A/N: Halfway done with this story, I don't want to rush it but at the same time I'm eager to finish it and take a break before finishing up Traveler Part II just to relieve myself of stress and mental exhaustion.

(Normal pov— One month later)

Word of Nuffink and Katerina's marriage spread like wildfire throughout Scandinavia and the preparations for the wedding took a month. During that time, the hostile army of Mongrels, Slavs, Mongols, Chinese, and Huns held their position on the beach of Denmark and continued to lie in wait, like a predator stalking its prey and waiting for the perfect opportunity to pounce. Despite the joyous occasion of his son's impending wedding, Hiccup didn't let his guard down for a moment and ordered his armies to remain on high alert throughout the capital city— guarding the gates, docks, sewers, anywhere the enemy would try to slither inside undetected.

While the warriors within the capital city were all over the city, the citizens were unaware that there were traitors among them and they used that to their advantage. Gudmundr was draped in a thick bear fur cloak and making his way into a tavern to meet up with Harald Forkbeard, upon entering the establishment, the old Viking was greeted to the sight of men and women hoisting mugs of ale, drinking in honor of Prince Nuffink and his marriage to Princess Katerina. The people were all in a joyous mood because after many weeks of preparation, the day of the wedding had finally arrived and everyone was to attend and witness Nuffink being married.

Gudmundr approached a table where a hooded figure sat, with a heavy sigh, the old Viking seated himself across from his Mongrel ally and poured himself a cup of ale. "How has it come to this? Haddock's whelp marrying a Christian princess, it's an insult to the Viking people and our gods!" Gudmundr snarled out while taking a large drink of his ale. Harald was twirling a throwing knife while ensuring nobody in the tavern saw his face, the heightened patrols around the capital were putting Harald on edge.

"If you're thinking about defiling this marriage, I will gut you like a wild boar," Harald said with a cool tone, "if you commit such an act, Haddock will torture you for your reasons, and once you're nearing death's door you'll reveal that a wolf is among Haddock's flock."

"Harald, I would not—"

The Mongrel brought the knife to Gudmundr's throat, causing the old man to inhale sharply and hold his breath while looking into Harald's eyes that burned with paranoia. "I cannot fail my masters, not when we are so close to utterly destroying Hiccup Haddock's saga," he then continued, "failure is not an option, and I have an inkling you and your rabble will ruin my task within these walls," the Mongrel then snarled out, "if you or any of the fools who harbor resentment towards Haddock reveal my true nature, I will feed your innards to the crows before Haddock kills me, do you understand me?" Gudmundr nodded furiously and believed the threat Harald just issued.

Removing the knife from Gudmundr's throat, Harald sighed heavily and he too took a drink of ale to try and calm his nerves. After drinking half his cup, Harald nodded and spoke. "While Haddock's son and his intended bride are giving their vows, I will look for any weaknesses at the front gate and see if there's a way to allow my masters within these walls," Harald continued, "you and those who have joined us will attend the wedding and be the good servants that you are."

Gudmundr growled but nodded in understanding. "Very well," he said before continuing, "however, Haddock has two of his trusted allies in search of anyone who may have breached these walls— Fishlegs Ingerman and Camicazi," Harald remembered meeting Fishlegs Ingerman and would have to be mindful to avoid detection; stealth was imperative and he would need that advantage until the time was right to strike. After finishing his cup of ale, Harald then inquired. "When is the wedding?"

"Noon," Gudmundr said, "kings, queens, earls, jarls, and everyone of importance throughout all of Scandinavia has come to witness Nuffink's marriage to his Christian whore."

"Inform those who have joined us to not do anything stupid," Harald said firmly, "Haddock's downfall is close at hand, and it must be executed flawlessly." The Mongrel then rose from his seat, took out a small purse that contained golden coins with the sigil of House Haddock minted on the coins. Once Harald left the tavern, Gudmundr returned to his drink and knew if Haddock's reign continued, the Vikings would stray from their righteous path and become blind. No, they were already blind under Hiccup's rule, and for the Scandinavian people to see again, Hiccup Haddock and his bloodline needed to die.

And Gudmundr was looking forward to that day.

