How To Train Your Princess

Speak Now

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.