How To Train Your Princess

I'd Like to Make a Toast!

"Are you excited for dinner tonight?" I ask curious, running my fingers through the silky hair. 

"I'm not sure," he admits, and I pause for a moment, not expecting that answer.

"Why?" I add, pulling his bangs back on his scalp so i can braid it.

"You're not gonna make me leave that one in too, right?" he asks, anxious.

"No," i smile. "Why are you not sure?" i repeat, returning the conversation back. 

"Um, well...," he trails off, staring up at his ceiling as if he has tacked all the answers in the universe up there. "This is the first time all of you will actually meet my dad. It's not like the ball where he said five words and that was it."

"What's so bad about that?" He meets my eyes, tilting his chin up some from where his head is in my lap. 

"You'll see what I mean," he answers. I undo his braid, leaving his hair alone. He sighs, closing his eyes suddenly. We are quiet for a while before I shatter it with my never ceasing curiosity. 

"Why don't you come to my room anymore?" I ask. 

He opens his eyes, creasing his eyebrows in thought. "Well, we have both been busy preparing for the ball, and then we've hung out during the day because of the ball." I nod. 

"Why have we been coming in your room lately?"

He glances at me before answering. "Your friends aren't here staring me down and breathing down my neck."

I laugh, throwing my head back. "They do want what's best for me," I admit.

He looks at me again, but he's not smiling. "I want what's best for you too," he tells me. It didn't sound like he was trying to make me think he is just as good as my friends. It was more of a statement. Short and serious. And I wanted to know the meaning behind the way he said it. It was more like he was talking to himself, like he was trying to persuade himself that that's what he wants; the best for me. But, I don't need to persuade myself to know that it's true. 

"I know," I say, leaning down, and when I kiss him, it seems to calm any tension that was possibly forming in the room. I smile into it, since it's like I'm kissing him upside-down because he's facing the opposite direction. 

***

I was worried for dinner with the king. I wanted to know for sure he liked me, instead of just taking Hiccup's word for it. We luckily didn't have to dress in fancy dresses, but were required to wear our nicest attire. For me, that's my blue shirt, leggings, my shoulder pads, and leather skirt. I was so proud o getting all of the grass stains out so I am able to wear it tonight. It took several washings, but I got it done. Dinner itself was being held in the Dining hall. I mean, where else is it gonna be held? 

A knock on the door catches everyones' attention. "Come in!" Cami calls out, putting her boots on. 

Phlegma pushes the door open, leaning against the frame. "Evening girls," she says.

"Good evening, Lady Phlegma," we answer. 

She nods, pleased. "We are required to be in the dining hall in three minutes. I don't believe I need to remind you of the rules by this point, but they still apply," she adds, giving us pointed looks. Though, she lingers longer on me, since she thinks I need extra prompting to be good. After that, she leaves the room. We all let out a breath we had been holding.

"That woman scares me," Heather shivers.

"Tell me about it. I'll never forget all of her different disappointed glares or strong swing," I say.