The Future King and the Commander's Daughter

Herding Cats Pt. 2

I told him, “I’ll take a picture of your kids with Torvi, a full body shot and send it to you.” He asked, “Do you think that’s going to help? The picture in my mind has me as hard as a damn rock!” I told him, “It’s not my fault you’re thinking with your d**k or that this all came together while you’re on a mission. I did not hire her or send you a picture. I simply would’ve told you there was a new nanny that you could meet when you returned. You wouldn’t be having visions of bending her over somewhere in your wing.”

He told me, “I have explicit fantasies at this point. I have multiple places in mind.” I pointed out, “We don’t know if she likes you, brother.” He basically growled at me. Rof said, “We do know she thinks he’s hot. Astrid showed her his picture. He has them with the boys in his wing.” I asked, “Why were you there?” He admitted, “I wasn’t Ragnar told me. Astrid got Torvi settled and they discussed Prince Marcus’ availability among other things women discuss. Like his characteristics which she all found charming.” I currently did not find them charming. Marcus told me, “Get Drake here f*****g tomorrow.”

I rubbed my temples, “Your d**k will be fine if you take deep breaths. We are not rushing this mission so you can get laid.” He told me, “I’ve gotten laid plenty here. I want to meet Torvi.” I counted to ten in my head and sent him my annoyance. I told him, “When dad checks in and confirms my plans I’ll get it moving. I’ll also talk to Drake. I was thinking he could bring Topher but his timeline definitely won’t work for your crabby ass. So I'll amend it to Dyre and Calder who are both here and have nothing on their docket. DO NOT send Drake all your impatience. I will talk to him and see where things are.”

Rof offered, “Evin is here and available.” Marcus and I both yelled, “NO!” Rof raised an eyebrow, “He’s twelve and a man. He’s killed before.” I said, “He didn’t go anywhere near the rings. I’ve kept him away from that and will as long as I can. Marcus is working on a ring that is for prostitution. It’s one thing for Evin to know that happens. It’s another for him to see women and men brutalized and broken by sick sadistic f***s using them for their own purposes. I’ll shield him from that as long as I can.” Marcus agreed, “I’ll wait if he’s the only option.” I knew he would.

He added, “But I WILL send Drake my incessant need for him to wrap up and get to me.” I told him, “You’re incorrigible.” He retorted, “Get me my picture.” He hung up and I hit my head on the desk repeatedly. Rof said, “That’s not going to help you.” I replied, “It might. I want to kill people. Yet here I am doing paperwork.” Rof told me, “It comes with being the Crown Prince.” I admitted, “I know. If I wasn’t I could join Marcus, wrap this up, and get him back to Torvi. I want that for him, but I can’t leave and we all know it.” It was one of those moments when the Crown was heavy as my dad always said.

I called Drake. He answered, “What the f**k is wrong with Marcus and why is he directing his need for me to be where he is? I’m f*****g busy!” I told him, “Because you all test my patience, that’s why. Where are you at with your mission?” He told me, “I’ll be done in…” He trailed off then asked, “Are we giving our realm time or this one?”

Aesir, give me strength with my brothers. I answered, “I literally don’t care whose realms timeframe you give me.” He said, “I’ll be home tomorrow, your time.” I sighed in relief, “Thank god. When you get home I’ll show you why Marcus is in such a tizzy.” He chuckled, “This is going to be good.” He had no idea. I told him, “Be sure to send Marcus your annoyance and let him know to whack another one out in the shower and find some goddamn chill.” I hung up as Drake laughed over the line.

I did some more paperwork and before I knew it, it was nearly time to play with the boys for an hour before bedtime. I stood and went and found them finishing their dinner. I observed Torvi and felt Astrid coming to me. She was really good with the boys. I cleared my throat.

Hastein waved animatedly and I smiled at him. I said, “Why don’t you guys get together for a picture?” They pouted. I told my nephews, “Your dad wanted a picture.” Astrid showed up and said, “I’ll hold the twins.” She grabbed them both. Oligar led Torvi by the hand. She blushed, “Do you think he’d mind if I’m in the picture?” I said, “He might punch me if you’re not.” She grinned and looked down for a second.

I snapped the picture when she was looking and sent it to my brother. He called not a second later. I declined only for him to send me his feelings of annoyance and call me right back. I sent him my feelings that it was family time and I’d call later. He needed to whack another one out. Jesus, he was wound tighter than I’d ever felt him.

I asked Torvi, “Do you need help with the boys? We usually do bath time together with our boys.” She said, “I don’t want to disturb their routine. That tends to cause fussiness. I’ll help though. That’s a lot of kids for a bath.” I teased, “I hope you’re prepared for the war zone.” She laughed, “I was born ready.” That was good.

