- 13 minutes ago
🔥Rejected by My Ex, Cherished by the Dragon King drama
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:01We were supposed to bind our souls at the Temple of the Allfather that day,
00:05but my betrothé threw me out of the sacred grounds,
00:09then walked in with his childhood sweetheart instead.
00:12He looked at me like it was nothing.
00:14Ingrid's child needs a father so she could stay in the clan.
00:17Once we sever the blood oath, I'll come back and bind with you.
00:22Everyone thought I'd swallow my pride and wait until the next moon.
00:26After all, I'd already waited for seven years.
00:31But that night, I took a ship across the western fjords for an arranged marriage.
00:36I vanished from his world completely.
00:41Three years later, my husband and I flew our dragons back to the mainland for a grand ancestral blot.
00:47My husband had an urgent border skirmish to attend to,
00:50so he sent a beast and a handler to escort me.
00:53I walked out of the dragon docks.
00:55I walked into the arrival's courtyard and saw a warrior holding a parchment bearing my runic crest.
01:01I walked over and froze.
01:03Holding the parchment was my ex-betrothal Sorin.
01:06He was craning his neck, looking past me at the incoming wiseries.
01:09He had Ingrid with him and half his old raiding party.
01:12One of the warriors nudged him.
01:14Sorin, isn't that your clinging admirer?
01:16That's Astrid?
01:17Sorin looked at me.
01:18He looked surprised for a split second.
01:20Then he smirked.
01:21I told you all long ago.
01:23I knew she'd fall back.
01:24The whole raiding party burst out laughing.
01:27Astrid vanished without a trace.
01:29Now she sees Sorden has plundered gold.
01:30She probably cries herself to sleep every night.
01:35One of them looked me up and down.
01:37Astrid, if you're here to see Sorden, why show up in plain wool?
01:41Couldn't you at least paint your face with war colours?
01:44Without Sorden, you can't even barter for a nice cloak.
01:48Pathetic.
01:49It was true.
01:50I used to spend hours getting ready for Seddon.
01:54Full braided hair, clan paints, fitted leathers and furs.
01:57Always making sure I looked perfect for him.
02:00But I didn't need to do that anymore, because I'm pregnant.
02:04And my husband refused to let me ride uncomfortably.
02:07He banned heavy chainmail.
02:09And had this plain toked spun by the light elves of Alfheim just for me.
02:13Listening to them mock me, it suddenly clicked.
02:16They only read the ruse on the garrison's dispatch.
02:18They had no idea the noble they were picking up was me.
02:25Since I wasn't saying anything, an old mutual friend stepped in, trying to play peacemaker.
02:31Astrid, glad to see you back.
02:33Solon actually spent years looking for you.
02:35He has been asking about you everywhere.
02:37Solon's smug smile stiffened.
02:39He cleared his throat and acted casually.
02:41Ingrid's kid starts shield training next week.
02:44From now on, you're getting him to the training grounds.
02:46He was still so incredibly arrogant.
02:48But I wasn't that naive little girl anymore.
02:51Looking at him now, I just felt exhausted and disgusted.
02:54I didn't want to waste another second on them.
02:56I was just about to tell them exactly who I was.
02:59But Ingrid beat me to it.
03:02Astrid, please don't be mad at Sorin.
03:04He's just trying to take care of you.
03:06You disappeared for three winters.
03:08What kind of shady taverns have you been staying at?
03:11Look at you.
03:12Solon wanted to make you his personal scribe, but clearly you're not a fit.
03:16Don't worry.
03:17Being my Thrail is an honor.
03:19No one will look down on you.
03:21Three years apart, she's still as arrogant as ever.
03:24She still makes me cringe.
03:26Sorin saw my scown and thought I was just jealous.
03:29His eyes flashed with triumph.
03:31Alright Astrid, drop the attitude.
03:33You clearly can't survive out in the wilds.
03:35So hold your temper, take care of the kid and learn your place.
03:39Don't worry.
03:40I got a perfect cot for you.
03:42Just in the dragon pens.
03:45The whole group howled with laughter.
03:48By Thor, Astrid.
03:49Show some appreciation.
03:51He's giving you free meat and mead.
03:53Isn't that better than wherever you're living now?
03:55Ingrid touched her gold-forged earring, putting on an affected tone.
03:59Don't you worry, dear.
04:00If my son acts up, I'll make sure he still behave.
04:03He won't let it out on you, I promise.
04:05Solon let out a cold laugh and shot me a glance.
04:08Why's that?
04:08She was always so stubborn, ran away over a tiny little misunderstanding.
