to enjoy yourself with people you love, after so long of being without them.” He says, smiling tenderly at the Northman. He’s trying so hard to stay neutral, to stifle his jealousy, because in the large scheme of things he’s a very small part of Gunnar’s life.

@gunnartjorvason

[gunnartjorvason]

Glancing down at Cinaed’s hand on his arm, Gunnar wants so badly to grab it and haul the prince away somewhere he can express how important he is to him. How much none of this matters to him, except him. He is the one he can’t stop thinking about. Can’t stop looking at. He’s the one that has his heart fluttering in his chest.

Gunnar tries to hide the worry in his eyes as he nods at Cinaed’s words. “Thank you…I hope you are enjoying the evening as well.” He tries to keep his tone casual even though inside of him he is screaming how much he loves the prince.

“Perhaps we will run into each other again. Later…” the warrior hints, praying to the Gods that Cinaed will join him in his chambers tonight. He can’t bear the thought of sleeping without him nestled against him. Feeling the comfort of his touch. His love…

“Enjoy your time with your family. I’m sure they are happy to spend this time with you.” Gunnar gives Cinaed a tender smile, as he briefly places his hand over the prince’s resting on his arm.

@cinaedofulaid

[cinaedofulaid]

“Thank you.” Cinaed smiles, before pulling away finally, despite not wanting to. At all.

He walks back to the table, setting a mug of ale down for Rypere, but he doesn’t take his seat. He couldn’t feel less comfortable than he does right now. He’s in a foreign place with his estranged father, and the one person he knows and adores — he can’t talk to him or touch him.

“It was a pleasure to meet you. I have to retire for the evening.” Cinaed smiles, despite Ronan giving him a worried look. The elder prince turns his head, looking at Gunnar across the room before his gaze returns to his brother.

“Do you want me to come with you? I can come with you.” Ronan says softly.

“No, no… it’s alright. Thank you,” Cinaed feigns a smile again. “I’m going to make some introductions first, before I go.”

Moving around the room, Cinaed introduces himself to Osferth, and to more of Uhtred’s warriors. To say he didn’t feel like himself tonight would be an understatement.

@gunnartjorvason

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Having spent most of the afternoon in deep conversations about the Gods, and God, with Alfred, Ragnar was in no hurry to leave the sanctuary of their cottage. Despite the King of Wessex’s persistence that they should have left home before dusk fell, trying to impress upon the King of Kattegat the importance of punctuality. Ragnar just chuckles as he shakes his head, distracting Alfred with some fervent kisses. He knows they will have to be on their best behavior when at the fortress if he has any hope of affording Alfred more freedoms. Hoping that they can impress Finan and Uhtred with Alfred’s contriteness.

“It’ll be fine if we’re a little late. Just means we won’t have to stay as long.” Ragnar teases Alfred as they walk up the stairs to the Great Hall. The Northman bites back a chuckle when Alfred rolls his eyes at him.

“I bet Uhtred even has the good wine out…” Ragnar whispers close to Alfred’s ear, a mischievous look on his face.

“You mean, my wine…” the Northman hears his lover softly utter. Ragnar snickers at that as he leads Alfred into the hall. They still try to maintain the pretense of guardian and ward, even though they are so much more than that to each other.

Ragnar grins as he looks over the people gathered in the Hall. It’s been weeks since he has seen most of them, having spent most of his time at Alfred’s side and in the warmth of their cottage. When his eyes land on a dark haired Northman, his breath falters in his throat as he takes a double take, not quite trusting his eyes.

It can’t be…

Ragnar feels as if he is looking at a draugr. A ghost. But when Gunnar glances in his direction, all doubt is erased from the Northman’s mind. It is his best-friend. His brother.

Striding towards Gunnar, Ragnar takes the big man in a firm embrace. Speechless for a moment as tears cloud his vision. He’s real. He’s alive! The Northman marvels as he feels a knot forming in his throat. He never thought he would see Gunnar again, at least not until he reached the Halls of Valhalla.

“Brother…” Ragnar softly utters, shaking his head in disbelief.

Pulling back, Ragnar looks into Gunnar’s eyes as he lets out a little snicker. He softly smacks him on the side of the head, before pulling him into another fierce embrace.

“How is this so?” Ragnar asks in wonderment. “How are you still alive? And here?”

As Gunnar pulls back letting out a choked laugh, the warrior shakes his head. “It’s a long story, and not one that should be shared here…” He glances around the gathering of people happily talking as if to make his point.

“Soon then…” Ragnar claps his hand on his friend’s shoulder, wanting to know what transpired for his friend to still be alive.

Gesturing to Alfred to come forward, Ragnar gives his brother a beaming smile as he introduces his companion. “This is Alfred, King of Wessex. He is my ward.” Ragnar winks at Alfred.

Gunnar holds out his hand in greeting giving the Saxon King a kind smile. “King Alfred, it is nice to meet you. I’m Gunnar. I’ve known Ragnar since we were children.”

@alfredofwessex69 @thedarkprinceofulaid

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

It had been a day and a half since Ragnar had left the cottage to attend to some business, and the King was starting to get worried. He had obeyed his much earlier demands by staying in his bed chamber while he was away, but the Saxon couldn’t help but breach the door to go to the window in the living area in curiosity. The village was bustling, and then it went almost startlingly quiet. Alfred assumes the most likely possibility is that something is going on at the fortress, some unexpected visitors or something more dire. Perhaps the more worrisome notion is that Alfred finds himself missing the man who’s become his master.

@alfredofwessex69

“If that is all, I’ll be on my way…” Ragnar says somewhat impatiently to Lagertha, eager to return to his new home. The arrival of the Irishman’s mother and their subsequent journey to Ulaid has pulled the Northman away for longer than he was anticipating.

“Anxious to return to your pet?” The Shieldmaiden teases, a little smirk coming to her lips. “…yes, that should be all for this evening. I believe we are all settled in our roles while the Lords are away. Don’t forget, your taking Hali and Asa hunting tomorrow…the children could use the distraction while their fathers are away.”

Ragnar bristles at Lagertha’s question, but does well to hide it. “Yeah, yeah…I won’t forget.” The warrior shakes his hands about in thinly veiled annoyance at his ex-wife ordering him around. “Tell the children to be ready in the afternoon and I will come get them. I’m sure we can find a rabbit or a squirrel…”

“Tomorrow…” he utters in parting. Before returning to his cottage, Ragnar steals a bottle of the wine that was just delivered from Wessex, then stops at the market to get some steaks and potatoes for the evening meal.

He walks with hurried steps out of the fortress and along the path that takes him to his cottage. He hated the idea of leaving Alfred alone for this long, but he was worried if he made a fuss about needing to get home that it would raise suspicions. He just hopes the King is not cross with him for his absence.

Nodding at the guards stationed outside the door of the cottage, Ragnar hurries to open it and bar it closed. It is quiet inside, and he assumes Alfred is waiting in his chambers for his arrival. Setting the food and wine down in the kitchen, Ragnar walks down the hallway to Alfred’s room. He lightly taps on the door before swinging it open.

Ragnar sucks in a breath seeing Alfred sitting on the edge of his small bed with a book clutched in his hands. Gods, he stirs something inside the warrior, Ragnar can feel his heartbeat picking up and the flutter in his stomach.

“Sorry I was gone so long…there was an unexpected visitor at the fortress and the Lords had to attend to some business.” Ragnar apologizes giving the Saxon a bashful look.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

“You’re back,” Alfred says, with a smile much too large than he’s used to. “I-I had assumed… yes.”

Alfred was worried the Northman wouldn’t return, but there he stands in all his glory. The King of Wessex throws his book down on the bed, standing and moving for the Northman much too quickly. He takes a hand behind his neck, leaning in a capturing his lips in a passionate kiss. He’s not sure why he had such sudden urgency to feel him.

What’s gotten into me?

“Are you well?” The Saxon asks in a whisper across the Northman’s lips.

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

I am now…

Ragnar’s lips curl into a smile as Alfred rushes to him capturing his lips in a passionate kiss. To see the eagerness reflected in the King’s eyes that matches his own tickles the warrior’s heart. Ragnar snakes an arm around Alfred’s waist pulling him closer against him, wanting to feel all of him.

“Yes, I’m well…I feel much better now that I am here.” Ragnar looks into Alfred’s eyes as he whispers against his lips, not wanting to be parted from them quite yet.

His other hand comes up to smooth a lock of hair from the King’s face. “…and how have you been holding up with my absence? Have you been behaving yourself?” The warrior softly murmurs with a playful look in his eyes.

Before Alfred has a chance to answer, Ragnar claims his lips in another heated kiss. His tongue instantly seeking out the King’s as they deepen the kiss. A soft growl rumbles in the Northman’s throat wanting so much more.

Finally breaking from the kiss, Ragnar’s thumb softly caresses the King’s cheek as he looks into his eyes. “Are you hungry? I brought home some food for supper….and some of the good wine.” He wags his eyebrows playfully.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

In some form of a miracle, the King grins at Ragnar’s teasing. The warrior made him feel giddy and elated like nothing else ever had. That wild, playful look in those searing blue eyes makes his stomach drop in a way that was like going into battle, but oh so much better.

“Perhaps… yes,” the Saxon says when they finally take a breath, with a beaming look in his eyes. “I behaved for you.”

That statement was true. If it was anyone else, Alfred would have plotted his escape, done anything to get out of this place and back on the road or in safe grounds. But this cottage was no prison to him, and Ragnar was no slave driver. He was something, but not that. Dare he say that Ragnar is perhaps his every desire.

“Ah, some of the good wine. My wine…” Alfred smirks.

“That’s very kind of you, Lord,” the Saxon says with a more seductive edge to his voice, his hands trailing from behind Ragnar’s neck down his collarbone and chest. He’d rushed to capture those soft lips, but he’d be obedient for him.

“I’ll prepare it for you, if you wish.”

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Ragnar can’t stop the beaming grin that lights up his face at Alfred’s words. He behaved for him.

“Good…I’ll be sure to reward you for it after supper…” A mischievous twinkle shines in Ragnar’s eyes. It is so tempting to drag the King to his chambers now and forgo supper, but perhaps the anticipation of what’s to come will make it that much more tantalizing.

“Yes, your wine. Hopefully a bottle won’t be missed…” Although, who is he kidding. Ragnar is sure there will be several bottles missing before the Lords return from their journey to Ulaid.

That seductive tone to the King’s voice goes straight to Ragnar’s cock as he lets out a little groan. If the King only knew the power his voice and his body held over him, Ragnar might begin to question who is servant and who is master.

“That would be most welcome…if you need any help or guidance, don’t be afraid to ask.” Ragnar offers knowing that the King doesn’t have very much experience with cooking. He is sure in time, Alfred will catch on.

Taking Alfred’s hand, the warrior leads him into the kitchen. “It’s just steak and potatoes. Maybe slice up the potatoes and put them in a pan with the steaks and we can put it over the fire to cook. I’ll stoke up the fire…”

While Alfred starts to prepare their meal, Ragnar adds a couple logs to the fire in the hearth and adjusts the grate that the pan of food will sit on to cook. It reminds the warrior of his humble beginnings on the farm, helping Lagertha prepare meals with their family. And now he gets to enjoy this homey feeling with Alfred. For a moment he forgets about their stations, about anything other than them being two men enjoying a home together…and perhaps a life together. He looks wistfully at Alfred as he prepares the potatoes, placing the slices into the cast iron pan.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

The King lets the Northman lead him into the kitchen, much to a silent dismay. But he was his servant, after all. What Ragnar says goes, and for the first time in his life, Alfred abides by something like that. He moves less awkwardly as he prepares their evening meal in tandem with the Northman, less hesitation in his movements. They’d been doing this dance for a while now, and it was starting to feel a little… domestic. Alfred tries to hide that part of himself, but it inevitably comes out as they have a glass of wine as they prepare dinner. When the Northman places cut potatoes away to cook, the Saxon strides close to him, motioning to his leathers.

“Make yourself more comfortable, hm?” Alfred asks softly, taking the laces of Ragnar’s leather cuirass and purposefully untying them. He helps him take it off, then his armbands, his blue-green eyes drifting into the warrior’s almost tenderly as he takes utmost care of his clothes and gestures him to the table. The moment was so close that they could have captured each other again, but instead the King takes Ragnar’s leathers to hang them. His mind drifts to the last night they spent together. How strong they fucked, and how many hours it lasted.

The King snaps out of it bashfully, eventually plating their food and setting up the table for them as Ragnar takes a seat.

“Anything else?” He asks, giving him a smoldering gaze. An unspoken one showing the tension lingering between them.

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

After placing the pan of steaks and potatoes over the fire to cook, Ragnar smiles when Alfred approaches him motioning to his leathers. Feeling the extra weight of his leathers and armbands come off at the King’s doting attention brings the warrior comfort. Alfred’s tenderness and care letting him forget about the woes at the fortress. HIs hands itch to take ahold of the King’s, to bring him in for another kiss, but instead, Alfred takes his leathers to hang them.

Once the food is dished up, Ragnar takes a seat at the table. He didn’t realize how hungry he was until the savory scent of meat and potatoes started wafering through the air. He really hadn’t stopped to eat today, so focused on settling the young prince’s concerns and assisting the Lords with preparing for their journey.

Ragnar’s eyebrow cocks at Alfred’s question especially with the smoldering look in his eyes. He can think of a number of things he wants, and none of them involve the meal set before them.

“Oh, uh…no. This looks perfect…but perhaps after we eat.” Ragnar tries to hide his smirk behind his glass of wine, his eyes drifting to his chambers.

They eat in comfortable silence until they both finish their meal. When Alfred starts to stand to clear away the plates, Ragnar reaches out to grab his arm stopping him. “That can wait….C’mere.”

The warrior pushes back his chair as pats his thighs wanting Alfred to sit on his lap. As the King obliges, Ragnar’s hand comes up to the back of Alfred’s neck, pulling him in for a fervent kiss.

“Gods, I missed you…” the warrior rasps against his lips. The weight of Alfred sitting on his lap already causing a rush of arousal to pool in his groin.

His other hand drifts down the King’s chest and stomach before resting over his cock. A little smirk plays at Ragnar’s lips when he feels it already stirring beneath his hand.

“Did you miss me?” He whispers, wanting to hear that Alfred has longed for him as much as he has the King.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

Straddling the Northman’s lap like it’s the most natural thing in the world, the Saxon melts into him, their lips clashing in fervent kisses as Ragnar’s hand drifts up Alfred’s neck and into his hair. God, it was madness to feel something like this, and the King of Wessex feels himself already getting hard on the Northman’s lap. It’s impossible to resist.

You missed me?

“Yes, I missed you,” Alfred breathes against his lips, adamantly and without hesitation. He lets out a little gasp as Ragnar’s hand drifts over his cock, and he does the same, palming the Northman’s rising cock through his trousers. It’s definitely the largest, most beautiful cock he’s ever seen, and even the memory of it makes his mouth water. That and the memory of shaking and shuddering on it. Alfred feels like this man would worship at his feet, and yet he’s never felt more out of control. God, if there’s a way for them to truly communicate, this is it. Through their bodies.

“Do it. I know you want it,” The Saxon ghosts across his lips again in between sensual kisses.

“Fuck me.”

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Those words from Alfred’s mouth brings a deep smile to the warrior’s lips. Feeling how eager the King is on his lap causes more heat to pool in Ragnar’s stomach. They have only been together a short time, their circumstances a little unusual, but it doesn’t stop the pounding of his heart to know that the King of Wessex wants him. And he finds himself wanting Alfred just as badly.

