Astrid sank into the warm, sweet smelling water with a soft sigh, the aches and tears of her body stung slightly at the first contact of the liquid, but soon a soothing feeling took over her, and she was able to finally relax.

It had been a difficult birth. It would be some time before she was able to move about quickly and with ease, let alone take Stormfly out for a ride.

She tried not to think about the results of the birth—the child that had died, the fact that she would most likely never be able to bear another—and focused instead on the bassinet standing in the middle of her bathing chamber. She could not quite see her daughter from this angle, but she knew she was there. Heather walked to and fro, checking on the baby, instructing Astrid's hand-maidens on their tasks.

"Heather…" Astrid murmured, and opened her eyes. "Leave us," she ordered, and the hand-maidens quickly abandoned their tasks and left the large bathing chamber.

"Yes, My Lady?" Heather asked.

Astrid gazed at her hands, they were wrinkled from the heat and moisture. "I must prepare for the worst," she said. "Should I…" she paused, "Should I be replaced, in favor of a woman capable of bearing His Lordship an heir, I would very much like you to continue working in my service, when I am returned to my father's House."

There was a gentle silence, before Heather walked over to her, and sat next to the bathing pool. "There's no need to talk in such a way, My Lady," Heather said. "No one knows what the Fates have in store for us. You may give birth to a son yet."

Astrid closed her eyes, breathing in the scented, thick air. "I do not think so," she said. "Unless the princess is named heir, I am afraid it is inevitable that I shall be replaced."

"The King would be setting himself up for an uprising if he did that," Heather reminded her. "Your father and uncles and brothers are powerful, and would not stand to have you jilted. And besides," she added, "You are popular with the people. They might uprise as well, or at least riot in your favor, should the King divorce you. Remember," Heather said, standing and walking over to Ky's bassinet, gazing down at the bundle within. "While King Hiccup has been away, fighting in the wars, you have been caring for the people and the Wilderwest. The people will take your side, over his."

"I am sure they are thankful to him for keeping our lands safe," Astrid said, leaning back and closing her eyes.

"Of course, they love him," Heather said, from somewhere in the room. "But you have been their liege while he was away. And besides, there is still time for love. He would not divorce you then."

"Fall in love?" Astrid laughed, opening her eyes to gaze incredulously at Heather. "What put such a silly thought in your head? It has been four years since we wed, I doubt if we haven't fallen in love by now it shall ever happen."

"That is because you have barely seen each other," Heather said, lifting Ky from her bassinet and walking over with her, sitting by the side of the pool. "The King returned so rarely to Berk during all that time, only to meet with his advisors and beget a child, that you could hardly know him at all."

"He returned a little more often than that," Astrid protested. "But… You are right that this war has taken a toll on getting to know each other." She pondered if Heather could be correct—but knew that whatever the result of their marriage, it would be futile to recklessly believe it could end happily, or at least, in love. After all, regardless of whether or not he fell in love with her, he would need to beget an heir eventually.

He would need to have a son.

A son she would never, nor ever will, be able to give him.

She turned her face to Ky, sleeping in Heather's arms, and smiled. It did not matter, she supposed, since she had her daughter. And perhaps, if the Fates were on her side, Ky would become Heir Apparent.

And Astrid need not worry about bringing shame to her family.

The arrow flew past the target, uncharacteristic of the King's prowess with the bow. He was distracted. "You know, it really isn't fair," he said, breaking the silence.

"Fair, My Lord?" Eret asked, handing him another arrow, as an attendant fetched the arrow that missed the target.

"The Queen spends all day with the child, and I can only see her between meetings or when it is… appropriate to visit," Hiccup said, stringing another arrow.

Eret did not answer.

"Perhaps I should suggest Her Ladyship move into my chambers," Hiccup suggested, half jesting.

"Surely not," Eret said, looking slightly amused. "You would not enjoy being woken at the early mornings hours for a feeding."

"I don't know." The arrow missed the bullseye, but hit the target. Eret handed him another arrow. "My mother disappeared when I was but an infant myself, died most likely, and my father was too busy fighting this damn war to…" the arrow missed the target completely. Hiccup muttered a curse under his breath, and handed the bow to another attendant. "I don't want my daughter to think I… My father and I mended our relationship only a few years before his death," Hiccup said. "I do not wish the same for my daughter. It is unfair that a child should be so attached to the mother."

"When the child is older," Eret said, following him to where yet another attendant was waiting with water and towels, and goblets of wine, "She will be able to spend time away from the Queen. But for now, it is the natural way for a babe to be dependent on that which bore it."

