Before I was Heda

Costia

8 months later
Costia's POV
It's been months since I agreed to take Azgeda and since Titus declared that I would be ascending to both thrones. There have been several attempts on my life. I am the  daughter of King Stephen of Azgeda and Queen Anastasia of Edinburgh. Making me my cousins biggest threat. Lexa doesn't want me to become Queen but as I told her if she wants me by her side when she becomes Heda. She needs to be by my side when I take both Thrones I know the risks I'm taking but Lexa has no right to judge me I may never even come face to face with my cousin but She has to fight to the death in the conclave. I cry and pray to the gods that she survives every night. I love her so much more than she will ever know she's my best friend and if I lost her I'd be empty. "sigh" I have been parading around in crowns and dresses for the last several months trying to get people to follow me and for the most part I have lots of support a lot of the Azgeda warriors loved my fathers Reign so they have pledged allegiance to me. After receiving Azgeda support Edinburgh finally decided I was of age now to rule but there are still several Azgeda factions that support Nia and they want my blood. Indra has made me start training with her and Lexa everyday Lexa is definitely better than me but I can shoot an arrow better than her which is surprising to say the least

even at the age of 10 she is so perfect at all types of combat. She will make an amazing leader one day! I look up to see Titus and Indra approaching this is never good. Indra gives me a sad smile so I know it's bad. Titus what news do you bring me? (Costia the warriors and people of Edinburgh are demanding for you to be married!) MARRIED!!!! Why in the heavens would they want that? (Because with a King by your side no one would dare oppose you your mother and fathers alliance never worked because they tried to rule separately you and your betrothed will rule together making both kingdoms one.) I let the words Titus is saying sink in Lexa is the only one I can think about in this moment my best friend I promised to always be by her side and she promised to be by mine but this this will ruin everything I look at Titus and then at Indra I take a deep breath before speaking so my voice wouldn't crack. Indra please don't let them do this I'm 13 I can't get Married! I beg you don't make me. I start to feel hot tears down my face. I look up to see that Indra had walked away but Titus was still looking at me. (I am sorry Costia but it's the only way we have come to far to go back now but If it eases your mind the marriage will not take place until you are 16 so you have time but it must happen.) I will do it for my people. Who is my Betrothed anyways? (Prince Roan of Azgeda the son of Nia! His father does not want Nia to rule so he has offered his son behind Nias back Roan is Lexa's age that is why we must wait at least 3 years but your engagement is now set.) I'm going to marry a boy that's Lexa's age oh she is not going to like this one bit especially with her history. I pinch the bridge of my nose and sigh. Alright Titus I will Marry this Prince Roan on one condition! (What is the condition?) Lexa cannot know until I turn 16 this is my only condition Titus! (Costia you cannot ask this of me Lexa will be furious at all of us including you!) I can and I did ask this of you. Trust me when I say I know Lexa will be upset but it's for the best. If Fraya dies within the next year or less Lexa will not be in the right enough mind to compete in the conclave and she will die I will never let that happen to her. We promised each other that no matter what I'd be by her side and she would be by mine but now that's out of the question so now you will speak of this to no one but me and I will need you to let Indra know as well! (Yes Costia, I hope you know what your doing when it comes to Lexa. She is very important and she cares deeply it's an issue with her.) I know exactly what I'm doing Lexa is all I care about! Now and Always.