A soft groan escapes Ragnar’s mouth as Alfred’s hand palms at his cock. He feels fit to burst from his trousers with how hard he is already getting imagining the Saxon underneath him writhing in pleasure. He loves how the King isn’t afraid to tell him what he wants. Isn’t afraid to show him with the neediness of his kisses and the way he grabs his length through his trousers.

Ragnar lets out a growl as he stands from the chair, wrapping Alfred’s legs around his waist. He captures the Saxon’s lips in a greedy kiss as he walks the short distance to his chambers. It’s mesmerizing having this man in his arms, wrapped around him. Eager for his touch. Ragnar places him softly onto his bed as he hovers over Alfred, his lips tracing down the King’s neck.

“You want me to fuck you?’ The warrior teases. “I think you have too many clothes on for that…”

Ragnar’s fingers trail down to the hem of Alfred’s tunic before pulling it up and off his chest. Leaning back, the Northman practically rips his own tunic off wanting to feel the King’s chest against his. Feel the touch of his skin.

“You know how badly I want it….but how badly do you want it?” Ragnar nips at Alfred’s neck, grinding his still covered cock against his. The tantalizing friction causing a hiss to escape the warrior’s lips.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

The King bites his lower lip and closes his eyes, allowing the Northman to manhandle him and carry him to his bedchamber with greedy kisses. Alfred almost grins at Ragnar’s words. The way his voice dances in his ear, his accent heightening and lowering on different words. The Northman has a very unique voice.

“Badly.” Alfred breathes out, his breaths growing panted as Ragnar grinds their hips together.

“… I’m already ready for you. I couldn’t help but to touch myself while you were gone… I’ve been aching to feel you,” the King says softly in between kisses. He’d taken his time this afternoon to stoke his pleasure, to try to replicate the feeling of the Northman’s cock inside him, but it wasn’t quite the same. He loved playing with his body, but nothing hit it quite like Ragnar’s twitching cock.

Alfred quickly takes his hand down to unlace his trousers, but Ragnar’s hand had already beat him there as he drags the King’s breeches down and off his legs.

“Fuck,” the Saxon gasps at the feeling of the Northman’s lips against his skin and his hand against his bare, throbbing cock, only breaching from his caress to spit to his hand. As the warrior’s wet fingertips drift lower and trace softly over his hole, Alfred sighs. He gazes into the Northman’s eyes, nodding to him so that he goes further without pause.

“Want you inside me,” the Saxon rasps out, biting his bottom lip again as the Northman places his hand possessively across his neck, almost reverently before releasing it and trailing it down his chest.

“… I want to feel you for days. I’ll take it so deep for you.”

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

The warrior cocks his eyebrow at the King’s admission as a smirk plays at his lips. Just the thought of Alfred touching himself while he was away has Ragnar letting out another growl as his teeth softly nip at his neck. His own cock already aching at the thought. Seeing the desire in Alfred’s eyes for him has his stomach doing somersaults. He’s never experienced this raw desire with another man, just Alfred, and it is enchanting.

Ragnar’s hand beats the King’s to his trousers, quickly unlacing them and dragging them off Alfred’s legs. He smiles when the Saxon’s cock springs free, the tip already leaking precum. Ragnar wraps his fingers around Alfred’s throbbing length, his thumb teasing briefly at the sensitive spot underneath the cockhead.

“You were touching yourself when I wasn’t here to witness it? Tsk..tsk…” Ragnar teases as his lips trail against Alfred’s chest. He finds himself a little jealous that the King’s fingers were inside himself and he didn’t get to enjoy the display.

“Did you cum?” Ragnar asks, as his teeth rasp against one of Alfred’s peaks. The way the King bucks into his hand at the sensation has the warrior biting his lip. All of it is so arousing. The King’s desperation to feel his cock gives the warrior an almost heady feeling. He places his hand possessively over the King’s neck, forcing him to look into his eyes before he goes any further. The haze of passion already clouding their blue-green depths.

Spitting in his hand, Ragnar traces his fingers even lower, circling Alfred’s rim before sinking two fingers inside him. He can feel how easily his fingers gain entry, and the whimper Alfred releases wanting more goes straight to his cock.

“Hm…I don’t know if I should reward you or punish you for starting without me…” The warrior teases. Although to punish Alfred, would be punishing himself, Ragnar thinks wryly. He loves hearing the King beg for his cock.

Straightening up, Ragnar gently withdraws his fingers. His lip curls hearing the whimper fall from the Saxon’s mouth at the loss. Taking his hands to his trousers, Ragnar quickly releases the laces and shimmies out of them letting them fall to the floor. Walking over to the nightstand Ragnar grabs the vial of oil. He pours a generous amount into his palm before coating his cock. Seeing Alfred laid out before him, needy and wanting causes his cock to twitch in his hand.

“On your hands and knees, my King….show me how badly you want it.” Ragnar orders as he strokes his cock teasingly.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

“Yes…” Alfred nods breathlessly, his pupils blown in desperate desire. “I made myself cum…”

The King moans instantly as the Northman’s fingers dive inside him, needily writhing against them to get some friction against the spot deep inside him as he keeps their gazes locked. His mouth drops open, a whimper falling from his lips.

“Reward or punishment, I’m your servant, and I’ll oblige you.” The Saxon says lowly, his eyes locked with the Northman’s. Never in his life had he thought words like that would come out of his mouth. He can already imagine the ways in which he could be punished or rewarded. Left aching in denial, having his throat wrapped around the Northman’s thick cock, letting the Northman hold him down and fuck him hard into the furs, the wall even. The possibilities are endless, though undoubtedly all of it is secretly rewarding. After hungrily watching the warrior slick his cock, the King dutifully rolls to his hands and knees, spreading his legs for him. He feels a strong hand trail up his back, nimble fingertips lacing into his hair and giving a firm tug. A moan falls from the King’s lips, just as Ragnar lines up and slowly pushes his length inside him.

“O-oh…” the Saxon breathes out a moan, the grip in his hair nearly dragging him back on Ragnar’s cock. He takes him well, allowing the Northman to bottom out inside him.

“Yes, fuck… please, Ragnar.” He begs in a whisper. God, the warrior’s cock is so fucking big, he can feel it everywhere, completely consuming him. Especially when he bottoms out and pulsates a little. There’s nothing he could do to himself that compares. Alfred realizes then with another tug at his hair that he wants the Northman to utterly claim him, perhaps even more than that.

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

“I want more than a servant…I want more from this.” Ragnar almost growls as he climbs back on the bed and settles behind Alfred. His strong hand trails up the King’s back to his head, tangling his fingers in his hair and giving a firm tug. His other hand lines up his cock at Alfred’s rim before slowly pushing inside him.

Fuck…

Letting out a groan as Alfred’s heat envelopes him, the warrior uses the King’s hair to guide him back against his length. Even with readying himself earlier, Alfred’s walls still grip him tightly as Ragnar sinks inch by inch inside of him. When he bottoms out, Ragnar pauses trying to calm his already panting breaths. It feels unlike anything he has ever felt before. He can feel his cock throbbing inside Alfred as his walls caress his length. The warrior’s head rolls back in instant pleasure, before his other hand grips the King’s hip.

“Fuck, you’re so tight…so good.” Ragnar moans as his hips start to move back and forth, burying himself with each thrust. His fingers tighten in Alfred’s hair almost like an anchor. It’s so tempting to give into the urge to pound into the King, brutally, but he paces himself wanting to make it last. It just feels so good. The heat surrounding his cock, the way Alfred’s walls clench around his length like he doesn’t want to let the Northman go.

Needing to feel more of Alfred’s body, Ragnar releases his hair and wraps his arm around his chest to pull him up flush against him. The Northman’s lips trail against Alfred’s neck, softly kissing and biting.

“Tell me this is more than just fucking…tell me you feel it too…” Ragnar demands. He can’t quite put a name on what this is, but he knows it’s more than the King being subservient to him. It’s more than master and servant. More than lust.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

Ragnar’s words send a shudder down the Saxon’s spine. Even though he is deep in rapture already, he resonates with them.

“I want more from this.”

Alfred would be lying if he said he didn’t feel the same. More, is a good way to describe it. But what is this? What are they?

Acquaintances?

The Saxon King had already broken his promise to himself tonight. A promise to not get too emotionally invested. But with Ragnar’s absence, he couldn’t help but admit how much he missed him. He missed him dearly, and he wanted him to stay. To remain wrapped in his arms like the past several weeks, affectionately doting on each other. God, if Alfred wasn’t in such a compromising position, he’d be rolling his eyes at himself.

As Ragnar starts to move, Alfred falls back into him so naturally, rocking on his knees to take him nice and deep. He chokes out little moans and gasps, letting a louder one slip past his lips when the Northman pulls him up against his chest. It changes the angle completely, and sends the Saxon reeling. He’s only more vexed at the Northman’s demanding words in his ear while he fucks him like one of his Gods.

“I don’t deny it, Ragnar.” Alfred rasps out softly with panted breaths, giving a little shake of his head. “I can’t deny it.”

Pulling off the Northman’s cock, Alfred rolls to his back, instantly taking his hands to Ragnar’s cheeks and pulling him into a kiss. Something about his words in that moment called for it, making the Saxon crave his lips no matter how vexing it was.

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

A smile curls Ragnar’s lips. Alfred feels it too. Almost like a touch of lightening between them. Not something you would feel with just anybody, only someone there is a connection with. The warrior lets out a little groan when the King pulls off his cock rolling over to his back. HIs protest is quickly silenced when Alfred pulls him into a kiss, one that Ragnar doesn’t hesitate to deepen. Before long their teeth are gnashing together, their tongues seeking entry into each other’s mouths. It’s like they could devour each other and it still would not be enough. Never enough.

Alfred is his prisoner, his servant, but he is so much more than that to the warrior. Ragnar doesn’t see any of that. He only sees a beautiful man laid out before him. One that he wants to claim as his. To protect, to cherish….and perhaps to love. But how does he protect him. If others discover the hold the King has on him will they seek to separate them.

Ragnar pushes those thoughts aside, instead focusing on the here and now. Taking his cock back in his hand the warrior sinks back inside his lover. A gasp of pleasure escaping his mouth at the heat instantly surrounding him.

“Is it wrong that I want to possess more than just your body…I want what is right here as well.” Ragnar moves his hand over Alfred’s heart as he looks deeply into the King’s eyes. “I want this to mean something…to be more than just carnal desire.”

The warrior moves his hips back and forth, watching the pleasure take over Alfred’s features. The way his mouth falls open on a moan as Ragnar’s cock bottoms out with each thrust. The King’s cock bobbing between them with each motion. Ragnar takes him in his hand, stroking him lightly just to add to the pleasure between them.

“You make my heart pound in my chest, and my breaths to quicken, when I’m in your presence. You make me feel things I haven’t felt in a long time…” Ragnar confesses before leaning down and taking Alfred’s lips in another kiss.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

“It does mean something…” Alfred says breathlessly with a nod as Ragnar’s hand moves over his heart. He returns his lover’s fervent gaze with parted lips, his body arching up into the Northman’s as he sinks inside him again. He tries to keep up a mental wall between them, a distance despite the fervent proximity of their bodies, but it’s really fucking difficult with the way Ragnar looks into his eyes. Such a steadfast, piercing gaze, a beautifully rhythmic roll of his tight, muscular hips clapping against the King’s thighs. When the Northman grabs his cock, the Saxon gets close to cumming instantly.

“F-fuck, wait…” Alfred says with a rare, bashful grin. “Whew…” he sighs lowly as he pushes up on Ragnar’s chest.

“Give me a second… you fuck me really well…” the Saxon says, showing that same grin to Ragnar.

“Fuck…” he sighs again, pulling Ragnar down into another tender kiss before he rolls them to the side, straddling and landing upon the Northman’s hips. Steadying his hands at Ragnar’s chest, Alfred gives him gyrating little motions, before slowly coming up and down on his cock.

“You’re so good to me,” Alfred says, almost in a tone of disbelief with more rising breaths and whimpers.

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Ragnar bites back a grin when Alfred tells him to wait, seeing the King’s body coiled tightly and ready to snap just from the stroking of his cock. The warrior stills his hand, returning the King’s bashful smile. He can imagine it is quite overwhelming feeling both the sensations of his cock being stroked along with Ragnar buried deep inside him.

Watching Alfred take a breath, trying to rein in his body from tumbling over the edge is a beautiful sight to see. His tousled hair and pleasure heavy eyes bring a flutter to Ragnar’s stomach. The feel of his hand pushing on his chest begging for a reprieve sends warmth spiraling through the Northman.

“I could watch you like this all day…” Ragnar softly murmurs as he leaves soft kisses on Alfred’s chest. The warrior lets out a soft snicker as Alfred curses again, but he is quickly silenced when his lover pulls him into a tender kiss.

Ragnar lets out a soft gasp when Alfred rolls them over. His hands come down to rest on the Saxon’s hips as he grinds himself on top of him. Looking into Alfred’s eyes, the warrior silently begs for him to take what he wants from him. To use him for his own ecstasy.

“Fuck…” Ragnar groans as his head rolls back into the furs. The heat of Alfred’s hands burning into his chest. He feels so fucking deep this way, and entirely at the King’s mercy. His hips roll up matching Alfred’s motions on top of him. He can feel his cock throbbing deep inside him.

“…and you take such good care of me.” Ragnar replies. His hand reaches up to Alfred’s neck, pulling him down for a fervent kiss. 

“Make me your slave…” The Northman growls. “Take what you want from me! Make me cum…make me fill you with my spend…make me yours.”

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

Moving fervently against the Northman, Alfred bites his bottom lip at his words.

“You?! Make you my slave?” Alfred rasps out with a smirk. I can do that, the king thinks. He can definitely take what he wants this way.

“Stroke my cock,” the Saxon demands, taking the warrior’s hand to his throbbing length, moaning as he grips it hard. “Just like that… fuck,” he moans again, his body giving a little shudder as it clenches against Ragnar’s cock with the sensation. Their breaths are becoming so labored, groans and little whines echoing in Ragnar’s bedchamber.

“Right there, yes… Yes, keep going…”

Grabbing his own cock from the Northman’s hold, Alfred tries to stay his peak as he grinds on him, but the way the warrior thrusts inside him has him at his breaking point.

“Harder,” Alfred almost begs. “Cum inside me…” he coaxes him with hard, fervent motions. His hole tightens around the Northman’s cock as he reaches a strong orgasm, spilling all over Ragnar’s stomach with shuddering moans as his head arches back and his body stutters on top of him.

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

“In here,” Ragnar glances around his chamber, “I am a slave to your body.”

A smirk curls the warrior’s lip as Alfred makes his demand, taking Ragnar’s large hand and guiding it to his throbbing cock. Feeling the King clench around his cock as he takes his length in a firm hold has Ragnar letting out a hiss. He strokes Alfred’s length in time with his upward thrusts into his lover.

“Gods, it feels so good…” the warrior moans, his breaths getting labored as he tries to hold on just a little longer.

When the King grabs his cock from Ragnar’s hold, the warrior returns to gripping his hips. He wouldn’t be surprised to find bruises on the King’s fair skin later with how hard he is holding him. At Alfred’s urging, Ragnar pounds harder inside him. He is right on the cusp of his own climax when the King’s walls tighten around him.

