The Future King and the Commander's Daughter

Advice Pt. 3

Kashe admitted, “I don’t get it. I mean totally onboard if we are plotting her death and how to get away with it. I have the perfect plan…” I cut her off, “No, not killing her. Just distancing myself. Neither of us know personally that protective phase women go through, but my dad saw it with my Aunt and my mom. Probably even my Uncle’s mate’s too. He’s worried I could snap and kill her.”

Kashe shrugged, “Being her friend for another two years tops is totally cool with me to see you go all Hackura mom on her for me.” I shoved her, “I don’t want to kill her, but I also don’t know if I’d handle her saying anything about my child like she does me. I need to talk to my mom about it.” Kashe said, “Uhh no you don’t. I can answer, you’d hold your baby in one arm and rip her head off with the other. It’s going to be epic. Way better than my get away with murder plot and that is saying something.”

I shook my head, “I just don’t want to do that so I think distancing myself from her makes sense. I’ll talk to my mom more about it, but I think starting to back off of pretending to be her friend is the right move. She’s clearly hurt Lore’s feelings a lot…” Kashe cut in, “Which Javi will kill her for if she continues. Why are you trying to ruin her death for me?” I rolled my eyes, “I’ll bet she said something about you and Dawson too. Lord knows what she says to Ivanna.”

Kashe said, “One, she might have uttered Dawson’s name for a brief second while you were on a mission. It wasn’t worth mentioning that my brother pulled me off her before she could take her last breath. Damn all you people not letting me see that b***h die. Two, even if you distance yourself Ivanna won’t. I’ve tried and it feels like beating your head into a wall. She is too nice. We could tell her brothers though because they’d kill Briar. Actually the sisters would too. Ivanna is the delicate one in the family. She’s so cute and sweet we should protect her at all costs.”

I pointed out, “Ivanna gets distance if we do because she won’t want to upset us. I think it would be good for us all. Even Briar herself.” Kashe snickered, “Because she will screech at new people?” I rolled my eyes, “She has other friends.” Kashe shrugged, “And we don’t care about them because they suck.” They kinda did.

I told her, “Her attitude with all of us is unhealthy for us and her.” Kashe laughed, “Her attitude is unhealthy in general. She’s a cesspool of unhappiness that makes no sense. She has nothing traumatic in her past or parents who don’t love her. She has everything but she’s just a bad egg. It happens.” I’m not sure how but it did appear to be the case.

I told her, “I’m going to get dressed.” She said, “I’ll swing by with Dawson.” I asked, “Be my date if they don’t make it?” She teased, “We both have backup dates, girl. Next time tell me you want some of Kashe and I’ll pucker my lips up for you instead.” I threw my head back and laughed. We’d made out a few times on off periods with our men. They’d had quite the reaction when they returned and found us making out. Apparently, it was hot. We argued they knew we’d made out before but seeing was apparently different.

I portaled to Bjourn and my room and went into the clothes and laid out Bjourn’s suit. He’d probably cut it close, he always did. I opened the garment bag holding my dress. It was fall colored to honor Bjourn’s birthday. It was a grayish brown with straps and a gold band right under the sweetheart neckline. It faded into orange, red, and purple tones in the skirt. I did a final look in the mirror then waited.

After a while Aaron sent me his feelings. Bjourn was late. He might miss the ball. He was worried I’d be upset. I was a little disappointed, but as long as the man had the knowledge he’d better not miss his birthday it was ok. I quickly wrote Bjourn a note as was our standard. He teased me about it, but I knew he loved that I did this. I pulled the tie that matched my dress and put it on the suit and walked out.

Kashe was waiting and shook her head, “Dawson just never learns.” I asked, “Wait, who is your backup date?” She grinned, “Not unlike you chose a date that will make your mate’s head pop right off. I selected someone that will remind Dawson to be on time. I didn’t go full out causing a murder scene like you did.” I groaned, “Tell me it’s not another guard.” She smirked, “You just know me so well. It’s actually the guard he competes with most. So, he knows I’m safe but they do compete. They are basically friends anyway. Clearly, I will help them get closer and be besties.” I scoffed.

