Haze AU 2
The mission

The room where they went for diner was smaller than the throne room, still it was huge and impressive too. Decoration was the same, tall and thin colored windows, twisted pillars supporting the vaulted ceiling. Once more, the vikings notices guards posted everywhere in the room, they seemed ready to defend the royals at any moment. In the middle of the room was standing a long table settled for them.

The queen sat in a fine chair in the shape of the throne but made of stone, wood and fabric instead of the ice crystal. The other chairs were more humble but still confortable. Nikolaï Santoff sat to his wife's right, then both invited the dragon riders to join them. Hiccup sat by her left side, Astrid and Eret next to him, Fishlegs and Snotlout on the other side of Santoff while the twins decided to settle a couple of chairs away so they could chatter and gossip without being heard. They marvelled at the cultery in front of them, it was thiner and lighter than those of vikings, they also noticed the pints were translucent, small and perched on some kind of foot. Needless to say how much this clan seemed to have different ustensils than vikings, and a different way of life.

Once everyone was settled, servants entered the room, coming through discreet doors blending on the back wall. All of them were wearing the same dark-colored outfit, with silver edging, and were holding plates they placed in front of each guest. Some of them even brought plates to the dragons, filled with all kinds of fish. Obviously, the dragons were delighted and didn't wait to dive in and engulf their food.

The berkians and hazians filled their meal with a polite conversation. The queen certainly knew how to make people comfortable and the jolly nature of her husband was heart-warming. Hiccup could have alsmot forgotten the queen's rank if not for her way to steady her tone and articulate clearly every syllable. The discussion first focused on the viking's travel, the queen assuring them romms had been prepared for them to rest whilst they were at Haze.

Seeing there were a few empty chairs around them – alsmost half of the table – Eret tentatively asked if someone else was joining them for the meal. The queen smiled softly, her whole face lighting up, and explained her children would be joining soon. Then her smile faded and she seemed suddenly serious, and turned her head to adress Hiccup.

''I rather make use of their delay to explain the reason of thy presence here.''

Instantly, all vikings, even the twins, dismissed their food – no matter how delicious and exotic it was – to listen to the queen. They were all ears. The letter they had received at Berk only talked about payment, hospitality, food and roof, but there had been no details at all concerning their mission, it only said it was a delicate problem for the kingdom. Actually it had been this mystery, combined with the fascination for Haze's history, that convinced the dragon riders to come.

So they were finally about to know what they had to deal with. The queen straightened in her chair, joigning her hands on her lap.

''The royal family of Haze is ancient, much like our kingdom. Even if we prosper, we are not sheltered from conflicts, might they be from oustide or within our clan. Usually, we manage to face it by ourselves, but I fear this time is different.''

''We've been betrayed by a trusted man who has a long arm at Haze.'' Santoff added, his face gloom and angry.

The way he was frowning and clenching his large fists made him more intimidating than his usual jolly could tell. The queen placed a hand on his as if to calm him down silently, before she resumed the explanations.

''The former general of the kingdom's guard, Galad Kosmozis, attacked us a week prior. This blow almost costed the life of our beloved prince, the guards managed to interfere on time to save him, unfortunately Kosmozis has escaped. In his flee, he vowed to come back to kill every last remaining descendant of Karan the Tracker.''

''What a coward.'' Astrid growled, punching her fist on the table.

Her sudden violence earned her a disapproving glare from the queen and her husband, so she quickly eased down and fell silent again. Hiccup patted her hand under the table to soothe her, then glanced back to the queen.

''Do thee wish us to help you find him ?''

''Indeed I do. However do not underestimate him, Kosmozis is a pernicious opponent. He has a lot of followers within our very city, acting in the shadow, and he would not hesitate to use dragons against our own. He already did too in the past.''

''Then why ask for our help ?'' Eret asked. ''I mean, thee have dragons, and thy guards are numerous and powerful, aren't they ?''

''Our soldiers only will not suffice when the general comes back. There are several reasons making me ask for thy help, noble dragon riders. Firstly because, as friends of dragons, thee are in position to understand why these creatures are precious for us, and why we cannot do them any harm. Secondly, because thy own dragons are fire-breather.''

The vikings exchanged hesitant look. They had troubles grasping how their dragons would make such a difference in the upcoming fight.

''As far north as we are,'' Santoff explained ''only ice-dragons can be found. All those who live with us and in the wild lands are ice-spitter. And it's known ice-spitting dragons fear fire, so thee and thy winged friends would be an estimated asset.''

''I understand.'' Hiccup nodded.

The queen seemed relieved by this, a small smile graced her lips, before she got serious again.

''We gathered numerous warriors and dragon riders who have already started the track, we hope thee will join them, but also join the guards watching over our prince and princess.''

''What about thee ?'' Astrid enquired.

The queen smiled at her, she seemed moved by her worry.

''I do not fear for my own safety, lady Hofferson. All that matters to me is my children.''

The vikings gaped at her for a moment, they would have lied saying they weren't astoned, if not marveled, by her devotion. Judging by how Santoff was looking at her, he also was admiring her. He smiled and softly put his hand on hers, which seemed to pull her out of her thoughts. She smiled back and focused back on her food.

