"And she left you?"

"Yeah." Hiccup affirmed in dismay, muffled from covering most of his face with his hands. Fishlegs shook his head before taking a sip of his black tea.

"I'm sorry, Hiccup. But if that's not an obvious rejection, then I don't know what is."

He stood up from his chair and started pacing, frustrated at the truth. "But I can't just let her go, Fishlegs. She's the greatest thing that's ever happened to me." He said as he stopped by the window.

His father had been adamant that he never talk to Astrid again. He saw no reason for the hatred between the families. He might ask Astrid if he could, but with their current relationship, he doubted she would tell him. Maybe angry at why he didn't know of his family's faults. Or theirs. He didn't know. Whenever he questioned his father about it, he brushed him off and retreated to his study.

Lord Hofferson, from what little information he gathered, was temperamental, especially towards those who even had little of an ounce of connection with the Haddocks. He is bold and unrelenting, even against a man like Stoick. He'll never let Astrid go. Not to him.

"I need to find a way." He said out loud, more for himself.

Fishlegs rolled his eyes, taking a sweet for himself from the table. "You're just finding ways to get yourself into trouble, Hiccup," he said before consuming the tart in one bite.

"Even if I do, I can count on you to get me out, right?" He glanced at his friend with a wide grin.

Fishlegs sighs and takes another sip of his tea. Hiccup couldn't deny it; Fishlegs was right. He was rejected, and Astrid wants nothing to do with him now that she knows he's a Haddock. But he also knew she wanted him as much as he wanted her.

That night, as they shared lips, her hands all over him, and their tongues chasing each other for a taste. The sounds she made were enough to keep him awake at night, wishing he could see her again.

"If you're fantasizing about her right now. Can you please not do it in my office or in front of me?" Fishlegs said, entirely unamused.

"I wasn't!" Hiccup raised his voice defensively as he shrugged.

"Of course," Fishlegs grumbled as he stood and retreated to his chair behind the massive mahogany table. At least his work might give him some level of distraction from his obsessed friend. As Hiccup considered heading home, he smiled as a plan emerged from his mind. He was definitely going to need Fishlegs for this.

The crowd outside was still bustling with excitement for the upcoming Snoggletog. In celebration of the holiday, the king announced another party to be held in the castle's great hall on the first day of the new year. The event would serve as a thanks to the Aesirs for their many blessings throughout the past year.

Two months. If he could, maybe by then, he could have Astrid in his arms. Maybe not, but a little wishful thinking wouldn't hurt.

Hiccup's attention was drawn to the street. A group of oddly dressed soldiers dragged a slave forward while he yelled in an unknown language. Their clothes were different from the rest of the normal soldiers. The insignia they bore caught his eye.

A golden symbol of a snake coiled around the blade of a sword to its hilt adorned their blue uniforms.

He heard that a new decree had been passed by the king. A new line of soldiers specifically tasked with eradicating the rebellion within the city. This was the first time he had seen one, as the speaker in the town square did not describe their appearance or provide any information on their location and operation.

Rumors about the effectiveness of the new bailiffs were circulating. Gathering information from captured dragons with ease, finding their locations in mere days, and locking them all up before they could even say "Ragnarok."

"There's been a lot of dragon arrests lately," Hiccup mused as he stared at the now disappearing group. Fishlegs didn't spare him a glance, continuing to look through his documents.

"It seems it has something to do with the rebellion in Caldera Cay. I heard that some of the members moved here to start another one."

Don't they ever stop? Even when he was at school, all the houses they burned and people they've killed and stolen from. They did it all in cold blood, and he saw some of those events unfold before him. His father was right; they're just like animals.

His thoughts were interrupted as the Ingerman sisters came inside with mischievous smiles. They quickly surround him, giggling.

"You didn't tell me we had a guest," Lunda hooked her right arm around his.

"Would you like to accompany us to the playroom?" Hilda latched onto his left arm with less grace than her older sister, trying to bat her eyes at him.

"You don't happen to have any plans this afternoon, do you, Mr. Haddock?" The oldest, Faye, was a head taller than Hiccup, and as equally single, she was even more interested.

"H-Hiccup is fine." He nervously chuckled, taken aback by the sudden attention. He looked at the three, anxiety bubbling up like a storm. "No, but I—"

"Well then, you are welcome to join us."

"The Jorgensons will be having a party this next weekend. Will you be there, too?"

"Party?" He questions, but there is not enough time for him to think as the three drag a hapless Hiccup out of the room.

"Uh, Fishlegs?" He called for help, but they were already out the door before Fishlegs could reply.

