The boy with the Dragon and the girl with the Bow "3". [Mericcup]

Prologue

It was dark. The only light that fell on the tired face of the princess's fiancee was coming from a candle at the edge of the table. It has been six months since they returned. A lot has happened. Queen Elinor, who was expecting another child, despite her age, died while giving birth. The baby, a boy, died with her. It was a great loss for the kingdom. King Fergus still stands proud, even though a little helpless, with the support of his children, the clans and fellow townspeople. Yet, he did not plan to stay king forever. Fergus planned to pass the throne to Merida and Hiccup when the time was right. 

Even though the time has not arrived yet, Hiccup was found in a study room, spending countless hours awake, watching the pieces of the painting his father destroyed before they left Berk once and for all. The candle wax was dripping onto the table. It left some stains in the wooden surface but Merida assured him she did not mind. A stained table was the last thing she cared about. All she cared for was for Hiccup to finally come to bed. He hasn't slept in days, trying to fit the pieces of the fabric together. "Come to bed, dear.", she spoke, standing in the doorway, wearing her nightgown. 

This half year of finally being back home did her good. She felt home again, but she feared Hiccup did not. Even Stoick was able to life and smile again. Him and Fergus became great friends, and even Elinor accepted him while she was alive. "I'm getting closer.", Hiccup claimed, picking up two pieces and laying them down neatly to his right. Merida strolled into the room, arms crossed, wearing a worried expression on her face. "Right now, ye are getting further away.", she whispered, slowly walking over to him. Softly, her hands wandered over his shoulders and with the seconds passing, Hiccup relaxed and leaned back. 

"I'm so close...", he sighed and closed his eyes while running his hand over his eyes. "Ye've been saying this for almost half a year now, Hiccup. Go to sleep, please.", Merida said before moving to his side and taking his face in her hands. "I know this is important to you, but ye need to sleep. Ye have to take care of yourself." Hiccup gave her smirk and leaned forward. "I thought you were the one taking care of me, love.", he said and Merida couldn't help but smile. They shared a quick kiss and Merida reached for his hands to pull him out of the chair. 

He was too tired and too weak to fight against it, not that he would actually mind, and got up from the old wooden chair. His joints hurt from getting out of his previous position. He has spend the majority of his day sitting on his desk while the rest of the town was working on the preparations. "Tomorrow is the big day.", Merida whispered into his ear as she lay her arms around his neck. "I know... I'm sorry for keeping you up.", Hiccup replied as he let his head sink onto her shoulder. 

His hands lifted and moved along her arms and he let out a deep breath. "Come back to sleep. I don't want ye to fall asleep when ye are supposed to marry me.", Merida chuckled tiredly, pressing her forehead against his cheek. Hiccup smiled, imagining the Kingdom going crazy if he would sleep during his own wedding. Everyone in the castle expected the pair to be in bed already, to sleep and rest for their big day. "Are you nervous?", Hiccup asked, wrapping his arms around his very-soon-to-be-wife. 

He himself was very nervous indeed. "A little bit. I mean... we've been through so much together. Tomorrow, we're finally getting married.", Merida uttered, smiling to herself. "I'm happy, and excited. A little nervous. But that's good. That's ok." Their arms slid away from one another and the space between them grew only a little bit. "I love you. And I am happy I will marry you tomorrow.", Hiccup said, looking deep into Merida's eyes. As she leaned in for another kiss while whispering that she loved him too, a figure blocked the light that came from the corridors. 

"Princess Merida! You are supposed to be in bed!", a maiden yelled even before Merida was able to kiss Hiccup. The princess threw her head back with a groan. "And you too, Sir Hiccup! The wedding will not be delayed because you two lovebirds won't go to bed!", she lectured and Hiccup let out an apology that was followed by a yawn. Well, she was right. Everyone was waiting for this day to come. They couldn't let them wait, could they?