“Fuck…” Ragnar growls out as his head digs into the furs. It’s like he has no control over his body, his release being coaxed from his body by the spasms surrounding his cock. The warmth of Alfred’s release on his belly and the shuddering of his body on top of him, driving him to an intense climax.

“Gods, Alfred….” Ragnar stutters as he succumbs to the pleasure coursing through his body. “…what have you done to me.” He can feel his cock releasing rope after rope of cum inside the King’s depths, as pleasure courses through his body.

“You have completely enraptured me…” the warrior whispers in awe.

As Alfred collapses onto his chest, Ragnar wraps his arms around him while they catch their breaths. His cock still twitching deep inside him. He could fall asleep just like this, with Alfred resting on top of him. The warmth of their bodies against each other providing the warrior such comfort. He knows eventually they will have to part to clean themselves, but for right now, he doesn’t want to move.

“You are amazing…” Ragnar softly murmurs.

@alfredofwessex69

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

It had been a day and a half since Ragnar had left the cottage to attend to some business, and the King was starting to get worried. He had obeyed his much earlier demands by staying in his bed chamber while he was away, but the Saxon couldn’t help but breach the door to go to the window in the living area in curiosity. The village was bustling, and then it went almost startlingly quiet. Alfred assumes the most likely possibility is that something is going on at the fortress, some unexpected visitors or something more dire. Perhaps the more worrisome notion is that Alfred finds himself missing the man who’s become his master.

@alfredofwessex69

“If that is all, I’ll be on my way…” Ragnar says somewhat impatiently to Lagertha, eager to return to his new home. The arrival of the Irishman’s mother and their subsequent journey to Ulaid has pulled the Northman away for longer than he was anticipating.

“Anxious to return to your pet?” The Shieldmaiden teases, a little smirk coming to her lips. “…yes, that should be all for this evening. I believe we are all settled in our roles while the Lords are away. Don’t forget, your taking Hali and Asa hunting tomorrow…the children could use the distraction while their fathers are away.”

Ragnar bristles at Lagertha’s question, but does well to hide it. “Yeah, yeah…I won’t forget.” The warrior shakes his hands about in thinly veiled annoyance at his ex-wife ordering him around. “Tell the children to be ready in the afternoon and I will come get them. I’m sure we can find a rabbit or a squirrel…”

“Tomorrow…” he utters in parting. Before returning to his cottage, Ragnar steals a bottle of the wine that was just delivered from Wessex, then stops at the market to get some steaks and potatoes for the evening meal.

He walks with hurried steps out of the fortress and along the path that takes him to his cottage. He hated the idea of leaving Alfred alone for this long, but he was worried if he made a fuss about needing to get home that it would raise suspicions. He just hopes the King is not cross with him for his absence.

Nodding at the guards stationed outside the door of the cottage, Ragnar hurries to open it and bar it closed. It is quiet inside, and he assumes Alfred is waiting in his chambers for his arrival. Setting the food and wine down in the kitchen, Ragnar walks down the hallway to Alfred’s room. He lightly taps on the door before swinging it open.

Ragnar sucks in a breath seeing Alfred sitting on the edge of his small bed with a book clutched in his hands. Gods, he stirs something inside the warrior, Ragnar can feel his heartbeat picking up and the flutter in his stomach.

“Sorry I was gone so long…there was an unexpected visitor at the fortress and the Lords had to attend to some business.” Ragnar apologizes giving the Saxon a bashful look.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

“You’re back,” Alfred says, with a smile much too large than he’s used to. “I-I had assumed… yes.”

Alfred was worried the Northman wouldn’t return, but there he stands in all his glory. The King of Wessex throws his book down on the bed, standing and moving for the Northman much too quickly. He takes a hand behind his neck, leaning in a capturing his lips in a passionate kiss. He’s not sure why he had such sudden urgency to feel him.

What’s gotten into me?

“Are you well?” The Saxon asks in a whisper across the Northman’s lips.

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

I am now…

Ragnar’s lips curl into a smile as Alfred rushes to him capturing his lips in a passionate kiss. To see the eagerness reflected in the King’s eyes that matches his own tickles the warrior’s heart. Ragnar snakes an arm around Alfred’s waist pulling him closer against him, wanting to feel all of him.

“Yes, I’m well…I feel much better now that I am here.” Ragnar looks into Alfred’s eyes as he whispers against his lips, not wanting to be parted from them quite yet.

His other hand comes up to smooth a lock of hair from the King’s face. “…and how have you been holding up with my absence? Have you been behaving yourself?” The warrior softly murmurs with a playful look in his eyes.

Before Alfred has a chance to answer, Ragnar claims his lips in another heated kiss. His tongue instantly seeking out the King’s as they deepen the kiss. A soft growl rumbles in the Northman’s throat wanting so much more.

Finally breaking from the kiss, Ragnar’s thumb softly caresses the King’s cheek as he looks into his eyes. “Are you hungry? I brought home some food for supper….and some of the good wine.” He wags his eyebrows playfully.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

In some form of a miracle, the King grins at Ragnar’s teasing. The warrior made him feel giddy and elated like nothing else ever had. That wild, playful look in those searing blue eyes makes his stomach drop in a way that was like going into battle, but oh so much better.

“Perhaps… yes,” the Saxon says when they finally take a breath, with a beaming look in his eyes. “I behaved for you.”

That statement was true. If it was anyone else, Alfred would have plotted his escape, done anything to get out of this place and back on the road or in safe grounds. But this cottage was no prison to him, and Ragnar was no slave driver. He was something, but not that. Dare he say that Ragnar is perhaps his every desire.

“Ah, some of the good wine. My wine…” Alfred smirks.

“That’s very kind of you, Lord,” the Saxon says with a more seductive edge to his voice, his hands trailing from behind Ragnar’s neck down his collarbone and chest. He’d rushed to capture those soft lips, but he’d be obedient for him.

“I’ll prepare it for you, if you wish.”

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Ragnar can’t stop the beaming grin that lights up his face at Alfred’s words. He behaved for him.

“Good…I’ll be sure to reward you for it after supper…” A mischievous twinkle shines in Ragnar’s eyes. It is so tempting to drag the King to his chambers now and forgo supper, but perhaps the anticipation of what’s to come will make it that much more tantalizing.

“Yes, your wine. Hopefully a bottle won’t be missed…” Although, who is he kidding. Ragnar is sure there will be several bottles missing before the Lords return from their journey to Ulaid.

That seductive tone to the King’s voice goes straight to Ragnar’s cock as he lets out a little groan. If the King only knew the power his voice and his body held over him, Ragnar might begin to question who is servant and who is master.

“That would be most welcome…if you need any help or guidance, don’t be afraid to ask.” Ragnar offers knowing that the King doesn’t have very much experience with cooking. He is sure in time, Alfred will catch on.

Taking Alfred’s hand, the warrior leads him into the kitchen. “It’s just steak and potatoes. Maybe slice up the potatoes and put them in a pan with the steaks and we can put it over the fire to cook. I’ll stoke up the fire…”

While Alfred starts to prepare their meal, Ragnar adds a couple logs to the fire in the hearth and adjusts the grate that the pan of food will sit on to cook. It reminds the warrior of his humble beginnings on the farm, helping Lagertha prepare meals with their family. And now he gets to enjoy this homey feeling with Alfred. For a moment he forgets about their stations, about anything other than them being two men enjoying a home together…and perhaps a life together. He looks wistfully at Alfred as he prepares the potatoes, placing the slices into the cast iron pan.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

The King lets the Northman lead him into the kitchen, much to a silent dismay. But he was his servant, after all. What Ragnar says goes, and for the first time in his life, Alfred abides by something like that. He moves less awkwardly as he prepares their evening meal in tandem with the Northman, less hesitation in his movements. They’d been doing this dance for a while now, and it was starting to feel a little… domestic. Alfred tries to hide that part of himself, but it inevitably comes out as they have a glass of wine as they prepare dinner. When the Northman places cut potatoes away to cook, the Saxon strides close to him, motioning to his leathers.

“Make yourself more comfortable, hm?” Alfred asks softly, taking the laces of Ragnar’s leather cuirass and purposefully untying them. He helps him take it off, then his armbands, his blue-green eyes drifting into the warrior’s almost tenderly as he takes utmost care of his clothes and gestures him to the table. The moment was so close that they could have captured each other again, but instead the King takes Ragnar’s leathers to hang them. His mind drifts to the last night they spent together. How strong they fucked, and how many hours it lasted.

The King snaps out of it bashfully, eventually plating their food and setting up the table for them as Ragnar takes a seat.

“Anything else?” He asks, giving him a smoldering gaze. An unspoken one showing the tension lingering between them.

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

After placing the pan of steaks and potatoes over the fire to cook, Ragnar smiles when Alfred approaches him motioning to his leathers. Feeling the extra weight of his leathers and armbands come off at the King’s doting attention brings the warrior comfort. Alfred’s tenderness and care letting him forget about the woes at the fortress. HIs hands itch to take ahold of the King’s, to bring him in for another kiss, but instead, Alfred takes his leathers to hang them.

Once the food is dished up, Ragnar takes a seat at the table. He didn’t realize how hungry he was until the savory scent of meat and potatoes started wafering through the air. He really hadn’t stopped to eat today, so focused on settling the young prince’s concerns and assisting the Lords with preparing for their journey.

Ragnar’s eyebrow cocks at Alfred’s question especially with the smoldering look in his eyes. He can think of a number of things he wants, and none of them involve the meal set before them.

“Oh, uh…no. This looks perfect…but perhaps after we eat.” Ragnar tries to hide his smirk behind his glass of wine, his eyes drifting to his chambers.

They eat in comfortable silence until they both finish their meal. When Alfred starts to stand to clear away the plates, Ragnar reaches out to grab his arm stopping him. “That can wait….C’mere.”

The warrior pushes back his chair as pats his thighs wanting Alfred to sit on his lap. As the King obliges, Ragnar’s hand comes up to the back of Alfred’s neck, pulling him in for a fervent kiss.

“Gods, I missed you…” the warrior rasps against his lips. The weight of Alfred sitting on his lap already causing a rush of arousal to pool in his groin.

His other hand drifts down the King’s chest and stomach before resting over his cock. A little smirk plays at Ragnar’s lips when he feels it already stirring beneath his hand.

“Did you miss me?” He whispers, wanting to hear that Alfred has longed for him as much as he has the King.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

Straddling the Northman’s lap like it’s the most natural thing in the world, the Saxon melts into him, their lips clashing in fervent kisses as Ragnar’s hand drifts up Alfred’s neck and into his hair. God, it was madness to feel something like this, and the King of Wessex feels himself already getting hard on the Northman’s lap. It’s impossible to resist.

You missed me?

“Yes, I missed you,” Alfred breathes against his lips, adamantly and without hesitation. He lets out a little gasp as Ragnar’s hand drifts over his cock, and he does the same, palming the Northman’s rising cock through his trousers. It’s definitely the largest, most beautiful cock he’s ever seen, and even the memory of it makes his mouth water. That and the memory of shaking and shuddering on it. Alfred feels like this man would worship at his feet, and yet he’s never felt more out of control. God, if there’s a way for them to truly communicate, this is it. Through their bodies.

“Do it. I know you want it,” The Saxon ghosts across his lips again in between sensual kisses.

“Fuck me.”

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Those words from Alfred’s mouth brings a deep smile to the warrior’s lips. Feeling how eager the King is on his lap causes more heat to pool in Ragnar’s stomach. They have only been together a short time, their circumstances a little unusual, but it doesn’t stop the pounding of his heart to know that the King of Wessex wants him. And he finds himself wanting Alfred just as badly.

A soft groan escapes Ragnar’s mouth as Alfred’s hand palms at his cock. He feels fit to burst from his trousers with how hard he is already getting imagining the Saxon underneath him writhing in pleasure. He loves how the King isn’t afraid to tell him what he wants. Isn’t afraid to show him with the neediness of his kisses and the way he grabs his length through his trousers.

Ragnar lets out a growl as he stands from the chair, wrapping Alfred’s legs around his waist. He captures the Saxon’s lips in a greedy kiss as he walks the short distance to his chambers. It’s mesmerizing having this man in his arms, wrapped around him. Eager for his touch. Ragnar places him softly onto his bed as he hovers over Alfred, his lips tracing down the King’s neck.

“You want me to fuck you?’ The warrior teases. “I think you have too many clothes on for that…”

Ragnar’s fingers trail down to the hem of Alfred’s tunic before pulling it up and off his chest. Leaning back, the Northman practically rips his own tunic off wanting to feel the King’s chest against his. Feel the touch of his skin.

“You know how badly I want it….but how badly do you want it?” Ragnar nips at Alfred’s neck, grinding his still covered cock against his. The tantalizing friction causing a hiss to escape the warrior’s lips.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

The King bites his lower lip and closes his eyes, allowing the Northman to manhandle him and carry him to his bedchamber with greedy kisses. Alfred almost grins at Ragnar’s words. The way his voice dances in his ear, his accent heightening and lowering on different words. The Northman has a very unique voice.

“Badly.” Alfred breathes out, his breaths growing panted as Ragnar grinds their hips together.

“… I’m already ready for you. I couldn’t help but to touch myself while you were gone… I’ve been aching to feel you,” the King says softly in between kisses. He’d taken his time this afternoon to stoke his pleasure, to try to replicate the feeling of the Northman’s cock inside him, but it wasn’t quite the same. He loved playing with his body, but nothing hit it quite like Ragnar’s twitching cock.

Alfred quickly takes his hand down to unlace his trousers, but Ragnar’s hand had already beat him there as he drags the King’s breeches down and off his legs.

“Fuck,” the Saxon gasps at the feeling of the Northman’s lips against his skin and his hand against his bare, throbbing cock, only breaching from his caress to spit to his hand. As the warrior’s wet fingertips drift lower and trace softly over his hole, Alfred sighs. He gazes into the Northman’s eyes, nodding to him so that he goes further without pause.

“Want you inside me,” the Saxon rasps out, biting his bottom lip again as the Northman places his hand possessively across his neck, almost reverently before releasing it and trailing it down his chest.

“… I want to feel you for days. I’ll take it so deep for you.”

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

The warrior cocks his eyebrow at the King’s admission as a smirk plays at his lips. Just the thought of Alfred touching himself while he was away has Ragnar letting out another growl as his teeth softly nip at his neck. His own cock already aching at the thought. Seeing the desire in Alfred’s eyes for him has his stomach doing somersaults. He’s never experienced this raw desire with another man, just Alfred, and it is enchanting.

Ragnar’s hand beats the King’s to his trousers, quickly unlacing them and dragging them off Alfred’s legs. He smiles when the Saxon’s cock springs free, the tip already leaking precum. Ragnar wraps his fingers around Alfred’s throbbing length, his thumb teasing briefly at the sensitive spot underneath the cockhead.

“You were touching yourself when I wasn’t here to witness it? Tsk..tsk…” Ragnar teases as his lips trail against Alfred’s chest. He finds himself a little jealous that the King’s fingers were inside himself and he didn’t get to enjoy the display.

“Did you cum?” Ragnar asks, as his teeth rasp against one of Alfred’s peaks. The way the King bucks into his hand at the sensation has the warrior biting his lip. All of it is so arousing. The King’s desperation to feel his cock gives the warrior an almost heady feeling. He places his hand possessively over the King’s neck, forcing him to look into his eyes before he goes any further. The haze of passion already clouding their blue-green depths.

