Here's chapter 2. I'll update chapter 3 tomorrow if I can :)

Astrid tried not to scowl at the people who gave her sympathetic looks as she walked through the village.

She hated when someone pitied her. She knew what they were thinking of her 'Poor Astrid, one day she's the future wife of the chief's heir, and the next she's a girl just like any other one"

When she finally reached the Haddock's house she lifted a trembling hand to knock. Before she could do it the door opened, revealing Stoick.

"Astrid" he said. His eyes were circled. She knew he had been fighting with Hiccup all night. The whole village had heard their shouts.

"I'm here to see Hiccup" she said, deadpanned "May I come in?"

Stoick was puzzled by her cold tone "O-of course" he said stepping aside.

Without another word, Astrid rushed to the stairs to Hiccup's room. She stopped in the doorway, looking at her surroundings: it was all so familiar. The desk she would often circle impatiently until Hiccup had finished some blueprint.
The bed where the two of them had cuddled multiple times and where she had held him when he was feeling sick.

Hiccup was fullfilling a bag, muttering under his breath.

"Have I ever told you you have this weird habit of muttering to yourself?" she said.

Hiccup suddenly looked up "Hey" he said.

She timidly stepped in "I shouldn't be allowed in this room anymore" she observed.

He frowned "Don't be silly"

She shrugged "You're betrothed to someone else. Women aren't supposed to be allowed in here"

He pursed his lips and looked away.

Astrid leaned on a wall "I read she has red hair" she blurted out.

Hiccup raised an eyebrow "Who?"

"Your princess. I borrowed some information from my parents' documents. Her name is Merida. They say she's very fierce and she is the best archer of Scotland. Maybe she could help you improve your horrible aim"

"Astrid..."

"There was a painting, you know? You'd be surprised knowing how many things you have in common with her. Her father has a fake leg as well and-"

She was cut off as Hiccup moved fast and grabbed her shoulders "Why are you telling me this?" he asked.

She looked down "I... I don't know"

And she didn't. The night before she had cried reading those information and looking at the pictures of the princess in her silk dresses, sat on her wooden throne.

"It doesn't mean anything to me" Hiccup said softly "I'll always love you"

"WELL YOU SHOULD NOT!" she yelled pushing him away "Damn, Hiccup. Please tell me you can't wait to meet her and marry her and have her babies! It would be easier for me than knowing that you still love me but we can't be together because of a stupid peace treat!"

Hiccup's expression was full of pain as he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her body "You think I could stop loving you?" he asked "All of a sudden? I'm sorry it hurts you to hear it, but I love you and I'll love you til the day I die. Nothing's ever gonna change that"

He leaned in and kissed her. It was a gentle kiss with a little bit of desperation.

For a moment, Astrid melted in his arms and responded to the kiss but then her eyes snapped open and she took a step back.

Hiccup looked at her, his eyes wide "Did I do something wrong?" he asked.

She bit her lip "No it's just... I can't, Hic. It will just make things worse in the next few weeks"

"Next few weeks?"

She turned to leave "Didn't your father tell you?" she said with a broken voice "I'm coming to Dunbroch as well"

"Do I have to remind you what happened last time this topic came up?" Princess Merida said following her mother on the stairs "Four years ago? Bear? Ring a bell, mother?"

Queen Elinor turned and glared at her daughter "This time is different, Merida" she said in a diplomatic tone "I gave you time and you haven't managed to find a husband. You'll be queen in three months and you need someone by your side. The peace with the Hooligans is a perfect reason to make you marry the heir of Stoick the Vast"

"No, it's not!" Merida exclaimed "Please, you can't make me!"

"That's where you're wrong, Merida" the queen had a stern look on her face "I can. At least this time. You'll marry Hiccup Haddock. Time for freedom is over"

"I HATE YOU!" the young princess yelled frustrated and slammed the door of her room.

Elinor sighed and turned, disappearing in the dark corridors of the castle.

Hope you liked it. As always, review

-Clary Chase