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Rejected by My Ex, Cherished by the Dragon King #englishsub #fullmovie 🍿🍿
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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.
00:14He 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.
00:49My 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.
01:08He was craning his neck, looking past me at the incoming wiserings.
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 cool back.
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?
01:46Without Sorden, you can't even barter for a nice cloak.
01:50Pathetic.
01:51It was true.
01:52I used to spend hours getting ready for Seden.
01:56Full braided hair, clan paints, fitted leathers and furs.
02:00Always 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-tuked 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.
02:40Sullen'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.
02:51But 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.
03:06He's just trying to take care of you.
03:09You disappeared for three winters.
03:11What kind of shady taverns have you been staying at?
03:14Look at you.
03:15Soren wanted to make you his personal scribe, but clearly you're not a fit.
03:19Don't worry.
03:20Being 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 scound and thought I was just jealous.
03:31His eyes flashed with triumph.
03:34All right, Astrid.
03:35Drop the attitude.
03:36You clearly can't survive out in the wilds.
03:38So hold your temper.
03:39Take care of the kid and learn your place.
03:42Don't worry.
03:42I got a perfect cot for you.
03:44Just 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.
04:08Soren 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.
04:20After three years, he still thought ditching me at the Temple of the Allfather for Ingrid
04:24was just a tiny little misunderstanding.
04:26Soren, the one I had fallen in love with, was gone.
04:31He wasn't the boy who carried me across the frozen tundra,
04:34ignoring 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,
04:43was 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.
04:57It was pointless.
04:57Aren't you here to guide me to the keep?
04:59Let's go.
04:59They exchanged look.
05:00Then they burst out laughing.
05:02Guide 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.
05:10Of course I knew.
05:11Lady 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.
05:17But he's completely obsessed with his wife.
05:19I heard he stayed solitary for years.
05:21Just waiting for her.
05:23Everyone 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.
05:38It's called the Tear of Yigadas.
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?
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.
06:09Soren'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.
06:30The wait actually feels real!
06:32She gave me a mocking, sickly sweet smile.
06:35Or 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 gonna drop it.
07:01Give that back right now!
07:03Gunnar gave that to me!
07:05Shut your mouth!
07:06Soren glared at me like I was insane.
07:08Astrid, have you gone mad?
07:10How 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 half.
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 Soren's honor?
07:34My stare must have been dead cold because Soren frowned.
07:38A flicker of genuine panic flashed across his eyes.
07:41You ungrateful rat!
07:42Soren was kind enough to offer you a roof to survive.
07:45Don't push it.
07:46I 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 shrewd.
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.
08:17The whole group watched me, waiting for me to grovel and take the pouch.
08:22Instead, 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, to 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 it.
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, but I tossed one last look over my shoulder.
09:45I'm looking forward seeing you both in three days.
09:47I practically sprinted out of the courtyard, hitting the crisp, freezing air outside,
09:51finally pushing 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 betrotho of seven years, to just run away with me into the forests.
10:06To swear oaths and be together forever.
10:09But 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 ceased Sorin ever again.
10:40Three days later, I showed up to the Great Solstice Feast alone.
10:43Wearing light face paint and 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 to match my new status.
11:02I brushed off his arrogance and tried to pass him.
11:05He 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.
11:16Mine is over there.
11:16I pointed straight at the high jar's carved oak table.
11:20Sorin's face instantly 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,
12:27Ingrid 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 stones
12:39scattering across the rush-covered floor.
12:40Pick her up and throw her to the wolves!
12:42A few berserkers immediately surrounded me.
12:44They reached down to grab my arms and legs.
12:45I panicked and struggled.
12:47Stop touching me!
12:48I am Gurner Varg!
12:49Ingrid slapped me across the face before I could finish.
12:52Are you saying that you're Lord Varg's 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 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 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.
13:17If you want me back, beg for it.
13:19I'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,
13:28the entire mead hall went dead silent.
13:29All the warriors frantically straightened their stances
13:31and rushed toward the massive timber doors.
13:34Sorin panicked
13:35and yanked me tight.
13:36Lord Varg 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?
13:47Oh!
13:56At that exact moment,
13:57Gunnard walked through the doors.
14:03Surrounded by a massive entourage of elite guards
14:05and massive black hounds.
