My little Flower (HiccupxOC, part 1 of Grimborn Family AU)

Chapter 25 - Of dancing and strangers

Lilly's POV

"It's so odd, sitting here at a table with the dragon hunters." Astrid's low voice reached my ear as she took her place on Hiccup's other side.

Viggo heard it too, because I heard him answer. "I agree, my dear Astrid. It's not how I would have predicted our next encounter either, but I have to say that I am truly pleased with the way everything turned out." He raised his cup towards her and I watched Astrid blush lightly. Obviously she didn't expect that she was heard.

"And so are we." Stoick spoke up. "It's a pity your brother is not able to join us tonight. Is everything alright?"

Viggo's expression hardened for a minute before he answered in his most casual way. "There is no need to worry. Our dear brother seems to be very busy at the moment, but I trust that he will return in the near future."

This made me frown. A lie, why is he lying about Ryker? The truth was, we had absolutely no idea where our brother was at the moment nor did we know if he would ever return. I knew this circumstance burdened Viggo more than he would ever admit. Ryker is our brother after all, as much as a jerk he is - he is still blood.

As soon as everyone finished dinner, the music started to play and people started to dance.
I laughed a little as I spotted Tuffnut dancing with a pretty brown haired girl from our tribe although he seemed lost to his very own kind of rhythm. The girl giggled at his strange moves and suddenly it hit me. Oh, that's Martha.

Shaking my head, I looked around to see where Viggo might be and spotted him talking to Stoick on the other side of the hall. Hiccup beside me clenched his hands open and closed and cleared his throat. I turned to look at him but whatever he wanted to say was interrupted by a tall man walking over to me. He had shoulder-long black hair and a three days beard. He was dressed in a dark brown armor, with a dark red cloak around his shoulders. He bowed a little and took my hand.

"My, my, Lillian Grimborn, how much you have grown and into such a fine young lady if I may add." His voice was like smooth gravel but the look in his light grey eyes made me uncomfortable. Should I know this man? He must be around the age of Viggo. However, before I could think of an answer, the man was talking again. "Well I reckon you don't remember me, so let me introduce myself. My name is Asmund Riber, I am part of the council. May I ask for this dance?" A smile small tugged at his lips as his eyes roamed over my whole body.

"Uhm... I am sorry, but I don't know how to dance." I stammered, feeling utterly intimidated and it was the truth, I didn't dance for the last thirteen years.

"Oh but I insist. Don't worry, I'll take the lead." He was dragging me towards the dance floor already.

Looking back at Hiccup I could see him clench his fists and grumble something under his breath.

However I couldn't pay much more attention to him as I realized Asmund was talking to me again. "What a wonderful night isn't it? And what a delightful occasion. Your brother seems so happy about your return that he decided to stop hunting dragons. That's truly remarkable. I've known your brother for years and that's not something he would do without a very good reason." He snaked one of his hands around my waist, pulling me near to him, while he took my hand with his other one. I froze when I felt his hot breath against my ear. "Mind telling me your secret?" My heart started racing and I tried to get away, but his grip around my waist only tightened and he pressed my body closer to his. "Come on, don't be so shy."

"Asmund! I am sure you don't mind leaving this dance to my sister and me?" Viggo! Oh thank Thor.

Instantly I felt Asmund's grip loosen before he let go completely. He turned to face Viggo and they glared at each other for a moment before Asmund bowed a little and walked away. "Of course not, chief." Viggo looked at him intently as he walked away, his expression unreadable.

I let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Viggo."

He turned to face me and smiled softly. "Did he hurt you?"

I shook my head.

"Good. Be careful, Asmund was not entirely happy with my decision. I have to keep an eye on him."

"What do you mean?" I frowned.

Viggo pushed a strand of my hair behind my ear and smiled again. "Don't worry about that, little flower. I'll deal with it. Now, may your brother have this dance?"

"But Viggo, I don't know how to dance." I stared down at my feet but looked up again when I heard him laugh.

"Come, stand on my feet, like in old times." He took my hand in his and I did as he told me, feeling like a little girl again. We both laughed at this.

Hiccup's POV

Leaning against the wall I watched Lilly dance with Viggo. She was standing on his feet and they were both laughing. Even though I knew they were siblings, I couldn't help the feeling of jealousy rise in my stomach. I wish I was in his position now.

I wanted to help Lilly get rid of that Asmund guy, but Viggo had been quicker than me. Not knowing what to do, I crossed my arms and watched the scene before me when something else caught my attention. A cloaked man stood in the corner near the entrance, his face could not be seen. That's strange. Suddenly I watched Asmund walking up to the stranger, whispering something to him. He then turned around as if to check something and they left the great hall together.

Hmm, I have a bad feeling about this.

I pushed myself off the wall and tried to sneak after them when I felt someone tapping my shoulder. Spinning around I came to face Lilly. She even giggled a little for making me jump.

"Why are you not dancing?" her eyes sparkled in the dim light.

"Well it seemed the lady I wanted to dance with was already occupied." I winked at her and she blushed a little.
"Do you want to dance now?" I added quickly, scratching my neck.

She laughed brightly. "Oh gods, no. I'm horrible at it. Hiccup I need to get out of here."

"So what do you want to do?"

Taking my hand she came close to me and whispered. "Let's go on a night flight."

I grinned. "What a great idea."

Interlacing our fingers we sneaked out of the great hall to find our dragons.

The stranger completely forgotten for the moment.