Spitting in his hand, Ragnar traces his fingers even lower, circling Alfred’s rim before sinking two fingers inside him. He can feel how easily his fingers gain entry, and the whimper Alfred releases wanting more goes straight to his cock.

“Hm…I don’t know if I should reward you or punish you for starting without me…” The warrior teases. Although to punish Alfred, would be punishing himself, Ragnar thinks wryly. He loves hearing the King beg for his cock.

Straightening up, Ragnar gently withdraws his fingers. His lip curls hearing the whimper fall from the Saxon’s mouth at the loss. Taking his hands to his trousers, Ragnar quickly releases the laces and shimmies out of them letting them fall to the floor. Walking over to the nightstand Ragnar grabs the vial of oil. He pours a generous amount into his palm before coating his cock. Seeing Alfred laid out before him, needy and wanting causes his cock to twitch in his hand.

“On your hands and knees, my King….show me how badly you want it.” Ragnar orders as he strokes his cock teasingly.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

“Yes…” Alfred nods breathlessly, his pupils blown in desperate desire. “I made myself cum…”

The King moans instantly as the Northman’s fingers dive inside him, needily writhing against them to get some friction against the spot deep inside him as he keeps their gazes locked. His mouth drops open, a whimper falling from his lips.

“Reward or punishment, I’m your servant, and I’ll oblige you.” The Saxon says lowly, his eyes locked with the Northman’s. Never in his life had he thought words like that would come out of his mouth. He can already imagine the ways in which he could be punished or rewarded. Left aching in denial, having his throat wrapped around the Northman’s thick cock, letting the Northman hold him down and fuck him hard into the furs, the wall even. The possibilities are endless, though undoubtedly all of it is secretly rewarding. After hungrily watching the warrior slick his cock, the King dutifully rolls to his hands and knees, spreading his legs for him. He feels a strong hand trail up his back, nimble fingertips lacing into his hair and giving a firm tug. A moan falls from the King’s lips, just as Ragnar lines up and slowly pushes his length inside him.

“O-oh…” the Saxon breathes out a moan, the grip in his hair nearly dragging him back on Ragnar’s cock. He takes him well, allowing the Northman to bottom out inside him.

“Yes, fuck… please, Ragnar.” He begs in a whisper. God, the warrior’s cock is so fucking big, he can feel it everywhere, completely consuming him. Especially when he bottoms out and pulsates a little. There’s nothing he could do to himself that compares. Alfred realizes then with another tug at his hair that he wants the Northman to utterly claim him, perhaps even more than that.

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

“I want more than a servant…I want more from this.” Ragnar almost growls as he climbs back on the bed and settles behind Alfred. His strong hand trails up the King’s back to his head, tangling his fingers in his hair and giving a firm tug. His other hand lines up his cock at Alfred’s rim before slowly pushing inside him.

Fuck…

Letting out a groan as Alfred’s heat envelopes him, the warrior uses the King’s hair to guide him back against his length. Even with readying himself earlier, Alfred’s walls still grip him tightly as Ragnar sinks inch by inch inside of him. When he bottoms out, Ragnar pauses trying to calm his already panting breaths. It feels unlike anything he has ever felt before. He can feel his cock throbbing inside Alfred as his walls caress his length. The warrior’s head rolls back in instant pleasure, before his other hand grips the King’s hip.

“Fuck, you’re so tight…so good.” Ragnar moans as his hips start to move back and forth, burying himself with each thrust. His fingers tighten in Alfred’s hair almost like an anchor. It’s so tempting to give into the urge to pound into the King, brutally, but he paces himself wanting to make it last. It just feels so good. The heat surrounding his cock, the way Alfred’s walls clench around his length like he doesn’t want to let the Northman go.

Needing to feel more of Alfred’s body, Ragnar releases his hair and wraps his arm around his chest to pull him up flush against him. The Northman’s lips trail against Alfred’s neck, softly kissing and biting.

“Tell me this is more than just fucking…tell me you feel it too…” Ragnar demands. He can’t quite put a name on what this is, but he knows it’s more than the King being subservient to him. It’s more than master and servant. More than lust.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

Ragnar’s words send a shudder down the Saxon’s spine. Even though he is deep in rapture already, he resonates with them.

“I want more from this.”

Alfred would be lying if he said he didn’t feel the same. More, is a good way to describe it. But what is this? What are they?

Acquaintances?

The Saxon King had already broken his promise to himself tonight. A promise to not get too emotionally invested. But with Ragnar’s absence, he couldn’t help but admit how much he missed him. He missed him dearly, and he wanted him to stay. To remain wrapped in his arms like the past several weeks, affectionately doting on each other. God, if Alfred wasn’t in such a compromising position, he’d be rolling his eyes at himself.

As Ragnar starts to move, Alfred falls back into him so naturally, rocking on his knees to take him nice and deep. He chokes out little moans and gasps, letting a louder one slip past his lips when the Northman pulls him up against his chest. It changes the angle completely, and sends the Saxon reeling. He’s only more vexed at the Northman’s demanding words in his ear while he fucks him like one of his Gods.

“I don’t deny it, Ragnar.” Alfred rasps out softly with panted breaths, giving a little shake of his head. “I can’t deny it.”

Pulling off the Northman’s cock, Alfred rolls to his back, instantly taking his hands to Ragnar’s cheeks and pulling him into a kiss. Something about his words in that moment called for it, making the Saxon crave his lips no matter how vexing it was.

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

A smile curls Ragnar’s lips. Alfred feels it too. Almost like a touch of lightening between them. Not something you would feel with just anybody, only someone there is a connection with. The warrior lets out a little groan when the King pulls off his cock rolling over to his back. HIs protest is quickly silenced when Alfred pulls him into a kiss, one that Ragnar doesn’t hesitate to deepen. Before long their teeth are gnashing together, their tongues seeking entry into each other’s mouths. It’s like they could devour each other and it still would not be enough. Never enough.

Alfred is his prisoner, his servant, but he is so much more than that to the warrior. Ragnar doesn’t see any of that. He only sees a beautiful man laid out before him. One that he wants to claim as his. To protect, to cherish….and perhaps to love. But how does he protect him. If others discover the hold the King has on him will they seek to separate them.

Ragnar pushes those thoughts aside, instead focusing on the here and now. Taking his cock back in his hand the warrior sinks back inside his lover. A gasp of pleasure escaping his mouth at the heat instantly surrounding him.

“Is it wrong that I want to possess more than just your body…I want what is right here as well.” Ragnar moves his hand over Alfred’s heart as he looks deeply into the King’s eyes. “I want this to mean something…to be more than just carnal desire.”

The warrior moves his hips back and forth, watching the pleasure take over Alfred’s features. The way his mouth falls open on a moan as Ragnar’s cock bottoms out with each thrust. The King’s cock bobbing between them with each motion. Ragnar takes him in his hand, stroking him lightly just to add to the pleasure between them.

“You make my heart pound in my chest, and my breaths to quicken, when I’m in your presence. You make me feel things I haven’t felt in a long time…” Ragnar confesses before leaning down and taking Alfred’s lips in another kiss.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

“It does mean something…” Alfred says breathlessly with a nod as Ragnar’s hand moves over his heart. He returns his lover’s fervent gaze with parted lips, his body arching up into the Northman’s as he sinks inside him again. He tries to keep up a mental wall between them, a distance despite the fervent proximity of their bodies, but it’s really fucking difficult with the way Ragnar looks into his eyes. Such a steadfast, piercing gaze, a beautifully rhythmic roll of his tight, muscular hips clapping against the King’s thighs. When the Northman grabs his cock, the Saxon gets close to cumming instantly.

“F-fuck, wait…” Alfred says with a rare, bashful grin. “Whew…” he sighs lowly as he pushes up on Ragnar’s chest.

“Give me a second… you fuck me really well…” the Saxon says, showing that same grin to Ragnar.

“Fuck…” he sighs again, pulling Ragnar down into another tender kiss before he rolls them to the side, straddling and landing upon the Northman’s hips. Steadying his hands at Ragnar’s chest, Alfred gives him gyrating little motions, before slowly coming up and down on his cock.

“You’re so good to me,” Alfred says, almost in a tone of disbelief with more rising breaths and whimpers.

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Ragnar bites back a grin when Alfred tells him to wait, seeing the King’s body coiled tightly and ready to snap just from the stroking of his cock. The warrior stills his hand, returning the King’s bashful smile. He can imagine it is quite overwhelming feeling both the sensations of his cock being stroked along with Ragnar buried deep inside him.

Watching Alfred take a breath, trying to rein in his body from tumbling over the edge is a beautiful sight to see. His tousled hair and pleasure heavy eyes bring a flutter to Ragnar’s stomach. The feel of his hand pushing on his chest begging for a reprieve sends warmth spiraling through the Northman.

“I could watch you like this all day…” Ragnar softly murmurs as he leaves soft kisses on Alfred’s chest. The warrior lets out a soft snicker as Alfred curses again, but he is quickly silenced when his lover pulls him into a tender kiss.

Ragnar lets out a soft gasp when Alfred rolls them over. His hands come down to rest on the Saxon’s hips as he grinds himself on top of him. Looking into Alfred’s eyes, the warrior silently begs for him to take what he wants from him. To use him for his own ecstasy.

“Fuck…” Ragnar groans as his head rolls back into the furs. The heat of Alfred’s hands burning into his chest. He feels so fucking deep this way, and entirely at the King’s mercy. His hips roll up matching Alfred’s motions on top of him. He can feel his cock throbbing deep inside him.

“…and you take such good care of me.” Ragnar replies. His hand reaches up to Alfred’s neck, pulling him down for a fervent kiss. 

“Make me your slave…” The Northman growls. “Take what you want from me! Make me cum…make me fill you with my spend…make me yours.”

@alfredofwessex69

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

It had been a day and a half since Ragnar had left the cottage to attend to some business, and the King was starting to get worried. He had obeyed his much earlier demands by staying in his bed chamber while he was away, but the Saxon couldn’t help but breach the door to go to the window in the living area in curiosity. The village was bustling, and then it went almost startlingly quiet. Alfred assumes the most likely possibility is that something is going on at the fortress, some unexpected visitors or something more dire. Perhaps the more worrisome notion is that Alfred finds himself missing the man who’s become his master.

@alfredofwessex69

“If that is all, I’ll be on my way…” Ragnar says somewhat impatiently to Lagertha, eager to return to his new home. The arrival of the Irishman’s mother and their subsequent journey to Ulaid has pulled the Northman away for longer than he was anticipating.

“Anxious to return to your pet?” The Shieldmaiden teases, a little smirk coming to her lips. “…yes, that should be all for this evening. I believe we are all settled in our roles while the Lords are away. Don’t forget, your taking Hali and Asa hunting tomorrow…the children could use the distraction while their fathers are away.”

Ragnar bristles at Lagertha’s question, but does well to hide it. “Yeah, yeah…I won’t forget.” The warrior shakes his hands about in thinly veiled annoyance at his ex-wife ordering him around. “Tell the children to be ready in the afternoon and I will come get them. I’m sure we can find a rabbit or a squirrel…”

“Tomorrow…” he utters in parting. Before returning to his cottage, Ragnar steals a bottle of the wine that was just delivered from Wessex, then stops at the market to get some steaks and potatoes for the evening meal.

He walks with hurried steps out of the fortress and along the path that takes him to his cottage. He hated the idea of leaving Alfred alone for this long, but he was worried if he made a fuss about needing to get home that it would raise suspicions. He just hopes the King is not cross with him for his absence.

Nodding at the guards stationed outside the door of the cottage, Ragnar hurries to open it and bar it closed. It is quiet inside, and he assumes Alfred is waiting in his chambers for his arrival. Setting the food and wine down in the kitchen, Ragnar walks down the hallway to Alfred’s room. He lightly taps on the door before swinging it open.

Ragnar sucks in a breath seeing Alfred sitting on the edge of his small bed with a book clutched in his hands. Gods, he stirs something inside the warrior, Ragnar can feel his heartbeat picking up and the flutter in his stomach.

“Sorry I was gone so long…there was an unexpected visitor at the fortress and the Lords had to attend to some business.” Ragnar apologizes giving the Saxon a bashful look.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

“You’re back,” Alfred says, with a smile much too large than he’s used to. “I-I had assumed… yes.”

Alfred was worried the Northman wouldn’t return, but there he stands in all his glory. The King of Wessex throws his book down on the bed, standing and moving for the Northman much too quickly. He takes a hand behind his neck, leaning in a capturing his lips in a passionate kiss. He’s not sure why he had such sudden urgency to feel him.

What’s gotten into me?

“Are you well?” The Saxon asks in a whisper across the Northman’s lips.

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

I am now…

Ragnar’s lips curl into a smile as Alfred rushes to him capturing his lips in a passionate kiss. To see the eagerness reflected in the King’s eyes that matches his own tickles the warrior’s heart. Ragnar snakes an arm around Alfred’s waist pulling him closer against him, wanting to feel all of him.

“Yes, I’m well…I feel much better now that I am here.” Ragnar looks into Alfred’s eyes as he whispers against his lips, not wanting to be parted from them quite yet.

His other hand comes up to smooth a lock of hair from the King’s face. “…and how have you been holding up with my absence? Have you been behaving yourself?” The warrior softly murmurs with a playful look in his eyes.

Before Alfred has a chance to answer, Ragnar claims his lips in another heated kiss. His tongue instantly seeking out the King’s as they deepen the kiss. A soft growl rumbles in the Northman’s throat wanting so much more.

Finally breaking from the kiss, Ragnar’s thumb softly caresses the King’s cheek as he looks into his eyes. “Are you hungry? I brought home some food for supper….and some of the good wine.” He wags his eyebrows playfully.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

In some form of a miracle, the King grins at Ragnar’s teasing. The warrior made him feel giddy and elated like nothing else ever had. That wild, playful look in those searing blue eyes makes his stomach drop in a way that was like going into battle, but oh so much better.

“Perhaps… yes,” the Saxon says when they finally take a breath, with a beaming look in his eyes. “I behaved for you.”

That statement was true. If it was anyone else, Alfred would have plotted his escape, done anything to get out of this place and back on the road or in safe grounds. But this cottage was no prison to him, and Ragnar was no slave driver. He was something, but not that. Dare he say that Ragnar is perhaps his every desire.

“Ah, some of the good wine. My wine…” Alfred smirks.

“That’s very kind of you, Lord,” the Saxon says with a more seductive edge to his voice, his hands trailing from behind Ragnar’s neck down his collarbone and chest. He’d rushed to capture those soft lips, but he’d be obedient for him.

“I’ll prepare it for you, if you wish.”

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Ragnar can’t stop the beaming grin that lights up his face at Alfred’s words. He behaved for him.

“Good…I’ll be sure to reward you for it after supper…” A mischievous twinkle shines in Ragnar’s eyes. It is so tempting to drag the King to his chambers now and forgo supper, but perhaps the anticipation of what’s to come will make it that much more tantalizing.

“Yes, your wine. Hopefully a bottle won’t be missed…” Although, who is he kidding. Ragnar is sure there will be several bottles missing before the Lords return from their journey to Ulaid.

That seductive tone to the King’s voice goes straight to Ragnar’s cock as he lets out a little groan. If the King only knew the power his voice and his body held over him, Ragnar might begin to question who is servant and who is master.

“That would be most welcome…if you need any help or guidance, don’t be afraid to ask.” Ragnar offers knowing that the King doesn’t have very much experience with cooking. He is sure in time, Alfred will catch on.

