Chapter 25

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"My name is (Y/ N) (L/N), but many of you know me as Silence," I began, boldly. "When I was thirteen, my parents died in a fire. My uncle and aunt took me in, but I still became depressed and felt alone. I felt like life was worthless and not worth living. In fact, I was going to end my own life the day I met Harley."

I looked back to smile at the happy child in the man I love's arms, resting his head on Hiccup's shoulder.

"No one knows who his birth parents are. No one even knows where he came from. Still, no one bothered to step up and take care of the baby barely able to stand on his own. My village was going to abandon him, leaving him to die."

The King's eyes narrowed, taking in and processing my story.

"I stepped forward, being a mere fourteen years old, to take care of the baby. I've worked diligently to keep a roof over his head, food on the table, and love to help him grow. While- biologically- he's not mine, in heart, he is my son, my baby boy, and I will not give him up no matter what. I will protect him because he needs me; because he can't protect himself just yet; and because I don't need my blood in his veins to give him the home and love every child deserves.

"And if your son is willing to do the same, you should be proud," I chastised. "A strong and kind heart is what this kingdom needs, and if you can't see that, you're gonna be the reason the mighty palace falls."

There was a short silence before applause started, echoing in the night. He was still uneasy. My story had done little to change his mind.

Hiccup noticed and stepped closer, wrapping his arm around my waist.

"She's right, Dad," he agreed. "And if I can't marry Silence, I'm not marrying anyone."

The King narrowed his eyes in anger at being defied. "Son-!"

"No!" Hiccup shouted, surprising everyone. No one dared to whisper to their neighbor as his green eyes burned with determination. "I either choose the girl I love to wed, or you'll be looking for a new heir."

The King's eyes widened and he took a tiny step back in shock. "Wh- Son?"

"Hiccup-," his mom started.

"That's right," he confirmed. "If I can't marry Silence, I will step down from the throne."

"You will not!" the King roared.

"Try me!" Hiccup challenged. "I have done my best to be the perfect son, the perfect heir. But I will gladly throw everything away if it means I can stay with Silence and Harley. And don't even dare try to say that's not what a king does, because you married for love, too!"

His eyes glanced over at his wife's, seeing his son's point. He had married for love, despite his wife's low status. But his son's beloved had a child.

"And the kid?"

"I will treat him as my blood," Hiccup stated, firmly. "But, no, he is not of Silence's blood, as you heard."

"So, she is-?" he asked, but his eyes were bright and his tone teasing,

"Dad!" Hiccup screeched, blushing profusely. I couldn't help but giggle at his embarrassment.

Seeing me laugh at his joke,  the King smiled softly at me, nodding his approval to his son. "Alright. I approve."

I was turned to face said boy, as he knelt back onto his knees, Harley rested on his leg as he pulled out a simple but beautiful ring.

"So, mi'lady, what do you say? Will you be my Queen? Can I be a father to Harley?"

"Say yes, Momma!" Harley demanded, making everyone laugh.

I let a bright smile, my eyes sparkling in the light from the balcony. "Yes."

With minor difficulty (thanks to Harley), he slipped the ring onto my left hand and stood up to kiss me. The cheering faded as I focused on the man I loved with all my heart, pulling away as our adopted son patted our cheeks for attention.

We pulled away, laughing, and Hiccup pulled me close. "Thank you for making me the happiest man alive."

"Thank you for giving us a chance," I replied. "I thought for sure I'd be alone the rest of my life- with just Harley to keep me company."

He pecked my lips. "Never. I'm never letting either of you go, mi'lady, I promise."

I smiled, "I'll hold you to that."

"Too!" Harley cheered.

"So, mi'lady, how about the three of us go back and finish our dance?"

Silently, I nodded, letting him carry Harley through the window. We walked peacefully side by side back to the ballroom, cheers and applause deafening us as we entered.

"So, mi'lady, would you care do dance?"

I let out a quiet laugh and took his hand, resting my other hand on the arm that held Harley to his side. Together, we danced as the others slowly joined us and the musicians performed at their finest.

"Please, don't tell me you're going to go back to being Silence after this," he begged, his eyes still bright with happiness.

I gave a guilty smile for an apology.

He smiled, kissing my nose real quick. "Just kidding. I love you just the way you are, whether you talk or not- or, should I say when- is entirely up to you."

I smiled my thanks.

"Anything for you, my dear." He pulled me close to him, Harley resting his head on Hiccup's shoulder while clutching my dress sleeve with one hand.

"Momma. Da Da," he murmured, smiling. "Happy."

"I'm happy, too, bud," Hiccup cooed, kissing his head.

I kissed his cheek, showing I agreed with them.

Harley's eyes fluttered closed then open then closed again, fighting to stay awake the later it became. I frowned, worried, and pulled my hand free to lay against his forehead. He didn't seem warm, but he usually had a nap while I was away and was wide awake at this time.

"I woke him up from his nap early and snuck him out to get him dressed up for tonight," Hiccup admitted, and I double checked Harley's outfit, seeing him in a soft, neat, deep blue suit. "Don't worry."

I let out a small laugh, shaking my head at his silliness. The song ended- we had been dancing through many songs before Harley finally fell asleep- and we slowed to a stop.

"May I please hold my new grandson?" Hiccup's mother interrupted, her eyes hopeful.

Hiccup looked to me for my answer, and I nodded. Carefully, Hiccup handed Harley to the Queen, Valka. "He's sleeping, so he careful," Hiccup advised.

Valka laughed quietly, resting Harley's body against her side, cooing as he stirred. "Hiccup, I know how to hold a child."

"Oh, right," he blushed. "Sorry, Mom."

"I can watch him for a while. You two enjoy your night," his mom volunteered, walking back up to the Queen's thrown, beside the King.

A new song started, and Hiccup pulled me in close to sway to the slow melody. I watched as his parents leaned close together, watching Harley sleeping with soft smiles, quiet laughs, and love- filled eyes.

"They'll love him as their own," he promised, catching my gaze. "They'll accept him, Mom will make sure of it. Don't worry, Silence."

I nodded, satisfied, and looked away, resting my head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat as well as the music as he laid his head on top of mine.

"I love you, Silence," he whispered.

"I love you, too."

As the night progressed, the girls took their turn playing the song they had been practicing since our arrival. It was kinda pointless, but we had all worked hard preparing for this moment, so we were going to have it. I was last to perform, standing in front of a bored audience. They were ready to move on.

So, naturally, I played an upbeat song, demanding their attention. It wasn't the song I planned on playing, but my music was perfect. People clapped and danced a jig to the song. The crowd cheered when the song came to an end, and I was brought into a pair of strong arms.

"You are amazing," Hiccup smiled.

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