The Future King and the Commander's Daughter

Blood Ball Pt. 1

Astrid is Twenty-One

Astrid was watching her kids, and nephews. Torvi, Heather, and I were corralling our circus of boys. I asked Heather, “Are you guys having more?” She laughed, “I want a whole brood. Plus, we debated the name Levi, but when they were born we decided they didn’t look like Levi’s. So, I decided we have to keep going until one does at minimum.” I squeezed Beau and Callum, her two boys. I teased, “You do make such cute babies.”

Beau squealed, “I’m a big boy.” I tapped his nose, “Of course you are.” I heard Alvin start to cry on the monitor. I announced, “I’ll be right back.” I opened a portal and picked up my youngest. He was six months old. Bjourn and I discussed trying for our next child soon when he returned from this next mission. Honestly, I’d been in Ireland with him often, and he’d come home almost every night I wasn’t there. He wanted to see our boys and time just works differently here so it worked out. He was just staying longer because he wanted to run into Prince Aiden. At this point, it felt like they were avoiding us.

I picked up Alvin and cooed at him. I fed him and then portaled back and found Titus had come to visit. Hugo was talking to him animatedly. Titus inclined his head to me. Hastein came over and reached his arms out for Alvin. I chuckled and gently handed him off. I said, “He probably wants to sit up and watch you guys play.” Hastein nodded and I walked off with Titus.

He cleared his throat, “Hugo had interesting things to say.” I laughed, “He’s in quite the storytelling phase.” He’d talked my ear off about his Hastein’s purple dragon for months. Bjourn actually bought Hastein a purple dragon because Hugo insisted that he had to have it. I was surprised at how much Hastein actually liked it. He didn’t usually like stuffed animals.

Titus agreed, “I know. Which is why I’m not sure if Bjourn actually has everything ready and done to go on his mission like he said or not.” Before I could answer he assured me, “I don’t expect you to answer. I’ve just noticed Bjourn’s feelings and the boys. I wanted to check in with you. Are you ok?” I sighed, “I think we’re all struggling. The whole family, all us mates and my brothers, because we don’t all feel whole. Even the boys pick up on it. Hastein doesn’t understand the whole meeting Haley situation and I don’t know how to explain it properly to him.” Titus closed his eyes but nodded.

He gave me a hug. He said, “I know it’s harder on your family because the crown is heavy and Bjourn takes the brunt of that even over my other children. I’m so glad he has you with this situation going on. I look back on the darkest hours of my life and wish I’d had Veronica there. I know that situation is not this one, but it’s a harder trail for him than he’s faced.”

He chuckled, “He can handle taking down an army, but I know this hurts my family. It’s hard for us because none of us regret Haley. We just want to be a part of her life. We just wish Alania was behaving differently. I wouldn’t change a thing except bringing Aaron to handle out details. I can’t believe I didn’t do that.” Kashe had floated a theory that Alania used some charm on him, but that seemed crazy.

He rubbed his neck, “Anyway, I just know that it’s hard for my sons. Most can do more about it than Bjourn. I know they do and they all feel frustrated.” I pointed out, “They know you and Veronica are upset too.” He laughed, “Veronica is more than upset. I wish I was a different man a lot of my days.” I touched his arm, “None of us do. You are a second dad to me and you always will be. You’re in my first memories, and you always rise above any expectation our people have for you. The crown is heavy, but no other head could hold it.”

He smiled, “Thank you Astrid, but I wasn’t fishing for a compliment.” I acknowledged, “I know you weren’t because you never are. I will say I know all of us mates, even Gunner and Cali though that’s not official yet because they aren’t old enough, think it’s atrocious Alania has denied Haley the ability to know you.”

He winced, “I am a violent man.” I touched his shoulder, “You are a King. Even in the human realm no King’s hands are clean. The fairies certainly aren’t. Alania may have gone on her peace, love, and harmony kick, but Fenilton was the one who picked up the slack there to remain in control. She was brutal before she decided she wanted to be peaceful. We protect the realms and you would never harm anyone who didn’t deserve it. She’s wrong and that’s all there is to it.” He pulled me into a hug.