I told her, “You look hot.” She was wearing a mostly light orange dress with blues and some hints of green. It had a cut tie at the top and went down the back. She flipped her hair, “I know I do. Let’s go find our backup men and let them know they are leading men tonight. They get to step into the light.” I snorted, “They’d both be fine alone.” She nodded, “Yes, but tonight they get leading ladies, let them enjoy it.”

Rhett was waiting by the stairs into the ball. He smiled when he saw me. He asked, “Am I up?” I nodded, “Yup, but if Bjourn arrives…” He waved me off. Dawson’s guard competition, Youngers, rolled his eyes and went to Kashe. We all walked inside together. Marcus came up, “Uhh Astrid, a word.” Rhett said, “We are busy.” I answered, “Sure, Marcus.” Rhett ground his teeth.

Marcus led me away down a hallway. He asked, “Are you out of your mind? Or are you trying to get Rhett murdered? I can get behind the second one.” I rolled my eyes, “We are just friends.” Marcus said, “But he doesn’t want to be just your friend.” I scoffed, “Marcus, it doesn’t matter what he wants. I’ve told him in plain terms he’s my friend. There will never be more. He has a mate out there.” Marcus huffed. I teased, “Now, get back to your own date.” He grinned, “Come meet her.” I agreed, “Sure.”

I walked in and Drake was standing there with two girls. Drake introduced, “Astrid, this is my date Kiera.” Marcus introduced his date next, “This is Geraldine.” I greeted them both, “Hello, I’m Astrid.” Kiera squealed, “We know. I mean you hold a lot of records in the gym. I keep trying to beat your time on the obstacle course. You’re so good.” I shot Drake a look. He nodded. I offered, “For Bjourn’s birthday we’ll be there if you want to come run it with us.” Her eyes widened to the size of saucers. She asked, “Really? Run the course with you?”

Rhett slid up behind me and threw an arm around me. Drake’s eyes narrowed in warning. Geraldine told me, “Now, you’ve done it. She’ll talk about this forever.” I told her, “You are welcome as well.” She nodded, “I’ll cheer you all on. I have no crazy designs of trying to beat any of your records. I have been at that obstacle course at insane times proving what a good sister I am.” I asked, “You guys are sisters?” Keira nodded, “Yup Irish twins as the humans say. Mom had her then got knocked up with me right away.” Geraldine chuckled at her. They were really cute. I liked them.

Rhett said, “Well, we will be off.” Kiera asked, “Wait, who are you? I thought Astrid was with Crown Prince Bjourn.” I answered, “We are on an off period and he’s running late. This is my friend, Rhett.” He held out his hand, “I’m her date.” Geraldine dryly said, “Yes, we got that vibe. One might call you a stand in, but I digress.” Marcus bit back a laugh. Keira hit her arm but looked amused.

Rhett led me away. I told him, “Watch the hand please.” His grip was tight enough if he left it he’d bruise me then Bjourn would kill him and nothing I could say would change that. Rhett asked, “Would you like to dance?” Before I could answer, my brother swooped in, “I’m stealing my sister for her first dance tonight.” Rhett frowned, “Really dude? Don’t you have a date?” He laughed, “No, I don’t. I didn’t think I would make the ball. The single ladies are stoked that my single ass has arrived.” I bet they were.

He led me away. He said, “Bjourn will be back soon.” I grinned, “Really?” He nodded, “Yes, he ran into some things. A woman he knew was almost abducted.” I scoffed, “He’d never let an off period woman or anyone else get taken if he could stop it.” Aaron replied, “I’m not sure we can classify a one night stand as an off period woman.” I shrugged, “I would. It’s an off period.” Aaron warned, “Just be cautious. I’m sure Bjourn thinks you’ll be here with Tarik or literally anyone else besides your date.” I assured him, “Bjourn will live, it’s fine.” He sighed and led me back to where Kashe was with Youngers.