However, the desire to see Hiccup Haddock fall may now fall because a knife was pressed against Gudmundr's throat, causing the old man to inhale sharply and hold his breath.

"Very interesting conversation," a female voice said, "I wonder what Hiccup will do to you when he learns that you're conspiring with an enemy to our empire."

Gudmundr curses under his breath as he slowly turns his head to see Camicazi's beautiful face twisted with anger towards him. Behind her, Fishlegs appeared and shook his head at Gudmundr. "What did he promise you if you betrayed us? Hmm?" The traitor kept his mouth shut, causing Fishlegs to merely shrug. "Fine, remain silent," he then continued, "Hiccup will carve your flesh and we will learn why you conspire with the Mongrel who tried slaughtering the seers not long ago." A handful of guards entered the tavern and then laid hands on Gudmundr, dragging him out of the tavern.

As the guards dragged Gudmundr away to be imprisoned, for the time being, Camicazi turned to Fishlegs and spoke in an urgent tone. "We need to find that Mongrel," she then continued, "who knows what his purpose is, but it can only spell doom for us all," Fishlegs grunted in agreement and left the tavern with Camicazi by his side, the two were now on the hunt for Harald Forkbeard while also praying that they found him in time before the Mongrel found a flaw in the capital city's defenses, a flaw the enemy could exploit and deliver a crippling blow to the Scandinavian people.

(Within Haddock Tower)

Nuffink's nerves were racing, he could feel sweat forming on his brow as servants were helping him look presentable for the marriage ceremony only minutes away. Nuffink wore a white tunic and white leather pants with golden patterns adorning them, and he wore white wolf fur boots as well. The servants then helped Nuffink clip on a white wolf fur cloak to complete his wedding attire, and Nuffink watched from the mirror in front of him. The doors to his chamber opened, revealing Halvor, Nuffink smiled at the sight of his older half brother and he spoke. "Hello brother," he then inquired, "what hour is it?"

"Nearly noon," Halvor said, "you nervous?"

Terrified was a better word because Nuffink did not want to be a disappointment to Katerina and risk losing her in any way.

"Very," Nuffink said.

"You should be," Halvor said while approached Nuffink's desk and seating himself in a chair, "marriage is something not to be taken lightly. Once you commit yourself to Katerina, you must stay committed to her, until death comes naturally or on the battlefield."

"I understand," Nuffink said while taking his appearance after the servants had served their purpose, "I have no intentions of defiling my marriage with Katerina, I will be the man she was fated to be with from the start. She's suffered enough under that... pig Igor, my touch will erase her darkest memories of her late husband and I will give her the respect and love she deserves."

"Good man," Halvor said with approval, he then reached for the crown of wreaths and approached his brother, "may the gods bless your union with Katerina, and may they bless your lives with children and happiness." He then crowned his brother with the wreaths and took his brother's appearance in the mirror. "Katerina will no doubt be swooned by my handsome brother," he said with a smirk, "and I have no doubt you will be as well." Nuffink chuckled lightly and nodded in agreement. He then turned to face Halvor fully and placed hands on both his shoulders and spoke sincerely. "Thank you, for believing in me," he continued, "I know my actions not only brought the wrath of the Kievan Empire down upon us but also the wrath of many foreigners who wish to destroy everything our father created. Despite all of this, you never left my side and dragged me to safety when the Rus' hordes descended upon us."

"You're my brother Nuffink, I'll always have your back," Halvor said while pressing his forehead against Nuffink's, "I love you brother." Nuffink smiled and exchanged similar sentiments with his older brother. Halvor then patted Nuffink's cheek and smirked. "Now, you ready to get married?" Nuffink returned his brother's smirk and nodded in confirmation.

He was ready to spend the rest of his mortal days with Katerina and be the man she was fated to be with.

(Elsewhere within Haddock Tower)

Katerina was accompanied by Ingrid, Zephyr, and Brenna as the three princesses helped their imminent sister in law get prepared for the wedding that was only minutes away. Nuffink's Rus' bride wore a white long sleeve dress with golden patterns, she wore a white wolf fur cloak around her shoulders to keep her warm from the cold. Katerina's hair was done in a waterfall braid and a crown of petunia's sat around her head, she was even given perfumes that made her smell divine, much like her radiant appearance.

