Chapter 12: Preparations
Hiccups PoV
"Prince Hugo you need to get up now" Ben says as he pulls back the curtains and the light floods my head through my eyelids making the massive headache I have a lot worse.
"Come on its 7 in the morning can't I have a lie in for once" I moan and pull the covers over my head.
"Course you can in fact you have done, its not 7 its 11 Hugo"
"But still let me sleep I don't feel well" I whine like a child.
"I'm not surprised after the amount I imagine you drank and by what you parents say you where like last nigh"
"I didn't drink that much but it was a party"
"Yes but you aren't 18 yet Hugo its still illegal" I pull the cover down from over my head and sit up to look at Ben, it was a big mistake because my head kills.
"Ben I'm the bloody Prince" seriously he is playing the under age card.
"I know that Hugo but still you have to set a good example to your people" I rub my temple trying to stop the banging in my head.
"You sound just like my dad"
"Well your dad is right"
"I know he is but I'm having fun being a teenager like they wanted me to be and don't tell dad I said he is right please" Ben smirks.
"I wont but you still need to get up, I'll bring you some breakfast up and an aspirin"
"Thanks Ben"
"No problem" with that he left the room.
I find the buttons for my tv on my bed side stand and press the button for the 42 inch flat screen tv to appear out of the end of my bed. I don't really watch that much tv since I'm always busy being a Prince so it nice to have time to relax and use the tv in my room thats been gathering dust since I've been at Alvin's for the last 5 years.
I turn the tv on and immediately turn the volume down, it sound like it was on full blast as it rings through my head. I flick through the channels and end up on the news channel.
"Top story for this week is of course Prince Hugo coming of age and celebrating him becoming Crowned Prince of Berk true Heir to the throne, isn't this exciting Bill?" obviously I would be top of the news great, just great.
"It is indeed exciting Amanda with the Prince having a Ball after to celebrate the occasion and maybe find the future Queen."
"Pffff yh right I've already found my Queen so I wont find her at that Ball" I say out loud to absolutely no one.
"Well Bill who knows we will just have to wait for tomorrow on that one but what we do know is that the Prince will continue to be mysterious and unknown."
"Ar yes the Mask, who knows what the Prince will actually look like but even with the mask I bet he looks devilishly handsome in his royal attire." Oh great now on about what I look like, this'll be interesting.
"He will defiantly get heads turning in his taylor made suit, all the girls will be swooning after him" Yay, I have that to look forward to.
"I can't wait to see the Prince especially in the new crown that has been specially made for him."
"Thats right the Prince will not be inheriting the old Prince crown instead he has had a new one made but it was probably about time" they better watch what the say dad wont be happy.
"Yes the old Prince crown was starting to look a little, well old it has been used for 100's of years and its time for a knew one along with a new Prince" what do they mean by new Prince? I'm no different to any other Prince.
"Lets head over too Tom who is outside the Palace now, Hello Tom" THERE OUT SIDE THE PALACE! Fuck that means I'm stuck in the palace all day and I really wanted to go see Astrid.
"Hello Amanda, I am indeed stood out side of the amazing castle that is the home of our beloved royal family but more importantly the Prince" he's dead for that if my dad hears what he just said. "At the moment the servants are decorating and cleaning the palace for the Ceremony and Ball tomorrow and there had been no sightings of the Prince yet." and there wont be because I wont come out!
"Its said that the Prince will be helping the servants decorate lets hope he comes out to help in the courtyard"
"Yes Bill it has been said that the Prince helps the servants, not a very Princely thing to do but it shows he is kind and fair and maybe his face if we are lucky"
"Errr this is Bull shit" I turn the tv off and throw the buttons back onto the night stand.
"Whats BS sir" Ben walks in with a tray of food that smells amazing.
"Stupid reporters trying to tell me how I should act and they are all outside try to get a glimpse of me." Ben lowers the tray onto my lap and pours some coffee.
"Yes they are outside but thats because this is a big event Hugo and it's very important" I take a sip of my coffee to try and wake myself up.
"I know its an important time for Berk but they should not be telling me that I shouldn't help clean the castle and help decorate because thats a servants job." I take a bite out of my toast and wait for Ben to respond.
"no they should't but then again they do not know what it is to be royal"
"Still its wrong and dad will not be happy with the report"
"I'm sure he will sort it but for now you have to eat that get showered and dressed and get prepared for tomorrow" Ben gets up off my bed.
"Yes I know i'll be ready by quarter too 12 and then I'll go help get the palace ready and maybe I will go out onto the balcony with a mask on just to annoy the reporters."
"Whatever you want to do Hugo" Ben says laughing as he turns and leaves the room.
I eat my breakfast that isn't really agreeing with me after the amount I drank last night I'm still feeling ill or hungover as most people would say. I get up and leave the tray on my bedside table and press the buzzer also currently on my table to notify Ben that I'm done. I hate using the buzzer I have it on me pretty much always and it has a built in tracker so Ben knows where to find me if I need something but I only use it for times like this normally I'm very independent and hate relying on servants. But I'm hungover so I'll let Ben make my bed and take the tray down stairs today.
I walk into my bathroom at pull off my pjs and throw them out into my room for Ben to pick up for me. I go over to the shower and begging to run it, once its at a nice temperature I get in letting the hot water wash away my headache, well it was probably the aspirins kicking in instead of the water but it still felt great.
