Hello everyone, well so much has happend since the last chapter. it took a long time doing this chapter, hopefully i can get the next down soon. hope you have a great day :)

Chapter 3-Dining with Royalty

Merida, Hiccup, Toothless and Angus had been travelling to DunBroch for what was feeling like hours. The sun was setting as the Merida and Hiccup had been chatting and questioning each other. Hiccup asked Merida what Angus was and she was surprised that he never seen or heard of horses.

"Don't you have horses?" Merida questioned.

"No, we don't but our dragons more than filled that role", Hiccup stated.

"Well horses can't fly or breathe fire" Merida commented.

"True but when one accidentally sets one of houses on fire, then you can start to have second thoughts about a species", Hiccup said. He and Toothless were glancing around as they walked, he had to admit, the woodlands were beautiful and he felt like he was at home.

"Speaking of dragons, why do you call him Toothless?" Merida then asked, looking down at them from her horse. She watched as the dragon looked up at her and he's teeth disappeared into his mouth.

"Did I just..."

"Yeah, that's why I call him Toothless" Hiccup explained, "Yeah, I know very original", he added sarcastically.

Merida let out a small laugh. "Well it suits him", she then said. "Are there other kind of dragons or do they all look like him?

"Yes, there all sorts of different dragons, we still finding all kind of breeds" Hiccup said excited whenever he talked about dragons.

"Like what?"

Well, there's Gronckle they are big, like a boulder with little wings, one of my friends has one. Then there a Zippleback they have two heads, one can breathe gas and the other lights it, they are pretty cool. Deadly Nadder, they have great tails in to fight with. Monstrous Nightmare, can light their bodies on fire, it's not good to ride on them then as you can imagine and of course the Night Furry, that's what you are, isn't it Bud" when Hiccup mention Night Furry, his purred happily.

Merida was going to ask more about Toothless when she noticed something in the distance.

"Hiccup look" she told him, pointed ahead. Both Hiccup and Toothless looked up and saw far across water, on a cliff stand a stone castle. A long wall circled the kingdom and Hiccup could see tiny figures of people, even knowing it was the home of his enemies, he really likes the kingdom.

"Wow, its amazing" Hiccup exclaimed, Toothless agreed with him with a purr.

"Aye, there no place like it" Merida said smiley at her home.

"Is there a Royal family live in the castle?" Hiccup then asked.

"Aye, there is" Merida answered.

"I wonder if there's a princess.

"Aye, there is one".

"I bet she's beautiful!"

Merida cheeks turned red, "Well maybe she's not that beautiful, in my opinion, even though her parents tell her she is, I don't think she cares about her looks, sorry, I am rambling on... Well it's nearly dinner time and we have to go".

"Oh ok then", Hiccup replied. As they set off again, down to the path that led to the kingdom.

"We hopefully have some spare rooms for you and Toothless" Merida said as they could see the bridge ahead.

"Yeah, about that, do you know any good places around there for Toothless" Hiccup asked stopping his dragon, this brought Merida and Angus to a stop.

"Why?"

"Well, unless they don't enjoy fighting, hunting and killing. It better hide him to be safe", he heard his dragon complain with a grown.

"He doesn't like that idea", Merida said, smirking. Knowing what Toothless was thinking.

"We can't risk it, Bud" Hiccup said rubbing Toothless's head. They were drawn towards a noise in the distance as the noise drew nearer they could tell it was the sound of horse hooves and the horse and rider could now be seen in the distance.

Before Merida realise it, Hiccup and Toothless disappeared behind a huge bush. She thought that Hiccup was hiding the dragon away from sight. She jumped off Angus as she recognises rider was one of the guards.

"Hello Jamie, are you off with the messages?" Merida said, noticing his satchel, that usually contained letters from the clans".

"Aye your highness, the Queen just gives me a last minute gift for young MacGuffin". He answered looking at the bag before saying, "Well I had better be off. Farewell Princess", and with that, he rode off. Merida made a simple wave after him.