Aaron stayed until a cute woman asked him to dance. She clearly was the one at the single table with balls and innocent eyes. I winked at her as they left. Rhett put his arms around my waist. I spotted Briar trying to murder me with her eyes. Now what? I shot Rhett an annoyed look. Before I could say anything Kase told Youngers bye. Wait, what? Dawson was back that meant…I’d find Bjourn in a second. I was warning Rhett when I heard him.

I jumped into my man’s arms and everything felt right again. The doubt and hurt from earlier was chased away in his arms. It’s what he always gave me, but he was pissed. Rhett was trying to get me to punch him, I was fairly certain. Then he grabbed my hand and pulled it, then his weight was gone. I pursued my lips and crossed my arms. Kashe came back. She said, “I mean I straight up told you so.” I glared at her. She asked, “What? Some people wouldn’t say it, but I’m your best friend so I’m saying it. Next time listen to me and I won’t say it. Now, I’ll state the obvious, murder scene unless someone stops Bjourn which I see no one rushing to do. I stand by my statements.”

Titus slowly made his way to us. I pleaded, “Marcus?” He scoffed, “The fury he feels in our bond tells me Marcus should stay all the way back here. Rhett should consider himself lucky if our younger brothers don’t wake up and come for him with a knife. Logan with a knife would be a funny way to go.” Funny was a word. Kashe agreed, “Death by toddler, that’s legendary status right there; for both of them. Is he a toddler yet? I mean he toddles so I’m counting it.”

I asked, “Dawson, did you say hi to Kashe?” He replied, “After I showed my tongue down her throat….” Kashe scoffed, “Dawson…” He teased, “Hi, Kash.” So he had not said hi yet. She giggled, “Hi back yourself. No more being late.” He chuckled, “Yes, people being bad was really my fault.” She nodded, “It’s good that you understand that.” He started to tickle her.

Titus finally made it and ended the fight. I had a second before I was thrown over Bjourn’s shoulder. He did NOT just do that. Aaron held up his glass and toasted me with a wink. I sent him my feelings of him being a traitor. That made him grin broader. My parents mirth was in the bond so they saw this too.

Bjourn was mad. He made valid points about the disrespect Rhett showed us both. He was of course mad about the ones towards me and I was mad about the disrespect towards him. He never got this right in my opinion. I taunted and teased him. He fell right into that trap and stopped thinking about Rhett to start one hell of an orgie. We circled back to Rhett and he made his feelings abundantly clear on the matter.

We were lost in each other along with a lot of people on this beach and I spotted my best friend pushed up against one of the windows at the ball. So our orgie had reached them inside too. Hour after hour we were lost in each other. Then something happened and suddenly our s*x was more intense when midnight hit. My hope bubbled that it meant what I thought it did. Bjourn was beating his chest and yelling out dominating war cries, pounding into me like it was his only job in the world. My toes were curling and I was screaming his name for the whole realm to hear.

We watched the sun rise, but I didn’t care. I didn’t want this to stop. I wanted to feel this feeling forever. I managed to tease him that he'd shot my birthday plans to hell. Then he confirmed he felt the pull to me and everything in me relaxed and pure happiness filled me. My parents sent their smug I told you so feelings along with happiness. Aaron sent me the fact that he’d known earlier and he was happy for me.

Bjourn and I talked about my feelings prior to that night and he understood, but I knew he was itching to have a bond with me so he could feel it all. Then he quoted gone with the wind unknowingly and I ran to my best friend. Kashe was naked and ran into the hall, “What? Why are we laughing? I love laughing, tell me everything.”

Dawson groaned, “WOMAN! Get in this bed so we can sleep!” She told me, “Ignore him.” I led her away, “Bjourn made a Gone with the wind reference about Rhett but he doesn’t know he did.” She pleaded, “Tell me he said frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn. Tell me he did.” I nodded, “Basically.” She started laughing with me and we both had tears streaming down our faces. I told her, “He felt the pull.”

