- 7 hours ago
Rejected by My Ex, Cherished by the Dragon King
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Short filmTranscript
00:03We were supposed to bind our souls at the temple of the Allfather that day,
00:06but my betrothé threw me out of the sacred grounds,
00:10then walked in with his childhood sweetheart instead.
00:13He looked at me like it was nothing.
00:16Ingrid's child needs a father so she could stay in the clan.
00:18Once we sever the blood oath, I'll come back and bind with you.
00:24Everyone thought I'd swallow my pride and wait until the next moon.
00:27After all, I'd already waited for seven years.
00:33But that night, I took a ship across the western fjords for an arranged marriage.
00:38I vanished from his world completely.
00:42Three years later, my husband and I flew our dragons back to the mainland for a grand ancestral blot.
00:49My husband had an urgent border skirmish to attend to,
00:52so he sent a beast and a handler to escort me.
00:54I walked out of the dragon docks.
00:57I walked into the arrival's courtyard and saw a warrior holding a parchment bearing my runic crest.
01:03I walked over and froze.
01:05Holding the parchment was my ex-betrothal, Sorin.
01:07He was craning his neck, looking past me at the incoming wiseless.
01:11He had Ingrid with him and half his old raiding party.
01:14One of the warriors nudged him.
01:15Sorin, isn't that your clinging admirer?
01:17That's Astrid.
01:18Sorin looked at me.
01:19He looked surprised for a split second.
01:21Then he smirked.
01:23I told you all long ago, I knew she'd fall back.
01:26The whole raiding party burst out laughing.
01:28Astrid vanished without a trace.
01:30Now she sees Sorin has plundered gold.
01:32She probably cries herself to sleep every night.
01:37One of them looked me up and down.
01:39Astrid, if you're here to see Sorin, why show up in plain wool?
01:43Couldn't you at least paint your face with war colours?
01:45Without Sorin, you can't even barter for a nice cloak.
01:49Pathetic.
01:51It was true.
01:52I used to spend hours getting ready for Seddon.
01:55Full braided hair, clan paints, fitted leathers and furs.
01:59Always making sure I looked perfect for him.
02:02But I didn't need to do that anymore, because I'm pregnant.
02:06And my husband refused to let me ride uncomfortably.
02:09He banned heavy chainmail, and had this plain toked spun by the light elves of Alfheim just for me.
02:15Listening to them mock me, it suddenly clicked.
02:18They only read the ruse on the garrison's dispatch.
02:20They had no idea the noble they were picking up was me.
02:27Since I wasn't saying anything, an old mutual friend stepped in, trying to play peacemaker.
02:33Astrid, glad to see you back.
02:35Solon actually spent years looking for you.
02:37He has been asking about you everywhere.
02:39Solon's smug smile stiffened.
02:41He cleared his throat and acted casually.
02:44Ingrid's kid starts shield training next week.
02:46From now on, you're getting him to the training grounds.
02:48He was still so incredibly arrogant.
02:50But I wasn't that naive little girl anymore.
02:53Looking at him now, I just felt exhausted and disgusted.
02:57I didn't want to waste another second on them.
02:58I was just about to tell them exactly who I was, but Ingrid beat me to it.
03:04Astrid, please don't be mad at Sorin.
03:06He's just trying to take care of you.
03:08You disappeared for three winters.
03:11What kind of shady taverns have you been staying at?
03:13Look at you.
03:15Solon wanted to make you his personal scribe, but clearly you're not a fit.
03:19Don't worry.
03:19Being my Thrail is an honor.
03:21No one will look down on you.
03:24Three years apart, she's still as arrogant as ever.
03:27She still makes me cringe.
03:29Sorin saw my scound and thought I was just jealous.
03:32His eyes flashed with triumph.
03:33All right, Astrid, drop the attitude.
03:35You clearly can't survive out in the wilds.
03:37So hold your temper, take care of the kid, and learn your place.
03:41Don't worry.
03:42I got a perfect cot for you, just in the dragon pens.
03:47The whole group howled with laughter.
03:50By Thor, Astrid.
03:52Show some appreciation.
03:53He's giving you free meat and mead.
03:55Isn't that better than wherever you're living now?
03:57Ingrid touched her gold-forged earring, putting on an affected tone.
04:01Don't you worry, dear.
04:03If my son acts up, I'll make sure he still behave.
04:05He won't let it out on you, I promise.
04:07Solon let out a cold laugh and shot me a glance.
04:10Why's that?
04:11She was always so stubborn, ran away over a tiny little misunderstanding.
04:14If she hit rock bottom out there, she deserves to suffer a little.
04:17Hearing that, my heart actually skipped a beat.
04:19After three years, he still thought ditching me at the Temple of the Allfather for Ingrid
04:24was just a tiny little misunderstanding.
04:27Sorin, the one I had fallen in love with, was gone.
04:30He wasn't the boy who carried me across the frozen tundra, ignoring his own bleeding frostbite.
04:35He wasn't the broken youth who promised me the Nine Realms.
04:39He wasn't the warrior who, despite all his glory and spoils, was still willing to do game for me.
04:46But whatever.
04:47It was all in the past.
04:48None of it mattered anymore.
04:50Besides, I'm about to give birth to my second child.
04:54Pushed my feelings down.
04:55I didn't want to argue with them.
04:56It was pointless.
04:57Aren't you here to guide me to the keep?
04:59Let's go.
04:59They exchanged looks.
05:00Then they burst out laughing.
05:01Guide you?
05:02What a joke.
05:03She pointed at the runic parchment.
05:05Read it carefully.
05:06We are waiting for Lady Vag.
05:07Do you even know who that is?
05:08Vag was my new name.
05:09Of course I knew.
05:10Lady Vag is the matriarch of the Black Dragon Clan.
05:13She is the actual wife of Hyal Gulda Vag.
05:15Gulda Vag is a ruthless warlord.
05:17But he's completely obsessed with his wife.
05:19I heard he stayed solitary for years.
05:21Just waiting for her.
05:22Everyone in the realm knows the rule.
05:24Don't try to kiss up to Gondar.
05:26Kiss up to Lady Vag.
05:27She is his entire world.
05:29Listening to them gossip about my marriage.
05:31I couldn't help it.
05:32To win his wife's heart.
05:34Goran Vag bartered with the dwarves of Svotalfard for a custom arm ring.
05:37It's called the Tear of Yigadaski.
05:39It costs 20 chests of gold.
05:41Lady Vag is literally the most envied woman in Midlad.
05:44Her eyes darted down to my wrist.
05:46She let out a sharp gasp.
05:49That's the exact same arm ha-
05:51It's a pretty good fake.
05:53Which broke stable boy bought this for you?
05:55Buying you a cheap iron knockoff?
05:57Absolute trash.
05:58I snatched my hand back.
06:00And gently rubbed the arm ring on my wrist.
