Page 253 of Season Warriors & Wolves

Even the air itself went quiet when Snow approached. They all bowed their heads, court members and soldiers went to their knees. “My queen,” they chanted in unison.

“Rise,” my wife said sharply and led everyone inside the meeting room, sitting opposite the monarch’s seat and leaving it empty.

There were too many questions hovering in the air. And Snow had the answer for every single one of them.

She slanted a look on everyone. “Do you know why I have gathered you today?”

A throat cleared from her side, an older gentleman. “To seat your throne, Your Majesty. The people of Isjord are discouraged, helpless and beaten from it all, they see to you for hope of a better, newer, troubleless Isjord.”

“They see wrong,” my wife said, and a few mouths dropped agape. “I’ve got no desire to rule Isjord. My blood is more Skygard than it is Krigborn, it has always been and proven even more so after I learned of my blood inheritance.”

“No Krigborn has abdicated the throne, my queen,” one said, looking at others for support. “The land will not survive. We will not survive.”

“I’m not abdicating, Lord, simply passing my crown to another Krigborn, to someone who actually has it in them to care for this land. Someone who will never put greed before their people.”

Eren raised his chin when everyone’s attention went to him, standing ready for his sister’s announcement that would never come.

“Thora Isa Krigborn,” Snow said, and every head around the table snapped in the little sister’s direction. “My crown is yours. The throne is yours. The kingdom is yours.”

If a pin dropped to the ground, it would have sounded like an earthquake from how silent it became.

“W–what?” the little sister asked, staring between Eren and Snow. “Me? Why me?”

“You killed Silas, weakened and freed the Octa Virga and therefore aided me and my husband in taking Aurora down. Saving us all.” She leaned back in her seat and tilted her head back to look at the court members. “Isn’t it so?”

Awe and admiration floated around Isjordians when they looked at their new queen, but so did fear. Thora was young, too young to sit on a throne worn out by aged men with fine greed and desire for war.

“It was my duty,” Thora said hoarsely. “It should not grant me a crown, Snow.”

Snow’s exterior cracked just a little seeing the emotion in her sister’s face. “And you carried it well. I’ve got faith you will carry this duty I’m giving you just as well. No one is born for the seat of a ruler. They are all made. Elias and Skadi will stand by your side at all times, to guide you as they know the land and your people. Oryn will remain here with you as your Crafter and become part of your court.”

“There is much work,” I said, wrapping my hand around Snow’s, “but we will all be here to help.”

“And Eren?” Thora asked.

Snow’s eyes were downcast. “He and I settled an agreement.”

“What agreement, love?” I asked, looking between the two siblings who had not exchanged a single word since meeting.

“He will remain by Lilith’s side in Eldmoor until she leaves for Ustrina.”

Thora’s mouth dropped. “Snow you can’t—”

“I asked, Rora,” Eren said, surprising us both. “It was my request that I do so.”

Betrayal skittered over Thora’s eyes. “Why…why would you ask that?”

“She has no one.”

Snow tensed by my side, but she did not say anything—it was not that necessary to speak the words of disappointment that were written all over her face.

“And I, who do I have?” Thora asked. She took a calm breath and let the mask of feigned calm fall over her eyes. “If you’ve decided so, then I will not question your choices.” She leaned back. “Only let their repercussions follow.”

Eren’s face fell. “Rora—”

“If you wish to be out of my life, then be gone. How convenient you already have another sister to substitute me with. I will not even be missed.”

Before her brother could utter a single word or explanation, she stood and exited the room.