Lady-von-Bielefeld: And… I'm back! *throws confetti everywhere* Happy weekend, folks!
This chapter is dedicated to blacktea, SapphiresAndPineapples, 5889, MCPO Mark-061, sheppard741, Warrior of Spectra, ynius, saberstorm, supersandman86, Albino RJ Stingray, Guest1, Mia, Anonymous Noob the 2nd, Theanvil7558, EldestCosmonaut, TidePoolAngel, Rayfe, LunnaValley23, Ulcaasi, UnbreakableWarrior, FAMEous21 and Valhallalmighty. Thank you for reading and reviewing!
For kuya Jarield… the best onii-sama a girl can have. :D
DISCLAIMER: One of these days, I'll earn the right to own it, but until then; I do not own How To Train Your Dragon.
Blossoming Daggers
By: Lady-von-Bielefeld
Chapter 3: Into The Palace
To say that Astrid Hofferson was aggravated was an understatement. Sure, the princess was known for having a short temper, and she rarely really smiles but that doesn't mean that what she was feeling at that exact moment was compared to any other annoyance she had felt before. Any other infuriating situation she had come across paled in comparison to the mortifying circumstances she was upon now.
When Fishlegs told her that he would send up her ladies to her room to bring ice, she didn't expect to be accosted by six women with racks and racks of clothes. All of them except one, she recognized, were the same ladies who had accommodated her to try to change clothes. The same set she had refused hours ago.
Only this time, they were not listening to her when she said no. They were listening to the tall, blonde woman, who gave the orders, a conniving glint in her cobalt eyes. She had not spoken to Astrid when they entered, only briefly bowing before barking the commands to her ladies-in-waiting. Whoever she was, she must be of great importance to be able to order them around like that.
Under her instructions, they had stripped Astrid naked, despite her protests, and taken her to a bath. She had been cleaned everywhere, her skin rubbed with oil and milk to make it soft, her hair had been soaped and combed and braided… again.
Feeling truly and utterly violated, as well as very clean, the princess was then urged into a set of robes; something to wear while they find her the perfect Berkian outfit.
She glared daggers at her complexion in the mirror. What has become of her? So weak, she couldn't even take on five women! She used to bring down at least a dozen other people in her self-defense classes, and now, standing in front of the mirror she just felt dispirited.
It's not like she didn't try to fight them, she did. But truthfully enough Berkian women are stronger than they look, especially when you spoke about them cruelly. Yes, even the palace ears have walls.
She examined the robes she was asked to wear, it didn't look too bad, and in fact she could say it looked bizzarely beautiful. It was an artwork of beige with red dragons embroidered in great detail upon them. Layer upon layer of red, gold and orange ornamentation was heaped upon her. If only these were their regular clothes.
The women crowded around the racks of furs, deciding what to put on Astrid. The princess tapped her foot in irritation at their indecisiveness as well as their lack of good taste in fashion.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity of damnation, the women stepped away.
"This one!" the one in command grinned, presenting Astid her Berkian attire. It was a sleeveless, muted rusty red top that has a jewel neckline, with a small slit in the center.
"It's red." Astrid stated the obvious. She liked blue. She always looked good in blue.
"That's right. The same color as the blood you'll spill if you won't wear it." The other blonde replied with a spark in her eyes as if she was challenging her.
Astrid rolled her eyes at the comment.
"And the skirt looks hideous! Look at that! Skulls?! That's disgusting! And how will I be able to sit in all those spikes?" She placed her hands on her hips, glaring at the skirt that has layers of brown fur, brown leather panels with thorns and adorned with bird skulls at the top. She was about to lecture on how that outfit will not stand the blistering cold of Berk when the other women pulled out a caplet, arm warmers, a pair of leggings, a fury hood, a pair of spaulders and matching boots with fur.
"It's more comfortable than it looks. Go on, try it on." The other girl assured.
"I will not wear that!"
"Gods, you are stubborn!" She laughed wholeheartedly. "I like you already. We're going to be great friends." She said wiggling her brows.