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 on the floor.
14:18The adorable little boy
14:19instantly captured the entire room's attention.
14:21His nursery maid 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,
14:37trying to catch Gunnard
14:37and my son's eyes through the crowd.
14:39And then,
14:39it happened.
14:40Gunnard followed the toddler's
14:41clumsy 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.
14:47Mother,
14:47who hurt you?
14:48Why is there so much blood?
14:49The word mother echoed through the silent hall.
14:51The warriors who had just watched me get assaulted,
14:52stared at me in absolute horror.
14:54My son's warm hug
14:55instantly washed away my disgust.
14:56I crouched down
14:57and gently pinched his chubby cheek.
14:59Mother's fine, my boy.
15:00He grabbed my bleeding hand
15:01and gently blew on the torn skin.
15:02Tears welled up in his eyes.
15:04Mother,
15:04who dared to do this to you?
15:05Before I could comfort him,
15:06the air in the room
15:07suddenly turned freezing cold.
15:08A heavy suffocating pressure
15:09washed 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,
15:26someone hurt mother.
15:28We have to make them pay.
15:29Gunnard stepped forward
15:30and gently took my bleeding wrist.
15:32His face was terrifyingly dark.
15:34Astrid,
15:35what is this?
15:35Every time I take my eyes off you,
15:37you get hurt.
15:37Who in the nine eithers dared hurt you?
15:40Seeing this ruthless warlord
15:41turn into a fiercely protective husband
15:43made my heart melt.
15:47He was so protective.
15:48A mosquito bite,
15:49a tiny mark from sleep.
15:51Even just half a horn less of mead,
15:53he's instantly worried.
15:54But 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.
16:01He bent down and picked up the massive center star stone from my broken arm ring.
16:06Father,
16:07isn'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 throes.
16:28Light every single Bolsha in this hall!
16:32When our eyes met,
16:33his pupils slightly like a dragon's,
16:36he suddenly cuffed my face.
16:38What 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,
16:45I 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 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,
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 to get them a spot in the Bard's Guild?
17:22Since you're clearly too broke to 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.
17:29Tova 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.
17:37And she knew the easiest way to impress Ingrid
17:39was to bully me.
17:41Tova threw her head back
17:42and cackled at her own joke.
17:45Usually,
17:46the warriors would instantly laugh along with her.
17:48But this time,
17:49the entire meat hall just stared at her
17:51like 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
18:11in embarrassment.
18:12She wanted to be a shield maid?
18:14To Gunnar Varg?
18:15I honestly didn't know
18:16if she was incredibly brave
18:17or just incredibly stupid.
18:19Anyone with functioning eyes
18:21could feel Gonar's terrifying dragon lord aura.
18:24Golor actually let out a dark,
18:26furious 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
18:33she 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
18:40the vibe was completely toxic.
18:43She nervously stepped toward Ingrid,
18:45in for backup.
18:46But Ingrid wanted absolutely nothing
18:48to do with her.
18:49Flapped her viciously across the face.
18:52Tova crashed hard onto the stone floor.
18:54Tova, are you insane?
18:56You dare offend lord and lady Varg?
18:59She knew Gordar's ruthless reputation.
19:02She knew he fed anyone
19:03who 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
19:15in pure terror.
19:17By the gods!
19:18Look at her skirt!
19:19Gordar didn't even blink.
19:21He just slightly furrowed his brow.
19:23Two massive Brizarkers
19:25immediately stepped up
19:26and dragged Tova out of the hall.
19:29Sor and Ingrid's faces
19:31burned bright red.
19:32Even though Tova
19:33was the one getting dragged out.
19:36Everyone knew
19:36she was just echoing their insults.
19:38Meanwhile,
19:40Gulnar's private healer
19:41was frantically cleaning
19:42the torn skin on my wrist.
19:44I winced.
19:45Just a tiny hiss of pain.
19:47Instantly,
19:48Gonard and our son
19:49glared at the healer
19:50like they were going to execute him.
19:55You don't even know
19:56how to apply the pouchage properly?
19:58The poor healer's hands
20:00started shaking violently in fear.
20:02I immediately shot my husband and son
20:04a stern warning glare.
20:06Instantly,
20:07the terrifying warlord
20:08and the fierce toddler melted.