06:04I smirked.
06:05Seeing my happy, unfazed smile.
06:09Sorin's eyes narrowed in pure rage.
06:11He lunged forward.
06:12He grabbed my wrist with a crushing grip.
06:14And violently ripped the arm ring off my arm.
06:16Ingrid eagerly stepped forward.
06:17She snatched the arm ring from Solon's hand.
06:19And started playing with it.
06:21Look.
06:21A high quality fake.
06:22Way better than the replica I bought from that merchant.
06:24But I'd never actually wear mine in the great hall.
06:26How embarrassing.
06:27These foreign knockoffs are more detailed.
06:29The wait actually feels real.
06:32She gave me a mocking, sickly sweet smile.
06:35Oh what, Astrid?
06:36Are you saying you're the real Lady Varg?
06:38Are you the legendary warlord's wife?
06:40The second she said it, the raiding party erupted into hysterical laughter.
06:44Gunnan Varg was a feared conqueror.
06:46He was ruthless and unstoppable.
06:48And three years ago, I was just a pathetic nobody.
06:51The loser who got dumped at the temple.
06:53Ingrid spun the priceless arm ring around her finger.
06:55Astrid, sell this fake to me.
06:57I'll pay you double.
06:58I panicked, terrified she was going to drop it.
07:00Give that back right now!
07:03Gunnar gave that to me!
07:04Shut your mouth!
07:06Soren glared at me like I was insane.
07:08Astrid, have you gone mad?
07:09How dare you just drop Lord Varg's name like that?
07:11Are you trying to get me sent to Valhalla early?
07:13His warrior buddies stared at me with pure rage.
07:16Do you have any idea how hard we fought for this escort duty?
07:19Gunnar Varg conquered Soren's clan last half.
07:22Our entire livelihood depends on him now.
07:25The only way Soren keeps his commander spot is if we impressed Lady Var.
07:29And you're out here spreading psychotic rumors that you know the high yearn?
07:33Are you trying to ruin Soren's honor?
07:34My stare must have been dead cold.
07:36Because Soren frowned.
07:37A flicker of genuine panic flashed across his eyes.
07:40You ungrateful wretch!
07:42Soren was kind enough to offer you a roof to survive.
07:45Don't push it.
07:45I know you're bitter about the past, but trying to sabotage his command out of petty revenge?
07:50That's sick.
07:51Sora shook his head in disgust.
07:53You're such a jealous shrew.
07:55But this time, he didn't keep screaming at me.
07:57He went quiet for a second.
07:58Then he pulled out a heavy pouch from his belt.
08:00He tossed a bag of pure silver pieces right at my chest.
08:05For the sake of our past bond, I'll let this slide.
08:08Take the silver.
08:09Go get some decent cloaks.
08:10If you really don't want to tend the pens for Ingrid's kid, I'll have you sent to the kitchens next
08:14week.
08:14Watching him play the generous savior made my stomach turn.
08:17The whole group watched me, waiting for me to grovel and take the pouch.
08:21Instead, I kicked it away.
08:23I reached over.
08:24No thank you, commander.
08:25Seems like you need it more than I do.
08:27Soren's face turned bright red.
08:29I ignored him and turned to walk away.
08:32But I barely made it two steps before he grabbed my arm.
08:36Astrid!
08:37What is your problem?
08:39Commander?
08:39What do you mean?
08:40I pulled my arm free.
08:42We broke our oaths three years ago.
08:44It's better if we keep our distance.
08:46I wouldn't want anyone to get the wrong idea.
08:48I was thinking about my fiercely loyal, slightly jealous dragon lord husband.
08:52But Soren glanced over at Ingrid.
08:54He looked like he had it all figured out.
08:55The Yars are hosting a great solstice feast for Lord Varg in three days.
08:58I was actually planning to bring you to my table.
09:00To let you experience true grand ceremony.
09:03But you'd need to buy a decent dress.
09:05I can't have you embarrassing me.
09:07I cut him off immediately.
09:09With all respect, I really don't need it.
09:13Hearing me reject him again, Soren grew annoyed.
09:16He was grinding his teeth.
09:19Astrid, you've grown a spine, haven't you?
09:21It's true what they say.
09:22The poorer you get, the bigger your attitude.
09:25Fine!
09:26If you don't want to go, forget it!
09:28I'll take Ingrid.
09:29Hearing that she got to attend the High Jars feast, Ingrid's eyes lit up.
09:32Soren, I promise I'll be perfect.
09:34I absolutely won't embarrass you.
09:37I was so incredibly done with them.
09:39I turned around and strode away.
09:41But I tossed one last look over my shoulder.
09:44I'm looking forward to seeing you both in three days.
09:47I practically sprinted out of the courtyard, hitting the crisp, freezing air outside, finally pushing down the nauseous churning in
09:53my stomach.
09:54My mind flashed back to three years ago.
09:56My clan had been pressuring me into an arranged marriage across the sea.
10:00I fought them on it.
10:01I begged Sudden, my betrothal of seven years, to just run away with me into the forests.
10:06To swear oaths and be together forever.
10:08But when I showed up at the Temple of the Allfather, he brought Ingrid.
10:12He told me her child needed a father under clan law.
10:15He told me he'd sever the tie to her in a moon's time and bond with me then.
10:19He told me not to overthink it.
10:20Watching him hold her hand and walk up to the altar, I realized what a fool I've been.
10:24I sailed across the western fjords for a blind arrangement that very night.
10:28A moon later, I married Gunnar Varg.
10:30A year later, we had our firstborn, and now I'm pregnant with our second.
10:34Honestly, if it wasn't for Guller's ancestral blot, I definitely wouldn't have seen Sauron ever again.
10:40Three days later, I showed up to the Great Solstice Feast alone, wearing light face paint and my custom Elen
10:45-spun tunic.
10:47The second Sauron saw me, his eyes lit up.
10:50A smug smirk spread across his face.
10:52You said you didn't want to come, but here you are.
10:55Listen, if you want me back, you need to at least dress the part to match my new status.
11:02I brushed off his arrogance and tried to pass him.
11:04He stopped me angrily after just two steps.
11:07Astrid!
11:08I'm talking to you.
11:10Our seats are right here.
11:11Where do you think you're going?
11:12I shook his hand off.
11:14Those are your seats.
11:15Mine is over there.
11:16I pointed straight at the high jar's carved oak table.
11:19Sauron's face infinitely darkened.
11:21Ingrid shot me a venomous glare.
11:22She pointed directly at my wrist and yelled at the top of her lungs.
11:25Astrid, how did you sneak in here?
11:27Are you here to ruin everything?
11:29How dare you wear that arm ring?
11:32Her screeching made the entire mead hall turn to look at us.
11:34People immediately started whispering.
11:37Wait, is that the tear of Yggazigh?
11:39Lord Varg forged that for his wife.
