Heir to the throne 14

Heir to the throne 14

Chapter

I thought, foolishly, that time and effort might finally earn their respect 

Then came the Norsemen 

The alarm was raised just before dawnan ambush

Steel rang out across the camp as the soldiers scrambled for their swords. One of the older knights tried to shove me back into the 

*Stay in here, girl. Don’t step outside unless you want to die.” 

I caught the flap of the tent before it closed. I didn’t back down

Right there, in front of all my father’s old comrades, I stood tall 

command tent

Gentlemen,I said, voice steady. You once fought beside my father on the front lines. You called yourselves his sworn men. If that loyalty meant anything, then hear me out 

They paused

I lost him before I ever truly knew him. But everyone says he was a good man a great commander. Since his death, our house has grown silent. My brother’s still a boy, uninterested in the sword. No one remains to carry my father’s name on the battlefield. Please let me prove I’m worthy to inherit what he left behind.” 

A beat of silence. Then a voice from the back You’ve got your father’s fire, lass.” 

Another chuckled, If you can keep up, come with us

We moved fast. I wasn’t just along for the rideread the terrain, suggested defense lines, laid out flanks. And it worked 

By sunrise, the invaders had scattered, their bodies left broken on the frostbitten sail. We’d crushed them

Victory changes things

The following spring, the Norse sent envoys to negotiate peace

And me? I was no longer just the girl in camp. My name meant something

When I returned to Crownspire, I rode through the city gates on a white warhorse, head held high. The banners of Crownspire flew high above the gate towers, and the streets bustled with market cries and armored men. What once felt suffocating the weight of stone, the gaze of nobilitynow felt earned

The King welcomed me back with open arms and promoted me to Lieutenant of the Western Guard. He even gifted a carved oak plaque bearing my family’s crest, engraved with my name

The Hawthorne name no longer lived in my father’s shadow

Now, it stood for me

After the audience, Sir Julian was assigned to escort me home 

Our loses trotted side by side down the cobbled streets, hooves clicking in rhython 

It’s been a year, and you haven’t changed a bit,he said with a teasing smile

You’re too kind, my lord,I replied smoothly, though my thoughts were anything but calm

I’d slipped during my report to the Kingsaid something I shouldn’t have. Sir Julian had stepped in, covering the gap without blinking 

But I couldn’t figure out win 

Why would he help me

Even in my last life

Before the thought could fully form, he gave a salt, knowing smile. The Queen Dowager sends her regards.” 

And there It was 

The court was a tangled battlefield these days. The King was aging, and the royal heirs were circling like hawks. The Queen’s thirdborn son, Prince Alric, was deep in a cold rivalry with his younger brother’s supporters

Sir Julian might play the part of the King’s golden envoy, but underneath

 

He was the Third Prince’s blade

And in my last lifeit was the Third Prince who claimed the throne

I nodded, playing my part. Please offer Her Grace my thanks. I remain grateful for her early king 

Sir Julian’s lips parted, like he had more to saybut the manor gates came into view

I bowed in the saddle. Thank you for the escort ” 

He returned the gesture, eyes unreadable. Until next time, Lady Eleanor.” 

The moment I arrived at Hawthorne Manor, I found them waiting

Mother stood front and center, flanked by William and Beatriceperfectly arranged like they’d been rehearsing- 

Eleanor, thank goodness you’re home,Mother said, voice warm and sweet as honeyed wine

William beamed. Eleanor, I heard you won a great victory! The King E was so pleasedhe’s rewarded the entire family!” 

Even Beatrice gave a soft smile. You’re Incredible, Eleanor. When we heard you’d be back today, Lady Margaret insisted on cooking herself. There’s a feast waiting

I didn’t even blink. That won’t be necessary. I’ve already taken supper at the castle,I said flatly. I’m tired. I’ll return to Rosewood Hall. I assume no one’s couched in?” 

Mother stiffened slightly, then nodded. Of course not, dear. You must rest. You’ve earned it‘ 

I turned and walked away without another word

The day left this house, they didn’t say a kind thing. They didn’t beg me to stay. They let me go as if I were a burden to be unloaded. And now

Now they line up like loyal dogs waiting for scraps

How laughable

How very, very convenient

 

Heir to the throne

Heir to the throne

Status: Ongoing

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