"I do not make friends with people I am not-"
"The name is Ruffnut. And before you can say someone of lower caste, that's Lady Ruffnut, if you believe. "
Astrid didn't mean for her eyes to grow bigger in disbelief but it did. She had sensed that the taller woman was someone of importance; she had an air of superiority about her, but to actually be considered as a noble, that was something far beyond her comprehension. Weren't ladies suppose to be calm, collected individuals? And not the scruffy woman standing in front of her! Then again, this is Berk. And aligh with their standards, I suppose even she can pass as a lady. "Pray tell, how are you a lady?"
"I just am. I am a Thorston, one of the many noble families of Berk. You have to be a member of a noble family to be able to join the royal court assembly. Everyone you saw a while ago? Those are all from noble families."
"But there's too many! Would there be anybody left to govern if all of you are of noble blood?" In Almira, they only have ten noble families who help administer the people. Beyond that, all were commoners.
"Please! That's not even a quarter of Berk's population. There are far more at the outskirts of the central town that you know." She stopped, noting their future queen's surprised face. "Don't you know how enormous Berk is?"
"No, not really." It was a whisper but the entire room heard. She shouldn't feel bad about not knowing anything about Berk, but she did. She was always the bright one; well educated, well informed and well mannered … and yet she knew nothing about the kingdom she was staying in. Not that she could blame herself, she never planned to visit here… or to live… and most especially not to rule.
"Well now you do. And I hate to be a nag but you really need to get dressed."
Her head snapped in the other direction, refusing to look at herself in the mirror or the other women of the room. "I am not wearing any of that!"
"You will become the queen of this empire and you are expected to dress in a way that will show your loyalty to your kingdom and your king."
"This is not my kingdom and that… that heathen is not my king!"
Ruffnut chuckled, as if somehow enjoying this.
"Yeah, right. I get you. You want your freedom and all that other stuff but you're forgetting that you are under Hiccup's mercy and what he says goes." She paused, looking at Astrid. "If he wants you to wear that" She pointed at the racks of clothes. "You will wear it. If he tells you to be his queen, you will be his queen… or else."
The glint in Ruffnut's eyes was appalling, as if she was actually taking pleasure in torturing Astrid. The princess didn't quiver though… she glared at her more.
"Or else what?!"
"Or else…." She motioned to her neck, and with a swift movement of her pointing finger, she dragged it across her collar, her eyes never leaving hers.
"He wouldn't dare!"
"Oh. I don't know. He is the dragon king, after all." She smiled mischievously. "Who knows what barbarism he is capable of…" She laughed hysterically, gesturing the ladies to do the same. Soon the room erupted in dark laughter, the kind that sent shivers down Astrid's spine. Her face paled.
Astrid stared, her composure drifting away. I knew it! She clenched her hands. Of course he'd kill her! He will! He is the barbaric dragon king after all…
She felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Lighten up! Will you? I was kidding! Hiccup will never do that!" She stifled out of a laugh. "He's too much of a righteous wimpy king than any other barbaric heathen you are thinking of."
She continued to laugh as the other ladies nodded in agreement.
"His highness is the best." One of them chimed.
"Yes. So kind, so intelligent, so funny."
"And… he's handsome too!" They giggled causing Astrid and Ruffnut to roll their eyes.
"You're so lucky, princess!" They chorused, fighting the urge to pout in sheer envy.
"Alright, that's enough of that, jeez!" Ruffnut said shivering in disgust. No matter how tall or handome Hiccup got, he will always be the funny talking fishbone to her. "Let's get you dressed!"
Ruffnut Thorston, turned out to be pretty good company. Minus the fact that Ruffnut had forced her to dress like a Berkian (she's pretty tough….that and she had five other women pinning Astrid down), and the fact that she nearly fell off the flight of stairs with all her pushing, the princess was quite frankly enjoying herself. This is the most fun she had in day! She didn't know if it was because of the fact that Ruffnut is just as stubborn or as bold her, or the verity that she takes pleasure in scheming and torturing others out of wit.
When Fishlegs told her she would bring up her ladies, she knew from the beginning that she didn't want someone who would agree to everything she said or just roll on over and adore her. She didn't want to be tiptoed around. Nor she wanted someone to despise her and do anything for her out of duty. She wanted company that had a mind of its own… And Ruffnut was certainly that and more.
She had dragged Astrid along everywhere and made her participate in every ordeal she had planned that day; plans that included consistently playing tricks on her not so clever twin brother and his band of misfits. Astrid would have protested at the childishness if she weren't enjoying herself. And truth be told, the victim, Tuffnut, looked as if he too enjoyed it, especially when he got them back.