After about 5 minutes I hear Ben come in to my room and I decide it's about time to get out the shower, I wash my hair quickly and get out. I go to the sink and do my usual routine and then leave the bathroom with only my towel round my waist.
"You buzzed Hugo" Ben joked, probably because I never use the buzzer.
"Yh sorry Ben I'm really hungover and I had finished my food thought you might as well help me by making my bed too" I feel really guilty.
"Hugo its fine I'm paid to do this remember and it's cool using the buzzer because it'll buzz and then I'll take it off my belt and a 3D map appears telling me were you are" the maps 3D what?
"Wait the maps 3D?"
"Yh, you didn't know that?" No I didn't.
"No?"
"Oh I'll show you ring the buzzer"
"Okay" I says as I walk over to the buzzer I placed on the table, I press the buzzer once and hear a buzzing nosies.
Ben pulls the buzzer off his belt and then suddenly a 3D map is protected out off the device.
"Whoa, I had no idea we used such high tech stuff in the Palace"
"Its only been brought in recently, I think its for the Ball and too keep an eye on you"
"You mean spy on me?"
"No just to make sure we know where you are incase we need you or something goes wrong"
"Hmm Okay" I turn away and walk to the screen so I can get change "Ben can you pass me my cloths please"
"You really are being a bossy Prince today" He joked.
I poke my head round the side of the screen "Ben I can fire you, you know" I joke with him.
"I do realise that your highness" he does a low sarcastic bow "but you wouldn't fire me" I laugh at how stupid he looked and pop my head back behind the screen.
"Ben you are such a loser and get me my clothes please"
"Yes your majesty"
"Better, glad you know your place" with that we both burst out laughing.
"O-okay but seriously Sir what are you wearing?" Ben says still laughing.
"My dark purple suit I think"
"Okay I'll pass it over"
I hear the wardrobe open then a suit is passed over the screen and hung up, I still have no idea how he does that without looking.
"Thanks Ben"
"Its alright your Princeliness" he says and again we both start laughing.
I put my boxes on and then my trousers, then I put my shirt on and walk out from behind the screen.
"Ben thinking back did you ever get a chance to talk to those boys Lucky and Harry?"
"Yes I did, I gave them the run through and the tour they now know what to do, now you have to get in touch with there school so they can get there places back and signs there contract agreement which is on your desk in your office." Ben says this as he does up my top button and ties my tie which is purple to mach my suit.
"Okay thanks Ben I'll do that straight away, did you find out who did the introduction in the first place?"
"Yes it was Alice" Ben comes behind me with my suit jacket and I put my arms into the sleeves whilst he pulls it up onto my shoulders.
"I better go have a word with her she has really been slacking" Ben finishes smoothing down my jacket and I go and put my black brogues on.
"Yes she has and she has been putting more work onto younger staff which isn't fair"
"I'll go talk to her, thanks Ben It feels weird you dressing me like that even though you are supposed to" I laugh.
"Yh does feel a little weird anyway I have to get going Sir sorry if I sound rude its a big day tomorrow and a lot to do."
"Yes I totally understand, thanks again Ben" With that I stand a little taller as Ben gives a quick bow.
"Anytime Hugo" and then he left.
oOo
Down stairs in my office I find the contract for the two boys on my desk like Ben said, I read through it and find the contract to be exactly what I wanted it to be. It allowed the boys to have the same pay as if they were working full time without having to work full time and their mothers medical bill is paid for in full by me. I sign the contract:
Prince Hugo Horrendous Haddock the 3rd
and place the contract on the finished paperwork ready for Ben to pick up later and send off to the boys.
I also find the number for the boys school on my desk and the boys go to Berk High like me, its a good thing they have signed a contract that declares they cannot give my identity away or it is classed as treason.
Since school is shut for my Ceremony Ben has given me Mr Taylor's personal number to call.
*Ring, ring, ring*
It rings three times then he picks up.
"Hello, Mr Taylor" I speak in a slightly different voice so he doesn't recognise me.
"Hello who is this"
"Its Prince Hugo of Berk, I am calling you to ask that you give Harry and Lucky Jones their places back at your school"
"Oh your highness of course they can have their places back and can I just say its a honer to receive a call from you" I hate it when this happens.
"Please call me Hugo and thank you for allowing the boys their place back at the school"
"Its a pleasure, anything for you Hugo"
"Thank you Mr Taylor, have a nice day"
"You too Hugo, bye"
"Goodbye" and I hang up.
I have never heard Mr Taylor act so fan girly it was so different from his usual calm and collective self.
No point dwelling on how uncharacteristic Mr Taylor was acting I still need to have a word with Alice. I take the buzzer off my belt, the one that matches Ben's and press the com button.
"Hugo whats up" Ben answers the com
"Hey Ben can you find Alice and send her too my office please"
"Yep sure, I'll let you know when she is on her way"
"Okay thanks Ben" and I let go off the com butting ending the call.
After 10 mins my buzzer begins to buzz and I take it off my belt, the screen is lit saying Ben is calling so I answer the com.
"Ben?"
"Alice is on her way she should be about 5 minuets"
"Okay thanks Ben"
"No problem" again I let go of the button and the call ends.
Five minuets later there is a knock at my office door.
