The Future King and the Commander's Daughter

Planning Pt. 1

Astrid is Eighteen

Astrid’s plan was coming together. Torvi was finally here. I’d settled her into her room early so she could spend time with the boys today. I was surprising them with her presence. Oligar had asked about her every second since he first spent time with her. Geraldine teased him about her being his first crush. He denied that and said he needed to protect her.

Torvi told me, “This wing is really beautiful.” I told her, “You can change things if you want.” I was certain she was Marcus’ mate and soon it would be her wing too. He’d let her do whatever she wanted in the space. She admitted, “I have a few ideas and some paintings I’d like to put up.” She paused in front of a picture with Marcus’ boys. She gently touched his face.

I said, “He is quite handsome.” She agreed, “He is. Where is the twins' mom? Geraldine and I get along fine, but I haven’t met her yet.” I replied, “You won’t.” She asked, “Did she die?” I replied, “She abandoned them for her human mate who didn’t want them.” Her eyes blazed, “I’ll kill her!” I chuckled, “That’s not necessary.” She ranted, “How dare she! Those boys should be her world.” I agreed, “Yes, they should’ve been. Marcus has them full time. So, you’ll have them the most as the nanny.” She nodded her agreement.

I said, “Anyway, he’s single and ready to mingle.” I already knew Torvi was. She had a woman she hooked up with on occasion as a regular thing, but her last boyfriend and her broke up a few weeks before I met her. She’d had a fling the night she went out with us, but she wasn’t dating anyone seriously. Plus, she was here now.

She asked, “What’s he like?” I answered, “He’s great. He’s been like a brother to me my whole life. He’s very loyal and kind. Deadly, is a given.” She chuckled, “Obviously. He’s a Prince of the Hackura.” I added, “He loves hiking.” She grinned, “So do I.” We talked a little bit more about him. I talked him up and he’d better thank me for it. Torvi was interested in meeting him.

She said, “I can’t believe I’m actually here. I’ve dreamed of being in the capitol and seeing the castle. It’s so surreal I’m living here for the time being.” I was certain she wouldn’t leave. She giggled, “My siblings are so jealous.” I told her, “They can visit any time.” She told me, “If you offer that you’d better mean it. They will all take you up on it.” I assured her, “They are more than welcome to come visit you and stay. Marcus has many guest rooms in his wing.” She laughed and took out her phone texting her siblings. Hopefully, they’d come see her soon. I didn’t want her to get home sick. This was her first time out of Tasmia for more than just a vacation. I’d made her pack more than she’d originally planned with her contract. I was determined and I knew she was the perfect fit for the boys. It was a bonus she was going to end up being Marcus’ mate.

I took her to the boys and Oligar lit up when he saw her. He squealed, “Vi! You came!” Hastein and Hugo looked up smiling as well. Baron and Bently cooed at her. Oligar ran and hugged her. She asked, “How are my favorite boys?” Oligar answered, “Good now. Can you play?” I told him, “She’s here to play with you and help us out.” He asked, “You’re our new nanny?” She nodded. He squealed, “YAY!!” Torvi chuckled, “It is something to celebrate, isn't it?” He nodded happily.

She told him, “I missed you, little man. I wondered how you were doing. It’s what told me it was the right move when Astrid offered me the nanny position. I couldn't wait to see you again.” I told them, “Get together for a quick picture. The boys crowded Torvi showing only her face, but that was enough for my plan. I snapped it and sent it to Marcus letting him know I found him a new nanny along with her name. I was laying the seeds down to gain his interest.

Her hand began to twitch. She gasped, “Oh no!” Oligar asked, “What’s wrong, Vi?” She giggled, “You’d better run because the tickle monster is taking over my body!” She reached out and tickled him as he squealed. The boys all began to run from her. I called, “Have fun, I’m going to get some work done.” Hastein smiled at me and Hugo toddled after him trying to run from Torvi, the tickle monster. I made it to my office and couldn’t help but go back to the day I met Torvi.

**Flashback one month prior**

I went to Veronica’s office. I knocked on the door. She called, “Enter.” I came in and she said, “I need you to sort and issue out in Tasmia for me.” She was giving more things like this so the realm could see me. I agreed, “Of course.” She said, “You’ll meet the Lord there. I’ll review your decision with you when you get back.” I asked, “You’re letting me decide? You don’t want me to call with my recommendation and confirm you agree?” She answered, “I am letting you decide on your own. You’re ready.” I hugged her quickly then opened a portal.