20:10Astrid.
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.
20:25Lord 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
20:33to prevent any scarring.
20:34Gunnar didn't say
20:35a single word.
20:36I knew exactly what that meant.
20:37That was his pre-explosion silence.
20:38Standing in the crowd,
20:40Solon looked terrified.
20:41But underneath the panic,
20:42he burned with jealousy
20:43as he watched us being close.
20:44But his command's survival
20:46was on the line.
20:47So he had to bite his tongue.
20:48Gunnar stood up beside me,
20:50looking out over the terrified crowd
20:51of warriors and Jaws.
20:52He looked so lethal.
20:54But honestly,
20:54I found it adorable.
20:55Especially with our son
20:57standing right beside him,
20:58looking like a tiny, angry clone.
21:00I want to know exactly
21:01what happened over the last three days.
21:03If someone speaks up now,
21:05maybe I will spare your life.
21:06But if I have to find out myself,
21:08every single one of you
21:09is 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
21:22to save his own skin.
21:23Lord Varg,
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, delusional 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 him.
21:43Gondard had literally crushed
21:44his car's drinking horn,
21:45barehanded.
21:45Blood was dripping down his fingers.
21:47Gunnar!
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
21:53and 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, I know you're bitter,
22:01but Ingrid and I
22:02have already severed our oaths now.
22:04Her kid will call you mother.
22:05You only married this warlord
22:07to 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
22:15onto my clothes.
22:16As I urgently pressed the cloth
22:18to his palm,
22:19he suddenly started laughing.
22:20A low, genuinely happy laugh.
22:23Why are you laughing?
22:24And gently patted my head.
22:25Astrid, you just said
22:27I'm the one you love the most.
22:28Our son literally rolled his eyes.
22:30His ruthless, terrifying dad
22:31was currently acting
22:32like a lovesick youth
22:33just because I defended him.
22:34The other half were dying of envy.
22:36I could hear the frantic whisper
22:37spreading through the crowd.
22:38Soror stood there,
22:39his fists completely clenched
22:41in 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?
22:50Mother is only having two kids.
22:51Me and my little sister.
22:53I 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.
22:59You'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
23:07to be a leech
23:08who lives off women's weaving
23:09just like you?
23:11The elite guests surrounding us
23:12erupted into laughter.
23:14His chest heaved with shame.
23:15Everyone in that room
23:16knew 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
23:23just asked me to replace her.
23:25To be his son's real mother.
23:26Ingrid grabbed a silver
23:27meat 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
23:33over my son.
23:35A blinding, agonizing pain
23:37ripped through my back.
23:38Leap, are you?
23:39I didn't even get to finish
23:40the sentence.
23:41Everything went black.
23:42I collapsed to the floor.
23:44I woke up to the sharp smell
23:46of bitter herbs
23:47and burning sage.
23:48I glanced down
23:49at 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
23:59this realm to ash.
24:00I panicked
24:00and instantly touched
24:02my pregnant belly.
24:03Sigrid knew exactly
24:04what I was thinking.
24:05You're fine.
24:06The child is perfectly fine.
24:07The healers said
24:08you fainted,
24:09frationed from the shock
24:10and the pain.
24:11That psycho witch
24:12actually tried to stab
24:13a toddler!
24:14I started coughing violently,
24:16my throat completely dry.
24:17Sigrid grabbed a wooden cup
24:19of water and rubbed my back.
24:20Slow down, drink.
24:21Honestly, Astrid,
24:22you were way too impulsive.
24:23Goldar had ten berserkers
24:25in 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.
24:30I finally caught my breath.
24:31He's my child.
24:32Of course I protected him.
24:33I looked around
24:34the empty stone chamber
24:35of the healer's keep.
24:36Where are they?
24:37Sigrid's eyes lit up.
24:38Getting blood revenge,
24:39obviously!
24:39I wanted to go watch!
24:41But your husband
24:41and your kid
24:42are literally terrifying.
24:43So I stayed here.
24:44Is staying with me a chore?
24:46Astrid,
24:46you don't even know.
24:47When I got to the feast,
24:49you 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.
24:56I didn't even know
24:56a toddler could have
24:57that much strength.
24:58And Gunnard?
