I was just sitting in my chair beside my parents' throne when the guests began arriving. One by one, they filed in, each with unique features that set them apart. But the most striking among them was a massive man—his beard thick, his muscles seemingly forged from steel. A helmet adorned with glowing runes sat on his head, and his cape shimmered with what looked like dragon scales. His face was cold, unreadable—like stone.
As I sat there, waiting for the introductions to end, the formal procession began.
The first clan: Macintosh.
Their heir was... embarrassing. He made ridiculous faces while flailing his sword around like he was performing for children.
Next came the MacGuffins.
Their heir was tall and broad-shouldered. During his introduction, he split a small log in two with his bare hands. Impressive, but he barely spoke—a timid giant.
Then came the Dingwalls.
As the clan leader introduced their heir, I gasped. A massive man appeared, muscles bulging like he wrestled bears for sport. But then, he stepped aside, revealing the real heir. Before anyone could speak, mocking jeers erupted from the other clan leaders. But the taunting was cut short by a booming voice. It was him—the man from earlier.
Then came the Hooligan clan.
When their leader spoke, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. The words that came out of his mouth felt unreal. Suddenly, the whole room erupted, chanting a single name: Erik.
Later that day
I stepped into the village square and found it filled with men, armored and ready for battle. I made my way to the center, preparing to give a speech. My mother, in her bear form, stood at the end of the hall where knowone would be looking, offering quiet support with subtle hand signals.
That's when I saw him again—Erik.
He was watching my mother, hand resting on his sword. I tensed. Was he a threat? But he looked lost in thought. I gathered my voice and ended the speech:
"Everyone, to the seller! Let's drink to our hearts' content!"
As the crowd dispersed, I noticed the Hooligan leader still staring at my mother. Worry crept in—until Erik leaned in and said something to him. Then, both men turned and followed the others out. I let out a breath I didn't know I'd been holding.
A few hours later
While trying to think of a way to help my mother, I found myself wandering into the arena, lost in thought. Before I knew it, I was seated among the crowd.
The gates opened.
Erik stepped into the arena—unarmed.
Then came the Macintosh heir, sword in hand.
They exchanged words I couldn't hear, and then the Macintosh heir roared and charged with a wide slash. Erik dodged effortlessly. He stepped in and landed a punch—then twisted his body, delivering blow after blow in a rhythmic, graceful assault.
Time seemed to freeze.
When he finally stopped, the Macintosh heir collapsed.
The arena erupted in applause. Erik stood still, waiting for the next opponent. But no one came. A servant whispered something to my father, who stood with twitching lips and shouted:
"The other heirs… have run off!"
Later
My bow was raised. I was aiming it at my father.
"Don't hurt my mother!" I shouted.
"What?" he barked back.
"STOP!"
The voice was powerful and commanding. Erik.
"That bear… is the queen."
The entire hall fell silent.
How could he know? I was still trying to make sense of it when my father suddenly shouted:
"Charge!"
But the warriors ran in a different direction. Confused, I turned—and saw him. Mor'du. He tore through the warriors like paper. Even my father tried to fight, only to be thrown aside.
Then Mor'du turned toward me. And charged.
My body froze.
But just before he reached me—a blur rushed past.
Erik tackled the beast.
Coming back to my senses, I watched in awe as Erik pushed off the bear, twisted mid-air, and landed with stunning agility. He looked so graceful. My heart—without warning—started to race.
Remembering my mother, I threw a blanket over her. As the magic faded, she turned back into her human form. Together, we watched as Erik lifted and slammed Mor'du into the ground.
But Mor'du wasn't done. He tried to rise again.
I reached for my bow—but Erik was already there. He jumped onto the beast's neck, wrapping his arms around it, tightening his hold. Seconds felt like hours. Finally, the bear stilled.
The crowd started in stunned silence—until someone began to chant Erik's name. Slowly, the chant spread, rising into a triumphant roar.
Later again
I couldn't stop thinking about him.
"He's…"
Ba-dump. Ba-dump. Ba-dump.
I shoved my face into my pillow and let out a muffled scream, flailing my arms and legs.
"Sigh…"
"Why is my face so hot? Why do I feel like this?"
"I should thank him."
And thanking someone usually means giving something. I didn't have time to make anything fancy—and I didn't know when he'd leave. But maybe… I could bake something?
With a burst of energy, I jumped out of bed and rushed to the kitchen.
I grabbed some utensils… and froze.
"I've never cooked before."
My body slumped. Then the kitchen doors creaked open. It was Maudie. I gasped and hurried over, explaining everything. She smiled and agreed to help.
I promised her a reward, but she only shook her head and said she didn't need one.
One hour later
After many failed attempts… I finally made them.
Cookies. I packed them carefully and left, heart light.
Now, I'm standing in front of his door. Nervous.
"Breathe, Merida… breathe," I whispered.
With every ounce of strength I had, I knocked—three times.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
I heard footsteps.
Ba-dump. Ba-dump. Ba-dump.
My heart raced with every step that approached. Then, the door opened.
"Princess? What are you doing here?" Erik asked.
Too nervous to look up, I shoved the box into his hands, muttered, "Thank you," and ran off without waiting for a reply.
I sprinted ahead, oblivious to my parents frozen in place, jaws slack with shock.