=Hector's POV=
(Friday, 8/3/18-4:00 pm)
(Berk, Archia Isle)
(The Great Hall)

I couldn't believe how fast the time went since about two months ago when my father decided that I would be his security piece in a business merge with Marcus Hofferson. What role would I play as security? Becoming the husband to Marcus's daughter, Astrid. Our marriage was to be the binding of their companies merging together. And here I am, two months from that night where dad told me that I was the perfect choice to marry Astrid, thirty minutes away from getting married at seventeen years old. I hated that we, in the Barbaric Archipelago, still followed some tribal customs. One being arranged marriages to seal alliances, in this case, a business merger contract. Not only did we tie two families together, but their companies too. If I were eighteen, I could refuse, but since I'm not…I am under legal standing for my parents to arrange for me to marry someone. I had no way of getting out of this unless I ran away and left the Archipelago, or died. Neither of those things are happening, so I'm forced to stand next to Astrid and take vows to love, cherish, and honor her until death parts us. As I still had some time, I wasn't fully dressed yet; I wore the pants, shoes, and shirt already, but not the vest, jacket, or tie. My hair was left alone, but it was combed to be neater and used only a little gel to keep it from going wild. Usually, my hair was unwilling to do anything, so I didn't bother with it other than washing it during a shower and giving it a slight brushing.

I tried to argue with my father about his decision, but he didn't waiver from his thought process that it was only fair to marry his child off as Marcus was doing. My father reassured that I'd be a good husband, and what made it worse was that my mom agreed. Glenn was on my side, asking my father to reconsider and even added it that it wasn't right to force two people to marry when there was no mutual feelings, but dad said that after some time, Astrid and I would learn to live with one another. I didn't have high hopes, Astrid and I have never gotten along. I used to have a thing for her, but she made it clear that I would have to be the last man alive for her to date me. This wasn't even dating now, we were going straight to marriage, so I had my reservations that until this learn to live together and get along moment happened that my father promised would happen, I was in for a rough time with this marriage. Still, I guess I would have to try and make things work and make the best of the situation. I suppose the hard part would be that in a month, Astrid and I would have to return to school, for senior year. So not only do I have to strive to learn how to run a company, but also manage school and this marriage. Totally not stressful at all. As it was, I'm nervous as hell about tonight.

I'm no stranger to sex, but that was all willing. I know Astrid isn't going to want to do this, and I won't force myself on her. I suppose I'd have to wait and see how things went. If nothing else, I knew Astrid would do whatever her parents said because as stubborn as she was, she prided herself on being the best and always doing what was expected of her. Back in Viking days, a wife was expected to let her husband bed her to legalize the marriage. I know arranged marriages were still a thing for us in modern-day, but I actually wasn't sure how much of the arrange marriage traditions were kept. Back then, after the wedding night, a tribe elder and the parents would come to the couple's house to check the bed for blood, to prove that the woman's maidenhead had been broken. A female was expected to stay pure until marriage, I knew that wasn't a thing or else I wouldn't be getting laid by girls my age. Or maybe it's just those girls had families who didn't believe in the purity thing. Also, I knew that it wasn't unheard of for a male to stay pure and he could sleep around before getting married. Either way, I suppose I should find out if there are any other legality things that needed to happen beyond Astrid and I saying our vows to one another.

I still wasn't sure how Astrid and I would be living this marriage. Together? In her house? My house? Well, our parents' houses. I was so annoyed the past two months that I never asked anything. I actually gave my father the silent treatment for most of the last two months. My mom only got some of it, I ignored her when she talked about the wedding, but if it wasn't related to that, I'd answer. I didn't give my godfather the cold shoulder, he just tried to get me to settle down and that it wouldn't be so bad. I missed out on all the planning and discussions because dad had said the night this was decided that he would talk with Marcus to confirm this situation be okay, then they'd handle everything. The only thing I got a say in was having some of my good friends present, and that was something Glenn got my dad to agree on. But I should know how things were going to go beyond today, maybe I should finally speak to my dad and ask how things will be. I sighed and pulled out my phone, knowing dad was here and overseeing the final things for the reception with Marcus, his wife, and my mom. As I was about to text him, there was a knock on the door to my room.

"Who is it?" I asked.

"Your best friends," I heard Drew's voice come through. "Can we come in?"

"Yeah," I replied. The door opened, revealing Drew first, then Syrus, TJ, Theodore, Flynn, and Evan. Not long after them was Heather, Cassandra, Alexia, and Roxanne. "Aren't you girls supposed to be with Astrid?" I was confused. I was sure that Astrid had chosen Heather as her maid of honor. According to Heather, Astrid didn't really have any friends but her. Roxanne was sort of a friend, but they didn't hang out too much, only minor conversations in person or through texting.

"She wanted a few minutes alone before changing into the dress once we did hair and makeup," Heather replied softly.

"So we thought we'd come to check on you," Alexia smiled.