11:41Tonight is Lady Varg's first public appearance.
11:43Is this girl trying to mock the high y'all's wife?
11:46She sneaked past the guards?
11:48Is she trying to humiliate us in front of Lord Varg?
11:51One of the elder warriors turned to Sauron.
11:54Commander, is this young lady of your clan?
11:56Sauron saw that I wasn't even looking at him.
11:58He adjusted his expensive fur cloak and said coldly,
12:01No, I don't know her.
12:03Hearing that, Ingrid looked completely thrilled.
12:05She lifted her chin and sneered at me.
12:07Take that fake arm ring off and get out!
12:10I looked at her, completely amused.
12:12Are you sure?
12:13Ingrid realized the clan elders were watching her.
12:15Her eyes turned vicious.
12:16Stop acting like you're special!
12:17Take it off!
12:18She lunged forward to rip it off my wrist.
12:20I swapped her hand away and stepped backward,
12:22but someone's boot shot out behind me.
12:24I tripped.
12:25I was completely stunned.
12:26Before I could get up,
12:28Ingrid stomped her heavy boot down on my hand,
12:30tore the arm ring off my wrist,
12:32treating this cheap garbage like treasure.
12:34She spat.
12:34My hand throwed from her heel.
12:35My wrist was bleeding and torn.
12:36But I just sat there,
12:37staring blankly at the snapped armband
12:38and the glowing enchanted stone scattering across the rush-covered floor.
12:40Pick her up and throw her to the wolves!
12:42A few berserkers immediately surrounded me.
12:43They reached down to grab my arms and legs.
12:45I panicked and struggled.
12:46Stop touching me!
12:48I am Gurner Vargs!
12:49Ingrid slapped me across the face before I could finish.
12:51Are you saying that you're Lord Vargs Thrill now?
12:53You psychotic witch!
12:55She wasn't satisfied.
12:56She backhanded me a second time.
12:57When I sailed back to the mainland,
12:58I didn't want to bother with revenge.
12:59It felt beneath me.
13:00But right now,
13:01I was going to make sure she paid for this in blood.
13:03Sorin crouched down in front of me.
13:04He reached out to touch my bleeding wrist.
13:06I instinctively flinched away from him.
13:07His eyes turned ice cold.
13:09Astrid, are you done throwing your little fit?
13:11You showed up wearing a fake dwarfing ring,
13:13dressed like a complete mess,
13:14just because you see I'm wealthy now
13:15and you want to make me jealous.
13:16If you want me back, beg for it.
13:18I'll say yes.
13:19I let out a dark, freezing laugh.
13:20I looked him dead in the eye.
13:22Sorin, you are absolutely done.
13:24Sorin frowned.
13:25He opened his mouth to yell at me again.
13:27But suddenly,
13:27the entire mead hall went dead silent.
13:29All the warriors frantically straightened their stances
13:31and rushed toward the massive timber doors.
13:34Solon panicked and yanked me to the feet.
13:36Lord Varg is here.
13:37Behave yourself.
13:38He hissed.
13:39And don't worry, Astrid.
13:40Ingrid and I have already severed our oaths.
13:42I stared at him,
13:43rubbing my bruised hand.
13:44This man was absolutely repulsive.
13:45What did his broken oaths have to do with me?
13:56At that exact moment,
13:57Gunnard walked through the doors.
14:03Surrounded by a massive entourage of elite guards
14:05and massive blackhounds.
14:09Outside,
14:09the roar of his dragon shook the roof beams.
14:12He was holding our toddler in his arms.
14:13Once they got into the hall,
14:15my son squirmed to get down.
14:17Gunnard sent him to the door.
14:18The adorable little boy instantly captured
14:19the entire room's attention.
14:21His nursemaid hurried nervously right behind him.
14:23Terrified, he'd tripped.
14:24Sorin didn't notice who the kid was running towards.
14:26He turned to me and whispered,
14:27Astrid,
14:28if you stop acting jealous of Ingrid,
14:29I'll forgive you for vanishing for three winters.
14:31I'll give you a chance to give me a child.
14:33A child of ours.
14:34I didn't say a single word to him.
14:35I just looked past him,
14:36trying to catch Gunnard in my son's eyes through the cloud.
14:38And then,
14:39it happened.
14:40Gunnard followed the toddler's clumsy little footsteps,
14:42right up to where I was.
14:43The second my little boy saw me,
14:44he panicked.
14:45He threw himself into my arms.
14:46Mother, who hurt you?
14:47Why is there so much blood?
14:48The word Mother echoed through the silent hall.
14:50The warriors who had just watched me get assaulted,
14:52stared at me in absolute horror.
14:54My son's warm hug instantly washed away my disgust.
14:56I crouched down and gently pinched his chubby cheek.
14:58Mother's fine, my boy.
14:59He grabbed my bleeding hand
15:00and gently blew on the torn skin.
15:02Tears welled up in his eyes.
15:03Mother,
15:04who dared to do this to you?
15:05Before I could comfort him,
15:06the air in the room suddenly turned freezing cold.
15:08A heavy, suffocating pressure washed over the crowd.
15:10Gunnard was walking towards us.
15:11The sea of terrified warriors parted for him.
15:13Ever since I got pregnant with our second baby,
15:14he had been insanely overprotective.
15:15Glued to my side day and night,
15:16I instantly regretted flying back ahead of him.
15:18I picked up our son and turned around.
15:20The bright red blood dripping down my wrist
15:22stood out starkly against my son's white linen shirt.
15:24Our son squirved to get down.
15:26Father,
15:26someone hurt Mother.
15:27We have to make them pay.
15:29Gunnard stepped forward
15:30and gently took my bleeding wrist.
15:31His face was terrifyingly dark.
15:34Astrid,
15:34what is this?
15:35Every time I take my eyes off you,
15:37you get hurt.
15:37Who in the Nine-Eyethers dared hurt you?
15:39Seeing this ruthless warlord
15:41turn into a fiercely protective husband
15:43made my heart melt.
15:46He was so protective.
15:48A mosquito bite,
15:49a tiny mark from sleep.
15:50Even just half a horn less of mead,
15:52he's instantly worried.
15:53But I loved how intensely he cared about me.
15:56The hall's torches were heavily dimmed,
15:58but our son felt something hard
16:00under his leather shoe.
16:01He bent down and picked up
16:03the massive center star stone
16:04from my broken arm ring.
16:05Father,
16:06isn't this the present you gave Mother?
16:08Guller took the glowing stone
16:10and flipped it over.
16:11Seeing his own engraved clan ruders,
16:13he looked at the crushed arm bling
16:14on the floor,
16:15then at my mangled wrist.
16:17His hand gripped the carved dragon head
16:19of a nearby chair so hard
16:20the solid oak literally splintered
16:22under his grip.
16:23Frustrated by the shadows,
16:25he gently forced me into the chair.
