He had a beautiful family, two sons and a daughter that were strong and healthy, and would grow to be warriors just like their parents. He stared at Agata as she pushed her hair, which was in braids, over her shoulder as she brought Amund to her breast. The baby latched onto her breast as he nursed, and Stian loved watching her feed his child, loved the connection and bond he felt when he was with his family like this. The way she hummed to the children until they fell asleep, until they were nestled beside them, had love filling him. He’d never thought he’d feel this kind of emotion, but every day, every second, he felt them ten times over.
Stian curled his arm around Agata’s waist and pulled her closer. He stared at his son as he nursed, ran his finger over Thorbjorn’s head, and leaned over to kiss his darling Petrine on the head. He might be a hardened warrior, killed countless people to survive, but these four people were his world. He had never known that there was something he could love, could hold close, but Agata had opened his eyes and heart.
Stian knew that he would fight a thousand warriors, and take out anyone who threatened his family, without even thinking. He’d never feel lonely or isolated again, not as long as he had the laughter of his children filling their home, or the warmth of his wife beside him.