Taking Alfred’s hand, the warrior leads him into the kitchen. “It’s just steak and potatoes. Maybe slice up the potatoes and put them in a pan with the steaks and we can put it over the fire to cook. I’ll stoke up the fire…”

While Alfred starts to prepare their meal, Ragnar adds a couple logs to the fire in the hearth and adjusts the grate that the pan of food will sit on to cook. It reminds the warrior of his humble beginnings on the farm, helping Lagertha prepare meals with their family. And now he gets to enjoy this homey feeling with Alfred. For a moment he forgets about their stations, about anything other than them being two men enjoying a home together…and perhaps a life together. He looks wistfully at Alfred as he prepares the potatoes, placing the slices into the cast iron pan.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

The King lets the Northman lead him into the kitchen, much to a silent dismay. But he was his servant, after all. What Ragnar says goes, and for the first time in his life, Alfred abides by something like that. He moves less awkwardly as he prepares their evening meal in tandem with the Northman, less hesitation in his movements. They’d been doing this dance for a while now, and it was starting to feel a little… domestic. Alfred tries to hide that part of himself, but it inevitably comes out as they have a glass of wine as they prepare dinner. When the Northman places cut potatoes away to cook, the Saxon strides close to him, motioning to his leathers.

“Make yourself more comfortable, hm?” Alfred asks softly, taking the laces of Ragnar’s leather cuirass and purposefully untying them. He helps him take it off, then his armbands, his blue-green eyes drifting into the warrior’s almost tenderly as he takes utmost care of his clothes and gestures him to the table. The moment was so close that they could have captured each other again, but instead the King takes Ragnar’s leathers to hang them. His mind drifts to the last night they spent together. How strong they fucked, and how many hours it lasted.

The King snaps out of it bashfully, eventually plating their food and setting up the table for them as Ragnar takes a seat.

“Anything else?” He asks, giving him a smoldering gaze. An unspoken one showing the tension lingering between them.

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

After placing the pan of steaks and potatoes over the fire to cook, Ragnar smiles when Alfred approaches him motioning to his leathers. Feeling the extra weight of his leathers and armbands come off at the King’s doting attention brings the warrior comfort. Alfred’s tenderness and care letting him forget about the woes at the fortress. HIs hands itch to take ahold of the King’s, to bring him in for another kiss, but instead, Alfred takes his leathers to hang them.

Once the food is dished up, Ragnar takes a seat at the table. He didn’t realize how hungry he was until the savory scent of meat and potatoes started wafering through the air. He really hadn’t stopped to eat today, so focused on settling the young prince’s concerns and assisting the Lords with preparing for their journey.

Ragnar’s eyebrow cocks at Alfred’s question especially with the smoldering look in his eyes. He can think of a number of things he wants, and none of them involve the meal set before them.

“Oh, uh…no. This looks perfect…but perhaps after we eat.” Ragnar tries to hide his smirk behind his glass of wine, his eyes drifting to his chambers.

They eat in comfortable silence until they both finish their meal. When Alfred starts to stand to clear away the plates, Ragnar reaches out to grab his arm stopping him. “That can wait….C’mere.”

The warrior pushes back his chair as pats his thighs wanting Alfred to sit on his lap. As the King obliges, Ragnar’s hand comes up to the back of Alfred’s neck, pulling him in for a fervent kiss.

“Gods, I missed you…” the warrior rasps against his lips. The weight of Alfred sitting on his lap already causing a rush of arousal to pool in his groin.

His other hand drifts down the King’s chest and stomach before resting over his cock. A little smirk plays at Ragnar’s lips when he feels it already stirring beneath his hand.

“Did you miss me?” He whispers, wanting to hear that Alfred has longed for him as much as he has the King.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

Straddling the Northman’s lap like it’s the most natural thing in the world, the Saxon melts into him, their lips clashing in fervent kisses as Ragnar’s hand drifts up Alfred’s neck and into his hair. God, it was madness to feel something like this, and the King of Wessex feels himself already getting hard on the Northman’s lap. It’s impossible to resist.

You missed me?

“Yes, I missed you,” Alfred breathes against his lips, adamantly and without hesitation. He lets out a little gasp as Ragnar’s hand drifts over his cock, and he does the same, palming the Northman’s rising cock through his trousers. It’s definitely the largest, most beautiful cock he’s ever seen, and even the memory of it makes his mouth water. That and the memory of shaking and shuddering on it. Alfred feels like this man would worship at his feet, and yet he’s never felt more out of control. God, if there’s a way for them to truly communicate, this is it. Through their bodies.

“Do it. I know you want it,” The Saxon ghosts across his lips again in between sensual kisses.

“Fuck me.”

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Those words from Alfred’s mouth brings a deep smile to the warrior’s lips. Feeling how eager the King is on his lap causes more heat to pool in Ragnar’s stomach. They have only been together a short time, their circumstances a little unusual, but it doesn’t stop the pounding of his heart to know that the King of Wessex wants him. And he finds himself wanting Alfred just as badly.

A soft groan escapes Ragnar’s mouth as Alfred’s hand palms at his cock. He feels fit to burst from his trousers with how hard he is already getting imagining the Saxon underneath him writhing in pleasure. He loves how the King isn’t afraid to tell him what he wants. Isn’t afraid to show him with the neediness of his kisses and the way he grabs his length through his trousers.

Ragnar lets out a growl as he stands from the chair, wrapping Alfred’s legs around his waist. He captures the Saxon’s lips in a greedy kiss as he walks the short distance to his chambers. It’s mesmerizing having this man in his arms, wrapped around him. Eager for his touch. Ragnar places him softly onto his bed as he hovers over Alfred, his lips tracing down the King’s neck.

“You want me to fuck you?’ The warrior teases. “I think you have too many clothes on for that…”

Ragnar’s fingers trail down to the hem of Alfred’s tunic before pulling it up and off his chest. Leaning back, the Northman practically rips his own tunic off wanting to feel the King’s chest against his. Feel the touch of his skin.

“You know how badly I want it….but how badly do you want it?” Ragnar nips at Alfred’s neck, grinding his still covered cock against his. The tantalizing friction causing a hiss to escape the warrior’s lips.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

The King bites his lower lip and closes his eyes, allowing the Northman to manhandle him and carry him to his bedchamber with greedy kisses. Alfred almost grins at Ragnar’s words. The way his voice dances in his ear, his accent heightening and lowering on different words. The Northman has a very unique voice.

“Badly.” Alfred breathes out, his breaths growing panted as Ragnar grinds their hips together.

“… I’m already ready for you. I couldn’t help but to touch myself while you were gone… I’ve been aching to feel you,” the King says softly in between kisses. He’d taken his time this afternoon to stoke his pleasure, to try to replicate the feeling of the Northman’s cock inside him, but it wasn’t quite the same. He loved playing with his body, but nothing hit it quite like Ragnar’s twitching cock.

Alfred quickly takes his hand down to unlace his trousers, but Ragnar’s hand had already beat him there as he drags the King’s breeches down and off his legs.

“Fuck,” the Saxon gasps at the feeling of the Northman’s lips against his skin and his hand against his bare, throbbing cock, only breaching from his caress to spit to his hand. As the warrior’s wet fingertips drift lower and trace softly over his hole, Alfred sighs. He gazes into the Northman’s eyes, nodding to him so that he goes further without pause.

“Want you inside me,” the Saxon rasps out, biting his bottom lip again as the Northman places his hand possessively across his neck, almost reverently before releasing it and trailing it down his chest.

“… I want to feel you for days. I’ll take it so deep for you.”

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

The warrior cocks his eyebrow at the King’s admission as a smirk plays at his lips. Just the thought of Alfred touching himself while he was away has Ragnar letting out another growl as his teeth softly nip at his neck. His own cock already aching at the thought. Seeing the desire in Alfred’s eyes for him has his stomach doing somersaults. He’s never experienced this raw desire with another man, just Alfred, and it is enchanting.

Ragnar’s hand beats the King’s to his trousers, quickly unlacing them and dragging them off Alfred’s legs. He smiles when the Saxon’s cock springs free, the tip already leaking precum. Ragnar wraps his fingers around Alfred’s throbbing length, his thumb teasing briefly at the sensitive spot underneath the cockhead.

“You were touching yourself when I wasn’t here to witness it? Tsk..tsk…” Ragnar teases as his lips trail against Alfred’s chest. He finds himself a little jealous that the King’s fingers were inside himself and he didn’t get to enjoy the display.

“Did you cum?” Ragnar asks, as his teeth rasp against one of Alfred’s peaks. The way the King bucks into his hand at the sensation has the warrior biting his lip. All of it is so arousing. The King’s desperation to feel his cock gives the warrior an almost heady feeling. He places his hand possessively over the King’s neck, forcing him to look into his eyes before he goes any further. The haze of passion already clouding their blue-green depths.

Spitting in his hand, Ragnar traces his fingers even lower, circling Alfred’s rim before sinking two fingers inside him. He can feel how easily his fingers gain entry, and the whimper Alfred releases wanting more goes straight to his cock.

“Hm…I don’t know if I should reward you or punish you for starting without me…” The warrior teases. Although to punish Alfred, would be punishing himself, Ragnar thinks wryly. He loves hearing the King beg for his cock.

Straightening up, Ragnar gently withdraws his fingers. His lip curls hearing the whimper fall from the Saxon’s mouth at the loss. Taking his hands to his trousers, Ragnar quickly releases the laces and shimmies out of them letting them fall to the floor. Walking over to the nightstand Ragnar grabs the vial of oil. He pours a generous amount into his palm before coating his cock. Seeing Alfred laid out before him, needy and wanting causes his cock to twitch in his hand.

“On your hands and knees, my King….show me how badly you want it.” Ragnar orders as he strokes his cock teasingly.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

“Yes…” Alfred nods breathlessly, his pupils blown in desperate desire. “I made myself cum…”

The King moans instantly as the Northman’s fingers dive inside him, needily writhing against them to get some friction against the spot deep inside him as he keeps their gazes locked. His mouth drops open, a whimper falling from his lips.

“Reward or punishment, I’m your servant, and I’ll oblige you.” The Saxon says lowly, his eyes locked with the Northman’s. Never in his life had he thought words like that would come out of his mouth. He can already imagine the ways in which he could be punished or rewarded. Left aching in denial, having his throat wrapped around the Northman’s thick cock, letting the Northman hold him down and fuck him hard into the furs, the wall even. The possibilities are endless, though undoubtedly all of it is secretly rewarding. After hungrily watching the warrior slick his cock, the King dutifully rolls to his hands and knees, spreading his legs for him. He feels a strong hand trail up his back, nimble fingertips lacing into his hair and giving a firm tug. A moan falls from the King’s lips, just as Ragnar lines up and slowly pushes his length inside him.

“O-oh…” the Saxon breathes out a moan, the grip in his hair nearly dragging him back on Ragnar’s cock. He takes him well, allowing the Northman to bottom out inside him.

“Yes, fuck… please, Ragnar.” He begs in a whisper. God, the warrior’s cock is so fucking big, he can feel it everywhere, completely consuming him. Especially when he bottoms out and pulsates a little. There’s nothing he could do to himself that compares. Alfred realizes then with another tug at his hair that he wants the Northman to utterly claim him, perhaps even more than that.

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

“I want more than a servant…I want more from this.” Ragnar almost growls as he climbs back on the bed and settles behind Alfred. His strong hand trails up the King’s back to his head, tangling his fingers in his hair and giving a firm tug. His other hand lines up his cock at Alfred’s rim before slowly pushing inside him.

Fuck…

Letting out a groan as Alfred’s heat envelopes him, the warrior uses the King’s hair to guide him back against his length. Even with readying himself earlier, Alfred’s walls still grip him tightly as Ragnar sinks inch by inch inside of him. When he bottoms out, Ragnar pauses trying to calm his already panting breaths. It feels unlike anything he has ever felt before. He can feel his cock throbbing inside Alfred as his walls caress his length. The warrior’s head rolls back in instant pleasure, before his other hand grips the King’s hip.

“Fuck, you’re so tight…so good.” Ragnar moans as his hips start to move back and forth, burying himself with each thrust. His fingers tighten in Alfred’s hair almost like an anchor. It’s so tempting to give into the urge to pound into the King, brutally, but he paces himself wanting to make it last. It just feels so good. The heat surrounding his cock, the way Alfred’s walls clench around his length like he doesn’t want to let the Northman go.

Needing to feel more of Alfred’s body, Ragnar releases his hair and wraps his arm around his chest to pull him up flush against him. The Northman’s lips trail against Alfred’s neck, softly kissing and biting.

“Tell me this is more than just fucking…tell me you feel it too…” Ragnar demands. He can’t quite put a name on what this is, but he knows it’s more than the King being subservient to him. It’s more than master and servant. More than lust.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

Ragnar’s words send a shudder down the Saxon’s spine. Even though he is deep in rapture already, he resonates with them.

“I want more from this.”

Alfred would be lying if he said he didn’t feel the same. More, is a good way to describe it. But what is this? What are they?

Acquaintances?

The Saxon King had already broken his promise to himself tonight. A promise to not get too emotionally invested. But with Ragnar’s absence, he couldn’t help but admit how much he missed him. He missed him dearly, and he wanted him to stay. To remain wrapped in his arms like the past several weeks, affectionately doting on each other. God, if Alfred wasn’t in such a compromising position, he’d be rolling his eyes at himself.

As Ragnar starts to move, Alfred falls back into him so naturally, rocking on his knees to take him nice and deep. He chokes out little moans and gasps, letting a louder one slip past his lips when the Northman pulls him up against his chest. It changes the angle completely, and sends the Saxon reeling. He’s only more vexed at the Northman’s demanding words in his ear while he fucks him like one of his Gods.

“I don’t deny it, Ragnar.” Alfred rasps out softly with panted breaths, giving a little shake of his head. “I can’t deny it.”

Pulling off the Northman’s cock, Alfred rolls to his back, instantly taking his hands to Ragnar’s cheeks and pulling him into a kiss. Something about his words in that moment called for it, making the Saxon crave his lips no matter how vexing it was.

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

A smile curls Ragnar’s lips. Alfred feels it too. Almost like a touch of lightening between them. Not something you would feel with just anybody, only someone there is a connection with. The warrior lets out a little groan when the King pulls off his cock rolling over to his back. HIs protest is quickly silenced when Alfred pulls him into a kiss, one that Ragnar doesn’t hesitate to deepen. Before long their teeth are gnashing together, their tongues seeking entry into each other’s mouths. It’s like they could devour each other and it still would not be enough. Never enough.

Alfred is his prisoner, his servant, but he is so much more than that to the warrior. Ragnar doesn’t see any of that. He only sees a beautiful man laid out before him. One that he wants to claim as his. To protect, to cherish….and perhaps to love. But how does he protect him. If others discover the hold the King has on him will they seek to separate them.

Ragnar pushes those thoughts aside, instead focusing on the here and now. Taking his cock back in his hand the warrior sinks back inside his lover. A gasp of pleasure escaping his mouth at the heat instantly surrounding him.

“Is it wrong that I want to possess more than just your body…I want what is right here as well.” Ragnar moves his hand over Alfred’s heart as he looks deeply into the King’s eyes. “I want this to mean something…to be more than just carnal desire.”

The warrior moves his hips back and forth, watching the pleasure take over Alfred’s features. The way his mouth falls open on a moan as Ragnar’s cock bottoms out with each thrust. The King’s cock bobbing between them with each motion. Ragnar takes him in his hand, stroking him lightly just to add to the pleasure between them.