He sighed, “I’m going to kick Bjourn into action and get him home.” I assured him, “We are all fine here. We see him all the time, and this is important to him.” Titus nodded, “Yes, it is but we can’t stay stagnant and let our lives pass us by though. It feels like if we chase fairies at this point we will miss out on our lives. They boys are growing every day. Believe me when I say, they become men so much faster than you think.” I looked back into the room at my boys. He wasn’t wrong. It felt like just yesterday we brought Hastein home from the hospital. Now we have five boys and Hastein is already six years old. Titus left and I stayed there watching them play.

My baby boy was somehow six years old. Only four more years until his first mission. I knew he’d go out at ten. He was already training and he was good. I wasn’t surprised by that though. He was the future King of the realm. He was already so serious. I was pulled out of my thoughts when Kashe bumped my hip. I smiled at her.

Hugo ran out and grabbed her daughter, Holly, and ran back in the room. Kashe wiggled her eyebrow, “He’s been just like Bjourn was with you with her. Dawson says he can’t control the s*x of our children, but I gave him orders. Now, we have our little girl.” I laughed, “I hope they are mates.” Kashe agreed, “I do as well, but we can all just go ahead and say they are. Dawson would never disappoint me.” I threw my head back and laughed.

Eventually I said, “He doesn’t decide mates.” She wiggled her eyebrows, “They are mates.” I hoped so because Hugo felt so fiercely protective of her two year old that we’d probably be in trouble if they weren’t. Kashe asked, “Is Bjourn still gone?” I nodded. She huffed, “Say the word, and I’ll find a way to kill that old hag. She’s old enough her son can rule. We’d all be happier.” I snorted, “If you can get into Faerie, have at it.” She groaned, “UGH! If that b***h would just leave their realm I’d have her. I have plans on plans. When I was pregnant with Holly I came up with such creative ways.”

Her boys went in and started playing with the rest of the children. Kashe’s youngest was on her hip cooing at her. We’d still had kids in sync with each other. She asked, “Are we planning more kids? Because the ovaries say yes. Dawson is just SO sexy.” I laughed, “We are trying when Bjourn is done with this mission.” She scoffed, “Trying. The man hears he has a green light and impregnates you. I will let Dawson know he’s on the clock.” I shook my head.

Harper, Gunner, and Cali walked into the room. She skipped over to me, “Hi, Astrid.” I greeted, “Hey, Cali. How are you?” She huffed, “I’m fine.” Kashe teased, “How convincing. I’m sure the two hovering young men aren’t setting their minds to figuring that huff out.” I shot her look. I urged, “Cali, why don’t we go talk?” Gunner and Harper started to go with us. I shot back, “Alone.” They both shot me looks of annoyance. I took her to a room nearby.

I asked, “What’s wrong?” She blurted out, “Harper’s going out on his first mission a month after Bjourn comes back. Both of them are going. Both of them, Astrid.” Her eyes filled with tears. I huffed her, “They have both trained and are ready. Besides, they are not going alone. First missions are always nerve wracking for everyone. Just have a spot you’re meeting them in. I was silly and thought I could just spy on Bjourn and see him to settle myself. He needed me though and they will both need you. Just plan to be there for them.”

She grumbled, “I’m not a woman yet so I can’t do anything to help.” I chuckled, “Cali, Cali, Cali, that’s not very creative. They are both of age and can help each other. You can drive them both VERY crazy.” She asked, “How?” I winked, “Play with yourself while they take care of urges they need to. You’ll still be a part of the whole thing. You can make out with both and touch them. They can touch you too.” She asked, “Why didn’t anyone else give that advice?” I laughed, “Did you talk to your mother?” She shook her head, “No, my friends.”

I hated those girls. I told her, “Well, they are young and inexperienced.” She shrugged, “Celeste and Helena offered to help them out so they wouldn’t turn to anyone else since they are older than me.” I sarcastically replied, “What a kind offer. No, don’t take them up on it. Gunner and Harper are perfectly capable of doing what they need.” She bit her lip, “My friends don’t think they will. I don’t want them to be hurting because of their feelings for me.” I held in my snort. Those manipulative bitches.

I told her, “Cali, Bjourn didn’t have s*x with anyone after his first mission. We did some things, but he wanted me. People who don’t have what we have had growing up do not understand that. Trust Harper and Gunner and talk to them. They will tell you what they need. I know it’s hard not to listen to the noise. There were days I’d steel myself to Bjourn needing to handle urges, but the man always came to me. He did what he had to do. It took me far too long to realize the difference between textbook knowledge and real life knowledge.”

