The Future King and the Commander's Daughter

In the Background Pt.3

Charmaine apparated. Michael said, “You’re not supposed to see goddesses like this.” I shrugged, “Then she should’ve requested a meeting with Lucifer like I did. Run along Michael and do your goddesses bidding. Follow her while children suffer under your excuses. You assigned Haley a guardian Angel and tied her hands. You knew if we found out she’d die. Her blood will stain YOUR hands.” I opened a portal and left.

I found my parents with Aaron. I said, “Two Angels await you in the cells. One was Haley’s guardian Angel and the other lied to Gabe. I’m sure he’s still down there. You can bring him with you.” My dad offered, “At least Haley is Lucifer’s to watch over now.” I scoffed, “Charmaine and Michael disagree. They took her back over from Lucifer.” My dad blinked, “But why?” I answered, “I don’t know. Aaron, Haley’s threat assessments need to be more in depth than anyone else’s. If they took her back over there’s something he’d stop that they won’t.” Aaron nodded.

My dad pulled me into a hug and I let myself break down. I cried, “He’s broken emotionally and I don't know what to do for him.” My dad argued, “You’re doing it. We have this information. You’ve been out there for him and working in the background. You’re doing what needs to be done.” I dried my tears and he kissed my cheek. I hugged my mom then my brother last. I left knowing they’d handle the questioning and report it up to Titus.

I opened a portal back to my mate and nuzzled myself into his arms and fell asleep. I woke up when Bjourn did. I watched him follow his dad and Haley. When they left Logan said, “She was supposed to be a fun, smiling, cheerful fairy.” I told him, “We can build up to that.” He scoffed, “I saw the pictures. Hrafn read Marcus' report and made guesses based on that. They broke my sister and in doing so broke this family.”

I turned, “Logan, there may be some cracks. I’m here with the glue along with your mom, and all the other mates. We will not let you break. We will shower Haley with the love she should’ve had. You enjoy scouting places and finding peaceful spots. Show them to her. Even if she doesn’t talk, it's something you have in common. Let her see the man you are. Talk to her and spend time together. She’ll come around.” He fell into me crying and rubbed his back.

He pulled back. I told him, “Your sister’s guardian Angel is in the dungeons. Go tell her what a great job she did.” His eyes blazed, “Thank you, Astrid.” I told him, “You are my brother and I will do whatever I can for you.” He nodded and took off.

I went to my office and wrote up reports. I helped Veronica cancel court for the next week. Everyone had heard the rumors and no one minded the schedule being shuffled around. They all offered their heartfelt condolences.

Bjourn tugged me to him and I went without a second thought. I assumed he’d be on the beach. Thankfully, I was right. He had us walk down the beach to meet Haley. She looked at me the longest, but Hastein had her interest about drawing.

Bjourn didn’t notice she was fascinated and hopeful about him. Her eyes told me in the brief seconds she looked at him. Bjourn left me in my office. My sons faded in. Hastein ground out, “She won’t look people in the eyes! They didn’t let her!” I agreed ,”I think that’s part of it. I think her eyes are the most expressive part of her. I don’t think she wants your dad to know she wants him to like her.”

Hugo admitted, “That actually makes some things she felt make sense.” I advised, “Just look for things to relate to her on. H is going to draw with her. You guys are close to her in age you can find something too. Or introduce her to things you are interested in. Fairies like sharing people’s passions and learning.” They all nodded and began to plan.

My mate’s horror and devastation hit me. I didn’t need to ask, he’d looked at the files. I screamed and threw everything off my desk and destroyed the office. When I stopped my mom said, “This is why I taught you to go to the gym.” Celeste said, “I’ll get everything…” I interrupted, “No, I’ll clean it.” She still helped with my mom.

Kashe joined us when we were done I did some work. Kashe simply sat there on her laptop. When I finished she said, “Let’s go get our men. They are drowning their sorrows. I told Dawson this was his one chance to wallow.” I asked, “What did you learn?” She scoffed, “That people are shitty, but I knew that. They didn’t want to be the one to give the information out and lose out on fairy help for things. They decided the greater good didn’t matter, and they’ll pay for it.”