24:59He looked like
24:59Fen'nal unleashed.
25:01Gunnard 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.
25:08And he severed the hand
25:09that hit you
25:10with his broadsword.
25:11Leif just stood there
25:12and watched.
25:13Didn't even blink.
25:14He's a terrifying little devil.
25:16Then they beat Sora's face
25:17into an unrecognizable pulp.
25:19But that wasn't
25:19even the worst part.
25:20Gulnar found out
25:21Ingrid wanted
25:22your enchanted stones.
25:23Gulnar 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
25:36exactly what 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 Gullar 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 dumped
26:01into the frozen sea.
26:03I stared at Sigrid
26:04completely stunned.
26:05What about the yards?
26:06Oh, Gullar handled them too.
26:08Every single warrior
26:09who stood there
26:10and watched you get bullied
26:11Gullar had their shield arms
26:13sliced open
26:13just enough to leave
26:15a permanent scar
26:16to punish them
26:17for just standing by.
26:19If 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
26:27to sing of the blood.
26:27The word just spread
26:28that Soren's clan
26:29was dissolved overnight.
26:31Any 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
26:41they made some sick deal.
26:45Ingrid threw herself
26:46at the guards
26:47to buy him time
26:48and Solon fled
26:49into the woods.
26:50Gullar'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.
26:58Gullar and Leif
26:59rushed in.
27:00Leif practically
27:00shoved his aunt
27:01out of the way.
27:01Mother!
27:02He threw himself
27:03at my fur-lined cout.
27:04Gullar's eyes
27:05were completely bloodshot.
27:06He looked like
27:07he hadn't slept
27:07since the last harsh winter.
27:09I'm okay Gullar
27:09don't worry.
27:10Leif
27:11Did father yell at you
27:12while I was asleep?
27:13Leif froze.
27:14He pouted
27:14and 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 Gullar
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 I'll never let
27:27anyone hurt you again.
27:29It was all my fault.
27:30I'm sorry.
27:31Protecting you
27:32is mother's job.
27:32I don't blame you at all.
27:35Gorda the healer's
27:36already bound 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 spot.
27:42Astrid
27:43I swear to the gods
27:44there will never be a next time.
27:46I believe you.
27:47You'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 grab mother's
27:53On the day of my departure
27:53I was packing my sackle.
27:55The timber door creaked open.
27:56I had my back to him.
27:57Astrid
27:57I 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.
28:05Valhalla's 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.
28:21I should have fed you
28:23to 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
28:42indifferent.
28:44As I pulled it off
28:44the stone wall
28:45dozens of loose
28:47parchment sketches
28:48and memory stones
28:49rained 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.
28:57I heard footstamps.
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
29:05dragon lord'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 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.
29:16I 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
29:24is how much you love me.
29:25Astrid
29:25I never dared
29:26to ask the gods
29:27for your love.
29:28I just wanted to be
29:28allowed to guard
29:29your flank.
29:30Stop saying stupid things.
29:31I love you the most.
29:33My heart is completely yours.
29:34You're under Astrid's
29:35protection now.
29:36Consider this
29:37your meat allowance.
29:38I never realized
29:39that lonely boy
29:40eating stale bread
29:41was 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
29:47the rest of my life
29:48showing 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 to the world
29:56or so we thought
29:57but peace
29:57is a rare jewel
29:58in the frozen north.
30:00Word of Goldar'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 Goldar's
30:07adoptive father
30:08Yarl Kale
30:09of the Ice Wolf clan
30:10Kale was the tyrant
30:11who raised Goldar
30:12with nothing but
30:13cold steel
30:14and starvavation.