Bjourn sent me curiosity over my excitement. I called him when I walked through to Tasmia. He answered, “Stella Mea (My Star), you seem far away.” I told him, “Your mom is letting me handle an issue in Tasmia.” He replied, “I can come join you.” I chuckled, “I’ll be fine. They farm here, Bjourn. It’s going to be over a tax or land issue. I can handle it all by my lonesome.” He agreed, “I know you can. I just worry.” I said, “Well, I’m at the Lord’s house. I’ll call you later.”

I knocked on the door and I was led inside and out to the barn where they were gathered. The Lord greeted, “Crown Princess Astrid, welcome.” I nodded, “Hello, it’s nice to meet you, Lord Galvin.” He replied in kind, “You as well. We have two people here with a property line dispute.” That reached Veronica? That was odd.

I asked, “Where are the documents on the land division?” Galvin sighed, “They went missing.” I raised an eyebrow. Someone stole them? One man said, “It’s been like this for years. She’s jealous!” The woman shot back, “That area has been in my family for centuries and I’m not giving it to you because you’re jealous that our crops in that area always sell more than yours.”

I said, “I see. Come back in an hour and I will make a decision.” Everyone left except one woman. The second I saw her Marcus came to mind. He’d fall over himself to meet her. I greeted, “Hello.” She replied, “I can help you, Crown Princess.” I offered, “Call me Astrid. Who are you?” She answered, “Torvi Rache.” One of the Lord’s daughters, his youngest. I agreed, “You probably can help me. I want to know where all the record keeping is.” She nodded and led me to the records building.

I sat down and began going through everything. To my surprise, she sat down and helped. I asked, “Do you know those two families?” She scoffed, “Yeah.” I asked, “So, what’s going on there?” She answered, “The man you met thought that woman was his mate. When he turned sixteen they found out they weren’t. The fights started when she met her mate. He hasn’t yet. The dad’s don’t get along either. As far as I know they never have, but I don’t why.” I hummed.

I asked, “So, did he let her use the land or is it hers?” She admitted, “I don’t know. No one does because the records disappeared when they came to my dad with the dispute he was unable to locate them.” I stumbled across a birth record and scoffed when I did the easy math in my head. She asked, “What’s wrong?” I said, “I think I know part of the problem.”

We went back to the barn. Torvi didn’t push me to know my decision. Everyone gathered back. I asked them, “Do you really want to do this in front of everyone? Because I found some interesting records.” The woman was nervous. The man replied, “No, we can do it privately.” I nodded and ordered, “Clear the area.” Several people grumbled but they all left except the man who was clearly her mate.

I asked the man, “Why did you not claim your son?” The woman started crying. I asked, “Your mate cannot care if the boy isn’t his. Plus, he has to know your son is this man’s child.” Another man answered, “I do know and I love him as my own.” That was normal for us.

I asked, “Then what f**k is wrong with you guys? Why did you pass his son off as this man’s?” The man with the complaint answered, “Her father doesn’t like me. We feared for my son if he knew.” I surmised, “So, this argument is fake and gives you the ability to meet together privately so you can spend time with your son.” They both admitted, “Yes.”

I rubbed my temples, “You’re both adults. No, all three of you are adults. What are you going to do when the child gets older? Ask him to keep this secret? I’ll have you know children are the worst secret keepers of all time. I let my oldest son pick out a present for his dad’s birthday. He lasted thirty whole seconds without telling him about it. He literally described it down to a T. He was so excited he couldn’t keep it in and told his dad right away. Above all, you should put your child first and do what is right for that child. My brother in law and your Prince has done that with his oldest and his mother. I do know it can be hard but think about what you’re doing to this man.”

I pointed at the biological father. I said, “You know the longing to know his child that he feels. Does he even get nights with him? Or a full day?” The woman answered, “I try to give them as much time as I can.”

I disagreed, “No, you don’t because you’re not being honest. Being a mom is hard and feeling like you’ve disappointed your parents is hard. Geraldine didn’t mean to get pregnant with Duke Oligar. She had her plans for how life was going to go. She worried her parents would be disappointed in her, but I think they will surprise you as they did her. If your father has an issue past being lied to for a year and half then he can deal with me. This has to stop, and I think you know that. You wanted a Royal here to figure this out.”