"Come in" I call through the door.
Alice enters the room bowing once she had entered, she is wearing the usual maid outfit; a dark blue dress and a white piny and her blonde hair is tied into a neat bun.
"You asked for me your Highness"
"Yes, I need to talk to you about you work performance. You seem to be slacking and passing your jobs off onto younger members of staff along with not doing the proper introductions when new staff are hired like with Harry and Lucky Jones. Do you agree with this statement or not?"
"I agree I may not have given the full intro for those boys but they weren't paying attention and I delegate work sometimes because I am more senior and they need to know it" she said sounding stuck up and bratty.
"No you are not more senior, you are all hired to do the same job the difference is you have been there longer but that does not make you any better then they are. Everyone is equal on this world and they should be treated as such, I do not want to hear anymore about you being more senior"
"But with respect Sir they are all idiots and I have more import jobs to be doing"
"Like what?" She was really starting to aggravate me now.
"Well supervising and making sure everything is done to standards"
"That is not your job Alice that is for one of the senior maid or servants to do and they are qualified to do that job, you are not."
"But I should be"
"Then when there is an opening for senior staff you can apply but for now you do your job and do not delegate"
"You say we are equal so why do you delegate" she says rudely.
"I would hold your tongue and be less impertinent in future, I am the Prince and a Prince's job is to delegate because I have more pressing issues and you'll find that I spend a lot of time helping the staff because it is only fair but you are paid to do your job. So you do your job I'll do mine and never speak to me like that again. Understood" I say angrily, I hate having to be so Prince like but she needed telling and she cannot go round talking to people like that, ever.
"Understood, sorry Prince Hugo"
"Its okay get back to work"
I lift up my chin like I was taught to do if I was sat down and Alice bowed and then left.
I slump back into my chair feeling terrible for having to have ago at her. I sit slumped in my chair for about 2 minuets before I get up to help decorate the Palace.
oOo
I walk into the the ball room to help decorate but what's already been done blows my mind; The ball room is covered in balloons and triangle banners all in the different colours of Berks signature colours, blacky blue, gold, silver. The banners go all around the ball room bannister and over the dance floor hanging from the chandeliers. The chandeliers are lit up already illuminating the room leaving patters on the floor from the glass the light travels through.
The ball room floor has been freshly polished with wax making it shine and the whole place has been cleaned to an inch of its life.
"Hey Lil can I help with anything" I ask the first servant that walks past.
"Master Hugo you do not have to do anything at all" she stops to talk to me.
"I would like to, please tell me what I can do"
"Okay well we need help decorating the entrance hall if you would like to go help there"
"Okay thank you Lily"
"Your welcome sir" with that she gives a quick bow and runs off.
I walk out of the ball room and up the stairs that lead into the right side of the entrance hall near the main stairs. I walk further into the entrance hall and in front of the steps to find my Mum and Dad helping put banners up on the banister of the entrance balcony.
"Hey Mum, Dad, you two okay up there" the look to be struggling as Dad holds mum by the waist as she leans over the balcony to put the banner up.
"Couldn't be better Son" I don't like the way he's holding mum she doesn't look secure.
"Dad... mum doesn't look ver..." suddenly Dad lose hold of mums waist, I run round the stairs and into the gap before the staircases merge and catch mum just before she hit the ground. "DAD"
"Sorry Valka, sorry son" I place mum down gently and turn to look at Dad.
"Thanks Son for catching me"
"No problem mum but you shouldn't have been dropped in the first place" I hear the anger in my voice as I address my dad.
"Hugo it was an accident and she's okay"
"Yh but it could have ended a lot worse you go on about responsibility to me but then you go do something like that"
"Hugo..."
"No don't Hugo me I've spent five years away from you two I am not going to lose a parent to some stupid stunt like that"
"HUGO, I AM THE KING TALK TO ME WITH SOME RESPECT" oh I've gone and done it, I lower my head and back down.
"Sorry Father" I'm gland there is no one around since the entrance hall is pretty much decorated.
"Look Son it's okay you are right I should have been more responsible I'm sorry and we have missed you not being here all the time this last five years Hugo."
"Thanks Father you are right too you are my King I can't lose my head and you and mum are okay and I missed you two too." Dad walks away from the balcony edge and I hear him come down the stairs, next thing I know I'm engulfed in a hug from my Mother and Father.
"We love you Son" mum says.
"Yes we do" Dad agrees.
"Love you too, though we might want to get to work we only have a quarter of a day left to get ready."
"That's true" dad says excitedly.
"Okay well most of the entrance hall is decorated so I think all we need to do is put some more balloons up"
"Yes I think so too"
"Okay dad you get on with blowing the balloons up mum tie them together and I'll tie them to the banister"
"Yes sir" my dad jokes.
"A true leader" my mum coos.
"Yes he is" my dad smiled proudly and then we get started.
oOo
I look around the entrance hall after I tie the last bunch of balloons to the banister it looks amazing, banners crisscross from the very top of the ceiling all the way down too about 3 meters of the ground. I don't know how they got the banners up 60 meters but they did and it is just mind blowing.
"Son, want to see something cool?" Dad asks, I'm almost a little scared to see.
"Okay..."
"Lights out" dad shouts as he claps his hands twice and the lights turn off, it's good to have voice recognition light switch it saves having to find the tiny switch in this massive room.
