A/N: So many future stories to plan for and write this year, it's enough to cause my stress levels to rise. But I know that burning myself out will do neither myself nor you guys any good, so when I'm done with this story, I'll finish up Traveler Part II and then move on to Hidden Worlds which is inspired by the Uncharted series. Anyway, onwards to the next chapter!

(Normal pov— Haddock's tower)

When Hiccup woke up the following morning, it was to the incredibly pleasant sensation of something hot licking and kissing away at his already half-hard cock. His needy groan in response must have been enough to tell Astrid that her husband was awake because just a moment later her ministrations gained a lot more purpose, a nimble tongue swirling around his glans before eager lips took him in and the sudden suction made Hiccup nearly arch off the bed.

Hiccup greatly enjoyed waking up like this, squirming beneath Astrid's skilled mouth as she took him down her throat, the tight muscles clenching when she swallowed around him was nearly his undoing. He moaned and trembled at the exquisite sensations his wife provided him with, ready to burst in an almost ridiculous short amount of time. It only took a few minutes, then Hiccup came with a guttural groan, Astrid swallowing him down nearly too much for his sensitive nerves. He lay still, panting, when Astrid pulled back, a teasing spark in her eyes, and crawled back up Hiccup's battle-hardened body, placing playful bite-kisses on his nipples before claiming his mouth in a deep kiss.

The Blood King grasped his wife's curvy hips and pulled her into his lap, causing Astrid to wrap her arms around her husband's neck and legs around his waist. For a moment, the Blood Queen merely grinding her sopping folds against her husband's erect cock, causing both of them to moan happily and gaze into each other's eyes with admiration and love. Having enough foreplay, Astrid reached for Hiccup's cock and slowly lowered herself down until they were flush together. "Mmmm," Astrid moaned in contentment, "s-so good." Hiccup growled in agreement and pressed his face into his wife's breasts while Astrid slowly began riding him.

She then placed her hands on his chest until he laid flat on the bed and then began riding him with more intensity. Hiccup's hands rested on her curvy hips, caressing her beautiful body as she then began to bounce up and down on him. Hiccup's hands moved to her breasts, he then began massaging them with delicate care, causing Astrid to moan out happily and throw her head back in pleasure. "O-Oh! Hiccup!" She gasped out.

"Astrid, oh gods..." Hiccup moaned out while he too threw his head back, holding her hips once more he began to thrust his hips upwards into her. Astrid moaned loudly, they both did; the pleasure was too good. Astrid then felt the coils in her stomach tighten. She then leaned down to kiss her husband, she then moaned into Hiccup's mouth, pushing her tongue past his lips to explore his mouth when he thrust inside her one final time.

Hiccup plunged his cock into her one last time, burying himself all the way to hilt before letting out a ragged moan and spilling rope after rope of his seed into her womb.

Astrid screamed into his mouth, her toes curling, stars exploding behind her eyes, and her orgasm coursing through every nerve in her body like lightning, Thor himself must've been responsible for those jolts of pleasure coursing through her veins. She then collapsed on top of Hiccup and chuckled. "That... will never get old," she then looked into Hiccup's eyes and grinned, "good morning by the way." Hiccup laughed and nodded in agreement. "It certainly is," he let out a regrettable groan, "but unfortunately, we still have an empire to rule." Hiccup turned over, taking her hips and rolling her gently off him, laughing when she let out a squeak in protest. The loss of contact made her reach for him, blind and needy, but her searching hands found nothing but empty bed sheets and warm furs.

He was sitting up, the long, naked plane of the back exposed to her, much to her delight. She watched the way the morning light danced across his skin, the way his muscles rippled as he reached for a clean cloth while approaching the water basin, the way his shoulder blades moved with ease. Gods, he was so beautiful, and Astrid grinned cheekily to herself and was beyond blessed that this handsome, powerful, loving, and compassionate man was her husband.

A knock on their door was heard, causing Hiccup to turn and speak up. "Yes, what is it?"

"King Hiccup, your mother summons you," a Blood Guard said, "she has Halfdan and Hava by her side, but she summons you as well."

"I'll be there shortly," Hiccup said, "thank you."

With a sigh, Astrid too rose from their bed and wrapped her naked body around Hiccup's and murmured out. "It pains me to know that Valka's health grows worse by the day," she then continued, "do you think she'll—?"