She scoffed, “Girlfriend, the whole realm knows that. He was beating his chest f*****g you into oblivion and it spurred the ENTIRE capitol maybe beyond. He screamed to the world you were his last night, literally. The animalist noises boy howdy they got our men making them and lord it was hot. I’ve never gushed so much in life. I thought my lady bits turned into a fountain down there.” She fanned her face. She told me, “I mean literally every woman, who doesn’t want to rip your face off, wants to thank you for the animals our men turned into last night.”

I asked, “Rip my face off?” She told me, “You know Briar looked fifty shades of pissed. Rhett healed, of course, and they joined. They both looked like they wished they were f*****g other people while enjoying each other. It was very weird, but they are weird so to each their own. He tried to match Bjourn in his thrusts and I’m certain he pulled a groin muscle. It was comical.” I said, “You noticed a lot for being f****d into oblivion.” She winked, “I am the best multitasker of all time. I’m always on alert for my bestie to share tea with.” I agreed, “You really are.” I hugged her and went back to bed with Bjourn and fell asleep.

We woke up three hours later and I told him, “Get dressed.” He grumbled, “Or I could enjoy my naked mate.” A thrill went through me when he said that. I said, “We can start another orgie on the obstacle course field.” He agreed, “Fine by me.” I threw him some shorts and grabbed a sports bra and leggings. He groaned, “Don’t think I don’t notice you keep wearing my favorite color.” I winked. I was in a crisscross orange halter top sports bra with orange leggings that had white stripes.

I asked, “Can you make sure your brothers are up and ready?” I sent Aaron my feelings and he practically grumbled about getting up. Bjourn opened a portal to the obstacle course and several people filtered through. I was surprised even Logan came. He yelled, “BO!” He’d taken to calling him Bo because Harper still did. It was cute. Logan ran to him and Bjourn picked him up, “Hey sport, your birthday is next.” Logan held up two fingers. He nodded, “That’s right you’ll be two.”

Veronica sighed, “He should have a sibling close in age. Don’t you think, Titus?” He asked, “How would he? You don’t want anymore.” She rolled her eyes, “Don’t play dense with me, mister.” Titus laughed, “I’ll think about it.” Veronica's eyes danced in victory. It might not be this year or next, but Titus would have an off period child.

Everyone said happy birthday to Bjourn. I grabbed Kiera, “Run with our group.” She squealed, “On the course.” Bjourn asked, “And she is?” I told him, “Kiera, she’s with Drake.” He nodded. Geraldine requested, “Can you be less of a good person, Astrid? I’m going to have to hear about you running this course with her FOREVER. Literally, forever.” Keira waved “Ignore her. She’s grouchy and needs coffee.” She handed her sister a big thermos and dragged me over to the course.

Bjourn was right behind me. Veronica waited for us to line up then yelled, “GO!” Bjourn and I were in front of our group going through it. We both were already laughing, enjoying the competition. We finished the course in step with each other. Bjourn grabbed me, “I think you were practicing while I was gone, Stella Mea (My Star).” I grinned, “I have a teacher very intent on me keeping up my cardio in his absence, I can’t disappoint him.”

Titus yelled, “We have cake to eat, Bjourn.” He replied, “It will wait.” His lips slammed into mine and several people cheered. Bjourn whispered in my ear “habeo iterum te habere. Nescio quomodo quid iterum gestum erit. Te requiro (I have to have you again. I don't know how we will get anything done again. I need you).” I answered, “Accipe ergo me bene, quia semper fui tuus (Well then take me because I've always been yours).” I may have made plans for his birthday, but Bjourn seemed to be intent on making his birthday full of orgies and I was more than happy to amend my plans for my mate. He was my world and nothing would take that away.

Briar opfff.... Got any ideas on if we met her mate or not? Will Astrid distance herself the next time we see her and Bjourn? Will she add Rhett to the list given Bjourn's strong feelings? Are Kiera and Geraldine going to be added to Astrid's sphere of friends? Logan is almost two a few more years before Haley is added to the gang. Remington and Tierra are sweet parents. Blade is still lovingly Blade. LORE AND JAVI!!! Aren't they so cute? Lore's confidence is blooming and we love to see it! Kashe is so lovingly Kashe. Get ready for Astrid to turn sixteen ;)