It was an afternoon of hiding, and scheming with sheeps, and running through mud and hiding Tuffnut's chicken and chasing around boars, and burying him. YES! Burying him until he dug himself out, plotting revenge… things that prim and proper Princess Astrid never imagined doing yet alone find entertaining.
"OWWWW! I'm hurt! I am very much hurt! I will get you two for this!" Tuffnut had said, coming out from his make shift grave as the two dashed to hide.
Ruffnut laughed wholeheartedly. "He always says that."
Astrid hated to admit it but she was actually having fun.
Ruffnut had taken the princess to several good hiding spots whenever she wanted to be left alone; they reached the private gardens of the king just as the sun was setting. Ruffnut knew it was practically safe here, knowing full well that only a number of people were allowed in the king's garden, stationed just outside his study room, herself included. Tuffnut will not be able to find them there. He was not allowed, not so as he opted to dig boar pits there that aggravated the king years ago.
"How long do you suppose we have until he gets us back?" They sat down at a nearby bench. Astrid was already coming up with a strategy that will counter Tuffnut's advances. She was good with that. Her brothers did say, she'd make an excellent war general. And at that thought her face fell.
"Could be in a few minutes… or days. It depends on when we'd let him." Ruffnut said, noticing the princess' face.
"What's up? You were laughing like a maniac a minute ago."
Astrid glared at her. "I wasn't laughing like a maniac!"
"Well you were laughing." She shrugged as Astrid sighed.
"Yeah, I know. It's just…. Doing this, having fun with you guys… I miss my brothers. We used to run around like that, not a care in the world."
"What happened?"
"What do you mean what happened? We grew up of course! We faced responsibilities. We trained, we got educated, we got-"
"Boring!" She deadpanned. "You guys got boring."
"No, we grew up! There's a difference. Just because you all just play around and not take things seriously here. You don't understand what responsibility is." The princess challenged.
Ruffnut stayed silent for a while, examining the princess's expression. Her lips started to quirk in a knowing smile. "Do you know that Tuffnut is one of the commanders of the Berk Dragon Army? Serving as a pillar of strength of the kingdom, shielding and protecting it from harm."
Astrid blinked. "You're kidding!" Disbelief registering in her beautiful face. " I thought the king was the only commander in chief?"
Ruffnut shook her head. "We have four here in Berk. Two of them strategize plans of defense, that's Hiccup and Fishlegs, the brains behind the operations." She explained. "Snotlout and Tuffnut on the other hand, being the most experienced in war machines, weaponry and a little… okay a lot of dose of scheming, they lead the battles."
Now that Astrid taught about it, Tuffnut was tough and bravely stupid; there was not a doubt that he fit the description perfectly.
"And I should believe you because?" She joked.
"Because believe it or not, I'm the head trainer of Berk's Dragon Academy." She winked.
Astrid blinked in astonishment. Could it be? "No way!"
She nodded as Astrid's dumbfounded expression.
"My point us… just because you've got a lot of responsibilities to do doesn't mean you should stop having fun! Take it from us, balance out your life and live a little!"
"I… I'm not sure it'll be appropriate for me to do so."
"Oh please!" She rolled her eyes at the princess. "You already went running through mud with the Thorstons, there's no taking it back."
"I suppose so… but still…" Would this be okay? Will it be alright if she indulged herself a little delight while she was here? Or will her kingdom detest her; will her family be ashamed of her? Will she despise herself at how low she has become for enjoying such conditions? For enjoying such company?
She felt her heart twitched, her face ashamed with grief. What will her brothers say? Or worst, what will her mother say?
"Hey." Ruffnut started. "You'll be fine."
Astrid nodded, holding onto her resolve. She needed to get out of here, to do something, anything that does not involved uncivilized men with beasts as friends. She needed to get back her honor, the one she lost when Dagur exiled her, the one she's loosing even more when the barbaric king asked her to be his barbaric queen. She needed Almira to be proud of her. She needed her family to be proud of her. She needed-
"AHEM!" They heard a fake cough. Astrid dragged her eyes from the ground and looked at the man standing in front of them. She scowled, noting that Eret didn't even bother to address her properly or bow. A glare, too, was plastered on his face.
