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We bring you the most talked-about and newest short dramas from around the world, updated daily with the freshest viral hits. With seamless multi-language support (English, Spanish, Arabic and more), you can enjoy every moment without language barriers.
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Short filmTranscript
00:03We were supposed to bind our souls at the temple of the Allfather that day, but my betrothé threw me
00:08out of the sacred grounds, then 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. Once we sever the blood oath, I'll come
00:20back and bind with you.
00:24Everyone thought I'd swallow my pride and wait until the next moon. After all, I'd already waited for seven years.
00:33But that night, I took a ship across the western fjords for an arranged marriage. I vanished from his world
00:40completely.
00:43Three years later, my husband and I flew our dragons back to the mainland for a grand ancestral blot.
00:48My husband had an urgent border skirmish to attend to, so he sent a beast and a handler to escort
00:54me.
00:55I walked out of the dragon docks. I walked into the arrival's courtyard and saw a warrior holding a parchment
01:01bearing my runic crest.
01:03I walked over and froze. Holding the parchment was my ex-betrothal Sorin.
01:07He was craning his neck, looking past me at the incoming wiseries.
01:11He had Ingrid with him and half his old raiding party. One of the warriors nudged him.
01:15Sorin, isn't that your clinging admirer?
01:17That's Astrid?
01:18Sorin looked at me. He looked surprised for a split second. Then he smirked.
01:23I told you all long ago. I knew some callback.
01:26The whole raiding party burst out laughing.
01:28Astrid vanished without a trace. Now she sees Sorden 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 Sorden, why show up in plain wool?
01:43Couldn't you at least paint your face with war colors?
01:45Without Sorden, you can't even barter for a nice cloak.
01:49Pathetic.
01:51It was true.
01:52I used to spend hours getting ready for Seden.
01:56Full 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.
02:34Astrid, glad to see you back.
02:35Sullen actually spent years looking for you.
02:37He has been asking about you everywhere.
02:39Sullen's smug smile stiffened.
02:41He cleared his throat and acted casually.
02:44Ingrid's kid starts S.H.I.E.L.D. training next week.
02:46From now on, you're getting him to the training grounds.
02:48He was still so incredibly arrogant.
02:51But 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.
02:59I was just about to tell them exactly who I was, but Ingrid beat me to it.
03:04Astrid, please don't be mad at Soren.
03:07He'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.
03:15Sullen wanted to make you his personal scribe, but clearly you're not a fit.
03:19Don't worry. Being 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.
03:29Soren saw my scown and thought I was just jealous.
03:32His eyes flashed with triumph.
03:34All right, Astrid. Drop the attitude.
03:36You clearly can't survive out in the wilds.
03:38So hold your temper, take care of the kid, and learn your place.
03:42Don't worry. I got a perfect cot for you.
03:44Just in the dragon pens.
03:47The whole group howled with laughter.
03:50By Thor, Astrid. Show 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.
04:05You won't let it out on you, I promise.
04:08Soren let out a cold laugh and shot me a glance.
04:10Why's that? She 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.
04:20After three years, he still thought ditching me at the Temple of the Allfather for Ingrid
04:24was just a tiny little misunderstanding.
04:27Soren, the one I had fallen in love with, was gone.
04:31He wasn't the boy who carried me across the frozen tundra, ignoring his own bleeding frostbite.
04:36He 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. It was all in the past. None of it mattered anymore.
04:50Besides, I'm about to give birth to my second child.
04:54Pushed my feelings down. I didn't want to argue with them. It was pointless.
04:57Aren't you here to guide me to the keep? Let's go.
04:59They exchanged looks. Then they burst out laughing.
05:02Guide you? What a joke.
05:03She pointed at the runic parchment.
05:05Read it carefully.
05:06We are waiting for Lady Vag. Do you even know who that is?
05:08Vag was my new name. Of course I knew.
05:10Lady Vag is the matriarch of the Black Dragon Clan.
05:13She is the actual wife of Hyald Gul'da Vag.
05:15Gul'da Vag is a ruthless warlord, but he's completely obsessed with his wife.
05:19I heard he stayed solitary for years, just waiting for her.
