The Future King and the Commander's Daughter

In the Background Pt.2

I put my phone away. Marcus was closing in which helped the room settle. They needed one of us with her.

Me: She’s in Alabama near Marcus.

Aaron: Alright. I’ve got his burner tracker pulled up. I’ll know where I’m going the second he stops moving.

Bjourn was comforting his brothers and even in this moment of complete pandemonium and chaos I fell harder for my mate. He was hurting and throwing all the strength he could as his sister. He was also taking her pain, but he was still on his feet comforting his family. Aesir couldn't have dreamed up a more perfect man than him.

Gunner’s typing faltered. I glanced back and nearly threw up. I felt bile in my throat and managed to keep it in my mouth. I quickly swallowed it down. I bent down for a second. Hastein touched my back as his dad demanded answers from Gunner obviously I had seen what I hoped he never did. Sadly, I knew my mate. Gunner stopped him now, but he’d just look later. No one could lock him out of any file because he was the Crown Prince. I texted Celeste.

Me: Only if you’re around. Could you bring up some mouthwash with a cup near Bjourn’s office? I would be grateful.

Celeste: I am and I’ll be waiting.

Me: You’re getting a raise.

Celeste: For mouthwash?

Me: For being a gem of a person.

Celeste: Thanks. I am awesome.

She was. I wasn’t alone in my wince when Gunner announced she’d been sexually assaulted.

Me: What age do fairies consider fair game for s****l activities? I know they don’t see age, but I don’t know that answer.

Hrafn: s****l assault?! Not just physical? Aesir have mercy.

Me: The age?

Hrafn: Under ten is seen as deviant to them. They look and mature faster like we do. They are mature enough to consent as we are at that age. It’s not a guarantee like it is with ours. As we have those considered able to consent that have gone on a mission and returned men or women they have that as well. I would say the age that doesn’t matter to them is thirteen.

Me: Thanks.

This didn’t make sense. Long standing abuse no one knew about? No, that couldn’t happen. That means people lied to us.

Me: Get a list from Celeste of everyone who I’ve ever paid for information on Haley. Send people to collect them and throw them in the dungeons.

Kashe: Literally throw them? Because that’s an important detail.

Me: Literally. The only directive is don’t kill them. If they want to start trying to get information on how they LIED to my FACE they are clear to do that as well.

Kashe: THE NERVE! To lie to your face! Who do they think they are? I’m on it.

Me: Thanks.

Kashe: You know I got you girl.

Me: I know.

Bjourn’s pain, inadequacy, and sense of being a failure were nearly overwhelming. I knew Aaron was coming this way so I didn’t bother texting him. He’d get the details needed and he’d handle this. He was a very good lawyer, and he was very deadly if he needed to be.

I nearly went with Gunner and Veronica, but Bjourn’s sharp eye caught them too. I wanted to know what they were discussing but being here for Bjourn was more important right now. My relief hit hard when Cali came in. I’d always felt a special connection with her, and knew it was because I helped bring her into this world.

Torvi joined us. I quickly walked over to her. She wiped futility at her tears, “Ira eius iusta crescit. Malum est, Astrid. Malum igitur. Numquam sic sensit. Mortificatio est ut frater. Tum latus est medicus illius qui tum obstupefecit. Omnis, opinor, non potest irasci, crescit (His anger just grows. It's bad, Astrid. So bad. He's never felt like this. It's mortification as a brother. Then there's the doctor's side of him that's appalled as well. Every time I think he cannot be angrier it grows).”

I rubbed her shoulders because there was nothing to say back. It was bad, and Marcus had seen a lot. As a doctor and a brother. All the Cambridge’s guilt was all over their faces. Torvi whispered, “Si diuturna haec maledicta est, quomodo a vinculo celavit (If this is longstanding abuse how did they hide it from the bond)?”

I replied, “Magicae mediocris? Forsitan a matre et fratribus dolorem celare solebant. Quas nobis abdidit, donec fugit (Fairy magic? Maybe they used something to conceal her sorrow from her mother and brothers. Which concealed her from us until she fled).” She nodded thinking it was as solid logic as any. If I was right, then whoever did that would pay. Whoever made my mate feel this level of failure and guilt would never be ready for what I’d do to their soul before I sent them to hell itself.

Aaron: Giving your feelings, I think you know this; Faerie is stable. No one tried to overthrow the Holloran’s. I have confirmation of that from a fairy who just left through a portal from our people.

Me: f*****g BASTARD!

Aaron: Yes, so my conclusion is I agree with your feelings this is longstanding abuse. I also saw the pictures. There are faded bruises along with fresh ones which tell me that as well.

Me: I saw the same before Gunner shut it down so the Cambridges didn’t see it.