They looked at each other for a while, each one giving the finest defiant stare one can muster. No one broke eye contact as if challenging the other. It was only when Ruffnut launched herself on Eret did they stopped.
"Hey there, lover boy!" She grinned, her arms wrapped around his broad shoulders.
"Lady Thorston, please." He begged, removing her hands gently.
Astrid smirked, noting the man's uneasy expression. She thought she liked Ruffnut even more now.
"Came looking for me?" Ruffnut asked in delight.
It took a while for Eret to regain his composure especially when Ruffnut was batting her eyelashes at him to no end. He looked at the princess and spoke.
"His majesty wishes to talk to you. He has sent me to escort you to his bed chambers."
"What?!" she screeched. Bed chambers?! This time it was Eret's turn to smirk.
Ruffnut had escorted them, giving the excuse that she was Astrid's official company and not that she wanted to spend more time with the raven-haired man. Although it was obviously the latter, Astrid didn't mind, just as long as she had someone else besides Eret who didn't really hid the fact that he detested her.
She had been pulled into a set of chambers, like a maze with endless passages. They stopped in front of a great white door with cerulean blue flowers and golden door knobs. Eret opened it and they entered one by one.
What could she possibly see here? She thought, shaking her head.
Astrid's eyes widened in disbelief. Despite her rants that Berk was too plain, the room looked stunning. Far more beautiful than her own room in Almira. She walked around and took in as much as she could. A bed, laden with silks and furs, pillows and tassels on it. Her bed was draped in laced curtains at the top, mimicking a marquee in its most beautiful form. Tapestries and paintings showing Berk's landscapes and beauty hung from heavy panels on the ceiling. The room and the furniture were made of a beautiful wood, one that Astrid has yet to recognize. She ran her hand over it, noting that, somehow, someone had found Berkian blue roses to place in a vase beside the bed. It was strange, seeing as it was almost winter at Berk and nothing bloomed like that in such a cold climate. Yet it did. The room glistened with artificial lights and ornaments that she never taught could exist in such a savage place.
Was everything in here beautiful?
"This is the best room, besides the king's." Eret said, noticing her astonished expression. Astrid blinked. She had thought that this was the king's room.
"The king had ordered that everything placed in this room should be as beautiful as his. He's thoughtful like that." He mused. "This leads to your royal dressers, over there is your studies, and this door leads to your own private balcony." Eret continued, pointing at random doors and passages. "Not that you deserve any of this, but please make yourself at home." Eret stated flatly causing the princess to roll her eyes.
"You should have everything to your liking… despite this being a cage of politics and barbarism." He mocked, this time earning a scowl from the princess.
What is his problem?! She glared, challenging him to say more but he didn't. Even he knows when he's crossed the line, not that he would ever admit that to the proud princess.
Astrid continued to admire the room. King Hiccup had done all of this for her? Why? There was no denying that it was beautiful but surely, like all men she had come across, The King didn't care for her beyond her looks. What was the point of taking this extra measure of effort for someone who was disposable?
Ruffnut walked towards a door in the middle that Astrid did not realize was there. Like the walls where it stood, it was white and was decorated with two carved dragons in the center, flying together in a circular motion that seems to have no end. A symbol of infinity, Astrid noted.
"The king's rooms are adjoined through this door. There are no locks on this one, that way he can have easy access to you at all times." Ruffnut teased bringing about a cough from Eret and a gasp frown Astrid.
"He wouldn't dare!"
"Of course he wouldn't! His majesty is not a savage sex-monster!"
Ruffnut laughed hysterically at the two's outbursts. "Will you two lighten up? Thor almighty! You two can't take a joke!" Really they needed to calm down and live a little.
"That is not a very good joke." Eret said placing his hands over his chest. "Just because you are…. You are…. Nevermind." He blushed in spite of himself.
"Ohhhhh. I love it when you talk dirty to me." Ruffnut whispered causing the man to blush an even darker shade of red. Astrid resisted the urge to laugh at his discomfort. Hah! Thank you, Lady Ruffnut.
"The king…" He reminded in the hopes that this conversation will move along. There was no way that he found any of this talk comfortable, despite his reputation of being a ladies' man, he was still undeniably placid.