She stood, “Now, that evil supposed Angel dared to sob about watching over Haley as if she did anything. She knew a lot of things that happened. She said they were her orders. People felt bad for her until yours truly entered the picture. I reminded them she was culpable because she could’ve gone to Lucifer in secret. Then all their sympathy left.” She flipped her hair and I hugged her. We found our mates and got them to bed.

Flash forward a few weeks

Astrid was walking along the beach. I saw Haley sitting there alone, but that was a relative term. I knew her guard was around. I sat down, “Hi, Hiley.” Eventually she greeted, “Warmest greetings Astrid.” Kashe loudly joined us, “Hey ladies.”

She sat down. I asked, “How’s Jamal?” She sighed, “He’s doing better.” I noticed Haley lean closer to me as if she was listening intently. Kashe continued, “They don’t know how but he is getting stronger. Their estimates on the date he will wake up shrinks almost every day.” I caught Haley’s slight smile and so did Kashe. She was happy for her. She liked Kashe.

I asked, “How are riding lessons, Haley?” She animatedly answered, “Very well. I do not see why I must be accompanied. An animal would never hurt me.” I explained, “Phillip is good at riding.” She muttered quickly, “I have learned. I would rather have someone else.” I asked, “Did he hurt you?” Her guard would’ve killed him. She shook her head.

Kashe offered, “I’ll go with you next time. We will tell him no boys are allowed.” She giggled, “Most gracious thanks, Kashe, best friend of Astrid.” She laughed, “I do love that you have given me a title. You can just say thanks though. The most gracious isn’t required.” She frowned but appeared to be considering Kashe’s words. Eventually we left her to enjoy the beach and go on about her day.

Flash forward to where we see Bjourn’s flash forward

Astrid walked into her room after a long day. I saw a beautiful little white slip there. The note said For Astrid to have fun with Bjourn. It must be from Kashe. I’d told her the other day on the beach with Haley that I was practically running around naked to help Bjourn out. I’d just been very light on the details as to why that was since Haley was there. Bjourn and I were practically having s*x all the time these days. I certainly had no complaints. Haley had snickered when Kashe said I needed to wear sexy outfits. She must have decided I needed the push. I decided to take her advice to surprise my man.

It definitely worked, the outfit was a hit. I went and found Kashe afterwards. She whistled, “Look at you!” I teased, “Does it look how you thought?” She frowned, “Uhh I’ve never seen that. I was going to ask if you got a sneak peek at new designs I didn’t know about. I’ve never seen anything like it.” I frowned, “It was on my bed with a note. I thought it was from you.” She snorted, “It was definitely not from me.” She was the only one I’d told.

I actually blanked when I realized she was not the only one there. Kashe asked, “You don’t think…” She trailed off then went to her knees. I yelled, “KASHE!” She gasped, “Jamal! Jamal is panicked. He’s…” She broke off, “He’s awake, Astrid.” I blinked.

She asked, “How did she do it?” I admitted, “I don’t know.” We thought Haley was helping him with something she’d brought with her from Faerie. We just didn’t know how. I told her, “We can figure that out later. Now, let’s go see your brother.” She choked out a sob and I opened a portal into his room. She sprinted through to him.

I couldn’t help but wonder if Faerie had some leaf, balm, oil, or plant that could promote healing. Maybe Haley had grown them here. Logan had shown her places to go around the realm and she loved it. Maybe she’d grown something there that helped promote healing. The fairies would want to keep it to themselves, but she didn’t care about that. She liked Kashe. She’d commented several times that her sorrow reached out to her and she wanted to help. We’d told her she couldn't. She’d shut down every time.

I was taken aback that Jamal had information on Haley. That sight seeing b***h! She was DONE! So past down. She attacked MY BEST FRIEND’S BROTHER because he found out. How did she know? That vapid cunt! I would do everything done to Jamal to her one day.