16:27He roared at the thralls.
16:28Light every single bolsa in this hall!
16:32When our eyes met,
16:33his pupils slightly like a dragon's,
16:35he suddenly cuffed my face.
16:37What happened to your face?
16:39They actually dared to do this to you?
16:41I'm fine, Gonar.
16:42I said softly,
16:43patting his hand.
16:44Astrid, I am your husband.
16:46You never have to take any abuse.
16:48His voice dropped to a lethal growl.
16:50No one bullies Mother!
16:52Our son nodded furiously.
16:55Honestly,
16:55I could have handled
16:56Siren and Ingrid myself,
16:57but maybe it was the pregnancy,
16:58or just finally feeling safe.
17:00My voice suddenly cracked.
17:02All the built-up exhaustion
17:03finally broke through.
17:05You weren't here.
17:06They all picked on me.
17:09Ingrid's little minion,
17:10Tova,
17:11strutted out of the crowd.
17:13Astrid,
17:14where did you hire these two mummers?
17:16Their acting is pretty good.
17:19Do you want Ingrid
17:20to get them a spot
17:21in the Bard's Guild?
17:22Since you're clearly too broke
17:24to afford a decent cloak,
17:25I've got an old dress.
17:26If you don't mind,
17:27I can give it to you
17:27so you won't make a fool of yourself.
17:28Tova had arrived late.
17:30She totally missed
17:31Gonar's terrifying entrance.
17:32She was just Ingrid's lapdog,
17:34dressed up to snag
17:35a wealthy yard tonight.
17:36And she knew
17:37the easiest way
17:38to impress Ingrid
17:39was to bully me.
17:41Tova threw her head back
17:42and cackled at her own joke.
17:45Usually,
17:45the warriors would instantly
17:47laugh along with her,
17:48but this time,
17:49the entire mead hall
17:50just stared at her
17:51like she was suicidal.
17:52Tova noticed
17:53the dead silence,
17:54but she doubled down.
17:56You're a good-looking brute.
17:59If you leave Astrid,
18:01I wouldn't mind
18:02being your shieldmate.
18:04She looked right at Gonar
18:06and smirked.
18:08Her words made
18:09the corner of my tauth
18:10twitch in embarrassment.
18:12She wanted to be
18:13a shieldmaid?
18:13To Gunnar Varg?
18:14I honestly didn't know
18:15if she was incredibly brave
18:17or just incredibly stupid.
18:19Anyone with functioning eyes
18:20could feel Gonan's terrifying
18:22Dragonlord aura.
18:23Gollar actually let out
18:25a dark, furious laugh.
18:27If I offered to be
18:28his shieldmate,
18:29he'd be thrilled.
18:30But any other woman,
18:31he would only think
18:32she was courting
18:33the Valkyries.
18:34Over the years,
18:35any woman who tried
18:36to throw herself at him
18:37all vanished.
18:39Tova finally realized
18:40the vibe was
18:41completely toxic.
18:42She nervously stepped
18:44toward Ingrid for backup,
18:45but Ingrid wanted
18:46absolutely nothing
18:48to do with her.
18:49Lapped her viciously
18:50across the face.
18:51Tova crashed hard
18:53onto the stone floor.
18:54Tova, are you insane?
18:56You dare offend
18:58Lord and Lady Varg?
18:59She knew Gordar's
19:00ruthless reputation.
19:01She knew he fed anyone
19:03who even looked at his wife
19:04the wrong way
19:04to his drakes.
19:05Tova started shaking
19:06uncontrollably.
19:08Someone in the crowd gasped.
19:09Every eye in the room
19:10dropped to the floor.
19:11A puddle was forming
19:12beneath her.
19:13Tova had literally
19:14wet herself in pure terror.
19:16By the gods,
19:18look at her skirt.
19:19Golar didn't even blink.
19:21He just slightly
19:22furrowed his brow.
19:23Two massive
19:24berserkers
19:24immediately stepped up
19:26and dragged Tova
19:27out of the hall.
19:29Sore and Ingrid's
19:30faces burned bright red.
19:32Even though Tova
19:33was the one
19:34getting dragged out.
19:35Everyone knew
19:36she was just
19:37echoing their insults.
19:39Meanwhile,
19:40Gulnar's private healer
19:41was frantically
19:42cleaning the torn skin
19:43on my wrist.
19:44I winxed.
19:45Just a tiny hiss of pain.
19:47Instantly,
19:48Gonard and our son
19:49glared at the healer
19:50like they were going
19:51to execute him.
19:54You don't even know
19:56how to apply
19:56the pouchage properly?
19:58The poor healer's hands
20:00started shaking
20:00violently in fear.
20:02I immediately shot
20:03my husband and son
20:04a stern warning glare.
20:06Instantly,
20:06the terrifying warlord
20:07and the fierce toddler
20:08melted.
20:09Astrid.
20:10Mother.
20:11They both looked at me
20:12with identical,
20:13pathetic eyes.
20:14I let out a soft sigh.
20:16Calm down, you two.
20:17The healer is trying to help.
20:18Stop glaring at him.
20:19With my reassurance,
20:20the healer let out
20:21a massive breath of relief.
20:22He finished his work
20:23and turned to Gunnar.
20:24Lord Varg,
20:25your lady is perfectly fine.
20:26The unborn child is safe.
20:29Her wrist is pretty torn up, though.
20:31I'll use our best troll fat slab
20:32to prevent any scarring.
20:34Gunnar didn't say a single word.
20:35I knew exactly what that meant.
20:37That was his pre-explosion silence.
20:38Standing in the crowd,
20:39Solon looked terrified.
20:40But underneath the panic,
20:42he burned with jealousy
20:43as he watched us being close.
20:44But his command's survival
20:45was on the line,
20:46so he had to bite his tongue.
20:48Gunnar stood up beside me,
20:49looking out over the terrified
20:51crowd of warriors and Jaws.
20:52He looked so lethal.
20:53But honestly,
20:54I found it adorable,
20:55especially with our son
20:56standing right beside him,
20:58looking like a tiny,
20:59angry clone.
21:00I want to know exactly
21:01what happened
21:01over the last three days.
21:02If someone speaks up now,
21:04maybe I will spare your life.
21:06But if I have to find out myself,
21:07every single one of you
21:09is going to feed the dragon.
21:10It was a naked,
21:12terrifying threat.
21:13These people had fought
21:14tooth and nail
21:15just to get an invite
21:16to this feast.
21:17None of them wanted to die
21:18for Sorin.
21:19Sorin panicked.
21:20He desperately stepped forward
21:22to save his own skin.
21:23Lord Varg,
21:24it's just a huge misunderstanding.
21:25As Astrid's betrothed,
21:27I was just catching up with her.
21:28It was just an accident.
21:29I froze.
21:30He actually used the word betrothed
21:31right to my husband's face.