"Yes! Go to your king and leave us be!" Ruffnut said, coming over to clasp Eret again. "You won't mind if we use your bed, right Astrid?" She asked with stars in her eyes. A look of a lioness ready to pounce.
"Not my bed to use." She shrugged. In reality Astrid would be bothered if that was in fact her bed… but it wasn't. She was not the queen.
"Yey!" Ruffnut grinned stepping forward to the dark-haired man.
"On second thought, don't go in just yet." Eret stepped backwards.
"What you want a three way? But I want you for myself." Ruffnut pouted, trying to be cute but failing miserably. Eret shivered, slowly stepping out of the room, his muscles flexed ready to go.
"Now, you may go!" He said, slamming the door shut and running as fast and as long as his feet could take him.
"Oh! No fair! I love you!" Ruffnut grunted, opening the door to follow him. She stopped in mid track, somehow remembering her purpose. "Just go on in…. and remember to please thy majesty!" She winked running after the man with the blue chin tattoo, leaving behind the princess who has never been more terrified in her life.
Astrid felt utterly scared. What will happen to her in there? Surely the king won't force her… but then again, what if he will? He so purposely forced himself into her life now, what's to say he wouldn't force himself in other ways. She felt her hands trembling. Oh where was her sword when she needed it? Hell! She'd take even the ancient axe now. She should have done it years ago, when everything was right. She should have done it and got it over with, and not be labeled as a virgin princess, that way it was her choice, that way she was not in anyone's mercy. That way, she has nothing left to lose… aside from her honor and dignity that is, but she can manage those. Not now, not here, not when she has saved and secured her highest value.
No! She snorted at herself, trying to regain her equanimity." I am Fearless Astrid Hofferson!" She let out a breath. She can do this! She can do this! She just has to be cautious and keep a safe distance.
Once she composed herself, she nodded turning and stepping through the door.
The room beyond took her breath away. It was nothing she has ever seen. The whole of the western wall was made from sliding doors that had been made to slide away completely and open the room to the king's private balcony, an overlooking garden beyond. On the eastern wall hung a huge tapestry, depicting a strange image of a young man's back, facing towards the rising sun. His right hand up in the air, holding a flaming sword, a dragon flying nearby. The young man was surrounded with other people holding out their weapons, as if they were rejoicing, as if they won a battle. (Art shown at the end of HTTYD 2).
It took Astrid a moment to realize that the man in the painting was Hiccup and this must be from the time he fought and won against Drago Bludvist and his army. He looked heroic, epic, great. Something Astrid never thought she would see in him. Could this really be him?
She shook her head and dragged her eyes from the painting and focused on the furniture, noting it was all the same wood that she has, and even the bed was similar. There were a lot more personal touches to the room though; trinkets arranged personally on surfaces and a few discarded books and scrolls and sketches of objects that she knew not of. No doubt that the King spends even his studies here, even though she guessed that he has his own study room. But then again, a king's work is never finished.
"Astrid." She heard him say, breaking her chain of thoughts. Astrid tried not to twitch as he said her name so casually without honorifics. He bowed his head in greeting.
Hiccup was sat in a simple green tunic at the end of his bed, a far cry different from the fancy black metal contraption; he was wearing earlier that day.
She was completely loss of what to say or do. At one hand she wanted to beat him black and blue until he's lying coldly on the floor. Kill him if it were possible, she can do it. She's done it before. That would show him what she is capable of. On the other hand she wanted to quiet down, stay calm and act kindly not wanting Hiccup to show her what he is capable of. She could still feel the sting of his palm on her cheek. Her hands were in knuckles in the realization of her own fear to be hit.
She took in a breath and curtsied to the king, lower than she usually would. Maybe if she were nice, he would let her go. "Your majesty."
"Who dressed you like this?" He asked eyeing her from head to foot.
"Lady Ruffnut said you wanted me to dress like a Berkian."
"And do you want to?"
"Honestly? No, your eminence. It's- it's not what I would have preferred." She said, her voice dripping with restraint, obviously wanting to say more but couldn't.
