The Future King and the Commander's Daughter

In the Background Pt. 1

Astrid is Thirty-Two

Flashback five months prior to Bjourn chapter

Astrid was out on a quick mission. My boys were all grown and often were out. Sometimes I went on missions to see them. I didn’t ever interfere, but a mother needs to see her children sometimes. I’d never interfere with their lives and they know that. I usually didn’t even talk to them, just let myself see them and move on.

Veronica told me she did it as well. She came to me because I was struggling on a long mission Hastein was on. She advised me to take a quick mission near where he was to see him and settle. She pointed out it would be better for us all. Since he could feel me in the bond.

It turned out as always her advice was spot on. I wondered when I’d reach the age that I just passed out sage advice. How does one get to be the wise guiding one? I wasn’t sure, but I knew I could help people younger than me. I helped those older but part of me wondered if they didn’t know better themselves.

This mission actually wasn’t about seeing my boys. I was doing this one for the thrill and to be out. Bjourn and I were taking on more responsibilities, and sometimes court was overwhelming. More and more cases came to us, and we were ready for the challenge. I just liked a change of pace every so often.

I waited for the warlock to leave his office then broke into it and stole his research and cleared it off his computer. He was dabbling in dark magic, and we were giving him a chance. He could abandon this or I’d come back and kill him.

Honestly, I was certain I’d be back. The warlock’s dad is the one who paid us to steal it. He hoped it would be the jolt he needed to go back to being good. I’d seen this story too many times to have faith it would. I left victorious.

I was about to leave when I saw a Hackura woman discreetly following a fairy. Bjourn tugged on our bond. I sent him assurances I was fine. I turned and followed the woman stalking the fairy. They ended up in a secluded area when the fairy turned and used his powers. He shook the ground and threw wind at her. She’d been near a tree so she fell.

He popped near her and I pulled the dagger in my show my mate insisted I always have. He sneered, “Bad call.” She grimaced, “I just had a question.” She hit her head. He crossed his arms, “So, ask.” She stood and while the fairy didn’t realize her stance meant she was ready to kill him, I did.

She questioned, “Who were you talking about back there? Was it the Princess?” He threw his head back and laughed. He whirled his hands around and she began to rotate in a circle off the ground. She threw a knife and it hit him, but her throw was off. I didn’t think I acted. I threw my dagger at his chest and hit it.

I was already running and tackled him to the ground. I heard her throw up and slit his throat. I turned and caught her as she fell. I grunted and felt a few ribs break. Bjourn was not pissed off. Wonderful.

I saw her face and instantly felt a connection to her. I was so good at this. I’d bet she was Ubbe’s. She was his type. She rolled off me and threw up again. I grabbed her hair and held it back. I sent Bjourn my feelings that I was ok and medical attention was needed. That didn’t go over well with him either.

She said, “Thank you, I just….” She gasped, “OH MY GOD! YOU’RE CROWN PRINCESS ASTRID!” I admitted, “I am. Who are you?” She whispered, “I’m so sorry.” I told her, “It’s hardly your fault. Why did you think he was talking about Princess Haley?” She grimaced, “My family says I infer, but my grandma says it’s intuition. He said he had such plans for the girl when he got home. That it was finally going to happen because the Prince’s were out of the castle.”

My anger spiked. I admitted, “I agree that was probably her. I’ll open an investigation into it and contact Faerie. It’s got to be her or Lucinda, but Lucinda is not a girl.” She nodded, “That’s what I thought. I’m sorry, I should’ve called my brother. He’s in the army and would’ve done better at fighting than me.” I repeated, “And you are?” She replied, “Danika Orion.

I asked, “Were you on a mission?” She admitted, “No, I was applying for jobs to manage a bar. The one I worked for in my town closed, and my boss suggested some places in this state. I’d just finished the interview when I heard them.” The fairy had turned to dust.

I pulled on my bond with my brother. Bjourn sent me annoyance so hard I went to a knee. I let Aaron know he needed to bring some other people with him. In a few minutes, a portal opened and he came.

He asked, “What the hell happened here?” I answered, “Danika needs to tell you where she just came from. There’s a possible plot against Haley. She overheard and followed the fairy. He attacked her, she fought, and I assisted in taking him by surprise.” He asked, “And you got hurt, how?” Danika choked out a sob.

I answered, “He used some rotating vortex on her, and it raised her pretty high into the air. I caught her from falling.” Danika whispered, “I’m so sorry.” I told her, “I would do it again. Just as you’d follow him again thinking there was a threat against the royal family.” She blushed.

