The doors swung shut behind Akiseta and Serana, echoing in the Great Hall. The guards, Galmar, and Jorlief all turned to look at her as they approached the throne. Ulfric stood up, standing a bit taller than her due to the steps. He looked down to meet her gaze.
"So, you've finally come for me, Dragonborn."
"What do you mean?" Akiseta asked, raising a spike brow.
"Don't play me for a fool, Akiseta. Siddgeir steps down from his throne, Skald is killed. Dragons have been attacking Stormcloak, Imperial, and Thalmor patrols without apparent cause. Do you honestly think I wouldn't know your hand was in this?"
"She didn't kill Skald. I did." Serana said. "I challenged him to fair combat, and I won. I gave him the chance to stand down, and live. He chose death."
"He chose an honorable death." Galmar said pointedly. "A Nord should understand that."
"I understand. But honor should not lead to the spilling of unnecessary blood. What honor do either of you have?" Serana asked calmly.
Galmar clenched his fists. "You little wench!"
"Calm yourself, Galmar." Ulfric said. He looked at Akiseta. "Have you come to challenge me? Come to claim my life and my throne? Maybe the title of High Queen?"
"I care not for your throne, or an empty title. But I should kill you. You broke the arrangement of my ultimatum."
"Then come. Draw your sword and let us end it."
"No. I don't want to kill you."
"You're weak, lizard." Galmar sneered. You break a vow you made. You refuse to aid Skyrim like you should. Even if you coveted the throne, you wouldn't deserve it."
Akiseta growled.
'I could do it. It wold be easy. I could Shout Ulfric to the ground, like he did to the High King. I could Shout his his whole army to Oblivion! I could drive the Imperial army out of my home! I could burn the Thalmor to nothing!"
A burning sensation rose in Akiseta's chest, and her heart began to race.
'Why stop there? I could make Elisif step down. I could become High Queen. I would rule just and fair. I would rid Skyrim of every piece of sewer skulking kaoc that crawls out from the shadow. No warrior or mage could stand against me. No army could survive against my dragons. No demon from hell could face me!'
Akiseta's heart was pounding, and her body trembled. Her insides burned in a pleasing way, her blood coursing in a way she'd never felt before.
'So why not start here?'
Akiseta saw Serana, and turned to look at the vampire, who stood firm at her side. Her love, her heart.
'Serana.. Lucia...'
Her family.
'No, no.. this isn't me! I don't want to rule! I don't want to be Queen! I don't want to do any of this! I won't command my dragons, my friends, to fight under that desire! I won't!'
Akiseta closed her eyes, and took a deep breath, steadying herself. She opened her eyes.
"DURNEHVIIR!"
The purple void opened, and the undead dragon crawled out. He snarled, throwing the tables against the wall. He smacked the guards aside with his tail. Serana drew her sword and readied her magic, making them stay their weapons.
Durnehviir roared, the sound filling the Great Hall. He jumped to Akiseta's side, letting out a growl as he glared at Ulfric, who stared at the dragon with shock and terror.
"I can end this war, Ulfric, fairly and justly, without causing any more harm. I wish not to fight, Ulfric. But if you desire a battle, we shall battle. Fair combat. You may Shout, but you do not stand a chance against me. Instead, I offer and alternative."
"What would that be?" Ulfric asked, his voice wavering.
"Step down. Give up your throne. You may act as Jarl until I end the war, and then you will give the throne to me, until I choose an successor. I will call upon a dragon to guard the city while I do my duties. If you refuse, or my dragon is harmed, I will enact my promise. I will kill you. I will slaughter your army. I will destroy this palace, and stand tall on the ruins. What say you?"
Ulfric looked at the ground. He then got down on one knee, placing a fist over his chest, and bowing his head.
"I accept your offer, Dragonborn, and I am grateful for your mercy."
Galmar followed suit in the bow, and did Jorlief and the guards. Akiseta nodded her head in respect.
Akiesta called a dragon named Haalkraskul to watch over Windhelm. She summoned Arvak, and she and Serana rode from the city, heading towards Solitude.
"You made a strong statement, Aki." Serana said. "I'm glad Ulfric agreed to your alternative."
"I am too. I was fearing he'd want to battle regardless."
Serana reached up and stroked Akiseta's feathers comfortingly.
"It'll be alright, Aki. I love you."
"I love you too, iluukai."