21:33It was pure,
21:34delusional arrogance.
21:35He really thought I had spent
21:36the last three years
21:37staying pure for him.
21:38He completely ignored
21:39the murderous look
21:40crossing Ganon's face.
21:41I whipped my head around.
21:42Gondart had literally
21:43crushed his car's drinking horn,
21:44barehanded.
21:45Blood was dripping down
21:46his fingers.
21:46Gunnar!
21:47I grabbed his hand,
21:48completely horrified.
21:49I grabbed a clean linen cloth
21:50and frantically started
21:51wrapping Gunnar's bleeding hand.
21:52I spun around
21:53and screamed at Sorin.
21:55Sabotage my marriage!
21:56I think I've been
21:56way too kind to you.
21:58I only love Gunnar!
22:00Astrid,
22:00I know you're bitter,
22:01but Ingrid and I
22:02have already severed
22:03our oaths now.
22:04Her kid will call you mother.
22:05You only married this warlord
22:06to make me mad, right?
22:07If you don't like Ingrid,
22:09I'll banish her to the wild.
22:10I honestly couldn't believe
22:11what I was hearing.
22:12Shamelessness really blew my mind.
22:14Gordard's blood was
22:15smearing onto my clothes.
22:16As I urgently pressed
22:17the cloth to his palm,
22:19he suddenly started laughing.
22:20A low, genuinely happy laugh.
22:22Why are you laughing?
22:24And gently patted my head.
22:25Astrid,
22:26you just said
22:26I'm the one you love the most.
22:28Our son literally
22:28rolled his eyes.
22:29Ruthless, terrifying dad
22:31was currently acting
22:32like a lovesick youth
22:32just because I defended him.
22:34The other half
22:34were dying of envy.
22:35I could hear the frantic
22:36whispered spreading
22:37through the crowd.
22:38Sora stood there,
22:39his fists completely
22:40clenched in humiliation.
22:42But my son
22:42wasn't done with him.
22:44Leap looked him up and down
22:45with absolute disgust.
22:46My mother is the
22:47queen of our keep.
22:48You think you deserve her?
22:49Mother is only having
22:50two kids.
22:51Me and my little sister.
22:52I know all about you.
22:54You're the trash
22:54who broke my mom's heart.
22:56You're not as battle-hardened
22:58as my dad.
22:58You're not as tall
22:59as my dad.
23:00You're not as strong
23:01as my dad.
23:01Leap hinched his little nose.
23:03And you smell like a wet dog.
23:05It's making my eyes water.
23:06Is your kid going to grow up
23:07to be a leech
23:08who lives off women's weaving?
23:09Just like you?
23:10The elite guests
23:11surrounding us
23:12erupted into laughter.
23:13His chest heaved with shame.
23:15Everyone in that room
23:15knew the truth.
23:16He only got his commander title
23:17by leeching off
23:18Ingrid's clan wealth.
23:19Hearing all this,
23:20Ingrid completely snapped.
23:22Sore had literally
23:22just asked me
23:23to replace her.
23:24To be his son's
23:25real mother.
23:26Ingrid grabbed a silver
23:27meat-carving knife.
23:28She lunged straight at left.
23:29I didn't even think.
23:31I let go of Ganon's hand
23:32and threw my body
23:33over my son.
23:34A blinding,
23:35agonizing pain
23:36ripped through my back.
23:38Leap, are you?
23:39I didn't even get
23:39to finish the sentence.
23:40Everything went black.
23:41I collapsed to the floor.
23:44I woke up to the sharp smell
23:46of bitter herbs
23:47and burning sage.
23:48I glanced down
23:48at my linen bandages
23:49and felt a little daisy.
23:51My best friend,
23:52Sigrid,
23:52threw her arms around me.
23:53Astrid!
23:54You're finally awake!
23:55If you stayed out any longer,
23:56your husband and your son
23:58were going to burn
23:58this realm to ash!
23:59I panicked
24:00and instantly touched
24:01my pregnant belly.
24:03Sigrid knew exactly
24:04what I was thinking.
24:05You're fine.
24:06The child is perfectly fine.
24:07The healer said
24:08you fainted,
24:09frationed from the shock
24:10and the pain.
24:11That psycho witch
24:12actually tried
24:13to stab a toddler.
24:14I started coughing violently,
24:16my throat completely dry.
24:17Sigrid grabbed
24:18a wooden cup of water
24:19and rubbed my back.
24:20Slow down, drink.
24:21Honestly, Astrid,
24:22you were way too impulsive.
24:23Goldar had ten berserkers
24:24in that room.
24:25They would have stopped her.
24:26Leap didn't need you
24:27to take a blade for him.
24:28He's a fierce little wolf.
24:29I finally caught my breath.
24:31He's my child.
24:32Of course I protected him.
24:33I looked around
24:33the empty stone chamber
24:35of the healer's keep.
24:36Where are they?
24:36Sigrid's eyes lit up.
24:38Getting blood revenge,
24:39obviously.
24:39I wanted to go watch.
24:40But your husband
24:41and your kid
24:42are literally terrifying.
24:43So I stayed here.
24:44Is staying with me a chore?
24:45Astrid,
24:46you don't even know.
24:47When I got to the feast,
24:48you were already unconscious.
24:50Your sweet,
24:51soft little boy,
24:52he grabbed a dagger
24:53and stabbed it
24:54right into Ingrid's hand.
24:55I didn't even know
24:56a toddler
24:57could have that much strength.
24:58And Gunnard?
24:59He looked like Fen'nal unleashed.
25:00Gunnard found out
25:01what happened at the docks.
25:03He found out
25:03Sorin slapped you
25:04and broke your arm ring.
25:05He had his guards
25:06pinned sore to the floor.
25:07And he severed the hand
25:09that hit you
25:10with his broadsword.
25:11Leaf just stood there
25:12and watched.
25:13Didn't even blink.
25:14He's a terrifying little devil.
25:15Then they beat Sora's face
25:17into an unrecognizable pulp.
25:18But that wasn't
25:19even the worst part.
25:20Gunnard found out
25:21Ingrid wanted
25:21your enchanted stones.
25:23Gunnard found out
25:24Ingrid wanted
25:25your enchanted stones.
25:26So he had his men
25:27bring out a massive sack
25:29of raw, uncut dragon rubies.
25:31He looked at her and said,
25:32You love taking things
25:34that don't belong to you?
25:35I'll give you exactly
25:36what you want.
25:37The stones
25:37and my wife's leftovers.
25:42Ingrid refused to eat them.
25:44So Gunnard had her kid
25:46dragged into the hall.
25:49She was so terrified.
25:51She's swallowing
25:51the jagged stones.
25:52Then Gunnard had her face
25:54slashed to pieces.
25:56Right in front of her,
25:57he had her son's bow strings cut
25:59and he had her
26:00dumped into the frozen sea.
