Chapter 19

Astrid let out an audible breath as her carriage cleared the checkpoint at the gates of the Palace. Other carriages were behind her, being inspected by the Palace Knights.

"Nervous Miss?" Atali, who was acting as a chaperone, asked. She was seated across from her mistress and had observed her throughout the journey.

"Not nervous per say...." Astrid muttered. "Maybe just a bit wary." She pursed her lips for a moment. Lady Griselda's intimate get-togethers were known to many, yet only a few received invitations. To even be allowed to hold an event on Palace grounds spoke of her influence within society. Honestly she didn't know what to expect. Last week Heather and Camicazi, who had been invited to previous get-togethers had told her not to stress over it.

"Lady Arkas usually has two goals..." She could hear Camicazi's voice in her head now. "It's either for the purpose of raising capital for a charity or for the purpose of matchmaking."

"I still feel somewhat responsible for you not getting to meet Lady Arkas intimately that day," Heather had told her via letter. "I admire her for trying to set my brother up on dates. Any sane person would have given up by now,"

The sentences her friends had uttered ground Astrid's mind to a screeching halt for a moment when she had read them. Lady Arkas was a reserved and poised woman that took no haranguing from men, especially possible suitors. She had always seemed so put together in public, having the right response to people's actions. Yet it had never occurred to Astrid that the Lady in question might have another side to her. To the commoners she was known as the Ghost of Arkas, holding the highest position of Duchess with no official title. In Noble circles she was known as the Iron Lady, for she was competent, steadfast and fair in her decisions. Something any lady would aspire to. But it seemed to her more intimate friends she was quite fond of matchmaking and philanthropy. It just goes to show that you can never judge a book by their cover.

Truly she wanted to meet this version of Lady Arkas, yet at the same time there was trepidation. Astrid might look and act like she knew it all and was so put together.... But the unknown scared her.

As the carriage jolted to a stop Astrid was shaken out of her musings. She stepped down onto the cobblestones with the help of Atali. A servant approached her and indicated for her to follow the cobblestone path to the lake where the rest of the guests had gathered.

Astrid lifted up the skirt of her olive green dress a bit so that she could walk more comfortably without the hem getting caught under her shoe when a voice called out to her.

"Astrid!" Was nearly shouted, causing her to turn and see Lady Heather sprinting towards her. Her friend had been in the third carriage behind hers and upon spotting Astrid she immediately made a beeline for her friend. The Deranged maid surprisingly kept up with her Lady's antics.

"The Earl isn't attending this time?" Astrid asked as she and Heather linked arms.

"My brother is coming. As much as he hates being set up he loves the sweets Lady Griselda serves at her soirees." Heather commented. "You and I both know he can never pass up a plate of scones."

The ladies talked while following the cobblestone path. When they finally did arrive they were met with a beautiful lake with several swans and lotus pads in it and a large tent set up nearby. The tent housed a long table and several guests were already seated while others were milling about. At the head of the table Lady Griselda Arkas sat. The customary place of the host yet it was a fickle place. If a person of greater rank than the host were to be present at the party then that seat of honor would belong to them.

Both Astrid and Heather curtsied to their host and were indicated to take a seat to the right of her. Astrid took the seat directly adjacent to Lady Arkas as she was a Marchioness while Lady Heather happily occupied the seat next to Astrid, her position as sister of an Earl granted her the same social ranking as her brother.

"Surprisingly Camicazi sat on the fourth seat left of Lady Griselda. It seemed that the two had been conversing with each other when Astrid and Heather arrived.

"Marchioness Hofferson, Lady Deranged! You must see this new fabric Lady Camicazi was introducing me to," Griselda remarked, getting their attention.

Camicazi simply showed off the sleeve of her beige boating dress to the ladies closest to hers.

"My father calls this material Cupro," Camicazi stated. "It's made from the waste of cotton fibers. It's a new product the Merchant guild is hoping to introduce within the month."

Both Astrid and Heather felt the material Camicazi was advertising with her dress and were surprised at how smooth it felt. Much like the silks on the market that were rather expensive.

"Made from cotton waste? Give me a break," one of the ladies further down the long table snorted. "It's waste for a reason."

Astrid had an inkling that the lady in question was not referring to the material in this case but rather to Camicazi's person and background.

Lady Camicazi was a Nouveau riche, meaning that her family descended from commoners that had made their wealth within her lifetime. It was the reason why she did not have a last name as many other nobles did. The rigid High society was like this, discriminating against the new bloods. Astrid was ready to defend her friend but Lady Camicazi needed no defending as she retorted to the comment quite spitefully. "I would rather not take advice from a Lady wearing the same dress twice." This caused several other ladies to gasp and start whispering in hushed tones.

The social season had started only two weeks prior and for Lady Camicazi to remember a single dress amongst the throngs of people and parties was incredible. The lady that had spoken turned a bright red and averted her gaze. It was a fashion faux pas to wear the same jewelry let alone the same gown to social season.

"Lady Arkas..." Astrid began.