Aaron quickly questioned her. He stared at me and I nodded. He ordered, “Go to the hospital straight away.” I agreed, “I will.” They left. Danika told me, “It was good to meet you.” I chuckled, “You’re coming with me. Just one second.” I took out my phone and texted Ubbe.

Me: Meet me at the hospital in thirty seconds.

Ubbe: WHAT?! Is that what Bjourn is upset about?

Me: Yes, but I need you to stay with Danika. She might have more information.

Ubbe: That’s a pretty name.

Me: She’s pretty too ;)

Ubbe: OH MY GOD! DID YOU FIND MY MATE?

Me: ;)

Bjourn sent me his complete and utter exasperation and need to be home. I chuckled. Danika asked, “What’s going on?” I answered, “I like to rile up my brothers in law when I believe I found their mate.”

She blinked, “Me? I’m just an accountant's daughter. Not even for the King or anything. He just works at an accounting firm. My mother chose to be a stay at home mom. I can honestly never thank her enough. She did so much for us all. She’s a very talented singer though.” I shrugged, “And?” She blushed, “Do you think it’s Prince Ubbe?” I answered, “Yes, but why do you?”

She picked at her thumbs, “Well, I’ve actually had a crush on him for a long time. He does videos they show in my music classes, and he’s very talented. Plus, my brother’s trained with him. I never met him, but they all liked him. It’s quite a feat to accomplish with them. They are really tight knit with the family, but they don’t make friends easily. I kind of look for information about him.” I nudged her, “Well, let’s go see.”

She grinned brightly. I noticed her eye was turning purple and swelling. I asked, “What happened?” She waved it off, “I helped stop a bar fight and took an elbow to the face when I arrived for my interview.” I told her, “Bjourn is actually looking for a bar manager. I’ll just bet you get hired.” She giggled then snorted she laughed so hard.

Bjourn yanked on our bond, completely losing his patience. I opened a portal and stepped through with her. Bjourn, Hugo, Marucs, and Ubbe were waiting. I scoffed, “Really? Our son, who is a doctor, is here too?” Hugo answered, “Yes.” Ubbe gutturally declared, “MINE!” I fanned my face, “Not to brag, but I knew that.” Bjourn raised an eyebrow at me. Portals opened all around the Cambridge's filled the area staring between me, Ubbe, and Danika.

Ubbe ground out, “BJOURN, THEY HIT HER IN THE FACE!” I provided, “Danika. Her name is Danika.” I winked at him. Bjourn ordered, “Marcus, treat Danika. Benjamin go to Aaron and bring back whoever hit our brother’s mate in the face.” Benjamin clapped Ubbe on the back and left. They all must’ve been sent our location.

Bjourn gently picked me up and Hugo followed him into a room. I explained, “It’s my ribs. A fairy used some vortex against her, and I caught her when she fell and we hit the ground pretty hard.” Bjourn’s eyes blazed. He ground out, “The fairy better be dust then.” Hastein called, “I’ll go after him if he’s not.” I rolled my eyes, “How do you think I got her out of the vortex? I didn’t talk him down. He’s dust.”

Gabe grumbled, “In irons would’ve been better then we could get him for hurting our mom.” I replied, “He hurt your Aunt more than me. He used her powers on her. I just spotted her following him and shadowed her.” Bjourn sighed, “Good thing you did. You have three cracked ribs. You stalled long enough that the other ones have healed already. You’ll be resting the rest of the day in our room.” I nodded my agreement because I knew there would be no arguing with him.

He opened a portal to our bedroom and set me down. I told him, “I’ll have my laptop brought in here. Danika overheard a conversation and made an intuitive leap. I need to reach out to Faerie, there’s a possible plot against Haley.” He stiffened, “What?” I assured him, “Aaron went after those the fairy was having a conversation with, and he’s dead. He said her brothers were gone and he had plans. He didn’t mention her by name, but I agree it was likely her he was discussing.”

Bjourn’s jaw ticked. He said, “I’ll get word to them right now. If they don’t answer, dad will use that card Alania used to call him.” He warned, “You rest.” Our door opened and Kashe bounded in, “Which is why I’m here. Consider me the Pitbull that keeps her in bed.” I rolled my eyes and Bjourn left.

I told her, “I’m actually tired.” She sighed in relief and got into bed with me, “Thank god. Dawson kept me up with his god-like physique. It’s his fault I jump him and can’t get enough of him.” I agreed, “It’s totally his fault.” She screamed, “RIGHT? He says it’s not, but he’s so clearly wrong.” My eyes fluttered shut and managed to say, “So wrong.”

I woke up when Dawson picked up Kashe. Bjourn was beside me. I asked, “Is everything ok?” He nodded, “We received word right back that they knew of the threat against Haley. Her brothers were called home and the royal family is on lock down.” I sighed in relief, “Did Aaron get confirmation?”