We all went upstairs and got properly soaked but we were all smiling. I could easily see Torvi in this family. Oligar was a little younger than Hastein, but old enough to know when someone clicked with him. He looked at Torvi the way he looked at Astrid, with love. When the boys were dressed and in pajamas they gathered around the carpet and I read them a story. They bartered enough to get Torvi to read them another one before she portaled Marcus’ kids to their wing for bed.

We put our sons to bed then Astrid dragged me downstairs. I sent her mirth when I realized it was a nightcap. Dawson and Kashe were here and I was certain Torvi would be joining. Ivanna and Hark portaled in right before Javi, Lore, Kiera, and then Heather. All the women in the latter group were linking arms.

I asked, “What trouble did you all get up to?” Keira gasped, “Who? Us?” They burst into laughter. I told Dawson, “I don’t even want to know.” He agreed, “Me either.” Kashe ran off talking to Astrid getting drinks ready. He told me, “You know they are plotting when our next children will be born.” I chuckled, “They do seem to get pregnant around the same time. Astrid told me next year. How are your boys?” He told me, “Ornery as always. I hear Marcus’ oldest is quite taken with the new nanny.”

I asked, “Was I the only one who didn’t know about this until today?” Dawson shrugged, “I’ve been hearing conspiratorial whispers about this woman and Marcus for a month.” I smacked him on the back of the head demanding to know, “Where were you with that information a month ago?” He defended, “I thought you knew!” Astrid sent me a warning to shut up as Torvi descended the stairs.

Dawson shot me a look that said she was Marcus’ type to a T. Keira waved, “Torvi! Get over here, girl!” So all of them knew her. The woman all greeted her as if she was their long lost sister. Dawson called, “I see the group grows.” Astrid grinned coyly asking, “Doesn’t she just fit?” Dawson said, “If that’s what you all say then yes.” Kashe teased, “He’s so well trained.” Dawson agreed, “That I am, mate of mine.”

I went over and offered, “I’ll make you a drink, Torvi.” She gaped, “I couldn’t ask you to...” I cut her off, “You didn’t ask, I offered.” She grinned, “I’ll have a whiskey on the rocks.” I nodded and got us both one and handed her the drink. I asked, “How was your first day?” She animatedly told me, “It was great. They are such great boys. Astrid offering for me to be the nanny on a trial basis was amazing.”

That surprised me. I was certain Astrid was ready to lock her in the castle as her new sister. I asked, “Trial basis?” She nodded, “I put that in the contract. You never know if you’ll really click with the kids or them with you. I wouldn’t want to make them unhappy.” I evaluated her, “You’re a good person. Many people would sign wherever Astrid wanted to be here.”

She shrugged, “I hope not. It’s about the kids above all.” Not everyone felt that way. I told her, “I hope you stay and enjoy the capital. I’ve never seen Oligar take to anyone so quickly. The twins seem to love you already as well.” She teared up, “I hope so. They are such little darlings.” I chuckled, “If by that you mean adorable hellions, then yes.” She playfully slapped my arm, “Oh now. They are little angels.” It felt like a sibling banter the longer we talked. Just like I had instantly with Heather.

My phone rang again and I sent my brother my annoyance. I told Torvi, “It was lovely talking to you. I have to go deal with my obnoxious brother.” She asked, “Which one?” I answered, “Marcus.” She frowned, “Everyone says he’s so nice.” I winked, “They aren’t his older brother. Normally, he’s quite helpful. Since he heard someone’s name and got a picture of said new nanny he’s very annoying.” She bit her lip and giggled a little while I portaled away.

I answered, “Brother, what could you possibly….” He demanded, “Get me out of here! As a doctor I’m telling you it’s not good for my d**k to be this hard without relief.” I scoffed, “So relieve yourself.” He groaned, “I have. I’ve bought so much lube from this one store the woman must think I’m a gigolo. I’ve gone back that much since you sent me the picture of her holding my son's hand smiling like a damn goddess. Her eyes were begging for me to bite her ass.”

I replied dryly, “As the person who took the picture her eyes were begging for no such thing.” He continued, “Her boobs practically wept because they weren’t in my hand.” I stated, “They wouldn’t fit in your hand.” He added, “You can tell she’s so sad about not being in my bed satisfied and blissed out on orgasms.”

I groaned, “Wow. I see you’ve reached delusional levels of insanity.” He yelled, “EXACTLY! I’m practically unstable. Bring me home.” I told him, “Drake will be here tomorrow.” He sighed in relief. I added, “I’ll contact dad. Continue to keep whatever grocery store or s*x shop in business as you buy all their lube.” He huffed, “I’ll wipe them out. Her curves, brother.” I sighed, “I know. I’m the one who told you about them.” He scoffed, “You didn’t do them justice.” I shook my head. He added, “You’ll be paying the water bill at my house.” I yelled, “Are you serious?” I had more than enough money to do so, but he did too. He simply chuckled and hung up.

