Page 68 of The Explorer
“Yeah, I’m offended too that they would think that.”
Aubri pinched the bridge of her nose. “How many times have we debated equality at the summits and how many times have I defended our way of living?”
I waited for her to continue.
“And yet, despite my passionate defense of our system, I chose to break free from it when I saw a chance.”
“What are you saying?”
“That I’m a complete hypocrite! Every time Freya’s role was discussed, I always sided with the men that Thor should be the heir and not her. I used the same argument that my parents taught me: that the Northlands is the last place for free men and all that. But that kid today made me see that I’m talking shit. Sparrow and I would be damn good firefighters and Freya would be a world-class ruler. Most days I don’t even think Thor wants the role as the heir. He’s under so much pressure, and it doesn’t come as naturally to him as it does to Freya.”
“Which is why Thor will need our support.”
Aubri lowered her hands and stared at me. “Yes, of course, but if your argument is true, that Sparrow and I weren’t picked as firefighters because others were stronger and better, then why shouldn’t Freya be allowed to rule? She’s a born diplomat and she keeps calm under pressure while Thor shits a sheep. Be honest, Indy, who would you rather see as the next ruler?”
“Not her. The Northlands have always… “
“Stop! You sound like our fathers. What if it wasn’t a matter of gender but personality, who would you say is the better fit then?”
I was torn. “Freya is cerebral. How would her army take her seriously when she’s never fought in her life?”
Aubri scoffed. “Lots of leaders in world history weren’t warriors themselves. She would have Mason and Solo to manage the army, and me if she lets me.”
I frowned. “You really think Freya would be a better ruler than Thor?”
“It’s possible. All I’m saying is that I feel that I’ve been too blinded by my pride in our nation to see that my difficulty with finding my place in society wasn’t personal, but systemic. There’s no room for me in the army and I can’t be a firefighter. I could join the police force like Raven, but the few women who make it through hell week are given boring desk jobs. I’m starting to realize that I’ve been talking about the Northlands as thebestplace on earth, and it might be for men, but I’m not sure I feel that same way anymore as a woman.”
It scared me to hear her speak that way. What if she decided to stay in France forever? Opening my mouth, I was about to talk some sense into her, but then Banni called her, interrupting us.
I overheard Aubri tell him we were on our way and it made me even more frustrated. I was so fucking close to potentially closing the deal with Aubri and now she was questioning her life in the Northlands and showing no interest in sleeping with me.
“Are you coming?” She put the chair back in place and moved to the door. “It sounded like Banni was pissed about something. He said he’ll tell us what the problem is when we get there.”
CHAPTER 17
Bad News
Aubri
When Indiana and I arrived at the Exploration Headquarters we found Banni, Val, and Alex in a foul mood.
“What’s going on?” I asked Banni, who sat on the back end of the drone, sorting out some rope.
“Didn’t Simon tell you?”
“Tell us what?” Indiana picked up one of the ropes to help Banni organize them.
“The Northern group lost four out of five members on their last expedition.”
“What?” I dropped my arms to my side. “What happened?”
“Their drone malfunctioned and crashed. The remaining crew member, Sifan, survived because he wasn’t with them that day.”
“That’s awful!”
“I know.” Banni drew in a deep breath. “Told you this job is a risky business.”
“A malfunctioning drone is unacceptable.” Indiana kicked the side of his foot against the drone in front of us. “How old are these machines anyway?”
