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Long Live Our Fucking Queen

W e wait on the sand dunes just across from the Cities, my heart pounding. What if I’m wrong? What if she stays to calm the Cities? What if she doesn’t come—

Just then, the gate opens, and rows upon rows of cars and trucks face us, some mounted with guns.

Okay, I was right, the sight of that much artillery sends shivers of fear down my spine.

The loss of life will be huge, but I can’t think about that now.

It’s too late, all I can do is to fight with everything in me.

Turning back to face the stretch of road, I rev my bike as I hear the trucks starting and heading towards us.

Pulling up my bandanna, I gun it, riding hard and fast across the dunes, letting them chase us.

Maxen already rode ahead to let them know we are coming and have them ready. So much is relying on timing.

Not every choice you make will be right, I learned that early on, but it’s how you handle the consequences and outcomes that make you a leader.

Major’s words from his letter float in my mind as I ride.

I might not have made the right decision.

Was there ever one, or do we always just make a choice and deal with the aftermath as best as we can?

Who’s to say fate plays a part? Humans have choice and I made mine.

Now, all I can do is deal with the consequences, like the leader he told me to be.

Nerves race through me as I think through everything that led up to this point, and I question whether the people I am depending on will be there waiting.

Trust in those around you to help, but when it comes down to it, trust yourself.

I trust them, I hope they trust me, because it’s time to put it to the test. I hear the roar of engines shredding sand, coming closer as I twist and turn down the roads, heading to the long stretch of sand between The Rim and the Cities where my armies await.

I see the flash of metal before I spot them all.

Bikes, trucks, and even a fucking tanker wait in the distance.

My army, ready to face down the Cities with me leading.

I crank the engine, pushing it to the limit as the trucks behind us start firing, the bullets hitting the sand.

I make sure to zigzag, feeling adrenaline firing through me and pushing all my worries aside.

I eat up the distance, my bike faster than their trucks, and when I reach my front line I spin around and face the oncoming trucks on the horizon. Bern, Henry, and Erik ride to my side.

“Everything is ready, Ma Queen. We are all here,” my giant of a general calls.

“Ready to kill them,” Henry agrees.

“On your command, Queen.” Erik nods, his face covered in a grin.

I search my armies, spotting Nan on the front line with Reeves.

Nan is in a side car of his bike holding her shotgun, swearing at the oncoming trucks.

Priest and his men are to the left, all armed and silent, waiting to meet their God.

To my right are the Seekers, wearing all dark clothing and weapons, and behind me are chanting and stomping Berserkers, all giving a war cry as they wait for me.

The sands vibrate with the sounds of the engines and shooting bullets, but my army only roars louder as fear does not even enter their minds.

As I look back once more, I meet Pipers gaze, she is next to Archel who looks fierce and ready to face down death itself.

She nods at me with a grin on her face, and I spot the words “fuck you” painted on her chest and stomach, almost making me laugh.

Behind her is a group of people I have never seen.

They don’t look like warriors, but each one is ready and waiting to fight. More than I could imagine.

Bullets tear through the air as the trucks bear down.

“Worth.”

My name makes me turn to face the front, sit back down on my bike, and steady my breathing.

“With you until the end, Mi Alma ,” floats to me.

“Let’s kick some ass!” Drax yells.

“I wonder who will scream first, soulmate.”

Sucking in a breath, I find my center, Major’s words ringing through my head. His ghost haunts me now, not Ivar’s .

I know you aren’t alone.

He’s right, I’m not, I never have been, even in my darkest times, and now those people are gathered here to fight and die for me. Never alone, thanks to Major.

“It’s time to fight!” I scream. “For the North!” I yell, and fire up my engine.

“Long live our fucking queen!” they shout back, their engines starting behind me.

As guns fire, cars crash, and bikes explode, the war begins.

I scream into the face of destruction. We will win or die trying.

Kicking up sand behind me, I race towards the threat.

Who knew a slave would end up leading the war cry to save our lands?

Major is my guess. Maybe he was right, maybe I always did have a destiny, and maybe this is it.

Or just fucking maybe we make our own way in life—no destiny or fate, just stumbling along the way, and eventually we find some people to ride it out with.

These are my people, it’s time we showed the world you don’t mess with us.

The end is here for all of us.

Long live our fucking queen.

Long live the North.