04:12If she hit rock bottom out there, she deserves to suffer a little.
04:14Hearing that, my heart actually skipped a beat.
04:17After three years, he still thought ditching me at the Temple of the Allfather for Ingrid
04:22was just a tiny little misunderstanding.
04:24Sorin, the one I had fallen in love with, was gone.
04:28He wasn't the boy who carried me across the frozen tundra, ignoring his own bleeding frostbite.
04:33He wasn't the broken youth who promised me the Nine Realms.
04:37He wasn't the warrior who, despite all his glory and spoils, was still willing to do game for me.
04:43But whatever. It was all in the past. None of it mattered anymore.
04:48Besides, I'm about to give birth to my second child.
04:52Pushed my feelings down. I didn't want to argue with them. It was pointless.
04:54Aren't you here to guide me to the keep? Let's go.
04:56They exchanged looks. Then they burst out laughing.
04:59Guide you? What a joke!
05:00She pointed at the runic parchment. Read it carefully.
05:03We are waiting for Lady Varg. Do you even know who that is?
05:05Varg was my new name. Of course I knew.
05:08Lady Varg is the matriarch of the Black Dragon Clan.
05:10She is the actual wife of Hyald Gul'da Varg.
05:12Gul'da Varg is a ruthless warlord, but he's completely obsessed with his wife.
05:16I heard he stayed solitary for years, just waiting for her.
05:20Everyone in the realm knows the rule.
05:21Don't try to kiss up to Gondar. Kiss up to Lady Varg.
05:24She is his entire world.
05:26Listening to them gossip about my marriage. I couldn't help it.
05:29To win his wife's heart.
05:31Goran Varg bartered with the dwarves of Svottalfard for a custom arm ring.
05:35It's called the Tear of Yigadaski.
05:36It cost 20 chests of gold.
05:38Lady Varg is literally the most envied woman in Midlad.
05:42Her eyes darted down to my wrist.
05:44She let out a sharp gasp.
05:46That's the exact same arm ha-
05:48It's a pretty good fake.
05:50Which broke stable boy bought this for you?
05:52Buying you a cheap iron knockoff. Absolute trash.
05:55I snatched my hand back.
05:58And gently rubbed the arm ring on my wrist.
06:01I smirked.
06:02Seeing my happy, unfazed smile.
06:06Sorin's eyes narrowed in pure rage.
06:08He lunged forward.
06:09He grabbed my wrist with a crushing grip.
06:11And violently ripped the arm ring off my arm.
06:13Ingrid eagerly stepped forward.
06:15She snatched the arm ring from Solon's hand.
06:17And started playing with it.
06:18Look, a high quality fake.
06:19Way better than the replica I bought from that merchant.
06:21But I'd never actually wear mine in the Great Hall.
06:23How embarrassing.
06:24These foreign knockoffs are more detailed.
06:27The weight actually feels real.
06:29She gave me a mocking sickly sweet smile.
06:31Or what Astrid?
06:33Are you saying you're the real Lady Varg?
06:34Are you the legendary warlord's wife?
06:36The second she said it, the raiding party erupted into hysterical laughter.
06:40Gunnan Varg was a feared conqueror.
06:43He was ruthless and unstoppable.
06:45And three years ago, I was just a pathetic nobody.
06:48The loser who got dumped at the temple.
06:49Ingrid spun the priceless arm ring around her finger.
06:52Astrid, sell this fake to me.
06:54I'll pay you double.
06:55I panicked, terrified she was gonna drop it.
06:57Give that back right now!
07:00Gunnan gave that to me!
07:01Shut your mouth!
07:03Sorin glared at me like I was insane.
07:05Astrid, have you gone mad?
07:06How dare you just drop Lord Varg's name like that?
07:08Are you trying to get me sent to Valhalla early?
07:10His warrior buddies stared at me with pure rage.
07:12Do you have any idea how hard we fought for this escort duty?
07:16Gunnar Varg conquered Sorin's clan last harvest.
07:19Our entire livelihood depends on him now.
07:21The only way Sorin keeps his commander spot is if we impress Lady Varg.
07:25And you're out here spreading psychotic rumors that you know the high year.
07:29Are you trying to ruin Solon's honor?
07:31My stare must have been dead cold because Sorin frowned.
07:34A flicker of genuine panic flashed across his eyes.
07:37You ungrateful rat!
07:38Solon was kind enough to offer you a roof to survive.
07:41Don't push it.
07:42I know you're bitter about the past.
07:44But trying to sabotage his command out of petty revenge?
07:47That's sick.