Astrid gazed up at the massive home of the Jorgensons. The lights cast a comforting warm glow, a contrast to the inky black sky and the blistering cold of the night.

Astrid follows Heather up inside the main hall of the estate, revealing it to be filled with people chatting away. The murmurings and clinking of wine glasses remind her of kisses and tender touches under the dim light of the moon.

She hardened her heart at the thought.

Not a few moments after stepping into the room, the two girls were surrounded by equally eager admirers and suitors. All asking about her dress or what she had been up to lately. If it were any other day, she would've had the energy, but knowing she was in the Jorgenson Estate didn't help with her mood.

The Jorgensons always had an air of superiority despite their lack of popularity. They held a small amount of power, an army for Spitelout's role as a lieutenant general, and a few prize villages for his short conquests. The Haddocks, however, had more control over the king's army. High General Stoick was a man of power and strength, and she had already heard from her maids how their brothers revered him for his leadership.

There was a possibility Hiccup might be present at the party, too. The Jorgensons, though they had been rumored to have a rocky relationship with the Haddocks, were still one of their closest friends.

Finn insisted that Astrid go to the party only because the Jorgensons were one of their oldest patrons at the meadery; keeping a good relationship with them would be for the greater good of their business.

"Thank you, Mr. Kramer."

"No need. A beautiful flower such as you wouldn't need me for reminders." He smiles widely, revealing his crooked teeth. His enjoyment was short-lived, and his eyes affixed behind her. Noticing other people's gazes, she followed it and caught sight of the dreaded young man, practically strutting inside with his usual arrogant gait. Following behind him appeared Hiccup, also dressed in his proper dinner clothes.

His suit fit snugly to his physique, making him look more muscular; his shoulders broader and his waist slimmer. The suit gave him the illusion of power, countered by his soft, gentle gaze. His hair was much less tousled than when she first saw him. It was combed neatly making him look more elegant, richer, handsomer.

He was right; he's a charmer.

Hiccup placed his hands behind him, his eyes brightening when they landed on hers. Any girl in his line of sight could have taken his wide smile, but Astrid knew it was meant for her.

A surge of heat rose from her chest to her cheeks. She turned away from him before her desire got the better of her and she abandoned everything her uncle taught her.

This is going to be a tough night.

Snotlout had thankfully stopped harassing him when they finally arrived back at his home, flaunting how his estate was grander and more expensive than the Haddocks' as they pulled to a stop.

Stepping outside the carriage, the gravel beneath him gave a satisfying crunch. He rubbed off any invisible dust on his suit, ensuring he looked better than in the banquet. It was the first time he felt nervous and uncomfortable in his suit despite the times he was at a party.

He looks up and sees the familiar grand manor. A wave of nostalgia overtakes him. Memories of a younger Snotlout pushing him and stealing his things before scampering off while Hiccup tried to find his mother in tears. The last day he'd seen his mother alive was in this house.

He could almost see that day again. Her brown hair braided, the corners of her eyes crinkling from her fond smile, and her eyes gentle and full of life. Goosebumps littered his skin from the touch of her warm embrace.

His father wasn't even present the day he left for Caldera Cay, but she was there. Remorseful that she had to send her son so far away from home. Promising to visit him often. She died from the house fire soon after he left.

"What's wrong, mutton brain? Finally realizing my greatness?"

Hiccup's eyes settled back to the shorter man who was standing a few steps ahead of him. Snotlout's arms were on his hips, with his aura of pride radiating without hindrance. Hiccup scoffed as he rolled his eyes.

"Really? I didn't see it. Maybe you meant your lack of height? That. That's much more obvious." He replies with a grin, walking up the stairs past him.

"What?! Hey!" He hears him yell from behind before hearing fast footsteps running past him and up to the door as he mutters that he was supposed to go first. It was these rare moments that Hiccup kind of appreciated Snotlout's distraction.

Annoying but effective.

Following him inside, Snotlout spots his new conquest. A daughter of an earl not too far from where they were. With his so-called "charming flare," he claims he could easily take her attention and have fun with her tonight, unlike his scrawny cousin.

"Let me show you how it's done." He said before smacking him from behind, knocking the wind out of him.

Hiccup groaned, glaring at his cousin, and stepped inside after him. The party went smoothly, with people sharing smiles and laughter. The yellow tint of the gas lights lit the room brighter than any candle or oil could. The air is scented with expensive perfumes, flowers, and wine.

Seeing Snotlout go off on his own, Hiccup looked around the room and spotted her among the crowd. Astrid had worn a different dress this time, with her signature blue color, but now paired with golden laces at the ends of her sleeves and intricate golden floral and swirling patterns along the dress.