"Fairy lights on" again he claps his hands twice and then the entrance hall fils with little lights, they look like the stars in the night sky, some really close some far away they must have been connected to the banners hanging from the ceiling.
"Wow" was all I could say.
"Yes wow" dad laughs.
"We wanted something special for our little boy"
"Mum I'm not 5 any more I'm not a little boy"
"He has a point honey he is taller than you"
"Hush now he will always be my baby" she comes and hugs me.
"Ay he will alway be our baby" and dad wraps his arms around both of us.
"Love you mum, dad"
"We love you the most son" mum says and I can feel dad nodding since his head is resting on mine.
After what felt like an age I pulled away.
"Lights on" I clap my hands twice and the lights come on "fairy lights off" again I clap my hands twice and the little lights disappear "that's amazing"
"We thought you would like it, we have them in the ball room, corridors and throne room , each light represents a person on Berk and the 3 gold lights in the throne room are ourselves.
"Wow dad that's so cool" he didn't respond just kept smiling.
"Hugo, are you ready for tomorrow?" Mum asks me.
"Yes why?" That question came out of the blue.
"Well it can be stressful you should have seen your dad before his"
"I know mum I have Astrid I don't even need to tell her what's wrong she'll just comfort me" mum and dad share a look and a smile then turn back to look at me.
"Anyway Son later tonight you need to go to your room there is a mask on your bed, it's not similar to the one you are wearing tomorrow don't worry but we need you to put it on and meet us in the atrium at 11:45 tonight."
"Okay... why?"
"We are going to go out on the the main balcony and wave to our people at mid night, Hugo it's a tradition just before midnight on a royal birthday the town comes to the court yard to see there rulers become older. You know this."
"Yh but... it's never been done for me" I look to the floor as I realise how much I've missed.
"Oh Hugo..." dad say pushing my chin gently up "I realise this is your first time and it has been done for you, you just weren't on the balcony you have always had to watch from behind the glass door but times are changing and you are here"
"But I've missed so much as their Prince"
"No you have been as much a Prince as any and in fact I think you've been a better Prince because you have done your duty whilst keeping your identity secret."
"Really"
"Really Son" dad removes his hand.
"Hugo you are a great Prince and an amazing person you really haven't missed anything and things you have like Balls you are making up for now" she places her hand on my jaw line and strokes my cheek gently
"Thanks mum" I place my hand on top of hers and snuggle into her touch.
"Hugo why don't you go and see Astrid" dad suggests to my surprise.
"Wait... what... your letting me go out?" I look at him like he has two heads.
"Yes son, you need to see your girlfriend"
"I thought I had to stay in the castle?"
"Rules are made to be broken... don't repeat that"
"Thanks dad... but how do I get passed the press"
"You might just have to travel in style..." he says with mischief.
"Oh no... what are you up too?"
"Meet me in the garden in ten minutes once you are changed" before I can protest he walks away.
"Mum what is he planning"
"No idea sweety, you'll have to wait"
"Oh Gods"
"Oy go get ready mister"
"Okay mum thanks" I kiss her softly on her cheek and run of to my room.
oOo
I've quickly got changed into my black jeans and a green top with my classic black converse and I am already walking to the gardens as we speak.
I get to the big window doors that lead from the sun room into the garden and the doors are opened by two servants as I approach. I nod my head to say thanks to the servants and walk out into the grounds where a blast of wind hits me in the face along with the sound of a... helicopter. Oh no.
I look to my right and there indeed is a helicopter on the neat grass.
"Dad you cannot be serious?"
"Oh but I am" he smiles broadly from beside the helicopter.
"Dad I'll be seen by the press if I leave in that and what about Astrid, she might guess if I turn up in the royal helicopter"
"Well that's the thing..." dad was cut mid sentence.
"Is the Prince ready sir"
"Oh no."
The pilot takes one look at me and his jaw drops "H-Hiccup you're -you're... the Prince?"
"Hello Martin and yes I am the Prince and my names Hugo you don't have to call me Hiccup unless we are in the company of people who don't know I'm the Prince"
Martin stayed frozen for another half second before he snapped out off it and bowed making me feel really awkward but I still raised me head slightly and when he straightened up I bowed my head in respect, I could see dad nodding and smiling in approval fro my conduct.
"Wait... y-you are dating m-my daughter"
"Yes..."
"My daughter is dating the future KING!" Oh no he's starting to freak out.
"I would like it if you wouldn't tell Astrid I would like to do it when the times right"
"How can I keep this secrets form my daughter"
"I'm really sorry Martin for doing this but that's an order you cannot tell Astrid" he looked a little shocked at fist but then smiles.
"Okay I won't, she certainly picked a good lad and not just because you are the Prince I liked you before hand but you certainly know how too lead"
"Thanks Martin"
"So how are we going to do this?"
"Well son Martin is always flying helicopters all the time so he is going to stay low hidden by the castle and mountain and then he'll fly up out of view, when he drops down near his house it won't seem suspicious because he is always flying. Then you get out at the side facing away from the house jump the fence then walk to the front door. Okay"
"Okay that might work"
"Are you ready Hic-Hugo?"
"Yes, thank you Martin"
We both climes in to the helicopter and I'm given a head set that I place on my head.