“You make my heart pound in my chest, and my breaths to quicken, when I’m in your presence. You make me feel things I haven’t felt in a long time…” Ragnar confesses before leaning down and taking Alfred’s lips in another kiss.

@alfredofwessex69

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

It had been a day and a half since Ragnar had left the cottage to attend to some business, and the King was starting to get worried. He had obeyed his much earlier demands by staying in his bed chamber while he was away, but the Saxon couldn’t help but breach the door to go to the window in the living area in curiosity. The village was bustling, and then it went almost startlingly quiet. Alfred assumes the most likely possibility is that something is going on at the fortress, some unexpected visitors or something more dire. Perhaps the more worrisome notion is that Alfred finds himself missing the man who’s become his master.

@alfredofwessex69

“If that is all, I’ll be on my way…” Ragnar says somewhat impatiently to Lagertha, eager to return to his new home. The arrival of the Irishman’s mother and their subsequent journey to Ulaid has pulled the Northman away for longer than he was anticipating.

“Anxious to return to your pet?” The Shieldmaiden teases, a little smirk coming to her lips. “…yes, that should be all for this evening. I believe we are all settled in our roles while the Lords are away. Don’t forget, your taking Hali and Asa hunting tomorrow…the children could use the distraction while their fathers are away.”

Ragnar bristles at Lagertha’s question, but does well to hide it. “Yeah, yeah…I won’t forget.” The warrior shakes his hands about in thinly veiled annoyance at his ex-wife ordering him around. “Tell the children to be ready in the afternoon and I will come get them. I’m sure we can find a rabbit or a squirrel…”

“Tomorrow…” he utters in parting. Before returning to his cottage, Ragnar steals a bottle of the wine that was just delivered from Wessex, then stops at the market to get some steaks and potatoes for the evening meal.

He walks with hurried steps out of the fortress and along the path that takes him to his cottage. He hated the idea of leaving Alfred alone for this long, but he was worried if he made a fuss about needing to get home that it would raise suspicions. He just hopes the King is not cross with him for his absence.

Nodding at the guards stationed outside the door of the cottage, Ragnar hurries to open it and bar it closed. It is quiet inside, and he assumes Alfred is waiting in his chambers for his arrival. Setting the food and wine down in the kitchen, Ragnar walks down the hallway to Alfred’s room. He lightly taps on the door before swinging it open.

Ragnar sucks in a breath seeing Alfred sitting on the edge of his small bed with a book clutched in his hands. Gods, he stirs something inside the warrior, Ragnar can feel his heartbeat picking up and the flutter in his stomach.

“Sorry I was gone so long…there was an unexpected visitor at the fortress and the Lords had to attend to some business.” Ragnar apologizes giving the Saxon a bashful look.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

“You’re back,” Alfred says, with a smile much too large than he’s used to. “I-I had assumed… yes.”

Alfred was worried the Northman wouldn’t return, but there he stands in all his glory. The King of Wessex throws his book down on the bed, standing and moving for the Northman much too quickly. He takes a hand behind his neck, leaning in a capturing his lips in a passionate kiss. He’s not sure why he had such sudden urgency to feel him.

What’s gotten into me?

“Are you well?” The Saxon asks in a whisper across the Northman’s lips.

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

I am now…

Ragnar’s lips curl into a smile as Alfred rushes to him capturing his lips in a passionate kiss. To see the eagerness reflected in the King’s eyes that matches his own tickles the warrior’s heart. Ragnar snakes an arm around Alfred’s waist pulling him closer against him, wanting to feel all of him.

“Yes, I’m well…I feel much better now that I am here.” Ragnar looks into Alfred’s eyes as he whispers against his lips, not wanting to be parted from them quite yet.

His other hand comes up to smooth a lock of hair from the King’s face. “…and how have you been holding up with my absence? Have you been behaving yourself?” The warrior softly murmurs with a playful look in his eyes.

Before Alfred has a chance to answer, Ragnar claims his lips in another heated kiss. His tongue instantly seeking out the King’s as they deepen the kiss. A soft growl rumbles in the Northman’s throat wanting so much more.

Finally breaking from the kiss, Ragnar’s thumb softly caresses the King’s cheek as he looks into his eyes. “Are you hungry? I brought home some food for supper….and some of the good wine.” He wags his eyebrows playfully.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

In some form of a miracle, the King grins at Ragnar’s teasing. The warrior made him feel giddy and elated like nothing else ever had. That wild, playful look in those searing blue eyes makes his stomach drop in a way that was like going into battle, but oh so much better.

“Perhaps… yes,” the Saxon says when they finally take a breath, with a beaming look in his eyes. “I behaved for you.”

That statement was true. If it was anyone else, Alfred would have plotted his escape, done anything to get out of this place and back on the road or in safe grounds. But this cottage was no prison to him, and Ragnar was no slave driver. He was something, but not that. Dare he say that Ragnar is perhaps his every desire.

“Ah, some of the good wine. My wine…” Alfred smirks.

“That’s very kind of you, Lord,” the Saxon says with a more seductive edge to his voice, his hands trailing from behind Ragnar’s neck down his collarbone and chest. He’d rushed to capture those soft lips, but he’d be obedient for him.

“I’ll prepare it for you, if you wish.”

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Ragnar can’t stop the beaming grin that lights up his face at Alfred’s words. He behaved for him.

“Good…I’ll be sure to reward you for it after supper…” A mischievous twinkle shines in Ragnar’s eyes. It is so tempting to drag the King to his chambers now and forgo supper, but perhaps the anticipation of what’s to come will make it that much more tantalizing.

“Yes, your wine. Hopefully a bottle won’t be missed…” Although, who is he kidding. Ragnar is sure there will be several bottles missing before the Lords return from their journey to Ulaid.

That seductive tone to the King’s voice goes straight to Ragnar’s cock as he lets out a little groan. If the King only knew the power his voice and his body held over him, Ragnar might begin to question who is servant and who is master.

“That would be most welcome…if you need any help or guidance, don’t be afraid to ask.” Ragnar offers knowing that the King doesn’t have very much experience with cooking. He is sure in time, Alfred will catch on.

Taking Alfred’s hand, the warrior leads him into the kitchen. “It’s just steak and potatoes. Maybe slice up the potatoes and put them in a pan with the steaks and we can put it over the fire to cook. I’ll stoke up the fire…”

While Alfred starts to prepare their meal, Ragnar adds a couple logs to the fire in the hearth and adjusts the grate that the pan of food will sit on to cook. It reminds the warrior of his humble beginnings on the farm, helping Lagertha prepare meals with their family. And now he gets to enjoy this homey feeling with Alfred. For a moment he forgets about their stations, about anything other than them being two men enjoying a home together…and perhaps a life together. He looks wistfully at Alfred as he prepares the potatoes, placing the slices into the cast iron pan.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

The King lets the Northman lead him into the kitchen, much to a silent dismay. But he was his servant, after all. What Ragnar says goes, and for the first time in his life, Alfred abides by something like that. He moves less awkwardly as he prepares their evening meal in tandem with the Northman, less hesitation in his movements. They’d been doing this dance for a while now, and it was starting to feel a little… domestic. Alfred tries to hide that part of himself, but it inevitably comes out as they have a glass of wine as they prepare dinner. When the Northman places cut potatoes away to cook, the Saxon strides close to him, motioning to his leathers.

“Make yourself more comfortable, hm?” Alfred asks softly, taking the laces of Ragnar’s leather cuirass and purposefully untying them. He helps him take it off, then his armbands, his blue-green eyes drifting into the warrior’s almost tenderly as he takes utmost care of his clothes and gestures him to the table. The moment was so close that they could have captured each other again, but instead the King takes Ragnar’s leathers to hang them. His mind drifts to the last night they spent together. How strong they fucked, and how many hours it lasted.

The King snaps out of it bashfully, eventually plating their food and setting up the table for them as Ragnar takes a seat.

“Anything else?” He asks, giving him a smoldering gaze. An unspoken one showing the tension lingering between them.

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

After placing the pan of steaks and potatoes over the fire to cook, Ragnar smiles when Alfred approaches him motioning to his leathers. Feeling the extra weight of his leathers and armbands come off at the King’s doting attention brings the warrior comfort. Alfred’s tenderness and care letting him forget about the woes at the fortress. HIs hands itch to take ahold of the King’s, to bring him in for another kiss, but instead, Alfred takes his leathers to hang them.

Once the food is dished up, Ragnar takes a seat at the table. He didn’t realize how hungry he was until the savory scent of meat and potatoes started wafering through the air. He really hadn’t stopped to eat today, so focused on settling the young prince’s concerns and assisting the Lords with preparing for their journey.

Ragnar’s eyebrow cocks at Alfred’s question especially with the smoldering look in his eyes. He can think of a number of things he wants, and none of them involve the meal set before them.

“Oh, uh…no. This looks perfect…but perhaps after we eat.” Ragnar tries to hide his smirk behind his glass of wine, his eyes drifting to his chambers.

They eat in comfortable silence until they both finish their meal. When Alfred starts to stand to clear away the plates, Ragnar reaches out to grab his arm stopping him. “That can wait….C’mere.”

The warrior pushes back his chair as pats his thighs wanting Alfred to sit on his lap. As the King obliges, Ragnar’s hand comes up to the back of Alfred’s neck, pulling him in for a fervent kiss.

“Gods, I missed you…” the warrior rasps against his lips. The weight of Alfred sitting on his lap already causing a rush of arousal to pool in his groin.

His other hand drifts down the King’s chest and stomach before resting over his cock. A little smirk plays at Ragnar’s lips when he feels it already stirring beneath his hand.

“Did you miss me?” He whispers, wanting to hear that Alfred has longed for him as much as he has the King.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

Straddling the Northman’s lap like it’s the most natural thing in the world, the Saxon melts into him, their lips clashing in fervent kisses as Ragnar’s hand drifts up Alfred’s neck and into his hair. God, it was madness to feel something like this, and the King of Wessex feels himself already getting hard on the Northman’s lap. It’s impossible to resist.

You missed me?

“Yes, I missed you,” Alfred breathes against his lips, adamantly and without hesitation. He lets out a little gasp as Ragnar’s hand drifts over his cock, and he does the same, palming the Northman’s rising cock through his trousers. It’s definitely the largest, most beautiful cock he’s ever seen, and even the memory of it makes his mouth water. That and the memory of shaking and shuddering on it. Alfred feels like this man would worship at his feet, and yet he’s never felt more out of control. God, if there’s a way for them to truly communicate, this is it. Through their bodies.

“Do it. I know you want it,” The Saxon ghosts across his lips again in between sensual kisses.

“Fuck me.”

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Those words from Alfred’s mouth brings a deep smile to the warrior’s lips. Feeling how eager the King is on his lap causes more heat to pool in Ragnar’s stomach. They have only been together a short time, their circumstances a little unusual, but it doesn’t stop the pounding of his heart to know that the King of Wessex wants him. And he finds himself wanting Alfred just as badly.

A soft groan escapes Ragnar’s mouth as Alfred’s hand palms at his cock. He feels fit to burst from his trousers with how hard he is already getting imagining the Saxon underneath him writhing in pleasure. He loves how the King isn’t afraid to tell him what he wants. Isn’t afraid to show him with the neediness of his kisses and the way he grabs his length through his trousers.

Ragnar lets out a growl as he stands from the chair, wrapping Alfred’s legs around his waist. He captures the Saxon’s lips in a greedy kiss as he walks the short distance to his chambers. It’s mesmerizing having this man in his arms, wrapped around him. Eager for his touch. Ragnar places him softly onto his bed as he hovers over Alfred, his lips tracing down the King’s neck.

“You want me to fuck you?’ The warrior teases. “I think you have too many clothes on for that…”

Ragnar’s fingers trail down to the hem of Alfred’s tunic before pulling it up and off his chest. Leaning back, the Northman practically rips his own tunic off wanting to feel the King’s chest against his. Feel the touch of his skin.

“You know how badly I want it….but how badly do you want it?” Ragnar nips at Alfred’s neck, grinding his still covered cock against his. The tantalizing friction causing a hiss to escape the warrior’s lips.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

The King bites his lower lip and closes his eyes, allowing the Northman to manhandle him and carry him to his bedchamber with greedy kisses. Alfred almost grins at Ragnar’s words. The way his voice dances in his ear, his accent heightening and lowering on different words. The Northman has a very unique voice.

“Badly.” Alfred breathes out, his breaths growing panted as Ragnar grinds their hips together.

“… I’m already ready for you. I couldn’t help but to touch myself while you were gone… I’ve been aching to feel you,” the King says softly in between kisses. He’d taken his time this afternoon to stoke his pleasure, to try to replicate the feeling of the Northman’s cock inside him, but it wasn’t quite the same. He loved playing with his body, but nothing hit it quite like Ragnar’s twitching cock.

Alfred quickly takes his hand down to unlace his trousers, but Ragnar’s hand had already beat him there as he drags the King’s breeches down and off his legs.

“Fuck,” the Saxon gasps at the feeling of the Northman’s lips against his skin and his hand against his bare, throbbing cock, only breaching from his caress to spit to his hand. As the warrior’s wet fingertips drift lower and trace softly over his hole, Alfred sighs. He gazes into the Northman’s eyes, nodding to him so that he goes further without pause.

“Want you inside me,” the Saxon rasps out, biting his bottom lip again as the Northman places his hand possessively across his neck, almost reverently before releasing it and trailing it down his chest.

“… I want to feel you for days. I’ll take it so deep for you.”

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

The warrior cocks his eyebrow at the King’s admission as a smirk plays at his lips. Just the thought of Alfred touching himself while he was away has Ragnar letting out another growl as his teeth softly nip at his neck. His own cock already aching at the thought. Seeing the desire in Alfred’s eyes for him has his stomach doing somersaults. He’s never experienced this raw desire with another man, just Alfred, and it is enchanting.

Ragnar’s hand beats the King’s to his trousers, quickly unlacing them and dragging them off Alfred’s legs. He smiles when the Saxon’s cock springs free, the tip already leaking precum. Ragnar wraps his fingers around Alfred’s throbbing length, his thumb teasing briefly at the sensitive spot underneath the cockhead.

“You were touching yourself when I wasn’t here to witness it? Tsk..tsk…” Ragnar teases as his lips trail against Alfred’s chest. He finds himself a little jealous that the King’s fingers were inside himself and he didn’t get to enjoy the display.

“Did you cum?” Ragnar asks, as his teeth rasp against one of Alfred’s peaks. The way the King bucks into his hand at the sensation has the warrior biting his lip. All of it is so arousing. The King’s desperation to feel his cock gives the warrior an almost heady feeling. He places his hand possessively over the King’s neck, forcing him to look into his eyes before he goes any further. The haze of passion already clouding their blue-green depths.

Spitting in his hand, Ragnar traces his fingers even lower, circling Alfred’s rim before sinking two fingers inside him. He can feel how easily his fingers gain entry, and the whimper Alfred releases wanting more goes straight to his cock.

“Hm…I don’t know if I should reward you or punish you for starting without me…” The warrior teases. Although to punish Alfred, would be punishing himself, Ragnar thinks wryly. He loves hearing the King beg for his cock.