07:48Sora shook his head in disgust.
07:50You're such a jealous shrew.
07:51But this time, he didn't keep screaming at me.
07:53He went quiet for a second.
07:55Then he pulled out a heavy pouch from his belt.
07:57He tossed a bag of pure silver pieces right at my chest.
08:02For the sake of our past bond, I'll let this slide.
08:04Take the silver.
08:05Go get some decent cloaks.
08:06If you really don't want to tend the pens for Ingrid's kid, I'll have you sent to the kitchens next
08:10week.
08:11Watching him play the generous savior made my stomach turn.
08:14The whole group watched me, waiting for me to grovel and take the pouch.
08:17Instead, I kicked it away.
08:19I reached over.
08:20No thank you, commander.
08:21Seems like you need it more than I do.
08:23Siren's face turned bright red.
08:25I ignored him and turned to walk away.
08:28But I barely made it two steps before he grabbed my arm.
08:32Astrid!
08:33What is your problem?
08:35Commander?
08:35What do you mean?
08:36I pulled my arm free.
08:38We broke our oaths three years ago.
08:39It's better if we keep our distance.
08:42I wouldn't want anyone to get the wrong idea.
08:44I was thinking about my fiercely loyal, slightly jealous dragon lord husband.
08:48But Soloran glanced over at Ingrid.
08:49He looked like he had it all figured out.
08:51The Yars are hosting a great solstice feast for Lord Varg in three days.
08:54I was actually planning to bring you to my table.
08:57To let you experience true grand ceremony.
08:59But you'd need to buy a decent dress.
09:01I can't have you embarrassing me.
09:03I cut him off immediately.
09:05With all respect, I really don't need it.
09:09Hearing me reject him again, Solon grew annoyed.
09:12He was grinding his teeth.
09:14Astrid, you've grown a spine, haven't you?
09:17It's true what they say.
09:18The poorer you get, the bigger your attitude.
09:21Fine!
09:22If you don't want to go, forget it!
09:24I'll take Ingrid.
09:25Hearing that she got to attend the High Jars feast, Ingrid's eyes lit up.
09:28Solon, I promise I'll be perfect.
09:30I absolutely won't embarrass you.
09:33I was so incredibly done with them.
09:35I turned around and strode away.
09:37But I tossed one last look over my shoulder.
09:40I'm looking forward seeing you both in three days.
09:43I practically sprinted out of the courtyard.
09:45Hitting the crisp, freezing air outside.
09:47Finally pushing down the nauseous churning in my stomach.
09:50My mind flashed back to three years ago.
09:52My clan had been pressuring me into an arranged marriage across the sea.
09:56I fought them on it.
09:57I begged Sudan, my betrotho of seven years, to just run away with me into the forests.
10:02To swear oaths and be together forever.
10:04But when I showed up at the Temple of the Allfather, he brought Ingrid.
10:08He told me her child needed a father under clan law.
10:11He told me he'd sever the tie to her in a moon's time and bond with me then.
10:14He told me not to overthink it.
10:16Watching him hold her hand and walk up to the altar, I realized what a fool I've been.
10:20I sailed across the western fjords for a blind arrangement that very night.
10:24A moon later, I married Gunnar Varg.
10:26A year later, we had our firstborn.
10:28And now, I'm pregnant with our second.
10:30Honestly, if it wasn't for Guller's ancestral blot, I definitely wouldn't have seen Soren ever again.
10:35Three days later, I showed up to the great solstice feast alone.
10:38Wearing light face paint and my custom Ellenspun tunic.
10:42The second Soren saw me, his eyes lit up.
10:45A smug smirk spread across his face.
10:48You said you didn't want to come, but here you are.
10:51Listen, if you want me back, you need to at least dress the part to match my new status.
10:57I brushed off his arrogance and tried to pass him.
11:00He stopped me angrily after just two steps.
11:03Astrid! I'm talking to you. Our seats are right here.
11:07Where do you think you're going?
11:08I shook his hand off.
11:09Those are your seats. Mine is over there.
11:11I pointed straight at the high jaw's carved oak table.
11:15Soren's face instantly darkened.
11:16Ingrid shot me a venomous glare.
11:18She pointed directly at my wrist and yelled at the top of her lungs.
11:21Astrid, how did you sneak in here?
11:22Are you here to ruin everything?
11:25How dare you wear that arm ring?
11:27Her screeching made the entire mead hall turn to look at us.
11:30People immediately started whispering.
11:32Wait, is that the tear of Yggersick?
11:34Lord Varg forged that for his wife.