05:23Everyone in the realm knows the rule.
05:24Don't. Try to kiss up to Gondar. Kiss up to Lady Vag.
05:27She is his entire world.
05:29Listening to them gossip about my marriage. I 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.
05:38It's called the Tear of Yigadasi.
05:39It costs 20 chests of gold.
05:41Lady Vag is literally the most envied woman in Midlad.
05:45Her eyes darted down to my wrist.
05:46She let out a sharp gasp.
05:49That's the exact same arm!
05:51It's a pretty good fake.
05:53Which broke stable boy bought this for you?
05:55Buying you a cheap iron knockoff? Absolute 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.
06:09Soren'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.
06:18She snatched the arm ring from Solon's hand.
06:20And started playing with it.
06:21Look, a 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.
06:28These foreign knockoffs are more detailed.
06:29The weight actually feels real!
06:32She gave me a mocking, sickly sweet smile.
06:35Or what, Astria?
06:36Are you saying you're the real Lady Vag?
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!
06:56Sell this fake to me!
06:57I'll pay you double.
06:58I panicked, terrified she was gonna drop it.
07:01Give 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?
07:14His warrior buddies stared at me with pure rage.
07:16Do you have any idea how hard we fought for this escort duty?
07:20Gunnar Varg conquered Soren's clan last harvard.
07:22Our entire livelihood depends on him now.
07:25The only way Soren keeps his commander spot is if we impress Lady Varg.
07:29And you're out here spreading psychotic rumors that you know the high yearn?
07:33Are you trying to ruin Solon's honor?
07:34My stare must have been dead cold.
07:36Because Soren frowned.
07:38A flicker of genuine panic flashed across his eyes.
07:41You ungrateful wretch!
07:42Solon was kind enough to offer you a roof to survive.
07:45Don't push it.
07:45I know you're bitter about the past.
07:48But trying to sabotage his command out of petty revenge?
07:51That'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.
08:01He 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,
08:13I'll have you sent to the kitchens next week.
08:14Watching him play the generous savior made my stomach turn.
08:18The 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.
08:28Soren'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?
08:40What 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.
08:59I was actually planning to bring you to my table.
09:01To let you experience true grand ceremony.
09:03But you'd need to buy a decent dress.
09:05I can't have you embarrassing me.
09:08I cut him off immediately.
09:09With all respect, I really don't need him.
09:13Hearing me reject him again, Soren grew annoyed.
09:17He 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.
09:35I 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.
09:45I'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
09:52pushing down the nauseous churning in my 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.
10:32And now, I'm pregnant with our second.
10:34Honestly, if it wasn't for Guller's ancestral blot, I definitely wouldn't have seen Sorin
10:39ever again.
10:40Three days later, I showed up to the Great Solstice Feast alone, wearing light face paint
10:44and my custom Ellen-spun tunic.
10:47The second Sorin saw me, his eyes lit up.
10:50A smug smirk spread across his face.
10:53You said you didn't want to come, but here you are.
10:56Listen, if you want me back, you need to at least dress the part.
11:00It doesn't 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?
11:13I shook his hand off.
11:14Those are your seats.
11:16Mine is over there.
11:16I pointed straight at the high jar's carved oak table.
11:19Sorin'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?
11:30How dare you wear that arm ring?
11:32Her screeching made the entire mead hall turn to look at us.
11:35People 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.
11:44Is this girl trying to mock the High Yul'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 Sorin.
11:54Commander, is this young lady of your clan?
11:56Sorin 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.
12:35My 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
12:39scattering across the rush-covered floor.
12:40Pick her up and throw her to the wall!
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
12:51before I could finish.
12:52Are 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.
13:00It felt beneath me.
13:00But right now,
13:01I was going to make sure
13:02she 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 dwarf and 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.
13:21I 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
13:30straightened their stances
13:31and rushed toward the massive timber doors.
13:34Solon panicked
13:35and yanked me to my feet.
13:36Lord Vah is here.
13:38Behave yourself.
13:39He 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,
14:10the 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 me to the door.
14:18The adorable little boy
14:19instantly captured the entire room's attention.
14:21His nursemaid hurried nervously right behind him.
