The Future King and the Commander's Daughter

Ripples Pt. 1

Astrid is Twenty-Nine

A Few Weeks Before Bjourn’s chapter starts

Astrid was visiting daycares. I often went around the realm to see the kids. It was an initiative that Veronica started, and I wasn’t going to let it fall away. I think it was good for the realm to know their Queen and future Queen. Plus, it was a lot of fun playing with the kids. I was leaving one class when I saw a woman in an Ariel costume. The kids were clamoring all around her calling her Miss Ariel. I felt it in my gut she was something to me.

I turned back to the teacher in the classroom. She laughed explaining, “Her name is actually Ariel. She usually dyes her hair red around this time, but that’s a wig. Her room is underwater themed and her kids asked her to dress up like Princess Ariel. She told them if they each brought in a toy they don’t use anymore to donate for the younger kids' classes she’d dress up and they did.” I nodded and observed her classroom from the windows before going in.

The more I watched her the more I realized she was Benjamin’s type to a T. It was my initial thought, but my intuition that had told me the other Cambridge mates said this woman was Benjamin’s. I asked, “What’s her last name?” The woman whose room I’d left had followed me. She answered, “Forsyth.” A Lord’s daughter then.

I walked into her classroom and instantly felt a bond with her the second she greeted, “Hello. We heard you were coming today, and the kids have been so excited. What did you all want to say when the Crown Princess came?” They all greeted, “Hello Crown Princess Astrid!” One girl tugged on my sleeve, “Will you read us a story?” A boy huffed, “She should play soldiers with us!” Another girl grumbled, “We agreed on superheroes!”

I laughed, “I can do all those things.” I spent a lot of time in the classroom. It was my last one and I wanted to watch her. It was all confirmed to me in all her actions and our interactions. I took out my phone and texted Cali.

Me: Has Ariel Forsyth applied to work in any of your daycares?

Cali: I actually don’t have to look that one up. She’s our first option when a spot opens up.

Me: Open the spot and fund it out of my budget.

Cali: If you say you think she’s Benjamin’s mate I’ll cackle and Harper and Gunner will ask why I’m so amused.

Me: Well if you’d mark Gunner he’d feel your amusement. I do think she’s Benjamin’s.

Cali: We don’t want to take his mate away from him. We can’t be selfish with him. He deserves the best. Also, I’m setting up the spot and will communicate it with her and her boss. Benjamin is going to lose it. She’s very pretty.

Me: Gunner loves you both. He wants the bond and to be officially yours just like you two do. Just talk to him. I know he’ll love her. She’s currently in a red wig dressed as Princess Ariel as a reward for her kids.

Cali: That’s adorable.

I sighed noticing she didn’t comment on talking to Gunner. I knew why. Her and Harper dragged their feet, scared of rejection, which was insane, and because they thought Aesir must think Gunner needed someone else. I just didn’t think that was the case. They’d always been drawn to each other. It had to mean something.

Ariel asked, “Are you ok?” I chuckled, “Just a sister in law situation. I want to whap all three of those involved over the head, but you have to let people make their own decisions. Even when you want to strip naked, paint yourself red and jump around and make a scene screaming they are being dumb.”

She threw her head back and laughed. She said, “That’s quite the picture.” I admitted, “I’ve had a lot of time to think about it. My mate keeps talking to his brother about it. He’s more patient than me. I want to hit their heads together, but he says we can’t do that.”

She shrugged, “That makes sense, he’s the crown Prince. You are more the mother to the realm. My mom lights a fire under my ass sometimes where my dad sits back and lets me do things my way.” I laughed, “I’m ready to start a fire. Anything to spark action.”

Her class left for the day. She blushed, “We took up so much of your time.” I told her, “I wanted to stay. I feel like we’d be friends.” She sighed dreamily, “I want to move to the capital.” Her director ran in screaming and grabbed her jumping in a circle. Cali orchestrated that all very quickly. It helped that Gunner could set everything up for her and get into my accounts.