"Please excuse Lady Ruffnut's complete lack of common sense." He sighed. "Continue wearing your gowns, i-it suits you best… uh…. not t-that a Berkian outfit doesn't suit you at all." He held his hand in defense, noting her raised eyebrow. "It does. It really does. You look beautiful in anything you wear…so… just…ah… please wear what you would prefer to wear from now on." He explained, his shoulders motioning with his hands in explanation.
"I…."She blinked. The king had complimented her and she didn't know why but she felt confusedly content. "Thank you, your majesty." She bowed her head.
"Please. Call me Hiccup." He smiled goofily, scratching the back of his head. "There is no need for formalities; I am after all your fiancé."
He stood, moving forward. Astrid twitched and stepped back, afraid of what he would do next.
"I ….uh." He cleared his throat. "I would like to apologize to you, about this morning." He said, closing the gap between them, caressing her cheek; the cheek had slapped, gently.
That was the last thing she expected and yet she felt herself aggravated at the memory. She scoffed.
"For what reason do you apologize, your majesty? For forcing me to marry you? For trapping me in a country I hate? For hitting me and going against every honor I have, humbling me in front of the entire royal court?!"
"Thank you for summing that up." He ruffled his hair, wincing at the memory.
"I'm sorry." He paused, holding both her hands. "I… I'm not used to this. I never have to… ask before." He tried adjusting his tunic as if it will help reduce the tension he was feeling.
Astrid was dumbfounded. "Even if you ask… I would have said no!" She said, slapping away the king's hands.
"Oh that just inspires my confidence."
"Your confidence needs to be shot down and stepped on for all the things you made me suffer!" She spat, the venom so clear in her voice. Her eyes blazing like a cerulean storm. How dare this savage dragon king!
"Well your outburst at court sure did help you there." He stated his voice calmed yet deadly.
"You asked for my opinion and I gave it to you!" She defended.
"Yes, but why should you talk so little about Berk and my people? What gives an outsider, who never even bothered to give Berk a chance, the right to mock it so?"
"I don't like it here!" She finally said, her face red with anger.
They stared at each other for a while, eyes never blinking in a silent battle of will. It was Hiccup who broke the connection, sighing in spite of himself.
"You do not like me, do you Princess Astrid?" Hiccup asked hurt that Astrid was caught off guard.
Why would he look so wounded?
She shook her head. That was not the question. Astrid could see the kindest in his eyes from the very first moment he met him. He could see that he was strong, just from the fight at the arena. She could see he was a just king for standing up for his kingdom and his people. And dare she say, he was kind of cute, she supposed if you like that unassuming, heroic, dragon-rider type. If he weren't the barbaric dragon king than maybe she would consider. But he was and she didn't like it. Dragons! She sneered.
"For what reason should you like me, your majesty?" She returned the question. Why would he like her? She was a volcano waiting to erupt, an explosion waiting to happen, ready to oblivirate aything in her way.
He shook his head. He didn't want her to feel uncomfortable. He didn't want her tamed, or trained or disciplined or broken or anything she was thinking of. He just wanted her. Plain as day.
"Because you're beautiful." He said it so matter-of-factly that Astrid's nerves popped.
"Beauty?! Beauty!" That was it. Of course that was it. Her beauty is a blessing as it is a curse at the same time. Men had wanted her; they lusted after her because of that face. That blasted stupid face! Maybe she should just burn her face and see who would want her after that. She maybe ugly but at least she'll be at peace.
"I am not some beautiful dragon to be kept in your cages!" She roared.
Hiccup smiled, his goofy smile that aggravated her more.
"What in heaven's name are you smiling about?!" She asked, pointing at him.
"You just admitted to dragons being beautiful." He shrugged good naturedly.
She stayed silent. She did, didn't she? Could she take it back?
"Well... Some are." She whispered but he heard. He smiled.
"It's okay to admit it. Dragons are beautiful. But you're wrong. Here on Berk, we don't keep our dragons in cages. They are free creatures... And you are too."
He held her hand, bringing it up to his lips and kissing it. "You are not something to be kept or tamed...you are something to be admired though... Your strength, your determination. The way you look entranced at the smallest things. The fire that burns in your eyes. Your honesty. Your courage."
He sighed, holding her at arm's length, his hands on her arms, pulling her closer. Hiccup leaned in, eyes blazing with so much emotion that Astrid never taught was possible in a few days time. There was something about him, his emerald eyes glowing with the room's artificial light, his freckles perfectly casted like constellations in the sky, his lips... And as much as Astrid hated to admit it, she too was leaning in. She looked at his eyes in a trance, his breath so husky, so alluring, and his lips inches from hers. She closed her eyes anticipating her first kiss.
