I stayed with Hiccup up until the early evening, when I had to get dressed for the final day of the ball. We didn't do much to be completely honest. There was mostly thinking. After tonight, things are never gonna be the same. I'll no longer live in the Lower Valley, and Hiccup will soon become king, and on top of that, neither of us will ever be single again. We will be together till death do us part. I knew he was scared, only after knowing someone for two months is a quick engagement, especially for someone who has always been alone. 

I look over at him, his brows knitted together, his lips in a tight line. "Hey," I say. He relaxes his thinking face, glancing at me. "It'll be ok. We'll both survive. It's not like we are on trial for horrible crimes. You're just picking a bride." He nods, but still seems troubled. Maybe he's upset he didn't stand up for himself at dinner last night. But I'm afraid to ask him, not wanting to worsen his already uneasy state. 

I slept some too, and when I woke up, Hiccup was in the exact same position he was in when I closed my eyes. I didn't ask him what was wrong then either, knowing he would't want to talk about it, andI don't really want to get into an argument today. And, when it was time for me to go, I simply got up, kissed the top of his head and walked out of the room, neither of us saying a word. 

***

At the bottom of the stairs, all the servants and cooks are in an all out frenzy to move the last trays of food and decorations into the ball room. I weave my way through, making sure not to run into anyone. I can see the hallway in front of me, when I smack into someone. I fall on my butt from the force, the other person much larger than me. I glance up slowly into the piercing eyes of Phlegma, who's standing with her hands on her hips, and slightly bent forward. 

"And where is it you've been all night and day, Miss?" she hisses at me, drawing out the 's' in a snooty, nasally way. 

I get to my feet so that we are closer in height, dusting off my leggings. "Mending all the wounds you all caused at dinner last night," I tell her, scowling. Lying wasn't really worth it. 

She sighs, grabbing my arm and dragging me in her wake to my room. She didn't even argue or yell at me or anything, and it took me by surprise, just letting her pull me. She walks strait into the room, going over to my bed. My friends look up startled at our sudden intrusion into the bed chamber. 

"You will change into this. Shoes are beside your bed. Your hair will be down and brushed. Face washed. Once done, you will meet in the dining room so i can march you to the ball room," she instructs, handing me a white dress. I nod. She makes eye contact with every girl in the room before leaving.         

I stare down at the whit, satin, fabric I'm holding. A sharp pang hits my gut and my breathing hitches. I'm getting married. Thinking about it, and and holding a simple wedding dress are two completely different things. I hold it out away from myself, trying to slow my heart. 

"Astrid, are you okay?" Ruff asks, worried. 

"Yeah," I breathe. "I just realized how real this is. we are finally fulfilling our whole purpose in being here."

"You should be happy, excited, elated," Heather tells me. "You're gonna be a princess. And when Hiccup becomes king, queen." 

"I know. I'm sure it's just nerves. I think the king hates me now too."

"Eh, I wouldn't worry about him. He's the one that did wrong . You just pointed it out to him." Ruff adds. 

"Exactly. I pointed it out to him."

"You need to relax, Astrid," Heather says calmly. 

"Ok."

I change out of my clothes, sliding the short, white dress over my head. I smooth it out, glancing at my friends in the same dress. I plop down on my bed, pulling my braid out and running my fingers through it. I release  a gust of air before flopping back on to my comforter, hair and dress fanned out around me. Ruff and Heather both sit beside me, Cami leaning on the bed rail.

"Spill," Ruff orders. 

"It's jus... What if he picks me and then in a year or two he regrets it. What then? How humiliating that would be to return home after being princess and then queen," I say, throwing an arm over my eyes dramatically.

"Then you'll cross that road if it comes," Heather says. "It wont happen, though. He admires you too much. I wish you could see the way he looks at you when you're not paying attention." She smiles at me as I peek at her from under my arm. "Now come on your highness, lets get you ready," she adds, taking my hands and pulling me to a sitting position.

I nod, heading into the room with the wash bowl. I clean my face quickly, and pull on my heels. I nod to my friends, and we shuffle out the door. "Is it normal to feel like you're on your death bed?" I ask, clutching my stomach, feeling like my heels are incased in solid metal blocks, if that makes any sense. 