Hiccup shrugged. He sat down on a bench, staring up at the bright, azure sky. "Her name day is in three weeks," Hiccup said. "And yet I have no clue whatsoever what to call her."

"Then leave it up to the Name Dame," Eret suggested, standing beside Hiccup.

"What? And let her get a name like Hiccup?" Hiccup asked, chuckling wryly. "No, I think she should have a pretty name."

Again, Eret said nothing.

"Well," Hiccup said. "I believe it is almost luncheon. Perhaps send a request for the queen to join me."

"She will not be able to bring the princess," Eret reminded him.

"Right," Hiccup said, frowning. "Then I shall have my luncheon in her quarters."

Eret nodded, and left to make the arrangements.

Hiccup accepted another towel from an attendant and mopped his brow, realizing he would need to rinse in the baths before he visited the queen, lest he repulse her more than he usually did.

Astrid stood up from the bath far too quickly, her head swimming in the heavy mists and heat, and her body screaming against the sudden movement. "He's what?" she demanded, staring at the maiden before her. "He's coming here?"

Heather picked up Ky from her bassinet and carried her out of the room, instructing the remaining attendants to aide Astrid in making herself presentable. Astrid could hear her barking orders in the dining hall of Astrid's chambers, and Astrid quickly stepped out of the bath.

"Not too quickly, Milady," a maid, by the name of Ruby, said. "You don't want to slip."

"You're right," Astrid said, allowing the maids to dry her off. "I would not want to make His Majesty wait too long."

The maids glanced at each other, and Astrid knew well the reason.

It was common knowledge that she and her husband did not marry for love. Though that was not uncommon among nobility, it was… usually hoped for that the couple would become fond, or at least, tolerant of each other. But Hiccup had been away so often during their years of marriage, that she had hardly seen him. A few days here and there to discuss matters of state, those that she had a say in, that is, and to try to beget an heir, were… to say the least, not enough to create genuine fondness, let alone love.

Love.

Astrid scoffed. How could Hiccup come to love her? The daughter of his father's enemy? It was probably for the best that she would soon be replaced. After all, now that he gave the ol' try, he could marry whom he wished. Perhaps there is a lady who was far more qualified than she to rule beside him, and to share his bed. He could marry whom he pleased now.

Yes, that was most likely the reason for his visit today. He would, of course, be under the guise of visiting their newborn daughter, but she did not doubt his true reason for visiting would be informing her of her departure from Berk. That was inevitable, and so why should he delay the process?

She left the steaming bath chamber to the dressing room, where Heather was waiting.

"There you are, My Lady," she said, smiling at Astrid. "How about this dress? The grey truly brings out your eyes…"

"Oh please," Astrid retorted, rolling her eyes. "I doubt His Lordship notices my eyes, or anything else about me."

Heather raised an eyebrow. "How do you know he has not come to compliment your eyes specifically?"

Astrid could catch the teasing tone in her Lady-in-Waiting's voice, but did not take the bait. Instead, she focused her attention on how to guard her thoughts, so as to not make a fool of herself when the King tells her of her subsequent departure.

It would, of course, bring great shame to herself and her family. Her father and uncles and brothers might try to rise up against the King again, though now a different king.

She looked herself in the mirror. Her clothes were impeccable, but her face looked tired and grim. "Heather," Astrid said. "Take the princess to my bedchamber for her rest."

"Won't the King want to—"

"If," Astrid said, turning away from the tired reflection, "The King somehow desires to see her, I shall send for you."

Heather had that look that told Astrid the lady-in-waiting was ready to argue, but nodded, and took the child from a hand-maiden and walked from the dressing room.

Astrid let out a breath as Heather and Ky left the room, and dismissed her hand-maidens. She left her dressing chamber, walked down a private hallway, and entered her dining room. The king, and his main attendant, Sir Eret, were waiting for her. Both turned, and both bowed as she curtsied. She stood a ways from them, and said, "Will you not sit, my lords?"

Hiccup's eyes drifted past her, and a frown creased his forehead.

Eret bowed again, and drew a chair for her to sit, but Hiccup made no move, still staring about the room. Used to her husband's eccentric ways, Astrid walked to the table and sat down in the chair offered by Eret, and the man walked to the other side of the table and drew a chair for Hiccup, who finally sat down.

"Where is our daughter?" Hiccup finally asked, as their food was served.