14:23Terrified, he 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,
14:30I'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 and my son's eyes through the crowd.
14:39And 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,
14:45he panicked.
14:45He threw himself into my arms.
14:46Mother, who hurt you?
14:48Why is there so much blood?
14:49The 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.
15:00He grabbed my bleeding hand and gently blew on the torn skin.
15:02Tears welled up in his eyes.
15:04Mother, who 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,
15:17I 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.
15:25Our son swerved to get down.
15:26Father, someone hurt mother.
15:27We have to make them pay.
15:29Gunnard stepped forward and gently took my bleeding wrist.
15:31His face was terrifyingly dark.
15:34Astrid, what is this?
15:35Every time I take my eyes off you, you get hurt.
15:37Who in the Nine-Eyethers dared hurt you?
15:39Seeing this ruthless warlord turn into a fiercely protective husband made my heart melt.
15:47He was so protective.
15:48A mosquito bite, a tiny mark from sleep.
15:51Even just half a horn less of mead, he's instantly worried.
15:53But I loved how intensely he cared about me.
15:56The hall's torches were heavily dimmed,
15:59but our son felt something hard under his leather shoe.
16:02He bent down and picked up the massive center star stone from my broken arm ring.
16:06Father, isn't this the present you gave mother?
16:08Guller took the glowing stone and flipped it over.
16:11Seeing his own engraved clan ruders,
16:13he looked at the crushed armbling on the floor,
16:15then at my mangled wrist.
16:17His hand gripped the carved dragon head of a nearby chair so hard,
16:21the solid oak literally splintered under his grip.
16:24Frustrated 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,
16:36he 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, patting 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, I could have handled Siren and Ingrid myself,
16:57but maybe it was the pregnancy.
16:59Or just finally feeling safe.
17:00My voice suddenly cracked.
17:02All the built-up exhaustion finally broke through.
17:05You weren't here.
17:06They all picked on me.
17:09Ingrid's little minion, Tova,
17:11strutted out of the crowd.
17:13Astrid, where did you hire these two mummers?
17:16Their acting is pretty good.
17:19Do you want Ingrid to get them a spot in the Bard's Guild?
17:23Since you're clearly too broke to afford a decent cloak,
17:25I've got an old dress.
17:26If you don't mind, I can give it to you
17:27so you won't make a fool of yourself.
17:29Tova had arrived late.
17:30She totally missed Gonar's terrifying entrance.
17:32She was just Ingrid's lapdog,
17:34dressed up to snag a wealthy yard tonight.
17:36And she knew the easiest way to impress Ingrid
17:39was to bully me.
17:41Tova threw her head back and cackled at her own joke.
17:45Usually, the warriors would instantly laugh along with her.
17:48But this time,
17:49the entire mead hall just stared at her like she was suicidal.
17:52Tova noticed the dead silence.
17:54But she doubled down.
17:56You're a good-looking brute.
17:59If you leave Astrid,
18:01I wouldn't mind being your shield mate.
18:04She looked right at Gonar and smirked.
18:08Her words made the corner of my tauth twitch an embarrassment.
18:12She wanted to be a shield mate?
18:14To Gunnar Varg?
18:15I honestly didn't know if she was incredibly brave
18:17or just incredibly stupid.
18:19Anyone with functioning eyes
18:21could feel Gonan's terrifying Dragonlord aura.
18:24Gullar actually let out a dark, furious laugh.
18:27If I offered to be his shield mate,
18:29he'd be thrilled.
18:30But any other woman,
18:32he would only think she was courting the Valkyries.
18:34Over the years,
18:35any woman who tried to throw herself at him
18:38all vanished.
18:39Tova finally realized the vibe was completely toxic.
18:43She nervously stepped toward Ingrin for backup.
18:46But Ingrin wanted absolutely nothing to do with her.
18:49Lapped her viciously across the face.
18:51Tova crashed hard onto the stone floor.
18:54Tova!
18:55Are you insane?
18:56You dare offend Lord and Lady Varg?
18:59She knew Gordar's ruthless reputation.
19:01She knew he fed anyone who even looked at his wife
19:04the wrong way to his drakes.
