Checkmate. Chapter 3.

Well, since I'm still watching my reviews favorites and follows increase by the chapter, I will indulge you sone more with another chapter.

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Disclaimer: Disney and Dreamworks owns my fandoms. My Fandoms own me. I own a Lawyer. She tells me Disney and Dreamworks don't care what I own as long as its not money.

Warning. This story does contain M rated scenes. If you're squemish, I ask you to turn back now (though I wish you wouldn't.)

Note: if you see an asterisk, aka *, there will be explinations at the end of the story to clear up any confusion.

Onto Chapter 3!


Father was none to happy with me when I arrived. I was in my coat and tie but I was horribly late. He had been stalling the crowd with what he called comedy. It was painful to watch people fake laughing. "We'll discuss this little act of defiance later... for now, adress your people, Hiccup.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, We welcome you to the humble kingdom of Berk!" Came the loud call of my families head servent, yet again over selling my family. "Tonight we dine and dance in celebration for the Coronation of your newest king, following in the foot steps of his father, Stoick Hammish* Haddock, I present to you Hiccup Horrendus Haddock the Third!"

It was truly nerve wracking to be presented to all these people... my stomach was flipping and twisting like a contortionist.

Over the years my family has hosted a number of balls, galas and parties. But I was never required to speak at any of them. In fact I think some of them thought I was mute. Now I was expected to address the entirety of this assembly?

I felt my legs shaking... I felt almost woozy. My vision blurred a bit. But I felt a warm hand on my back to reassure me... and the shaking stopped. I looked out and finally took in the assembly... waiting on me to say my first royal words... as they would make or break everyones impression of me. It was now or never.

I swallowed hard as I stepped up to the to the front of my family hall and took a deep breath... clearing my breath I tried to start, "... Hello." I said. The assembly looked at me expectantly. Of course they wanted more. What king had no grace of fluency when it came to public speaking? I asked Dad if I should prepare a speech.

That had been a fun conversation. Dad was currently in the training yard... when he had told me.

'Son... you're the pride of Berk. I know it seems a little sudden... but I couldn't ask for a better successor." He said as he began examining our wall of axes... looking at... something.

'So... what am I supposed to give a rousing speech? Should I write one?' I askef him, turning to Toothless, tongue hanging out and begging for attention at my feet.

My father had turned to me as I scratched behind my pet's ear.

'Hiccup... the true mark of any leader is the fact that his words don't come from his head. They come from the heart. When the time comes... you'll know what to say.' He said, and he pat my shoulder.

I remember that conversation so well at this moment... the eyes of every Lord and Lady in the country watching me.

No pressure, of course.

I clear my throat, "Umm... I had my conversation with my father a few weeks ago. It was the afternoon of the day he told me I would be his successor. That day I felt a mix of emotions... excitement, pride, and fear. I thought to myself 'How will I lead the country to greatness like my own parents have? I'm not like them...' and then he tells me that when I look out to the people I'll know what to say." I look back at my father who is smiling at me, "And damn if he wasn't right yet again." I said as the crowd chuckled lightly at the joke. The laughter died as I became more confidant. "I can't promise any of you that everything will go perfect under my rule. It shouldn't be anyone's policy to tell everyone a lie. Life itself is a challenge even more so for the ones with the most responsibility." I said taking a breath as I looked out to the crowed... hushed into silence, so I continued, "What I can promise you is that as your King, I will always do what is right by me and my people... and should I fail... the responsibility lies on me. A true king looks after his people. Its his duty. His priority. Its his Oath. And its the one I take today. For Berk and its allies!" I said, raising a mug of Wine.

The Lords and Ladies cheered happily... and it seemed the Coronation itself flew away from me. Sure I did the kneeling, the speaking and the recognition recieving but if you asked me to recite it for you, I couldn't.

Before I knew it, the crown was on my head and my family hugging me and congratulating me. I knew being King came with more than a few responsibilites I wasn't sure I was ready for... but it seemed everyone else was confidant in me... and that made me okay with them.

That only made me feel Guilty for Jack, Merida and Rapunzel... they had shown me the world outside the walls. Made me nearly question my duties and responsibilities... and soon they would know my true identity. I didn't want that to happen... they may hate me for the secrecy.

"It is nice to see such a young man take pride... in his home. You are truly an example for people your age to follow, my leige." Came the voice from behind me. It was dark and gravelly... like a blade being slowly drawn across a stone.

I turned to see the man. He had long dreadlocked hair and he wore a suit of dark metal. His face was heavily scarred. But even all that wasn't the most notable thing about him.

Over his shoulder was a long cape that was dry and smooth. It was black in color. Only a blind man couldn't see he was wearing dragon skin. I knew that only so many had faced dragons and lived... and it seemed this man wore it as proudly as possible.