I left Bjourn quickly in search of Haley. Veronica saw me, “You look angry.” I ground out, “That sight seeing b***h had Jamal hurt. He found out they were hurting Haley and he was going to tell us.” Veronica’s mouth tightened, “Well, I’ll be picking a name off the list of those important to her. I'll throw a dart and pick a name then kill them.” I chuckled, “I like that method.” She grinned, “It helps.” She left and I went to Haley wing.

Javi said, “She’s inside.” I went in and found her sleeping. I nudged her, “Haley.” She didn’t rouse. I tried several more times. I pulled the blanket off then shook her again. Nothing. I shook hard then began to panic. She wasn't waking up. I yelled and her guard came in. I knew Bjourn was coming.

I pleaded, “Haley, please wake up.” She didn’t. Bjourn thought she was exhausted. It turned out she wasn’t sleeping at night. Was it more than that? We left her and I went to my office. I called Lucifer. He answered, “Astrid, how are you?” I answered, “Fine. Can fairies give their light to someone to make them better?” He replied, “No, only healers can make someone better. Fairies can share their light with their mate, but rarely ever do.” I asked, “There’s no herb or plant Faerie has.” He replied, “They have many plants and herbs that promote healing.” I replied, “Thanks.” I hung up.

I found Logan, “I need you to search the places you told Haley about. Look for plants we don’t have around here.” He nodded, “Sure. Why?” I said, “I think she helped Jamal. Lucifer said Faerie has herbs and plants that can promote healing.” He left in search of that. The only thing I didn’t know was how that made her tired.

Flash forward starts a few hours before Bjourn’s 3 month flash forward

Astrid was walking around with Haley. I nearly groaned out loud when I saw Rhett. He ran up to me and greeted, “Hey, beautiful.” I replied, “Rhett, it’s Princess Astrid.” Haley muttered, “It’s Crown Princess Astrid.” Rhett asked, “What was that, little wallflower?” She flinched into me, and I put my arm around her. I let my eyes blaze.

He put his hands up, “I’m not here to talk to her. I know the rules, and she started the conversation.” She wasn’t talking to him and still getting used to our hearing. He continued, “I just miss you. How’s everything going?” I answered, “Fine.” He said, “Hey, if Bjourn’s not able to be there for you right now I will be. I know he’s dealing with a lot.” I blinked at him. I felt Haley stiffen against me.

I replied, “Bjourn and I are fine.” He gently ran two fingers down my arm, “I could take care of you if you needed.” He took off running before I could reply. I sighed and looked down ready to console Haley over the interaction but ended up being taken aback. She was glaring after Rhett as he ran off. She looked more Hackura than I’d ever seen her.

I told her, “Let’s go get our smoothies.” I’d been having her drink them with protein powder with me. She nodded and we went to the shop. I’d had it shut down for fifteen minutes while ours were made every day.

It hadn’t been a problem in months, so of course there was one today. Briar banged on the door. She only saw me. She screamed, “Astrid, you b***h! You can’t just keep everyone out because you’re BB’s mate.” Haley whispered, “Who is BB? Doesn’t she know you’re Bjourn’s mate not BB’s?” I replied, “She calls Bjourn BB. She has since we were kids.” She made a face of displeasure. I told her, “Yeah, he hates it too. She’s the guy you saw earlier mate, Rhett. Her name is Briar.” She simply nodded. We got our smoothies and left.

Briar’s eyes rose when she saw Haley. Kashe jogged over to us and groaned. Briar pointed a finger in my face, “You don’t deserve him, you know?” I replied, “You’re dislike for Aesir’s mating choice is well past noted.” Kashe ground out, “Please let me beat her ass. You could even walk away and I’ll just accidentally beat her to death.” Haley was studying all of us very intently.