I feel like I'm going against everything I stand for. I was going to be a nomad, sail around the world on a ship. I wouldn't need a man. Just me and my new found knowledge. Nobody else. And now, I'm preparing to be selected to say 'I do' and live forever in the same place. If anyone told me I would agree to this about two months ago, I would have punched them. Who knew. 

"I guess," Cami answers. I wipe my forehead with the back of my hand, feeling sweaty.  

"I think it's called cold feet," Heather tells me. "My mother says women get it on their wedding day. It's just nerves." I nod, trying to take slow and steady breaths. 

Everyone is already in the dining hall when we walk down the steps. "Astrid!" several girls cheer, the second they see me. I force a smile, trying to seem like I'm elated. I'm excited no doubt, don't get me wrong. It's just that the nerves are a little stronger at the moment, and I honestly think that Hiccup is in the same boat based on earlier. I mean, this is a huge jump for both of us. 

Ingrid loops her arm through mine, smiling giddily at me. "I am so excited for you. Have you discussed a date yet so I can make sure I'm there?" she asks. 

All the other girls gather around the long table in the middle of the room, it still in the same place as last night. Ingrid plops down in a chair, all the others taking seats in front of me, my friends beside me. They all stare back awaiting answers and/or secrets from last night. 

"Well...." i begin, unsure of what I should and shouldn't tell. "We haven't discussed a date yet." Their faces turn down a little, but the gleam of hope still remains in their eyes. "But, he asked me if I wanted this," I add, motioning to the palace around us. "And, I told him yes." Several girls squirm in their seats, excitedly. "That's not the best part though." They lean forward, wanting to consume every word. "He told me he loved me." Squeals erupt instantly, and it makes me laugh at how many people are excited for the prince and I. I expected solum faces for not being picked. "But, he's been acting weird all day. He hasn't said much at all. He was fine this morning, but the closer and closer it got to the ceremony, the quieter he got. He'd sit with furrowed brows and not move." I shrug. 

"He's as nervous as you are," Ingrid tells me, patting my shoulder. 

"Yeah. He's never done anything like this before either," Faylinn adds.

"It'll all work out!" Jamie calls out. 

"I mean, he told you he loved you," Heather reminds me. 

A loud whistle echoes around the room, making everyones' head fly up in attention. "Line up, girls!" Phlegma hollers, girls instantaneously leaping out of their seats to get in formation. "the ceremony is beginning, and I want you all on your BEST behavior. No arguments," she says, giving me the stink eye, but it eventually softens to normal. "But most importantly, enjoy yourselves. This is the last night we are all together. So, make it memorable." She smiles, before spinning around and marching off, us following in her wake. 

"Smile, Princess," Heather whispers to me, probably noticing my expression, it most definitely not resembling excitement, probably closer to constipation. I nod, faking a smile. 

My heart rams into my ribs the second Phlegma shoves the large, double doors open. Nobles and servants and cooks cover the room. The nobles are dancing, the palace people tending to their needs. I notice the king and queen on their thrones, watching quietly. Valka is calm and smiling. Stoick examines us intently. He points in our direction, saying something about a girl or two, and I wonder if I'm mentioned, and if I am, if it's good or bad. Phlegma orders us to face forward, the music softening a little, the nobles moving to the sides of the large room. 

"Welcome!" Stoick calls, walking down the steps from his throne. He comes to stand in front of us, Valka's arm looped through his. "I am delighted to have you here tonight. My son has put a lot of thought into his decision, and just as you, I am excited to see who will become the kingdom's princess and one day, queen.  And, may she rule wisely and just in her dealings along side my son. May she stand for grace and nurturing and hold my son up in times of need." His words slice at me with every syllable. I'm not grace or nurturing. I'm stubborn and caring though. Can I replace grace with strong? He nods at us, his eyes lingering on me, and I don't know if it's from anger, or horror because he knows Hiccup likes me too. I offer the tiniest hint of a smile. He looks away, glancing at the doors Hiccup came out of last time. 

