- 5 hours ago
Rejected by My Ex, Cherished by the Dragon King
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Short filmTranscript
00:01We were supposed to bind our souls at the Temple of the Allfather that day,
00:05but my betrothƩ 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, so he sent a beast and a handler to escort
00:53me.
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 whiteness.
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.
01:19Then he smirked.
01:21I told you all long ago, I knew she'd fall back.
01:24The whole raiding party burst out laughing.
01:27Astrid vanished without a trace.
01:28Now 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.
01:47Pathetic.
01:49It was true.
01:50I used to spend hours getting ready for Seden.
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-tuked 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.
02:43From now on, you're getting him to the training grounds.
02:45He 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.
02:58But 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 scound and thought I was just jealous.
03:29His eyes flashed with triumph.
03:31All right, Astrid.
03:32Drop 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.
03:41Just in the dragon pens.
03:44The 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.
04:11If 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,
04:31ignoring 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,
04:41was 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.
04:51I pushed my feelings down. I didn't want to argue with them.
04:53It 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.
05:02Read it carefully.
05:03We are waiting for Lady Varg.
05:04Do you even know who that is?
05:05Varg was my new name.
05:07Of course I knew.
05:07Lady Varg is the matriarch of the Black Dragon Clan.
05:10She is the actual wife of Hyjal Gulda Varg.
05:12Gulda Varg is a ruthless warlord.
05:14But he's completely obsessed with his wife.
05:16I heard he stayed solitary for years.
05:18Just waiting for her.
05:20Everyone in the realm knows the rule.
05:21Don't try to kiss up to Gondar.
05:23Kiss up to Lady Varg.
05:24She is his entire world.
05:26Listening to them gossip about my marriage.
05:28I couldn't help it.
05:29To win his wife's heart.
05:31Goran Varg bartered with the dwarves of Svotalfard for a custom arm ring.
05:35It's called the Tear of Yggdask.
05:36It cost 20 chests of gold.
05:38Lady Varg is literally the most envied woman in Midlad.
05:41Her eyes darted down to my wrist.
05:44She let out a sharp gasp.
05:46That's the exact same arm!
05:48It's a pretty good fake.
05:50Which broke stable boy bought this for you?
05:52Buying you a cheap iron knockoff.
05:54Absolute trash.
05:55I snatched my hand back.
05:57And 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.
06:14She snatched the arm ring from Sorin'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.
06:25These foreign knockoffs are more detailed.
06:26The weight actually feels real!
06:29She gave me a mocking sickly sweet smile.
06:31Or what, Astrid?
06:32Are 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!
06:53Sell this fake to me!
06:54I'll pay you double.
06:55I panicked, terrified she was gonna drop it.
06:57Give that back!
06:58Right now!
06:59Gunnar gave that to me!
07:01Shut your mouth!
07:02Sorin glared at me like I was insane.
07:05Astrid!
07:05Have 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 halving.
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 yearn?
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 wretch!
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.
07:49You'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,
08:09I'll have you sent to the kitchens next week.
08:10Watching him play the generous saviour made my stomach turn.
08:14The whole group watched me, waiting for me to grovel and take the pouch.
08:18Instead, I kicked it away.
08:19I reached over.
08:20No thank you, Commander.
08:21Seems like you need it more than I do.
08:23Sorin'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.
08:37We 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 Solon 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.
08:56To let you experience true grand ceremony.
08:58But 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!
09:28I promise I'll be perfect.
09:31I 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 Sorin 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 Sorin 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.
11:12I pointed straight at the high jar's carved oak table.
11:15Sorin'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 Yggazigh?
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 Yul'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 Sorin.
11:49Commander, is this young lady of your clan?
11:51Sorin saw that I wasn't even looking at him.
11:53He adjusted his expensive fur cloak and said coldly,
11:57No, I 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?
12:07Ingrid realized the clan elders were watching her.
12:09Her 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.
12:19I 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.
12:26Treating this cheap garbage like treasure, she 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 arm bond
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!
12:42I 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.
12:57Sorin 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.