"No," Hiccup's answer was immediate, "she cannot die, not yet and not now. I need her to live and remain by my side for as long as it takes." Astrid nodded in understanding and kissed the back of Hiccup's neck. "If there's a way to cure her suffering, I'll find it," she promised, "Valka's death would be a devastating blow to our people and to our family."

"I'd appreciate that," Hiccup said with gratitude, "thank you." The Blood King and Queen shared a passionate kiss and savored what intimacy they could before beginning the day.

Empires don't rule themselves, after all.

(Beneath the streets of Hiccup's capital city)

The underground network of cisterns provided the city with fresh water for the inhabitants of the Viking capital to drink, it was a place that was mostly unguarded, so Gudmundr was able to slip into the underworld without raising any suspicion. The man was draped in a cloak and a hood concealed his face as moved swiftly through the underground network. Torches lit the cisterns, so Gudmundr wouldn't end up stumbling in the dark, but as he delved deeper beneath the city, he could feel a chill crawl down his spine in the realization that he was actually doing this.

Seeking out a man who stands as one of his countrymen, but now serves the enemy lying in wait on the beach.

He knew the name Forkbeard because he was allied with Stoick and those who wanted to tear down Hiccup's heretical empire, but when Hiccup and his armies destroyed the Vikings who wished to destroy his empire, Gudmundr stood as one of the very few survivors to live and tell the tale. There were only a handful of survivors who were spared that day, like Gudmundr were spared because Hiccup either saw potential in their eyes or gave them the choice to embrace the winds of change or die unforgot with those who put him to the test.

Gudmundr then laid eyes on Harald, the Mongrel was sharpening his sword and spoke while continuing to hone his blade's deadly edge. "I was wondering if you'd come," he then continued, "perhaps the resentment you harbor for Hiccup Haddock isn't as strong as I believed it was." Harald then removed his hood and looked into Gundmundr's eyes and inquired. "Are you certain you wish to move against your sworn lord?"

It was a question Gudmundr had asked himself my times over the past two decades, but after recent events that involved the boy Nuffink and now Hiccup himself allying Scandinavia with the Rus' Vikings who now stood as Christians, Gudmundr has decided he wants to break free of the chains that Haddock had placed on him.

"My loyalty to Haddock has become a crushing weight over the decades," Gudmundr confessed, "the weight is killing me day by day, and I'm ready to be relieved of this weight."

Harald narrowed his eyes at Gudmundr, no doubt trying to see whether or not the old man was lying to him. After what felt like an eternity, Harald smiled lightly and spoke with a reassuring tone. "Loyalty can indeed become a crushing weight if it isn't braced by proper support" he then continued, "when your back threatens to finally break, you'll find my master's shoulders broad and welcoming."

Attractive words, but at what cost?

Gudmundr held resentment for Haddock alone, not the people of Scandinavia.

But the generation of Scandinavians under Hiccup's rule adored him and sometimes even viewed him as a god in human form, they were all blind and Gudmundr wanted to help them see that Haddock's reign will ultimately doom them all. By allying with Boleslav's Rus' allies is proof of this, what if they said whatever Hiccup wanted to hear so that when the time is right, they'll launch a counterattack that will ultimately end the Viking era.

Making his decision, Gudmundr approached Harald and kneeled before him. "I pledge myself to you and your masters," he then continued, "I know of others who harbor deep resentments towards Haddock, they too would make worthy allies." Harald acknowledged Gudmundr's words and then ceased sharpening his blade and then placed the tip of the sword at the older man's throat, causing him to inhale sharply and look at Harald in question. "And you're certain these Vikings who harbor resentment to your... former king have the stomach to turn on him and turn on their own countrymen? Because now that you have sworn loyalty to the Mongrel Tribe, it is an oath you cannot turn back on," Harald then continued, "I wonder if these individuals you speak of aren't just spineless cowards and turn on us when Haddock turns his wrath upon my masters."

"Vikings are many things, but we certainly aren't cowards," Gudmundr assured Harald, "I know these people and I know that their hatred for Hiccup Haddock burns hotter than the sun itself. They will not cower when the time comes to end Haddock's rule over all of Scandinavia." Harald once again narrowed his eyes and Gudmundr and then grunted, he then removed the tip of his sword away from and sheathed his blade. Harald then took out a folded parchment of paper and a charcoal pencil and began writing neatly against a nearby pillar.