A trumpet sounds a few moments later, and Hiccup comes sauntering down the staircase. When he hits the last step, my stomach flips. I can't quite catch my breath. The way he doesn't quite focus on one thing in the room, his eyes flitting around constantly, the messiness of his hair even as every other persons' hair in the room, man or woman, is combed nicely. The echoing click of his foot, the swing of his long arms, the two braids behind his ear, the way he's nothing like the noble class he's so highly placed in, and it's like falling in love with him all over again.But, this time.... This time there's no hiding it, because after this, he's mine forever. And nothing can change that. 

He comes to a stop at the end of the row of girls, glancing down the line. I smile, and give a slight wave. The very corner of his mouth turns up, barely visible, just like I did with his father, and I don't know what to think of the action.I grab Heather's hand for support. 

"What's wrong?" she asks, concerned. 

"He's still acting weird," I say, the words catching in my throat some on the way out. 

"My son, Hiccup Haddock the third!" Stoick calls, the room erupting into applause. I let go of Heather in order to join in. "The time has come for him to select a wife! A woman who can be his back bone! The rock of the kingdom!" 

As soon as the clapping dies down, Hiccup walks up and down the line examining us quietly, nodding to each and everyone of us. Probably his way of saying 'I'm so sorry for waisting two whole months of your life for my father to get me to marry someone because he doesn't think I can so it on my own. And I'm sorry I only really spent time with a few of you. Can you ever forgive me?' I smile again when he walks past me, and he finally smiles back. When he's done, he walks back to his parents, hands behind his back. 

"Have you made a decision son?" Stoick asks.

"Yes, Father," he answers. 

"Then lets hear it, then."

Hiccup steps forward staring at me, my smile growing, cheeks flush, eyes shining. "I- I...' 

"Go on, son," Stoick prompts. 

"I-" He clears his throat, trying to calm himself down some, skin as pale as Odin's ghost. "I choose... um... I...." And the more he stutters, the more my smile fades away, the pink leaving my cheeks, the brightness in my irises dying out, but our eyes never leave each others. "I.... I can't do this." And he sprints out of the ball room, pushing through the crowd and out into the hall. 

And my heart shatters into a million pieces, every word he just said, it was like someone plunging a dagger in my heart for every syllable. I step back, feeling light headed and confused, everyone's eyes snapping to me. I want to melt into the cracks in the tiles or evaporate into thin air, the embarrassment of the whole situation. What do I look like to them? A stuck up, foolish girl? A liar? A fake? I don't know, and I don't plan to ask. I shake my head, trying to clear everything. "I'll go find him," I announce. 

"Astrid," Heather says, grabbing my arm, staring at me with worried eyes. 

"I'm fine," I assure her, taking off after him. 

***

I walk back down the stairs feeling numb. He wasn't in his hiding place. I stop at the bottom, looking both ways. "Where would he go?" I ask, playing with my hands in worry. "He obviously didn't want me to find him. So where would he go that his father would look?" It finally dawns on me, my head lifting in determination. "The docks." I take off, throwing the palace doors open as I escape into the fresh air, the clicking of my high heels as I shuffle down the stone steps. my plain, white, wedding frock hugs my body as I run, leaping into the woods, my braid-free hair whipping across my face and tugging on my scalp as I push past the trees in my way. I eventually smack into a wide trunk to slow myself abruptly, my nails digging into the grey bark as I peak out at him. I stay put, afraid to speak, afraid he'll leave me alone again. He tosses a stone into the sea, lobbing it as hard as he can. I suck in a deep breath before stepping onto the dock, the sun beaten wood, warming my bare feet, heels long gone and forgotten. A loose board creeks under my weight, and I freeze. 

Hiccup lifts his down cast head. "I'm sorry Dad. I... just couldn't do it. it wouldn't be fare to her. She deserves better. I uh... I've always hated that saying 'if you love something set it free, and if it doesn't come back then it was never yours to begin with.' She's like that. I love her with all my heart, but it's time to let her go, and I know that once I do, she's never coming back.... It's the hardest decision I've ever had to make. She's like a bird, always moving, only stoping to visit before carrying on. You can's cage her.... Or maybe a wild horse, you can't break her, and she should never be. I wont force her to change, Dad. "  

"That's why you aren't marrying me?" I ask, not sure if I want to hug him for his kindness, or punch him for leading me on last night and embarrassing me in front of everyone. 

He spins around wide eyed. "Astrid. What are you doing out here?" 

