The Old Gods | Book 2

Fourteen: The Realms Princess

Her first time returning home in years to Vanaheim the princess Sigyn is overwhelmed by the looks of passing servants, lords, and ladies of the court who roamed the halls. All proceeding to the hall. Some smiled pleasingly at her, others stopped to bow to her. Sigyn is escorted through the old corridors of the palace she has not lived in since being a girl; escorted on her way to be crowned heir.

(Oh my.)

This is exactly what her father has been hoping for. To seat her as a future queen and fulfill an old prophecy told at her birth by a dying Seer. Had he gone senile? That's what they said before he died. Had his words been twisted? There is a possibility. Perhaps there was truth to what he said after all. Or maybe not. But deep down in her heart, Sigyn doesn't want the crown.

(Said every great ruler.)

Now, where had she heard of that saying before?

She is dragged into the council chamber and seated at the table with the seven lords of the realm. The King and Queen embraced their daughter once more with a huge congratulations and a kiss on her cheek. Queen Freya is proud, she always has been, and that was her nature. But Sigyn can hear the sadness behind her words; it should be Sigvard. "I am gladdened you are finally home where you belong." said the Queen.

"Thank you, mother. I am glad to see you." Sigyn replied.

Forseti is standing waiting for her, hands behind his back, watching as she approaches him. He felt sorry for the position he had put Princess Sigyn in but had no regrets. "I'm sorry." he told her. "I had to abdicate. I had to do it."

Sigyn looked down. "I understand." she met his gaze again. "What will you do now?"

"To abdicate I had to agree to their terms. I have accepted my fate now, and I will take up the position of the Vanir Seer once more and ascend my position in the high courts."

Sigyn smiled. "That is wonderful news to hear, Forseti. Your talent and gifts should not go to waste." from one of four doors, her son Vali strides into the chamber. The moment he laid eyes on his mother a smile stretched across his face and he exclaimed loudly,

"Mother!" he ran into her arms. "I have heard the great news!" he proclaimed. "I cannot believe this is happening." he then turned to Forseti and shrugged his shoulders. "Sorry, uncle." He wasn't sorry.

"No need to apologize. It was going to happen," he stated, strongly.

Vali's smile then dropped. "Does that mean I will be YOUR heir?" Sigyn nodded, sullenly, to his question. There is a frightful notion to that statement. And as explained by the Seven Lords, the responsibilities and duties of Prince Vali are ever more so. He has more of a claim to the throne behind his mother, more duties, and a responsibility to learn how to rule. In the meantime, he must present as a proper prince to his people of both nations.

"Considering the unfortunate death of Loki, should the same fate occur to Prince Thor, Prince Vali is heir to both Vanaheim and Asgard whichever should fall to him first."

"This is quite a predicament." the lords laughed. This put Vanaheim in the perfect position.

"If he should ascend the throne of Asgard, then who will there be to ascend to the throne of Vanaheim?"

"The sons of Thor, of course!" argued one of them. "Should he sire any, or ascend the throne himself."

Then another said, "And if he doesn't, the eldest of the Twins of course, Princess Hnoss, will become Princess Sigyn's heir, should the duty fall upon Vali to take Asgard."