30:15The heavy doors
30:16of our great hall
30:17swung open
30:17Kale's envoy
30:19marched in
30:19flanked by heavily
30:21armored frost warriors
30:22he didn't bow
30:23to Gunnar
30:24Lord Kale
30:25demands tribute
30:26the envoy spit
30:27ten chests
30:28of dwarfian gold
30:29a hundred purebred
30:31warhounds
30:32and to ensure
30:32your loyalty
30:33Lord Varg
30:35your wife will come
30:35with us
30:36to the Iceworth
30:37Keep
30:37as a hostage
30:39the entire
30:40mead hall
30:40went dead silent
30:41every warrior
30:42in the room
30:43reached for their axes
30:45the temperature
30:46in the hall
30:46plummeted
30:47he slowly stood up
30:48his hand resting
30:50on the hilt
30:50of his broadsword
30:51I placed a hand
30:52on his arm
30:53wait
30:53Gunnar'd froze
30:54he looked at me
30:56I stood up
30:56from my throne
30:57I didn't cower
30:58I didn't hide
30:59behind my warlord
31:00husband
31:00I walked slowly
31:02down the stone steps
31:03the envoy smirked
31:04thinking I was surrendering
31:06good girl
31:06Kale promised you
31:07a warm cage
31:08in a flash
31:09I pulled the hidden
31:10elgin dag
31:11I didn't hesitate
31:12I grabbed the envoy
31:13by his thick braided beard
31:14but my blade
31:14was already pressed
31:15deep into the side
31:16of his neck
31:17drawing a bead
31:17of bright red blood
31:18go back to Kale
31:19tell him he doesn't
31:20get a hostage
31:21tell him Lady Varg
31:22is bringing a war
31:22to his doorstep
31:23and sliced it clean off
31:24with one brutal motion
31:26in our culture
31:27cutting a warrior's beard
31:28was the ultimate
31:29humiliation
31:30worse than death
31:31the onvei screamed
31:33in outrage
31:33reaching for his weapon
31:35the envoy fled
31:36in absolute terror
31:37Golnard stood behind me
31:39his chest heaving
31:39with proud
31:40his eyes burned
31:41with an intoxicating
31:42mix of lust and awe
31:43my queen
31:44but we knew Kale
31:45wouldn't back down
31:46what we didn't know
31:47was that Kale
31:47had a new pet
31:48deep in the freezing
31:49caverns of the
31:50ice world keep
31:51Sorin was kneeling
31:52before Jarl Kale
31:53he had survived
31:54the cliffs
31:54washed up on the
31:55rocky shores
31:56broken and pathetic
31:58only to be found
31:59by Kale's scouts
32:00Sorin's face
32:01was scarred
32:02his eyes were hollow
32:03consumed by pure
32:04toxic obsession
32:06I know her weakness
32:07Lord Kale
32:07Sorin rasped
32:08Astrid travels to the
32:09sacred dragon hatcheries
32:10alone every week
32:12she goes to sing
32:12to the unhatched eggs
32:14give me a dozen
32:15of your best assassins
32:17I will bring her to you
32:19and Gunnar will surrender
32:20his entire kingdom
32:21to get her back
32:23do it
32:23but remember
32:24the woman belongs
32:26in the dungeons
32:27of course
32:28three days later
32:29I was in the cavernous
32:30warmth of the sacred
32:31hatcheries
32:31the massive glowing
32:32dragon eggs
32:33hummed with magic
32:34I gently ran my hands
32:35over a crimson shell
32:36suddenly
32:36the entrance to the cavern
32:38was blocked
32:38a dozen frost assassins
32:40filed in
32:40their blades drawn
32:41and stepping out
32:42from behind them
32:43was Sorin
32:43he looked like a monster
32:45hello Astrid
32:46he smiled
32:47flashing his iron hook
32:48I didn't scream
32:49I didn't drop
32:49my basket of herbs
32:50you really are
32:51like a cockroach
32:52Sorin
32:52his scarred face
32:53twitched with rage
32:54you ruined my life
32:55I lost my command
32:57I lost my hand
32:58I lost Ingrid
32:59and you get to sit
33:01on a throne
33:01he stepped closer
33:02his eyes crazed
33:03Gunnar isn't here
33:04to save you this time
33:06dragons are on patrol
33:07at the border
33:07it's just you and me
33:09if you come quietly
33:10I won't let them
33:11hurt the child
33:12in your belly
33:12we're going to leave
33:14this realm
33:14you're going to be
33:16mine again
33:16he reached out
33:17to grab me
33:17but I just smiled
33:18a cold authoritative smile
33:20Sorin