11:36Tonight is Lady Varg's first public appearance.
11:39Is this girl trying to mock the high jaw's wife?
11:41She sneaked past the guards.
11:43Is she trying to humiliate us in front of Lord Varg?
11:46One of the elder warriors turned to Soren.
11:49Commander, is this young lady of your clan?
11:52Soren saw that I wasn't even looking at him.
11:53He adjusted his expensive fur cloak and said coldly.
11:57No.
11:57I don't know her.
11:58Hearing that, Ingrid looked completely thrilled.
12:00She lifted her chin and sneered at me.
12:02Take that fake arm ring off and get out!
12:05I looked at her, completely amused.
12:07Are you sure?
12:08Ingrid realized the clan elders were watching her.
12:10Her eyes turned vicious.
12:11Stop acting like you're special! Take it off!
12:13She lunged forward to rip it off my wrist.
12:15I swapped her hand away and stepped backward.
12:17But someone's boot shot out behind me.
12:19I tripped.
12:20I was completely stunned.
12:21Before I could get up, Ingrid stomped her heavy boot down on my hand.
12:25Tore the arm ring off my wrist.
12:27Treating this cheap garbage like treasure!
12:29She spat.
12:29My hand throbbed from her heel.
12:30My wrist was bleeding and torn.
12:31But I just sat there, staring blankly at the snapped armband
12:33and the glowing enchanted stones scattering across the rush-covered floor.
12:35Pick her up and throw her to the wolves!
12:36A few berserkers immediately surrounded me.
12:38They reached down to grab my arms and legs.
12:40I panicked and struggled.
12:41Stop touching me!
12:43I am Gurner Vargs!
12:44Ingrid slapped me across the face before I could finish.
12:46Are you saying that you're Lord Vargs Thrill now?
12:48You psychotic witch!
12:50She wasn't satisfied.
12:50She backhanded me a second time.
12:52When I sailed back to the mainland, I didn't want to bother with revenge.
12:54It felt beneath me.
12:55But right now, I was going to make sure she paid for this in blood.
12:58Soren crouched down in front of me.
12:59He reached out to touch my bleeding wrist.
13:00I instinctively flinched away from him.
13:02His eyes turned ice cold.
13:04Astrid, are you done throwing your little fit?
13:06You showed up wearing a fake dwarfing ring.
13:07Dressed like a complete mess.
13:09Just because you see I'm wealthy now and you want to make me jealous.
13:11If you want me back, beg for it.
13:13I'll say yes.
13:14I let out a dark, freezing laugh.
13:15I looked him dead in the eye.
13:17Soren, you are absolutely done.
13:19Soren frowned.
13:20He opened his mouth to yell at me again.
13:21But suddenly, the entire mead hall went dead silent.
13:24All the warriors frantically straightened their stances and rushed toward the massive timber doors.
13:29Solon panicked and yanked me to my feet.
13:31Lord Varg is here.
13:32Behave yourself.
13:33He hissed.
13:34And don't worry Astrid.
13:35Ingrid and I have already severed our oaths.
13:37I stared at him, rubbing my bruised hand.
13:38This man was absolutely repulsive.
13:40What did his broken oaths have to do with me?
13:49Gunnards and massive black hounds.
13:53Outside, the roar of his dragon shook the roof beams.
13:56He was holding our toddler in his arms.
13:58Once they got into the hall, my son squirmed to get down.
14:01Gunnard sent him to the floor.
14:02The adorable little boy instantly captured the entire room's attention.
14:05His nursery maid hurried nervously right behind him.
14:07Terrified, he'd tripped.
14:08Sorin didn't notice who the kid was running towards.
14:10He turned to me and whispered,
14:11Astrid, if you stop acting jealous of Ingrid, I'll forgive you for vanishing for three winters.
14:15I'll give you a chance to give me a child.
14:17A child of ours.
14:18I didn't say a single word to him.
14:19I just looked past him, trying to catch Gunnar in my son's eyes through the crowd.
14:23And then, it happened.
14:24Gunnar followed the toddler's clumsy little footsteps, right up to where I was.
14:27The second my little boy saw me, he panicked.
14:29He threw himself into my arms.
14:30Mother!
14:31You hurt me!
14:32Why is there so much blood?
14:33The word mother echoed through the silent hall.
14:34The warriors who had just watched me get assaulted,
14:36stared at me in absolute horror.
14:38My son's warm hug instantly washed away my disgust.
14:40I crouched down and gently pinched his chubby cheek.
14:42Mother's fine, my boy.
14:44He grabbed my bleeding hand and gently blew on the torn skin.