I walked down and touched her arm. I said, “What you’re doing is exhausting and I’m sure you feel guilty all the time.” Her mate offered, “She does.” I looked at the man, “And you must feel awful arguing with her in front of all these people and fighting with her when you don’t want to.” He admitted, “I do. People think she’s just greedy and she’s not.” I said, “Well, my decree is, it’s your son's land. I don’t care whose it ever was, it’s his. I’m sure you’ll be able to share it.” The woman’s eyes filled with tears and they both nodded.

I consoled them, “I’m sure our families will be upset they’ve been lied to, but I can go with you to tell them. I can make sure it doesn’t get out of hand.” Torvi offered, “I can watch Harson for you guys.” I asked, “Do you like children?” She smiled, “Yes, I am actually a nanny on the side.” I asked, “Side of what?” She blushed, “I’m an artist. I like to paint.” I told her, “After this, I’d love to see your work.” She blushed but nodded. Her dad looked really proud, which told me her work was good.

I left with the couple and Torvi. The man had called his family to join at the woman’s house. Torvi took the child and we all sat down. The dad glared at the other family. He asked me, “Did you tell them they had to stop this nonsense.” I replied, “Yes, but not the nonsense you’re thinking.”

The woman said, “Dad, there’s something you need to know. It was my decision and everyone agreed because….” She trailed off then added, “Well, because you’re a hard ass and you hated our relationship.” He asked, “What on earth are you talking about?” She sighed, “Harson is Lamar’s son.”

Lamar’s family gasped. She said, “We invented this conflict so that Lamar could see Harson. Emmerson agreed to act as if he was Harson’s biological dad, and his family went along with it. It’s no one’s fault but mine. I didn’t want you to be disappointed in me or treat Harson differently because he was Lamar’s.”

Her dad was shocked, but her mother didn’t look surprised at all. She asked, “Mom?” She replied, “Sweetie, Harson looks just like Lamar did as a child.” Her dad asked, “Why didn’t you say anything?” Her mom touched his thigh, “Because he is my grandson, not my son. That was their deal and I’m the grandma. I promised myself I would never be like my mother and question my children’s decisions they made as parents. I knew the whole dispute was a ruse, and that it couldn’t continue forever. The chickens would come home to roost eventually and now they have. I do not agree with how our daughter handled this, but it was her journey and path.”

Her dad ground out, “You’ve been lying to us for a year and half!” That was a valid thing to be upset about. Emmerson rubbed her back and she cried, “I didn’t want to disappoint you.” He scoffed, “I feel you, Nadia. I know it’s that but it’s also because you thought I wouldn’t treat my own damn grandson the same.” Nadia replied, “You hate them and you’d never tell us why.”

Lamar’s dad said, “Because I dated your mother. Your dad is two years younger than us, and he always liked your mother. I dated her until they found out they were mates. He never liked her around me, and I can’t say I blame him. If he’d dated my mate, I wouldn’t like him either. Hoarse, we have to set this aside. We share a grandson that I’ve barely gotten to know. I understand you’re upset. I am as well. I thought he looked like my son, but I figured why would they lie. I’ve only gotten to be around him a few times.”

Hoarse said, “He’s a great boy.” Nadia wiped tears away as her dad stood. She whispered, “Daddy…” He cut her off, “I will get over the fact that you lied, but it won’t today. I thought you cheated on Lamar with Emmerson. I thought you strung your mate along without ending your relationship because of the timing of Harson’s birth. That disappointed me. I even thought Harson looked like Lamar, but I knew you’d never lie to me like that. Turns out, I was wrong. You do not know the type of man I am after all these years. As if I would take something out on a child. I was fine with you dating Lamar or you wouldn’t have been dating him. Once you knew you weren’t mates that was my problem. I didn’t want your mate to go through what I did with knowing your mother was with him for years knowing they weren’t forever. Knowing how much she cared for him was my problem.” He walked out of the house.

Her mom wiped away tears and followed him. Nadia whispered, “I messed everything up.” I told her, “That’s life. We mess up, but this is fixable. You were scared and you made a bad call, but I’m sure at the time it felt like the best one you had available. I’d focus on the good people you had around you. These two men you’re tied to forever had your back. That’s a good thing to focus on along with your son. I bet your dad and Lamar’s will be bonding with their grandson soon. Harson is young and won’t remember this bump in his life. He feels the bond with Lamar and he knows Emmerson loves him. He has more love in his life. You guys will be ok. You have great support systems, and they might be upset right now; but time will heal that hurt.”