I chose Drew as my best man, I've known him forever and he was like a brother to me even though we aren't related. Syrus and Flynn are my cousins, but I was closer to Drew. They still got a part in the wedding party, though. Syrus, TJ, Flynn, and Theodore were groomsmen. Astrid had Heather as maid of honor, then Roxy, Alexia, and Cassandra as bridesmaids. We were told to have it even on both sides, so I don't know who else Astrid has in her party, and I only didn't include Evan because he asked to not be part of it. Something about not liking standing up in a room full of people like a centerpiece. I understood and told him it was fine.

"Did Astrid ever find another girl to have as her fourth bridesmaid?" Drew wondered.

"Nope," Roxanne shook her head.

"So now they're scrambling to find someone who can stand-in. The girl Astrid picked ended up not being able to come, so this dress is already sized, which makes picking someone even harder," Cassandra added.

"What size is the dress?" TJ asked.

"An eight," Heather replied.

"Well, I don't know if it would help…But my date to the wedding is here, and she's an eight," Syrus interjected. "I only know that cause I was with her when we got our outfits for the prom," He added.

"Who did you bring as your date?" Alexia questioned her brother.

"Madison," Syrus answered. "I don't think she'd mind, as long as Astrid is okay with it,"

The girls looked at one another, then hurried to leave the room. "We'll find out!" And then the females were out the door.

"You hanging in there, brother?" Drew put a hand on my shoulder.

"Is it too late to escape?" I mumbled.

"Your dad has security near the stairs and elevators. You won't get far, my friend," Theodore laughed a little.

"Don't feel bad," Evan offered after I sighed. "Mr. Hofferson also has guards on Astrid's door because she already tried to make a break for it,"

"That doesn't make me feel any better that she did try to escape. My comment was sarcastic, I know I'm not getting out of it and I accepted that months ago when it was first told to me. I'm a minor, I know I have no choice, and making a big deal out of it is only going to make me and the family look bad," I stated.

"Hey, it's not ideal…But I'm sure everything will be okay," Flynn tried.

"Flynn, I'm seventeen…I'm about to go through my senior year of high school, married already, and having to learn how to run my father's company with this whole merge…" I reminded him of the situation. "I shouldn't have to think about my career or settling down until after I graduate…And I would have really preferred to marry someone who actually likes me,"

"We know, Hector…But you said it yourself, you're a minor and don't have a say. Thinks will likely be rough in the start, but you and Astrid will learn to get along and if nothing else, maybe be friends?" Drew suggested. I really hoped that would be the case.

"I don't even know how this is gonna work…Are we living together in one of our parents' places? Or staying separated until after high school? I've been avoiding my dad since this choice was made…So I don't know what's happening after this wedding," I remarked.

"You probably should find out, get yourself prepared for whatever option was chosen without your input," Syrus offered.

"Yeah, I was about to text him when you guys came," I admitted.

"You do that, we're gonna go get in place. Alexia just messaged me to grab Maddy and bring her to Astrid's room, then the moms have ordered for us to get to the room and make sure guests are getting seated and put ourselves in place," Syrus mentioned.

"Everything is gonna be fine, Hector. You might be getting married, but we're still your best friends and we're here for you as we always have been," Drew patted my back a bit.

"I appreciate that guys," I nodded.

"We're only a text or call away if you need anything," Theodore promised.

With that, they all said their goodbyes to me and we hugged or shook hands before they left the room. I sighed heavily before getting my phone again and pulling up my messages with my father, none of which he sent in the last two months were answered by me. I took a breath and typed out something simple and short that we needed to talk about where this whole thing goes. My finger hovered over the send button a moment, then finally pressed it and waited. It didn't take long, maybe five minutes, and then there was a knock on the door.

"It's me, son," I heard my father's voice. I got up and opened the door for him. "Why aren't you fully dressed yet? The ceremony starts in fifteen minutes," He said, walking into the room as I stepped back.

"All I have to do is throw on three more things and I'm dressed, Dad…" I sighed. "Can you not start, please? I didn't ask you to come here and rush me off to the rest of my life…"

"I'm sorry, son…" Spencer sighed and closed the door. "I know you're not happy about this…"

"What gave it away? The misery or me not talking to you the past two months?" I remarked. I looked at his face, I knew he felt guilty. "Just…Forget it. I didn't say we need to talk as a way for me to beg and plead for you to not go through with forcing your only child to get married at seventeen…" I added. "I know you're just gonna tell me it's for the good of the company, or Mr. Hofferson is selling off his daughter, and you should be fair and sell off your son for the security of this merge through marital alliance or whatever…I get it. I don't like it, but I accept it…I guess. I don't have much choice…" I took a breath. "I want to know what's going on beyond tonight,"

"Well, the itinerary goes for the 4:30 ceremony, then reception until-," Spencer began.