"I didn't want you to be alone, and I wanted some answers."

"Astrid, I'm sorry. I'm so so sorry." I decide to go ahead and hug him, my bare arms wrap around his torso like vises. I feel his chin settle on the top of my head. "No one deserves this jail sentence. Especially you."

"but, I want to stay here with you," I admit, glancing at his face. 

"No you don't."

"Yes I-"

"Astrid." He pulls me away from him, hands wrapped around my biceps and holding me at arms length. "I've heard what you want to do if you were to return after all of this. You are going to go home and travel the world, build your school, and have your own family when the time comes. Follow your heart."

"But... I love you," I beg, my voice shaky, finally realizing I'm truly not staying here with him. That I will return home to my boring curriculum and lonely work days. Then my mind flashes to exploring the world and the images of the school I want so badly to build for the Lower Valley. 

Hiccup shakes his head. "You wouldn't be happy here. You would have to sit quietly, hands folded neatly in your lap, chin up, head held high, smiling, no matter how you truly feel inside. It's not a life i would force on anybody. Even an enemy. Please, Astrid. Go home. I want you to live your life to the fullest. Not locked in a palace."

To my annoyance , I see how right he is. I could never go where I please and do as I want without prying eyes and disdainful stares. "Okay," I finally agree, dropping my head. 

"Thank you, Astrid," he breathes out, pulling me back into a hug. "But, don't think I wont miss you for a second. This is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. It would have been so easy to be selfish and keep you here with me."

"I know. I'll miss you too. I'm so proud of you tough. I know whole heartedly you will make an extravagant king." He chuckles lightly, vibrating against me. My eyes fly open, realization sinking in from my words. I pull back, staring wide eyed at him. 

"What is it?" he asks, hesitation leaking into his voice. 

"You have to tell your father." 

His face scrunches up, eventually releasing a sigh. "I know. He wont like it, but I'm not giving him a say."

"Hey, we can do it together," I say, grabbing his chin so that he will look at me. He nods slowly, a nervous glint in his eyes, but it reseeds as quickly as it appears. 

"Shall we?" he asks, holding his arm out. I release a small chuckle, looping mine through as he escorts me back through the woods. "Hey, by the way," he says suddenly, glancing down at me perplexed. 

"Hm?" I hum.

'Where are your shoes?" 

"Oh, yeah. Can we keep an eye out for those on our way back?" He shakes his head in amusement. 

***

The tone had completely shifted by the time we reached the palace and were standing in font of the wooden doors to the kings study. Hiccup sucks in a deep breath between clenched teeth. I squeeze his hand for comfort, silently telling him he can do it. He raises his empty fist, rapping lightly on the door. It swings open before Hiccup can even lower his arm back down to his side. "Dad!" he says, rather loudly, and a little too excited, probably nerves messing with him. 

"Hiccup," Stoick breathes, relieved to see him. He nods stiffly at me, and I shift my eyes away like a scolded child. "Come in, come in." 

I release Hiccup's hand as I follow them into the study. Dark, red wood shelves full of thick, leather bound books cover the room. A desk rests in the middle in front of a window, scrolls and parchment stacked and cluttered over the top. The most beautifully carved chair sits pushed out away from it. A red fabric couch with twirling gold patterns decorate it. I run my hand over the chair in amazement. I have never seen such craftsmanship.

"i'm so glad you came to your senses, son. You really had me go'in there. Truly thought you had lost your mind. So what's the date?" 

I retract my hand from the chair. "That's what I wanted to talk to you about," Hiccup pipes up.

"Good man. Please, sit." I copy Hiccup's motions, as we head over to the red couch. I plop myself down once Stoick has taken his place in the wooden chair. "I noticed you admiring my chair, Astrid," Stoick says, surprising me that he's speaking to me.

"Oh, yes sir," I say, playing with my hands, and my eyes bulge out. "Oh! I mean, You Majesty. Yes, Your Majesty." I exhale loudly, annoyed with my slip up. You're supposed to be patching the holes, Astrid, not pulling at the seams. 

Stoick makes a humphing noise, and I draw inward. "You know Hiccup made it?" he continues.

"I didn't know you were good with your hands like that," I say, my face full of surprise. 

"I spent a lot of time with Gobber when I was younger." 

