The Future King and the Commander's Daughter

Keep Moving Pt. 2

I never took my eyes off of Brandi and her daughter until they rolled them into a room away from us. I was rooted to my spot though. I needed confirmation they were going to make it. That I had done the right thing and had been on time. I needed them to say those words. Bjourn was adamant on checking me out. I was fine, and we both knew it. He needed his schooling and instruments to confirm it for him; so I let him do what he needed.

My mom reached me first. She sent me all her feelings. Jeez, the woman had so many feelings. Pride, annoyance, accepting that I stepped in, perturbed I stepped in, and relief. I gave everything I had collected to Titus. He nodded and gave me a quick hug before my dad pulled me into a big bear hug. He whispered, “Ita cor vestrum, sed numquam facere iterum (I am so proud of you, but never do that again).”

I teased him, “Filia patris mei sum. Facio quod oportet fieri (I am my father and mother’s daughter. I do what needs to be done.” He groaned, “Aesir, give me strength.” We went to see Brandi. I was stunned they’d named her after me. Well, the pet name Bjourn used for me. The whole realm knew it though. I was beyond honored.

Harper and Gunner were already in love with little Calista. I was certain a trio was just born. Titus sent us all off. I squeezed Brandi’s hand and she did the same back. We were sisters in arms now. I looked at little Cali. She had a piece of my heart, and I’d make sure nothing bad ever happened to her. A fierce sense of protectiveness swelled up inside of me. My mom winked at me before patting my back. Bjourn wasn’t able to leave without another check over Cali. I wondered if he knew Harper’s feelings were why. I knew and by the looks of it so did Veronica. Harper visibly relaxed along with Gunner when Bjourn’s assessment was that everything was good. I nearly laughed.

We went outside together and my need overtook me. When he spun me I caught sight of Briar and Rhett both looking furious. I could care less about whatever their problem was. Bjourn and I were electric together, and the magic I felt with him was always intense. When we finally managed to leave I saw several familiar people. Briar and Rhett were lost in each other. Interesting. That was a match made in hell if I ever saw one. So, it was perfect. I thought they hated each other though. I thought about it as we passed more people.

Maybe they hated each other because they liked each other but were refusing to let go of their first crushes. That made sense to me. Rhett still seemed to think he’d get me from Bjourn. As if I was competition. He may be a man to the realm, but to me he was a boy who couldn’t grow up. Briar wanted Bjourn simply for status. She’d tried for Marcus and Drake too. Both flicked her off faster than she could blink. Rhett would be a much better boyfriend for her.

I teased my brother and Kashe on the way to the castle. Kashe flipped me off behind Dawson’s back then made an O with her thumb and index finger letting me know she was happy I was ok. We had our own signals as we often went out together. I let her get back to enjoying the orgy with everyone else.

I enjoyed showering with Bjourn. He was so tender and soft. I felt honored because I knew few people knew this side of him. Which annoyed me a lot sometimes. They thought he was this hardened man, but he loved deeply and fiercely. He showed this side to all that he loved, but moments like this were always reserved for me.

I was overjoyed by his reaction to my thoughts on our kids. We were both going to be ready when I turned sixteen to start our family. It was a little daunting to think I was going to give birth to the future King or Queen. Likely a King, there were no girls in the King’s line, only Prince’s of the realms or Duke’s.. All boys. Veronica had been working on Titus to try for an off period child. Given his stance on what happened to the last Royal partial; I just didn’t know if it would happen. Titus had literally declared no Hackura woman but Veronica would have his children. Which left other supernatural’s. I just didn’t know who he’d be open to. Veronica would figure that out though.

Bjourn’s love for me was something I knew well, but there were times it choked me up with emotion. He loved me so much that he would disobey a direct order from his dad. Some people might think that was just talk from him, but Bjourn didn’t do that. If he said something he meant it. Disobeying his dad was serious, and I knew he meant he’d do it for me. It was probably something only he could do as the Future King. That was in him to know he was the one who made the shots and rules. His brothers would always bow to him, but he did not have that. Something our firstborn would share with his father.

After he made love to me, I couldn’t keep my eyes open. When I woke up to get ready to meet Titus, Bjourn was snoring away. I giggled and kissed his cheek. I frowned when he didn’t react. He must really need sleep. I got in the shower and grabbed some clothes. I skipped into the room, “I can’t believe you didn’t join me in the shower….” I trailed off realizing Bjourn was still asleep.

I ran to the bed, “Bjourn?” Nothing happened. I pushed him onto his back and straddled him. I kissed him and he didn’t react. I screamed, “BJOURN!” He didn’t react. He was a light sleeper, and he’d never slept through a kiss from me. Ever. I jumped off and ran to the door. I yelled, “SOMEONE HELP US!” I ran back and tried to get him to sit up but he just fell back down. I cried, “Bjourn, please wake up!” Titus, Veronica, and Bjourn’s mentor, Hrafn, came in.