13:03Astrid, are you done throwing your little fit?
13:05You showed up wearing a fake dwarfen 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.
13:16Sorin, you are absolutely done.
13:19Sorin 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,
13:26and rushed toward the massive timber doors.
13:29Solon panicked and yanked me to my feet.
13:31Lord Varg is here. Behave 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?
13:41Oh!
13:50At that exact moment, Gunnard walked through the doors.
13:57Surrounded by a massive entourage of elite guards and massive blackhounds.
14:03Outside, the roar of his dragon shook the roof beams.
14:06He was holding our toddler in his arms.
14:08Once they got into the hall, my son squirmed to get down.
14:11Gunnard summoned his door.
14:12The adorable little boy instantly captured the entire room's attention.
14:15His nursery maid hurried nervously right behind him.
14:17Terrified, he'd tripped.
14:18Sorin didn't notice who the kid was running towards.
14:20He turned to me and whispered,
14:21Astrid, if you stop acting jealous of Ingrid,
14:24I'll forgive you for vanishing for three winters.
14:25I'll give you a chance to give me a child.
14:27A child of ours.
14:28I didn't say a single word to him.
14:29I just looked past him,
14:30trying to catch Gunnard in my son's eyes through the crowd.
14:33And then, it happened.
14:34Gunnard followed the toddler's clumsy little footsteps,
14:36right up to where I was.
14:37The second my little boy saw me, he panicked.
14:39He threw himself into my arms.
14:40Mother, who hurt you?
14:42Why is there so much blood?
14:43The word mother echoed through the silent hall.
14:44The warriors who had just watched me get assaulted,
14:46stared at me in absolute horror.
14:48My son's warm hug instantly washed away my disgust.
14:50I crouched down and gently pinched his chubby cheek.
14:52Mother's fine, my boy.
14:53He grabbed my bleeding hand and gently blew on the torn skin.
14:56Tears welled up in his eyes.
14:58Mother, who dared to do this to you?
14:59Before I could comfort him,
15:00the air in the room suddenly turned freezing cold.
15:02A heavy, suffocating pressure washed over the crowd.
15:04Gunnard was walking towards us.
15:05The sea of terrified warriors parted for him.
15:07Ever since I got pregnant with our second baby,
15:08he had been insanely overprotective.
15:09Glued to my side day and night,
15:11I instantly regretted flying back ahead of him.
15:12I picked up our son and turned around.
15:14The bright red blood dripping down my wrist
15:16stood out starkly against my son's white linen shirt.
15:18Our son squirved to get down.
15:20Father! Someone hurt mother!
15:21We have to make them pay!
15:23Gunnard stepped forward and gently took my bleeding wrist.
15:25His face was terrifyingly dark.
15:28Astrid, what is this?
15:29Every time I take my eyes off you, you get hurt.
15:32Who in the Nine-Eithers dared hurt you?
15:33Seeing this ruthless warlord turn into a fiercely protective husband
15:37made my heart melt.
15:40He was so protective.
15:42A mosquito bite, a tiny mark from sleep.
15:44Even just half a horn less of mead,
15:46he's instantly worried.
15:47But I loved how intensely he cared about me.
15:50The hall's torches were heavily dimmed,
15:52but our son felt something hard under his leather shoe.
15:55He bent down and picked up the massive center star stone from my broken arm ring.
15:59Father, isn't this the present you gave mother?
16:02Guller took the glowing stone and flipped it over.
16:04Seeing his own engraved clan ruders, he looked at the crushed arm bling on the floor,
16:09then at my mangled wrist.
16:10His hand gripped the carved dragon head of a nearby chair so hard,
16:14the solid oak literally splintered under his grip.
16:17Frustrated by the shadows, he gently forced me into the chair.
16:20He rolled at the throes.
16:22Light every single Bolsha in this hall!
16:25When our eyes met, his pupils slightly like a dragon's,
16:29he suddenly cuffed my face.
16:31What happened to your face?
16:32They actually dared to do this to you?
16:34I'm fine, Gonar.
16:36I said softly, patting his hand.