"Please call me Griselda," The lady in turn replied.

"Lady Griselda," Astrid then started... testing the waters. "I can't help but wonder who the two seats to your left are reserved for."

"For the ambassadors of course," Griselda explained. "Lady Ruffnut is a surprising fire cracker and I had hoped to speak with her brother about the culture of Berk. Yet sadly I hadn't received a reply from them when planning this get-together."

"That's odd..." Heather noted. "Lady Ruffnut told me she was quite taken with the social scene of our Kingdom. It seems strange that she'd miss the beginning of the Social season."

"Lady Arkas, sorry we are tardy!" A voice came from the front of the tent. The guests all turned to see Earl Deranged arriving. He was escorting Lady Mala on his arm. Astrid looked back at Lady Griselda only to see her beaming.

Dagur sat down next to his sister while Lady Mala was opposite to him next to Camicazi. To Astrid's eyes Lady Mala looked insecure as several other ladies were watching her closely. The tension had certainly risen upon Dagur's arrival. So much so that even the person sitting next to Lady Mala could feel it oozing.

"Would you like a scone milady?" Mala's neighbour offered. "Please do not think this to be rude but I'm sure many of us are wondering just how you have managed to captivate the Earl."

"Forgive me sir...."

"Ingerman.... My father is Earl Ingerman of the Isles...." The young portly man supplied while offering his hand in a friendly gesture.

"Forgive me Sir Ingerman, but even I have no clue. The only thing I did was lock Earl Deranged in a cell." Mala explained. "Next thing I know he is asking me out."

"Sounds like my brother." Heather commented. "The impulsiveness...."

"HEY!"

While Dagur and his sister were bickering Lady Arkas asked Astrid if she would be joining the annual hunting competitions.

"I'm sorry Lady Arkas but I don't think I will be able to attend. You see, I'm leaving for my fief soon and I don't quite know when exactly I will be returning."

"Your fief?" Griselda questioned.

"Yes, I feel that a surprise inspection is needed." Astrid stated. "As it is the social season I know it is rather cumbersome but...."

"A necessity...." Griselda finished for her. "I quite agree. Someone focussed on the wellbeing of their fief has my respect." she paused before commenting "I respect that yet... I can't help but feel your newfound romance taking a back seat,"

"Newfound romance?" Astrid queried while Lady Arkas's smile turned nearly feral. Even Heather, Dagur and Camicazi stopped bickering to see the lady beckon a person forward.

"H-..Hiccup?!" Astrid was for once at a loss for words.

"Greetings Lady Arkas..." he greeted the host first before turning towards Astrid. "Greetings Milady," this caused Astrid to blush.

"So adorable!" Lady Griselda uttered before clapping her hands. "It is a wonderful day today. Why don't we all adjourn to the lakeside." She then suggested with a glint in her eyes.

Those at the table agreed and stood up. Astrid was next to Hiccup in a heartbeat. 'He looked magnificent,' her mind supplied... along with 'Hubba-Hubba' as she checked out..... certain assets discreetly.

Though she was ogling Hiccup's attire, a beige suit with a green pinstripe shirt that was hugging all the right areas, she couldn't help but wonder. "What are you doing here?" She whispered as she unconsciously took Hiccup's offered arm as an escort. Atali was close behind her but her maid looked as if she quite approved.

"W-Wha..." Astrid uttered as Heather quickly jabbed her in the elbow to get her attention.

"Astrid just go with it," Lady Heather commented next to her. "Griselda is as sharp as a hyena. This is her way of matchmaking."

"May I escort you Lady Heather?" someone asked and Heather turned to see Sir Ingerman offering his arm.

"Hiccup!" Astrid hissed quietly as they were approaching the lakefront.

"I know...I know... It's unprecedented that a commoner gets invited. Especially to the palace," He uttered and Astrid had to raise a brow. This was quite an exclusive soiree. "But...." Hiccup hesitated for a moment.

"At your coming of age, Lady Arkas and I talked briefly." Hiccup uttered. "She was quite adamant that I make it to this get together."

"You aren't mad are you?" Hiccup questioned the same time Astrid realized this was Lady Arkas's way of matchmaking. She was sure no one had noticed her somewhat infatuated gaze at her ball the week prior. Yet Hiccup's presence here spoke volumes.

"NO!" Astrid said quickly. "I'm not mad... not mad at all.... I'm the furthest from mad..." She was babbling and mentally smacked her brain to stop.

"Greetings Marchioness Hofferson," A voice to her left said. Astrid looked over to see Countess Stormheart greet her with a small courtesy. Astrid greeted her in return. She had often wondered about the Countess' personality as she had more than once heard Esmeralda cursing this woman out.

"Countess Stormheart it's a pleasure," Astrid said all while giving Hiccup's arm a light squeeze. "I'm so happy you could make this Social season. The North must be terribly lonely," The furthest North of the kingdom where the fief belonging to the Stormhearts was located was a desolate place. It was the least populated place in the kingdom. There were a lot of rumors about why the Stormhearts had received a fief so far away from the capital but everything was just speculation. They were a family valuing privacy.