Ariel asked, “Why are we squealing?” The director yelled, “We will miss you so much!” She laughed, “Where am I going?” She gasped, “Ariel, check your email!” Ariel pulled out her phone and gasped. She dropped her phone, “NO!” Her director screamed, “YES!” They both started screaming and jumping around.

I chuckled and they both froze. The direction raised an eyebrow at me. Ariel nervously said, “That was unprofessional, I apologize. I’ve been wanting to work at Princess Calista’s original daycare since it opened. I applied last year and was told when a spot opened up it would be mine. I just got the notice that I’ll have a room in a few weeks.” I grinned, “Congratulations. I’ll take you out to celebrate with my friends tonight. We can show you around the capital, and I’ll tell you all about a man I think you’ll catch the eye of.” She giggled.

She yelled, “I’ll meet you here in one hour! I’ll just go change.” I told her, “Don’t rush. I’ll wait here.” She ran impressively well for wearing a skintight mermaid bottom. I watched her go smiling. I turned around and faced the director who was trying not to laugh.

She commented, “How odd that the day you show up, suddenly there’s an opening. My intel told me I’d have Ariel here for at least another three years.” I laughed, “Well, I don’t know if you know anything about my brothers in law.” She snorted, “The Princes? Of course I do.” I winked, “Did you know one of them that is unmated favorite Disney Princess is Ariel?” She blinked, “I didn’t. Do you think it’s her? The rumors say you’ve found them all.”

I sighed, “All is a stretch, but I have found several. I do think she’s his.” She whispered conspiratorially, “Who is it? I won’t tell her, but I’ll slip him into conversation as you plan to.” I grinned, “Benjamin.” She gasped, “He visited a year before she came. He’s so handsome.”

She paused then added, “You know I think they would match quite well. You have quite the eye. I’m proud you’re continuing this initiative the Queen started. I feared it wouldn’t be continued, and the kids love these days so much.”

I told her, “I would never allow something Veronica started to stop. I’ve seen the value in these days. I also love playing with the kids. My boys are all men now, and I miss this stage.” She asked, “Are you guys done?” I chuckled, “No, we aren’t. I lost more blood delivering Gabe than I did the others. We are just taking our time for our next one.”

Bjourn was. My strong fierce mate did not handle that moment well in the delivery room. As a doctor he was on it in a second. He recognized it was too much blood. I was never in any danger. Part of the placenta was left behind and it was quickly rectified. He felt pure panic in the bond thinking he could lose me. He’s getting better, but I don’t want to open the topic up for another until I felt no fear from him when I mentioned being ready for another. He’d go for it at this point, but until that panic left him I didn’t want to.

The director left and I called Kashe. She answered, “Well hey there girlie. You’re late. Your secretary is freaking out. You know she likes it when things go according to schedule. She even factors in you being late sometimes. Now, she’s practically foaming at the mouth thinking she’ll have to play telephone and tell Bjourn’s secretary you’re late. I already told her I’d tell him. It’s more fun my way, but she shoots me glare when I suggest it.”

I laughed, “Tell her I’ll be home soon and let Bjourn know the women are going out with our newest member.” She gasped, “You did not find another Cambridge boy mate! ASTRID ELIZABETH! TELL ME YOU DID!” I chuckled, “I’m certain I did. I leave you in charge of gathering everyone and picking out my outfits.” She cackled, “You are in such good hands. Who is it? Is it Evin? Because I can’t handle his on and off b***h. I watch to scratch her eyes out.”

I chuckled, “Because she flirted with Dawson.” She shot back, “ON AN OFF PERIOD! Dawson and Bjourn don’t eat where they shit.” I laughed out loud and took several moments to gather myself. I said, “That’s a new one, and that would be gross.” She huffed, “The point is he doesn’t do Hackura women on our off periods. I do and she’s not my type. Maybe I should claim she is so I can get her alone in a bedroom. THEN I CAN CHOKE HER FOR LOOKING AT MY MAN!”