16:38Astrid, I am your husband.
16:39You never have to take any abuse.
16:42His voice dropped to a lethal growl.
16:44No one bullies mother!
16:45Our son nodded furiously.
16:48Honestly, I could have handled Siren and Ingrid myself,
16:51but maybe it was the pregnancy.
16:52Or just finally feeling safe.
16:54My voice suddenly cracked.
16:55All the built-up exhaustion finally broke through.
16:58You weren't here!
17:00They all picked on me!
17:02Ingrid's little minion, Tova, strutted out of the crowd.
17:06Astrid, where did you hire these two mummers?
17:09Their acting is pretty good.
17:12Do you want Ingrid to get them a spot in the Bard's Guild?
17:15Since you're clearly too broke to afford a decent cloak,
17:18I've got an old dress.
17:19If you don't mind, I can give it to you
17:20so you won't make a fool of yourself.
17:22Tova had arrived late.
17:23She totally missed Gonar's terrifying entrance.
17:25She was just Ingrid's lapdog,
17:27dressed up to snag a wealthy yard tonight.
17:29And she knew the easiest way to impress Ingrid
17:32was to bully me.
17:34Tova threw her head back and cackled at her own joke.
17:38Usually, the warriors would instantly laugh along with her.
17:41But this time, the entire mead hall just stared at her like she was suicidal.
17:45Tova noticed the dead silence.
17:47But she doubled down.
17:49You're a good-looking brute.
17:52If you leave Astrid, I wouldn't mind being your shield mate.
17:57She looked right at Gonar and smirked.
18:01Her words made the corner of my tauth twitch an embarrassment.
18:04She wanted to be a shield mate?
18:06To Gunnar Varg?
18:07I honestly didn't know if she was incredibly brave or just incredibly stupid.
18:11Anyone with functioning eyes could feel Gonan's terrifying Dragonlord aura.
18:16Tova actually let out a dark, furious laugh.
18:20If I offered to be his shield mate, he'd be thrilled.
18:23But any other woman, he would only think she was courting the Valkyries.
18:27Over the years, any woman who tried to throw herself at him, all vanished.
18:31Tova finally realized the vibe was completely toxic.
18:35She nervously stepped toward Ingrin for backup.
18:38But Ingrin wanted absolutely nothing to do with her.
18:41Lapped her viciously across the face.
18:44Tova crashed hard onto the stone floor.
18:47Tova! Are you insane?!
18:49You dare offend Lord and Lady Varg?!
18:52She knew Gordar's ruthless reputation.
18:54She knew he fed anyone who even looked at his wife the wrong way to his drakes.
18:58Tova started shaking uncontrollably.
19:00Someone in the crowd gasped.
19:01Every eye in the room dropped to the floor.
19:03A puddle was forming beneath her.
19:05Tova had literally wet herself in pure terror.
19:08By the gods! Look at her skirt!
19:10Gordar didn't even blink.
19:13He just slightly furrowed his brow.
19:15Two massive Brizarkers immediately stepped up and dragged Tova out of the hall.
19:21Sor and Ingrid's faces burned bright red.
19:24Even though Tova was the one getting dragged out.
19:27Everyone knew she was just echoing their insults.
19:31Meanwhile, Gulnar's private healer was frantically cleaning the torn skin on my wrist.
19:35I winked.
19:37I winked.
19:37Just a tiny hiss of pain.
19:39Instantly, Gonnard and our son glared at the healer like they were going to execute him.
19:47You don't even know how to apply the pouchage properly?!
19:50The poor healer's hands started shaking violently in fear.
19:54I immediately shot my husband and son a stern warning glare.
19:58Instantly, the terrifying warlord and the fierce toddler melted.
20:01Astrid.
20:02Mother.
20:03They both looked at me with identical, pathetic eyes.
20:06I let out a soft sigh.
20:07Calm down, you two.
20:08The healer is trying to help.
20:09Stop glaring at him!
20:10With my reassurance, the healer let out a massive breath of relief.
20:13He finished his work and turned to Gunnar.