"And thank the stars I did. Your Coming of Age ball was spectacular Marchioness." The COuntess stated before slightly stepping to the left to reveal a young girl. "Forgive my little sister, Eir. She's shy as she doesn't have many friends her age." The girl curtsied towards Astrid and briefly introduced herself.

"I hope you're not offended by me asking this, but isn't she a bit young to attend the social season?" Astrid uttered with a frown.

"Yes, you're right. I know this is highly unorthodox," Countess Stormheart stated as she looked fondly at her younger sister. "But life up North is.... Just bearable." Was stated as the Countess unfurled her red and black lace fan. "My sister barely has anyone her age in her vicinity and she has always asked me about the social season in the Capital. I figured she could see a lot more of the world if she accompanied me this time. Already she is idolizing certain Nobles."

"Perhaps before the social season ends, may I invite the Marchioness to our manor?" Countess Stormheart suggested.

"Perhaps...." Was all Astrid stated with a smirk as the ladies bid their farewell.

When only she and Hiccup were left under the Willow three near the lake she turned to him and apologized. "I'm sorry for that..."

"For what?" Hiccup questioned.

"For not introducing you," Astrid confessed.

"I don't really mind," Hiccup stated. And he didn't. The more unnoticed he went the better.

"Well you should. I did you wrong and for that I apologize." Astrid said as she lightly swatted him on the elbow. "The Stormhearts are an upright Noble family that take good care of their fiefdom, as desolate as it is. The citizens in their fief have not suffered from starvation through the harsh winter months for decades. Their only flaw is that they think very highly of themselves and look down on commoners."

"It's fine Milady," Hiccup assured. "Frankly, I think it's better that I am ignored."

This caused Astrid to laugh as she uttered. "That's amusing. One would think you are some sort of spy by willfully wanting to be ignored."

Hiccup gulped as Astrid winked at him. Even jokingly she'd basically hit the nail on the head. Hiccup quickly changed the subject to something innocuous as they continued on their walk.

"Hiccup...." Astrid began but paused as if to gather her thoughts.

"Yes?" Hiccup answered.

"Tell me now. If I were to express my sincere interest in you..... Would it be reciprocated?" She asked as she looked her lanky escort in the eye.

Hiccup sputtered and stutted and ultimately just eagerly nodded which caused Astrid to chuckle.

"There's actual history between your family and mine, Astrid," Hiccup said under his breath but she still caught it. "All good I assure you. I just..... It's difficult to tell you this."

"That's fine, you can tell me when you're ready." She said. She already knew in her mind that Hiccup must have been hiding something and that she should be suspicious. Yet her heart urged her to make a closer connection with the man. Whether it was something more than attraction she didn't really know. She'd never been in love before and so didn't know what love felt like. Hiccup was to her.... A breath of fresh air. He didn't seem like someone after her wealth. She had scoffed at the influx of marriage proposals from the Nobles after her Coming of Age. He wasn't someone who seemed to have a double agenda with her in mind. If he did he would have pushed harder and schemed harder to have a relationship or some close connection with her person. Though she had no doubt that Hiccup was a mysterious individual that had a scheme... it wasn't directed at her at all. He had seemed genuinely flustered when they spoke. It was downright impossible to fake a blush that bad afterall.

'And surprisingly cute,' Her brain chuckled.

"....-strid?" She was jolted out of her musings by Hiccup's question.

"I'm sorry, could you please repeat that?" She asked.

"I was wondering if Milady wanted to take a boat ride on the lake," Hiccup gestured to the rowboats docked. Astrid looked out at the lake and her brows shot up when she saw Heather and Sir Ingerman laughing and rowing past them. Heather was hesitant around water. For her to have gotten into a boat.... Sir Ingerman must have turned up the charm.

There were audible gasps from the crowd before Astrid could take Hiccup up on his suggestion. She and the other guests looked over to see Prince Grimmel approaching on a..... White horse in all his regal glory.

Astrid lifted a brow but curtsied low still. Afterall it wouldn't offend Royalty.

"Your Highness," Lady Arkas greeted him as he dismounted. "To what do we owe the honor?"

"I was simply in the neighbourhood and thought that I would drop in." Grimmel stated. "Surely you wouldn't refuse me,"

"O-Of course not your Highness." Lady Griselda uttered. "You were invited afterall."

"Please carry on," Prince Grimmel announced to the guests and the party continued. If the Prince had turned to look behind him instead of setting his gaze on Marchioness Hofferson he would have seen Lady Arkas looking most displeased.

-----------

AN: (Walks into room with tinsel, wrapping paper, tape and bows sticking to me)
Harry: "Well you look festive,"

Vala: "Uuuughhhh" (Proceeds to flop down on beanbag chair)

Harry: "AH!" (Quickly shoes Vala off to see a squished Porg on the beanbag) "Mah Porg!"

Vala: "Don't you mean Mah Pancake?" (Chuckles)

Harry: (Tries to re-inflate the squished Porg)