"I fear Nuffink will drool at the sight of you Katerina," Brenna snickered out, "you look utterly divine."

"I agree," Zephyr said with a smirk, "my little brother will be bewitched by your beauty."

"You stand as a Valkyrie in human form," Ingrid said in awe, "you will have my brother at your mercy."

Their words made Katerina flush, yet smile. "I... I suppose I do look beautiful," Katerina said, "all I want is for Nuffink to love me and cherish me." The Kievan woman still remembered the horrors she endured while still under Igor's thumb; the pig would forcibly take her, show her off like a prize that was meant to be won, and beat her if she displeased him in any way. Katerina knew Nuffink would never do such a thing, but she still feared that one day he could become abusive.

"You needn't worry about Nuffink being an abusive piece of scum like your late husband," Ingrid reassured Katerina, "has he not proven himself twice the man Igor was?"

"He has," Katerina answered immediately, "and yet... I fear I will not be what Nuffink truly wants in a woman—"

"Enough," Zephyr said firmly, "I've seen the way Nuffink looks at you when you're together, and he's in love with you. In his eyes, there's no other woman for him, but you."

"I agree," Brenna said, "Nuffink is many things, but he would never abuse a woman in any way. He's a man who values life around him, and he values you more than any other within these walls."

Katerina knew that as well, she just needed to hear that reassurance to boost her confidence, calm her racing nerves, and crush the fear that was quickly rising inside her. She laughed lightly and held back the tears that threatened to spill. "Thank you," she said, "thank you for your words of reassurance." She turned away from the mirror and faced her impending family members and smiled at them with glassy eyes. "Your words are exactly what I needed," she said, "they've given me the strength to face what's to come."

"We'll always be here for you," Zephyr said with a warm smile, "you have our word."

"Aye," Brenna said, "you stand as a sister, and we will be there to support you when you need us."

"So, are you ready to become a Haddock?" Ingrid inquired with a smirk.

Katerina turned to Ingrid and returned her smirk, she was more than ready to be part of Nuffink's family, and she was ready to face the challenges that would come her way.

She was ready.

With a firm nod in confirmation, Katerina was led outside where Nuffink and all the city's inhabitants waited for her.

She was ready for this.

(Outside Haddock Tower)

Once outside, Katerina laid eyes on tens of thousands of Vikings and dragons gathered, including the Blood Guards who were all wearing white and crimson battle armor. Hiccup and Astrid too wore their white and crimson battle armor and bowed their heads in congratulations at Katerina as she passed by, causing her to bow her head in thanks to the rulers and then she laid eyes on the love of her life who stood beside Halvor, Halfdan, and Pouncer. Nuffink's eyes lit up at the sight of Katerina, causing her to blush at his intense yet loving gaze, once the two were standing at arm's length? Nuffinkbreathed out. "Such beauty." Katerina smiled at him and breathed back. "I could say the same thing to you, my love." They shared a warm smile and turned to Hiccup who approached and then boomed out for those gathered.

"Welcome friends and people of Scandinavia, today is an exciting day! Today we shall witness the union of Prince Nuffink Haddock and Princess Katerina Boleslav," Hiccup began, "today we shall witness a new line of succession taking place in hopes of securing our people's future!" Everything after that faded out for Nuffink and Katerina until it was time to swear the vows. Hiccup turned to one of the ring bearers and requested the wedding band that Katerina was to give to her imminent husband. "Katerina?"

"I, Katerina Boleslav, in the sight of the gods take you, Nuffink Haddock, as my husband. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, until death does us part. As this ring as no end, neither with my love for you." Katerina stated lovingly as she slid the ring on Nuffink's finger.

"Now, you, son." Hiccup smiled as he handed Katerina's wedding band to him.

"I, Nuffink Haddock, in the sight of the gods take you, Katerina Boleslav, as my wife. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, until death does us part. As this ring as no end, neither with my love for you." Nuffink set the ring in place as they held hands.

"With the vows spoken and rings place in my sight, the sight of the gods, and in the sight of all these witnesses; it is my pleasure to pronounce you husband and wife." Hiccup smiled as he stepped back.