"What is that?" Gudmundr inquired curiously.

"I am to report to my masters as much as possible, and inform of them of any developments I make within these walls that will hasten Haddock's destruction," Harald said while continuing to write, "once I send this letter to my superiors, you will then take me to those you say harbor resentment towards Haddock and I shall personally see whether or not they are worthy to stand with the Mongrel Tribe." Harald then continued. "And know that my eyes are upon you old man, I've been to every corner of the world in the last two decades and have encountered men who speak nothing but lies until those lies are nothing but the truth. If you are indeed lying to me or attempt to undermine my efforts here, your head will be separated from your body in the blink of an eye. Do you understand?"

"I do," Gudmundr said firmly, "you have no reason to doubt me."

"We shall see," Harald said as he finished writing his message and then urged Gudmundr to follow him, "those you say harbor resentment towards Haddock, do they stand as those who stood alongside Stoick the Vast and those who joined his alliance?"

"Yes," Gudmundr said, "Haddock spared only a handful of those that day because he wanted to show them that coexistence with man and dragons was indeed possible and not heretical." As the two men exited the cisterns undetected, a falcon cried out and soon landed on Harald's shoulder. The Scandinavian Mongrel turned to his carrier and caressed the falcon's belly affectionately, causing the impressive bird to coo out in contentment. Harald then attached his message to the falcon's foot and murmured out. "You know what to do boy," he then reached into one of his pouches strapped to his waist and pulled out a dead rat, and the falcon snatched the dead rodent from Harald's hand and consumed it whole, "take this message back to Nikora and Eir, fly swiftly my friend." The falcon then leaped off of Harald's shoulder and took to the heavens once more and flew to where the Mongrels and their allies were on the beach. Once the falcon was removed from their line of sight, Harald turned to Gudmundr and spoke in a demanding tone.

"Now, take me to those who harbor resentment towards Haddock, so that I may see with my own eyes who among them will aid me in delivering my masters a swift and decisive victory over Hiccup Haddock,"

(Sometime later— Zephyr's pov)

The morning after the celebration last night meant we needed to get back to work and ensure my father's empire remains standing. I'll admit, the night alone with Leif the Commoner was... rather nice. We both could relate that our responsibilities to the Scandinavian Empire were a crushing weight, and last night that weight was momentarily off our shoulders, and it felt amazing just to socialize with the man I'm growing affections for. Though Leif claims he wants a common life, he's drawn to me like a sailor is when he hears the calls of a siren; he's bewitched by me and desires to have me not just as a woman but as a partner and a companion.

I admit the life of a common woman is very attractive for one of many reasons— living a life without the overwhelming responsibilities, being pressured into marrying a man I may be unhappy with for the sake of political advantage, or living with paranoia and determine who you can trust without being stabbed in the back for the sake of power.

My mother has told me this many times before, she told me that she never asked for power, she told me that when she was my age, she came to Denmark to make amends with my father when she had wronged when she once lived on Berk a lifetime ago. My mother was only offered power when she had earned my father's trust and forgiveness, she not only became his Blood Queen but also his general of the Red Maw armies.

Power attracts the worse in us all and corrupts the best of us.

And yet, despite the vast power my father and mother wielded, they were not corrupted by it and abused our people nor the dragons that live among us. Here, everyone was free to voice their concerns and opinions to my parents, but anyone who abused the freedom was punished most severely and in some cases, even killed depending on the grievance.

Whether or not I do inherit my father's crown and become the Blood Queen is uncertain, but if that day does arrive, I pray to all the gods of the Æsir that I do not allow power to corrupt me and turn me into someone I myself would be utterly ashamed of.

Currently, I was out on the docks with Ingrid and a dozen of our personal Blood Guards while the guards were inspecting the incoming trader's vessels for anything suspicious that can represent a threat to our people— dragon cages, enemies hidden below the deck of the larger ships that sailed into port, or anything else that is suspicious. Because Ingrid and I served our father in making trade deals with other kingdoms and empires throughout Midgard, we were already familiar with our usual traders and merchants who'd sail into our ports and present whatever exotic items they have for sale. But those among us who are unfamiliar are given the benefit of the doubt and are put to the test to ensure they are worthy to even offer what they have to us.