19:05Tova started shaking uncontrollably.
19:08Someone in the crowd gasped.
19:09Every eye in the room dropped to the floor.
19:11A puddle was forming beneath her.
19:13Tova had literally wet herself in pure terror.
19:16By the gods!
19:18Look at her skirt!
19:19Gullar didn't even blink.
19:21He just slightly furrowed his brow.
19:23Two massive brazarkers immediately stepped up
19:26and dragged Tova out of the hall.
19:29Sore and Ingrid's faces burned bright red.
19:32Even though Tova was the one getting dragged out.
19:35Everyone knew she was just echoing their insults.
19:39Meanwhile, Gullar's private healer
19:41was frantically cleaning the torn skin on my wrist.
19:44I winced.
19:45Just a tiny hiss of pain.
19:47Instantly,
19:48Gonnard and our son glared at the healer
19:50like they were going to execute him.
19:55You don't even know how to apply the pouchage properly?
19:58The poor healer's hands started shaking violently in fear.
20:02I immediately shot my husband and son a stern warning glare.
20:06Instantly, the terrifying warlord and the fierce toddler melted.
20:09Astrid.
20:10Mother.
20:11They both looked at me with identical, pathetic 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 a massive breath of relief.
20:22He finished his work and turned to Gonnard.
20:25Lord Varg,
20:25your lady is perfectly fine.
20:27The unborn child is safe.
20:29Her wrist is pretty torn up, though.
20:31I'll use our best troll fat slab to prevent any scarring.
20:34Gonnard didn't say a single word.
20:36I knew exactly what that meant.
20:37That was his pre-explosion silence.
20:38Standing in the crowd,
20:39Solon looked terrified.
20:41But underneath the panic,
20:42he burned with jealousy as he watched us being close.
20:45But his command's survival was on the line.
20:47So he had to bite his tongue.
20:48Gullner stood up beside me,
20:50looking out over the terrified crowd of warriors and Jaws.
20:52He looked so lethal.
20:53But honestly,
20:54I found it adorable.
20:55Especially with our son standing right beside him,
20:58looking like a tiny, angry clone.
21:00I want to know exactly what happened over the last three days.
21:03If someone speaks up now,
21:04maybe I will spare your life.
21:06But if I have to find out myself,
21:08every single one of you is going to feed the dragons.
21:11It was a naked, terrifying threat.
21:13These people had fought tooth and nail
21:15just to get an invite to this feast.
21:17None of them wanted to die for Sorin.
21:20Sorin panicked.
21:20He desperately stepped forward to save his own skin.
21:23Lord Vark,
21:24it's just a huge misunderstanding.
21:26As 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
21:32right to my husband's face.
21:33It was pure,
21:34delusional arrogance.
21:35He really thought I had spent the last three years
21:37staying pure for him.
21:38He completely ignored the murderous look
21:40crossing Gon'an's face.
21:41I whipped my head around.
21:42Gondart had literally crushed his car's drinking horn,
21:45barehanded.
21:45Blood was dripping down his fingers.
21:46Gunnar!
21:47I grabbed his hand,
21:48completely horrified.
21:49I grabbed a clean linen cloth
21:50and frantically started wrapping
21:52Gunnar's bleeding hand.
21:53I spun around and screamed at Sorin.
21:55Sabotage my marriage!
21:56I think I've been way too kind to you.
21:58I only love Gunnar!
22:00Astrid,
22:01I know you're bitter,
22:01but Ingrid and I have already
22:03severed our oaths now.
22:04Her kid will call you mother.
22:05You only married this warlord
22:06to make me mad, right?
22:08If 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 smearing onto my clothes.
22:16As I urgently pressed the 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 I'm the one you love the most.
22:28Our son literally rolled his eyes.
22:30Ruthless, terrifying dad
22:31was currently acting like a lovesick youth.
22:33Just because I defended him,
22:34the other half were dying of envy.
22:36I could hear the frantic whispered
22:37spreading through the crowd.
22:38Sorr stood there,
22:39his fists completely clenched in humiliation.
22:42But my son wasn't done with him.
22:44Leap looked him up and down
22:45with absolute disgust.
22:46My mother is the queen of our keep.