I nodded at him politely... with a hint of confusion to my voice. "Hello, sir. I don't believe I've had the pleasure of your aquaintence..." I said suddenly feeling a hand upon my shoulder, "Hiccup, this is Drago Bludfist. Lord of the East... he is the man who has turned the tides of war for the past three decades. He was a loyal ally if your father." She said as he took her arm and planted a small kiss on her hand, "Ah, Val, always so kind when it comes to praise. It is only matched by your beauty..." he said nodding at her as my mother giggled..

Creepy but that was how high society behaved, it seemed. Drago turned his attention back to me, "But I am sure you have more important things to do than sit and chat eith an old man... I shall take my leave... I hope you enjoy the party. Its certain to be unforgettable." He said nodding at me and my mother.

She smiled, "He's a bit odd but he is very stong. Personally and through his armies. Hes a valuable ally, Hiccup." She said as she pat my shoulder as I was suddenly greeted by a beautiful blonde woman. There she was.

I knew this was my bride to be, Astrid. She did a small courtsey and smiled at me. Her hair was braided... but that which hung loose was curled and cascaded down her face charmingly. "Hello, my dear King. It is truly an honor to meet you." She said as she held her hand to me.

I knealt and kissed it slightly. "The pleasure is mine... my queen." I said.

And then it finally hit home. I was engaged. And I had no idea how I felt about it.


"There is just no satisfyin you is there?" Merida said as she and Rapunzel squashed a fair share of grapes with their freshly washed feet.

I grumbled from my post as I took stock of the wines. "Well, when Gobber said we would be working in the castle, I assumed we would be serving the wine. Not making and stocking it."

Rapunzel giggled from her spot, "You're just mad because Hiccup ran off from you. Oh so tragic to be infatuated..." she said. I flipped her off, and retorted, "This isn't some fairy tale 'Punzie. People don't fall in love at first site. He just happens to be a male I find attractive. Nothing more." I said, "Aggregio Pavali...*" I said as I marked the casket.

"Although it struck me odd... why did he have to run off so soon? What was so important." I asked... but Merida had to add a witty quip. "Hmm, maybe hes like us. Always finding an excuse to run away from you."

I sighed and starred at the aged barrel of wine... thinking about him. Oh I was by no means in love with him... but there was sonething to him... something that made me want to get to know him just a bit better.

"Jack, I was just kidding, don't take it to heart." Merida said, stomping a bit more. Rapunzel looked over at her, "Wow, two whole sentences without a single comeback... pulling on his heartstrings pretty roughly, dear." She said and Merida scoffed.

"Ah, I said worse things to him before breakfast. Now listen here Frost, you and I know that nothing I say to you means anything-"

"I wanna find him... again." I said simply, marking down two barrels in the same year. I looked back at the two who had stopped their smashing long enough to look back at me. I regarded them with serious eyes.

"He asked me when you two were getting the supplies if I had ever thought about... dropping all this. And going on an adventure. All three of us know that answer." I said.

It was certainly true. Each one of us eager young, eager and skilled with our respective attacks. But we always felt trapped... missing an important element to our odd little group... A warrior. I knew that Hiccup was that element. He was swift, smooth, and a natural on the battle field.

All that matters is finding him.

"You really think hes that piece that will allow us to... drop everything for adventure? We just met him today." Rapunzel said, hands on her hips.

"I can't say for certain. No one can."I countered her as she sighed. Merida spoke up, "First inpressions are always the strongest 'Punzie. We all got a good vibe from him... so where do we start?"

"Alright ya lazy Mary's. Come take a break. Apparently I have to be appropriate and fair to my employees now." Gobber said as he entered the room... very obviously drunk.

I had to admire him being the first intoxicated person at the party... as he made the drinks themselves. "Ya wanna see somethin life changin? Go watch the first dance of the King and queen... now that is somethin." I pat his shoulder as he fell down, allowing the three of us to pass him.

When I finally entered upon the ballroom... he was right. It was life changing. Because I saw the king.

In fact, I saw him a lot today...

The king himself accompanied us on our wine trip.

"Son of a bitch."


I bent my knees ever so slightly as Astrid courtsied at me... it became easier to fall into old traditions when you had a few glasses of wine in you.

I starred at my blonde bride, content enough to dance with her. I enjoyed her company enough... she was very down to earth and relaxed.

" I'll swim and sail on savage seas

With ne'er a fear of drowning

And gladly ride the waves of life

If you will marry me

No scorching sun

Nor freezing cold

Will stop me on my journey.*" Came from the bards playing the music of the night.

I reached forward and took Asrids arm and began to step. And switch and step, one two, switch... over and over as the song picked up pace.

"You dance rather gracefully for a man with one leg. If only men with two legs could say the same." She said with a chuckle.

I nodded and spun her around. "I have a lot of practice..." I said as my eyes scanned the crowd... and my white haired nightmare appeared, "Jack." I said... not realizing how dumb it sounded.

Astrid took to standing across from me, "Who is Jack?" She asked as I gave her a spin. I swallowed hard, "He is no one, my lady. Just a friend of mine."