"Ready" I hear Martins voice through the head set, it sounds crackled from the radio.
"Yes, thank you"
"No problem your majesty" with that he salutes which I can see from a mirror in the front and I laugh.
The propellers are already going and slowly the helicopter lifts off the ground and before I know it we have traveled round the mountains and are now rising above the clouds. After a little while the helicopter started to descend and I can see the whole of Berk, I love seeing Berk from above everything looks small but in place even the castle looks like it should be, it doesn't look out of place or ugly. In fact it looks stunning, the early evening light, lights up the castle making the stain glass windows glow and the white stone look pure it really is a magnificent home.
"You have quite the house there lad-sorry Sir"
"No, no please talk to me as Hiccup but call me Hugo when we are alone and yes it really is something"
"I can't believe my daughter is going out with the Prince"
"Well she is"
"Wait...don't...aren't...no... you are suppose to marry soon" I choke on the air I just inhaled.
"W-what?" I choke out.
"You are the Prince"
"Well aware of that" I snark.
"So you need to marry soon"
"No I need to be engaged soon and married by 21"
"Are you are going to propose to Astrid?"
"Hopefully... she's the love of my life but I can't propose till summer anyway or I would have to propose in like a month according to traditions"
"Yes you should be engaged a couple weeks after your 18th and normally married by 19"
"The rules say you have to be engaged at 18 and married before 21, also I was going to ask you for her hand but I was waiting till everyone knew who I am."
"You where?"
"Of course, just because I'm the Prince doesn't mean I am any different, I still want your blessing."
"Well blessing granted"
"Really?"
"Yes, my daughter loves you and you clearly love her and she will be well looked after so I give my blessing"
"Thanks you Sir"
"Pleasure Hugo...we are just above my house, ready to run"
"Yep"
We slowly descend and the small house grows slowly and before I realise we've hit the ground and I'm sprinting out and jumping the fence.
oOo
Astrid's PoV
"Hey Daddy" I say as my dad walks through the door, I don't even need to look up because I know it'll be him I heard the helicopter.
"Hey Sweetheart" dad comes and kisses me on the head from where I am sat at the kitchen table.
"Did you see the Prince at work?" Dad spits out his water but before he could answer the doorbell goes.
*Ding dong*
"I'll get it" I get up and walk to the door wondering who would come to visit the day before the Princes Ceremony. I open the door to find... "Hiccup, what are you doing here?"
"Erm come to see my Girlfriend... I'm a little stressed" I beacon him in and kiss him on the cheek.
"Why?" I ask as I lead him to the sofa.
"Just family stuff" he says as he sits on the sofa next to me and rests his head on my shoulder as I stroke his hair.
"Babe you know you can tell me anything" I stop playing with his hair and look him in the eyes and he looks up into mine.
"I know but I can't tell you just yet, times not right"
"Okay you don't have to tell me yet" I go back to playing with his thick, soft, auburn hair and he looks back down.
"Astrid would you still love me if I wasn't who you thought I was?"
"Why, have you killed someone?" I joke.
"No, but being serious" he looks back up at me.
"Yes I would, Hiccup I love you, you dork" I playfully swat him on the head.
"That's a relief" he laughs.
"So why aren't you who I thought"
"No I am who you think I just wanted to make sure you would still love me"
"Course I would idiot" I pull his chin up and kiss him on the lips, he kisses me back and then we pull away.
After a few minutes of cuddling I finally speak.
"So when are you picking me up tomorrow" I hear hiccup gulp like he's stressed "Hiccup what is it"
"Erm... I-I can't go t-tomorrow"
"Why?" I ask In confusion.
"Well I can't go with you and the others I have to stay with my parents"
"Can't you at least meet me at the ball"
"I'll try but I don't know if I'll be aloud"
"Hiccup you are 18 you can decide for yourself"
"I-I know but my mum and dad are friends with the King as Queen and they want me to help out a bit"
"Oh"
"Will you try and dance with me at least once?"
"Definitely"
"Good"
I go back to playing with his hair and eventually decide to put a film on and order pizza, before we know it it's nine at night and Hiccups asleep on my lap.
oOo
*buzz... buzz...buzz*
"Hiccup your phone" I gently shake him awake.
"Pass it to me please" he says sleepily, I grasp his phone and the texts are from his mum, before I could read much Hiccup snatched the phone out my hand.
"Sorry that might be... erm... private" I could have sworn that message said... Hugo. No it can't be but then again this has happened twice.
"Babe did that say Hugo?" He is hiding something big.
"N-no why?"
"I swear that said Hugo" I start to interrogate him.
"Honey it must have said Henry and besides he isn't the Prince if that's what your getting at I've seen him remember." My dad says coming into the room "in fact I have to go to the palace now to see the Prince about tomorrow"
"I-i know he isn't I'm just being silly, sorry babe" I turn to Hiccup and kiss him.
"Astrid I need to go, it's getting late and I need to be ready with my parents to go see the Prince at midnight"
"Oh Yh I forgot about the whole watching the royal turn a different age thing"
"It's the first time I'm going"
"Really?"
"Normally Alvin wouldn't let me"
"Oh I forgot about him" I spat.
"Hey it's okay, I got to go though night babe" he gets up and kisses me on the forehead.