22:48You think you deserve her?
22:49Mother is only having two kids.
22:51Me and my little sister.
22:53I know all about you.
22:54You're the trash who broke my mom's heart.
22:56You're not as battle-hardened as my dad.
22:59You're not as tall as my dad.
23:00You're not as strong as 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 to be a leech
23:08who lives off women's weaving?
23:10Just like you?
23:10The elite guests surrounding us
23:12erupted into laughter.
23:13His chest heaved with shame.
23:15Everyone in that room knew the truth.
23:16He only got his commander title
23:17by leeching off Ingrid's clan wealth.
23:19Hearing all this,
23:20Ingrid completely snapped.
23:22Sorr had literally just asked me to replace her.
23:24To be his son's real mother.
23:26Ingrid grabbed a silver meat-carving knife.
23:28She lunged straight at left.
23:30I didn't even think.
23:31I let go of Ganon's hand
23:32and threw my body off
23:33from my Sony over my son.
23:35A blinding, agonizing pain
23:37ripped through my back.
23:38Leap, are you?
23:39I didn't even get to finish the sentence.
23:41Everything went black.
23:42I collapsed to the floor.
23:44I woke up to the sharp smell
23:46of bitter herbs and burning sage.
23:48I glanced down at my linen bandages
23:50and felt a little daisy.
23:51My best friend, Sigrid,
23:52threw her arms around me.
23:54Astrid, you're finally awake!
23:55If you stayed out any longer,
23:57your husband and your son
23:58were going to burn this realm to ash.
24:00I panicked
24:00and instantly touched my pregnant belly.
24:03Sigrid knew exactly what I was thinking.
24:05You're fine.
24:06The child is perfectly fine.
24:07The healers said you fainted,
24:09frationed from the shock and the pain.
24:11That psycho witch
24:12actually tried to stab a toddler!
24:14I started coughing violently,
24:16my throat completely dry.
24:17Sigrid grabbed a 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 in that room.
24:25They would have stopped her.
24:26Leaf didn't need you
24:27to take a blade for him.
24:28He's a fierce little wolf.
24:30I finally caught my breath.
24:31He's my child.
24:32Of course I protected him.
24:33I looked around the empty stone chamber
24:35of the healer's keep.
24:36Where are they?
24:37Sigrid's eyes lit up.
24:38Getting blood revenge, obviously!
24:40I wanted to go watch!
24:41But your husband and your kid
24:42are literally terrifying.
24:43So I stayed here.
24:44Is staying with me a chore?
24:46Astrid, you don't even know.
24:47When I got to the feast,
24:48you were already unconscious.
24:50Your sweet, soft little boy?
24:52He grabbed a dagger
24:53and stabbed it right into Ingrid's hand.
24:56I didn't even know a toddler
24:57could have that much strength.
24:58And Gunnard?
24:59He looked like Fennal 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 Sorin to the floor
25:08and 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.
25:16Then they beat Sorin's face
25:17into an unrecognizable pulp.
25:19But that wasn't even
25:19the worst part.
25:20Gunnard found out
25:21Ingrid wanted
25:22your 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,
25:33You 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.
25:43Ingrid refused to eat them.
25:44So Gunnard had her kid
25:46dragged into the hall.
25:49She was so terrified.
25:51She's swallowing
25:52the jagged stones.
25:53Then Gunnard had her face
25:54slashed to pieces.
25:56Right in front of her,
25:57he had her son's bowstrings 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
26:13sliced open.
26:14Just enough to leave
26:15a permanent scar
26:16to punish them
26:17for just standing by.
26:18If I wasn't your 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
26:27to 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
26:39thrown to the waves
26:40with Ingrid,
26:41but apparently,
26:42they made some sick deal.
26:45Ingrid threw herself
26:46at the guards
26:47to buy him time,
26:48and 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
26:57by 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
27:03at my fur-lined couch.
27:04Gulnar's eyes
27:05were completely bloodshot.
27:06He looked like he hadn't slept
27:07since the last harsh winter.
27:09I'm okay, Gulnar.
27:10Don'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
27:16his dirt-smudged cheeks.
27:17Father didn't yell at me.