20:16Lord Varg, your lady is perfectly fine.
20:18The unborn child is safe.
20:21Her wrist is pretty torn up though.
20:22I'll use our best troll fat slab to prevent any scarring.
20:25Gunnar didn't say a single word.
20:27I knew exactly what that meant.
20:28That was his pre-explosion silence.
20:30Standing in the crowd, Solon looked terrified.
20:32But underneath the panic, he burned with jealousy as he watched us being close.
20:36But his command's survival was on the line, so he had to bite his tongue.
20:39Gunnar stood up beside me, looking out over the terrified crowd of warriors and Jaws.
20:44He looked so lethal.
20:45But honestly, I found it adorable.
20:47Especially with our son standing right beside him, looking like a tiny, angry clone.
20:51I want to know exactly what happened over the last three days.
20:54If someone speaks up now, maybe I will spare your life.
20:57But if I have to find out myself, every single one of you is going to feed the dragons.
21:02It was a naked, terrifying threat.
21:05These people had fought tooth and nail just to get an invite to this feast.
21:09None of them wanted to die for Sorin.
21:11Sorin panicked.
21:12He desperately stepped forward to save his own skin.
21:15Lord Varg, it's just a huge misunderstanding.
21:17As Astrid's betrothed, I was just catching up with her.
21:19It was just an accident.
21:21I froze.
21:21He actually used the word betrothed, right to my husband's face.
21:24It was pure, delusional arrogance.
21:26He really thought I had spent the last three years staying pure for him.
21:29He completely ignored the murderous look crossing Ganon's face.
21:33I whipped my head around.
21:34Gondard had literally crushed his car's drinking horn, barehanded.
21:37Blood was dripping down his fingers.
21:38Gunnar!
21:38I grabbed his hand, completely horrified.
21:40I grabbed a clean linen cloth and frantically started wrapping Gunnar's bleeding hand.
21:44I spun around and screamed at Sorin.
21:46Sabotage my marriage!
21:47I think I've been way too kind to you.
21:49I only love Gunnar!
21:51Astrid, I know you're bitter.
21:52But Ingrid and I have already severed our oaths now.
21:55Her kid will call you mother.
21:56You only married this warlord to make me mad, right?
21:58If you don't like Ingrid, I'll banish her to the wilds.
22:01I honestly couldn't believe what I was hearing.
22:03Shamelessness really blew my mind.
22:05Gordard's blood was smearing onto my clothes.
22:07As I urgently pressed the cloth to his palm, he suddenly started laughing.
22:11A low, genuinely happy laugh.
22:13Why are you laughing?
22:14And gently patted my head.
22:16Astrid, you just said I'm the one you love the most.
22:18Our son literally rolled his eyes.
22:20His ruthless, terrifying dad was currently acting like a lovesick youth.
22:23Just because I defended him, the other half were dying of envy.
22:26I could hear the frantic whispers spreading through the crowd.
22:29Soror stood there, his fists completely clenched in humiliation.
22:33But my son wasn't done with him.
22:34Leap looked him up and down with absolute disgust.
22:37My mother is the queen of our keep.
22:39You think you deserve her?
22:40Mother is only having two kids.
22:42Me and my little sister.
22:43I know all about you.
22:44You're the trash who broke my mum's heart.
22:47You're not as battle-hardened as my dad.
22:49You're not as tall as my dad.
22:51You're not as strong as my dad.
22:52Lee hinched his little nose.
22:54And you smell like a wet dog.
22:56It's making my eyes water.
22:57Is your kid going to grow up to be a leech who lives off women's weaving?
23:00Just like you?
23:01The elite guests surrounding us erupted into laughter.
23:04His chest heaved with shame.
23:06Everyone in that room knew the truth.
23:07He only got his commander title by leeching off Ingrid's clan wealth.
23:10Hearing all this, Ingrid completely snapped.
23:13Soror had literally just asked me to replace her.
23:15To be his son's real mother, Ingrid grabbed a silver meat-carving knife.
23:19She lunged straight at left.
23:20I didn't even think.
