The Future King and the Commander's Daughter

Ripples Pt. 2

I found him waiting for me with coffee. I grabbed it from him and he winked. I asked, “What the HELL were you doing in the demon realm?” He winced, “Following a lead.” I scoffed, “Try again. You were following a warlock drug ring. Demons don’t let them in their realm.” He sighed, “I just overheard a demon talking about fairies and I wanted to ask him a question. I followed him but before I could ask about Aunt Haley, shots were fired. I knew Uncle Logan was in the realm and the demon I’d followed said it was in the area where he met people. I could feel his panic and I followed my bond to him.”

I punched him lightly in the arm. I said, “I get that logic, but boy you’ll take years off my life with this shit.” He replied, “I’ve been a man for a while now.” I crossed my arms letting him know, “I’m aware you are a man, but you need to be aware no matter how old you are; you’re always my baby boy.” I kissed his forehead, “I’m sorry you worried about your Uncle. I’m sure that was heart stopping.”

He sighed, “I took the goblin sniper down harder than needed. I should’ve gone harder and knocked them out so they couldn’t take their cyanide cap.” I asked, “You went after the sniper with your Uncle?” He answered, “Uh no, by myself.” I wacked him on the back of his head. I told him, “That was incredibly dangerous. You go find Gabe and meet your Uncle Aaron in the gym. Don’t go after snipers alone ever again.” He nodded.

I asked, “What else do you need to say?” He sighed, “The Goblins are after Aunt Haley. They told me she was theirs next.” I pressed, “They mentioned her by name?” He admitted, “No, but I think that’s who they are talking about.” I assured him, “Goblins can’t keep her from us. We can get into their realm at will unlike Faerie.” He relaxed. I continued, “We’d never let anyone hurt her.”

He kissed my temple, “I’ll go find Gabe, and make sure he’s ready for tomorrow.” I laughed, “He’s ready, just nervous you won’t make it home in time.” Hastein rolled his eyes, “Sometimes I think my brother’s don’t know me.” I winked, “They know you. I knew you’d be here and deep down so did Gabe. He’s worried but ready for his first mission. Worrying about you making it home distracted him. Going out the first time is a complicated mess of emotions. Talk him through them please. He doesn’t want to talk to me about it.” Which hurt, but I understood. I was his mom and Hastein was his big brother. He nodded and took off.

I jogged back to the Salon and sat down. Shara sighed, “I’ll have to start all over washing your hair. You’ve ruined the look.” I replied, “Whatever works with your schedule.” She chuckled, “My schedule gets blocked off when you come in. I have learned how that goes. Remember when you ran off with half your hair cut?” I grinned, “I do remember that.” She huffed. I teased, “You chased me with scissors. Bjourn had never been more confused in his life.” She chuckled, “I got you back in my chair though.” She had.

I felt Bjourn’s sadness and overwhelming inadequacy. I pushed into those feelings and winced knowing what it was about. His grandma Ramilda. She was trying to fight cancer and hang on to see Haley. We’d all tried to reach out Faerie with requests to meet the royal family, but Alania declined all our attempts. Her sightseeing ass was so dead. It made me sad I was going to lose someone else in my life. It was a part of life, and logically I knew that but it didn’t make it easy.

I floated to the next place. Kashe had us eating then we picked out our outfits. We actually laughed over the dress she’d selected for Ariel. I’d had my friend who was a designer put together options for Kashe.

Ariel had chosen to go red with her hair and she was going to look like a sexy grown up Princess Ariel. Eventually Bjourn’s feelings had spiraled and he was frustrated which meant he was in his office pouring over the data trying to find a way to beat cancer. I told the group, “I’ll see you at the club.” They all nodded and I opened a portal to my mate.

I found him exactly where I thought he’d be. I distracted him and myself from thoughts of losing Ramilda for the moment. Afterwards, I went to my closet where Kashe must have sent someone with my dress. I grabbed it and shimmied it on. It was skin tight and fit like a glove. I knew Bjourn was going to rip this dress, but I didn’t really mind.

I had to convince him to leave our room. The only thing that convinced him was wanting to see Benjamin with his mate. I could tell Bjourn liked her the moment they met. He also thought I’d upped the ante messing with his brothers given Ariel literally was Benjamin’s childhood fantasy at this moment. Maybe I had. It was fun though. I still think taunting Marcus was my best work given how he’d reacted.

Kashe raised her glass to me when Benjamin and Ariel declared themselves mates. I tilted my head, grinned back, then blew them all a kiss. Bjourn’s astonishment filled me when Benjamin let her call him Ben. I rolled my eyes behind his back. He’d do the same with me.

