[POTN] 1.5 - A New, Victorious Sweden

Following the peace at Brömsebro, the Swedish Army, led by the young King, Torstenson, and Horn, marched into Stockholm victoriously on 18th May, 1645.

Thousands of Swedes flocked to the streets to see their army returning from victory, many welcoming their King with flowers, well-informed of his courageous near-sacrifice in the previous year.

Kristina, however, was absent. Gustav asked about her, but the guards told him that she refused to leave the Tre Kronor Castle and join in the celebrations. The celebrations carried on without Kristina, the entire Stockholm in a jubilant atmosphere.

By evening, a feast was organised in the Tre Kronor. Many soldiers, even recruits, were invited to the feast by Gustav. Gustav finally saw Kristina after sixteen months on the feast... occupying a table in a corner, sulking alone.

Gustav tried to talk to her, but she simply ignored him, refusing to speak at all.

Following a long night, Gustav finally returned to his much-missed royal chambers after midnight, totally worn out by the celebrations through the day. He wanted to sleep - but Kristina's image lingered in his mind. Against his better judgement, he walked towards Kristina's chambers quietly, so not to startle her, if she had already slept.

"Who's there!" A bark came out when Gustav knocked on the door, "If it's that idiotic brother of mine, you may as well go to sleep. I don't want to see you at all."

"Krissie! I haven't seen you for ages! Let me in."

A cold scoff came from inside, but the door was still reluctantly opened.

Inside, Kristina sat on the edge of her bed, looking almost teary. She stood up and locked the door, all while glaring at Gustav with all the fierceness she could muster.

Gustav stared nervously, standing opposite her, not really knowing what to do.

Then out of nowhere, a slap landed on Gustav's cheek. A real, forceful slap. Pain spread through Gustav's slapped cheek as it made contact with the back of Kristina's hand.

Gustav was stunned, utterly stunned. His mouth dropped wide open, staring in shock.

"Do you have any tiny bit of self-preservation, you idiot!" Kristina screamed, tears threatening to rush out of her eyes.

"Do you want death that much? Do you even know how it made us feel, the ones who care about you?"

"Do you even care about me?"

With that, Kristina could no longer hold her tears, and she broke into sobs right there.

Gustav stared awkwardly, not knowing what to do, until Kristina fell into his arms, crying into his chest.

"You idiot... I was so worried when they told me you were shot! two times, no less! You... You're a total idiot!"

Gustav hugged her back, apologetic but still awkward, trying to comfort his sister with some hair ruffling.

Fatigue soon took Kristina over, and she soon fell asleep, still in Gustav's arms. With everything that happened during the day, Gustav's fatigue was also catching up, and he soon also fell asleep sitting on the bed, leaning on the wall.

The pair slept till it was noon, as nobody was there to wake them after all the celebrations the previous day. Even the guards were heavily drunk and many fell asleep everywhere in the castle. Kristina stared up at the still groggy Gustav, whispering,

"You've got to promise me. You'll never do this again. You'll never be this reckless again, and... You'll remember I'm always waiting for you to come back alive. "

Gustav nodded, squeezing her hand, silently affirming her words.

With that, Kristina was satisfied, and marched away with the vigour she's had for most of these days - after all, she had been the most senior royalty in Stockholm, and represented Gustav in quite a few occasions.

Gustav, after having a brief breakfast, walked to the Chancellor's office, as the old man asked him to visit him as soon as possible. Of course, a lecture was to be expected, and happened as such. The Chancellor was not at all happy with Gustav's recklessness in the battlefield, and another succession crisis was something he was very wary of.

"Still, Sir, you have shown a courage commendable for your age, and I deem it the right time for the Regency to finally end."

Gustav took a deep breath, not really expecting to be working King so soon. Nonetheless, seventeen was probably a suitable age for a monarch to begin ruling.

"Worry not, Sir. I shall remain Chancellor and guide you through the details, as long as my health permits. Lest another reckless accident happen."

Gustav's confirmation as an adult was officially completed on his 17th birthday, 29th May, 1628, in a grand ceremony in Stockholm Cathedral. The Regency officially ended, and the King could finally rule in his own name.

The first bill Gustav signed was the creation of four Counts, all of whom contributed heavily in the war that just concluded:

The Chancellor, Axel Oxenstierna, was created the Count of Södermorë;

Field Marshal Lennart Torstenson was created the Count of Ortala;

Field Marshal Gustav Horn was created the Count of Björneborg;

and Colonel Gustav Vasaborg, for his courage, was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-General and created the Count of Nystad.

Peace of Westphalia (1648)