Page 16 of The Heir
“As it should be! She was the first born and she loves the job. For you it was always a burden to bear. What I don’t understand is why it’s taken him years to change the law.”
Thor stared at me, but I didn’t back down.
“Don’t look so shocked. Am I wrong?”
“You think Freya will be a better ruler than me?”
“Yes. I suspect her first action would be to convert the Northlands into a democracy.”
“Wearea democracy.”
I chuckled. “Come on, Thor. You’ve had one election ages ago. If the Northlands were a democracy, you wouldn’t be the heir, would you? Leaders in democracies aren’t born to the title, they are elected by the people.”
“Freya wouldn’t dare make big changes. We’re the last country of free men.”
Tilting my head, I put my hands in my pockets. “Isn’t that slogan a bit old by now? The world is changing, and we’re close to equality on the Council now. When that happens, your father will have to make Pearl his co-ruler anyway. It’s part of the agreement he made after he forced the Motherlands to allow men in the Council. Freya won’t be the first female ruler of the Northlands. Your mother will.”
“In name only,” Thor muttered and ignored Huginn, who was trying to get his attention. “My father and Magni assured me that a woman will never truly rule the Northlands.”
I smiled. “Then you have nothing to worry about, do you? If he’s set in his decision that no woman will ever rule, then surely he’s bluffing about making Freya his heir.”
Thor paced with his face marred from concern. “It’s not like I would miss the official events.”
“Exactly.”
He stopped and frowned at me. “I love my country.”
“I never said that you didn’t.”
“Maybe I should go back and tell my dad what an ass he is for making ultimatums. But I’m not letting him boss me around anymore.”
“Good for you.”
“I’m not his fucking puppet.”
I leaned against the wall and nodded in agreement. “That’s right. And you know… if you don’t want to go to France for the summit, I wouldn’t mind taking your spot.”
Thor wrinkled his nose. “What are you talking about?”
“I’ve always wanted to see France for myself. If there’s an opening on the delegation, I’m definitely volunteering to go.”
“That’s ridiculous. You’re a Motlander. You couldn’t possibly be part of our delegation.”
“Why not? My father is a Northlander.”
“But you’ve never lived outside the Motherlands.”
“Hmm. I’m still volunteering. I’ve always envied you five for going each year.”
Thor was still pacing but slowed his steps. His gaze was darting around, and I imagined his thoughts were too. “The summits are great. That part I always enjoyed.”
“Yeah, but not enough to take your place as the heir, though. Right? I mean that would give your father the impression that he can boss you around and you didn’t want that.”
Thor moved closer and narrowed his eyes. “Are you trying some reverse psychology shit on me?”
“No, I just really want to go to France.” I smiled.
“Then go!” He threw his arms through the air and pushed out his words harshly. “I’m sure they would welcome you with open arms and then they would impregnate you and take your babies.”