I then noticed a small fleet of ships that were unfamiliar to me, and they were sailing right into our port. Ingrid noticed them as well and turned to me. "You recognize their sails?" Taking out my telescope, I look at the ship's sails and the emblems on their sails were unfamiliar. My answer to my sister was a shake of my head, I then speak. "With a hostile army sitting on the beach, I'm not going to take any chances here," I then turn to the nearest Blood Guards and give them orders, "send word to my father and tell them we have a small fleet of unknown ships approaching the harbor. They could traders or something else entirely." The Blood Guards bowed their heads and took off to find my father.

"Who do you think they are?" Ingrid inquired.

"I don't know," I said honestly, "but I suppose we'll find out, won't we?"

(Hiccup's pov)

Gods, it pained me to see my mother in such agony.

Valka was in her bed, with Cloudjumper by her side, his coos were filled with obvious worry for his bonded rider and no doubt begging her to stay with us through the bond they shared.

The healers were doing everything they possibly could to keep my mother comfortable, they had given her teas to reduce the inflammation in her joints, but her heart was failing her and there were moments where she could hardly stand.

And it tore me apart to see her suffer this way.

Halfdan and Hava have hardly left Valka's side, and I don't blame them in the slightest. They were her children too and too her suffering tore their hearts from their chests, and they prayed to the gods to preserve our mother's life for as long as possible.

With a heavy sigh, I approach my mother's bed and see she's sleeked in sweat, her braided her is now splayed out along her bed and the healers are trying to make her as comfortable as possible.

Gods, she looked so... weak and old.

It was no secret Valka Haddock was more flexible and capable of performing extraordinary feats for a woman of her age, she not only stood as one of the greatest dragon riders in our empire, but she stood as an inspiration for those who dreamed to become a great dragon rider too. The children here loved our mother because, in our Dragon Academy, she and Fishlegs would teach the future generation how to properly train dragons; how to bond with them, treat them with respect and equality, and how to earn their complete trust.

Now, time has done nothing but inflict harm upon my mother and it makes me furious! She and my family are the only true people among the trillions of people within these walls that I absolutely trust. I... I still need my mother-- her counsel, wisdom, support, and her love.

Valka looked up at me, her eyes were bloodshot, dark bags under her eyes due to not receiving much sleep, and her face then lit up like the brightest star and it brought tears to my eyes. I then fell on my knees and took the hand she offered me and brought it to my face and I soaked in her loving touch as she caressed my cheek. Looking up into her weary eyes, I saw my mother shake her head slightly at me and speak. "You knew this day would come," she continued, "it was either I fall in battle, succumb to old age, or fall to illness."

"You cannot die," I said desperately, "I'll find a way to prevent it—"

"Oh, my son," Valka said with a sad tone, "you are indeed powerful, but you do not possess the power to prevent people from dying. Death is part of life, and if I am to die within the next couple of days, weeks, or perhaps months, all I want is to be surrounded by my family and be assured that our people have a future, so long as a Haddock is in command of this empire."

Tears spilled from my eyes and slid down my cheeks and I nodded furiously. "I understand," I croaked out, "but... but I don't want you to die. I need you!" Valka gave me a sad smile and shrugged. "Stumbling back into your life was one of the best things that ever happened to me Hiccup," she confessed, "you... you not only reunited with your mother but the two siblings you never knew." I turned to Halfdan and Hava who stood by my side but remained silent and allowed our mother to continue. "But when I am gone, you will still have your siblings, your wife, and your children," she reassured me, "your beautiful children and their heirs they bring into this world are the future of our nation and to further the Haddock bloodline." I understood what she was saying, but the thought of losing my mother was unbearable, especially in a time like this; when I need her now more than ever.

A series of knocks were heard, and two Blood Guards entered my mother's chambers and bowed their heads to us before one of them spoke up. "King Hiccup, a small fleet of unknown ships are approaching the harbor," the bodyguard continued, "we know not whether they are traders or merchants, but Princess Zephyr told us to inform you." I nodded in understanding and then turn back to my mother, she nodded at me murmured out. "go," I then take her hand away from my cheek and kiss her knuckles before turning to Halfdan and Hava. "Stay by her side, and make sure she's comfortable," I then continued, "I send word to you if I have need of you." Both my siblings nodded in understanding and I followed the Blood Guards to the harbor to see who comes to broach trade with my people.