He answered, “The demon he met with had already sent a message to Logan, and the fallen Angel reported it to Lucifer. Who called me the second he got it. Nothing we have indicates she’s in danger now that the threat has passed.” I realized, “But you still have an investigation going.” He nodded, “I do and I’m sure Prince Aiden will as well. Queen Alania said threats against royals aren’t uncommon. She’s annoyingly right.”

I asked, “You talked to her?” He snorted, “No, she sent a letter with their response.” I asked, “And?” He replied, “She’s a b***h. She basically chastised us for being worried. She has to know who we are.” I pointed out, “Our letters don’t say we are the Hackura. She’s only ever met your dad.” He admitted, “True. She knows we are Haley’s family though. We have every reason to worry.” I agreed, “You’re right.” He slid into bed next to me. He said, “Let’s get some sleep.” I grumbled, “I already slept.” He snorted, “Get some more.”

I asked, “Is there any change with Jamal? I didn’t get a chance to ask Kashe.” He admitted, “No, he’s still out. The investigation hasn’t gone anywhere. Jamal likely killed the person who did the worst to him. There was a dead warlock next to him, and we haven't found any leads. He’s going to wake up though.” in a few years maybe. I kissed his cheek and we went to sleep.

Flash Forward to when Bjourn’s chapter starts

Astrid watched her boys on the beach with love. Bjourn was with me, and I knew he’d have to go soon. The rest of our family joined us before Bjourn had to go. I watched him until he disappeared. Evin wandered over to the volleyball game. Gretchen huffed, “You guys are nicer to Jerrica than me.” I asked, “How?” She opened her mouth but no words came.

I told her, “When you have a reply let me know. Just a word of advice, no one is required to like anyone in this life we all have. We aren’t mean to you. Do I like you? Not one single bit. Am I mean to you? No.” She gaped at me. Torvi offered, “What she said.” She shot back, “Evin and I are talking about being chosen mates. You’ll have to accept me.”

I replied, “No, we don’t. If Evin chooses you that’s where that ends. We aren’t choosing you. We will continue with you in our lives as we have. I’m not going to force a friendship with you. I did that once and it was bad for my mental health. I will not be mean to you, but I won’t pretend to be your friend either.”

She gasped, “You HAVE to accept me if he does!” I calmly said, “Accepting Evin’s choice and being your friend are not mutually exclusive. I accept Evin is an adult and can decide what’s right for himself. I think all of us here, including you, know it’s not happening. Honestly, I don’t know why you want it to happen. I’ve seen the way you look at other men. You’re not on an off period with Evin using your body to flirt with his brothers. As if any of them have ever gone after the same girl. They would never do that to him. You're shameless and I don’t have to tell Evin that. He’ll see it himself eventually.” She turned red.

She sneered, “He won’t believe you.” I laughed, “Oh honey, it’s so sad that you actually believe that. He would believe me. He knows how we all feel. To think he will bring you into this family knowing that makes you delusional. That’s not my business though. Live in your land of delusion all you want. Don’t hurt him though.”

She rolled her eyes. I tisked, “I’m serious. I’m not someone you want to piss off and I’m petty.” Torvi laughed so hard she snorted. Gretchen yelled, “Evin, I want to leave!” He replied, “See you later, Gretch.” I raised an eyebrow at her. She turned on her foot and stopped away. Then pain rocked me so hard I gasped and fell.

I quickly realized I was not alone. Gretchen screamed, “EVIN!” I looked up to see her walking back to him. She was WALKING? I ran to my boys. I asked, “Are you ok?” Hastein answered, “It’s not us.” I replied, “I know.” It was Bjourn. All his brothers were down too. I asked, “Is it your Uncle?” He shook his head, “No, it’s not Uncle Marcus.” Shock filled me because that meant there was only one other choice. Haley. Did we miss a threat on her? Did her fairy brother? How could they not be more careful after the last threat a few months ago!

I portaled to Bjourn. I went to my knees to cradle his head. Hating the pain he was going through. I got out my phone.

Me: We need you, brother. Something is going on with Haley. Prepare the army and any legal documents you might need if she manages to escape to the human realm.

Aaron: That’s broad if you can narrow it down let me know but I’m on it.

I knew he would be.

Me: Get home with Dawson. It’s an emergency. Something happened to Haley. I’ll update you as I can. Hugo needs Holly.

Kashe: I’m on both. Consider it all handled.

Hastein portaled in, probably to get information. I felt his torrent of emotions. I knew it was hard for him to see his dad this way. Bjourn was such a strong man the boys had never felt pain from him. Knowing it wasn’t his pain they felt took a second to realize. Now, they were worried for their Aunt knowing she must be near death.

