The Future King and the Commander's Daughter

Keep Moving Pt. 3

Kashe slapped Dawson on the chest saying, “Back me up here. He wanted to kick her out. Giving her a BB gun was his passive aggressive way of saying she’s a child.” Dawson laughed, “He did want to kick her out.” Kashe rolled her eyes, “They just can’t admit the man is passive aggressive about Briar. He loathes her and everyone but her sees it. It’s just pathetic is what it is.”

Dawson chuckled, “Down, woman.” Kashe huffed, “Why are friends with her again, Astrid? What if I just kick her in the teeth?” I winked at her, which had both Dawson and Drake staring at me. Kashe huffed, “Right. That’s why.” Dawson asked, “What? She didn’t answer you.” Kashe patted his face and spoke in a baby voice, “Us womenfolk have our reasons. Don’t try to understand our ways, just accept them. You will be happier.” He rolled his eyes.

Kashe told me, “He’s salty because he was chasing along behind you two with me. We tried to open a portal. We actually got to clean up a body before we came home. We found the pools of blood and…” She raised her voice, “UNLIKE SOME we were awed by the power displayed by our crown prince. I ruined my shoes coming back down that mountain and trekking through blood.”

She continued, “BUT UNLIKE SOME I consider them a worthy donation to the cause and already replaced myself BECAUSE I HAVE A JOB.” I busted up laughing. Dawson shook his head but leaned down to kiss her possessively. Drake said, “When you’re right, you’re right.” Everyone knew the Cambridge’s had jobs, I did too. Most people our age did or were in school. Briar was neither unless you considered the doctorate she gave herself in shopping. Which she does, but the rest of us know isn’t real. Kashe pulled away, “Thank you, Drake.” Dawson pulled her back into him possessively. Harper giggled along with Gunner.

I asked, “Is everyone done playing?” The Cambridge boys all nodded and we left Kashe and Dawson to probably start an orgie. We went back to the castle and we found Veronica waiting with food. I locked eyes with her and saw that Bjourn wasn’t awake in her eyes. I was disappointed though I knew he hadn’t because the boys would’ve run for the house to see him. Or they would’ve told me and given us a minute. They were very good about that, but they all adored their big brother. Because he was the best one that anyone could ask for.

Veronica cleared her throat, “So, was the playground fun?” Ubbe huffed, “People are mean!” Veronica agreed, “People are often mean. It’s not a lesson I wished for you boys to learn so young but given who you are it was inevitable.” Histeck shyly asked, “Are we in trouble?” Veronica asked, “Did you do anything wrong?” Harper huffed, “Rew and.” Veronica asked, “You threw sand when no offense was given?” Harper shook his head emphatically saying no. He was right, he was offended.

Drake said, “They were disrespectful to our brother and Astrid.” Veronica shrugged, “Then you did what your nature demanded. We do not start fights, but we defend our family against disrespect. We all know Astrid is going to be our family in three years. Dawon’s family already considers Kashe theirs. Javi’s considers Lore theirs. Everyone who doesn’t understand doesn’t have this person in their life or family yet. We do not abide disrespect. There are other ways to handle it other than acting, and you will learn those. Boys tend to go fist flying first though, so a kick to the shins isn’t so bad.” Ubbe huffed, “If I was taller, I’d have punched him then her.” Veronica laughed, “I’m sure you would’ve.”

Veronica looked at me, “You know the second my son is back up, he will be right back to work.” I groaned, “We should at least let him get a meal first.” She laughed, “You have to pick your fights with these men. Let him think he’s getting back to work and casually make sure his needs are taken care of. I believe in you.” She winked at me.

We ate our meal and I took Harper upstairs and put him down for his nap before going back to Bjourn’s room. Hrafn was there. I said, “So, what’s wrong with him?” Hrafn answered, “I’ve told you, he used a lot of power and needs rest.” I crossed my arms and warned him, “He better wake up soon then, or you and I will get into the ring at the gym and go a round.” He chuckled, “I ask this knowing the answer but why?” I told him, “Because you have done nothing but scan him and give him an exam.” He replied, “You know I love Bjourn as my own family. If he was hurt I would have him in the hospital. I offered to take him there.”

I argued, “You know he wouldn't want to be there if it wasn’t necessary. If it was, then you were instrumental in me making a bad call.” He came over and gave me a hug. He told me, “Astrid, I promise you he’s ok.” I started to cry, “Why won’t he wake up?” He told me, “He will.” He pulled back and said, “You know I see you as family too.” I nodded. He asked, “Do you need anything?” I answered, “To talk to Bjourn.” He nodded, “He’ll wake up.” He left.