I added, “You should probably see a family therapist. Lord Galvin will have the recommendations for the area. I want you and Lamar going with Emmerson to attend co-parenting classes offered. I’ll let Lord Galvin know that’s part of my ruling. I think you should go to family group sessions as well, but I’m not going to order it. Just think about it and work through this hurt with the bond as you are meant to.” She hugged me and whispered, “Thank you.” I knew the secret must have been crushing her. The only out she saw at this point was a royal putting a decree out.

I left them to deal with their family issues. I saw her parents out by the lake. I sighed and walked over to them. I called, “Hoarse.” He turned, “Crown Princess, I am sorry my daughter wasted your time with this.” I replied, “I’m not. We are meant to help and she didn’t know how to get out from under the weight of her lie. She brought a Royal here to do that which is my job to care for my people. I’m sure you felt the guilt from your daughter.” He nodded, “I didn’t understand it. I tried to have a meeting to work through the bond, but she refused because she thinks I’m a bad man.”

I disagreed, “I think she idolizes you and the fear of disappointing you then lying to you was crushing her. At the root of it all, she didn’t want you to be disappointed. She went about it all the wrong way, and she knows that. I’m sure you know as a race, we don’t do well with fear. She’ll probably do better next time, but we aren’t designed really to handle such things. She has good people around her, but she made a bad call. We all make mistakes, just don’t push her away. She needs you now more than ever. Have that bond meeting and work through your own feelings with her. I think it will be healing for you both. I can tell you love your daughter, and she loves you. You guys will be ok with time.” He nodded, “Those are very wise words. Thank you, Crown Princess.”

I added, “I’m sure your wife can explain the intense, sometimes irrational protective instincts that flood a new Hackura mom. I can tell you I experienced it myself and it was like nothing I’d never known. I saw threats where none were and I was hostile in situations I would not normally be. Just try to view her actions through that lens as well. She made those decisions knowing from book knowledge the flood of hormones she’d have, but it’s a whole other beast experiencing it.” I nodded and walked away hoping I helped them all.

I walked back and spotted Torvi playing with Harson. Nadia came and took him with Lamar and Emmerson. He squealed when he saw them all. Lamar started crying when he scooped him up and Nadia touched her chest while Emmerson wrapped her in his arms. I walked over to Torvi. She told me, “You did good. A lot of people thought he looked like Lamar, but they denied it. I know my dad was really frustrated so thanks.” I told her, “All in a day’s work. Let’s see this art.” She blushed, “You don’t have to.” I replied, “I want to.”

She took me to a gallery in town and I walked in. There was one of a woman dancing with an explosion of colors behind her that seemed to be an extension of her dress somehow. I gently touched it and spotted a painting of a mountain. It was Marcus’ favorite in the whole realm. He’d climbed it many times. I asked, “Is this Mt. Hosper?” She answered, “Yes, I’ve always been drawn to it. I’ve made the climb to the top whenever I need to think.” I chuckled, “So has my brother in law.”

She asked, “Really? Which one? Maybe I’ve met him unknowingly.” I chuckled, “You definitely didn’t. Or I’d have met you by now because you are very much his type and he’d be obsessed with you.” I took out a picture and showed her. Interest and lust flashed into her eyes. She casually asked, “Which one is he? I’ve never seen him there.” I answered, “Marcus.” Her eyes nodded with recognition. I guess he was her type too. That was good for the plans I was forming.

I asked, “How much for the dancer and the mountain?” She blushed, “The dancer isn’t actually for sale. It’s my mom and my dad only lets me display it here sometimes. I painted it for him for their anniversary. It’s usually in his office, but the mountain is for sale.” She gave me the price and I purchased it.

I told her, “You’ll have to come see it in the main hall of the palace sometime.” Her eyes widened, “You’re putting it in the castle?” I answered, “I am.” I was also going to send it to Marcus. He was on a mission, but I was going to start to wet his interest. I took the painting and told her, “I’ll see you around, Torvi.” She admitted, “I doubt it. I’ve never been to the capitol.” That was going to change. I said, “Well, I was thinking my friends and I could go out around here tonight. You’d know all the places to go. Would you show us around?” She agreed happily, “Sure!” I walked through the portal and instructed where I wanted the painting.