14:46Tears welled up in his eyes.
14:48Mother!
14:48Who dared to do this to you?
14:49Before I could comfort him,
14:50the air in the room suddenly turned freezing cold.
14:52A heavy, suffocating pressure washed over the crowd.
14:54Gunnar was walking towards us.
14:55The sea of terrified warriors parted for him.
14:57Ever since I got pregnant with our second baby,
14:58he had been insanely overprotective.
14:59Glued to my side day and night,
15:01I instantly regretted flying back ahead of him.
15:02I picked up our son and turned around.
15:03The bright red blood dripping down my wrist
15:06stood out starkly against my son's white linen shirt.
15:09Our son squirved to get down.
15:10Father!
15:10Someone hurt mother!
15:11We have to make them pay!
15:13Gunnar stepped forward and gently took my bleeding wrist.
15:15His face was terrifyingly dark.
15:18Astrid, what is this?
15:19Every time I take my eyes off you, you get hurt.
15:22Who in the Nine-Eithers dared hurt you?
15:23Seeing this ruthless warlord turn into a fiercely protective husband made my heart melt.
15:30He was so protective.
15:32A mosquito bite, a tiny mark from sleep.
15:34Even just half a horn less of mead, he's instantly worried.
15:37But I loved how intensely he cared about me.
15:39The hall's torches were heavily dimmed, but our son felt something hard under his leather shoe.
15:45He bent down and picked up the massive center star stone from my broken arm ring.
15:49Father, isn't this the present you gave mother?
15:52Gullar took the glowing stone and flipped it over.
15:54Seeing his own engraved clan ruders, he looked at the crushed arm bling on the floor, then at my mangled
16:00wrist.
16:00His hand gripped the carved dragon head of a nearby chair so hard the solid oak literally splintered under his
16:06grip.
16:07Frustrated by the shadows, he gently forced me into the chair.
16:10He roared at the thralls.
16:12Light every single Bolsha in this hall!
16:15When our eyes met, his pupils slightly like a dragon's, he suddenly cuffed my face.
16:21What happened to your face? They actually dared to do this to you?
16:25I'm fine, Gonar, I said softly, patting his hand.
16:28Astrid, I am your husband. You never have to take any abuse.
16:32His voice dropped to a lethal growl.
16:34No one bullies mother!
16:35Our son nodded furiously.
16:38Honestly, I could have handled Siren and Ingrid myself, but maybe it was the pregnancy.
16:42Or just finally feeling safe.
16:44My voice suddenly cracked.
16:45All the built-up exhaustion finally broke through.
16:48You weren't here!
16:50They all picked on me!
16:52Ingrid's little minion, Tova, strutted out of the crowd.
16:56Astrid, where did you hire these two mummers? Their acting is pretty good.
17:02Do you want Ingrid to get them a spot in the Bard's Guild?
17:05Since you're clearly too broke to afford a decent cloak, I've got an old dress.
17:09If you don't mind, I can give it to you so you won't make a fool of yourself.
17:12Tova had arrived late. She totally missed Gonar's terrifying entrance.
17:15She was just Ingrid's lapdog, dressed up to snag a wealthy yard tonight.
17:19And she knew the easiest way to impress Ingrid was to bully me.
17:24Tova threw her head back and cackled at her own joke.
17:27Usually, the warriors would instantly laugh along with her.
17:31But this time, the entire mead hall just stared at her like she was suicidal.
17:35Tova noticed the dead silence, but she doubled down.
17:39You're a good-looking brute.
17:42If you leave Astrid, I wouldn't mind being your shield mate.
17:47She looked right at Gonar and smirked.
17:51Her words made the corner of my tauth twitch an embarrassment.
17:54She wanted to be a shield mate to Gunnar Varg?
17:57I honestly didn't know if she was incredibly brave or just incredibly stupid.
18:01Anyone with functioning eyes could feel Gonan's terrifying Dragonlord aura.
18:07Golor actually let out a dark, furious laugh.
18:10If I offered to be his shield mate, he'd be thrilled.
18:13But any other woman, he would only think she was courting the Valkyries.
18:17Over the years, any woman who tried to throw herself at him all vanished.
18:21Tova finally realized the vibe was completely toxic.
18:25She nervously stepped toward Ingrin for backup.
18:28But Ingrin wanted absolutely nothing to do with her.
18:31Flapped her viciously across the face.
18:34Tova crashed hard onto the stone floor.
18:37Tova! Are you insane?!
18:39You dare offend Lord and Lady Varg?!
18:42She knew Gordar's ruthless reputation.