"You're... You're the princess?" Merida jumped slightly when she heard Hiccup's voice. She turned to see a stunned look for on his face. Hiccup had heard everything while hiding with Toothless. "Oh...I...I...I'm sorry. Forgive me princess", he apologised and started bowing rapidly", if I'd have know, I won't have...ur what I'm trying to say...it just...I didn't know". He fumbled his words. The princess could only watch as the boy bowed. She glanced over to Toothless who was just as confused by Hiccup.

"Please don't", Merida quickly said holding out her hands, which Hiccup stopped mid bow. "Look, I'm sorry I didn't tell you but really have never liked all that fuss and people acting like fools around me, so..." Merida explained as she held her fingers, She wasn't sure she was explaining herself properly.

"No, it's ok!", she turned back and saw Hiccup a few feet from her. "It's hard being yourself when everyone else expects you to be different".

Hearing these words, Merida felt comforted. Maybe there was more to this boy! She thought, they smiled at each other then they heard Toothless purring.

"Oh, right let's find a place from Toothless, I think there's a dark part of woods near here", she said as she pointed to her right.

As she started to head in the direction, Hiccup thought over what just happened. He knew being around a Scot was bad, but finding out that she is the princess of the kingdom was worst. If anyone found the truth. He would be put to death instantly, so now he had to be more careful. He told himself that he need to get the tail fin fix and get back home! But he wanted to get to know more about this princess.

"Hey, Hiccup. Are you coming?" He heard Merida called and turned to see both her and the dragon were ahead of him.

"Yeah, hang on", he answered and hurried to join them. They soon reached a small cleaning that had a small cave, Merida explained to them it use to be a bear cave but it's been empty for years, she pointed out at a small river nearby and explained that maybe some fish could be caught there if they were lucky.

Hiccup and Merida made sure that the Night Fury was comfortable and remove the saddle and Hiccup's harness, they went back to get Angus and walked into the kingdom. The Viking was surprised when they walked toward the entrance gate. He could see tents, stalls and stables with people being busy, bustling around.

"So, where do the all the people live?" He asked as Merida led Angus to his stable.

"Some live in the castle but most of the people live near by. Some live out by the fields and the vegetables patches, and so out by the coast so they can catch fish", she explained as she feed her horse and then started brushing him.

"It's, well it's just different from my home" Hiccup said.

"Oh, what's your home like?" Merida asked. He hesitated, he knew he shouldn't mention about the whole Viking thing but he didn't know when to start.

"Ur, well...there so much, I don't know where to start", Hiccup admitted truthfully.

"Well, you can tell me at dinner, now come on" Merida said smiling and then took Hiccup by the hand and pulled him along with her.

Hiccup couldn't get a word in as Merida led him to a door that connected to the kitchens, He saw mostly women preparing food. They all stopped and said "good evening Princess", as Merida past all of them, the women noticed the strange boy with her. Hiccup waved politely in acknowledgement of them before him and Merida went up the stairs and he noticed tapestries covering lots of the walls as they made their way to the great hall. As they reach the hall they could hear voices, the voices getting louder as they got closer.

"Honestly Lass. How is it hard to tell one man sheep from another man sheep? Truly they all looked the same", a man said loudly.

"Well, we need a solution soon or we'll have two farmers at war", a woman's voice answered.

When Hiccup and Merida entered the hall they could see a long table with six seats. At one end was a huge man with a red moustache, he was chewing a chicken leg. At the other end of the table was an elegant woman with long brown hair, surrounded by letters and in three of seats, were three little identical boys each had a mass of red hair. Hiccup instantly knew that they were Merida's family. Merida looked liked her mother, with exception for the red hair she had inherited that from her dad.

Merida let go of Hiccup before she walked up to them.

"Well I think...oh Merida", Fergus was clearly happy to see his daughter. "Your just in time to eat before the boys ate everything", he added chuckle.