I winced at that though. No Cambridge had been hurt this badly since Zader was hurt on a mission. He was captured but our boys weren’t born. They had never felt this. Bjourn didn’t even go down like this when Zader got hurt. This was not good. We had to save her. We just had to. She couldn’t die. This couldn’t happen because I didn’t know how we held this family together if she did.

Bjourn needed me to get stuff done, and that was a role I could easily step into. I called Grimes first. He answered, “Astrid, what a surpr…” I cut him off, “Get your brothers and get to Cali’s location. I know you’re her back up. Something happened to Haley and the Cambridges are down in pain. I went down too. She could’ve been caught. Text me if you need more.” He replied, “On it.” I knew he would be.

I called Aaron. He said, “I have the army ready.” I told him, “I sent Grimes after Cali. We all went down, even our kids.” He replied, “Alright that gives me a direction for papers to prepare. Injuries like that would get sent to the hospital in any realm. Humans have lots of paperwork for such things. Are you ok?” I replied, “Servare eam debemus, frater (We have to save her, brother).” He replied, “We will.” I hung up.

I called Heather next. She answered, “What’s going on? The guys are still down.” I asked, “Is Torvi ok?” She replied, “She got better the fastest. She said Marcus controlled the pain. We think Bjourn gave him strength.” I replied, “They all probably did.” Bjourn just had a talent for giving strength in times of need that was stronger than anyone else’s. I assured her, “We are on this.”

I felt Bjourn’s pain intensify which meant he was taking it from Haley. I dropped to my knees as he grimaced. Hastein helped me back up, eyes blazing. I cupped his face and kissed his cheek, “Suus 'ok iens futurus est (It's going to be ok).” He whispered, “Tantum dolor est. Moriturne antequam eam nosceremus (She's in so much pain. Is she dying before we ever get to know her)?” I mustered belief in Haley inside me.

I snorted, “Pervicax Cantabrigiensis cruor per illam currit? Non puto, fili (With that stubborn Cambridge blood running through her? I don't think so, son).” The accuracy of that statement filled us both with comfort. She could make it through. Her Hackura blood would shine for her until we found her. Titus wasn’t giving her back when we did. They couldn’t get in and if they tried we’d slaughter them.

Gunner dragged Harper into the room. He didn’t understand at all, but quickly sparked into action. I texted Aaron.

Me: Haley is in the human realm according to Marcus.

Aaron: Good thing I’ve got a jump start on paperwork.

Me: Thank you, brother.

Aaron: Could you be less mad? The bond is radiating with it.

Me: No.

I texted my mom and dad next.

Me: Veronica is going to need mom. This is bad. Haley is obviously near death. Veronica is fixing it for everyone else, but she’s going to crash from being the pillar of strength.

Mom: I’ll handle it.

Dad: I’ll give Titus a little space before coming in.

If he thought that was best then he was right. They were best friends and they’d known each other so long I wasn’t about to second guess either of them here. Gunner found her and I peaked at his computer and saw the start of the chart.

My stomach dropped and I moved my body in the way of Cambridge's eyes, especially my son and my mate. They were both too distracted to notice. Bjourn was going to fly off the handle. I texted Dawson.

Me: Get the name of whatever doctor suggested a strait jacket for Haley’s injuries that Gunner found. My mate will need him here. He shouldn’t be treating anyone. That’s just from what I see on her chart. In person I’m sure his lack of compassion is worse. He probably scared her. Get me details. I don’t care who you send to retrieve him tonight, but we need you here.

Dawson: I’ll handle getting the name and send one of my brothers. I’ll be here for Bjourn and you. Stay strong, Astrid. Let us know when you need us. We are ready and waiting.

Me: I will.

All the mates shot me a look when Gunner mentioned Haley’s appearance. My stomach dropped as the implication settled. If she looked younger than supernatural’s did then this wasn’t a one off. Haley wasn’t fleeing Faerie like they hoped she was for a coup. She was fleeing abuse. Damn it. I texted Hrafn.

Me: Prepare the hospital staff. Minimal personnel on the Royal floor.

Hrafn: Who is hurt?

Me: Haley. They think she fled a coup.

Hrafn: But you clearly do not if you want minimal personnel.

Me: I think she’s been abused based on the description of her appearance.

Hrafn: Are you f*****g serious? They would dare abuse the Princess? OUR Princess?

Me: They don’t know she’s our Princess.

Hrafn: They know she is a CHILD!

Me: I know.

Hrafn: I will do as you requested. Let me know if anything else is needed.

Me: Thanks. I will.