Chapter 31. The Will of the Gods

AURELIA

What in the name of the old gods was he on about? I wondered.

“F-forgive me, Your Majesty. I do not quite follow,” I finally managed to ask with a slight stutter. “Perhaps there is a mix-up somewhere. I am Astrid, daughter of Eriksson.”

My eyes scanned the area, searching desperately. “Where is my father?” I asked, my voice barely louder than a whisper.

“He is right in front of you, child,” he said, grinning from ear to ear. His hand clasped mine, firm yet surprisingly gentle, pulling me towards the throne with unspoken authority. “Come, join us.”

“You can have my seat, my lady,” the woman seated at the king’s right side offered, her lips stretching into an overly friendly smile. The corners of her mouth lifted just a little too much, a practiced expression rather than genuine warmth. I returned the smile out of courtesy, my lips barely curving, but I knew better than to let my guard down.

Maybe in decades past, this was my home, but now,