Why you? In all honesty, the leader of the Dragonhunters didn't know. Love is concept Viggo had never been interested in. Perhaps in his young childhood he stole glances at children his age, gave them flowers he plucked from the field or pretty rocks, but a strict upbringing forced his mind only to business.

Well, until you came along. The mere sight of you planted itself deep into his mind. Viggo didn't know why, what or how—just that this "obsession" (of sorts) kept him awake at night and dreaming at day. Maybe you two got into marriage a bit quick; the love didn't fade, but the issues started showing themselves—issues that should have been discussed beforehand: You're against the idea of killing dragons.

Things changed after an unexpected attack on one of his ships, leaving five of his men dead and you heavily injured because you refused to kill a Scauldron. In the same week that the medic considered you ready, the training began: self defense, fighting with swords, daggers or even your fists. He had you study the same documents he'd internalized all those years ago until he was satisfied.

In the morning, Viggo talked about an important duty you would have to fullfill. Soon after, his men brought an injured Hideous Zippleback. Tied up from the top of its bloody tail to its muzzled head, the creature is fully immobilized, other than the widened eyes that kept flickering between moving figures, one head feral, the other one panicked.

Your husband put a dagger into your hand, guiding your wrist and holding your waist with the other, slowly leading you towards the dragon, both of your steps passing the head and long neck. Viggo moved your hand, the tip of the dagger against a weakspot where both spines joined that would swiftly end the life of both minds. "Consider it a mercy," he murmured without taking his eyes from the draconic, sounding nonchalant, as if he was oblivious to your morals. "Death comes quick, the struggle will be brief. Put your whole weight into it." His lips pressed against the side of your head, as if encouraging, though the coldness never left his dark eyes.