Astrid looked up, mildly surprised. But no… he would have to break the ice somehow, and the pleasantries of pretending to see their child was a decent enough of one to dissolve the tensions of the situation. "She has been put down for her nap," Astrid said.

Hiccup gave her a level look. "I wish to see her."

"I will call for Heather to bring her after we eat," she answered. She wanted to get this over with.

The King's brow creased again, and his mouth fell into a tight line. But he did not press the issue, and instead focused on eating. Finally, she could bear it no longer. "If you have something on your mind," she began, setting down her soup spoon, "I wish you to speak it."

Hiccup looked up, startled.

She gazed at her wine glass, before finally looking him in the eyes. "I understand the situation that I am in, My Lord. I will not delude myself into thinking that my… position here is… altogether safe."

She breathed in through her nose, and exhaled slowly. "When do you wish me to be gone?"

He looked at her, and she was surprised to see an even deeper, startled look on his face. Of course… she was too blunt. She felt heat creep up her neck, and realized she overstepped her boundaries.

"My Lady…" he paused, looking down at his bowl of broth before looking up at her again. "I do not wish you gone."

It was her turn to be surprised. She looked at him, mouth agape.

"It would be… imprudent, for me to cast you out when you…" he shrugged, an awkward roll of his shoulders, "Have only just given birth to our child."

He looked uncomfortable, and she wondered how much he truly wished her to leave. He could marry whomever he wished, now that she was unable to bear him a son. At least, in the foreseeable future.

"You mean…" she said slowly, "It would cause an uncomfortable situation with my family."

He met her eyes, and did not nod, but neither did he disagree.

So that was it, she mused. He needed her to continue to mend the bond between the Houses Hofferson and Haddock. Well, if that is what it took for her to stay here, and not be sent away in shame to forever live in hiding from good society, she would take it. She busied herself with taking a sip of wine.

She could hear and sense her husband fidgeting, and looked at him.

"Is… Would I be able to see Ky before I leave?" he asked.

She raised her eyebrows. "Of course, My Lord, if you wish to," she said. She snapped her fingers, and Heather quickly slipped from the room. "Lady di Range will return with the princess when we are finished with our meal," Astrid said.

Hiccup nodded, and glanced at the all the food on the table as if wishing it suddenly gone. Astrid drummed her fingers on the table, and caught Eret's eye. The slightly older man gave a short shake of his head.

"Are you still in much pain?" Hiccup asked, breaking the silence and distracting her attention from his valet.

"What?"

"From the birth," Hiccup said.

Astrid blinked, before feeling a blush creep up her neck again. Why was he asking such a personal question? And why did he care? The only thing pertaining to her that he should care about was the fact that she was now unable to provide him with even the most basic and necessary duty of a wife: a son. "I am fine, My Lord," she said. "Though… as the Head Healer has mentioned, I am…" she stared at her hand on the table, her fingers having stilled, "Unable to bear anymore children."

"I know," Hiccup said.

Astrid's jaw clenched, and she turned her face downwards to hide the stinging of her eyes that betrayed her shame.

"That also means, for some time, I will not be able to do my wifely duties," she said.

Not that she thought he cared much about those—not when she was concerned. They hardly ever slept together, and she always assumed he spent his nights with other women. Perhaps one of those would bear him a son. Perhaps there already was a son.

She glanced up at Hiccup, and saw that he was pointedly looking away from her, his face flaming with a blotchy blush. "I did not…" he murmured, loud enough for her to hear.

Ah, of course. He would never look at her that way.

She drew both her hands into her lap, clenching her fists slightly. It was silly, she told herself, to feel jealous of other women. It was not as if she had any right to be so. Her match with Hiccup was merely political. They both knew that. It was selfish to wish he could love her one day. It was even more selfish to wish she was the only one he bed. Even if it were possible for him to love her one day, it would be his husbandly right to bed whom he wished.

She licked her lips, a little nervously, and said, "How long will you be staying in Berk, My Lord?"

"A few months, at least," Hiccup answered.

"I see," Astrid said, slowly.

"As such, I will be relieving you of some of your duties," Hiccup continued. "I want you to rest—spend time with Ky. And… relax."

Relax. After years of practically ruling Berk, how could she just sit back and relax? She hardly thought she knew how. But… she would enjoy spending time with Ky, and perhaps, even, she would enjoy resting. "Thank you, My Lord…" she murmured softly, hoping she did not betray some of her disappointment at his dismissal of her services.