She asked, “What do you mean?” I told her, “The textbooks will tell you the pounding in our blood demand release, and it does; however, they don’t factor in love. Or that when you come home from a mission you need your person. In your case people. The big moments in life, you need the one you search through the crowds for. The one that makes everything feel like home. I never held that back from Bjourn, but I did give him the space to not need it. It took me a while to realize that it hurt him. Don’t do what I did. Don’t let the doubt and the noise make you think you’re wrong. Talk to them and make a plan. I was there for Bjourn when he returned, but it wasn’t a plan because I didn’t let it be.”

I put a hand on her shoulder, “I was scared he was going to need something I couldn’t give him. I thought I’d have to see him leave me to take care of that, and it would’ve ripped my heart out. He didn’t even blink. He knew I was there waiting and those two would know you’d be there too. Don’t hold yourself back from expressing what you feel because of outside influences. I did and I wish I hadn’t. It would’ve saved myself a lot of anxiety and fake heartache.”

She asked, “Fake heartache?” I scoffed, “I imagined who he’d end up with. Logically, I know it’s natural to our people and I wouldn’t have held him back from doing what he needed. He knows that, but I was never holding him back. I was holding myself back and ultimately that chipped a little hurt at him until I stopped. I stopped caring about their noise because all I wanted was him. It was him and me against the naysayers. Let it be you three against them. You can’t have s*x with them, but you can be there.” She hugged me, “You always know what to say.”

I needed to guide her away from her friends on this aspect. I wanted to guide her away completely, but I didn’t want her to shut me out. I pulled back, “Your mom and I are in better positions to give advice than your friends are. Me especially given that I’ve known Bjourn my entire life. My door is ALWAYS open to you, and nothing is too small to come to me about. I’ve been in your shoes. It’s not easy but every second is worth it. Your mom is just older and wiser than your friends. I’m sure she’d tell you the same if you talked to her.” I watched her think it over.

She agreed, “You do know more than them. They just became women a few months ago. Plus, you and Bjourn have been together since you were born. You’re right. Are you sure it wouldn't be a bother?” I hated those girls to my core. They’d convinced her coming to me would be silly. I just knew it.

I assured her, “I am always here for you anytime. I don’t care what’s going on. You will be my sister one day and I did deliver you. We have an unbreakable bond, you and me.” She blushed and guided her back to the hovering worried men in her life. I sat back chuckling to myself as they pounced and led her away.

I asked Kashe, “Did Bjourn and I look the same?” She answered, “Yes. It was just disgustingly sweet as that was. They paced and muttered the whole time you were gone. They eventually decided you would fix whatever was bothering her because you two have this connection.” I agreed, “We always will. Her friends suck.”

Kashe replied, “And you want me to kill them? Finally.” I scoffed, “No, they are just jealous catty women.” Kashe sighed, “Yes, we already have one running around. No one will let me just kill her and she f*****g insane.” I nudged her, “We don’t really see her much anymore.” Kashe grumbled, “We see her more than enough. She makes sure we do. If I could kill her, that would not be the case.” I chuckled and we went to play with our boys.

Bernard pranced in and sat by Hastein. All the boys had pets at this point. Bernard had been a loyal sidekick to Hastein. My mate’s extreme annoyance hit me. I tapped into our bond as my boys shot me looks. I picked Alvin up off the floor as he started to get fussy. Torvi shot me a subtle glance knowing what was going on. I nearly laughed when I realized Bjourn’s frustration was coming from caring about a fairy. I felt his blame go towards his dad. So, it was a fairy female he was going to help because he could see it being Haley.

I told the boys, “Daddy is fine. He’s just helping someone he wouldn’t normally.” My ever perceptive oldest child asked, “Why does he feel like that’s grandpa Titus’ fault?” I chuckled, “You have such a good grasp on the bond. He’s helping a fairy because he’s thinking it could be his own little sister.” Hastein nodded while Kashe busted up laughing. The other women were trying not to.

Her oldest with Marcus, Arthur, asked, “Momma augh?” L’s were hard for him. I chuckled, “She’s laughing because Uncle Bo is being funny.” He nodded. Her other boys Brody and Zane played contentedly with blocks. Oligar said, “Dad would do the same.” Baron and Bently nodded their agreement. Torvi agreed, “Of course he would.”