Aaron: I have everything I need from your warning and Gunner’s. I’m good to go. I’ll start the process and give you updates.

Bjourn’s frustrations mounted the longer Marcus didn’t answer his phone. I rubbed his back knowing he’d do the same if he was with Haley. He’d focus on her. Marcus would call when he could. Aaron’s shock and horror filled me. What now? Aaron was too stunned to send me a single feeling other than the two overwhelming him. Until a strong feeling of pity filled him. Pity for who? Haley or Marcus? I couldn't tell.

I held Bjourn while we waited. I was doing all I could right now which sucked. I wanted to do more for him, but I had run out of moves. I needed more details.

Aaron: This is….devastating. That word doesn’t really encompass all the emotions I feel. She’s barely speaking to Marcus. I had to get the personnel away from the door. They can’t hear them, but he bribed her to respond. I can barely hear her answers they are so soft. Her terror is clear though. I caught a peek at her and she has no emotion on her face.

Me: Fairies can’t do that.

Aaron: She can. She has to be in pain, but her face is a mask. Her eyes tell me she’s in pain, but nothing else besides her injuries did.

Me: Who?

Aaron: She hasn’t said. In fifteen minutes get everyone outside the hospital. I’d open it directly there, but based on everything says she wouldn’t take it that well. I think she’d have a panic attack and they don’t need to see that on top of how she looks now.

Me: I will.

Aaron: We will get through this day, Astrid. The sun will rise tomorrow and she will be with us. It’s a journey we are on, but she’s with us now. She will heal and we will protect her.

Me: I know.

That was bad. Torvi came back into the room. She must have left to check on her boys. Aarron calling was great timing. Eventually Bjourn would notice my breath reeked of vomit. I stepped out and answered. I saw Celeste waiting and motioned her over.

“Aaron.” I heard Haley sobbing. He said, “I’ve got this handled. Her AMA paper is being filled out. I need Gunner to work on paperwork for her to be admitted at the hospital Marcus was at. Then released to a private facility we own in the human realm.” I agreed, “I can do that. Why is she crying?” He ground out, “She thinks she’s stupid for falling for Marcus’ trick because he came out to fill out paperwork. She begged him not to let her be raped.” I gasped along with Celeste. I muttered, “Aesir help us all.” He sighed, “I have to go.” I whispered, “Ok.” He hung up.

I took the mouth wash from Celeste and swirled it around before spitting into the cup. She took it and told me, “I’m working with Ceaser right now. I got lists to Kashe and he’s putting his together. He knows the likely ones Bjourn will go after himself.” I nodded, “Get me a meeting with Lucifer. Tell him when Bjourn falls asleep I’ll be there.” She nodded, “Of course.” I added, “And Iblis.” Celeste said, “Caesar thinks Bjourn will speak to Iblis himself.” I nodded, “Alright.”

Caesar was Bjourn’s secretary and he was likely right. I just didn’t know if Bjourn’s rational side would prevail right now. If it didn’t I’d find Iblis myself. I had questions. I walked back into the room and Bjourn instantly reached for me.

We managed to get everyone outside. Kashe must have cleared the area because no one was milling about. I spotted her and Dawson and nodded to her. She winked at me. I literally could not ask for a better friend. I turned back in time to see my brother come through, shaking his head followed by Marcus.

The girl in his arms looked like a broken doll. She was so small. Horror filled me as I stared at my sister in law. I wiped away my tears as several people burst into sobs. How could they do this to a child? Did they stunt her growth mentally as well as physically? Did she even comprehend what had been done to her was heinous? Was she the mentally mature or still child-like? Oh god. What have they done?

Bjourn’s feelings of failure flooded us all. I spotted my boys and inclined my head to Kashe. She was already moving. I saw Lore step out over to them as we walked inside. That was good she’d get Javi here. I couldn’t have been more grateful for all my friends right now. I knew my boys wouldn’t stay here long. They’d leave together to go where they always do when they need to think.

Heather whispered, “A Tito flebat (She cringed away from Titus).” I replied, “Vix illa est (She’s just scared).” It felt like the most obvious statement I’d ever made. We descended into the loudest silence anyone had ever heard. I spotted Hrafn in the wings with eyes blazing. I wiped again at my tears as the Cambridges spiraled in their self-doubt and anger.

My mate only saw Miley, but I saw all his cousins. Topher, Dyre, Ase, Calder, and Jari all looked as devastated as their cousins. They’d seen us come in with her. Rashe was holding Ase up. Jari had his hand on the wall. Dyre had his head between his knees. Topher and Calder were pale. For once, I was glad Ramilda and Ragor had left us.

I glanced around the room and spotted Lief. His eyes blazed gold and horror covered his expression. His mate was right next to him with his oldest sons. The fairies had just delivered this Kingdom its biggest blow since the death of Magnus and his family. Oh god, Benny. Did he know? I’d have to find him again. He could feel all their horror. He must be losing his mind.

