Your New Queen

Alvis watches Freydis from inside the castle. Her speech stops only for a moment as a strange surge of magic catches her attention before returning to her speech.

At his side are Ingrid, Dagrmir, and Thork of the Bal family. Freydis’s choice, Thork is surrounded by other members of his family who plan for their first orders upon taking the throne.

“Alvis, we’ll need your help in asking the village near the Bal estate to move.”

“Ahh, unfortunately my position only responds to Freydis’s family. My apologizes.”

“What? I am the king you spell casting fool. Fine then, Ingrid and Dagrmir will be enough, understood?”

“My charge for such a task may be out of your budget young man.” Ingrid said.

“Removing people from their homes would require you to file the proper paperwork to the courts, they will be the ones to decide if it is legal.”

“Legal? You three must be under some misconception, a king has no need to follow the rules of commoners.”

“Well, you’ll at least have to discuss it with Freydis.”

Thork shivers at the thought. As much as the Bal family schemes, much of their efforts will be foiled by Freydis. This worries Alvis however, Freydis’s own efforts will be hindered by her need to keep the new king under control.

“I’m sorry Freydis.” Alvis whispered.

“… With that said, my decision has been made. I… I’d like to announce to you to all, that taking the throne will be-”

Freydis stops, a voice yelling in terror reaching the ears of the entire kingdom as they turn to see a sparkling comet flying their way.

The captains rush to Freydis’s side, but what comes into sight stuns even them.

Soon, the comet slows. It is a young man with horns holding onto a shield for dear life. It’s Vilgur. His yells stop, bracing for impact before crashing into a tall building across the balcony Freydis speak from.

Vilgur stands, his adrenaline keeping him awake after his journey. “My name is Vilgur of Sanctuary! I’m here today to declare that I will marry princess Freydis! If she does not choose me than I will duel for her hand in marriage!”

Freydis’s runs to the edge nearest to Vilgur, searching for Eiric and Sigrun but seeing no other flying objects in the distance. She refused to believe it, but the magic she felt earlier was Sigrun’s and Eiric’s, they have all returned for her.

“Vilgur.” Freydis cries.

“Freydis! Please, choose me. I will stand at your side. I know I am weak, but I will become strong enough to protect you and Mithold.”

“Why did you come back?! You could have been killed! You should have just prepared to collect the pieces of Yggdrasil.”

“I couldn’t leave you alone after seeing how sad you were. Eiric and Sigrun feel the same.”

“I’m sorry. But I cannot marry someone who is not of nobility.”

Vilgur is rushed by guards who grab him but fail to push him down. “Then delay this! I will go make peace with the other kingdoms and find the pieces of Yggdrasil. I’ll do whatever it takes, but I can’t let you sacrifice yourself like this.”

“Fool! They will only listen to the leaders of Solgrad!”

“Then come with us. We will try again. You will be the leader of Mithold, but not with someone like them. I will find a way to become nobility if I must.”

“I cannot leave the kingdom to just anyone. They will cause irreversible damage if I am not here. It is all that my family has fought for, I cannot abandon them.”

“Remember what your mother said! The kingdom isn’t the castle or its land; it is our people! There are people all over Mithold we must protect. Everyone!” Vilgur pushes the guards aside before running to the edge of the building, “You mean everything to Freydis, and I know many of you love her. You cannot let her sacrifice herself like this. Please, just give us time. We will protect you and find a cure. I promise to return her safely, but we just need time.”

The crowd remains quiet. As much they love Freydis, they are unsure of what is best, or of what could be better than a new king and queen taking the throne.

“I…you’re right.” Freydis hops onto the rails of the balcony, “I’m abdicating the throne!”

“Princess!” Runa’s words are drowned out by a roar of surprise from the crowd, many asking for Freydis to reconsider.

“I am going to travel with my friends to find the cure. I will protect you all but my family will no longer be ruling over you. I love you all, but I know of someone who loves you just as much if not more. Someone willing to risk it all and already has. In abdicating the throne, it does not have to be nobility, only those which the member of the crown family believes worthy to take the throne.” Freydis turns to the captains, “Runa, would you please become the queen of Solgrad?”

“Princess. Me, the queen? I am unworthy.”

“I disagree. Few are willing to give everything as you do.”

The Bal family rushes in but are stopped by Alvis.

“Out of the way Alvis, this is insanity that we must stop! How could we let some commoner take the throne! What could she possibly do for the kingdom?”

“Fortunately, I’m in full of support of this. Runa, this is a selfish request, but I ask that you do so as well. You will have my loyalty and support.”

“It’s not a bad idea.” Ingrid said.

“Runa is a good choice.” Dagrmir said.

Runa glares at the nobles and sighs. “You all don’t care for the kingdom at all. I hope you’re ready for some sweeping changes.”

Runa grabs Freydis’s hand and walks to the front of the balcony.

“Everyone! This is Runa! Your new queen!”

For a moment, the crowd is quiet. Runa keeps her composure, of course many would be hesitant to accept a random person as their new queen. She will need to work hard to gain their acceptance, but she is more than willing.

“Everyone-”

“It’s lady Runa!”

Runa is cut off by an excited cheer. The crowd cheering for their new queen, one they all know of well and respect.

“I knew they would love you.” Freydis said.

“But why?” Runa said.

“This idiot never stops raving about you in one of his drunken episodes.” Ingrid said.

“Hey, I’ve only told them about what she does. It is her efforts that have done this, I’m lucky enough to say I personally witness what they all talk about.” Alvis said.

Runa smiles. “Thank you, everyone, Freydis. I will do my best. But, oh dear, my husband is going to get the shock of a lifetime.”