Oskar woke to a knock on the door. He sat up in his bed and rubbed his eyes.

“Come!”

The door opened, but to his surprise it was not one of his guards who had come to wake him up. It was Thorun who stepped into his room. She eased the door shut behind herself and smiled. Oskar had rarely seen her in such a cheerful mood. Good news, perhaps?

“Thorun. Good morning. What can I do for you?”

“Oh, there are plenty of things you could do for me”, Thorun chuckled.

Oskar frowned at her in bewilderment.

Thorun came over to his bed and sat down on the edge. She placed a hand behind his head and leaned in.

Dead nervous, Oskar held perfectly still. He tensed involuntarily, drawing his shoulders up.

Stopping a few centimetres from his face, Thorun clicked her tongue. “Not interested, are you?”

Oskar cleared his throat. It took him a moment to realise just what Thorun meant, what she had intended to do. “It is not you”, he apologised.

“Oh please”, Thorun scoffed. She tilted her head to the right just enough for her hair to fall forward and cover more of her face, more of her scars. Oskar opened his mouth to speak, but Thorun held up a hand to hush him. “No offence taken. But you should be deliberate about who you marry, My King. Remember that a queen cannot be chosen based on looks alone. You need power at your side. Power, and a woman to bear your children.”

Nodding, Oskar tried to think of something to say. It truly had nothing to do with her appearance, but if he pointed that out, she would likely deny any insecurity. What was worse, she might feel patronised. He definitively did not want to insult Thorun Fri, and especially not when he was alone with her. “I will keep it in mind”, he simply said.

Thorun huffed in amusement. “You are something else. I knew at once that you would be useful. You impressed me at our negotiation, and you continue to do so.”

“Really?”, Oskar asked sceptically. “It seemed to me that you thought very little of me.”

“True”, Thorun admitted. “At first, I saw you as nothing more than a spoiled and arrogant brat, born to wealth and filled with an undeserved sense of superiority. But you stuck to your story the entire time, insisting that you are seeking the throne not for your own gain, but for the sake of Sev as a whole.”

“It is the truth”, Oskar maintained.

“Liar.”

Oskar was about to protest, but Thorun talked over him.

“I do not doubt that you are partially motivated by higher ideals, but you are also doing this in part for yourself. What is it? Power? Status? An oath perhaps? I do not know what your internal motivation is, but I know it is there. Do not deny it.”

“Maybe there is”, Oskar admitted.

“Let me reassure you, Little Prince. I really do not care what your reason is. Just make sure you do not let that part of you sabotage the rest. If you claim to do this for the people, then act like it. Pick a wife, and do it before you reach Storhjärd. With our alliance in mind, you wife should be a Fri. We are carrying you to the throne for a reason. If not me, then take Kvist. She is strong and beautiful.”

Oskar nodded a little. That she was.

Thorun got up and looked down at him with the same dispassionate look as usual. “Meet me at the library in half an hour. Sylvia said an important message has arrived.”

“In this snow?”, Oskar asked.

“It must have been very important”, Thorun shrugged.

When the door closed behind Thorun, Oskar let out a heavy exhale. It was incredibly awkward, but he knew all too well that Thorun was right. His was a life of duty, and love did not have a part to play. He had to make a strategic choice and Thorun was exactly what she had said. She was power at his side, and a strong woman in good health. He was unnerved by the idea of marrying her, though. He was not entirely sure if he had any logical argument for his aversion, or if it came down to a fact which he would rather deny. He was scared of her.

Oskar hurried to get ready and made his way to the main yard. In the library, Thorun was already waiting. Oskar tried his best to seem casual and greeted her.

“My King”, Thorun responded calmly.

Sylvia and Dana bowed their heads ever so lightly.

Oskar was still far from used to the formality, but it was getting less awkward for every day. “What is the message?”, he asked.

Dana held up a piece of paper. “Jannes Gunn sent out letters proclaiming his disbelief in your claim. He states that Gramr is the rightful heir, and that he would know because he was a former council member. Linus Guld thought it prudent to make us aware that Gunn has picked a side, and is now attempting to spread dissent.”

“What? Why?”, Oskar asked. “Why would he pick Gramr? How does that benefit him?”

“He knows he is not going to get his seat at the table back if we win”, Thorun said.

“How does he know that? It is not as though we have announced the details of our agreement.”

“Of course he knows. We snubbed him”, Sylvia said.

Oskar frowned. “We did?”

Sylvia nodded. “He sent a letter before the first snow, stating his wishes to serve on your council once you ascend.”

“Why was I not informed of this?”, Oskar demanded.

“Because he is a former council member and you swore not to take any of those old fools back. That was one of my demands”, Thorun reminded.

“Should we not evaluate these things on a case by case basis?”, Oskar argued.

Thorun crossed her arms. “Sure. And I did. I told Sylvia to reject him.”

Oskar repressed a sigh. “Reject how?”

Sylvia tapped her finger on a note. “I wrote that we would be honoured to have his input as an adviser, but that a seat at the table was out of the question.”