Marcus joined us, rightfully pissed off. They were all even more broken than before then slowly began breaking off. They were going to be out because every person here paid for information. A lot of people were dying tonight by our hands. Ophelia offered advice to our group.

Hope bubbled in me. If I could reach Haley I could tell her how great this family was. I could bridge the gap between her fear of men and Bjourn. I would do that for him. I knew all the other mates felt that way. Gunner rubbed Cali’s back and looking dejected he couldn't help because he was also male. Veronica gave the boys their anchor to hold onto, revenge.

Me: Get ready we are going hunting.

Kashe: I was born ready.

Me: I need you to be Bjourn’s tough love right now. I can’t be the one to hit him with the truth. He needs me in a different capacity right now. I need your sharp words to bring him back to reality. Ok?

Kashe: You’re already my best friend. What do you want here? A kiss? I’m in.

Me: I love you.

Kashe: I love you too. I’ll be vicious with my words and pull him back to us. He looked lost and I didn’t like it. Dawson is messed up over it. I’ll cut a hoe or d**k for making my mate cry. They better not test me today.

Me: They already have.

Kashe: Well, then I get to cut someone and no one will call those thoughts intrusive.

That was true. We’d need to see the boys first. Bjourn remembered before I had to remind him. Kashe was ready with her words and they were on point. I wanted to cheer at certain times but . that wasn’t appropriate.

I reached for her hand when she discussed Jamal. I know it hurt her. She was always so tough. I’d been with her when Jamal got hurt and it was terrifying. I shivered thinking about that day. We got moving.

I was opening a portal to go home when Bjourn yelled for Iblis, but it was just for information. I was not going to let Bjourn go halfcocked at Iblis. He would’ve told us if he knew what was happening to Haley. He despised anyone who hurt children.

Iblis managed to help Bjourn while he got answers. Bjourn needed to say those things he felt but hadn’t been able to. Kashe must not have gotten a great look at Haley because she didn’t realize how little she had been.

Me: How tall is she?

Torvi: Five foot three. Marcus is so messed up right now.

Damn. I nearly texted Aisling to give the phone to Ian and lie about fairies, but Bjourn would get these answers eventually. I held onto hope that she’d grow more but that was shot down quickly. Kashe pulled me into a hug and I cried silently. Iblis looked on between us all. He rubbed my back and whispered, “I’ll help you avenge this. I will let a lot of things slide, but not a child’s suffering.” I replied, “I know that and so does Bjourn. He feels like a failure.” Iblis acknowledged, “I’m sure he does.”

Bjourn gathered his demon suspects annoyingly easily. He needed a better chase, but they definitely didn’t provide it. So on top of being lying assholes they’d further pissed me off. They couldn’t even give my mate a good chase? ASSHOLES. They had to know they were running for their lives by the look on his face alone. They clearly wanted to die.

Bjourn got the answers he needed and we left our friends to get more. My boys were down here along with many members of the family. It was going to be a night filled with the blood of our enemies.

I was still processing the information he learned. This started at four? They hurt a four year old? What was her mother even doing? I would’ve ripped heads off if someone raised their hand to my child at four. Let alone if they jumped them. Did she just lock herself away? Or turn a blind eye? It had to be the blind eye. She had sight. She was beyond dead.

We went back to the hospital. All Bjourn’s brothers had made it back here. I woke up when Titus laid me on a bed next to Bjourn. I waited until he left to open a portal to Greece. I yelled, “BENNY!” He instantly appeared behind me closer than he ever had.

He questioned, “What happened? I opened a portal sixteen times and almost came home. I decided if none of you came to the drops or places you usually do to talk to me I’d come home in another twenty-four hours.” I winced, “I probably should’ve stayed away then.” He replied, “I would still leave once I found out the answer.” That would’ve hurt them a lot. This way was probably better then.

I explained, “You heard about Titus’ daughter, right?” He nodded, “Yes, I’ve kept an ear out for the pittance of information circulated about her. Titus asked me to in one of his drops.” I winced, “They’ve been abusing her physically and sexually.” He shouted, “THEY WHAT?!” I saw people begin to move. He ordered, “Stay back, I’m fine.”

I asked, “Who is that?” He answered, “My family.” I wiped my tears, “I’m happy you have that. I just wish you understood they’d be happy for you too.” He asked, “You’re not lying to me? This happened to my cousin’s daughter?” I nodded, “She’s…” I let out a sob. He rubbed my back. I acknowledged, “She looks like a broken little doll. They are worried about her physical health. They held her back in the aging process. She looks like she’s six years old. I don’t know if they held her back mentally.”