I chuckled, “I see angry Kashe is here to play.” She grumbled, “Look at my man like that. Dawson would’ve ripped someone’s eyes out. Probably smashed their skull in. I’m showing great restraint because I love Evin. I need Gretchen to fall off a cliff.” I told her, “Well, he’s on a mission with Benjamin so she won’t come because we don’t invite her places. I think they both see their relationship as a comfort. Besides, she’s always pining for Oragon.” He was Histeck’s best friend.

She snorted, “Which is one reason I’ll never like that woman. Like who has Evin in front of them and goes ‘Nah, I’d rather have Oragon,’ Crazy people, that’s who. Who do we NOT befriend? CRAZY PEOPLE! I thought we learned this lesson.” I replied, “WE did, Evin didn’t. We don’t invite her out with us.” She grumbled, “He needs to get a clue.” I laughed, “They’ve had s*x twice.” She groaned, “I just see it. She sees a way to be a grubby title chaser, and she’s going to take it.”

I asked, “A what?” She huffed, “I do a lot of work for Black Mountain and Blue Moon. The relatively new Beta of Blue Moon is actually funny. He calls women after men in power grubby title chasers. There’s some chick sniffing around his Alpha and Black Mountain’s. He LOATHES her which is pretty funny. I’ve got to get a video call together with them because I’ve never seen him. We just have phone calls and I’ve met his holy hotness of Black Mountain.”

I chuckled, “Remember Dawson?” She laughed, “Of course I do. I have eyes though. Alpha Eric has GROWN up.” I replied, “You say that every time.” She chuckled, “His brothers are also hot.” I asked, “Has he met his mate?” She answered, “No, even though his mom brings out her options for him. I think he hasn’t noticed that’s what she’s doing.”

I pointed out, “Then she’s not doing it well.” She replied, “Neither are those girls.” I asked, “Aren’t they women?” She retorted, “Acting how they do? No, not a chance. They’d be Briar’s posse.” I realized, “So, that’s why you don’t like them.”

She scoffed, “They are trash. That’s why I don’t like them. I also enjoy his mother and said girls she wants him to take as a mate don’t realize he barely tolerates them. I’ve seen four of them and can I just say, he clearly loathes them. Which his dad and brothers notice, along with his pack. His mother’s head in the clouds. Dawson said I can’t cut her brakes though. I feel compelled to do so, but apparently those are intrusive thoughts. The human realm says it’s bad to let those win. I think they have it all wrong. They should definitely win.” I cackled.

Talking to Kashe was so much fun. She was a really good person and had a strong sense of right and wrong. If you were wrong and bullheaded she believed the world was better off without you. I don’t know that’s she’d been wrong so far, but she didn’t actually usually kill someone. I told her, “Well, that might hurt your business and you have no reason to do so.” She huffed, “Yet my hands twitch towards my pliers when I’m near her car.” I rubbed her arm.

She admitted, “I can’t actually explain it, but I feel this strong need to protect him. Like it’s for someone else, but I don’t know who. It’s weird and I admit that. Maybe it’s because I’ve known him since he was ten and he gave me the job.” I realized, “You don’t believe that.” She agreed, “I don’t but I have no reason to think it’s anything else. It’s not like he’s my siblings' mate. I’ve brought all of them around him. I was certain that was it, but apparently you are the only one around here with mate radar.”

She paused, “Speaking of Jamal, he will hound you for his mate since you found another Cambridge mate.” I snorted, “Your brother and mine. You have sisters though and mine...” I stalled realizing what I said. Sometimes it slapped me in the face that Hetti, my half-sister, died. Kashe asked, “How are you guys doing with that?” Hetti, had died in a car crash with her mom when they were run off the road by a drunk driver. They went into a ravine and died on impact. We were going to meet her the next day. I sighed, “Dad took it really hard.” We all did.