23:21I let go of Ganon's hand and threw my body over my son.
23:25A blinding, agonizing pain ripped through my back.
23:28Lee, are you?
23:29I didn't even get to finish the sentence.
23:31Everything went black.
23:32I collapsed to the floor.
23:34I woke up to the sharp smell of bitter herbs and burning sage.
23:38I glanced down at my linen bandages and felt a little daisy.
23:41My best friend, Sigrid, threw her arms around me.
23:44Astrid!
23:44You're finally awake!
23:45If you stayed out any longer, your husband and your son were going to burn this realm
23:49to ash!
23:50I panicked and instantly touched my pregnant belly.
23:53Sigrid knew exactly what I was thinking.
23:55You're fine.
23:56The child is perfectly fine.
23:58The healers said you fainted, frationed, from the shock and the pain.
24:01That psycho witch actually tried to stab a toddler!
24:05I started coughing violently, my throat completely dry.
24:08Sigrid grabbed a wooden cup of water and rubbed my back.
24:10Slow down, drink.
24:11Honestly, Astrid, you were way too impulsive.
24:14Goldar had ten berserkers in that room.
24:15They would have stopped her.
24:17Leaf didn't need you to take a blade for him.
24:18He's a fierce little wolf.
24:20I finally caught my breath.
24:21He's my child.
24:22Of course I protected him.
24:23I looked around the empty stone chamber of the healer's keep.
24:26Where are they?
24:27Sigrid's eyes lit up.
24:28Getting blood revenge, obviously!
24:30I wanted to go watch!
24:31But your husband and your kid are literally terrifying.
24:33So I stayed here.
24:34Is staying with me a chore?
24:36Astrid, you don't even know.
24:37When I got to the feast, you were already unconscious.
24:40Your sweet, soft little boy?
24:42He grabbed a dagger and stabbed it right into Ingrid's hand.
24:46I didn't even know a toddler could have that much strength.
24:49And Gunnard?
24:49He looked like Fennal unleashed.
24:51Gunnard found out what happened at the docks.
24:53He found out Sorin slapped you and broke your arm ring.
24:56He had his guards pinned sore to the floor.
24:58And he severed the hand that hit you with his broadsword.
25:01Leaf just stood there and watched.
25:03Didn't even blink.
25:04He's a terrifying little devil.
25:06Then they beat Sora's face into an unrecognizable pulp.
25:09But that wasn't even the worst part.
25:10Gulnar found out Ingrid wanted your enchanted stones.
25:13Gulnar found out Ingrid wanted your enchanted stones.
25:16So he had his men bring out a massive sack of raw, uncut dragon rubies.
25:21He looked at her and said,
25:22You love taking things that don't belong to you?
25:25I'll give you exactly what you want.
25:26The stones and my wife's leftovers.
25:32Ingrid refused to eat them.
25:34So Gunnar had her kid dragged into the hall.
25:39She was so terrified.
25:40She's swallowing the jagged stones.
25:42Then Gulnar had her face slashed to pieces.
25:45Right in front of her.
25:47He had her son's bow strings cut.
25:49And he had her dumped into the frozen sea.
25:53I stared at Sigrid, completely stunned.
25:55What about the yards?
25:56Oh, Gunnar handled them too.
25:58Every single warrior who stood there and watched you get bullied.
26:01Gunnar had their shield arms sliced open.
26:03Just enough to leave a permanent scar.
26:05To punish them for just standing by.
26:08If I wasn't her sworn sister, I probably would have gotten sliced too.
26:11She fake wiped a tear, trying to make me laugh.
26:13I just rolled my eyes at her.
26:14The bards were there.
26:15Siglin continued, but no one dared to sing of the blood.
26:17The word just spread that Soren's clan was dissolved overnight.
26:20Any Yar who didn't help you?
26:21Their trade routes are being actively blockaded by Varg longships.
26:25Right now, Gundal and Leif are hunting Soren down.
26:28He was supposed to be thrown to the waves with Ingrid.
26:30But apparently, they made some sick deal.