He smiled at her but was reciprocated with a glare, averting her eyes elsewhere. Unsurprising, he hoped she would at least be civil with him. He sighed before taking his usual spot close to the window, out of anyone's way.

He was used to gaining less attention from his actively social peers. It was almost second nature to him, and it didn't really bother him that he was treated this way. In fact, he feels much more relieved as he had more time to think of his current predicament with Astrid, and maybe finally consider taking part in his future role after graduating.

He could be a soldier like his father, but he wasn't much of a fighter. He barely passed in shooting and fencing, and his skill lacked experience and grit. Compared to an experienced soldier, he'd be dead in less than a minute.

His ears perked from the sound of laughter nearby. He notices the gazes of the women of a nearby group, whispering to each other as they giggle. Young girls about his own age, dressed in pastels with matching colorful flower hair combs. He returned their smiles, coloring their cheeks even brighter.

It hadn't been the first time women had looked at him that way, nor the first time he had shared lips with. Caldera Cay had provided many opportunities for such adventures, but there was only one person he wanted to have that forever with. The problem was Astrid seemed to be taking her duty seriously.

He wasn't angry, but it was frustrating. He understood that she had chosen her family first. As someone with only one family member to depend on, he knew what it felt like to surround his entire life chasing after their approval. It seems Astrid was no different.

As his politeness was taken out of context as an invitation, the young girls soon went sauntering their way to him. Lightly fanning their faces, fluttering their eyes, and walking with what grace and elegance they could muster.

"I heard you're a very smart man, Lord Haddock."

"You flatter me, miss."

"My name is Sylvia, Lord Fern's daughter. I finished my own schooling at the New School for Girls in Caldera Cay."

"Really?" He forced out a smile, trying not to stand too close to the other girl who was eyeing him like a treat.

"Good evening." Another girl approached the group, who was much more direct than the other two. "I've been told you have a keen interest in horse riding. I would love to have a lesson with you."

"I'd love to, but I would have to check my schedule for that." He replied with a very apologetic look, but not before getting pulled into another woman's attention.

"Lord Haddock?"

"Excuse me, Mr. Haddock?"

"Y—yes?"

He was absolutely swamped. He might have experience dealing with women, but not a crowd of them fighting for his attention.

Still he tried his best. He gave every girl a moment of his time, making sure to give them at least a laugh or two and a few compliments. Not before long, the conversation moved along well enough that he was also enjoying his time.

Across the room, he caught a glimpse of blue staring at him. Astrid stood beside her friend who was talking away, not realizing she was more focused on him.

He struggled to concentrate on the conversation, not when Astrid looked utterly breathless with her fiery gaze. He couldn't deny the thrill of elation in his chest just from looking at her.

A comforting glow of a fire in the middle of the night. The warmth of a scarf from the breeze of incoming winter. A sweet, cold treat in the midst of burning summer heat.

He smiled back and for a moment, he felt at ease. She made no response except taking her friend's hand guiding her as they walked away, disappearing among the crowd.

His heart felt lighter despite the brief interaction, and he returned his attention to the confused woman in front of him.

"What were you looking at?" She looks behind her from where he was looking; Astrid's fleeting figure gone from sight.

"I think I saw a Valkyrie."

Despite Astrid's dislike for scruffiness, she had the urge to ruffle his hair back to its unruly state. It reminds her of the brief moment she saw how messy his hair was from her roaming fingers during their kiss and his futile attempt to fix them. The thought of it was bittersweet, and the sight of him now mocked her for what she couldn't have.

"Mr. Haddock got famous rather quickly, don't you think?" Heather mused as they watched the young lord talk with the other girls. His smile was wide, and they could hear the laughter and giggles even from their distance.

"I'm not surprised." Astrid links her hand to her elbow, careful to balance the wine glass in her hand. "He is a duke's son and a university graduate. It won't take long until he fancies someone and marries by the end of the year."

"You don't sound so happy." Heather had a mischievous grin, taking a brief glance at her. Astrid responded with a roll of her eyes.

"I'm just upset Haddocks are going to multiply and ruin what good blood left we have in this city."

"You sound so much like your uncle," Heather remarked in a joking tone. They continued to observe the young lord with keen interest. Astrid felt her heart skip a beat, thinking if Heather had caught on.

It's not as if she doesn't trust her to keep it a secret. Heather knew what would happen if Astrid's uncle ever found out. No. She was more worried about how her friend felt about him. Heather wasn't one for talking about men and rarely to even admit it. If she did harbor feelings for him, as her friend, Astrid was willing to set herself aside.