"Finally," Nuffink breathed out, "you're all mine." Katerina couldn't help but giggle a bit; then Nuffink pulled her against him, cupping her cheek and pressing his lips to hers in a deep, passionate kiss. The people erupted into applause and cheering while the dragons raised their heads to the sky and released their fire and caused it to erupt and send sparks and embers to descend back down to the ground.

"People of Scandinavia, may I present Nuffink and Katerina Haddock!" Astrid boomed out as the people's applause and roars of joy got louder once Nuffinnk kissed Katerina again; solidifying their marriage for all to bear witness to.

And beginning a new chapter of the Haddock bloodline to thrive and prosper throughout Midgard.

(Elsewhere within the city)

Despite many of Denmark's citizens attending Nuffink and Katerina's wedding ceremony, the soldiers remained on high alert and patrolled the city, gates, sewers, and anywhere that was vulnerable to an attack. Not only were the Viking warriors on alert, but so were the dragon riders who had served Valka many years ago, Wingmaidens who continue to serve Atali, and the dragon riders of the Celestial Empire all patrolled the skies around the capital city to ensure the enemy wasn't amassing together to launch another attack on the day of Nuffink and Katerina's wedding.

Harald Forkbeard had no fear whilst looking for a way to let his Mongrel companions and their allies into Haddock's city to ravage it, the man moved like a shadow— fast and unseen thanks to his years of training under some of the greatest warriors the world had to offer, those who specialize in infiltration and stealth. Managing to evade incoming platoons of Red Maw warriors marching in the streets as well as dragon riders returning from their patrols, Harald soon found himself at the main gate of the capital city and gazed upon it. The walls held several sentries making their rounds, handfuls of guards stood by the gate leavers to ensure nobody would tamper with them.

Cursing under his breath, Harald knew that he could not even attempt to tamper with the gates leavers, or else he'd risk the guard's suspicion and jeopardize his task within these walls. He would have to wait tonight and pray that some of the guards would leave their post to go and attend the wedding feast and get drunk, allowing him to signal his masters to advance towards the city. Or perhaps he could have Gudmundr's companions perform that task, they have all proved by the weight of their words that they hold no love for Hiccup Haddock and they had all renounced their allegiance to the Haddock bloodline in favor of overthrowing the Blood King.

Before Harald could even react, a throwing knife embedded itself into Harald's leg, causing the Mongrel to cry out in pain and fall to a single knee. His cry caught the attention of nearby guards and they came running to his position, Harald looked behind him to see Fishlegs Ingerman and Camicazi by his side. Ripping the knife out of his leg, Harald was about to hurl the projectile back at the Bog assassin, but the guards placed their weapons at Harald's face. Realizing that he would die if he didn't surrender, Harald discarded the bloodied knife and then looked into Fishleg's eyes and then inquired. "So, what happens now, hmm?" Fishlegs approached the kneeled Harald Forkbeard and loomed over the Mongrel. Instead of answering him, Fishlegs bashed the butt of his war hammer into Harald's head with brute strength, knocking the Mongrel out cold. "Take him to the dungeons," Fishlegs said to the guards, "we'll inform King Hiccup that we've not only arrested the traitor Gudmundr but the Mongrel who tried to kill the seers." The guards nodded in understanding and sized the unconscious Harald Forkbeard to the dungeons.

"Let's head to the Great Hall," Fishlegs said to Cami, "Hiccup needs to know that we've arrested Gudmundr and captured Harald."

"Hopefully Hiccup will flay Gudmundr alive," Cami said while the two walked side by side, "that old relic's usefulness came to an end long ago."

"Agreed," Fishlegs said in agreement, "but before he meets a traitor's end, we need to know if Harald turned anymore of our people against Hiccup. If there are more traitors within the city, they'll need to be routed out and struck from this world." With no time to waste, Fishlegs and Camicazi quickly made their way to the Great Hall where everybody was attending the wedding feast in honor of Nuffink and Katerina.