27:19I wrapped my arms
27:20around my son
27:21and shot Garner
27:21a dark glare.
27:22The ruthless dragon lord
27:23immediately looked guilty.
27:25He awkwardly rubbed
27:25the back of his neck.
27:26Mother,
27:27I'll never let anyone
27:28hurt you again.
27:29It 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,
27:36the 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
27:42down my spine.
27:42Astrid,
27:43I swear to the guards
27:44there will never be a next time.
27:46I 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-
27:53On 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.
27:58I slowly turned around.
27:59I froze.
27:59Standing in the doorway
28:00was Sorin.
28:01His face was an unrecognizable
28:02swollen mess of purple bruises.
28:03Astrid,
28:04you have to save me.
28:05Varg is insane.
28:07Come with me.
28:08We can still be together.
28:09He was literally
28:10missing half his teeth
28:11and he still thought
28:12I wanted him?
28:13Sorin,
28:14you are nothing to me.
28:16You are just
28:16a pathetic coward.
28:17He opened his mouth
28:18to argue,
28:19but suddenly,
28:20a 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,
28:38Gonar looked at me
28:38with absolute consuming devotion,
28:40but I was looking forward,
28:42distant,
28:43indifferent.
28:44As I pulled it off
28:44the stone wall,
28:46dozens of loose
28:47parchment sketches
28:48and memory stones
28:49rained down onto the floor.
28:51I 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.
29:02Astrid,
29:02how did you...
29:03The color completely brained
29:04of the terrifying dragonlord's face.
29:06He looked like a thief
29:06caught red-handed.
29:07If you liked me
29:08this much back then,
29:09why didn't you
29:10just present 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.
29:16I 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.
29:25Astrid,
29:25I never dared to ask
29:26the gods for your love.
29:27I just wanted to be allowed
29:29to 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 protection now.
29:36Consider this your meat allowance.
29:38I never realized
29:38that lonely boy
29:40eating stale bread
29:40was Goldar.
29:41Because of his past,
29:42he always felt unworthy.
29:44I made a silent promise
29:45to the gods.
29:46I was going to spend
29:46the rest of my life
29:47showing this insecure,
29:49sensitive dragonlord
29:50exactly how much
29:51I loved him.
29:52A moon had passed
29:53since the solstice feast.
29:55Sorden was dead to 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 Ice Wolf Clan,
30:10Kael was the tyrant
30:11who raised Gonar
30:12with nothing but
30:13cold steel and starvation.
30:15The heavy doors
30:16of our great hall
30:17swung open.
30:17He armored frost warriors.
30:20He didn't bow to Gonar.
30:21Lord Kael demands tribute.
30:23The unvoiced spit.
30:24Ten chests of dwarfian gold.
30:27A hundred purebred warhounds.
30:29And to ensure your loyalty,
30:31Lord Varg,
30:32your wife will come with us
30:33to the Ice Worth 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 in the hall
30:43plummeted.
30:44He slowly stood up,
30:45his hand resting on the hilt
30:47of his broadsword.
30:48I placed a hand on his arm.
30:50Wait, Gonard froze.
30:52He looked at me.
30:53I stood up from my throne.
30:54I didn't cower.
30:55I didn't hide behind
30:56my warlord husband.
30:58I walked slowly
30:59down the stone steps.
31:00The envoy smirked,
31:02thinking I was surrendering.
31:03Good girl.
31:04Kael promised you
31:04a warm cage.
31:06In a flash,
31:06I pulled the hidden
31:07Elgin dag.
31:08I didn't hesitate.
31:09I grabbed the envoy
31:10by his thick braided beard,
31:11but my blade was already
31:12pressed deep
31:12into the side of his neck,
31:14drawing a bead of
31:14bright red blood.
31:15Go back to Kael.
31:16Tell him he doesn't
31:17get a hostage.
31:18Tell him Lady Varg
31:19is 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 envoy screamed
31:29in outrage,
31:30reaching for his weapon.
31:32The envoy fled
31:33in absolute terror.
31:34Gonard stood behind me,
31:36his chest heaving
31:36with proud.
31:37His eyes burned
31:38with an intoxicating mix
31:39of lust and awe.