Oh my god they were going to drive me insane. I was about to send my dad my utter need for him to return and corral the rest of the monkeys he called sons when I felt lust and desire from him. My parents were on a rare off period, and I knew my mom hoped he’d come home with news of a potential child. I decided to leave him to those emotions because if I called him back my mom would come after me.

I returned to the party and enjoyed time with my mate. I pulled Astrid into me. When we left she asked, “Where did you disappear to? You seemed like you were having a good time then you felt annoyed.” I replied, “You threw a live grenade into Marcus’ brain. He’s annoying me and telling me he diagnosed himself with a need to come home. Because the only thing that will solve his hard on problem is being buried deep inside Torvi.” Astrid spit out her drink she laughed so hard.

I patted her on the back as she coughed. She waved her hand in front of her face, “You’re joking.” I assured her, “I’m not even remotely joking. I sent him a picture that he has invented looks and scenarios about on the woman’s eyes pleading for him to f**k her in his bed.” Astrid was crying, she was laughing so hard.

She said, “Well Torvi has imagined his homecoming, she hasn’t been flicking the bean every six seconds.” I shook my head, “Kashe and her human realm sayings.” Astrid cackled, “He’s really asking to come home?” I reiterated, “He claimed as a doctor he knew he needed to come home because he’s going to run the town out of lube. I was certain he was about to tell me he’d rubbed the damn thing raw.” Astrid couldn’t gather herself.

She ended up kicking her legs flat on her back on our bed. Who could resist such a clear invitation? Not me. I took advantage all night long. When she fell asleep Marcus sent me his intense lust and irritation. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD. I sent him back my need to sleep and for him to find some goddamn chill. He left me alone for exactly three hours in our realm before he woke me up with his need. I was going to punch him in the face.

I kissed Astrid’s head then got up and went outside to the barn. I called, “Son, you know you’re not supposed to leave without telling someone.” Hastein huffed, “Ride, please!” I chuckled and got my horse ready. I put him in front of me and took him through the trails. We went to the top and overlooked the Capital of our Kingdom.

I told him, “One day, you will run this Kingdom. I often took trips up here with your grandpa and still do. It puts things into perspective. We will always be loyal to our family and this Kingdom. You will make decisions sometimes that are hard because the crown is heavy. I will keep that burden from you as long as I can; as your Grandpa does for me. As you will for your firstborn one day as well.”

We watched the sunrise then I took us home. I portaled him to his brother's room where Astrid was getting him ready. I kissed her as Marcus sent me his annoyance. I told her, “I’m going to call my dad before Marcus becomes minced meat.” Both my boys giggled. Hugo blew a spit bubble and I ruffled his hair. I squeezed Astrid’s hand and left to call my dad.

I went to my office and called him. He answered, “Hello, Son.” I greeted, “Dad, we have more information on the ring in Alabama. Marcus is in position to take them out. I’m inclined to send Drake and a few cousins so they can take them out.” He agreed, “That’s great, son. Do that.” I would when Drake got home because Marcus was annoying the ever loving s**t out of me. I asked, “Are you coming home now?” He replied, “I’ll take a shower and be there.” I agreed, “See you soon.” He hung up.

A portal opened and a very annoyed Drake came through. He was covered in blood. I asked, “Did you have fun?” He ground out, “NO! What the f**k is up Marcus’ ass?” I found the picture on my phone and held it out to him. He raised an eyebrow and came closer. He was confused before it clicked. He started laughing, “I’m sorry, this is because Marcus has the hots for the new nanny?”

I told him, “The going theory is she’s his.” He warned, “She better f*****g be. He’s driving me insane.” I retorted, “You aren’t getting calls about him needing to come home for the medical reason of his d**k being hard.” Drake laughed, “He did not.” I replied, “He did. Go shower, see your mate, then get Dyre and Calder. Go to Marcus and wrap this up and tell him to focus for the love of god!” He agreed, “On that.”

He left and I called Marcus. He answered, “Please say Drake is back.” I said, “He is and I swear to god you’d better focus because if anyone gets hurt I will kick your ass. Especially if it’s you.” He assured me, “I can get this done.” I ordered, “Don’t rush. She’s not going anywhere, and she clearly likes you too. So, stop sending everyone your impatience. It’s almost wrapped up. Drake is home and he’ll be with you soon with our cousins.”

Marcus asked, “Dad is back?” I admitted, “Not yet. He will be soon.” He pressed, “Do we hope for a new sibling? I felt that desire and he was definitely having sex.” I tapped my bond with my mom. She was practically gloating and happy. I told him, “Mom definitely thinks we will get such news.” He laughed heartily. I told him, “I’ll know soon enough. I might let you know when I do. It depends on how annoying you continue to be.” He grumbled, “I’ll be less annoying, but you’d be the same roles reversed.” I scoffed, “Not quite but I’d be bad and we all know it.” We hung up.