“It seems he did not take that well”, Thorun commented.

“Great. We could have really used his support”, Oskar grumbled.

“No. It is good that he is out of the picture.”

Oskar clenched his jaw. “Is that so? How do you figure this is a good thing? Why did you reject him in the first place, if I may ask?”

Thorun fixed him with a firm glare. “Jannes is the man who was chiefly responsible for the fall of the Crown. As the head of the council, he was supposed to keep Sev safe while an heir was sought. Instead, Jannes dismissed the high constable. Jannes wanted to keep collecting taxes even as the drought had people on their knees. The high constable refused, so he was kicked out. When Jannes’s greed inevitably caused revolts, he went into hiding. He let the remaining Royal Army stand on their own, with no guidance and no unity. Guess how well that went.

“Jannes unleashed chaos, because he was too much of a coward to face the consequences of his own incompetence. And now he comes crawling back out of his corner to claim a high position once more? Do not let him fool you. There may be former council members who actually care about the people, but there are always rats among old flour. It is best to throw it all out.”

“He could have been a valuable source of information about the Crown and about the rest of the council”, Oskar argued. “I could have made sure that the council cannot take any action without my approval.”

“Do not shoulder the entire weight of ruling before you have even set foot in the castle. It is not so easy to be in charge.”

“I know it is not easy, but—”, Oskar began.

“How are you planning to be in Nordborg and Guldhamn and Storhjärd in the same day to make decisions in person? Hm?”, Thorun interrupted. “Just as I need Yri and Kvist, and everyone else under my direct command to act on my behalf, you will need councillors who can govern in your name, councillors whom you can trust to make decisions independently. Without them, the Crown will never be able to reunite Sev.”

Oskar sighed in exasperation. “I just think there is value in having experienced men in my court. I am not going to break my promise. I will not give Gunn, or any of the others, their previous positions of power back. I would never do that. But starting from scratch is not a good idea, either.”

“I agree. Which is why I offered the coward a position at all”, Thorun said. She was raising her voice now, clearly loosing patience with the topic of conversation.

“Jannes Gunn had a far more prestigious position before. Of course he would not take kindly to an offer which demotes him that much. He used to live in the castle. A commoner can become an adviser. That is not even close to the position he held before the fall.”

“If he actually cared about anyone other than himself, he would have taken it. If his loyalty is this fragile, do you really want him in your ranks at all?”, Thorun questioned.

Oskar sighed deeply. “I guess not.”

“Well then.” Thorun uncrossed her arms and shook her head. “Information is good, but do not rely too much on wise old men. You will have to compromise with plenty of them soon enough. For now, stick to your principles. You claimed that you want to protect your people. So protect them from leeches like Jannes. You do not need some pompous entitled coward to guide you. You will know what to do when the times comes.”

“How can you be sure of that?”, Oskar questioned.

“I know it. You are soft and your heart is in the right place. Why do you think I agreed to your absurd idea in the first place?” Thorun placed a hand on Oskar’s shoulder. “You will lead with soul. You will find the right path. Trust yourself.”

Oskar was not sure how to react to the sudden encouragement. He merely nodded a little.

“If you have any connections to call upon to rein Jannes in, do so. I doubt one man’s voice will sway the land, but it is hardly in our favour that this fool has chosen the Wolves over us.”

“I will send a letter to Eli Finnur. If anyone can sway the old council, it is him”, Oskar said.

“The archmage? You know him?”, Sylvia asked astounded.

“Not personally, but my father met with him from time to time.”

“Oh, I see. But you know where he is these days?”

Oskar closed his eyes and rubbed a hand over his forehead. “I do not. Dammit.”

“I believe I have a rough idea of his whereabouts”, Dana chimed in. “I used to have lengthy exchanges with him about the finer points of bookkeeping. Leave it to me”

Oskar nodded his agreement.

“Then that is sorted”, Thorun stated and left.

Dana shook his head and smiled. “Always in a hurry.”

“Sylvia, may I have a word?”, Oskar requested.

“Of course.”

“In private, if you do not mind.”

Dana bowed his head and retreated upstairs. Sylvia bid Afi to leave as well and he positioned himself outside the door. Sitting down behind the counter, Sylvia motioned for Oskar to do the same. Sinking into the cushioned chair, Oskar looked around. He had never been behind the counter of the library before. From here, the labyrinth of books seemed far more extensive. Even as supposed king, he did not feel like he had the right to be there. There was something occult about the space, and it did not welcome his presence. The library merely tolerated him. It was the space of a scholar.

“What can I do for you, My King?”, Sylvia prompted.

“It is clear that your advice is much appreciated and respected by the sisters. I too must compliment you on your exceptional clarity of mind.”

“You seek council?”, Sylvia asked.

Oskar smiled awkwardly. “Yes. Where to begin? Thorun approached me this morning. She, ehrm, seemed to think it would be best if I were to take her hand in marriage once I am on the throne.”