31:41My queen.
31:41But we knew Kael
31:42wouldn't back down.
31:43What we didn't know
31:44was that Kael
31:44had a new pet.
31:45Deep in the freezing caverns
31:47of the Iceworld Keep,
31:48Sorin was kneeling
31:49before Jarl Kael.
31:50He had survived the cliffs,
31:52washed up on the rocky shores,
31:54broken and pathetic,
31:55only to be found
31:56by Kael's scouts.
31:58Sorin's face
31:58was scarred.
31:59His eyes were hollow,
32:01consumed by pure,
32:02toxic 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.
32:09She 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.
32:20Do it.
32:21But remember,
32:22the woman belongs
32:23in 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,
32:34the entrance to the cavern
32:34was blocked.
32:35A dozen frost assassins
32:37filed in,
32:37their blades drawn,
32:38and stepping out
32:39from behind them
32:40was Sorin.
32:40He looked like a monster.
32:42Hello, Astrid.
32:43He smiled,
32:44flashing his iron hook.
32:45I didn't scream.
32:46I didn't drop
32:46my basket of herbs.
32:48You 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!
32:56I lost Ingrid!
32:57And you get to sit
32:58on a throne?
32:58He stepped closer.
32:59His eyes crazed.
33:01Gunnar 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
33:11this realm.
33:12You're going to be mine again.
33:13He reached out to 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 a dragon lord.
33:22I used to sit and look pretty.
33:24I raised a carved bone whistle
33:26to my lips
33:27and blew.
33:31The sound was deafening,
33:33echoing through the volcanic cavern.
33:36The ground began to shake violently.
33:38Sora stumbled backward,
33:39his assassins looking around 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,
33:52smashed through the rock.
33:54Her scales glowed
33:55with liquid fire.
33:57Her golden eyes
33:58locked onto the men,
34:00threatening me.
34:01Let out a roar
34:02that physically threw
34:04three assassins into the air.
34:06I stood calmly
34:07beside 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 of the keep.
34:21These beasts answer to me.
34:23Kill them all.
34:25The cavern turned
34:26into an absolute slaughterhouse.
34:29Fire breathed down
34:30from the ceiling.
34:31The assassins were turned
34:32to ash in seconds.
34:34Gunnels stood over
34:35Sorin.
34:36He had flown back
34:38the second he heard
34:39the drake's roar.
34:40His broadsword was drawn,
34:42glowing with runeck magic.
34:44I should have cut off
34:45your head
34:46the first time.
34:47Sorin sobs,
34:48raising his iron hook
34:49in a pathetic attempt
34:50to defend himself.
34:51Mercy!
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.
35:00Golnan!
35:01Stop!
35:02Golnar instantly froze.
35:03He lowered his blade
35:04and looked at me.
35:05I walked over,
35:07my elven tunic
35:07completely untouched
35:08by the sut and fire.
35:10I looked down
35:11at the pathetic,
35:12sniveling 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.
35:19I wanted to handle
35:19this myself.
35:20Sorin,
35:21true rulers
35:21never accept betrayal.
35:24And dragons
35:25never forgive.
35:27I looked at my kingdom date.
35:28I gave a short,
35:29sharp nod.
35:30The draken
35:30lunged forward.
35:31Her massive jaws
35:33lapped down
35:33on Sotan's
35:34a gun's legs.
35:35He let out
35:36one final
35:37blood-curling shriek
35:38as she dragged him
35:39backward
35:39into the volcanic depths.
35:41Gone forever,
35:43I turned to Golnar.
35:44Now,
35:45let's go kill
35:46your father.
35:47The war lasted
35:48exactly one day.
35:51Golnar and I
35:52didn't send an army.
35:53We went ourselves.
35:57I rode my
35:58Crimson Drac,
35:59and Golnar rode
36:00his monstrous
36:01Black Wyland.
36:02We descended
36:03upon the Icewil's keep
36:04like gods of destruction.
36:06The skies burned.
36:08The Frost Warriors
36:09threw down their shields.
36:10The moment they saw us,
36:12they knew
36:12they were fighting
36:13a losing battle
36:14against the true
36:15King and Queen
36:15of the North.