The party was fun and led to orgies on the dance floor. Bjourn had a stream of dresses in his back office. Which was a good thing. He ripped my clothes all the time. Cali asked, “Isn’t this just superfluous? I mean, we should just go everywhere naked.” I laughed, “They have to work harder this way. You have to keep them on their toes.” She nodded her understanding.

Cali suddenly frowned. Gunner asked, “Cali?” She said, “Harper feels dejected and sad.” Gunner opened a portal and they were gone. Ariel asked, “Isn’t it obvious that’s about Gunner not being their marked mate? Because I realize I’m new, but even I’ve picked that up.” I was surprised she was in here honestly. I thought for sure she'd still be having s*x with Benjamin. I could smell they had though.

Kashe scoffed, “Everyone but the three of them realized that. Bjourn’s trying to lead them to water, but Astrid and I are team hold them down and pour water in their throats. We have been held off and vetoed on that plan.” Ariel chuckled, “I see.” We just needed to get more creative.

Kashe portaled to the dance floor. Ariel asked, “Why did she do that?” I laughed, “She’s going to jump her man on the dance floor again.” She nodded, “I get it.” I asked, “How long before…?” Benjamin banged the door open. His eyes were filled with lust. She nudged me, “You told me he was the best at finding and or tracking people or things. After we had s*x the first time, I told him to let me hide and he’d have to track me down. His prize is marking me.” I laughed, “Have fun with that.” She winked at me. I bumped Benjamin’s hips on the way out. She’d definitely got his motor running.

I changed several more times. Kashe whispered, “Benjamin and Ariel destroyed Bjourn’s office. Where did they end up?” I replied, “Either her new place or his wing more than likely.” She chuckled, “All these dresses are hot. I think your secretary gave him options to pick from. Or Bjourn is hiding his fashion sense from us all.” I rolled my eyes and we went back out to our mates.

I passed out when we got home. I needed rest to be Gabe’s backup on his first mission. I knew Bjourn left. His thinking woke me up in the bond. I knew he worried about our boys going into the field. Especially after Harper and Gunner’s first mission went to literal s**t. I still didn’t know how. Honestly, I had my suspicions but they seemed crazy. Why would Alania interfere with that mission? It felt like she had though. It wasn’t dangerous and the man who’d killed ours had never been violent before.

Veronica and I had searched for evidence Alania could've been involved, but we just couldn't find it. Everything told me it was her though, and we just needed to find the missing piece to find out why.

Bjourn finally joined me which meant Titus kicked him out of the office. I knew when Bjourn left the next morning. I watched him and Hastein leave from the window. I loved the man and father that he was. It made me love him more.

I got up and put on my gear. I was leaving early to fade into the background. If anything smelled off I’d send all my feelings to Bjourn and keep Gabe home. He’d be PISSED I was there alone, but he’d get over it. There was just someone I needed to see first.

I went to Ragor and Ramilda’s wing. I nodded to him. He’d kept vigil by her bed. I squeezed his hand as he walked by me. I saw the sadness in his eyes as he left. She sighed, “I hate that he tortures himself sitting here watching me die. I can’t say anything though because roles reversed I’d be right where he is.”

I squeezed her hand, “How are you doing?” She admitted, “I’m tired of fighting. I’ve lived a long life. I don’t have much time left. I wanted to live long enough to warn Haley about the world we live in, but sadly I won’t.” I asked, “What do you mean?” She sighed, “As a fairy she probably doesn’t expect duplicity where it could come from. I learned that the hard way and nearly never had this family. Aesir is good and fairies helped make that happen. Without them, this family doesn’t exist.”

She sighed, “That doesn’t mean you don’t stay vigil, Astrid. Make sure Haley knows sometimes that threat is from within. There’s nothing wrong with making people earn your trust. Nothing should be given freely, especially that. I’ll always look out for all of you as I can. Now, go be the fierce warrior Queen and mother you are. Make sure our Gabe is safe.” I kissed her cheek.

I whispered, “I love you, Ramilda.” She squeezed my hand, “As I love you. I know this realm is in safe hands following Veronica into yours. I changed many things for this realm, and so did Veronica. Next it’s your turn. Opposition will try to stand in your way. Just remember you are the Future Queen, and that comes with perks. Enemies will come at you and Bjourn even from within this realm. It’s sad but true. We aren’t perfect, no race is. Be his warrior Queen, the soul he and the realm needs.” I promised, “I will be.” I left her room feeling like that could very easily be our last conversation.

I texted Veronica, Kashe, and my mom.

Me: I’m headed out.