"No, Dad. I know how tonight is gonna go…I need to know after tonight. When the wedding and reception are over, what happens? You set this whole thing up with mom, and the Hofferson's…So I assume that as you took charge of handling the wedding arrangements, you obviously have the after it's over part settled too? That's how it was done in Viking times, parents would negotiate the marriage contract. This included bride price, wedding arrangements, and living situation…So what happens after tonight?" I asked my father seriously. I was just sitting on the edge of the bed in this hotel room. Directly beyond the sliding door and across the hall was the room where the wedding would be. Astrid was also in her own room, but on the opposite side of the convention space. It was so we didn't have to see one another by accident. My hands were folded, but my forearms resting on my thighs while my head was down.

"Those things weren't discussed yet, Hector," My father informed. "Marcus and I planned to sit down with your mother and his wife, plus you and Astrid to put all ideas on the table after the wedding,"

"So then will Astrid and I be staying with you and mom or her parents until things are…Worked out?" I wondered.

"Neither. When two people marry, they start their own life. In the old days, a home would have been built for the newlyweds before the wedding, so that they could leave the party and go on to legalize the marriage through the-," Dad stopped when I lifted my head up and gave him an unamused look.

"Dad, I know!" I snapped. "Odin above, I'm a big fan of history…I know how things were done back then. I want to know what will be done here and now!" I wasn't trying to yell at him, or have an argument, but I was getting married in ten minutes. I was annoyed, miserable, and stressed out. "Everyone knows that a marriage wasn't viewed as legal in a tribe until the parents of the couple, and tribe elder checked that a consummation took place…I am asking what happens tonight, beyond the ceremony and reception. Will you, mom, and her parents be checking the bed to see if we slept together? Are the women going to take Astrid in the morning to prepare her to be presented to family and friends as a married woman in the town? Do I have to get her a morning gift as thanks for taking her virginity? How much of these tribal traditions are being used? Are we staying in a hotel until a house is built for us? Those are the things I want to know…So I don't screw anything up with your alliance marriage."

My father sighed heavily, and sat beside me on the bed then put his hand on my shoulder. I shrugged him off and turned my head away. "Given the severity of the merger…You and Astrid do have to consummate the marriage. I know you are not pure, but she is…Only your mother and Angela will be coming by in the morning to see that the deed was done. No, Astrid will not be whisked away, and no you don't have to get her a morning gift, son…" Dad revealed. Great, so I would have to sleep with her tonight. "We will meet for breakfast at 10:00 am to discuss the living arrangement…"

"Fine…" I told him and got to my feet. I went over to get my vest on, then the tie, which I did by myself, and finally, I slipped on my tuxedo jacket and buttoned it.

"Son…" My father tried as I walked by him to get to the sliding door. "I'm sorry…" He grabbed my wrist gently to stop me from walking away.

I scoffed and pulled my hand free. "No, you're not…" I told him, finally meeting his gaze. "I am merely your sacrifice for this to be successful. None of what's about to happen is for me, not even for Astrid. This marriage is a byproduct of business. It's nothing to do with loving, honoring, and cherishing one another. There isn't even any love between me and her…" I paused as my father looked at me sadly. "If you were really sorry, then you'd see me as your son, instead of some bartered price to merge your company over…"

"Hector! It's time to-," My mother entered the room cheerfully, but stopped. Glenn was with her, so was my best man and groomsmen.

"Son, please? It's…Not like that. You know I love you, more than anything…" Spencer stepped closer.

"Can you prove that to me?" I asked him in a serious tone.

"Hector…Your father and I love you more than words can say. We struggled so hard to have a child, and were overjoyed to have you…Even though you came early, and thought you might not make it…We fought to keep you…" My mother stepped beside my father now.

"I ask again…Prove it to me," I told them both. "Show me, right now, that I'm your son and not just an object being used to secure your business alliance through marriage. Show me that you love me, and would do anything for me to have a good, long, and happy life…By not making me enter that room, say vows that are lies, and marry someone that I don't love. Prove it by not making me do this…" I stared. Neither of them answered me. "So the company means more to you than I do? Fine then. I can live with knowing that both of you gave up and sold off the son you claim to love so much. Glad I have that truth…Now, here's one from me to you...I wish I hadn't survived being born early." My mother gasped and my father's eyes widened some. "Right about now…I'm wishing that I hadn't even been born." My father stiffened. "Oh, but don't worry…I won't ruin your image or mess up the merge. I'll put on the fake smile and act like I'm happy…Just for you two. My loving parents only fought to keep me alive so they could use me later to secure their own futures…At the cost of their son's."

"I don't know if I like how you're talking, laddie," Glenn remarked.

"What does it matter, Uncle Glenn? Just ignore me, like they have the past two months. Nothing I say matters. I'm just expected to keep my mouth shut, smile, and do what I'm told…For the sake of family or whatever…" I retorted. "Don't worry…I'm not gonna do anything stupid or reckless like finding a way to kill myself tonight. I don't need to because my beloved parents already ended it for me…" My eyes landed on my parents. "Thank you, mom and dad, for fucking ruining, taking, and ending my life for me." I unlocked the sliding door to the room and walked out into the hallway to get to the bathroom. I just wanted a few moments alone before I had to go into that convention room, lie to everyone, including myself, and act happy to be getting married.