I crawled into bed. I said, “Bjourn, wake up and look at me damn it.” He didn’t move. I huffed, “I’m going to be so pissed off at you when you wake up, you know? If we had a bond I would’ve known how tired you were. You didn’t say anything! Tell me how it's possible you didn’t communicate when you are always telling me everything.” He didn’t answer.

Aaron came into the room next. He announced, “Mom’s worried about you.” I turned my head, “I feel the bond same as you, brother. I know you are all worried. I went outside today.” He scoffed, “You were mowed over by Cambridge boys.” I disagreed, “Kashe came in here, not a Cambridge.” Aaron teased, “I was going to but you smelled bad and she could stand it where the rest of us bowed out.” I laughed and threw a pillow at him. He caught it asking, “What? It was sweaty human soup man, it was gross.” I rolled my eyes but laughed.

I whispered, “It’s my fault he’s like this, Briar was right.” He held up his hand, “I’ll stop you right there. Nothing that starts with Briar was right is accurate. Whatever she said is wrong. Bjourn is a man capable of making his own decisions. Just as you are. You didn’t leave Brandi, and you could’ve. You stayed with her.” I was about to argue when he held his hand up.

He continued, “You could’ve just reported it as some would’ve done and followed. You engaged because that’s the person that you are. You are kind, caring, and lethal. Briar still can’t be alone on missions. She’s sloppy and Titus is losing his patience with her. She’s going to be deemed unfit to leave if she doesn’t watch it.”

I asked, “How do you know that?” He answered, “Because you told dad to train me as the future Commander instead of you. I sit in on those meetings and have since I became a man.” He was a year younger than I was. He added, “Briar is a liability and definitely can’t go out alone, and even if she did no one would trust she’d do the job. She messed up a recording mission. The person shadowing her had to fix it.”

I gaped at him then shrieked, “You hid that from me?! Are you serious?” He scoffed, “Now would be where you admit she’s not actually your friend.” I rolled my eyes, “Aaron Remington Crawford, you know full well my feelings about that woman.” He asked, “Why do you keep her around?” I answered, “Because when you leave an enemy in the cold you don’t know their moves, Aaron. You keep an enemy close so you know what’s going on.”

His jaw dropped. He tackled me off the bed and we fought with each other. He swung and I blocked it. I asked, “Why are you so pissed?” He yelled, “Because you called her your ENEMY! I am your BROTHER! I need to know your enemies even if you keep it secret from everyone else.” I replied, “You will be the commander of the armies. You have to remain impartial on warriors to evaluate their abilities.”

He argued, “I can do that and know who is coming for my sister. Why is she your enemy other than she wants Bjourn?” I answered, “She’s a bully. She tries, unsuccessfully, to do things to demean me and discredit me. She wants Bjourn and that alone would make her my enemy. Don’t worry, I could run circles around that woman in all things.”

Aaron sighed, “I know that, but next time you consider someone an enemy; I know about it.” I agreed, “If it means that much to you.” He sent me how much it mattered to him. I nodded. He asked, “So, Rhett?” I groaned, “What about him?” He asked, “Is he also your enemy?” I belly laughed. I waved my hand in front of my face and eventually wiped a few tears away.

I answered, “He’s not an enemy.” Aaron groaned “He wants you.” I replied, “Everyone who wants me sexually is not my enemy.” Aaron snorted, “They are Bjourn’s.” I shrugged, “That’s his business and I would never interfere in it. He will do what he feels needs to be done to protect me and I would only address it in private if I disagreed.” Aaron sighed, “Hopefully Rhett’s mate is far far away.” I nearly laughed out loud.

Aaron asked, “What was that?” I answered, “What?” He raised an eyebrow. I shoved him playfully, “I taught you that move.” He chuckled, “True. What was that about Rhett’s mate? Do you know who it is?” I laughed, “I think it could be Briar. They never can stay away from each other even though they claim to dislike the other.” Aaron studied me then busted up laughing. He admitted, “I will laugh so hard.” I winked, “So will I.” He hugged me and whispered, “I love you, Astrid.” I replied, “I love you too.” He said, “Bjourn will wake up, if for nothing else but to see you.” I shoved him playfully and he left.