I didn’t wait for a response because it wasn’t really the point. I was letting them know I was out there. If something happened they would be able to know where I was and come to my aide. Bjourn would spank my ass, but I was positive he was going to be consumed with questioning our youngest to notice I’d left.

I was surveying the area when I felt someone here that was an unknown presence. Which meant we didn’t have it in our files. I went on alert. I made my way towards where the unknown person was. I whirled around and heard a chuckled, “BOO!” I scoffed, “Lucifer! Are you trying to lose your immortal life?!” He grinned, “No, I quite like my immortal life. Thank you very much.”

I hissed, “What are you doing here?” He replied, “I’m sure it’s the same thing you are. I quite like little Gabe. Are you sure he’s ready to be a man? Because he was just a little tyke toddling around my meetings with your mate. I distinctly recall that being a few years ago.” I rolled my eyes, “It’s been more than a few at this point.”

He shrugged, “Still.” I asked, “How did you know?” He winked, “Iblis called in yet another favor because the humans refer to me as the devil.” I pointed out, “That’s a joke between you two at this point.” He grumbled, “Fine. Maybe I feel a connection to Gabe I don’t quite understand and the thought of the little toddling Gabe out here didn’t sit right with me.”

I chuckled, “You’re a good person.” He scoffed, “Tell my dad and brother that.” I asked, “Which brother? You have so many.” He shot me a look, “You know which one.” I pointed out, “I’d gladly tell them where to shove their self-righteous heads. Your problem wasn’t just with them, but your goddess too.” He scoffed, “Now they call me a fallen Angel and let the human believe I rule Hell. It’s not hurtful at all.”

I nudged him, “I get your point. You left because it hurt you not to act on the things you knew. You were given charges to protect and couldn’t do it properly to your abilities.” He looked away, “Hints have been made that make me feel I left several centuries too early. Now, I worry. Do you know how tedious that is?”

I pointed out, “We are both here.” He clapped, “Yes! This caring deal is tedious.” I laughed, “You’re too funny.” He left and became a fallen angel because he cared too much. We sat there together and watched Gabe arrive. I nudged him, “See? He doesn’t toddle now.” He grumbled, “He’s still little.” I grinned and watched Gabe do his job. I felt my other sons here. I also felt Bjourn losing his mind. He was fighting.

Gabe stayed a little longer than he needed to because he was enjoying himself. I felt Hugo’s impatience and sent him calm. I smiled when Gabe opened a portal and went home. Lucifer blew out a breath, “God, how do you people do this?” I replied, “You have your own children. They go out.” He said, “Yes, well they do nothing dangerous because I’m their dad and I say so. I run the fallen Angels and they do as I say.”

I scoffed. He said, “Well, they do it behind my back and that’s obviously better than this! This was nerve wracking!” I chuckled, “See you around, Lucifer. Be sure to tell Iblis all is well.” He said, “It was part of the whole I owe him for taking the name of Devil deal.” I knew why Iblis made it a joke between them. It was because it hurt Lucifer that his family made him feel bad because he rebelled against being able to help people. So, they turned him into someone everyone feared.

Titus asked, “Are you going home, Astrid?” I nearly jumped. Lucifer chuckled. I said, “I didn’t realize you were coming to watch Gabe too.” Titus laughed, “I come for all of them.” I grinned, “You’re such a good grandpa.” I hugged him. Lucifer cleared his throat, “Well, I’ll just go.” Titus called, “Good to see you, Lucifer.” He muttered, “Sure. Stop sending toddling toddlers out for missions. It gives me heart palpitations.” We both laughed as he apparated.

I went through the portal with Titus and felt Bjourn was still working through some things. I took a jog and ended up in the orchard we planted for Hetti. I sat in the middle of the growing apple trees. My dad found me. He greeted, “Hello, my sweet girl.” I replied, “Hi, dad.”

He asked, “What are you doing here?” I answered, “I was thinking about her today.” He agreed, “She’s been on my mind a lot lately too.” We sat there in silence. Aaron joined followed by our mom. We sat there holding hands thinking about Hetti. I wiped my tears and kissed them all. Leaving to go see my youngest son. I’d been here longer than I thought.

I portaled into his room and watched Bjourn take care of our son. I wrapped my arms around him. We had barely gotten to our room when intense sorrow and anguish filled Bjourn. I didn’t need to ask what happened. Ramilda was gone, his bond had faded.

We gathered as a family. Watching Miley realize Ramilda had gone to the afterlife was devastating. We all shared our last words with her that were all one sided. When it was my turn I whispered, “Ego semper regina ad latus eius. Semper eris in cordibus nostris et semper desideraberis. Nunc quiescite, et regni nos curabimus (I will always be his warrior Queen by his side. You will be forever in our hearts and always missed. You rest now and we will take care of the realm).”