Straightening up, Ragnar gently withdraws his fingers. His lip curls hearing the whimper fall from the Saxon’s mouth at the loss. Taking his hands to his trousers, Ragnar quickly releases the laces and shimmies out of them letting them fall to the floor. Walking over to the nightstand Ragnar grabs the vial of oil. He pours a generous amount into his palm before coating his cock. Seeing Alfred laid out before him, needy and wanting causes his cock to twitch in his hand.

“On your hands and knees, my King….show me how badly you want it.” Ragnar orders as he strokes his cock teasingly.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

“Yes…” Alfred nods breathlessly, his pupils blown in desperate desire. “I made myself cum…”

The King moans instantly as the Northman’s fingers dive inside him, needily writhing against them to get some friction against the spot deep inside him as he keeps their gazes locked. His mouth drops open, a whimper falling from his lips.

“Reward or punishment, I’m your servant, and I’ll oblige you.” The Saxon says lowly, his eyes locked with the Northman’s. Never in his life had he thought words like that would come out of his mouth. He can already imagine the ways in which he could be punished or rewarded. Left aching in denial, having his throat wrapped around the Northman’s thick cock, letting the Northman hold him down and fuck him hard into the furs, the wall even. The possibilities are endless, though undoubtedly all of it is secretly rewarding. After hungrily watching the warrior slick his cock, the King dutifully rolls to his hands and knees, spreading his legs for him. He feels a strong hand trail up his back, nimble fingertips lacing into his hair and giving a firm tug. A moan falls from the King’s lips, just as Ragnar lines up and slowly pushes his length inside him.

“O-oh…” the Saxon breathes out a moan, the grip in his hair nearly dragging him back on Ragnar’s cock. He takes him well, allowing the Northman to bottom out inside him.

“Yes, fuck… please, Ragnar.” He begs in a whisper. God, the warrior’s cock is so fucking big, he can feel it everywhere, completely consuming him. Especially when he bottoms out and pulsates a little. There’s nothing he could do to himself that compares. Alfred realizes then with another tug at his hair that he wants the Northman to utterly claim him, perhaps even more than that.

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

“I want more than a servant…I want more from this.” Ragnar almost growls as he climbs back on the bed and settles behind Alfred. His strong hand trails up the King’s back to his head, tangling his fingers in his hair and giving a firm tug. His other hand lines up his cock at Alfred’s rim before slowly pushing inside him.

Fuck…

Letting out a groan as Alfred’s heat envelopes him, the warrior uses the King’s hair to guide him back against his length. Even with readying himself earlier, Alfred’s walls still grip him tightly as Ragnar sinks inch by inch inside of him. When he bottoms out, Ragnar pauses trying to calm his already panting breaths. It feels unlike anything he has ever felt before. He can feel his cock throbbing inside Alfred as his walls caress his length. The warrior’s head rolls back in instant pleasure, before his other hand grips the King’s hip.

“Fuck, you’re so tight…so good.” Ragnar moans as his hips start to move back and forth, burying himself with each thrust. His fingers tighten in Alfred’s hair almost like an anchor. It’s so tempting to give into the urge to pound into the King, brutally, but he paces himself wanting to make it last. It just feels so good. The heat surrounding his cock, the way Alfred’s walls clench around his length like he doesn’t want to let the Northman go.

Needing to feel more of Alfred’s body, Ragnar releases his hair and wraps his arm around his chest to pull him up flush against him. The Northman’s lips trail against Alfred’s neck, softly kissing and biting.

“Tell me this is more than just fucking…tell me you feel it too…” Ragnar demands. He can’t quite put a name on what this is, but he knows it’s more than the King being subservient to him. It’s more than master and servant. More than lust.

@alfredofwessex69

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

It had been a day and a half since Ragnar had left the cottage to attend to some business, and the King was starting to get worried. He had obeyed his much earlier demands by staying in his bed chamber while he was away, but the Saxon couldn’t help but breach the door to go to the window in the living area in curiosity. The village was bustling, and then it went almost startlingly quiet. Alfred assumes the most likely possibility is that something is going on at the fortress, some unexpected visitors or something more dire. Perhaps the more worrisome notion is that Alfred finds himself missing the man who’s become his master.

@alfredofwessex69

“If that is all, I’ll be on my way…” Ragnar says somewhat impatiently to Lagertha, eager to return to his new home. The arrival of the Irishman’s mother and their subsequent journey to Ulaid has pulled the Northman away for longer than he was anticipating.

“Anxious to return to your pet?” The Shieldmaiden teases, a little smirk coming to her lips. “…yes, that should be all for this evening. I believe we are all settled in our roles while the Lords are away. Don’t forget, your taking Hali and Asa hunting tomorrow…the children could use the distraction while their fathers are away.”

Ragnar bristles at Lagertha’s question, but does well to hide it. “Yeah, yeah…I won’t forget.” The warrior shakes his hands about in thinly veiled annoyance at his ex-wife ordering him around. “Tell the children to be ready in the afternoon and I will come get them. I’m sure we can find a rabbit or a squirrel…”

“Tomorrow…” he utters in parting. Before returning to his cottage, Ragnar steals a bottle of the wine that was just delivered from Wessex, then stops at the market to get some steaks and potatoes for the evening meal.

He walks with hurried steps out of the fortress and along the path that takes him to his cottage. He hated the idea of leaving Alfred alone for this long, but he was worried if he made a fuss about needing to get home that it would raise suspicions. He just hopes the King is not cross with him for his absence.

Nodding at the guards stationed outside the door of the cottage, Ragnar hurries to open it and bar it closed. It is quiet inside, and he assumes Alfred is waiting in his chambers for his arrival. Setting the food and wine down in the kitchen, Ragnar walks down the hallway to Alfred’s room. He lightly taps on the door before swinging it open.

Ragnar sucks in a breath seeing Alfred sitting on the edge of his small bed with a book clutched in his hands. Gods, he stirs something inside the warrior, Ragnar can feel his heartbeat picking up and the flutter in his stomach.

“Sorry I was gone so long…there was an unexpected visitor at the fortress and the Lords had to attend to some business.” Ragnar apologizes giving the Saxon a bashful look.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

“You’re back,” Alfred says, with a smile much too large than he’s used to. “I-I had assumed… yes.”

Alfred was worried the Northman wouldn’t return, but there he stands in all his glory. The King of Wessex throws his book down on the bed, standing and moving for the Northman much too quickly. He takes a hand behind his neck, leaning in a capturing his lips in a passionate kiss. He’s not sure why he had such sudden urgency to feel him.

What’s gotten into me?

“Are you well?” The Saxon asks in a whisper across the Northman’s lips.

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

I am now…

Ragnar’s lips curl into a smile as Alfred rushes to him capturing his lips in a passionate kiss. To see the eagerness reflected in the King’s eyes that matches his own tickles the warrior’s heart. Ragnar snakes an arm around Alfred’s waist pulling him closer against him, wanting to feel all of him.

“Yes, I’m well…I feel much better now that I am here.” Ragnar looks into Alfred’s eyes as he whispers against his lips, not wanting to be parted from them quite yet.

His other hand comes up to smooth a lock of hair from the King’s face. “…and how have you been holding up with my absence? Have you been behaving yourself?” The warrior softly murmurs with a playful look in his eyes.

Before Alfred has a chance to answer, Ragnar claims his lips in another heated kiss. His tongue instantly seeking out the King’s as they deepen the kiss. A soft growl rumbles in the Northman’s throat wanting so much more.

Finally breaking from the kiss, Ragnar’s thumb softly caresses the King’s cheek as he looks into his eyes. “Are you hungry? I brought home some food for supper….and some of the good wine.” He wags his eyebrows playfully.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

In some form of a miracle, the King grins at Ragnar’s teasing. The warrior made him feel giddy and elated like nothing else ever had. That wild, playful look in those searing blue eyes makes his stomach drop in a way that was like going into battle, but oh so much better.

“Perhaps… yes,” the Saxon says when they finally take a breath, with a beaming look in his eyes. “I behaved for you.”

That statement was true. If it was anyone else, Alfred would have plotted his escape, done anything to get out of this place and back on the road or in safe grounds. But this cottage was no prison to him, and Ragnar was no slave driver. He was something, but not that. Dare he say that Ragnar is perhaps his every desire.

“Ah, some of the good wine. My wine…” Alfred smirks.

“That’s very kind of you, Lord,” the Saxon says with a more seductive edge to his voice, his hands trailing from behind Ragnar’s neck down his collarbone and chest. He’d rushed to capture those soft lips, but he’d be obedient for him.

“I’ll prepare it for you, if you wish.”

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Ragnar can’t stop the beaming grin that lights up his face at Alfred’s words. He behaved for him.

“Good…I’ll be sure to reward you for it after supper…” A mischievous twinkle shines in Ragnar’s eyes. It is so tempting to drag the King to his chambers now and forgo supper, but perhaps the anticipation of what’s to come will make it that much more tantalizing.

“Yes, your wine. Hopefully a bottle won’t be missed…” Although, who is he kidding. Ragnar is sure there will be several bottles missing before the Lords return from their journey to Ulaid.

That seductive tone to the King’s voice goes straight to Ragnar’s cock as he lets out a little groan. If the King only knew the power his voice and his body held over him, Ragnar might begin to question who is servant and who is master.

“That would be most welcome…if you need any help or guidance, don’t be afraid to ask.” Ragnar offers knowing that the King doesn’t have very much experience with cooking. He is sure in time, Alfred will catch on.

Taking Alfred’s hand, the warrior leads him into the kitchen. “It’s just steak and potatoes. Maybe slice up the potatoes and put them in a pan with the steaks and we can put it over the fire to cook. I’ll stoke up the fire…”

While Alfred starts to prepare their meal, Ragnar adds a couple logs to the fire in the hearth and adjusts the grate that the pan of food will sit on to cook. It reminds the warrior of his humble beginnings on the farm, helping Lagertha prepare meals with their family. And now he gets to enjoy this homey feeling with Alfred. For a moment he forgets about their stations, about anything other than them being two men enjoying a home together…and perhaps a life together. He looks wistfully at Alfred as he prepares the potatoes, placing the slices into the cast iron pan.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

The King lets the Northman lead him into the kitchen, much to a silent dismay. But he was his servant, after all. What Ragnar says goes, and for the first time in his life, Alfred abides by something like that. He moves less awkwardly as he prepares their evening meal in tandem with the Northman, less hesitation in his movements. They’d been doing this dance for a while now, and it was starting to feel a little… domestic. Alfred tries to hide that part of himself, but it inevitably comes out as they have a glass of wine as they prepare dinner. When the Northman places cut potatoes away to cook, the Saxon strides close to him, motioning to his leathers.

“Make yourself more comfortable, hm?” Alfred asks softly, taking the laces of Ragnar’s leather cuirass and purposefully untying them. He helps him take it off, then his armbands, his blue-green eyes drifting into the warrior’s almost tenderly as he takes utmost care of his clothes and gestures him to the table. The moment was so close that they could have captured each other again, but instead the King takes Ragnar’s leathers to hang them. His mind drifts to the last night they spent together. How strong they fucked, and how many hours it lasted.

The King snaps out of it bashfully, eventually plating their food and setting up the table for them as Ragnar takes a seat.

“Anything else?” He asks, giving him a smoldering gaze. An unspoken one showing the tension lingering between them.

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

After placing the pan of steaks and potatoes over the fire to cook, Ragnar smiles when Alfred approaches him motioning to his leathers. Feeling the extra weight of his leathers and armbands come off at the King’s doting attention brings the warrior comfort. Alfred’s tenderness and care letting him forget about the woes at the fortress. HIs hands itch to take ahold of the King’s, to bring him in for another kiss, but instead, Alfred takes his leathers to hang them.

Once the food is dished up, Ragnar takes a seat at the table. He didn’t realize how hungry he was until the savory scent of meat and potatoes started wafering through the air. He really hadn’t stopped to eat today, so focused on settling the young prince’s concerns and assisting the Lords with preparing for their journey.

Ragnar’s eyebrow cocks at Alfred’s question especially with the smoldering look in his eyes. He can think of a number of things he wants, and none of them involve the meal set before them.

“Oh, uh…no. This looks perfect…but perhaps after we eat.” Ragnar tries to hide his smirk behind his glass of wine, his eyes drifting to his chambers.

They eat in comfortable silence until they both finish their meal. When Alfred starts to stand to clear away the plates, Ragnar reaches out to grab his arm stopping him. “That can wait….C’mere.”

The warrior pushes back his chair as pats his thighs wanting Alfred to sit on his lap. As the King obliges, Ragnar’s hand comes up to the back of Alfred’s neck, pulling him in for a fervent kiss.

“Gods, I missed you…” the warrior rasps against his lips. The weight of Alfred sitting on his lap already causing a rush of arousal to pool in his groin.

His other hand drifts down the King’s chest and stomach before resting over his cock. A little smirk plays at Ragnar’s lips when he feels it already stirring beneath his hand.

“Did you miss me?” He whispers, wanting to hear that Alfred has longed for him as much as he has the King.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

Straddling the Northman’s lap like it’s the most natural thing in the world, the Saxon melts into him, their lips clashing in fervent kisses as Ragnar’s hand drifts up Alfred’s neck and into his hair. God, it was madness to feel something like this, and the King of Wessex feels himself already getting hard on the Northman’s lap. It’s impossible to resist.

You missed me?

“Yes, I missed you,” Alfred breathes against his lips, adamantly and without hesitation. He lets out a little gasp as Ragnar’s hand drifts over his cock, and he does the same, palming the Northman’s rising cock through his trousers. It’s definitely the largest, most beautiful cock he’s ever seen, and even the memory of it makes his mouth water. That and the memory of shaking and shuddering on it. Alfred feels like this man would worship at his feet, and yet he’s never felt more out of control. God, if there’s a way for them to truly communicate, this is it. Through their bodies.

“Do it. I know you want it,” The Saxon ghosts across his lips again in between sensual kisses.

“Fuck me.”

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Those words from Alfred’s mouth brings a deep smile to the warrior’s lips. Feeling how eager the King is on his lap causes more heat to pool in Ragnar’s stomach. They have only been together a short time, their circumstances a little unusual, but it doesn’t stop the pounding of his heart to know that the King of Wessex wants him. And he finds himself wanting Alfred just as badly.

A soft groan escapes Ragnar’s mouth as Alfred’s hand palms at his cock. He feels fit to burst from his trousers with how hard he is already getting imagining the Saxon underneath him writhing in pleasure. He loves how the King isn’t afraid to tell him what he wants. Isn’t afraid to show him with the neediness of his kisses and the way he grabs his length through his trousers.

Ragnar lets out a growl as he stands from the chair, wrapping Alfred’s legs around his waist. He captures the Saxon’s lips in a greedy kiss as he walks the short distance to his chambers. It’s mesmerizing having this man in his arms, wrapped around him. Eager for his touch. Ragnar places him softly onto his bed as he hovers over Alfred, his lips tracing down the King’s neck.

“You want me to fuck you?’ The warrior teases. “I think you have too many clothes on for that…”

Ragnar’s fingers trail down to the hem of Alfred’s tunic before pulling it up and off his chest. Leaning back, the Northman practically rips his own tunic off wanting to feel the King’s chest against his. Feel the touch of his skin.

“You know how badly I want it….but how badly do you want it?” Ragnar nips at Alfred’s neck, grinding his still covered cock against his. The tantalizing friction causing a hiss to escape the warrior’s lips.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

The King bites his lower lip and closes his eyes, allowing the Northman to manhandle him and carry him to his bedchamber with greedy kisses. Alfred almost grins at Ragnar’s words. The way his voice dances in his ear, his accent heightening and lowering on different words. The Northman has a very unique voice.