33:21you always underestimated me
33:23I didn't marry a dragon
33:24just to sit and look pretty
33:26I raised a carved
33:28bone whistle
33:29to my lips
33:30and blue
33:34the sound was deafening
33:36echoing through
33:37the volcanic cavern
33:38the ground began
33:40to shake violently
33:41Sora stumbled backward
33:42his assassins
33:43looking around in panic
33:44what did you do
33:47the wall of the cavern
33:49exploded inward
33:50massive ancient
33:52crimson drake
33:53the mother of the clutch
33:54smashed through the rock
33:56her scales glowed
33:59with liquid fire
34:00her golden eyes
34:01locked onto the men
34:02threatening me
34:04let out a roar
34:05that physically threw
34:07three assassins
34:08into the air
34:09I stood calmly
34:10beside her massive
34:11scaled leg
34:12I gently rested my hand
34:14on her fiery snout
34:15did you really think
34:16I came to the hatcheries
34:17unprotected
34:19I am Lady Varg
34:21I am the mother
34:22of the keep
34:24these beasts
34:25answer to me
34:26kill them all
34:28the cavern turned
34:29into an absolute
34:30slaughterhouse
34:31fire breathed down
34:33from the ceiling
34:34the assassins
34:34were turned to ash
34:35in seconds
34:37gunnel stood over
34:39Sorin
34:39he had flown back
34:41the second he heard
34:42the drake's roar
34:43his broadsword was drawn
34:44glowing with runeck magic
34:46I should have cut off
34:48your head
34:48the first time
34:50Sorin sobbed
34:51raising his iron hook
34:52in a pathetic attempt
34:53to defend himself
34:54mercy
34:55lord Varg
34:56mercy
34:57I was forced
34:58Kyle made me do it
35:00Golnun raised his sword
35:01for the killing blow
35:02Golnun
35:03stop
35:04Golnar instantly froze
35:06he lowered his blade
35:07and looked at me
35:08I walked over
35:09my elven tunic
35:10completely untouched
35:11by the sut and fire
35:12I looked down
35:14at the pathetic
35:14sniveling man
35:15I had once loved
35:16there was no sadness
35:17left
35:18just absolute disgust
35:20I didn't want him
35:20to be gone in burden
35:21I wanted to handle
35:22this myself
35:23Sorin
35:23true rulers
35:24never accept betraying
35:27and dragons
35:28never forgive
35:30I looked at my
35:31kingdom date
35:31I gave a short
35:32sharp nod
35:33the draken
35:33lunged forward
35:34her massive jaws
35:36lapped down
35:36on Sotan's
35:37they come's legs
35:38he let out
35:39one final
35:40blood-curling shriek
35:41as she dragged him
35:42backward
35:42into the volcanic depths
35:44gone forever
35:45I turned to Golnar
35:47now
35:47let's go kill
35:49your father
35:49the war lasted
35:51exactly one day
35:54Golnar and I
35:55didn't send an army
35:56we went ourselves
36:00I rode my
36:01crimson drack
36:02and Golnar rode
36:03his monstrous
36:04black wyland
36:05we descended
36:06upon the ice
36:07will's keep
36:07like gods
36:08of destruction
36:08the skies
36:10burned
36:10the frost warriors
36:12threw down
36:12their shields
36:13the moment
36:14they saw us
36:14they knew
36:15they were fighting
36:16a losing battle
36:17against the true
36:18king and queen
36:18of the north
36:19Jarl Kale
36:20was dragged
36:21out of his
36:22freezing throne room
36:23he was thrown
36:24into the snow
36:24at Golnar's feet
36:26the cruel man
36:27who had starved
36:28and beaten Golnar
36:29as a boy
36:29was now trembling
36:30like a leaf
36:31he looked at Golnar
36:32then looked at me
36:33Golnar
36:34my son
36:35I made you a warlord
36:36Golnar didn't say a word
36:38he looked at me
36:38waiting for my judgment
36:40I looked down
36:40at Kale
36:41you raised a weapon
36:42to my family
36:43your clan is dissolved
36:44your lands belong
36:46to the Varg banner
36:46and your name will be erased
36:48from the sagas
36:48Gondar swung his blade
36:49the tyranny of the Icewell clan
36:51was ended forever
36:52our rule over the northern realms
36:53was now absolute
36:54peace finally settled
36:56over Midland
36:56and two moons later
36:57my time came
36:58the healers rushed
36:59into the great chamber
37:00Golnar was a complete wreck