"I'll see Hiccup out" my dad says and they both walk out the door.
oOo
Hiccups PoV
I say goodbye too Martin and walk into the Palace, the doors are opened from the inside by the servants on the door. I walk through the sun room which is lite by the chandeliers and out into the corridor.
I decide to take a short cut to the atrium and use the servant passages that lead from the corridor leading to the sun room down into there living area, well the ones who live here living area. Its nice down here there is a big living room with a fire and a big flat screen tv along with sofa's and chairs, further along there is a little kitchen for making tea and coffee, popcorn, warming up food etc and a fridge for snacks and drinks. Down a corridor from the kitchen are the bedrooms which are very comfortable, there is a medium sized tv in each room, a double bed, wardrobe, en suit and dressing table, there are 20 rooms all together though not all are in use.
I say hi to a few of the staff who are currently off duty but waiting to go outside at midnight and then I walk up the steps that lead into the entrance hall. The passage is hidden and blends in to the wall, only a member of staff or my family know where these passages are.
I walk up the stairs and into the atrium to find my mum and dad snuggled on the sofa watching the news from the flat screen 56inch tv that comes out of the floor when we want.
"Hey Mum, Dad what are you watching?" I already know its about me.
"A report about you and are we going to see you this year on the balcony at midnight" my dad says not letting his eyes leave the tv screen.
"Scooch up then, I'd like to see what they say about me" I walk up to the sofa and both mum and dad move up to allow me to sit down.
"Prince Hugo Horrendous Haddock the third, our mysterious Prince is only mere hours away from turning 18 and the big question is will he follow tradition for once and come out onto the balcony tonight"
"Okay thats mean" I complain about basically being called a stickler for tradition.
"Ignore them Sweety" my mother says and strokes my arm.
"Well Bob there has been word that the Prince will not becoming out tonight but the King and Queen certainly will"
"Well Sue it'll be a disappointment but the Prince has a busy day tomorrow"
"Yes he does, the Ceremony and Ball not forgetting finding his future Queen."
"Who will be that lucky lady"
"No body knows but plenty of girls are getting ready to win him over and gain his love"
"And his fortune and status" I add. "I'm done with these reporters, they cannot keep saying stuff like this" I say to mum and dad.
"Agreed, they are stepping too far out of line, I'll get it sorted Son but not now we are celebrating I'll sort it next week" dad sound as pissed as I feel.
"Okay dad thank you"
"No problem Son"
"Hugo we are going to put a film on so why don't you get your mask and come back since by the time the films done it'll be nearly midnight" my mother turns to me saying.
"Okay but why don't we pick the film first and you can setting up while I get the mask"
"Okay, what film Hugo?" my dad asks.
"I don't mind"
"Hugo it's your birthday you pick the film" my dad insists.
"Okay lets watch Iron Man"
"Okay Iron man it is, go get your mask and it'll be set up when you get back."
oOo
I walk into my room and find the mask on my freshly turned down bed, the mask is in a box wrapped in warping paper with a bow on top. I walk over to it and I carefully unwrap the box, once unwrapped I pull the lid off and place it to the side. The mask inside is beautiful, not as beautiful as the night fury mask but it was still amazing; the mask is white gold with dark blue gems placed on the mask.
I pick up the mask out of the box and bring in to my face, just like the night fury one it fitted onto my face perfectly without needing a strap. I look in the mirror and realise I'm still in my jeans and t-shirt and the mask looks very odd with my outfit.
I go into my wardrobe and find my dark blue 3 piece suit, brown brogues, white shirt and a dark red tie and handkerchief. I walk round the screen and get changed, I don't dare get changed in the room because Ben and other servings have a habit of walking in nowhere day.
Once I'm dressed I look in the mirror to do a once over I adjust the handkerchief in my pocket and then head back towards the atrium.
"Son you've changed" my dad notices.
"Yh I thought wearing jeans and a green t wasn't going to look very good to the public" I say sarcastically.
"Thats true it wouldn't, you look very handsome Son"
"Thanks Dad"
"Wheres mum gone?"
"She's gone to make some butter popcorn"
"Okay"
5 minuets later mum returns with a massive bowl of popcorn, she sits down next to me and hands me the blow because I am in the middle and my dad will undoubtedly want some. I rest my head on my mums shoulder and she strokes my hair like Astrid did earlier and we settle down to watch Iron Man.
After ruffly 2 hours the film is finished and it's 11:30.
"Oh Stoic, it's only half an hour before our baby boy comes of age and turns 18" mum says whilst hugging dad, she sounded a little teary.
"I know Val, it feels like only yesterday when he was running around the castle playing vikings and dragons" they both stare at me and its starting to get a little creepy.
"Don't get all nostalgic on me" I joke trying to break the awkward silence.
"Son this is a big moment for myself and your mother and you for that matter we are aloud to feel a little sentiment"
"I know it just feels so strange that in half an hour less I will be 18 and will becoming the crowned Prince, its scary"
"Indeed it is Son but trust me you will be great"
"How do you know that dad?" mum and dad share a look, they know something and they are hiding it from me "what are you two hiding…?"
"Nothing" they both reply too quickly, they are defiantly hiding something.
"You're lying what is it?"
Dad sighs "Son when a royal is born their prophecy is told by the elder to the parents, you can never know your prophecy or else it wont come true" he has to be joking.
"And you are telling me this now?"