She pressed, “How are you?” I answered, “It was a few years ago now.” Kashe retorted, “That doesn’t tell me how you are.” I sighed, “I wanted to know her. I think I’ll always miss her.” I should’ve just gone to meet her instead of waiting for her to be old enough to understand more. She was a little younger than Haley. I shoved those thoughts away, “Make sure you get everything ready. I’ll bring Ariel.” She howled, “OH MY GOD IT’S BENJAMIN’S MATE.” I laughed and hung up.

I wiped at my tears. Bjourn called. I answered, “I’m fine.” He said, “I can open a portal and come to you now.” I replied, “That’s not necessary. I’m leaving here anyway. I’m going out with the girls.” He quietly said, “You miss her.” I knew exactly who he meant. I sighed, “Some days it hits harder than others. I was talking to Kashe about siblings and…” I trailed off.

He whispered, “Stella Mae (My Star).” I assured him, “I’m ok. It’s silly. I never met her and it’s been years now.” He replied, “That doesn’t make it easier and you know it. What can I do?” I replied, “You and dad already tracked down the driver who hit them. There’s nothing else to do.”

Bjourn grumbled, “He didn’t die how I wanted him to.” He didn’t die how I wanted either. He’d fled from the accident, but he couldn't’ hide from us. When my dad and Bjourn caught up to him they found him dead. He’d choked on his vomit after killing my half sister and her mother. I saw Ariel coming back. I told him, “I’m fine and I’ll be back in the capitol shortly. I love you.” He replied, “As I love you.” I hung up and pushed everything aside to get ready for girls night.

Flash Forward to where Bjourn’s chapter started

I was sitting with Logan in a cafe when Ariel ran in. Logan raised an eyebrow at me. I waved, “Hi, Ariel.” She squealed, “I got everything moved here. It’s all in boxes but it’s here. I can’t believe you managed to get me such a nice place! I didn't realize how much stuff I had. Honestly, I don’t know how I’m going to move everything in.” I told her, “We can worry about that later.”

Logan smirked, shooting me a knowing grin. I introduced them, “Logan, this is Ariel. She’s just received a spot in Cali’s daycare.” He replied, “I’ll just bet she did.” He shook her hand.

I told her, “I was able to get you an appointment for you hair.” She gasped, “You did! I’ve heard the capital hairstylist take MONTHS to get into. I thought I’d have to go red much later than normal.” Logan asked, “Red?” She answered, “I dye my hair red once a year.” He nodded, “Of course you do.” She blushed.

He looked at me and I winked. The rest of the girls showed up. I asked, “Logan, would you take our picture?” He agreed, “Of course. That’s such a strange impromptu request that I didn’t figure out why you asked me to join you here.” I stuck my tongue out at him for his sarcasm. He grinned and shook his head at me slightly.

Kashe put Ariel on the outside of the group and I gave Logan my phone. He Chuckled then took several pictures. Logan asked, “So, are you dying your hair today, Ariel?” She bit her lip, “I’m definitely getting it cut. I never know until I get in the chair if it’s time to bring my sassy red attitude. It’s probably my only chance though.” I assured her, “I’ll get you back in if this isn’t the time.” Logan chuckled.

He pulled me aside “You think she’s Benjamin’s mate.” I nodded, “I do.” He asked, “Is that Ariel Forsyth?” I grinned. He laughed, “And she just happened to get a spot in the most sought after daycare in the realm after meeting you? I remember you went to that side of the realm a few weeks ago.”

I flipped my hair, “Sometimes things just work out, Logan.” He threw his head back and laughed. I told him, “Remind Bjourn that we have the party tonight, would you?” He nodded, “We are all just your chess pieces. Love you, sis.” I kissed his cheek and watched him leave.

Kashe handed me my phone declaring, “Your text to Benjamin is ready to go. You know I love it when you lean into this evil side of torturing the men. It makes the heart quicken and I get all twitterpated. Dawson thanks you for that by the way.” I winked at her.