"There's plenty dad, for all we know they could have a secret stash underneath their bed", Merida joked looking over to Hamish, Hubert and Harris with a sisterly smile.

"How was trip dear?" Elinor then asked, looking up from the letter, giving a warm smile to her.

"Oh just the usual, riding Angus and shooting arrows and a bit of bad weather!", Merida told them.

Hiccup watched the family as they chatted about their day, he hadn't expected to see the royal family interacting like this, and at home it was just him and his dad so he couldn't help but smile that this scene.

Out of nowhere, the boy heard a loud, angry noise. He then saw two strange creatures covered in fur heading his way. Hiccup backed off as his heart pounded.

"Oh. Leave the lad alone" Merida's dad yelled "chew on this", and he threw some chicken legs to the dogs, the greyhounds were distracted and they turned to eat the meat.

"Merida, who is this boy?" Merida's mother question, she looked at him curious but kindly.

"Oh", she quickly came to Hiccup side and gently pulled him by arm. "Mum, dad, boys. I like you to meet Hiccup".

Fergus nearly let out a laugh but stopped and coughed when he noticed his wife gave him a warning look.

"It's nice to meet, your Majesty" Hiccup said bowed.

The queen softly smiled at the boy before asking "How long have you know my daughter?"

"Actually we just met today", Merida intervened "I found him injured and I had to make sure he was ok"

"Oh dear" Elinor said surprised, not only for Hiccup but also Merida's actions. "Are you hurt?"

"No, no. I have a few cuts and bruises but I'm fine", Hiccup reassured, waving his hands.

"Oh if you're sure", Elinor said, Fergus joined in and stated "You two must be starving, come and sit down".

"Oh no, I don't want to disturb your dinner ", Hiccup said quickly.

"No, I insist, we'll find a chair for you", Elinor insisted and had two servants fetch one and place it next to Merida's seat. The young boy wanted to say no as Merida took her seat but he reluctantly sat down.

"So, Merida, what happened out there?" Elinor asked her daughter.

"I was about to come back when there was a storm, that's when..." Merida began but then...

"That's when her horse got scared and ran off", Hiccup told. Merida looked at him, confused but it clicked. He wanted to protect his dragon.

She showed a knowing smile before telling the story. "Aye, I chased after him and we ended up by the water edge. That's when I found Hiccup".

The rest of family was listening eagerly. "So how do you end up upon DunBroch", Fergus asked Hiccup.

"Well, me and my friend were...Ur sailing when we were court up in storm and landed here", Hiccup answered

"Where is your friend? The Queen asked.

"He volunteered to stay with the boat. it's ok, he can take care of himself"

"Well good, he doesn't need to worry about Mor'du roaming around" Fergus commented.

"The boy has been through enough, he doesn't need to hear about that evil bear", Elinor told him.

As the grownups chatted, Merida got a plate and put some food on it. "Here, there more if you're still hungry", Merida said gently put the plate in front of Hiccup. It was the same food as they had in Berk. Chicken, pork, vegetables and haggis but they seem bigger and full of colour. Hiccup took a small bite of beef and vegetables and he paused, the taste was like fireworks in his mouth. He never had tasted flavours so strong and amazing in his life.

"Are you all right Hiccup?" He heard Merida asked.

"Oh yeah" Hiccup answered swallowing his food. "It just I never thought food could taste so good"

"What foods do you usually have" Merida asked.

"The same but at my home, are food is a bit tougher and bland". Hiccup explained.

"So where do you live Hiccup?" The queen then asked.

Hiccup took a moment before he said "well it's on an island in the middle of nowhere, we have hunting, fishing and a wonderful views especially of the sunsets"

"That's sounds lovely", Elinor said but her face dropped "But your parents Hiccup! They must be worried sick".

Merida notices Hiccup face drop, " It's just me and dad".

"Oh, I'm sorry" Elinor apologise to him.