When we left we found comfort in each other. When he was gone to talk to Hastein since he was awake. I opened a portal. I’d known Benny was around most often in one specific place. Greece. I went to a peaceful hill and called, “Benny?”

He answered brokenly, “Astrid.” I turned, “Please come home.” He cried, “I lost another connection.” I said, “You need to come see Ragor, he doesn't have long.” He brokenly told me, “I can’t lose another connection.” I reasoned, “He’s sick, Benny. Please. Let us help you.” He told me, “It’s funny some days I feel normal. Then others I am acutely aware that despite the connections in me so many are missing.”

I told him, “Your core family wouldn’t want you to suffer this way.” He threw a note down. He asked, “Will you give this to them?” I pleaded, “Come with me, Benny. We can help you.” He assured me, “I have the help I need here. You take care of them, and when everything’s…” He trailed off.

I asked, “When everything is what?” He answered, “Taken care of. Better. Pick an adjective along those lines and it will be accurate. I’ll come home when the time is right. It’s not that time now.” I ran towards him but he portaled away. I ground out, “DAMN IT!” I picked up the letter and realized there was more than one. There was one for Ragor, Lief, and Titus. I grumbled under my breath and opened a portal home.

I threw myself on the bed and groaned. Bjourn asked, “Where did you go?” I jumped off the bed. He raised an eyebrow, “To react that way means you didn’t notice I was here. What happened?” I answered, “I went to try and find Benny.” He asked, “And?” I waved the letters. He ground out, “He still wouldn’t come home?”

I replied, “He’s torn up about losing Ramilda. It sounded like he was back to the day he lost all his connections. He said someone was helping him through it. Maybe he found his mate on the outside. Or he took a chosen mate.” Bjourn was angry, “He should be here with us.” I sighed, “He seems to have some mission he feels he has to do. He said he’d come home when the timing was right.” Bjourn rolled his eyes.

He sighed, “My dad is still awake, we can go give him the letter.” He took my hand and I started to walk. He yanked me back and pulled me over his knee and spanked me. He said, “Don’t do that, Stella Mea (My star). You’ve been quite naughty today. Going out for Gabe’s mission early and alone. Then you keep trying to hide the fact that losing Hetti hurts you. It doesn’t make you weak that you miss her some days. I will be your anchor as you are mine. Let me be that for you. Then you send me off to talk to H and leave to find Benny. I’m your partner as you are mine.”

I told him, “I agree about Hetti and Benny. Our children, well we both know we will do what we feel is right. You knew I was going to protect Gabe just not when. Also, who told you?” He snorted, “Iblis texted me about it as I was coming back here from H’s room. I knew when you left though. Do you think you are ever that far from my thoughts? I knew Lucifer would be there because he adores Gabe. My dad was also there.” I nodded.

I told him, “It seems silly to miss Hetti this much. It's been years. I never even met her, but I just…” He hugged me tightly when I trailed off. I let a few tears fall. I whispered, “I thought I would teach her things. I wanted to watch her grow into the person she was going to be instead, it’s a connection that will never be in my bonds. I understand Benny more ever since she died. I didn’t even feel her inside me in a bond and sometimes the knowledge that when she would’ve been sixteen that bond will never flare to life brings me to my knees.”

I paused and he rubbed my back. I admitted, “I can’t imagine how it felt to lose all those connections. All his siblings, his parents, and nephews. To have those cut off…” He sighed, “It hurts to lose grandma Ramilda. So, I imagine it did and he probably does feel crazy. He’s not my concern right now, you are.”

I asked, “How do you miss someone you never met?” He replied, “Quiet easily. No matter how brief any life is, their life has a ripple effect. Aesir may have called her home, but she will always be your little sister.” I told him, “We were all looking forward to meeting her. Maybe if we hadn’t pushed they wouldn't have been on that road…”

He cut me off, “Is that what the guilt in the bond you feel on occasion is about?” I winced, “I pushed to meet her. I wanted our sons to know her. I was determined we wouldn’t be in a Haley situation.” He pressed his lips to my forehead. He whispered, “Stella Mae (My Star), your dad had an agreement that you would meet her when she was three since he found out about her. He wanted it to be earlier, but she thought Hetti wouldn't’ even understand her dad having a whole other family.”

I sighed, “That seems quite silly.” He agreed, “It does considering he told her that your family would be delighted. Maybe her friends told her that your mom would resent a child. I honestly don’t know. The logic didn’t make sense to me, but humans have to go about things differently. They don’t understand our ways or mates. The fear that Hetti could be treated poorly with your dad isn’t uncommon in their realm.”