I noticed Hastein pulled back a little from playing. Heather and Torvi nodded to me. They had the boys. I was about to get Hastein when Alvin started crying. I picked him up and said, “I’ll put him down and be right back.” I portaled away and got him ready for his nap. Once he was down and settled I portaled back.

I sent Hastein my feelings that I wanted to talk to him, and he stepped out into the hall. Hugo watched us go with hawk eyes. I quickly sent him my love. I tapped my son’s nose, “What’s going on with you?” He answered, “I want to meet my Aunt, and I want dad home.” I told him, “Your dad will come home.” He grumbled, “But he’ll be upset. Everyone is upset all the time. It’s not prevalent in the bond all the time, but now it feels like we are tinged with sadness.”

I sat down on the floor and pulled him into my lap. I told him, “You know this family has close bonds, and I know you can feel your aunt..” He scoffed, “Barely. Alvin has more emotions than she does.” For a fairy that seemed quite strange, but he wasn’t her brother. I told him, “It should be clearer once the singing happens.” He shrugged, “I want to fix it.” I squeezed him, “I know you do. You’re still a boy, and I want you to enjoy every second of your childhood. Let us adults try to solve this with Haley. Ok? Your dad’s coming home, and we’ve seen him a lot.”

He agreed, “I know. I just want everyone to be happy. I’m supposed to fix things like this.” Which was exactly how Bjourn felt. I kissed his temple, “You’re not a man yet.” He huffed, “In four years, I will be.” I agreed, “You will but this is not something that can be easily solved. We are trying, but you can’t talk to someone who isn’t answering.” He ground out, “Alania.” I wouldn’t lie to him, “Yes, she’s ignoring us. Honestly, it feels like she’s keeping people away from us at this point.”

He mulled that over then announced, “I’ll out think her.” I squeezed him tightly, “Hopefully this is all settled in four years.” He replied, “You don’t think it will be.” I huffed, “No, I don’t. I think we will meet Haley by accident when she wanders out of their realm, or when she’s sixteen. I know it’s hard for you to feel like there’s a problem to solve and you’re hitting walls. A hard lesson in life is learning that you can’t solve every problem. Sometimes people just suck.” He nodded, kissed my cheek, and pulled me back into play.

We ended up taking the boys to a park when Alvin woke back up. I couldn’t help but love my life. I watched my children play with their cousins and acknowledged my life was pretty damn great. Kashe threw her arms around me and I bumped her with my hips. My mom sent me her love out of nowhere.

I turned and greeted, “Hi, mom.” She hugged me, “Hello, my sweet girl.” I asked, “What brings you this way?” She winked, “Maybe I figured you would all be here and thought to myself ‘Bump into my daughter, see my grandchildren, and kidnap them for a sleepover would be a good way to end the day.’ Then I came by and low and behold you are here.” I chuckled, “You want all of them?” She nodded. I agreed, “All but Alvin can go.” I wasn’t ready to have him spend the night yet. He was still so little.

Hugo yelled, “SLEEPOVER WITH GRANDMA! YESSSS!!!!” I laughed as my boys cheered and jumped on my mom. She spun them around as my dad wandered up. Hastein saw him first. He shouted, “GRANDPA R!” He took off for my dad who promptly got tackled by Hugo, Arvid, and Louis. He let them and laughed, “You guys got me.” Hastein said, “Only because you let us.” He tapped my son’s nose and got up off the ground.

We played for a while before four of my boys went with their grandparents. Kashe told me, “So maybe I got Veronica to agree to sit with the baby monitor for a bit this evening.” I asked, “Did you?” She nodded, “Yes, we are going out on the town! Momma needs a hook up.” I chuckled, “Yeah, I do too.” We agreed to sync back up after our kids were down.

Alvin was tuckered out so he went down easy. Some nights with him were quite the battle. I showered and grabbed a nude dress with a black lace overlay on the top. I quickly did my hair with some loose curls and light make up. I walked out and found Veronica easily. She held her hand out for the monitor.