26:03I stared at Sigrid,
26:04completely stunned.
26:05What about the yards?
26:06Oh, Gunnard handled them too.
26:08Every single warrior
26:09who stood there
26:10and watched you get bullied,
26:11Gunnard had their shield arms
26:12sliced open,
26:13just enough to leave
26:14a permanent scar
26:15to punish them
26:16for just standing by.
26:18If I wasn't her sworn sister,
26:20I probably would have
26:20gotten sliced too.
26:21She fake wiped a tear,
26:22trying to make me laugh.
26:23I just rolled my eyes at her.
26:24The bards were there.
26:25Siglin continued,
26:26but no one dared
26:26to sing of the blood.
26:27The word just spread
26:28that Soren's clan
26:29was dissolved overnight.
26:30Any yar who didn't help you,
26:32their trade routes
26:32are being actively blockaded
26:34by Varg longships.
26:35Right now,
26:36Gundal and Leif
26:37are hunting Soren down.
26:38He was supposed to be thrown
26:39to the waves with Ingrid,
26:41but apparently,
26:41they made some sick deal.
26:45Ingrid threw herself
26:46at the guards
26:46to buy him time
26:47and Soren fled
26:49into the woods.
26:50Gulter's revenge
26:51had been absolutely brutal,
26:52but honestly,
26:53I wasn't scared of him at all.
26:54I was just worried
26:55that our sweet toddler
26:56was led astray
26:56by the violence.
26:58Gulnar and Leif rushed in.
26:59Leif practically shoved
27:00his aunt out of the way.
27:01Mother!
27:02He threw himself
27:02at my fur-lined cowt.
27:04Gulnar's eyes
27:04were completely bloodshot.
27:06He looked like he hadn't slept
27:07since the last harsh winter.
27:08I'm okay, Gulnar.
27:09Don't worry.
27:10Leif,
27:11did Father yell at you
27:12while I was asleep?
27:13Leif froze.
27:14He pouted and tears fell down
27:15his dirt-smudged cheeks.
27:17Father didn't yell at me.
27:19I wrapped my arms
27:20around my son
27:20and shot Gawner a dark glare.
27:22The ruthless dragon lord
27:23immediately looked guilty.
27:24He awkwardly rubbed
27:25the back of his neck.
27:26Father,
27:27I'll never let anyone
27:27hurt you again.
27:28It was all my fault.
27:30I'm sorry.
27:31Protecting you
27:31is mother's job.
27:32I don't blame you at all.
27:35Gorda,
27:35the healer's already
27:36bound it with herbs.
27:37There's nothing to see.
27:38But he gently traced
27:39the edge of the wound
27:39and softly blew on the wound.
27:41It sent a shiver
27:41down my spine.
27:42Astrid,
27:43I swear to the gods
27:44there will never be a next time.
27:45I believe you.
27:46You're the man
27:47I love the most.
27:48I treasure my life
27:49because I plan to spend
27:50the rest of life with you
27:51until Valhalla.
27:52Leif,
27:52grab mother's job.
27:52On the day of my departure,
27:54I was packing my sackle.
27:55The timber door creaked open.
27:56I had my back to-
27:57Astrid.
27:57I slowly turned around.
27:58I froze.
27:59Standing in the doorway
28:00was Sorin.
28:00His face was an unrecognizable
28:02swollen mess of purple bruises.
28:03Astrid,
28:04you have to save me.
28:05Valhalla's insane.
28:07Come with me.
28:07We can still be together.
28:08He was literally
28:09missing half his teeth
28:11and he still thought
28:12I wanted him?
28:13Sorin,
28:14you are nothing to me.
28:15You are just a pathetic coward.
28:17He opened his mouth
28:18to argue
28:18but suddenly
28:19a massive shadow
28:21swallowed him.
28:22I should have fed you
28:22to the Drax
28:23when I had the chance.
28:27That was the last time
28:28I ever saw him.
28:29He was sent
28:30to the deepest iron mines.
28:32Weeks had passed.
28:33The wounds had healed
28:34but the weight of it all
28:35still lingered in my chest.
28:36In the painting,
28:37Gonar looked at me
28:38with absolute
28:39consuming devotion
28:40but I was looking forward
28:42distant,
28:43indifferent.
28:43As I pulled it off
28:44the stone wall,
28:45dozens of loose
28:46parchment sketches
28:47and memory stones
28:48rained down
28:49onto the floor.
28:50I dropped to my knees,
28:52completely shocked.
28:53They were sketches of me.
28:54He had been watching me
28:55for years.
28:56I heard footsteps.
28:58Gornan walked into the hall.
28:59He saw me sitting on the floor,
29:00surrounded by his secret stash.
29:01Astrid,
29:02how did you...
29:03The color completely brained
29:04of the terrifying
29:04dragon lord's face.
29:05He looked like a thief
29:06caught red-handed.
29:07If you liked me
29:08this much back then,
29:09why didn't you just
29:10present yourself?
29:11You made me waste
29:11seven winters
29:12with that oath-breaking fool.
29:13The shading in this one
29:14is actually really good.
29:15I love it.
29:16Astrid,
29:17you don't blame me
29:18for being a shadow,
29:19for watching from the dark.
29:20Shut up.
29:21You're not a shadow.
29:22Looking at these,
29:23all I feel is how much
29:24you love me.
29:24Astrid,
29:25I never dared to ask
29:26the gods for your love.
29:27I just wanted to be allowed
29:28to guard your flank.
29:30Stop saying stupid things.
29:31I love you the most.
29:32My heart is completely yours.
29:34You're under Astrid's
29:35protection now.
29:36Consider this your
29:37meat allowance.
29:37I never realized
29:38that lonely boy
29:39eating stale bread
29:40was Goldar.
29:41Because of his past,
29:42he always felt unworthy.
29:43I made a silent promise
29:45to the gods.
29:45I was going to spend
29:46the rest of my life
29:47showing this insecure,
29:49sensitive dragon lord
29:50exactly how much
29:51I loved him.
29:52A moon had passed
29:53since the solstice feast.
29:55Sorden was dead
29:55to the world,
29:56or so we thought.
29:57But peace is a rare jewel
29:58in the frozen north.
29:59Word of Gonar's
30:00ruthless devotion to me
30:02had spread across the realms.
30:03To most,
30:04it was a romantic epic
30:05sung by bards.
30:06But to Gonar's
30:07adoptive father,
30:08Yal-Kael of the
30:09Icewolf clan,
30:10Kael was the tyrant
30:11who raised Gonar
30:12with nothing but
30:13cold steel
30:14and starvavation.
30:15The heavy doors
30:16of our great hall
30:16swung open.
30:17He armored frost warriors.
30:19He didn't bow to Gonar.
30:21Lord Kael demands tribute.
30:23The unvoiced spit.
30:24Ten chests
30:25of dwarfian gold.