"I heard from the Ingerman sisters this afternoon that he's amazing at playing the organ. Do you think he'd be interested in playing a song together?"

Astrid lets her ramble as she observes him from across the room. He was surrounded by admirers fawning over him. Talking to him. Touching him. While she was only allowed to admire him from afar. Their laughter felt like needles, taunting her.

He catches her gaze. His lips curved upward, and his green eyes glinted on her with a sense of relief. It felt like it was just two of them again for a moment.

If she tells Heather, would she be happy for her?

"Good evening, Mr. Haddock." A black-haired lady greets him with a silky voice, her green dress flowing with each step. He instantly recognizes her as the girl Astrid was always with.

"Hello, Miss...?" He extended his hand, which she took with a bright, bashful smile. Her gloved hands delicate around his.

"Heather Oswaldson."

"Oh." His brows shot up. He's heard of her before during his time in Caldera. An unexpected songbird from a family like the Oswaldsons. To think she was related to a man like Dagur definitely raised a lot of people's interest.

"Very nice to meet you. I heard you have a lovely voice. Do you perform a lot?" The music for the upcoming dance grew louder, and he stepped closer and leaned down a bit to hear her better.

"Only as a pastime." She shrugged, her cheeks red as she looked away from his gaze.

"That's a shame. I know someone who would've loved to hear your voice."

"I don't know. That sounds embarrassing."

"How about a private performance? For two. If you'd much prefer that."

"I might think about it." Her mischievous smile takes Hiccup's interest but says nothing as he nods in agreement.

Fishlegs loved opera and theater plays just as much as he did. He'd be ecstatic to know that Hiccup had just landed them a private performance from the one and only Songbird of the North.

Heather beamed at him, and he noticed the other young girls with more color on their cheeks looking at him more dreamily. Except for Astrid, who was listening to the conversation with a stony expression. Had he done something inappropriate?

Wait. How long was she standing there?

"Good evening, Miss Hofferson." He greeted, quietly cursing himself that he hadn't noticed her presence sooner.

"Mr. Haddock." She replies, sounding less of a greeting and more of a statement. She tries to smile, yet lacking in enthusiasm. He felt his palms sweat, his heart beating out of his chest as he thought of anything to keep talking to her.

"How'd you like the party?"

"I've quite enjoyed myself. Thank you for asking." Her eyes grew sharper as she crossed her arms.

"I'm sure my uncle would love to hear that."

"Speaking of, I never knew the Haddocks were related to the Jorgensons." He was surprised she hadn't known that, and yet thankful.

"Cousin twice removed, and honestly, I wish sometimes I was removed altogether."

"No wonder I see a similarity between you two."

"You flatter Snotlout too much, Miss Hofferson. One would think you have some feelings—"

"Don't even think about finishing that sentence." Her steely gaze halted him which he replied with a mischievous smile.

"Speaking of, had Snotlout asked for a dance, m'lady?"

"Fortunately, no."

"In that case, may I have the honors for tonight?" He extended his hand to her, waiting hopefully that she'd say yes. She looks down on his offered hand back to his face, seemingly questioning herself whether to take his request or not.

"You're quite bold to think I'd say yes."

"Why? Do you think I'm too good for you?"

"Hardly." She scoffed, a smirk on her lips as she rolled her eyes. An achievement he'll take for tonight.

"Is that a yes then?" He steps forward, closing the distance between. She notices what he was doing and steps back, her smile gone.

"My dance is already taken by someone else, Mr. Haddock."

He shakes off the disappointment with a shrug and keeps his smile. Admittedly, he got a little greedy, and Astrid closed off quicker than he thought she would.

Seeing the anticipation of the other women, he turns to Heather instead.

"Miss Oswaldson?"

Heather froze for a moment, glancing between him and her friend. Astrid mouthed a silent "go" to her, but despite the encouragement she declined his request.

"No, thank you."

"That's a shame."

From the corner of her eye, she could already tell Astrid's flabbergasted look. Just in time, the dancers took positions in the middle of the room and Astrid took her leave.

Thankfully, the other women had given up expecting Hiccup to ask them for a dance and found their partners somewhere else. The crowd around him dissipated, leaving him and Heather alone on the side.

He felt her eyes linger on him with curiosity.

"Can I ask you a personal question?"

"Depends on what you're asking."

"Are you... interested in anyone?"

"Oh." His eyes were evasive, the panic obvious on his face.