I looked at the picture and laughed. I shouldn't be surprised Kashe did exactly what I told her to. I sent it and Ariel peeked over my shoulder. I sent the text to the rest of the brothers but with the uncropped version.

Ariel asked, “You cropped me part way out?” I told her, “He’ll go crazy over half of this picture. TRUST me. His interest will drive him crazy and the orgasm you get later will be worth it.” Heather agreed, “Hear, hear.” Torvi chimed in, “Seriously, Marcus was….” She trailed off then winked, “Damn.”

Ariel grinned, “I can’t wait to meet Benjamin honestly. Even if he’s not my mate, he sounds amazing and his pictures got me through those long days of packing my stuff up, if you know what I mean.”

Kashe threw her arm around her, “Girl, we all get you. He’s your Rub Hub content.” I asked, “Her what?” She shrugged, “The human realm says spank bank for men, and rub Hub for women.” I chuckled, “Aesir above.” Ariel agreed, “He definitely is though. He’s consumed my thoughts.” I winked, “Maybe you, minus the picture, have consumed his thoughts. I’ve talked about you around him without mentioning your name. He does know I have a new friend coming here. In fact, he picked out your house, not me.” She acknowledged, “He has good taste.”

Benjamin started blowing up my phone. I ignored him and we got our food. I felt Bjourn’s exasperation and started to laugh. It didn't take Benjamin very long to go to him. Bjourn was now amused. I was certain he’d seen the picture based on his feelings.

I high fived Kashe and told Ariel, “Benjamin is already running to Bjourn. Let’s head to the salon ladies!” We all made our way there. I sat down with my usual stylist, Shara. She asked, “A trim and blow out?” I answered, “You know it.”

Shara asked, “Are you ready for tomorrow?” I admitted, “No, but I’m more ready than my mate is.” She laughed and got to work. Gabe was going out on his first mission. My last baby boy, for now, was going to become a man. I definitely wasn’t ready, but I would be out there having his back. I also knew the mission was the lowest priority. Something that Gabe would easily figure out.

Kashe suddenly squealed. I asked, “Are you ok?” She answered, “One, the red streaks look FABULOUS in my hair. Second, Dawson is back in the realm.” I replied, “You told him he had to be back for the party. When has he ever not listened to you?” She grinned, “When he was younger he made that mistake once. Rest assured he has not repeated that fallacy since.” I shook my head.

Shara ordered, “Don’t move your head.” I chuckled and let her finish up her trim. Then washed it and began to give me a blow out. Bjourn’s concern hit me like a freight train. I held up my hand and she turned off the hair dryer. I shot to the back for privacy. My sisters-in -law joined me. The mate’s shook their heads. It wasn’t their mate that was in danger. Ariel whispered, “Is it Ben?” He hated it when people called him that but I bet he loved it when she did.

I answered, “Only Logan should be out.” Hastein suddenly felt panicked. Not my son. Bjourn did not find out something about our oldest and not pull me with all his might! Hastein’s relief hit me shortly followed by Bjourn’s. I quickly realized Bjourn didn’t know Hastein was close to him. That was going to be a torrent of emotions when Bjourn noticed that Hastein was in the demon realm with them. I guess that’s where they were since that’s where Logan was going.

I called Veronica. I asked, “What do we know?” She replied, “Logan was under fire. Someone was coming to give him information. Titus said it wasn’t a usual source. Logan sent him a code that he’d approached by someone he didn’t know. Harper texted that she had Iblis’ brand on her shoulder.” Damn. That wasn’t good.

I asked, “But they are all ok?” She replied, “That they are.” I replied, “Thanks, Veronica.” We hung up. I told the girls, “Get back to your hair. I’ll join you shortly.” Kashe asked, “What’s that look?” I replied, “Bjourn just sent our son home and I’m going to talk to him. I need to see him.” She asked, “He was there?” I nodded, “He was.” I left her and went to track down my oldest.