18:44She knew he fed anyone who even looked at his wife the wrong way to his drakes.
18:48Tova started shaking uncontrollably.
18:49Someone in the crowd gasped.
18:51Every eye in the room dropped to the floor.
18:53A puddle was forming beneath her.
18:55Tova had literally wet herself in pure terror.
18:58By the gods! Look at her skirt!
19:01Gordar didn't even blink.
19:03He just slightly furrowed his brow.
19:05Two massive Brizarkers immediately stepped up and dragged Tova out of the hall.
19:10Sor and Ingrid's faces burned bright red.
19:14Even though Tuva was the one getting dragged out.
19:17Everyone knew she was just echoing their insults.
19:21Meanwhile, Gordar's private healer was frantically cleaning the torn skin on my wrist.
19:26I winced.
19:27Just a tiny hiss of pain.
19:29Instantly, Gordar and our son glared at the healer like they were going to execute him.
19:37You don't even know how to apply the pouchage properly?
19:40The poor healer's hands started shaking violently in fear.
19:44I immediately shot my husband and son a stern warning glare.
19:48Instantly, the terrifying warlord and the fierce toddler melted.
19:51Astrid.
19:52Mother.
19:53They both looked at me with identical, pathetic eyes.
19:56I let out a soft sigh.
19:57Calm down, you two.
19:58The healer is trying to help.
19:59Stop glaring at him.
20:00With my reassurance, the healer let out a massive breath of relief.
20:04He finished his work and turned to Gunnar.
20:06Lord Varg, your lady is perfectly fine.
20:08The unborn child is safe.
20:11Her wrist is pretty torn up though.
20:12I'll use our best troll fat slab to prevent any scarring.
20:15Gunnar didn't say a single word.
20:17I knew exactly what that meant.
20:18That was his pre-explosion silence.
20:20Standing in the crowd, Solon looked terrified.
20:22But underneath the panic, he burned with jealousy as he watched us being close.
20:26But his command's survival was on the line.
20:28So he had to bite his tongue.
20:30Gunnar stood up beside me.
20:31Looking out over the terrified crowd of warriors and Jaws.
20:34He looked so lethal.
20:35But honestly, I found it adorable.
20:37Especially with our son standing right beside him.
20:39Looking like a tiny, angry clone.
20:41I want to know exactly what happened over the last three days.
20:44If someone speaks up now, maybe I will spare your life.
20:47But if I have to find out myself, every single one of you is going to feed the dragons.
20:52It was a naked, terrifying threat.
20:55These people had fought tooth and nail just to get an invite to this feast.
20:59None of them wanted to die for Sorin.
21:01Sorin panicked.
21:02He desperately stepped forward to save his own skin.
21:05Lord Varg, it's just a huge misunderstanding.
21:07As Astrid's betrothed, I was just catching up with her.
21:09It was just an accident.
21:11I froze.
21:11He actually used the word betrothed, right to my husband's face.
21:14It was pure, delusional arrogance.
21:16He really thought I had spent the last three years staying pure for him.
21:19He completely ignored the murderous look crossing Ganon's face.
21:23I whipped my head around.
21:24Gondard had literally crushed his car's drinking horn.
21:26Barehanded.
21:27Blood was dripping down his fingers.
21:28Gunnar!
21:28I grabbed his hand, completely horrified.
21:30I grabbed a clean linen cloth and frantically started wrapping Gunnar's bleeding hand.
21:34I spun around and screamed at Sorin.
21:36Sabotage my marriage!
21:37I think I've been way too kind to you.
21:39I only love Gunnar!
21:41Astrid, I know you're bitter, but Ingrid and I have already severed our oaths now.
21:45Her kid will call you mother.
21:46You only married this warlord to make me mad, right?
21:48If you don't like Ingrid, I'll banish her to the wild.
21:51I honestly couldn't believe what I was hearing.
21:53Shamelessness really blew my mind.
21:55Gordard's blood was smearing onto my clothes.
21:57As I urgently pressed the cloth to his palm, he suddenly started laughing.
22:01A low, genuinely happy laugh.
22:03Why are you laughing?
22:05And gently patted my head.
22:06Astrid, you just said I'm the one you love the most.
22:09Our son literally rolled his eyes.
22:10His ruthless, terrifying dad was currently acting like a lovesick youth.
22:14Just because I defended him, the other half were dying of envy.
22:16I could hear the frantic whispers spreading through the crowd.
22:19Sorr stood there, his fists completely clenched in humiliation.
22:22But my son wasn't done with him.
22:25Leap looked him up and down with absolute disgust.