37:02the most ruthless
37:03bloodthirsty warlord
37:04in the nine realms
37:05was pacing the halls
37:06tearing his hair out
37:08threatening to execute
37:09the gods themselves
37:10if I suffered
37:12Leaf sat by the door
37:13sharpening a small
37:14wooden dagger
37:15looking equally stressed
37:16after hours of
37:18agonizing labor
37:19a piercing cry
37:20broke the silence
37:22the moment she was born
37:23an incredible thing
37:25happened
37:25every single dragon
37:27in the Varg pens
37:28and wild dragons
37:30for miles around
37:30took flight
37:31they circled our keep
37:33roaring in a massive
37:35earth shepherding chorus
37:37Golan burst into the room
37:38tears streaming down
37:40his face
37:40he fell to his knees
37:41beside the bed
37:42he didn't even look
37:43at the baby first
37:44he buried his face
37:45in my neck
37:46kissing my sweat
37:47dreamt skin
37:48Astrid
37:48my life
37:50my soul
37:51thank you
37:52thank you
37:53I smiled weakly
37:54and nodged him
37:54look at your daughter
37:56you giant bear
37:57the healer gently placed
37:58the bundled infant
37:59in his massive
38:00scarred arms
38:01we named her Freya
38:02she had my features
38:04but Goldil's striking
38:06intense golden eyes
38:07the great naming ceremony
38:09was held a week later
38:10the Mii Hall
38:12was packed with Jarls
38:13from every corner
38:14of the conquered realms
38:16they had come to swear fealty
38:18not just to Gundar
38:19but to me
38:20Leaf stood proudly
38:21next to the crib
38:21fiercely guarding
38:23his little sister
38:23any Jarl who stepped
38:25too close
38:25got a vicious glare
38:26from the toddler
38:27Gondar stood before
38:28the roaring hearth fire
38:29he raised his drinking horn
38:30the hall erupted in cheers
38:32and the stomping of boots
38:34but Gunnar wasn't finished
38:35he turned to me
38:36he pulled a newly forged crown
38:38from a velvet chest
38:39it was made of black iron
38:40and intertwined dragonglass
38:42he knelt before me
38:43in front of all his lords
38:45and warriors
38:45I have conquered the north
38:47but my heart was conquered
38:48long ago
38:49I crown you
38:50Astrid
38:52absolute queen
38:53of the northern skies
38:54I looked out
38:56at the kneeling warriors
38:57and then down
38:58at the man
38:59and then down
39:00at the man
39:00who worshipped
39:01the ground I walked on
39:03I had truly won
39:04the winter winds
39:06howled outside the keep
39:07but the great hall
39:08was warm and bright
39:09Sorin and Ingrid
39:10were nothing but
39:11forgotten ashes
39:12in the wind
39:12their names
39:13were never spoke again
39:14Lef was eight now
39:15already flying his own
39:16young will in
39:17over the fjords
39:17he was a fierce
39:18protective older brother
39:20little Freya was five
39:21a tiny terror
39:22who trailed after
39:23her father everywhere
39:24she had the entire clan
39:25wrapped around
39:26her little finger
39:27I sat on the fur-lined throne
39:29watching them play
39:29by the hearth
39:30Golod walked up behind me
39:31he wrapped his massive arms
39:33around my waist
39:34and rested his chin
39:35on my shoulder
39:35he smelled like pine
39:37cold steel
39:37and leather
39:38what are you thinking
39:39about my queen
39:39I leaned back
39:40into his solid chest
39:41just thinking about
39:42how much I hate
39:43plain barley bread
39:44Golnard chuckled
39:45a deep vibration
39:46against my back
39:47he knew I was talking
39:48about the lonely boy
39:49I fed all those years ago
39:50he turned my chin
39:51and kissed me deeply
39:52his eyes still held
39:54the exact same
39:55pure consuming obsession
39:56as the day we met
39:58I will worship you
39:59Golnard whispered
40:00against my lips
40:01until the stars burn out
40:02and the seas freeze over
40:03you are my beginning
40:04and my end
40:06I smiled
40:07pulling him closer
40:08I know
40:08and in the frozen north
40:10surrounded by dragons
40:11and love
40:12our saga
40:12was finally perfect
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