Benny replied, “They can’t. Their healers would’ve healed brain damage. They can stop the physical with serious abuse and malnourishment but not the mental developments.” I nodded. We stood there together for several moments. He took out a piece of paper and sat down. I didn’t say anything. I just looked into the tree line hoping his family would come out.

He stood and handed me letters. He said, “Give these to Veronica. She will give them to my cousins at the right time. Uncle Lief can have his right away. I’ll work on the outside to pay them back for this. They won’t get away with it. It was bad, wasn’t it? The physical abuse she suffered? I felt her pain through them and on my one when I found her bond in me.” That would’ve taken a lot of effort to find her bond. I acknowledged, “It’s really bad.” He looked away, “I’ll help however I can.” He faded back and left.

I opened a portal to Lief’s home. He was drinking whiskey with his entire family. He raised an eyebrow at me. I held out an envelope to him. He whispered, “You found Benny again?” I replied, “He was waiting for someone.” He nodded, “That makes sense. I should’ve gone out to find him. I just didn’t think he’d be there. I’d written a letter.” I told him, “I nearly met his family but didn’t. He’s going to help from the outside.” He nodded.

I portaled to Veronica. She was watching in her office. I handed her the letters saying, “Benny said you’d know when to give it to them.” She put them in her desk drawer and nodded to me before leaving to go back to Titus. I looked around her desk at the files she was looking at. She had the names of people Alania was close to. That’s who she was going to kill for that. She was always ten steps ahead.

I portaled to my office. Celeste had left a note that Lucifer was waiting for me in the usual place. I opened a portal to him. He told me, “I have a gift.” He had two Angels tied up. I asked, “Who are they?” They weren’t fallen angels. He kicked the one, “This is Haneila. She is Haley’s assigned guardian Angel.” I scoffed, “To say you are shitty at your job would be the understatement of the century.” Lucifer ground out, “From what Iblis said I gathered that was the case.”

I asked, “And her?” He ground out, “Jophiel lied to your son about Haley. She knew she was suffering and I disliked her excuse. Gabe is looking for her and I thought he’d enjoy my gift.” It always came back to Gabe with him. I sincerely said, “Thank you.” He snorted, “You don’t have to thank me.”

Haneila cried, “I just did my job.” Lucifer hissed, “If you did your job she wouldn’t look how she does. I possess the ability to look in on her now, Haneila. She came to the earthly realm for help which means now she is in MY domain. That’s how it works. I can’t help those on the earthly plane until they seek help. Which is dumb, but once they seek help and you have failed they become MINE to protect. Those from other realms coming to the human one for help makes them MINE.”

Haneila argued, “She’s different! Your father won’t let you look over her. He’ll go to Charmaine herself.” Lucifer let his wings come out and got in her face, “They still won’t save you because until Charmaine declares Haley off limits for me and mine to protect then she IS mine. I procured and gave you away before that was declared.” He tossed her at me. He ordered, “Go. If she says that then they will come.”

I opened a portal to a cell for Angels and put them both in it. I came back and stood by Lucifer. I sent out a code for Iblis. Lucifer would need him. I faded back when Charmaine and Lucifer’s dad, Michael, showed up.

She said, “Give the angels back, Lucifer.” He replied, “I am allowed to do what I wish once help is asked for in the human realm.” His dad said, “This isn’t the same.” Lucifer replied, “Rules are rules, father. That’s what you said when I left and this agreement was set up. Are you going back on your word?” Michael winced.

Charmaine told him, “This situation is different. Other goddesses bound us. Haley is not yours to protect.” Lucifer shrugged, “I already gave them away.” Michael asked, “To whom? I’ll get them back.”

Iblis came in. Charmaine shrieked, “You can’t give them to him to send to hell!” Iblis chuckled, “Of course he could.” Micheal sighed, “Iblis…” Iblis cut him off, “You’ll not want to speak to me. You taunted and tormented your son allowing the rumors to spread calling him the Devil. You took one of my titles from me and if you continue speaking to me I’ll decide you want me to bring you to hell to remind you I am the King of the Underworld and the Devil you claim your son is.”

Michael turned red. Charmaine reasoned, “I’ll just speak to your god. You’re only a demi-god Iblis.” Iblis laughed, “You go ahead and speak to Asmodeus. Watch him laugh in your face and call you a little girl again.” She turned red.

Lucifer asked, “Why don’t you want me to have her? Is something else going to happen that I would stop?” It was a reasonable question. Charmaine answered, “I told you, we were held back by other goddesses.” I faded in, “You can’t have them back, and I can confidently state Titus won’t do anything for you anymore. You knew what was happening to her. You could’ve sent someone to us. You could’ve told Lucifer and your hands would’ve been clean. We have done many things in the names of Angels, but that is OVER.”