"It's not me, is it?" Heather's voice was low and solemn. Her eyes filled with hope despite the disappointment already in her tone. He didn't want to break her heart, but lying wasn't any better.

"I..."

"I understand." She quickly replied, hiding the pain in her heart with tepidity.

"I'm sorry." He replied with a low voice. He didn't intend to hurt her, but telling her the truth would be better. She sighs and leans her weight to her other foot. Her expression changed from solemn to annoyance, clicking her teeth.

"It's not your fault. At least I know this early in time." He didn't reply. The awkwardness lingered in the air between the two of them before Heather asked him another question. "Does she have a name?"

"You're not going to fight her, are you?" He says with a breathy laugh in an attempt to soften the tension.

"That depends on who it is."

His brows scrunched with uneasiness and hesitance as his hand fell on the back of his neck. "I think you know her very well." His eyes kept traveling to the group of dancers.

"I do? Who?" she asked, quite surprised at the revelation.

"I... I can't tell you."

"Why not?" She steps closer to him.

"Because... I don't want you both to fight. You two have something I don't, and I don't want you to lose that with her because of me." He explained with a gentle smile, yet a sense of longing hidden within.

Share something he doesn't?

She follows his gaze to the dancers and sees her friend. Astrid was graceful in her steps. Her movements were languid, holding her footing with neither a tremble nor a misstep. Every lift of her hand and a step of her feet, she followed along in tune with the music. It was the epitome of perfection. Years of practice under the scrutiny of her tutors and Finn's discipline gave her that.

It wouldn't be shocking if Mr. Haddock fell in love with her. Despite that it was his first conversation with Astrid, he acted as if he already knew her and was much bolder in his attempts than she had seen him with any other girl he talked to.

She returned to watch his expression as he admired the dancers with a different type of smile than she had seen on his face tonight. It was more calm and natural. She would have assumed it was because of her if he hadn't revealed he loved someone else.

But it couldn't be Astrid... Could it?

Their families had been known enemies since the death of Astrid's parents. From the whispers she's heard, the cause of the murder in the Hofferson estate had something to do with the Haddocks and the death of Stoick's wife. How those two incidents even correlated was beyond her. A rumor is all it is most likely.

Despite the mystery of the true cause of the families hatred with one another, one thing is for certain; Finn wouldn't hesitate to mount Hiccup's head on a wall if he heard of his intentions.

"Don't you think that's dangerous?"

Hiccup hadn't taken his gaze away from the dancers as he responded. "Dangerous?"

"That you're pursuing her?"

He chuckled, amused by what he thought was a bluff. "Isn't that normal in Berk? Chased around by your future father-in-law with an axe?"

"If the father you're referring to is Finn Hofferson, an axe would be the least of your worries."

His eyes widened as his head snapped towards her. The amusement on his face was gone, taken aback by her quick inquisition.

"How..." He stops himself as if choosing a correct answer among the invisible floating words in front of him. Until finally, he could only continue the same question lingering in his mind. "How did you know?"

There was nothing to deny the truth, and his response only solidified her theory. It was her.

"I guessed it right."

"Guess? So you were bluffing."

"It's not my fault, Mr. Haddock. Your face is quite obvious."

"It is?!"

Heather burst out laughing. Hiccup sneered with a smirk and rolled his eyes when he realized she was playing with him. When her chuckle faded down, their gaze returned to the dance floor.

"So it is her." She mused. "Aren't you worried her uncle might send someone to kill you?"

"Somehow, I don't doubt that. But..." He nervously laughs before looking towards Astrid, who is just about to finish the last spin of the dance, bringing it to an end. "I love her, and I won't be letting go anytime soon." His face was filled with determination as if the force that fueled his demeanor were the gods themselves.

What doubt she had of his fortitude was melted by his simple admission.

"I'll be rooting for both of you then."

"You're not angry?"

"It is somewhat demoralizing. But you might be the man for her."

"Really? And why's that?"

"You're the only one mad enough to do it. Reminds me of the twins."

"Excuse me?" His hand on his chest in mock offense, his smile wide on his face, making her laugh.

"Don't worry, you'll know what I mean when you meet them." There was mischief in her eyes, and he couldn't help but feel nervous at that. Who were the twins anyway?

"You two are getting along well." Astrid joins them, the two not realizing that the dance had just finished.

"Time flies when you're having fun."

"Likewise." Hiccup nods in agreement.

"I quite enjoyed my time with you, Hiccup."

"Me too, Miss… Heather." He corrected himself. Astrid watched the two as Heather stood closer to him.

"About that private performace, do you wanna come by this weekend?"