26:35Ingrid threw herself at the guards to buy him time.
26:37And Solon fled into the woods.
26:39Gulter's revenge had been absolutely brutal.
26:42But honestly, I wasn't scared of him at all.
26:44I was just worried that our sweet toddler was led astray by the violence.
26:47Gulnar and Leif rushed in.
26:49Leif practically shoved his aunt out of the way.
26:51Mother!
26:51He threw himself at my fur-lined cow.
26:53You're awake!
26:53Gulnar's eyes were completely bloodshot.
26:55He looked like he hadn't slept since the last harsh winter.
26:58I'm okay, Gulnar.
26:59Don't worry.
26:59Leif, did father yell at you while I was asleep?
27:02Leif froze.
27:03He pouted and tears fell down his dirt smudged cheeks.
27:07Father didn't yell at me.
27:08I wrapped my arms around my son and shot Garner a dark glare.
27:11The ruthless dragon lord immediately looked guilty.
27:14He awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck.
27:15Mother, I'll never let anyone hurt you again.
27:18It was all my fault.
27:19I'm sorry.
27:20Protecting you is mother's job.
27:21I don't blame you at all.
27:24Gorda, the healer's already bound it with herbs.
27:26There's nothing to see.
27:27But he gently traced the edge of the wound and softly blew on the wound.
27:30It sent a shiver down my spine.
27:31Astrid, I swear to the gods there will never be a next time.
27:34I believe you.
27:36You're the man I love the most.
27:37I treasure my life because I plan to spend the rest of life with you until Valhalla.
27:41On the day of my departure, I was packing my sackle.
27:44The timber door creaked open.
27:45I had my back to-
27:46Astrid.
27:47I slowly turned around.
27:48I froze.
27:48Standing in the doorway was Sorin.
27:50His face was an unrecognizable swollen mess of purple bruises.
27:53Astrid, you have to save me.
27:54Varg is insane.
27:56Come with me.
27:57We can still be together.
27:57He was literally missing half his teeth and he still thought I wanted him?
28:02Sorin, you are nothing to me.
28:05You are just a pathetic coward.
28:06He opened his mouth to argue.
28:08But suddenly, a massive shadow swallowed him.
28:11I should have fed you to the Drax when I had the chance.
28:16That was the last time I ever saw him.
28:18He was sent to the deepest iron mines.
28:21Weeks had passed.
28:22The wounds had healed.
28:23But the weight of it all still lingered in my chest.
28:25In the painting, Gonar looked at me with absolute consuming devotion.
28:29But I was looking forward, distant, indifferent.
28:33As I pulled it off the stone wall,
28:35dozens of loose parchment sketches and memory stones rained down onto the floor.
28:39I dropped to my knees, completely shocked.
28:42They were sketches of me.
28:43He had been watching me for years.
28:45I heard footsteps.
28:46Gornan walked into the hall.
28:48He saw me sitting on the floor, surrounded by his secret stash.
28:50Astrid, how did you-
28:51The color completely brained of the terrifying dragon lord's face.
28:54He looked like a thief caught red-handed.
28:56If you liked me this much back then, why didn't you just present yourself?
28:59You made me waste seven winters with that oath-breaking fool.
29:02The shading in this one is actually really good.
29:04I love it.
29:05Astrid, you don't blame me for being a shadow, for watching from the dark.
29:09Shut up.
29:10You're not a shadow.
29:11Looking at these, all I feel is how much you love me.
29:13Astrid!
29:14I never dared to ask the gods for your love.
29:16I just wanted to be allowed to guard your flank.
29:18Stop saying stupid things.
29:20I love you the most.
29:21My heart is completely yours.
29:23You're under Astrid's protection now.
29:25Consider this your meat allowance.
29:26I never realized.
29:27That lonely boy eating stale bread was Goldar.
29:30Because of his past, he always felt unworthy.
29:32I made a silent promise to the gods.
29:34I was going to spend the rest of my life showing this insecure, sensitive dragon lord exactly how much I
29:40loved him.
29:40Why were we ready to explore them?
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