She noddedas we danced a little more... but she noticed my distress. She didn't realize they were watching me dance. They stood there in a compination of bewilderment and shock.

It was horrible. They knew I had lied to them... yet they continued to watch me. It was so nerve wracking... I pondered the idea of telling them why I lied at all.

I could only hope they accepted my apology... and hope they see the use of having a king as a friend.

"Are you sure my dear? You appear as if you've seen a ghost.*" she said. And I spun her around, "Well... I may as well start off our marriage with honesty. You see, I met some people today... they worked for the local winery, you see. I had accompanied them on a supply run, hence why I was late in the first place."

"I did wonder why your father took the time to tell so many bad jokes..." she said... causing me to chuckle slightly. "But, in all seriousness, I didn't tell them who I was. I didn't want them to treat me differently." I said, "We both said this arranged marriage business isn't for us but... that is what I wanted that out of life, you know? To pick up menial possessions and travel the world... and seek my fame that way... being a king just isn't for me."

Astrid nodded in understanding as we stopped dancing and she motioned to a nearby bench. "You know, that kind of works out for us. You confided in me... so can I confide in you?" She asked, her eyes looking sad and a bit fearful... but I nodded, intending to have an open mind.

She suddenly gestured to a man in the corner of the room... sitting and watching someolthing closely, "He is my personal body guard... and he has been for a long time." She said. "But we have a little more than guarding going on between the two of us." She said.

I raised an eyebrow slightly. So she had a relationship with her guard... I suppose that is agreeable enough. We each have our reasons and she knew him before me so I cannot blame her for wanting what her heart wants... lest I be a hypocrite.

"We have to give them an heir... and I know how that can be, wanting your first time to be something special with someone you love.. We could do it once and let it be done... we only have to appear as a King and Queen."

I sat back, "It sounds agreeable... I just wish you could love your guard and marry him too... the monarchy is a cruel system." I said and she nodded. I looked at her, "Listen... should apologize to my new friends and hope they forgive my trepidation and lies."

Astrid nodded and pat my hand as she went to rejoin the party... I sat there for all of fifteen seconds before I called a guard over, knowing they couldn't just approach a king without causing some incident.

I instructed him to bring them to me immediatly... and I folded my hands in my lap as they approached, everyone to engrossed in the party to really notice the King speaking with commoners.

"So... Happy Birthday." Rapunzel said... trying to start the conversation on a positive note. I nodded at her, "Thank you 'Punzie." I said. "Listen... I know I didn't tell you the truth-" I started only to have Jack interrupt me.

"This is a bit more than a little lie, Hiccup..." he said, his voice sounding almost betrayed in a way. I wanted to offer him my sincerest apologies.

"Yes it is a bit more than a simple lie... but can any of you say, were you in my position, you wouldn't do the same? Every person who ever met me feels the need to tiptoe around me as if they need to watch everything they say to me... I wanted someone to treat me like a normal person... or an adventurer. Thats what I want," I said, turning to look at the party, "but custom and tradition have prevented it." I turned to them, "And now I'm king... but the memories of today are still so vivid. When we struck down that monster, I was fearful and excited, my heart pounded in both fear and life... and I knew that was the life for me."

The trio came up to stand beside me, "And you can't leave now can you?" He asked me... and I let my head down, "Not if I want to cause an incident." I looked at him, "You may be thinking what I am about to say is mad, but you have no idea how much I want to be like you three. The money, the parties, the privledges... honestly, there is nothing to it. Its all superfical. You three have freedom to do as you please."

Merida spoke up, "We had wanted to find you again to ask you that very question..." she said, "We had all desired that freedom the open road provides."

"But now you're not an asset to us... because you're needed here." Jack said. "We need to get back to work." He said to them.

But nary another word was spoken as the door to the castle was suddenpy busted through!

Debris began flying every which way as the people were suddenly thrown into panic.

A Dragon had just entered the room, spitting fire and roaring loudly enough to shatter glass. But that wasn't even the most notable thing about the dragon. Oh no...

Drago Bludfist was riding on his back. And he did not look happy.

I turned to the other three and drew my flame engulfed sword... and no words were needed as we charged towards the flame and wreckage.


Ah, Drago. Always making shit tough. At least he isn't screaming like a mad man?

Anyway, here is your third chapter! Thank you to all the support I have recieced for it!

Onto Info notes.:

* 1- Hammish is what many people percieve as Hiccup's real name, and note that Hiccup is his nickname. But I do not know Stoick's middle name, so I made it Hammish so people could say thats where he got his namesake.

* 2- Aggregio Pavali is a very sweet wine. But the name came from Dragon Age II. One of my favorite games.

* 3- if you haven't seen the secind movie, that song is sung in it. Its a greay song... though Gerard Butler should not sing it.

* 4- That was a direct reference to Rise of the guardians. Jack was a ghost.

Anyway, next update is to be continued soon!

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Until next time.