I gave it to her, “Thanks for doing this.” She chuckled, “That boy may be a bear to get down, but he’s usually down for the count when he’s down. It’s not a big deal, even if he wakes up it’s no problem.” I hugged her, “I still appreciate it.” She squeezed me, “Everything will be fine. You have an interesting case on your docket tomorrow.” I sighed, “Yeah, I know. It’s going to take all day. I just know it.” She laughed, “That’s why it’s the only one then.” I nodded. Knowing Rhett and Briar like I did I knew they were going to do their best to clog up my day for something dumb. She squeezed me, “Go have fun.” I portaled to the club Kashe would have everyone meet up at. Dawson and Bjourn owned this club. Bjourn owned a lot but this one we both loved coming to.

Lore yelled, “Hey sexy lady!” I laughed and joined the girls. Kashe was already here with Ivanna, Geraldine, Kiera, Lore, and my sisters in law. I asked, “Am I last to the party?” Heather said, “Drake and Marcus are here. They took care of bedtime. So, we had a leg up on you.” Kashe chimed in, “She needs to get a leg up on someone.” I chuckled, “I just saw Bjourn.” She agreed, “I know but you have to deal with the devil incarnate and stupid still obsessed with you couldn’t be more selfish if he tried asshat. One needs an orgasm for that. Which is why you told Bjourn you wanted to be off again. Because you knew you’d need an orgasm. I’ve been scoping the lay of the land for you.”

I chuckled, “Of course you have.” Torvi had a standing off period deal going on. Sometimes for convenience things that would be nice. She pointed out a group of women. She nudged me, “I want the blonde but I thought you’d enjoy the brunette.” She was right. We walked over to them. I didn’t even have to say anything before her lips crashed into mine. I took her to the back and we gave each other an orgasm orally. I did need that.

We joined the party again. Kashe wasn’t back yet, but I ordered a drink. I was only having one tonight. I danced with the girls and made my exit once Kashe rejoined. It was always good to see them. We didn’t see each other as much as we did before kids entered the picture. It’s the natural way of things, but I knew we all cherished these nights. I needed to make them at least a monthly get together. We all needed it. It got easy to lose yourself in the title of mom and mate. I needed to be better about being Astrid the person too. I made a mental note to talk to the other women and get a date on the books for at least once a month.

I undressed in our room and grabbed Bjourn’s t-shirt. I whispered to his pillow, “Desidero te, mi rex (I miss you, My King).” Hopefully, he’d get to Aiden this mission and then all our problems and hurt surrounding Alania would dissipate. I scoffed at my own thought, she was dead one way or another. For what she’d done to this family for the last three years I’d kill her one day. I knew Veronica, Torvi, and Heather felt the same way. Her days were numbered because we had long memories. One day, she’d die in this realm. The question was who would be aware of it. At this point, not Titus, and definitely not Haley. Everyone else would want to take a shot at her.

I faded to sleep. When I woke up, I grabbed my workout gear. I was sparring with a dummy when Aaron entered the gym. We wordlessly got into the ring after grabbing bamboo sticks. Our fight was shot for shot. We were both grinning at each other as we shot jabs at each other verbally and with our sticks. Eventually my dad yelled, “Hit the showers you too.” Aaron laughed, “You just don’t want me to stink up your office during our meeting.” He agreed, “You are right.” I told him, “I have a case today anyway.” I hugged him and opened a portal.

I quickly grabbed a shower then put on what the earthly realm would consider business casual outfit. It was a pair of black slacks with a sleeveless gray button up shirt that I paired with a scarf where the tie would go. I put my hair in a ponytail and went to get up Alvin. He cooed at me as he chewed on the edge of the crib. I nuzzled his nose with mine and got him ready. I told him, “I wish I could hang out with you today.” He blew a bubble with his spit. I teased, “I’m taking that as you agree.” I portaled to where Torvi was. I handed her Alvin. I told her, “My mom will either bring the boys back for lunch or keep them until dinner. There is no in between. If it’s later than lunch she’s vying for night number two of my chaotic boys in their house.”

Torvi threw her head back and laughed, “I love your mom.” I agreed, “So do I.” She nudged me, “Good luck today. You can send someone to get me if backup is required. I’m not above teaching a b***h a lesson. From what I know, she should’ve learned it long ago.” I chuckled, “I guess we will see. Their case was vague, but I know it’s one hundred percent a waste of time over something dumb.” Torvi squeezed my hand and I portaled to where the Crown Princess held court.