Even if Hiccup didn't say a word, his brain was already thinking and planning. Splitting their group seemed the more logical thing to do. Some of the riders would join the track for Kosmozis while two of them would remain at the palace to assure close protection to the heirs of the throne. Hiccup knew his friends well enough to say Snotlout and the twins were not reliable enough to be bodyguards, they needed to be supervised, so they would be more efficient for the track.

Astrid and Eret both had a tracker class dragon, with dreadful smell and unparalleled abilities to follow tracks, so it was obvious none of them would remain at the palace. It only left Fishlegs and Hiccup, thought the young chief suspected Fishlegs would be easily distracted by Haze's architecture and his immense curiosity for the local culture and dragons. Still it was the best option.

The young chief was planing a meeting with his fellow dragon riders by dawn so they would clear things up, but for now he rathered them to enjoy their meal and a peaceful night. He came out of his thoughts as someone knocked on the doors. The queen allowed them to enter, and the doors opened. Hiccup was expecting to see Lyrac come back, but he was proven wrong. When the doors creaked open, two guards in silver armor entered and stood on each side while too other persons stepped in, themselves followed by three other guards.

Hiccup stood by reflex seeing the royal heirs. He didn't know why he did it, if it was because he remembered customeries wanted them to greet royals this way or if surprise had made his body move by itself. The other riders hesitated a bit, Astrid even looked at him as if he was weird, then she quickly stood too, the others following suite.

Though the other riders were the only ones to bow like Lyrac had instructed them to do, because Hiccup remained frozen on spot as his eyes landed on the two royals. If Hiccup had to guess their age, he would have said the prince was in his early twenties and the princess was fourteen, maybe fifteen. Just like the queen Elska North, both had ivory skin, snowy hair and ice blue eyes.

The princess had a short but thick braid hanging on her right shoulder, adorning specks of crystal looking like tiny stars, shorter bangs covered her brow. Her dress and her veils were beige and ochre, making her look like a warm sunshine in this white and blue landscape.

As to the ptince, Hiccup couldn't tear his eyes from him. His face was what really caught the viking's attention. Like the other hazians, the features didn't look like those of vikings, they were smoother, less angular, their nose thiner. The prince's features were soft, angelice-like, it was obvious he had taken a lot after the fair queen. The only shortcoming Hiccup could find was the slightly oversized ears, but it was not enough to stain the prince's beauty. His frame was slender, long, thin and graceful limbs covered in regal blue clothes. A sky blue shirt was tied up to his throat and covered with darker jacket with snowflake patterns on the edges. Over his shoulders was drapped a long translucent cape, blue with hues of white and silver. His slim legs were framed in dark-blue pants, gradualy getting sky blue by the calves. Surprisingly, he was barefoot, a single ice-crystal bracelet adorning his left ankle.

If Hiccup had to describe the young man with only one word, he would have said 'radiant'. He couldn't help but think he was very lucky to meet someone as remarkable. The prince casted a curious look to Hiccup, who shivered, and his companions, then he took a slow step forward, which seemed a little bit unbalanced. That was when the viking chief noticed the prince had his left arm tucked and half-hidden under his cape, while the princess stood close to his right, as if guarding him.

Then Hiccup remembered the queen had talked about the general Kosmozis' attack, which at almost costed the prince's life. The queen stood and went to meet her children, a concerned look upon the prince.

''How are thee feeling today, my son ?'' She asked with a soft, cautious voice.

''Better, thank thee Mother.'' His voice sounded deeper than what his slim frame would lead to think.''

''That will be all, my good sirs. You can dismiss.'' She said to the guards.

A whispered 'thank thee' escaped the prince, which made a teasing smile grace the queen's and princess' lips. They waited for the guards to leave, then the princess took her brother's arm, making him lean on her.

''Mother, thee should have not ask for him to come.'' Though she was whispering, the vikings could still hear her. ''I know we have to greet our guests, only the healer assured brother has to rest.''

''I am well, sister.'' The prince smiled softly.

This smile, as well as his voice, were so tender Hiccup felt like melting. How was this even possible to have such a sweet smile ?

The viking swallowed thickly and tried to pull himself together when the queen faced the table to lead her heirs to their sit. They settled on the other side of the table, the prince facing the queen, sitting on the chair closer to the doors. Instead of going back to her previous sit, the queen sat next to him, then invited the vikings to sit back, which they did.

''Dear guests, allow me to introduce prince Jokul Frosti Storm and princess Flee Wind Storm. My children, meet the dragon riders of Berk.''

Once more, she presented each of them with their full name, adding 'sir' and 'lady' as titles, which seemed still foreign and a bit displaced. As if the title of dragon rider was not enough. The prince and the princess nodded to them in greeting, though Hiccup noticed a slight grimace in the corner of the prince's eye. Whatever were the injuries he had received from Kosmozis' attack, it seemed to be still painful. Once the presentations were done, the queen ended her speech by explaining the reason of their presence.

''They will join our forces to capture Kosmozis and will be assigned to your personal guard.''