"You can only be told when you come of age"
"And why is that?"
"Because Son the prophecy only goes up to when you are 18, if the prophecy for your crowning ceremony doesn't come true then your life may take a very different path" my mum interjects.
"Is my prophecy good?"
"We can't tell you that till you are 18 which you aren't yet"
"Dad I am 15 minuets away from 18 just tell me please" I plead.
"Nope we can't tell you yet, I'll tell you once we have been onto the balcony like my dad did for me."
"And you'll tell me everything"
"To an extent we can't tell you what'll happen in the ceremony but we can tell you most things because you have already done them"
"Okay… being a royal gets stranger and stranger" dad and mum laugh.
"You have no idea Son"
"That fills me with confidence" I laugh along with them.
"Sorry to interrupt your majesty's but you have 5 minutes before you need to go onto the balcony" Stewart one of the senior servants says a little timidly.
"It's really 10 too already?" Dad asks a little shocked.
"Yes sir"
"can you get mine and Valka's cloak, Thank you Stewart and my my how time flys, my boy is 18 in 10 minutes" he says like he has just realised it.
"Just realised that Dad" I joke.
"No, no but it's only just dawned on me how grown up you are, you are responsible, caring, a leader and a fine young man who will make an amazing King." Dad says this as a servant places his cloak on his shoulders and clips it onto he's suit.
Dad and mum always have to wear a cloak and their crowns but when they are trying to relax they take the cloak off. When I become crowned Prince I'll have to wear my cloak all the time as well.
"Thank you Dad"
"I'm so proud of you Son"
"We both are" mum says as her cloak is also placed on her shoulders and clipped onto her lovely long dress.
Mum always has to wear fancy dress just like me and dad have to wear suits, I imaging it can get annoying because the dresses are corset dresses and that's for a normal day, for a special day she has to wear a ball gown kinda dress.
"Thank you" I smile at both of them but before I can say anything to them Stewart speaks up.
"It's time Prince Hugo" he gestures to the glass double doors.
"Then let's do this" I place the mask on my face and walk towards the glass double doors that lead on to the main balcony and trumpets begin to play a tune to get people's attention.
The doors open as I approach, mum and Dad following a couple of paces behind me. I walk on to the balcony and silence falls, you could hear a pin drop but after a few seconds of silence the court yard burst out into cheering. I wave to my people and then my parents come up behind me and do the same and before we realise it's 10 seconds too midnight and the trumpet is playing to signal it.
"10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1...HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRINCE HUGO" everyone shouted including my parents though they didn't shout.
There was a few seconds of cheering then everyone went silent and all the people in view began to bow even my mum and Dad declined their heads, it felt awkward but amazing all at the same time. All I could do in those few second was straighten up and hold my head up high till they all rose.
Dad walks forward and stands too my left whilst putting his arm round my shoulders and my mother steps forward and stands to my rights.
"My dear people we have all gathered here for a very special occasion, my Son, your Prince's Birthday, he is officially 18 and has come of age. We will be celebrating this more tomorrow but this is a very momentous occasion, for the first time in 13 years you have seen your Prince in the flesh. Times having been difficult with Hugo having to keep his identity hidden but it has been in his best interest and I think I can vouch for everyone when I say he hasn't slacked his duty even though he hasn't been in the public eye. Hugo has done the very best for us all and will continue to do so for many years to come and it'll be easier when his identity is reviled after his High School graduation this summer. I think you have heard enough from me and would like to hear from the Prince himself" Dad steps back along with mum and pats me on the back, I really didn't expect to be doing a speech so I suppose it'll be from the heart.
"Thank you for all turning up for my first ever time coming out on to the balcony at midnight on my Birthday, it means a lot because you have all come to show your support for me when you don't even know who I am. I believe this Kingdom is amazing and along with everyone in it we all work together to keep Berk going, I know this because I live among you and there are many people in the crowd that I know very well some of them are even my friends. To the people who do know me but don't know it's me I am the same person I have and always will be and I hope when you find out my identity you will still want to support me the way you already do without even knowing it." I look down to Astrid who I can see in the middle of the courtyard, it took me a while to find her. "The time has come for me to step out of the shadows and become more public, for me to show up to events that before I've never been able to attend which I dearly regret. You won't know who I am but you will learn the person behind the mask not just your Prince just like my friends have. Thank you and I'll see you tomorrow." As soon as a finish speaking the courtyard explodes to life with cheering and clapping and I nod to people saying thank you and a load off fireworks go off and everyone turns to look.
"Son that was an amazing speech" Dad whispers in my ear as we look up at the fireworks.
"Thanks Dad, though you could have warned me!"
"The best speeches come from the heart son" he pats me on the back them wraps his arm round me and mum does the same on the other side as we watch the fireworks.
oOo
Astrid's PoV
"Astrid sweetheart we need to get going it's 10:30 and we want a good place to see the Prince" Dad says as he walks up to me and squeeze my shoulder.
I get up off the sofa and find my thick winter jacket with a thick fluffy hood, since it was still winter for Berk it was absolutely freezing at night not that its much better in the day. I wrap my scarf round my neck, put on my gloves and finally get on my winter boots.
"I'm ready to go dad"
"Okay get in the car with your mother I'll be 2 minuets"
"Okay Daddy" both me and mum walk to the car and get in it, the car felt like a freezer so mum quickly gets the heating on.