36:16Jarl Kael
36:17was dragged out
36:18of his freezing
36:19throne room.
36:20He was thrown
36:21into the snow
36:21at Golnar's feet.
36:23The cruel man
36:24who had starved
36:25and beaten Golnar
36:26as a boy
36:26was now trembling
36:27like a leaf.
36:28He looked at Golnar,
36:29then looked at me.
36:30Golnar,
36:31my son,
36:32I made you a warlord!
36:33Golnar didn't say a word.
36:35He looked at me,
36:36waiting for my judgment.
36:37I looked down
36:37at Kael.
36:38You raised a weapon
36:39to my family.
36:40Your clan is dissolved.
36:42Your lands belong
36:43to the Varg Banner,
36:43and your name
36:44will be erased
36:45from the sagas.
36:45Golnar swung his leg.
36:47The tyranny of the Iceworld clan
36:48was ended forever.
36:49Our rule over the Northern 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.
37:08If I suffered,
37:09Leaf sat by the door,
37:10sharpening a small
37:11wooden dagger,
37:12looking equally stressed.
37:13After hours of agonizing labor,
37:16a piercing cry
37:17broke the silence.
37:19The moment she was born,
37:20an incredible thing happened.
37:23Every single dragon
37:24in the Varg pens
37:25and wild dragons
37:26for miles around
37:27took flight.
37:29They circled our keep,
37:31roaring in a massive,
37:32earth-shackering chorus.
37:34Golan burst into the room,
37:36tears 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,
37:46my life,
37:47my soul.
37:50I 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.
38:00She had my features,
38:01but Goldor's striking,
38:03intense golden eyes.
38:05The great naming ceremony
38:06was held a week later.
38:08The Mii Hall was packed
38:09with Jarls from every corner
38:11of the conquered realms.
38:13They had come to 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 too close
38:22got a vicious glare
38:23from the toddler.
38:24Gondar stood before
38:25the roaring hearthfire.
38:26He raised his drinking horn.
38:27The hall erupted in cheers
38:29and the stomping of boots.
38:31But Gunnar wasn't finished.
38:33He turned to me.
38:33He pulled a newly forged 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 his lords
38:42and warriors.
38:42I have conquered the north,
38:44but my heart was conquered
38:45long ago.
38:46I crown you, Astrid,
38:49absolute queen
38:50of the northern skies.
38:52I looked out
38:53at the kneeling warriors,
38:54and then down at the man,
38:56and then down at the man
38:57who worshipped
38:58the ground I walked on.
39:00I had truly won.
39:01The winter winds
39:03howled outside the keep,
39:04but the great hall
39:05was warm and bright.
39:06Sorin and Ingrid
39:07were nothing but
39:08forgotten ashes in the wind.
39:10Their names were
39:10never spoke again.
39:11Lef was eight now,
39:12already flying his own
39:13young will in over the fjords.
39:15He was a fierce,
39:16protective older brother.
39:17Little Freya was five,
39:18a tiny terror
39:19who trailed after
39:20her father everywhere.
39:21She had the entire clan
39:22wrapped around
39:23her little finger.
39:24I sat on the fur-lined throne,
39:26watching them play
39:26by the hearth.
39:27Golod walked up behind me.
39:28He wrapped his massive arms
39:30around my waist
39:31and rested his chin
39:32on my shoulder.
39:33He smelled like pine,
39:34cold steel,
39:35and leather.
39:35What are you thinking
39:36about, my queen?
39:37I leaned back
39:37into his solid chest,
39:38just thinking about
39:39how much I hate
39:40plain barley bread.
39:41Golnard chuckled,
39:42a deep vibration
39:43against my back.
39:44He knew I was talking
39:45about the lonely boy
39:46I fed all those years ago.
39:47He turned my chin
39:48and kissed me deeply.
39:49His eyes still held
39:50the exact same
39:52pure, consuming obsession
39:53as the day we met.
39:55I will worship you,
39:56Golnard whispered
39:57against my lips
39:58until 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,
40:07surrounded by dragons
40:08and love,
40:09our saga
40:09was finally perfect.
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