I called my mom next. She answered, “Is he back? Did he tell you the news? TELL ME HE HAD NEWS!” I laughed, “Mom, I haven’t seen him yet. He is coming back though.” She chuckled, “Fine. I’ll be there in time for dinner.” I realized, “You’re making him wait for you.” She replied, “Of course I am. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and if he knows what’s good for him he’s planning something amazing to tell me about said possible child.” Her voice was wavering by the end.

I said, “Mom.” She cried, “I’ve just wanted this for so long. It could be a little girl. I’ll spoil a little boy too, but I could have tea parties and…” She started to cry because she was so happy. Operation Flood was going to happen if dad knocked someone up. At least we’d have some time, depending on the supernatural, to plan for that. I told her, “I’ll let dad know you’ll be here for dinner.” She blubbered, “You do that. Tug on our connection if he has no news. I need to prepare myself.” I agreed, “Of course.”

Dawson portaled into my office. He asked, “What’s that look?” I told him, “My dad felt lust and desire then clearly had s*x. Mom hopes he has news and is already crying over the thought of another child. Operation Flood is going to happen again.” Dawson laughed, “It’s one of your and Marcus’ better operation plans.” He wasn’t wrong. Marcus and I figured out when we were younger that we needed to be prepared when mom was happy crying. There were never enough tissues. We called it Operation Flood because we had operations and it was a flood of snot and tears. Kleenex were required.

I told Dawson, “Make sure our stock of tissues is prepared. If not, find more. We have a few hours.” He saluted me and took off. I was doing paperwork when a portal opened and my dad stepped through. I stood and hugged him, “I missed you, dad.” He replied, “I missed you too.” His phone dinged and he stepped back to look at it.

His happiness went through our bond. The smile on his face would’ve told me about his joy. My mom was so happy if he’d been paying attention my dad would’ve known she knew he had news. My brothers sent me their joy as well. My dad was oblivious to it all typing out messages.

Eventually I cleared my throat. He told me, “I met the fairy Queen.” My family’s curiosity shot through the roof over my astonishment. I clarified, “Queen Alania?” He nodded. Damn. She never left their realm. My sibling was double royalty. I asked, “Is she as stunning as they say?” I kind of doubted it. He answered, “She’s not your mother, but she is very beautiful. She’s pregnant.” I replied, “With your child, I assume.” He nodded.

I observed, “That’s a short concupiscence.” He told me, “She used magic to try and get pregnant. She’s very sad about Fenilton’s death. I think she wants someone else to focus on, and I was more than willing to try and give her what she wanted.” Whatever magic she used clearly worked.

I offered, “Maybe it’s a girl.” His joy pinged in our bond as he told me, “She claims it is.” A sister? My joy was off the charts now and my mom was practically screaming her joy, chomping at the bit for time to go by faster so she could come home.

I gathered myself and asked, “She confirmed she has sight then?” He answered, “Not officially. She hinted strongly at it. I’m trying not to get my hopes up about having a little girl.” He was not doing that well. I mused, “A partial fairy sister. I like it. I told mom you were coming back. She should be home in a few hours. I’ll just prepare all the brothers for Operation flood. Or are you not telling her you think the child is a girl?”

My dad asked, ““Do I look like a fool to you son? I wouldn’t keep that from your mother. She’s a shark and she’d smell blood in the water.” I told him, “Then I’ll be preparing for Operation flood. You know she’ll be insanely excited.” I really just wanted to know if he could feel anyone’s joy besides his. Astrid had figured it out in our bond already; this was about a sibling.

My dad replied, “I know your mother like the back of my hand. Let’s head to the kitchens. I have preparations to make. We walked down and neither of us stopped smiling. Logan ran to us. He asked, “Is it true, dad?” He asked, “What?” He said, “Evin said that your feelings and Bo’s mean that we are getting a sibling.” My dad laughed, “You guys are too smart.” Logan yelled, “YAY! I’m not the youngest anymore!” We both laughed. I told him, “We have to prepare for Operation flood. Tell the others.” He saluted me, “I’m on it, Bo!” He took off running the way he came.

I left my dad to organize whatever he had planned. Drake was already gone. I called Marcus. He asked, “Is it true?” I told him, “Dad only told me. What you all do with the feelings you felt is up to you. Can you wrap this up in a few hours our time? Or do you need leave to come home?” He asked, “You’re pulling us home? It’s already confirmed we are getting a sibling? What the hell? How?”

If I was a smart ass I’d tell him there was only one way. A fairy saw a glow. Alania obviously went home and asked someone if she was glowing and they answered. Fairies could see a pregnant woman literally glowing. I said, “I’m not giving information away. I’m asking if you can get this done before then.”