Veronica joined me, “Well, this is beautiful. Marcus will surely be a fan. You found quite a talent.” I teased, “Marcus will be a fan about everything involving the painting, including the painter. Who nanny’s on the side.” Veronica smiled, “I see. So you met Torvi.” I asked, “Do you know her?” She hummed, “No, I did acquire a picture of the Rashe family recently and thought she might just suit my son. You clearly agree.” I said, “I have an idea for it all. I’ll need to take H and Oligar later to meet her if tonight goes well with the girls.” She chuckled, “Plan away, Astrid. Have the report for the resolution ready for me to review tomorrow afternoon with you.” I nodded and ran out of the castle yelling, “KASHE! WE HAVE PLANNING TO DO!”

**Flashback Ends**

A portal opened in my office and Geraldine and Kashe came through. I said, “Aren’t you supposed to be on your romantic getaway, G?” She chuckled, “I spied in on the boys with Torvi then practically painted myself and danced around a fire praying to Aesir that she’s Marcus’ mate. She’d be the perfect co-parent.” I knew she was worried about that. Marcus had briefly dated a woman who didn’t care for Oligar. The second Marcus found out, they were done. Geraldine worried though. I think it’s a natural fear because we are so protective of our children.

I checked my phone and chucked, “He’s definitely interested and all he’s seen is her face.” Geraldine scoffed, “How could he not be interested? I’m interested in an off period with her.” I threw my head back and laughed. Kashe said, “Spill the tea. What’s he saying?” I read the texts and answered, “He’s lost his mind. He asked if I was serious. He wants to know everything about her.” Geraldine cheered, “Good my naked fire dance paid off. I’ll be off sexing up my mate.” She opened a portal and Kashe called, “Come back knocked up, girlfriend!” Geraldine laughed, “My man has his marching orders.” Kashe yelled, “Good girl! They get so worked up about their orders. They are hardwired to complete them.” She laughed and left.

Kashe asked, “So, are you telling Bjourn yet?” I checked my watch, “I’m about to. We are having drinks with everyone in the main room later for a nightcap. Bring Dawson and the other girls.” She saluted me, “You know I’m on that. Dawson’s mom is watching the boys. She’s so excited.” I chuckled and opened a portal to my man.

Bjourn hated paperwork and was ready for a break. I felt his anger fire when he said Baron and Bently’s name. The whole family was pissed at Jessie, their mother. She was very dead though. Marcus didn’t want to kill her, but Veronica had no such qualms about it. She found out what happened with her grandsons and gathered us women. We handled her and her human mate. I was pretty sure Titus was the only one who knew she was dead. Marcus thought she was off living her life as if we’d let that disrespect to him and his twins stand. That wretched b***h, abandoning her children because her human mate didn’t want them. She had begged Marcus to try, wanting a child so badly. She’d been thrilled when she found out it was twins, and when they were born. All until she found her mate she’d loved being their mom. Horrid b***h abandoning my nephews like she did.

I caught Bjourn glance at the picture of his cousin, Miley, on his desk. Jealousy flashed through him. He wanted a sister, and I was certain Veronica practically forced Titus to go on a mission and was waiting for news of an off period child. I wondered if the men had caught onto her plan yet. Probably not, they usually caught on last.

I told Bjourn about Torvi and caught the second he knew what I was doing. He was practically laughing in our bond holding onto a slight hope that was right about her being Marcus’ mate. He wanted that for him especially since he thought he wouldn’t meet her until he was older. He was all ready to take a break and meet her. He really hated paperwork, but his feelings told me he wanted to evaluate if she could be the one himself. He trusted me which had his hope skyrocketing that she was Marcus’ mate.

I knew he agreed with me the second he saw her. He was trying to hang onto his cautious optimism, but his feelings told me he knew I was right. I wrapped my arms around him as he watched the boys play. I nearly laughed at the glare Oligar threw at him when he thought he was going to tell Torvi to leave. His humor in our bond cemented his belief Torvi and Marcus belonged together. His relief was brief but there. He needed to let go of this guilt. Marcus’ timeline to find his mate had nothing to do with us, but Bjourn worried because Marcus was so resolute in his belief he’d have to wait forever for his.