(Normal pov)

Once these ships had finally anchored at the docks, Zephyr and her Blood Guards could see men and women of all races, and some of them were deformed and appeared more beastly than human. Zephyr then laid eyes on a thin man with brown wiry hair and a goatee, and light brown eyes. He wears a dark grey tunic, and a red strapless apron held by two gold taps, two brown belts, black pants, and dark grey boots with light grey buckle straps.

"A most impressive place!" This man said in an elegant tone and with a sultry tone. "The fact that Hiccup Haddock has transformed the barbaric animals that are Vikings into a proper force is... it's unbelievable."

"And... who are you exactly?" Zephyr inquired in a cool tone, offended that this stranger dared to call the Scandinavian people "animals."

"Of course, where are my manners?" The man said with a laugh. "My name is Magnus Finke," he said while nodding in greetings, "and I am one of the greatest traders to ever bless this world."

Scoffing at his words, Zephyr eyed this man and spoke once more. "You carry a Viking name and yet you call us animals, why is that?" The trader's only answer was a smile that made Zephyr very uneasy.

"Zephyr!"

Turning around, the young princess laid eyes on her father and the two of them embraced before breaking then turning to this trader. Hiccup narrowed his eyes at Magnus and then boomed out. "Come down from your ship so that I meet you man on man," he then continued, "if you wish to conduct business here, you will do what I say or I will put you and your partners to the sword." Nodding in understanding, Magnus had his men lower a gangplank from his ship and soon, the thin man stood before Hiccup.

"Now, why are you here?" Hiccup inquired. "We are engaged in a war for the very survival of our people and the Scandinavian Empire. And... you decide now of all times sail you and your fleet into my harbor?"

"I was unaware your home was under threat," Magnus said, "I and my companions have traveled every corner of the world and made ourselves a fortune in trade deals, selling the rarest of items, and seeing what the world has to offer."

"So you decided to come and visit Scandinavia and see what our people have to offer?" Zephyr inquired.

"I have," Magnus said, "but more than that, I wanted to meet Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III! Your name is... well it eclipses many Viking giants— Ragnar Lothbrok and his sons, Cnut the Great, Erik the Red, and many more. You've created an empire that rivals that of the Roman Empire and you have transformed a barbaric people into a fighting force! My point is that I'd like to broach the subject of trade with you and perhaps even become a trade partner."

Hiccup absorbed Magnus's words and then looked to some of the disfigured people among his crew and narrowed his eyes at them. "Who are those wretches who travel with you?" He inquired, Magnus turned to those among his people who stood disfigured and then back to Hiccup and answered. "They're nothing but human beings, they were cast out of a society that either believed their deformity was a weakness or a curse," Magnus continued, "I have taken them under my wing and given them a way to make a name for themselves in this... cruel world."

Humming in acknowledgment, Hiccup turned to his harbor patrol and gave them orders. "Sweep their ships from bow to stern, and if they have possession of anything or anyone that would inflict harm upon us and our dragons..." Hiccup narrowed his eyes at Magnus and concluded with a smirk "...kill this man and his companions." The men bowed their heads in understanding and began to tear through Magnus's fleet of ships for anything suspicious or dangerous that could pose a threat. Hiccup turned to Zephyr and spoke softly at her. "You're dismissed from your responsibilities today, Zephyr," he then continued with a smile, "why don't you get some rest and perhaps spend some time with that young man you've grown affection towards." Zephyr beamed in gratitude and kissed Hiccup's cheek and then made her way towards Haddock Tower. Once Zephyr was out of sight, Hiccup turned to Ingrid and dismissed her of her responsibilities as well, with both his children out of sight, the Blood King turned back to Magnus and spoke.

"While my men search your ships in the meantime, I would break further words with you," Hiccup then continued, "you may have charms and a silver tongue, but it will not be enough in this place." Turning to the Blood Guards, Hiccup nodded at them and then made his way towards the Great Hall, the bodyguards then led Magnus and his people to follow the Blood King. Magnus silently prayed that he and his people would not receive Scandinavian swords in their backs, but despite the circumstances, the trader kept a calm demeanor and not only prayed for his and his people's well being, but that the Blood King would not sense anything amiss about their presence within the Viking capital city.

A/N: Spoiler alert, Magnus cannot be trusted! Not at all!!