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The next day passed in a blur. Grandmamma allowed a new trial where Heike was the star and I was her witness. It only took a good look at her disfigured back and a passionate accusation for her to conclude what I’d been trying to convince her of.
She found Stina guilty.
Now that she believed my story, she sent someone to investigate the headmaster and the rest of Stina’s family too. Things finally turned out in my favour
And now, I was summoned to her chambers again. She wanted to see me, which was terrifying just as always.
I knocked on the door and waited for her call to enter. “Grandmamma.”
“Brynhild, sit down.”
Carefully, I chose one of the chairs across her desk. “You summoned me?”
“I did. I wanted to discuss the events of the past days.”
“Yes, Grandmamma.”
She let out a long sigh and threw her thin glasses on her desk. “Brynhild, you’ve always been a pain in my ass.”
I swallowed a lump. “Yes, Grandmamma.”
She turned around, her Wind Child markings shimmering softly. “But I’ve never been more proud of you. Well done.”
Was I hearing this right? Did she just... She was proud of me?
“Don’t look so surprised,” she scolded affectionately. “You found injustice and dared stand up to me.”
“What happened when you searched Stina and Sena’s house?”
“We found more plans that confirmed the involvement of multiple members, including the Headmaster of your school. He will be removed from his position, of course.”
I nodded, still in disbelief how this was all panning out. “What about Heike? Her family?”
“Ebba is grateful you brought her daughter back. Heike will be offered all help necessary to make her life more tolerable. Unfortunately, she will always be Wingless.”
“I thought so... I just... I wish this could have been avoided.”
She shot me a rare smile. “It’s not for us to wish, but to do, Brynhild. That’s why we are where we are. To rule, to lead. I think you finally understand, don’t you.”
She was right. “I do.”
“Good. You’ll make a fine Heir one day.”
A warmth glowed through me, but I couldn’t enjoy it. Too much had happened and I’d learned things about myself that could never be undone. I wasn’t like her and as much as I tried to make myself fit, I would never be who she wanted me to be. I would never fit the box she chose for me and I was done trying.
No more.
There were other important things to accomplish in the world, things my eyes had been opened to because of Thea. I wanted to pursue those, change the world in my own way, make my own mark. And that meant stepping out from underneath Grandmamma’s shadow.
I took another deep breath, not believing what I was about to say. “About that... I’m not doing it.”
“Excuse me?”
“I don’t want to be your Heir. I’m officially stepping down.” Before I could change my mind, I bowed so I could leave. Before she managed to change my mind. “Matriarch.”
She was so startled, she didn’t say anything. I hurried out of the East Mansion, guided by the winds of freedom. The shackles of duty and responsibility had fallen off of me and I felt lighter than ever.
This was the first day of my future, the beginning of something new. I couldn’t wait to return to the Academy and find Thea. It would take a lot of hard work to convince her, but I would do it.
For the first time in my life, I had the time to chase something I really wanted. Someone.