Briar said, “You selfishly shut down the smoothie place every day and cost your mate money.” Haley’s face fell. I replied, “Bjourn approved it being shut down and I own it, Briar. It’s Torvi and my business venture. It’s my time with my sister in law. I’ll be sure to let him know you begrudge the Princess, his little sister, and his mate fifteen minutes.” She pushed into my space, “This isn’t over. You’re such a pretentious b***h! You wouldn’t let my cases about Rhett’s kids go my way because of old grudges. BB likes me and you can’t stand that. You pushed him out of my life because you’re jealous. People will see who you are and I will be the last one laughing with BB on my arm instead of you.” She stalked off.

Kashe yelled, “IN YOUR DREAMS YOU PSYCHO DAISY MAY!” Haley asked, “I thought her name was Briar.” Kashe replied, “But she’s a psycho daisy may.” Haley asked, “A flower and a month are considered psychos?” I went to explain but Kashe just answered, “Yup.” Haley nodded and seemed to be taking her seriously. I shot my friend an annoyed look.

I opened a portal and left Haley in her room. I opened another one to my office. Kashe scoffed, “Hell no. Come on.” We were at her house. We changed into running clothes and took off. When we made it back we saw a crowd outside Rhett and Briar’s. I groaned. Kashe said, “I’m going to find my man. Enjoy whatever that is.” I nodded and went over to discover what problem those two had gotten into now.

I asked, “What happened?” Briar’s mom said, “Rhett killed her then himself. It’s clear as day.” I blinked and walked inside. I saw the rambling manifesto of pages next to Rhett. They were in Briar’s handwriting. I’d seen it often in school. She wanted to kill me and have Bjourn to herself. Shocker. She didn’t have the money or the know how to accomplish any of it. Or the skills.

The problem was Rhett was too selfish to then kill himself. Kill her? Probably. He’d do that in a heartbeat. Well, maybe not. He hadn’t done it yet. Killing your mate was supposed to be really hard. He’d never kill himself though. He would’ve claimed he protected me and Bjourn would have agreed. Everyone knew that.

The scene was picture perfect. Almost too perfect. No one else noticed though. Maybe that was because they didn’t see how Haley glared at both of them. Could she really have done this? Looking around my clear and obvious answer was yes. I went into a back room and found an open book. Rhett journal saying awful things about Bjourn and wanting me. Then about how Aesir messed up.

Bjourn put me on lockdown. Hastein locked me in the safe room. I sighed, “This isn’t necessary.” He replied, “We don’t make assumptions anymore.” I snorted, “That’s hilarious given you’re all making a massive one with this situation.” I glared at my guard before they opened a portal out. They thought I meant the threats, but I meant thinking it was a murder suicide.

Bjourn came in and I wanted to leave. I had people to talk to, but he wasn’t ready yet. I even brought up Haley and held onto our bond. He suspected nothing. She’d ridden Pirate after I saw her. She stuck to her routine, but after Drake saw her she’d be alone in her room again. No one would check on her and her guard didn’t come in unless she screamed.

He left and Hastein asked, “What?” I replied, “Haley met Briar and Rhett today. She did not care for them.” He stared at me. He clarified, “You’re saying you think she killed them?” I nodded, “I do.” He chuckled, “Good for her. Let it rest, mom. It will come out when it’s meant to if you’re right.” I shrugged. It would prove to Bjourn she loved him.

When I was let out I went and found the Cambridge men mates. We were all meeting in Torvi’s drawing room to celebrate my freedom. Kashe was there with my friends. She asked, “Oh, god. What’s that face?” I replied, “You saw her interaction with Briar. She met Rhett before that and if looks could kill; he’d have fallen down right there.” Kashe laughed, “That’s too good.”

Torvi asked, “What? What’s going on?” I said, “I think Haley killed Briar and Rhett.” Kashe said, “Let her get away with it.” I pointed out, “She’d get away with it anyway. They both had journals that could’ve been acted out on. Both disrespected me and Bjourn that day. She’s heard us all say that we kill for that.”

Torvi said, “I think we let that come out on its own time. As much as I’d like to shout it from the hills. Suspicious aren’t proof, and I helped clear the scene with Marcus. There was nothing to indicate she was there.” I sighed and decided to let it go. Hastein and Torvi were right. It would come out when it needed to if I was right.