30:26A hundred purebred
30:28warhounds.
30:29And to ensure
30:29your loyalty,
30:31Lord Varg,
30:31your wife will come
30:32with us
30:33to the Iceworth keep
30:34as a hostage.
30:36The entire mead hall
30:37went dead silent.
30:38Every warrior in the room
30:40reached for their axes.
30:42The temperature
30:43in the hall plummeted.
30:44He slowly stood up,
30:45his hand resting
30:46on the hilt
30:47of his broadsword.
30:48I placed a hand
30:49on his arm.
30:50Wait.
30:50Gonard froze.
30:52He looked at me.
30:52I stood up from my throne.
30:54I didn't cower.
30:55I didn't hide
30:56behind my warlord husband.
30:57I walked slowly
30:59down the stone steps.
31:00The envoy smirked,
31:01thinking I was surrendering.
31:03Good girl.
31:03Kael promised you
31:04a warm cage.
31:05In a flash,
31:06I pulled the hidden
31:07Elgin dagger.
31:08I didn't hesitate.
31:09I grabbed the envoy
31:09by his thick braided beard.
31:11But my blade
31:11was already pressed
31:12deep into the side
31:13of his neck.
31:13Drawing a bead
31:14of bright red blood.
31:15Go back to Kael.
31:16Tell him he doesn't
31:17get a hostage.
31:18Tell him Lady Varg
31:18is bringing a war
31:19to his doorstep.
31:20And sliced it clean off
31:21with one brutal motion.
31:23In our culture,
31:24cutting a warrior's beard
31:25was the ultimate humiliation.
31:27Worse than death.
31:28The envai screamed
31:29in outrage,
31:30reaching for his weapon.
31:31The envai fled
31:33in absolute terror.
31:34Golnard stood behind me,
31:35his chest heaving
31:36with proud.
31:37His eyes burned
31:38with an intoxicating mix
31:39of lust and awe.
31:40My queen.
31:41But we knew Kael
31:42wouldn't back down.
31:43What we didn't know
31:43was that Kael
31:44had a new pet.
31:45Deep in the freezing caverns
31:46of the Iceworld Keep,
31:48Sorin was kneeling
31:48before Jarl Kael.
31:50He had survived the cliffs,
31:52washed up on the rocky shores,
31:53broken and pathetic,
31:55only to be found
31:56by Kael's scouts.
31:57Sorin's face
31:58was scarred.
31:59His eyes were hollow,
32:00consumed by pure,
32:01toxic obsession.
32:03I know her weakness,
32:04Lord Kael.
32:04Sorin rasped.
32:05Astrid travels
32:06to the Sacred Dragon Hatcheries
32:07alone every week.
32:08She goes to sing
32:09to the Unhatched Eggs.
32:11Give me a dozen
32:11of your best assassins.
32:14I will bring her to you.
32:16And Gunnar will surrender
32:17his entire kingdom
32:18to get her back.
32:19Do it.
32:20But remember,
32:22the woman belongs
32:22in the dungeons.
32:24Of course.
32:25Three days later,
32:26I was in the cavernous warmth
32:27of the Sacred Hatcheries.
32:28The massive,
32:29glowing dragon eggs
32:30hummed with magic.
32:31I gently ran my hands
32:32over a crimson shell.
32:33Suddenly,
32:33the entrance to the cavern
32:34was blocked.
32:35A dozen frost assassins
32:36filed in,
32:37their blades drawn,
32:38and stepping out
32:39from behind them
32:39was Sorin.
32:40He looked like a monster.
32:41Hello, Astrid.
32:43He smiled,
32:43flashing his iron hook.
32:45I didn't scream.
32:46I didn't drop
32:46my basket of herbs.
32:47You really are
32:48like a cockroach, Sorin.
32:49His scarred face
32:50twitched with rage.
32:51You ruined my life!
32:52I lost my command!
32:54I lost my hand!
32:55I lost Ingrid!
32:56And you get to sit
32:57on a throne!
32:58He stepped closer,
32:59his eyes crazed.
33:00Gunner isn't here
33:01to save you this time.
33:03Dragons are on patrol
33:04at the border.
33:04It's just you and me.
33:06If you come quietly,
33:07I won't let them
33:08hurt the child
33:09in your belly.
33:10We're going to leave
33:10this realm.
33:11You're going to be
33:12mine again.
33:13He reached out
33:14to grab me,
33:14but I just smiled.
33:15A cold,
33:16authoritative smile.
33:17Sorin,
33:18you always underestimated me.
33:20I didn't marry
33:21a dragon,
33:21just to sit
33:22to look pretty.
33:24I raised a carved
33:25bone whistle
33:26to my lips
33:27and blew.
33:31The sound was deafening,
33:33echoing through
33:34the volcanic cavern.
33:36The ground began
33:37to shake violently.
33:38Sora stumbled backward,
33:39his assassins looking
33:40around in panic.
33:41What did you do?
33:44The wall of the cavern
33:46exploded inward.
33:48Massive,
33:48ancient,
33:49crimson drake,
33:50the mother of the clutch,
33:51smashed through the rock.
33:54Her scales glowed
33:55with liquid fire.
33:57Her golden eyes
33:57locked onto the men,
34:00threatening me.
34:01Let out a roar
34:02that physically threw
34:04three assassins
34:05into the air.
34:06I stood calmly
34:06beside her massive,
34:08scaled leg.
34:09I gently rested my hand
34:11on her fiery snout.
34:12Did you really think
34:13I came to the hatcheries
34:14unprotected?
34:16I am Lady Varg.
34:18I am the mother
34:19of the keep.
34:21These beasts
34:22answer to me.
34:23Kill them all.
34:24The cavern turned
34:26into an absolute
34:27slaughterhouse.
34:28Fire bred down
34:30from the ceiling.
34:31The assassins
34:31were turned to ash
34:32in seconds.
34:34Gunnels stood
34:35over Sorin.
34:36He had flown back
34:38the second he heard
34:39the drake's roar.
34:40His broadsword
34:40was drawn,
34:42glowing with runak magic.
34:43I should have
34:44cut off your head
34:46the first time.
34:47Sorin sobbed,
34:48raising his iron hook
34:49in a pathetic attempt
34:50to defend himself.
34:52Mercy!
34:52Lord Varg!
34:53Mercy!
34:54I was forced!
34:56Kyle made me do it!
34:57Golnan raised his sword
34:58for the killing blow.
34:59Golnan!
35:01Stop!
35:01Golnar instantly froze.
35:03He lowered his blade
35:04and looked at me.
35:05I walked over,
35:06my elven tunic
35:07completely untouched
35:08by the sut and fire.
35:10I looked down
35:10at the pathetic,
35:11sniveling man
35:12I had once loved.
35:13There was no sadness left,
35:15just absolute disgust.
35:17I didn't want him
35:17to be Golnan's burden.