"It's fine, really." Hiccup said reassuring them. He was used to people knowing what happened to his mum. Of course they wouldn't have known.

Merida could see an uneasy look at Hiccup's face. She thought maybe he never knew his mum, it make her think of when she nearly lost her mum. Merida didn't want this melancholy atmosphere over everyone.

"He'll be fine here" Fergus reassured. "He'll send a letter to his father, saying he's all right and he'll be home in no time".

Hiccup and Merida could see Elinor's face relax. "Right we'll get a room made up for you", then she had two maids sent to set up a room. The rest of the dinner was really pleasant. Merida's parents asked Hiccup question about home but Hiccup was careful to avoid mention some details.

After they finished, Elinor told Merida show Hiccup where his room was . It didn't take long for Merida to find it, Hiccup had a good looked around. The room had a warm cosy feeling, it had a big fireplace, a four posted bed with green curtains surrounding it.

"So do you like it? Is there anything wrong." Merida began ''but...''

Oh no, no, no, it's really nice. It's a lot nicer than my room back home" Hiccup turned and explained, waving his hands.

"Ok" she said a bit relieved. Hiccup walked up to the big bed, he was used to his wooden bed but this bed had a mattress that was so soft.

"My room is down the hall, my parents and brothers are a bit further down and if you need anything, let..." Merida had turned and pointed the hallway but when she'd look back, Merida found Hiccup lying on the bed, already asleep.

She was surprised but then realise that he been through so much today, he must be exhausted she thought. Merida smiled before she closed the door and went to bed.

The next day, in the woods. Toothless who was hanging upside down from a tree, he yawned and opened his tired eyes. He wondered how his best friend was doing when his stomach growled. He had eaten 3 fishes from the river but he had gone to sleep hungry all night. Even though it was a risk, the Night Fury decided to visit the kingdom. It was early in the morning so barely anyone should be around; Toothless managed hide and to slip toward the gate once the way was clear without being seen.

When the dragon saw two humans, men on guard duty, Toothless thought they looked weird, he was used to the Vikings, but their clothes were different, seeing men wearing pleated checked skirts was very strange. As he searched for Hiccup, he sniffed the air until he smelt that familiar smell of fish. He followed it before he reached a door that was open slightly, he pushed it open and found heaps and heaps of recently caught fish, his mouth had began to drewl, he licked his lips, he was very please and he went into the room.

Maudie the head maid had finished mending a dress for the queen. On the way back to the kitchen, she heard odd noises coming from the fish hold. Without thinking she found herself slowly pushing open the door to reveal a mess of knocked over baskets, fish bones and half eaten fish. The creator of this disorder was a giant black monster lizard with wings. Toothless looked up to noticed the shocked maid; he simply smiled to her, Maudie screamed and ran for her life. Toothless looked on confused, he thought she was an odd woman.

Hiccup was having a peaceful sleep and when he awoke, yawned and stretch. He wondered why Toothless hadn't woken him, when he opened his eyes, he realised that he wasn't at home and Toothless wasn't with him as usual. Looking around the room, he remembered yesterday, it all came back to him. Him and Toothless flying in a huge black cloud and ending up in Scotland and now he had stayed in this castle of the enemy. He also remembered Merida finding them; Hiccup began to thinking of the princess but stopped himself. "I should get breakfast now".

Hiccup headed downstairs and was told by one of the guards where breakfast was to be served. He found the King, the Queen and the triples were already eating.

"Good morning Hiccup. Do you have a good sleep?" Elinor asked as she waved her arm gesturing where to sit.

"Good, in fact it the best sleep I ever had", Hiccup said while putting some food on his plate. "Where's Merida?"

"Probably still a sleep, that's where she's usually is at this time of day!" Fergus answered.

"Where I am usually?" They turned to see Merida come in, grinning modestly.

"Oh there you are!" Fergus greeted her as she sat next to Hiccup. "We surprised you're up this early".