"Now, back to business. When's the wedding?" Stoick booms, shocking everyone back to what we came her for. 

Hiccup clears his throat, cautiously glancing toward his father's piercing eyes. "That's the thing, um... Dad...." 

"Hiccup...." Stoick grumbles, already reverting back to his usual scowl. 

"We're not getting married...." Hiccup says, slowly releasing every word. 

"Well, then you need to make a decision between one of the other girls. How about that Ingrid girl that got the highest scores on the exams. She clearly knows what she's doing. 

"Actually Dad, her and Astrid got the same scores, Astrid just let Ingrid receive the title," Hiccup interferes.

"How do you know about that?" I ask.

"Ingrid told me while we were dancing during the ball." I release a small smile, my cheeks blushing and hot. 

"Well, she does have the looks of a princess, the poise and grace. The noble back ground. Beside, you complimented each other when you were out on the ball room floor. Perfection in looks. She suits you," Stoick continues, trying so desperately to persuade his boy to chose who he thinks will be right for the role, and I suddenly don't want to be here. Have they had this exact conversation before? Has it always just been between Ingrid and me? I see Hiccup drawing back into himself. I know he forgave Ingrid for what she said about him that one time during bath night, but saying sorry doesn't remove the scars and puncture wounds. "Or maybe even that Heather girl. She would be good too. She was a noble right? I guess Camicazi and raven could work as well. Dee and Macy just seem too young."

By this point I'm seething. He never wanted Hiccup to even consider us Lower Valleys. We're just stupid, mindless, slaves. Hiccup's right. I'm going home and I'm going to change the way people look at us. "What about Ruff, or Faylinn, or Larkin? Layla? Jamie?!" I spit out.

"Astrid, it doesn't matter," Hiccup says, putting a hand in front of me in order to get me to calm down. I send him an icy glare, annoyed that he's basically telling me to shut up. If the king wasn't watching, I'd punch him. "It doesn't matter.... Because I'm not getting married."

"What?!" Stoick barks out, horror stricken. 

"You heard me, Father," hiccup counters, calmly. 

"What is the meaning of this? I do all of this for you. Bring all of the eligible girls in the land to your door step and you just throw it all away? For what?! Some girl?!" Stoick's voice booms, his voice echoing around the room, and I pray no one is close enough to be listening. 

"Hey! She is NOT just some girl!! And, I did it for me too!"

"How so?" Stoick grumbles back. 

"You wanted me to find love here and I did. But, I can't take her freedom just because you want me to be king. And, for now, without a queen. There is no rule that states I need a wife to rule the kingdom. I can do it alone. Well, not alone. I will have the people. I'll bring everyone closer together, stop the separation, open our doors to those who need me. I can do this. I can be king. But, only if you let me do it my way. No body makes my decisions for me, Father. I'm an  adult. I can handle it. I don't need to be controlled and told what to do anymore. Not by you. Or Mom. Or Astrid. Or anyone else. Bt me, and me alone. I need to learn to make my own choices, make my own mistakes. That's the only way to learn. I just need you to believe in me. Let me leave this place to meet my people. I need you to stand behind me, not in front of me. It's time to let go, Dad. I wont let you down. I promise." 

The room falls silent as we wait for a response. Stoick releases an exasperated sigh. "You truly believe this?" he asks Hiccup, solemnly. 

"Yes. I've really put a lot of thought into this. For years. I have it all planned out. I know it will be hard in the beginning and I'll hit bumps in the road along the way, but I don't quit easily. I just need to know you believe in me."

"I told myself i'd do everything in my power to protect you. That I wouldn't go through it again," Stoick mumbles barely audible, and I realize I probably wasn't meant to hear it. "If this is what you want, son."

"Yes, yes. I do."

"Protect him from what?" I speak up.

"Hiccup glances at me, confused. I guess he didn't catch it with his heart pounding so loudly in his ears. "Dad, what's she talking about?" Hiccup asks, bewildered, snapping his head back to his father. 

"It- I...." he sighs again. "It was a long time ago."

"Dad...." Hiccup says cautiously. 

"I had a good reason to do it. I didn't want to lose you, son. The world is a dangerous place. Especially for how small you were, and your status above the people."