35:18I wanted to handle
35:19this myself.
35:20Sorin,
35:20true rulers
35:21never accept betrayal.
35:24And dragons
35:25never forgive.
35:27I looked at my
35:27kingdom date.
35:28I gave a short,
35:29sharp nod.
35:30The draken
35:30lunged forward.
35:31Her massive jaws
35:32lapped down
35:33on Sotan's
35:34legs.
35:35He let out
35:36one final
35:36blood-curling shriek.
35:38As she dragged him
35:39backward
35:39into the volcanic depths,
35:40gone forever.
35:43I turned to Golnar.
35:44Now,
35:45let's go kill
35:46your father.
35:47The war lasted
35:48exactly one day.
35:50Golnar and I
35:51didn't send an army.
35:53We went ourselves.
35:56I rode my
35:58crimson drack
35:59and Golnar rode
36:00his monstrous
36:01black wyland.
36:02We descended
36:03upon the Icewil's
36:04keep like gods
36:04of destruction.
36:06The skies burned.
36:08The frost warriors
36:09threw down
36:09their shields.
36:10The moment
36:11they saw us,
36:11they knew
36:12they were fighting
36:13a losing battle
36:14against the true
36:14king and queen
36:15of the north.
36:16Jarl Kael was
36:17dragged out
36:18of his freezing
36:19throne room.
36:20He was thrown
36:20into the snow
36:21at Golnar's feet.
36:23The cruel man
36:24who had starved
36:25and beaten Golnar's
36:26boy was now
36:26trembling like a leaf.
36:28He looked at Golnar,
36:29then looked at me.
36:30Golnar,
36:31my son.
36:32I made you
36:32a warlord!
36:33Golnar didn't
36:34say a word.
36:35He looked at me,
36:35waiting for my judgment.
36:37I looked down
36:37at Kael.
36:38He raised a weapon
36:39to my family.
36:40Your clan is dissolved.
36:41Your lands belong
36:42to the Varg Banner
36:43and your name
36:44will be erased
36:44from the sagas.
36:45Gondar swung his blade.
36:46The tyranny of the Icewil
36:47clan was ended forever.
36:49Our rule over the
36:49northern realms
36:50was now absolute.
36:51Peace finally settled
36:52over Midland
36:53and two moons later
36:54my time came.
36:55The healers rushed
36:56into the great chamber.
36:58Golnar was a complete wreck.
36:59The most ruthless,
37:00bloodthirsty warlord
37:01in the nine realms
37:02was pacing the halls,
37:03tearing his hair out,
37:05threatening to execute
37:06the gods themselves
37:07if I suffered.
37:09Leaf sat by the door,
37:10sharpening a small
37:11wooden dagger,
37:12looking equally stressed.
37:13After hours
37:14of agonizing labor,
37:16a piercing cry
37:17broke the silence.
37:18The moment she was born,
37:20an incredible thing happened.
37:22Every single dragon
37:24in the Varg pens
37:25and wild dragons
37:26for miles around
37:27took flight.
37:28They circled our keep,
37:30roaring in a massive,
37:32earth-shekering chorus.
37:34Golan burst into the room,
37:35tears streaming down his face.
37:37He fell to his knees
37:38beside the bed.
37:39He didn't even look
37:40at the baby first.
37:41He buried his face
37:42in my neck,
37:43kissing my sweat-dreamt skin.
37:45Astrid,
37:45my life,
37:47my soul.
37:49I smiled weakly
37:51and nodged him.
37:52Look at your daughter,
37:53you giant bear.
37:54The healer gently placed
37:55the bundled infant
37:56in his massive,
37:57scarred arms.
37:58We named her Freya.
37:59She had my features,
38:01but Goldor's striking
38:03intense golden eyes.
38:04The great naming ceremony
38:06was held a week later.
38:08The Mii Hall
38:08was packed with Jarls
38:10from every corner
38:11of the conquered realms.
38:13They had come
38:13to swear fealty,
38:15not just to Gundar,
38:16but to me.
38:17Leif stood proudly
38:18next to the crib,
38:19fiercely guarding
38:19his little sister.
38:21Any Jarl who stepped
38:22too close
38:22got a vicious glare
38:23from the toddler.
38:24Gondar stood
38:24before the roaring hearthfire.
38:26He raised his drinking horn.
38:27The hall erupted
38:28in cheers
38:29and the stomping
38:30of boots,
38:30but Gundar
38:32wasn't finished.
38:32He turned to me.
38:33He pulled a newly
38:34forged crown
38:35from a velvet chest.
38:36It was made of black iron
38:37and intertwined dragonglass.
38:39He knelt before me
38:40in front of all
38:41his lords and warriors.
38:42I have conquered
38:43the north,
38:43but my heart
38:44was conquered long ago.
38:46I crown you,
38:47Astrid,
38:49absolute queen
38:50of the northern skies.
38:51I looked out
38:52at the kneeling warriors
38:53and then down
38:55at the man
38:55and then down
38:56at the man
38:57who worshipped
38:58the ground
38:59I walked on.
38:59I had truly won.
39:01The winter winds
39:02howled outside the keep,
39:04but the great hall
39:05was warm and bright.
39:06Sorin and Ingrid
39:07were nothing
39:07but forgotten ashes
39:09in the wind.
39:09Their names
39:10were never spoke again.
39:11Leif was eight now,
39:12already flying
39:12his own young will
39:13in over the fjords.
39:14He was a fierce,
39:15protective older brother.
39:17Little Freya
39:17was five,
39:18a tiny terror
39:19who trailed
39:19after her father
39:20everywhere.
39:21She had the entire clan
39:22wrapped around
39:23her little finger.
39:24I sat on the
39:24fur-lined throne,
39:26watching them
39:26play by the hearth.
39:27Gollard walked up
39:28behind me.
39:28He wrapped his massive arms
39:30around my waist
39:30and rested his chin
39:32on my shoulder.
39:32He smelled like pine,
39:34cold steel,
39:34and leather.
39:35What are you thinking
39:35about, my queen?
39:36I leaned back
39:37into his solid chest,
39:38just thinking about
39:39how much I hate
39:40plain barley bread.
39:41Gonnard chuckled,
39:42a deep vibration
39:43against my back.
39:44He knew I was talking
39:45about the lonely boy
39:45I fed all those years ago.
39:47He turned my chin
39:48and kissed me deeply.
39:49His eyes still held
39:50the exact same
39:51pure, consuming obsession
39:53as the day we met.
39:55I will worship you,
39:56Gonnard whispered
39:56against my lips
39:57until the stars burn out
39:59and the seas freeze over.
40:00You are my beginning
40:01and my end.
40:03I smiled,
40:04pulling him closer.
40:05I know.
40:05And in the frozen north,
40:06surrounded by dragons
40:08and love,
40:08our saga
40:09was finally perfect.
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