I curled into Bjourn and fell asleep. I woke up hoping to see my man, but he was still out. I went and got a bowl to give him a sponge bath. I told him, “You’ll be upset you missed this moment, me being your nursemaid. Don’t get used to it because it will NOT be happening all the time. You’d be in serious trouble if it did because then you’d be getting hurt too much. This is not an experience that I want to repeat.” I finished my task and pulled the sheet back over him and sat on the bed beside him.

Veronica, Titus, and Hrafn came in. I glared at him. He checked Bjourn and said, “His energy levels are improving. He should wake up soon.” I demanded to know, “When?” He said, “That depends on…” I cut him off jumping up from the bed and getting in his face demanding, “No, give me an answer! Unconscious people are NOT FINE! It’s been days and he’s still unconscious. Your lack of answers isn't going to cut it today!”

Before he could say anything Bjourn spoke and relief hit me so hard the only thing that held me up was my mom sending me her understanding and happiness that Bjourn was up. Bjourn was confused but I didn’t care. I loved the cadence of his voice and my emotions choked me up. I couldn’t hold my tears back.

We argued a little bit because the stubborn man was smirking and being his usual self talking about doing this all over again. He clearly overestimated the capabilities of my heart. Veronica and I locked eyes when he got right back to work. UGH! We argued again but he didn’t seem to get my points. I was going to have to take a class from Veronica.

We left his room to see his brothers. Drake’s relief along with Marcus was on their face the second they saw him. The younger ones lit up when they heard his voice. He teased them and I couldn't help but think of how he’d be with our children. I faded back and went to the kitchen to get a sandwich for Bjourn.

I set it beside him when I came back and he absentmindedly ate it without really noticing because he was focused on his brothers. Well, at least I got food in him. It’s crazy he didn’t seem to notice, but I still succeeded. Drake winked at me and nodded his head letting me know he was grateful I was taking care of his brother. I took my index finger and traced my eyebrow to let him know that I always would.

When we left to get more information the name The Ring came up again. I’d forgotten to report they’d told me that’s what they were. I was worried that this Ring could figure out they should emulate Faerie to keep us out, but that felt like a stretch. Hopefully, they never figured that out. This group was evil and we were going to have to end them.

When we left Bjourn was leading us somewhere. He’d sent a text out on his phone. We ended up at the training arena. Kashe yelled, “SUCKERS!” She had a water gun and she sprayed us. I saw a big bucket of guns waiting for us. I yelled, “You’re going to GET it, Kashe!” She cackled and ran for it after getting Bjourn. I smiled at him and we ran for the guns together. Ubbe yelled out a war cry and grabbed one. I chuckled, “You’re in for it.” He asked, “Aren’t you on my team?” I sprayed him then asked, “Where else would I be?”

He kissed me as his brothers soaked us, but we didn’t care. When we pulled apart we yelled and went after everyone. All our friends were here. Lore, Javi, Ivanna, Rhett, Dawson, Kashe, Marcus’ girlfriend Liliana, the Cambridge boys, even Briar was up on the bleachers watching. Because of course she was. She couldn’t ruin her outfit getting wet. That was just Briar.

Aaron jumped up to soak me in the face. I laughed and got him back. I turned back to Bjourn and couldn't get past the lust in his eyes. Both of us were soaking wet and he aimed his gun behind me and yanked me into him. He whispered, “Te amo, stella mea. (I love you my star).” I answered, “Te amo, mi mundus (I love you, my world).” He locked his lips on mine and I didn’t know how it could get any better than this.

UGH! This week did NOT go according to the plan. It was the week from he double hockey sticks. Next week is Thanksgiving for those of us in the US. I'm not promising a chapter, but I'm not saying no. I have a lot of events happening but I'm going to do my best!

The chapter! Astrid learned some things. Benny is still around. Aaron knows offically Briar is someon Astrid considers and enemy. The BB nickname makes no sense... LOL who thought it did honestly? Lots of potential couples given. What do we think? Are those that are paired up going to end up together? (I mean we obviously know one of them is right. A/B LOL) What about Lore/Javi Kashe/Dawson Briar/Rhett? I love giving snaps of the Cambridge boys growing up! They are fun. Seeing Astrid become the Queen we know her as in the book is fun too! Same with Bjourn makes what happens later help you understand a lot of their actions. More of this book will reveal a lot about (Bjourn obviously) but the rest of their feeligns one what has happened to :)