22:27My mother is the queen of our keep.
22:29You think you deserve her?
22:30Mother is only having two kids.
22:32Me and my little sister.
22:33I know all about you.
22:34You're the trash who broke my mom's heart.
22:37You're not as battle-hardened as my dad.
22:39You're not as tall as my dad.
22:41You're not as strong as my dad.
22:42Leap hinched his little nose.
22:44And you smell like a wet dog.
22:46It's making my eyes water.
22:47Is your kid going to grow up to be a leech who lives off women's weaving?
22:50Just like you?
22:51The elite guests surrounding us erupted into laughter.
22:54His chest heaved with shame.
22:56Everyone in that room knew the truth.
22:57He only got his commander title by leeching off Ingrid's clan wealth.
23:00Hearing all this, Ingrid completely snapped.
23:03Sorr had literally just asked me to replace her.
23:05To be his son's real mother.
23:07Ingrid grabbed a silver meat-carving knife.
23:09She lunged straight at left.
23:10I didn't even think.
23:11I let go of Ganon's hand and threw my body over my son.
23:15A blinding, agonizing pain ripped through my back.
23:18Leap, are you?
23:19I didn't even get to finish the sentence.
23:21Everything went black.
23:22I collapsed to the floor.
23:24I woke up to the sharp smell of bitter herbs and burning sage.
23:28I glanced down at my linen bandages and felt a little daisy.
23:31My best friend, Sigrid, threw her arms around me.
23:34Astrid! You're finally awake!
23:36If you stayed out any longer, your husband and your son were going to burn this realm to ash!
23:40I panicked and instantly touched my pregnant belly.
23:43Sigrid knew exactly what I was thinking.
23:45You're fine.
23:46The child is perfectly fine.
23:48The healers said you fainted, frationed, from the shock and the pain.
23:51That psycho witch actually tried to stab a toddler!
23:54I started coughing violently, my throat completely dry.
23:58Sigrid grabbed a wooden cup of water and rubbed my back.
24:00Slow down. Drink.
24:01Honestly, Astrid, you were way too impulsive.
24:04Goldar had ten berserkers in that room.
24:05They would have stopped her.
24:07Leaf didn't need you to take a blade for him.
24:08He's a fierce little wolf.
24:10I finally caught my breath.
24:11He's my child.
24:12Of course I protected him.
24:13I looked around the empty stone chamber of the healer's keep.
24:16Where are they?
24:17Sigrid's eyes lit up.
24:18Getting blood revenge, obviously!
24:20I wanted to go watch!
24:21But your husband and your kid are literally terrifying.
24:24So I stayed here.
24:24Is staying with me a chore?
24:26Astrid, you don't even know.
24:27When I got to the feast, you were already unconscious.
24:30Your sweet, soft little boy?
24:32He grabbed a dagger and stabbed it right into Ingrid's hand.
24:36I didn't even know a toddler could have that much strength.
24:39And Gunnard?
24:39He looked like Fennal unleashed.
24:41Gunnard found out what happened at the docks.
24:43He found out Sorin slapped you and broke your arm ring.
24:46He had his guards pinned Sorin to the floor.
24:48And he severed the hand that hit you with his broadsword.
24:51Leaf just stood there and watched.
24:53Didn't even blink.
24:54He's a terrifying little devil.
24:56Then they beat Sorin's face into an unrecognizable pulp.
24:59But that wasn't even the worst part.
25:00Gunnard found out Ingrid wanted your enchanted stones.
25:03Gunnard found out Ingrid wanted your enchanted stones.
25:06So he had his men bring out a massive sack of raw, uncut dragon rubies.
25:11He looked at her and said,
25:12You love taking things that don't belong to you?
25:15I'll give you exactly what you want.
25:16The stones and my wife's leftovers.
25:22Ingrid refused to eat them.
25:24So Gunnard had her kid dragged into the hall.
25:29She was so terrified.
25:31She's swallowing the jagged stones.
25:32Then Gunnard had her face slashed to pieces.
25:35Right in front of her, he had her son's bow strings cut.
25:39And he had her dumped into the frozen sea.
25:43I stared at Sigrid, completely stunned.
25:45What about the yards?
25:46Oh, Gunnard handled them too.
25:48Every single warrior who stood there and watched you get bullied,
25:51Gunnard had their shield arms sliced open.
25:53Just enough to leave a permanent scar.
25:55To punish them for just standing by.
25:58If I wasn't her sworn sister, I probably would have gotten sliced too.
26:01She fake wiped a tear, trying to make me laugh.