"So the Prince?" mum turns to me with a knowing look.
"What about him?"
"Honey you are the prettiest girl on Berk I bet the Prince will have his eye on you at the ball tomorrow" I can see the glint in her eyes.
"Mum i'm with Hiccup and I love him so it wouldn't matter if he did because I would say no"
"Even to dance with him?"
"I suppose I'd dance with him but only if he asks and only because I don't want to seem rude to our rulers" mum smiled looking impressed with my answer.
"You really love Hiccup don't you?"
"With all my heart"
"Then forget the Prince you focus on Hiccup"
"I will" the car door opens at that moment and dad climbs in.
"Okay we ready?" he says
"Yes" both myself and my mother reply.
"We have a 45 minute journey to the castle then we need to park and find a good place to stand"
"Okay dad, lets go" and off we went.
oOo
I must have fallen asleep because it felt like seconds since we left the house and now we are here parked in front of the castle. The castle is always lit up by lights that shine on to it making the white stones look like they were made in Asgard and the stain glass window glow like they are a portal into another world as all the lights mixes together.
"Com on honey we need to go find a space, it's 11:20" my mum leans back into the back and says.
"Okay mum" I says and hop out of the car.
"Come on my girls we want to try and get in the circle in the middle of the courtyard, it's where we will get the best view" dad says grabbing mine and my mothers hand.
"Okay dad what ever you say" he starts to pull us up the little hill and through the gates to the courtyard.
The courtyard was already starting to fill up with people standing in groups having s chat with their friends and family. Dad carries on pulling me and my mother till we get to the centre of the courtyard, the view from the middle is perfect you can see the whole balcony and anyone who will be standing on it and it'll be a clear view not just some blurry heads.
"Great spot dad, we'll be able to see the Prince clearly from here" I can see dads smug smile from the corner of my eye.
"I know it was a great choice" he says very obnoxiously.
"Dad no need to be big headed"
"Sorry" he laughs.
I check my phone to see what time it is, 11:30, my phone suddenly buzzes and a text from Hiccup pops up.
Hiccup: Hey Astrid thanks for calming me down earlier xxx
I quickly reply.
Astrid: No problem babe you would have done the same to me xxx
Hiccup: Very true milady but still thank you xxx
Astrid: honestly babe is fine, where are you by the way it's nearly midnight so I guess you are in the courtyard? Xxx
Hiccup: Unfortunately no I'm not I have to stay at home and help my parents get ready for tomorrow xxx
Astrid: Oh, okay to bad you are missing it again xxx
Hiccup: Yh it's a shame xxx
Astrid: Yh it is and you can't watch with me :' ( xxx
Hiccup: I know sorry babe xxx
Astrid: it's okay, I better go love you xxx
Hiccup: Love you too xxx
With that I put my phone away and began to talk to my parents till nearer midnight.
Trumpets begin to sound and everyone looked up to the balcony, the glass double doors opened and out came the Prince wearing a beautiful suit and a spectacular hand crafted mask. Not far behind him was his parents the King and Queen both looking proud and radiant both standing two paces behind him. The Prince begins to wave and the whole island erupted with sounds, all cheering and clapping, happy our Prince has finally come out of hiding, kind of.
Before anyone realise the trumpet plays to signal that it's ten seconds to midnight
"10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1...HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRINCE HUGO" everyone shouts.
There was a few seconds of cheering then everyone went silent and we all began to bow to our Prince. In those few second he straighten up and held his head high like a true Prince till we all rose.
King Stoic walks forward and stands too the Prince's left and Queen Valka steps forward and stands to his right, I'm guessing the King is about to make a speech.
"My dear people we have all gathered here for a very special occasion, my Son, your Prince's Birthday, he is officially 18 and has come of age. We will be celebrating this more tomorrow but this is a very momentous occasion, for the first time in 13 years you have seen your Prince in the flesh. Times having been difficult with Hugo having to keep his identity hidden but it has been in his best interest and I think I can vouch for everyone when I say he hasn't slacked his duty even though he hasn't been in the public eye. Hugo has done the very best for us all and will continue to do so for many years to come and it'll be easier when his identity is reviled after his High School graduation this summer. I think you have heard enough from me and would like to hear from the Prince himself" I knew he was going to make a speech and a good speech it was, the King steps back along with the Queen and leaves the Prince to speak, this'll be the first time we've herd his voice.
"Thank you for all turning up for my first ever time coming out on to the balcony at midnight on my Birthday, it means a lot because you have all come to show your support for me when you don't even know who I am. I believe this Kingdom is amazing and along with everyone on it we all work together to keep Berk going, I know this because I live among you and there are many people in the crowd that I know very well some of them are even my friends. To the people who do know me but don't know it's me I am the same person I have and always will be and I hope when you find out my identity you will still want to support me the way you already do without even knowing it." Did he just look at me? "The time has come for me to step out of the shadows and become more public, for me to show up to events that before I've never been able to attend which I dearly regret. You won't know who I am but you will learn the person behind the mask not just your Prince like my friend have. Thank you and I'll see you tomorrow." As soon as he finishes speaking the courtyard fills with cheering and clapping, a load off fireworks go off and everyone turns to look.
But something is bothering me... I know that voice.