Hiccup, the Womanizer (A Httyd Fanfiction)

Chapter 24: Queen Arianna

A/N: I think it's safe to say that I'm tunnel-visioned, and I've been so focused on Hiccup, that I'm not giving the other characters enough time in the sun, sorry about that! Rest assured, I'm gonna be giving the other characters more time to shine, promise! In this chapter, however, Hiccup hooks up with Queen Arianna. That, and things are gonna heat up, plot wise. Anyway, let's get to it!

(Normal pov— Rome)

Prince Haehmund could not express the joy he felt as his carriage was approaching the city of Rome, home of the Catholic Church. Ever since his capture by the Vikings, he had dreamt of breathing the air of his home, returning to the city, and being by his adoptive father, Pope Stephanus Quintilius, as they sought to spread their influence throughout the West and beyond. Not only did he desire this, but he also thought that now was the time to seek out a wife for his own. After all, if he were to inherit his adoptive father's position as Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, he would need a strong, faithful woman by his side to help him in trying times.

Upon entering the city and receiving a warm welcome home from the citizens and soldiers of Rome, Haehmund exited the carriage and raced to the palace where he and his adoptive father resided, along with those who resided in Stephanus' inner circle. Expecting to find Stephanus in his studies, the prince raced to the palace library, only to find there was nobody there. After checking all of the places his father would be within the palace, Haehmund was struck with concern when there was no sign of his father.

"Prince Haehmund?"

Turning around to lay eyes on one of his father's most trusted friends, Haehmund smiled. "Ah, Marcus. Have you seen my father? I can't seem to find him anywhere." Noting how his father's closest friend looked saddened, Haehmund realized what this meant. "N-No. He's dead, isn't he?" The old man before him nodded in confirmation. "How?"

"Plague. There was an outbreak within the city, near the marketplace, last month. Luckily we were able to handle it. Unfortunately, your father was there to procure provisions, only to catch the plague that killed over a thousand people within these walls."

Sighing heavily, Haehmund felt tears pooling in his eyes. Stephanus was not only a fierce warrior in his youth, but because of his position as pope of the church, he was kind and compassionate to all within the city, himself included; he remembered being scooped up from the streets and being named heir to the Roman Catholic Church. To lose a man like Stephanus... it was a loss that would be keenly felt, especially to those who considered the man as a father.

"As of this moment, you are prince no more, Pope Haehmund."

Looking at Marcus, the newly appointed pope released a shaky exhale. "I had thought I would have more time before taking on this... monumentous honor and responsibility, Marcus."

Placing a hand on the young pope's shoulder, the old man smiled. "I understand. But you have been preparing for this day ever since Stephanus took you in. I have faith in you, and I believe that you will do great things. The question is, do you believe it?" Recalling how much faith his father had placed in him made the tears Haehmund tried to hold back spill down his cheeks. After wiping away his tears, the new pope smiled as he nodded at Marcus. "Good. Believe in yourself, Haehmund, or no one will. I shall gather the nobles and make preparations for a proper ceremony marking your rise as Pope of the Roman Catholic Church." Before Marcus took his leave, he looked over his shoulder. "Until then, rest and eat. Your journey home must have been exhausting."

"You have no idea, old friend."

Once Marcus left the new pope to himself, Haehmund walked to the nearby balconies which overlooked the city. All of this, Rome and the Catholic regime stationed here were sacred. At some point, Haehmund knew that he would need to prepare a new army to combat the heathen king, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, and his Vikings. Not only that, but he would also need the soldiers here to inform him of the True Romans and if they've made an attempt to sack Rome. The True Romans were a faction whose ancestors were the caesars of old and who believed that Rome was theirs to inherit, not the Roman Catholic Church. If the True Romans were allowed to sack the city and revert its people to their idol-worshipping, depraved way of life, then Christendom in the heart of Italy would be lost.