“Badly.” Alfred breathes out, his breaths growing panted as Ragnar grinds their hips together.

“… I’m already ready for you. I couldn’t help but to touch myself while you were gone… I’ve been aching to feel you,” the King says softly in between kisses. He’d taken his time this afternoon to stoke his pleasure, to try to replicate the feeling of the Northman’s cock inside him, but it wasn’t quite the same. He loved playing with his body, but nothing hit it quite like Ragnar’s twitching cock.

Alfred quickly takes his hand down to unlace his trousers, but Ragnar’s hand had already beat him there as he drags the King’s breeches down and off his legs.

“Fuck,” the Saxon gasps at the feeling of the Northman’s lips against his skin and his hand against his bare, throbbing cock, only breaching from his caress to spit to his hand. As the warrior’s wet fingertips drift lower and trace softly over his hole, Alfred sighs. He gazes into the Northman’s eyes, nodding to him so that he goes further without pause.

“Want you inside me,” the Saxon rasps out, biting his bottom lip again as the Northman places his hand possessively across his neck, almost reverently before releasing it and trailing it down his chest.

“… I want to feel you for days. I’ll take it so deep for you.”

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

The warrior cocks his eyebrow at the King’s admission as a smirk plays at his lips. Just the thought of Alfred touching himself while he was away has Ragnar letting out another growl as his teeth softly nip at his neck. His own cock already aching at the thought. Seeing the desire in Alfred’s eyes for him has his stomach doing somersaults. He’s never experienced this raw desire with another man, just Alfred, and it is enchanting.

Ragnar’s hand beats the King’s to his trousers, quickly unlacing them and dragging them off Alfred’s legs. He smiles when the Saxon’s cock springs free, the tip already leaking precum. Ragnar wraps his fingers around Alfred’s throbbing length, his thumb teasing briefly at the sensitive spot underneath the cockhead.

“You were touching yourself when I wasn’t here to witness it? Tsk..tsk…” Ragnar teases as his lips trail against Alfred’s chest. He finds himself a little jealous that the King’s fingers were inside himself and he didn’t get to enjoy the display.

“Did you cum?” Ragnar asks, as his teeth rasp against one of Alfred’s peaks. The way the King bucks into his hand at the sensation has the warrior biting his lip. All of it is so arousing. The King’s desperation to feel his cock gives the warrior an almost heady feeling. He places his hand possessively over the King’s neck, forcing him to look into his eyes before he goes any further. The haze of passion already clouding their blue-green depths.

Spitting in his hand, Ragnar traces his fingers even lower, circling Alfred’s rim before sinking two fingers inside him. He can feel how easily his fingers gain entry, and the whimper Alfred releases wanting more goes straight to his cock.

“Hm…I don’t know if I should reward you or punish you for starting without me…” The warrior teases. Although to punish Alfred, would be punishing himself, Ragnar thinks wryly. He loves hearing the King beg for his cock.

Straightening up, Ragnar gently withdraws his fingers. His lip curls hearing the whimper fall from the Saxon’s mouth at the loss. Taking his hands to his trousers, Ragnar quickly releases the laces and shimmies out of them letting them fall to the floor. Walking over to the nightstand Ragnar grabs the vial of oil. He pours a generous amount into his palm before coating his cock. Seeing Alfred laid out before him, needy and wanting causes his cock to twitch in his hand.

“On your hands and knees, my King….show me how badly you want it.” Ragnar orders as he strokes his cock teasingly.

@alfredofwessex69

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

It had been a day and a half since Ragnar had left the cottage to attend to some business, and the King was starting to get worried. He had obeyed his much earlier demands by staying in his bed chamber while he was away, but the Saxon couldn’t help but breach the door to go to the window in the living area in curiosity. The village was bustling, and then it went almost startlingly quiet. Alfred assumes the most likely possibility is that something is going on at the fortress, some unexpected visitors or something more dire. Perhaps the more worrisome notion is that Alfred finds himself missing the man who’s become his master.

@alfredofwessex69

“If that is all, I’ll be on my way…” Ragnar says somewhat impatiently to Lagertha, eager to return to his new home. The arrival of the Irishman’s mother and their subsequent journey to Ulaid has pulled the Northman away for longer than he was anticipating.

“Anxious to return to your pet?” The Shieldmaiden teases, a little smirk coming to her lips. “…yes, that should be all for this evening. I believe we are all settled in our roles while the Lords are away. Don’t forget, your taking Hali and Asa hunting tomorrow…the children could use the distraction while their fathers are away.”

Ragnar bristles at Lagertha’s question, but does well to hide it. “Yeah, yeah…I won’t forget.” The warrior shakes his hands about in thinly veiled annoyance at his ex-wife ordering him around. “Tell the children to be ready in the afternoon and I will come get them. I’m sure we can find a rabbit or a squirrel…”

“Tomorrow…” he utters in parting. Before returning to his cottage, Ragnar steals a bottle of the wine that was just delivered from Wessex, then stops at the market to get some steaks and potatoes for the evening meal.

He walks with hurried steps out of the fortress and along the path that takes him to his cottage. He hated the idea of leaving Alfred alone for this long, but he was worried if he made a fuss about needing to get home that it would raise suspicions. He just hopes the King is not cross with him for his absence.

Nodding at the guards stationed outside the door of the cottage, Ragnar hurries to open it and bar it closed. It is quiet inside, and he assumes Alfred is waiting in his chambers for his arrival. Setting the food and wine down in the kitchen, Ragnar walks down the hallway to Alfred’s room. He lightly taps on the door before swinging it open.

Ragnar sucks in a breath seeing Alfred sitting on the edge of his small bed with a book clutched in his hands. Gods, he stirs something inside the warrior, Ragnar can feel his heartbeat picking up and the flutter in his stomach.

“Sorry I was gone so long…there was an unexpected visitor at the fortress and the Lords had to attend to some business.” Ragnar apologizes giving the Saxon a bashful look.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

“You’re back,” Alfred says, with a smile much too large than he’s used to. “I-I had assumed… yes.”

Alfred was worried the Northman wouldn’t return, but there he stands in all his glory. The King of Wessex throws his book down on the bed, standing and moving for the Northman much too quickly. He takes a hand behind his neck, leaning in a capturing his lips in a passionate kiss. He’s not sure why he had such sudden urgency to feel him.

What’s gotten into me?

“Are you well?” The Saxon asks in a whisper across the Northman’s lips.

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

I am now…

Ragnar’s lips curl into a smile as Alfred rushes to him capturing his lips in a passionate kiss. To see the eagerness reflected in the King’s eyes that matches his own tickles the warrior’s heart. Ragnar snakes an arm around Alfred’s waist pulling him closer against him, wanting to feel all of him.

“Yes, I’m well…I feel much better now that I am here.” Ragnar looks into Alfred’s eyes as he whispers against his lips, not wanting to be parted from them quite yet.

His other hand comes up to smooth a lock of hair from the King’s face. “…and how have you been holding up with my absence? Have you been behaving yourself?” The warrior softly murmurs with a playful look in his eyes.

Before Alfred has a chance to answer, Ragnar claims his lips in another heated kiss. His tongue instantly seeking out the King’s as they deepen the kiss. A soft growl rumbles in the Northman’s throat wanting so much more.

Finally breaking from the kiss, Ragnar’s thumb softly caresses the King’s cheek as he looks into his eyes. “Are you hungry? I brought home some food for supper….and some of the good wine.” He wags his eyebrows playfully.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

In some form of a miracle, the King grins at Ragnar’s teasing. The warrior made him feel giddy and elated like nothing else ever had. That wild, playful look in those searing blue eyes makes his stomach drop in a way that was like going into battle, but oh so much better.

“Perhaps… yes,” the Saxon says when they finally take a breath, with a beaming look in his eyes. “I behaved for you.”

That statement was true. If it was anyone else, Alfred would have plotted his escape, done anything to get out of this place and back on the road or in safe grounds. But this cottage was no prison to him, and Ragnar was no slave driver. He was something, but not that. Dare he say that Ragnar is perhaps his every desire.

“Ah, some of the good wine. My wine…” Alfred smirks.

“That’s very kind of you, Lord,” the Saxon says with a more seductive edge to his voice, his hands trailing from behind Ragnar’s neck down his collarbone and chest. He’d rushed to capture those soft lips, but he’d be obedient for him.

“I’ll prepare it for you, if you wish.”

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Ragnar can’t stop the beaming grin that lights up his face at Alfred’s words. He behaved for him.

“Good…I’ll be sure to reward you for it after supper…” A mischievous twinkle shines in Ragnar’s eyes. It is so tempting to drag the King to his chambers now and forgo supper, but perhaps the anticipation of what’s to come will make it that much more tantalizing.

“Yes, your wine. Hopefully a bottle won’t be missed…” Although, who is he kidding. Ragnar is sure there will be several bottles missing before the Lords return from their journey to Ulaid.

That seductive tone to the King’s voice goes straight to Ragnar’s cock as he lets out a little groan. If the King only knew the power his voice and his body held over him, Ragnar might begin to question who is servant and who is master.

“That would be most welcome…if you need any help or guidance, don’t be afraid to ask.” Ragnar offers knowing that the King doesn’t have very much experience with cooking. He is sure in time, Alfred will catch on.

Taking Alfred’s hand, the warrior leads him into the kitchen. “It’s just steak and potatoes. Maybe slice up the potatoes and put them in a pan with the steaks and we can put it over the fire to cook. I’ll stoke up the fire…”

While Alfred starts to prepare their meal, Ragnar adds a couple logs to the fire in the hearth and adjusts the grate that the pan of food will sit on to cook. It reminds the warrior of his humble beginnings on the farm, helping Lagertha prepare meals with their family. And now he gets to enjoy this homey feeling with Alfred. For a moment he forgets about their stations, about anything other than them being two men enjoying a home together…and perhaps a life together. He looks wistfully at Alfred as he prepares the potatoes, placing the slices into the cast iron pan.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

The King lets the Northman lead him into the kitchen, much to a silent dismay. But he was his servant, after all. What Ragnar says goes, and for the first time in his life, Alfred abides by something like that. He moves less awkwardly as he prepares their evening meal in tandem with the Northman, less hesitation in his movements. They’d been doing this dance for a while now, and it was starting to feel a little… domestic. Alfred tries to hide that part of himself, but it inevitably comes out as they have a glass of wine as they prepare dinner. When the Northman places cut potatoes away to cook, the Saxon strides close to him, motioning to his leathers.

“Make yourself more comfortable, hm?” Alfred asks softly, taking the laces of Ragnar’s leather cuirass and purposefully untying them. He helps him take it off, then his armbands, his blue-green eyes drifting into the warrior’s almost tenderly as he takes utmost care of his clothes and gestures him to the table. The moment was so close that they could have captured each other again, but instead the King takes Ragnar’s leathers to hang them. His mind drifts to the last night they spent together. How strong they fucked, and how many hours it lasted.

The King snaps out of it bashfully, eventually plating their food and setting up the table for them as Ragnar takes a seat.

“Anything else?” He asks, giving him a smoldering gaze. An unspoken one showing the tension lingering between them.

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

After placing the pan of steaks and potatoes over the fire to cook, Ragnar smiles when Alfred approaches him motioning to his leathers. Feeling the extra weight of his leathers and armbands come off at the King’s doting attention brings the warrior comfort. Alfred’s tenderness and care letting him forget about the woes at the fortress. HIs hands itch to take ahold of the King’s, to bring him in for another kiss, but instead, Alfred takes his leathers to hang them.

Once the food is dished up, Ragnar takes a seat at the table. He didn’t realize how hungry he was until the savory scent of meat and potatoes started wafering through the air. He really hadn’t stopped to eat today, so focused on settling the young prince’s concerns and assisting the Lords with preparing for their journey.

Ragnar’s eyebrow cocks at Alfred’s question especially with the smoldering look in his eyes. He can think of a number of things he wants, and none of them involve the meal set before them.

“Oh, uh…no. This looks perfect…but perhaps after we eat.” Ragnar tries to hide his smirk behind his glass of wine, his eyes drifting to his chambers.

They eat in comfortable silence until they both finish their meal. When Alfred starts to stand to clear away the plates, Ragnar reaches out to grab his arm stopping him. “That can wait….C’mere.”

The warrior pushes back his chair as pats his thighs wanting Alfred to sit on his lap. As the King obliges, Ragnar’s hand comes up to the back of Alfred’s neck, pulling him in for a fervent kiss.

“Gods, I missed you…” the warrior rasps against his lips. The weight of Alfred sitting on his lap already causing a rush of arousal to pool in his groin.

His other hand drifts down the King’s chest and stomach before resting over his cock. A little smirk plays at Ragnar’s lips when he feels it already stirring beneath his hand.

“Did you miss me?” He whispers, wanting to hear that Alfred has longed for him as much as he has the King.

@alfredofwessex69

[alfredofwessex69]

Straddling the Northman’s lap like it’s the most natural thing in the world, the Saxon melts into him, their lips clashing in fervent kisses as Ragnar’s hand drifts up Alfred’s neck and into his hair. God, it was madness to feel something like this, and the King of Wessex feels himself already getting hard on the Northman’s lap. It’s impossible to resist.

You missed me?

“Yes, I missed you,” Alfred breathes against his lips, adamantly and without hesitation. He lets out a little gasp as Ragnar’s hand drifts over his cock, and he does the same, palming the Northman’s rising cock through his trousers. It’s definitely the largest, most beautiful cock he’s ever seen, and even the memory of it makes his mouth water. That and the memory of shaking and shuddering on it. Alfred feels like this man would worship at his feet, and yet he’s never felt more out of control. God, if there’s a way for them to truly communicate, this is it. Through their bodies.

“Do it. I know you want it,” The Saxon ghosts across his lips again in between sensual kisses.

“Fuck me.”

@ragnarlothbrokviking

[ragnarlothbrokviking]

Those words from Alfred’s mouth brings a deep smile to the warrior’s lips. Feeling how eager the King is on his lap causes more heat to pool in Ragnar’s stomach. They have only been together a short time, their circumstances a little unusual, but it doesn’t stop the pounding of his heart to know that the King of Wessex wants him. And he finds himself wanting Alfred just as badly.

A soft groan escapes Ragnar’s mouth as Alfred’s hand palms at his cock. He feels fit to burst from his trousers with how hard he is already getting imagining the Saxon underneath him writhing in pleasure. He loves how the King isn’t afraid to tell him what he wants. Isn’t afraid to show him with the neediness of his kisses and the way he grabs his length through his trousers.

Ragnar lets out a growl as he stands from the chair, wrapping Alfred’s legs around his waist. He captures the Saxon’s lips in a greedy kiss as he walks the short distance to his chambers. It’s mesmerizing having this man in his arms, wrapped around him. Eager for his touch. Ragnar places him softly onto his bed as he hovers over Alfred, his lips tracing down the King’s neck.

“You want me to fuck you?’ The warrior teases. “I think you have too many clothes on for that…”

Ragnar’s fingers trail down to the hem of Alfred’s tunic before pulling it up and off his chest. Leaning back, the Northman practically rips his own tunic off wanting to feel the King’s chest against his. Feel the touch of his skin.

“You know how badly I want it….but how badly do you want it?” Ragnar nips at Alfred’s neck, grinding his still covered cock against his. The tantalizing friction causing a hiss to escape the warrior’s lips.

@alfredofwessex69