Sylvia merely nodded a little. This was either not news to her, or it seemed rather obvious. She did not hear the implicit question.

“What do you think?”, Oskar spelled it out.

Sylvia shrugged. “It makes sense, does it not? She is a good leader with considerable military power. She is strong. She is healthy. She should have no problem bearing children. And Gaia knows she deserves the throne after everything she is doing to make this happen.”

Oskar nodded a little. He let his eyes wander through the library again without focusing on anything specific. “Yes, that is what I figured as well.”

“But?”, Sylvia prompted.

“I am not sure”, Oskar said, but they could both tell that it was a lie. “To be completely honest with you, I am already engaged. I know that it is not a viable union, though. I have to think about what is best for Sev. I have thus put my engagement aside.”

“Plans can change.”

Sylvia's voice did not waver, but she seemed profoundly uncomfortable. Oskar eyed her for a long moment. She sat in her chair exactly as she had a moment before. She had not moved to hide her face or made any gesture alongside her statement. She sat perhaps a little too still. Oskar elected not to ask.

“So you think I should do it?”, he wondered.

Sylvia gave another shrug. “If I were you, I would definitively consider it. You still have an offer from Aulikki LiljaKnut to consider as well. Thorun has military power. Aulikki has political power. Both are certainly healthy enough to bear children. Both have the opportunity to increase trade and provide the Crown with much needed resources. There is no easy answer.” Sylvia paused for a moment. “Except, if Thorun approached you, then it might offend her if you pick Aulikki. That would be very dangerous. I would ask for her approval before making such a choice.”

“Dangerous? Do you reckon Thorun would withdraw her support if I chose Aulikki?”

“Her support would be your last worry if you do not get her approval first”, Sylvia cautioned. “She may well be open to the idea. I have found her very receptive to well made arguments. If you truly believe that it would be for the best of Sev, then you may be able to convince Thorun to allow such a union.”

“The best for Sev, indeed”, Oskar sighed. He certainly preferred the idea of marrying Aulikki, despite her being a stranger to him. “What kind of argument would that be?”, he inquired.

Sylvia met his gaze with a stern expression. “I am serious, Oskar. Do not anger Thorun. Either come to her with a sincere argument, or agree with her wishes. Do not even try to be coy with her.”

Oskar tensed. Sylvia seemed so serious all of a sudden. Had Thorun said something to her? Was Sylvia going to tell Thorun about this conversation?

Sylvia softened her expression and sighed. “Allow me to be honest with you, My King.”

“Please”, Oskar nodded.

“Our alliance has woefully little to do with your person, and everything to do with your claim and the oath you gave. I agree with Thorun that you have shown strength of character. You are indeed a clear eyed man. Most speak well of you even behind closed doors, but in the end your position is in the hands of Thorun Fri. She is open to discussion, but not to apologies. If you disappoint her, you can forget the Crown. If you make her believe even for a moment that you are not loyal to her, you would be lucky to return to Nordborg in good health.”

Oskar would have loved to claim that this information shocked him, but it did not. Of course Thorun had her own agenda, and of course he could not afford to cross her. He nodded a little and got up. “Thank you for offering me your advice.”

Standing as well, Sylvia nodded lightly, not quite bowing her head. “Any time, My King. If I may suggest one other thing…”

“Please”, Oskar encouraged.

“On the topic of preparations for your reign, may I ask what your studies have been like so far?”

“My father had me instructed in manners, reading, mathematics, politics, and history. Of course, he also had me train with the castle guard.”

“What about economy? Construction? Philosophy? Art?”, Sylvia wondered.

Oskar frowned. “I fail to see why I would need those.”

“Knowledge is power. The better informed you are about various topics, the better prepared will you be for leadership. Economy and construction will be vital to rebuilding Sev. You may rely on the word of advisers, but how are you to judge the veracity of their claims if you do not understand them?”

“And art?”, Oskar questioned.

Sylvia smiled. “Maybe at a later time, but it should not be underestimated how much wisdom lies in the arts. Both philosophy and art can hold the answers to questions much like the one you just posed to me. Who do I marry, and why? You cannot answer that question with mathematics or history.”

“Very well. Are you proposing that you will be my teacher, then?”

“I believe Dana would be better suited for the task”, Sylvia said.

“Tell him to prepare a curriculum for me”, Oskar agreed.

Sylvia bowed her head and Oskar took his leave. He nodded to Afi in passing.

Out in the snow, Oskar sighed to himself. His breath came out in a white cloud. Thorun was a good candidate for queen. That was a fact. Oskar had hoped to hear the very opposite opinion. After everything Theodorus had reported, he knew to value Sylvia’s advise. Her clear and honest warning further cemented his confidence in her opinion.

Now Oskar found himself in a position where he had to consider Thorun’s proposal. He wondered who else might have any insight to share. After a moment’s thought, he reached a conclusion that he did not like one bit. If he wanted a more detailed view on all of this, he would have to speak to the person who was closest to Thorun. He returned to his room and called for her.