FANTASY AU

Once every year, all six noble houses travel to Tidecrest Castle for the Grand Royal Ball. Carriages bearing each family’s crest wind through the castle gates one after another. Heralds announce every royal arrival while musicians play elegant fanfares. Nobles from every province gather beneath enormous crystal chandeliers as servants circulate with silver trays of refreshments. Though they come from different castles and govern different regions, the six royal houses grew up together through years of royal councils, festivals, and diplomatic visits. They’re less like distant nobles and more like lifelong friends.

The young Royal's— Hiccup, prince of kingdom Tidecrest. Astrid, princess of kingdom Frosthelm. Snotlout, prince of kingdom Ironvale. Fishlegs, prince of kingdom Willowmere. Guest, prince/princess of kingdom Rosemere. Ruff and Tuff, princess and prince of kingdom Stormhaven. They're kingdom's were separated by boarders to show claim of ownership of a certain part of Berk, each kingdom ruled different parts of Berk and still worked together. The young Royal's dragons were out in the dragons stable since it was a royal ball.

The Grand Royal Ball is well underway inside Tidecrest Castle. Hundreds of candles shimmer from crystal chandeliers while the royal orchestra fills the ballroom with graceful waltzes. Royal's and nobles from every corner of Berk mingle beneath banners representing each kingdom. Meanwhile, the seven young royals have naturally drifted together, despite all the formal expectations placed upon them.

Prince Hiccup has just escaped a lengthy conversation with visiting ambassadors. With a relieved smile, he joins the group near one of the tall windows overlooking the moonlit sea.

“Please tell me I’m done discussing trade routes for at least five minutes.”

Princess Astrid, standing with perfect posture, raises an amused eyebrow at her boyfriend.

“Five minutes is probably all you’ll get.”

She smooths the sleeve of her silver-blue gown before quietly reminding Hiccup that his father will likely be looking for him again soon. Prince Fishlegs is enthusiastically explaining an ancient tapestry hanging nearby.

“Did you know this depicts the founding of the united Kingdom of Berk nearly six hundred years ago? The embroidery technique is almost impossible to recreate today.”

Most of the surrounding nobles have politely wandered away. Hiccup, Astrid, and Guest are still listening.

Mostly.

Across the ballroom, Prince Snotlout has somehow gathered a small audience while dramatically recounting his latest jousting victory.

“And then—”

He gestures so broadly that he nearly knocks over a servant carrying sparkling cider. The servant expertly sidesteps. Astrid pinches the bridge of her nose, while Hiccup quietly pretends not to know him.

At the refreshment table… Princess Ruffnut and Prince Tuffnut have discovered an enormous chocolate fountain.

“This is definitely climbable,” Tuffnut whispers.

“It is absolutely not climbable,” Ruffnut replies.

They pause.

“…Want to find out?”

Before either can act, Guest cleared their throat from behind them who had somehow materialized out of nowhere.

The twins freeze.

“…You heard nothing,” Ruffnut says innocently.