"Dad, you're not making any since. I'm confused. Astrid, what is he talking about?"

"I- I don't know," i mumble, as lost as he is. 

"They hurt you, son. Those gods awful people."

"Who? When? I've never left the palace grounds."

"Yes you have. It's how you lost you leg."

"But, you said I was born like this."

Stoick shakes his head slowly, sadness taking over his face. "No."

"Dad, what are you talking about? Why don't I remember this?"

"It was  a long time ago. You were four. I had to go down to the market place in the Upper Valley to trade for some new silks for your mother, and we needed more imported spices and goods. I had talked your mother into allowing me to take you along. We would make a day of it. I would buy some hand made chocolates from the stall my father always took me to, and some new tools for your little hands and a new bridle for Toothless. I had told you to stay close while I bartered for the sweets and the silks that were one stall over. You eventually wandered off of course. A man told you a tall tale about a bridge troll ahead with a shiny sword that could only be awarded to the bravest prince. A story only a child would be naive enough to believe. And so, you got on Toothless to go look for the troll bridge and along the way, Toothless spooked and threw you when the ambush of men jumped in. They didn't do anything to you since Toothless ran off before they could capture him. Your whole left foot was shattered, and you hit your head so hard, it wasn't surprising you had a concussion, being as young as you were. You lost most of the memories you had, and I didn't know how to explain what happened to a four year old. It only would have scarred you.  I'm sorry."

"Then how do you know that's what happened?" Hiccup questions, still confused. 

"Eret and his father saw the whole thing, and came and sought me out. I'm so sorry, son, that I couldn't protect you better. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't wish I could fix it. That's why I never let you out of my sight. I didn't want you to ever get hurt again. Men will do anything when they are desperate and scared and hungry."

"So you locked me in the palace because you messed up?!"

"Hiccup, he said he was sorry," I cut in, calmly. 

"Sorry doesn't change the last eighteen years of my life!" he snaps at me. I jump, startled, and his face softens realizing what he did. "Astrid. I- I didn't-"

"Don't be mad at her, son. I deserve all of your anger." 

"If you agree to my terms, I'll think about forgiving you." Stoick nods solemnly. Hiccup returns the gesture stiffly, getting up, and bringing me up with him. "Goodnight, Father." 

He drags me out into the hall, a scowl plastered on his face. "Hey," I say, digging my heels into the carpet. He stops, looking at me. "Hey. It's okay. He made a mistake. No one is perfect. He just wanted you to be safe because you're so important to him. I know he may have done it in the wrong way, and he may not be the best at showing his love, but you have to forgive him. How would you feel if the most important person in your life had that happen to them? Wouldn't you wan to do everything in your power to keep them from harm?" 

He sighs, squeezing his eyes shut. "I hate it when you're right." He smiles, and a large grin pulls my lips upward. 

"I have to return to my room now. I promised my friends I'd stay up all night with them. You wanna come?" 

He shakes his head, seeming tired. "No. I don't want to intrude. Besides, I have a ton of thinking and information to unjumble before morning when I have to show my face to the palace people again."

I nod in understanding. "I'll see you in the morning then?" I ask, beginning to walk away.

"As long as you want to see me in the morning," he answers.

"I don't know. I'd have to think about it," I say cooly.

He chuckles, our voices ringing in the air, our eyes meeting one more time, before we turn and head our separate ways.      

Hey guys!I'm so so so so soooooooooooooo sorry for taking so long to update. School obviously started and then I got a job, so I've had literally no time to update. But I finally did it! Since I'm on Thanksgiving break! (well it's almost over now) But I hope y'all like this chapter! Sorry if the back story thing is crappy. I tried to come up with something that would explain Stoick shutting Hiccup in and the whole reason he doesn't have his leg since there was obviously no red death attack lol. Let me know how ridiculous that part sounded lol . I like talking to you guys about what y'all think and how i can make things better! Y'all check out my other stories too

***Important****

Guys I'm also thinking about a sequel. What do y'all think? Would y'all read it? If i don't get enough comments saying y'all actually want one, I wont do it cuz I don't want to spend time writing one if no one is gonna read it. :(  ya know? ;D

So y'all let me know!!! see ya next chapter fellow dragonites!!! ;D ;D