I Promise [Jackunzel & Mericcup]

18 years

“Rise and Shine, Merida! Get up!” Queen Elinor scolded.

It was the day Merida’s suitors would come and win her hand. The ships could already be seen from afar. The Kingdom of Dunbroch was already preparing for that day.

Merida was dressed up, gussied up and prepared for the event. Elinor made Merida wear a silk dress with a light blue color and golden laces. Merida had a hard time breathing and, most especially, moving in that dress. But, her mother insisted.

They sat in their royal chair, watching the rulers of different kingdoms approach them with their sons. Each one of the sons of the rulers introduced themselves, leaving a ghastly impression on King Fergus and Merida.

Merida never wanted to get married in the first place. Her mother was just too impulsive on her and never heard her out. If she wants it, she’d get it. She never listened to Merida’s opinion. And now, her nightmare has come true. And all she could do is bury her face into the palm of her hands for she can’t even take the looks of the suitors.

The last ruler that participated suddenly stepped forward. He had a red, long beard that was tied at the ends and wore a Viking helmet. He introduced himself as the Leader of Vikings, Viking Chief Stoick.

“May I present, my only son,” Stoick said, pointing to a very huge, mascular man.

“Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III.”

“He was the first human to ever ride and TRAIN a dragon. The ones we used to think of as pests and our sworn enemies. But, it was him who convinced us to live with the Dragons in peace and now, they are our loyal friends.”

Merida’s attention was caught by what Hiccup’s father said about him.

“Because of his difference, he showed us that we were wrong. He showed us that the dragons were never our real enemies. He--… Ugh…” Stoick rolled his eyes and pulled a young boy from behind the mascular man, “He made our bonds and land stronger and better.”

The young man wasn’t what Merida expected him to looklike. He was skinny, small and had long, brown hair. His face didn’t even show any sign of Bravery. He, indeed, looked like a weakling.

 Merida groaned in disappointed. But, she had to admit that he looked WAY much better than the other rulers’ sons.

After introducing themselves, the queen stood up and explained the mechanics of the competition.

“In accordance with our laws, by the rights of our heritage, only the first born of the great leaders may be presented as Champion,” Elinor announced.

Merida’s eyes shined as she heard what her mother said, “First born?!”

 “And thus, compete for the hand of the Princess of Dunbroch.”

Merida put out an evil smile and thought of a plan while her mother continued to explain.

“To win the fair maiden, they must prove their worth by fits of strength or arms on the first day. On the second day, each one will have enough time to try to spend the day with the Princess to see if you would catch her attention. And only on the third day shall I pronounce the winner.”

Merida stayed calm and listened to what her mother was saying to know more on how she could escape this marriage nonsense.

“On our first event, it is customary that the challenge be determined by the Princess herself--…”

“ARCHERY! Archery!” Merida screamed as he suddenly jumped out of her chair.

Queen Elinor gave her a surprised face as Merida looked back and started to act a bit more elegant.

“I choose …Archery,” Merida said in a more calmly voice.

“Let the games begin!” Elinor insisted.

Everyone cheered and started preparing for the first challenge.