Hiccup aimed to smile and greet the royals in the most respectful way he could, but something changed in the prince's eyes and that made him freeze. It was not hard to understand he was not pleased by the mere idea of a personal guard. Though Hiccup should have excepted it seeing how the prince had reacted to the guards when he arrived. Actually, he could even understand : being constantly watched could be oppressing, suffocating even.

Since tension was rising in the air, Hiccup decided to take the first step and break the ice. He slightly bowed his head.

''It's an honour to meet thee, your Majesty.''

He kept his head low, not even daring to check the handsome prince's expression, and simply waited an answer.

''The pleasure is mine.'' Finally came the reply, the prince barely sounded like he was forcing politeness. ''Welcome to Haze, dragon riders.''

Hiccup didn't know why, but the fact the prince had not used the fake titles felt really nice, as if he had just granted a wish Hiccup had not dared to make. He straightened but didn't have the time to say something else Toothless erupted in, bouncing and circling the royals. Hiccup tensed, fearing his best friends would heckle them, though the dragon simply sniffed them, shaking his head with curiosity. According to the legend of Haze, their ancestor had been given a dragon heart and his descendance had mixed blood, surely the Night Fury could sense it.

A smile graced the prince's lips, a smile that seemed to lighten up his whole face. Hiccup felt some tickling sensations in his belly, as if a hord of tiny Terrible-Terrors were flying in there, and he held his breath without noticing. He barely noticed the princess smiling brightly and seeming to hold herself from hugging the dragon. He barely noticed the kind way the queen was looking at them. He barely noticed either how Astrid was looking at him, with a small teasing smile.

The rest of the meal flew by pretty fast, the princess asking tons of questions about the dragons at Berk, and their village, Fishlegs being the one who answered most of them. When the plates were empty and their stomach full, the greeted their goodbyes and went their separate ways, guard leading the riders to their rooms. They were gathered in the same tower, and the balcony was large enough for the seven riders and siw dragons to meet up.

Hiccup let his companions enjoy a restful night before talking business. On the following day, they got up like usual, early so tehy could train a bit before breakfast, but Hiccup delayed it to share his plans with them. Snotlout was glad to join the track, visibly he wanted to unwind his nerves and his dragon's. For their part, the twins didn't agree, saying their rathered staying at the palace, but Hiccup knew better and told them it was out of the question for them to pull their pranks and cause troubles around, especially if they were targetting the royals. As to Fishlegs, he didn't hide his joy to stay at the palace, still Hiccup tried to remain him they came to protected the heirs, not to study their culture. At least, not this time.

When everything seemed clear, Fishlegs brought up one last question.

''Who's gonna guard who ?''

''It's obvious,'' Astrid snickered, crossing her arms over her breast. ''you'll deal with the princess and leave the prince to Hiccup.''

''I can admit Toothless will be a better protection for the heir of the throne, but don't you guys think the princess will distract me with all her question ? I mean, I like her curiosity and enthusiasm, but you know I can't resist talking about dragons…''

''You'll have to stay focus, Fishlegs.'' Eret tried to reassure him.

''But… but…''

''Sorry Fishlegs.'' Hiccup shrugged.

Astrid shook her head good-naturatedly, giving a knowing look to her friend and chief, who didn't know what to think of this. Then something hit her and the blonde warrior frowned.

''Huh, actually, Fishlegs has a good point, you know. Probably be better he takes charge of the prince and you the princess, Hiccup.''

''How so ?''

''First, because of what he said, and because I'm not sure you could focus either and won't get to involved with the prince.''

''What ?'' The chief suddenly panicked, blushing uncontrollably. ''What do- What do you mena by that ?''

Snotlout burst in laugher and pointed at him while still guffawing.

''Come one, you seriously thought we didn't see anything ?''

The twins laughed too, bending in too and looking like they could collapse at any moment. Hiccup felt even more confused and noticed how Fishlegs, Astrid and Eret all had an amused – if not teasing – smile on their face.

''See what ?''

''You froze like a scared dear when he entered the room.'' Ruffnut teased.

''Yeah,'' her twin added ''and you were drooling over him during the whole meal.''

''I did not, I-''

''Did too !'' The twins snickered, making faces as if they were lovestruck, seemingly impersonating the auburnet.

Hiccup flushed in embarrassment, which made his friends laugh even more.

''Look at him, he's blushing !'' Snotlout added.

The viking chief facepalmed and sighed heavily. He liked his friends, he really did, but sometimes he really wished for them to just shut up. Unlike what they were saying, he had not fallen for the prince. Sure the young man was really handsome, but saying Hiccup was lovestruck… It was ridiculous. He knew this whole idea was ridiculous, anyway. Jokul Frosti was a prince, and the heir of Haze's throne. Plus, even if Hiccup was to develop true feelings for him, there were so few chances for the prince to love him back. Even if the prince swung this way, how could he possibly be attracted to Hiccup ? Who could be attracted to a skinny viking with a peg leg and sharp sarcasm ?

However, Hiccup was far from guessing what first impression he had had on the prince…


Hey guys, merry Christmas to y'all ! Hope you've had a good time with your family / friends :)