26:03I just rolled my eyes at her.
26:04The bards were there.
26:05Siglin continued, but no one dared to sing of the blood.
26:07The word just spread that Soren's clan was dissolved overnight.
26:10Any yar who didn't help you?
26:11Their trade routes are being actively blockaded by Varg longships.
26:15Right now, Gundal and Leif are hunting Soren down.
26:18He was supposed to be thrown to the waves with Ingrid.
26:20But apparently, they made some sick deal.
26:25Ingrid threw herself at the guards to buy him time.
26:28And Solon fled into the woods.
26:30Gulter's revenge had been absolutely brutal.
26:32But honestly, I wasn't scared of him at all.
26:34I was just worried that our sweet toddler was led astray by the violence.
26:37Gulnar and Lef rushed in.
26:39Lef practically shoved his aunt out of the way.
26:41Mother!
26:41He threw himself at my fur-lined cow.
26:43Gulnar's eyes were completely bloodshot.
26:45He looked like he hadn't slept since the last harsh winter.
26:48I'm okay, Gulnar.
26:49Don't worry.
26:49Leif, did Father yell at you while I was asleep?
26:52Leif froze.
26:53He pouted and tears fell down his dirt smudged cheeks.
26:57No.
26:57Father didn't yell at me.
26:58I wrapped my arms around my son and shot Gulnar a dark glare.
27:01The ruthless dragon lord immediately looked guilty.
27:04He awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck.
27:05Mother, I'll never let anyone hurt you again.
27:08It was all my fault.
27:09I'm sorry.
27:10Protecting you is mother's job.
27:11I don't blame you at all.
27:14Gorda, the healer's already bound it with herbs.
27:16There's nothing to see.
27:17But he gently traced the edge of the wound and softly blew on the wound.
27:20It sent a shiver down my spine.
27:21Astrid.
27:22I swear to the gods there will never be a next time.
27:25I believe you.
27:26You're the man I love the most.
27:27I treasure my life because I plan to spend the rest of life with you until Valhalla.
27:31Leif, grab mother's-
27:32On the day of my departure, I was packing my sackle.
27:34The timber door creaked open.
27:35I had my back to-
27:36Astrid.
27:37I slowly turned around.
27:38I froze.
27:38Standing in the doorway was Sorin.
27:40His face was an unrecognizable swollen mess of purple bruises.
27:43Astrid.
27:43You have to save me.
27:45Valhalla's insane.
27:46Come with me.
27:47We can still be together.
27:48He was literally missing half his teeth and he still thought I wanted him?
27:52Sorin.
27:53You are nothing to me.
27:55You are just a pathetic coward.
27:56He opened his mouth to argue.
27:58But suddenly, a massive shadow swallowed him.
28:01I should have fed you to the Drax when I had the chance.
28:06That was the last time I ever saw him.
28:08He was sent to the deepest iron mines.
28:11Weeks had passed.
28:12The wounds had healed.
28:13But the weight of it all still lingered in my chest.
28:16In the painting, Gonar looked at me with absolute consuming devotion.
28:20But I was looking forward, distant, indifferent.
28:22As I pulled it off the stone wall, dozens of loose parchment sketches and memory stones rained down onto the
28:29floor.
28:30I dropped to my knees, completely shocked.
28:32They were sketches of me.
28:33He had been watching me for years.
28:35I heard footsteps.
28:37Gornon walked into the hall.
28:38He saw me sitting on the floor, surrounded by his secret stash.
28:40Astrid, how did you?
28:41The color completely brained of the terrifying dragon lord's face.
28:44He looked like a thief caught red-handed.
28:46If you liked me this much back then, why didn't you just present yourself?
28:49You made me waste seven winters with that oath-breaking fool.
28:52The shading in this one is actually really good.
28:54I love it.
28:55Astrid, you don't blame me for being a shadow, for watching from the dark.
28:59Shut up.
29:00You're not a shadow.
29:01Looking at these, all I feel is how much you love me.
29:03Astrid, I never dared to ask the gods for your love.
29:06I just wanted to be allowed to guard your flank.
29:08Stop saying stupid things.
29:10I love you the most.
29:11My heart is completely yours.
29:13You're under Astrid's protection now.
29:15Consider this your meat allowance.
29:16I never realized.
29:17That lonely boy eating stale bread was Goldar.
29:20Because of his past he always felt unworthy.
29:22I made a silent promise to the gods.
29:24I was going to spend the rest of my life showing this insecure, sensitive dragon lord exactly how much I
29:30loved him.
29:30And where I went to grow!
Comments