"I... I really shouldn't." He sighed, pulling her into an embrace and a too chaste kiss on the forehead. "I've prayed for you, for years. I... I don't want to mess this up."
What?!
He gripped the princess's lower back, making sure she stayed in place. Not like she was trying to escape, she wasn't. There was something about those lean yet strong arms that made her feel safe, despite every ounce of her being protesting. It's been awhile since she felt this safe.
When Hiccup released her, searching her eyes for anything against what he has done he found none. He heaved a sigh of relieved and smiled at her, the most enigmatic smile Astrid has ever seen.
A traitorous blush worked its way up Astrid's face, her eyes averting from the king's almost immediately. There was something about his touch, so calm, so gentle, so sure and yet so electrifying that it sent tingles to her toes.
"Please. Treat the palace as your home. You will be its future queen after all."
"I do not wish for such a bond with you, your majesty." She tried to sound fierce but failed miserably. God damn it!
"In two weeks time, we will be married and all of this." He gestured to Berk. "Will be yours."
Two weeks?! Two weeks?!
"B-but that's so soon! It will take my mother that long to receive the letter I have sent through mail."
"We have special dragons that sent your letters...rest assured, she has receive it the day you sent it. I ordered them myself."
"It's too soon! Please reconsider, Hiccup." Astrid choked as she said the king's name. She had not meant to, but she did. The king looked pleasantly surprised as well.
"All right." He nodded. "Four weeks and no later. I know it's rushed but..." He blushed a little.
"But?" Astrid prompted.
"But... I'm not used to waiting on other people." The king explained.
Astrid bit her lip. The king looked a little flustered it was almost cute... Wait, what?!
She shook her head, angry at Hiccup but most especially herself for thinking such things. What in the world is happening to you, Hofferson!
He's a scam! A no good sludge-eating twerp! Doesn't he think that she is not used to anything he had been implying and yet he's expecting her to turn her life around just like that?! She was a guest here and as much as she hated to admit it, as much as it pained her pride... She had to obey... She had to oblige until instructions from her mother came. What was taking them so long? If the letter was sent out the day she sent it, she should have gotten a response by now.
"You're free to explore the palace grounds. You can go wherever you may wish. Eat whatever you may want. Dress whatever you may prefer. Just say the word and it will be given to you."
She thought long and hard.
"I want my freedom, your majesty. I... I want to go back to Almira."
She saw him clenched his jaw. "I'm afraid I cannot give you that, Astrid, I do not take these things lightly. When I commit, I commit for life with everthing that I am, with every ounce of my being."
"But your majesty. I don't love you! I don't even think I like you! How do you expect me to live a lifetime with you!"
"Was the hug we shared that unbearable?" He asked a little hurt. "Tell me honestly."
"I-" What was wrong with her? She had no trouble being honest with him before. "I could think of worst things." She admitted, looking anywhere but those eyes.
He smiled encouragingly. "Give it time, please... Just...just give us a chance."
"There is no us!" She hissed.
"But there is, Astrid, there is."
That night, when the moon was high and the entire Berk slept, Hiccup dreamt of golden blonde hair and cerulean blue eyes beneath the depths of stormy seas; a face of an angel that saved his life all those years ago, a face that he had been dreaming of for the last ten years.
Her face. His Astrid.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
I do love me some Ruffstrid! And some Rufferet... HAHAHA! They are just hillarious together! :D Although I'm a solid Hiccstrid lover, my wheels are turning on some serious Eretsrid soon. Hmmmm, definetly something there, any thoughts? :D
Next chapter will be featuring Astrid and the dun dun dun… dragons! :D
To The Awesome Guest Reviewers:
(*)Guest 1: Growing together, indeed! But I believe that's a key ingredient to love.
(*)Mia: Yes, even though she's such a bugger to write, Astrid remains to be my favorite female character of this fandom! ;)
(*)Valhallalmighty: Well, I do hope this is soon enough for you! :D
Don't forget to leave me something to work with! :D
Lots of Love,
Lady-von-Bielefeld