They ate in relative silence, until finally, Heather entered the room, carrying Ky. Hiccup stood up quickly, and took a few hasty steps towards them, before abashedly pausing, and waiting for Astrid to rise from her seat and take Ky into her own arms. He followed her to a sofa, and they sat down. "Here," she said, handing Ky to him.

She looked different, from when she had first been born. But no less beautiful and wondrous, he thought. She was so small, and yet seeming to grow so quickly. The hair on her head was a little thicker now, fuzzy like that on a newly hatched chick. He touched it, marveling at the softness of her skin and hair. Everything about her was soft, gentle, and helpless.

Even if Berk and the Wilderwest should fall, he knew he would protect this small being with all his strength.

He was aware of everyone in the room watching him with an intent gaze. Astrid sat beside him, and he wondered at her thoughts. He was not always the best at reading people, but he knew his wife's feelings towards him… perhaps despised was the wrong word. But she was not fond of him.

He himself found her lovely to look at. In fact, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, nor most likely, would ever see. But she always seemed to wear an a casing of armor around her heart and soul, and no matter how he tried, she always returned his advances or attempts at getting to know her with iciness.

Or perhaps that was just how she was.

He diverted his attention from his wife to his daughter. Ky was a perfect being, and he was determined to be a constant in her life.

Ky's eyes opened, still dark blue, and her face contorted as she began to wail. Instantly, Astrid took her from his arms, and rose, stiffly, clearly still in pain, and walked from the room. Of course, she would never nurse in front of Eret and the male servants. Hiccup watched longingly as she and the baby left the room, Heather hovered in the doorway, before hanging back.

He let out a frustrated groan.

"What is it, My Lord?" Eret asked.

"Too short," Hiccup said, rising from his seat. He walked over to the table, placing both hands on the back of a chair and arching his back slightly, glaring at the untouched food. "Sometimes I wish I wasn't born to be a king."

"Don't be silly," Heather replied, walking forward and sitting in a chair near him. "You were born to be a king, and a fine one you have made."

Hiccup snorted, before looking up, his stiff posture relaxing slightly. He sat down, and grabbed a piece of bread, buttering it. "Easy for you to say—you're not the one having to be king."

"Lady di Range is correct," Eret said, sitting down as well.

"Heather," Heather interjected. "If Hiccup does not mind calling me thus, you should as well."

Eret nodded. "Heather, is correct, My Lord," he said. "You make a fine king."

"It is not my skills that I am insecure about… it is that… there's never a reprieve," Hiccup said, through a mouthful of bread. "If I were a common man, or even just a Duke or Count, I would… Well, I wouldn't necessarily need an heir, would I?"

Heather and Eret exchanged looks, and Heather stood from her chair, walking over to stand behind Hiccup. He shivered slightly as she bent over, her mouth near his ear. "Is this longing I hear, your Majesty?" she murmured.

He ignored her, taking another bite.

"Perhaps," Heather continued, "You should tell her Majesty about such… desires—"

"Shove off," Hiccup said, shrugging her away from him. Heather laughed loudly, returning to her seat. "You seem determined to think that I am love with the Queen," Hiccup said. "How can I love someone I don't know? Someone who has no interest in letting me know her?"

"I am, after all," Heather said, with a nonchalant and unabashed shrug, "A believer of true love, Hiccup."

The King rolled his eyes. "I'm done here," he said, rising and walking from the room, Eret following after giving Heather a warning look.

Heather smiled as she poured herself a goblet of wine, sitting down to enjoy her drink.

TO BE CONTINUED…

So sorry this chapter is super late! Thanks to everyone who reviewed! I'm unfortunately unable to respond to reviews at this time, as what little precious fic writing time I have is devoted to writing more chapters of my stories. But know that I appreciate your comments and favorites and follows and hope you enjoyed this chapter :)

Also: If it seems like Astrid (and her narrative) is fixating on "Hiccup needing an heir" and "her not being able to provide one", that's intentional. Astrid is a cocktail of exhaustion, pain, shame, and duty at the moment, and is suffering an extreme 'hangover' :(

Also: Also: While they haven't fallen in love with each other yet… Hiccup and Astrid are not opposed to falling in love. At least, not completely. They both crave it, or at least, they crave companionship and comfort, and it would be… convenient, if the person they fell in love with was their spouse.

Also: Also: Also: There's a reason why Astrid is kind of convinced that Hiccup isn't interested in fatherhood and or has any interest in spending time with his daughter, and or, why she assumes he's not interested in her, his wife. But I'll let the story reveal that for itself.

Thanks for reading!

See you soon!