"Well, I wanted to show Hiccup around DunBroch while he is here", Merida explained then turn to Hiccup "If that's ok with Hiccup?"

"Yeah, I like to and...", but before he could finished. They suddenly heard someone scream for dear life. The sound got louder and louder and the door burst opened and Mandie ran in. Fergus had jumped up.

"Mandie, are you all right?" The Queen asked getting up and rushing the woman side. Elinor and Fergus began to calm her so she could catch her breath and be able to speak.

Mandie tried to talk but all that came out was "d...d...d...d...d"

"What is to Mandie?" Elinor asked the poor woman, she kept asked but no responses.

This frustrated the king as he held his head, "Ock don't fash , spit it out Mandie".

"...DRAGON!

Hearing this, everyone looked confused except Hiccup and Merida who exchanged worries looks at each other.

"What? You must be working too hard", Fergus said thinking she was just hallucinating but Elinor though otherwise.

"Show us where you seen it" she said nodding a little at her husband.

They encouraged Maudie to go back to the fish hold with some reluctance she lead the way. The redhead could see the fear and worry on Hiccups face, before she could say anything him, they reach the room. Fergus held his sword ready; he swung opened the door and found...Nothing, nothing but a mess of fish.

"Well, no dragon but something has definitely been in here", The King declared. Merida and Hiccup breathed a sigh of relief, knowing the Nightfury got away.

"But it was here!" Maudie protested as she sat on the floor "it was big and black with green eyes and...and...No teeth!"

"NO TEETH" Fergus repeated in disbelief ", what kind of dragon has no teeth".

Hiccup squeezed his eyes when he heard that. Merida did heard him murmured something under his breath, it sounded like "Nightfurrys had retractable teeth"

Elinor knelt down to the maid and patted her hand supportively "Maybe it was a bear that you saw".

"Well if it is, let's hope we go don't go through the whole bear incident again", Fergus said before turning to the guards and telling them to keep an eye out for anything suspicious.

Elinor asked her daughter to help Maudie to her room, Hiccup offered to help. What they didn't notice was Hamish had spotted something in the room; he motioned to his brothers to see. Hamish picked up what look like a black flat stone but it didn't quite feel like one. The triplets soon found more and quickly left to investigate the stones.

Merida and Hiccup helped Maudie into bed while Elinor poured some water for her and told her to the rest as she drew her curtains and they left the room.

"There, with some peace and quiet, she'll be better soon", Elinor reassured Merida and Hiccup as they walked to the kitchen.

"Do you think what she saw was real?" Merida asked.

"Well, from what we all been through, nothing will surprised me", her mother answered.

"Ok, we better head out now" Hiccup then said. He and Merida began to head to the door...

"Wait, take this" Elinor called to them. She gave Hiccup a small parcel. "This is for your friend. He must be hungry being out there minding the boat and be careful there could be a bear about!"

"Well my friend does have a big appetite", Hiccup said which was true. Hiccup and Merida went to get Angus and headed to the forest. It didn't take long for them to find the dragon. Even though Toothless had his back to them, Hiccup knew what he was doing. "Toothless. What were you thinking?"

Heading Hiccup yell, Toothless turned with a fish's tail was sticking out of his mouth. Seeing the evidence, he suck it up and swallowed it.

"Toothless, this isn't Berk. These people have never seen a dragon. So if they found you, they won't think twice of hunting you" Hiccup explained to his friend. Toothless growled in understand of his meaning.

Merida watched them in fascination. Even know the dragon didn't speak, the two were having a conversation. She of course talk to Angus like that but she could feel a special connection between the two. Suddenly a loud growling sound, coming from the Nightfury.

"He still hungry?" Merida thought allowed. She then saw Hiccup rubbing his face in frustration. A thought came to her; she just hoped Hiccup didn't mind her idea. "Well if your still hungry. I know where there is a well stocked burn at this time of year, so you should be able to feed to your heart's content", she told the dragon as she and her horse joined them. This had caught Toothless interest and purred happily.