(Hiccup's pov)

Although the threat of foreign enemies encamped on the beach, the weight of the Scandinavian Empire on my shoulders, and my mother's fleeting health on my mind, it made my heart soar with happiness to see Nuffink so happy with his wife, Katerina Haddock. This marriage not only benefits my son and Katerina but also benefits our people— with the throne of the Kievan Empire empty, Katerina has a legitimate claim to Boleslav's Rus' kingdom and we would have a real chance of peace between the Scandinavian and Rus' people.

"Hard to believe our youngest child is now married," Astrid said with disbelief, "it seems only yesterday we were introducing Nuffink into Midgard," she turned to me and placed a hand on my shoulder, "now we have to find Zephyr a decent man to be with." I chuckled lightly and turned to Astrid with a smile. "We can worry about that another time Milady," I then kissed her and gestured around us, "for now let's celebrate Nuffink's first true step in becoming a man." Astrid smiled at me and hummed in agreement, we then raised to cups of ale and tapped them together before drinking.

It pained me that my mother and siblings could not attend Nuffink and Katerina's wedding, but Valka is simply too weak to even leave her bed, and my siblings will not leave her side. If there was a way to remove the illness that's killing my mother, I would find a way, but for now, all I could do was sit and be here for my son and his wife.

The doors to the Great Hall opened, revealing Fishlegs and Camicazi, the two looked winded and they soon made their way through the sea of Vikings and guests gathered to reach me and my family's table. Once they had reached our table, they both bowed their heads and Fishlegs was the first to speak. "Hiccup, I apologize to do this to you on such a joyous occasion, but Camicazi and I have made an arrested and captured an enemy posing as one of our Red Maw warriors," he then continued, "both these men have been taken to the dungeon and await you."

"Who is it you have arrested?" Astrid inquired.

"Gudmundr, Queen Astrid," Camicazi said, "we had noted his... strange behavior the past month and stalked him to see what has caused his abnormal behavior. We had followed him into a nearby tavern and saw him conspiring with one of the Mongrels that led an attack against the seers once this war had begun."

In some ways, I wasn't surprised by this news. Gudmundr was merely a means to an end; he could prove his loyalty to me and live, but now his usefulness has expired and it was finally time to rid myself of that relic.

"And what of the Mongrel who infiltrated the city?" Halvor inquired. "Who is he?"

"His name is Harald Forkbeard," Fishlegs said to my eldest son, "he too was part of the attack here two decades ago, but he fled Hiccup's wrath and stumbled upon the Mongrels and joined their ranks to exact revenge."

"With respect father, perhaps it would be wise to temporarily halt trade within the city for the time being," Ingrid suggested, "we may never know if these foreigners are who they say they are, even Magnus and his band of miscreants."

"I agree," Avery said, "until this war is finished and those who desire to destroy your saga are dead, we cannot trust outside forces."

I understood their points of view, but this empire is vast and relies on trade to ensure our people are fed and supplied with necessities Scandinavia doesn't offer. If my enemies seek to choke off trade, then they'll be one step closer to defeating us.

"I will not allow paranoia to rule over me," I said firmly, "but for the moment, I agree with you both, we shall temporarily suspend trade dealings until this war is concluded," I said to Ingrid and Avery, I then turn to Halvor and give him instructions. "In the meantime, I would like you and Avery to interrogate Gudmundr and find out if there are other traitors among us and find out what Harald's purpose is within these walls. We need to be ready for when our enemies make their next move." Nodding in understanding, both Halvor and Avery kissed their wives goodbye for the time being and had Fishlegs and Camicazi lead them to the dungeon to oversee Gudmundr's interrogation.

With a heavy sigh, I pinch the bridge of my nose and shake my head. "Always something," I murmured to myself, "I cannot enjoy this joyous day with my family because of other people's actions." I turn to Astrid and smile sadly at her. "I'll need to deal with this issue," pursing my lips, I inquire in a hopeful tone, "will you save me a dance later on?" Astrid bit her lower lip and nodded, she grabbed the back of my neck and pressed our foreheads together. "Of course, my love," she whispered, "go on, and deal with the traitor and Mongrel." I nodded and we shared a quick kiss and I soon left the Great Hall and summoned Torunn and a handful of Blood Guards to accompany me to the dungeon.

It was time to better understand the mind of my enemies.

A/N: Things are going to get crazy pretty soon, hope you guys are ready!