I frowned, “You’re supposed to be on the other side of the realm.” I glanced at Titus and Veronica. I gasped, “You felt something in the bond! What’s wrong with him?” Hrafn said, “I’m here to find out. I scanned him last night, and nothing was wrong other than he was tired.” I glared at him, “One usually announces they are coming in the room.” He winked at me, “I move like a cat, and you were also exhausted. Your adrenaline crashed, not unlike Bjourn’s. You did this realm proud and you needed rest just as he did.” Veronica said, “We were with him when he checked on both of you.” Dang I was really out of it.

Hrafn studied Bjourn then said, “He’s exhausted.” I argued, “He’s unconscious. I sat him up and he didn’t wake up!” Hrafn nodded, “Yes, he opened several portals in an area we have people trying to. They can’t do it. He shouldn’t have been able to do it once, let alone as many times as he did.” I asked, “They still can’t?” Veronica said, “Marcus has the warlock and demon who did it getting answers.”

I put the pieces together, “Bjourn opened up portals to send people through.” Titus answered, “He did. The one who said something bad about you went septic.” I snorted, “Bjourn did that then.” Hrafn said, “No one doubts that. He told Marcus when he came through hoping he would help him.” Then he was sorely disappointed. Hrafn said, “I’ll be back to check on him, but I believe he just needs to rest. I could bring him to the hos…” I cut him off, “No, Bjourn wouldn’t want that. Especially if you said he is just tired.”

Hrafn sighed, “It’s true doctors make the worst patients.” I retorted, “I bet someone with a fear of doctors is a worse patient.” He laughed, “How true. Call me if anything changes. I will always come and help.” I nodded and he left. My guilt was crushing me.

My dad walked in, “Astrid, this isn’t your fault.” I said, “He wanted to come back to the castle and I let my lust overtake us.” My dad blew out a breath, “He was a willing participant who also needed to let his lust out. I’m impressed he made it outside, but he has always had an impressive willpower.” I nodded and he gave me a hug.

Titus sat down on the couch with Veronica. He asked, “What happened?” I couldn’t be anything but grateful he understood I needed to be here with Bjourn right now so he moved the meeting here.” I broke it down for him step by step several times. We go over every angle with multiple asking questions.

He asked, “What happened to the shooter Brandi mentioned?” I told him, “I’m not sure. Someone wearing a mask got him.” My dad studied me along with the rest of them. They kept questioning me, but I honestly didn’t meet Benny. I just saw him and knew based on the description that it was him. I was hoping to get something from Titus, but if he knew he gave away nothing. Which wasn’t surprising Bjourn hadn’t been able to get anything out of his dad about him either.

Once they finished debriefing me I asked, “What have we learned?” Titus said, “We will go over it when Bjourn wakes up, but they wanted the baby.” I disagreed, “I think Calista was a bonus, they wanted Brandi.” Veronica glanced sharply at me. Titus leaned forward, “Why?” I answered, “Because the man who ran away from me with Calista went into the cave. There was no escape that way. They would eventually have to fight me and he had to have wrapped the cord around her neck. I think Brandi was the target since they took her to the entrance.” They all shared looks and nodded.

Veronica asked, “Would you come eat with us?” I shook my head, “I won’t leave him.” My dad and Titus sighed. Veronica said, “I do understand the choice. If he doesn’t wake up soon though, I’ll get you out of this room because my son would not be happy if you were cooped up here the whole time. I’ll send up some food.” I smiled at her and they all left. I climbed back into bed and whispered, “I’m sorry, Bjourn. If we had a bond I would’ve known how tired you were.” I slid over and cuddled him while he lay motionless.

For the first time in our lives, he was still. He was always moving and he’d never been injured other than cuts from training. That I knew of, anyway. If Bjourn was injured out on a mission I’d never known about it. He would’ve healed before he came back, but I would think Marcus would tell me.

I told him, “You’re not supposed to be like this, you know? Why didn’t you just leave the bodies there and let our people know to come clean up? They could’ve tracked it. You just have to do everything, don’t you? You’re always the King to this realm even though you won’t be crowned for decades. Don’t you know that I don’t want you to get hurt either? You were coming for me.” His chest moved up and down. I whispered, “Revertere ad me qui meus est orbis (Come back to my, My World).”

I hoped his eyes would open because I knew if he could hear me, he’d make it happen. He hated it when I sounded sad. Nothing changed though, which meant he couldn’t hear me. He was unconscious. I huddled into him and let myself fall back asleep.

I woke up when someone poked me. I jumped, “Bjourn?” Kashe snorted, “No, it’s me. Go shower you sweaty, smelly, mess of a glorious woman that I adore. It’s been two days. The royals and your family are worried. They were all ‘we should let her sleep.’ Then I was all, ‘she’s slept for almost two days. Girlfriend needs to get up.’ It was a whole argument they are still having. Dawson winked at me when I left and so did Marcus. Because see, they know what I know. Mister Crown Prince man over there will lose his s**t if he wakes up and you’re depressed and reeking of human soup. Enter Kashe.”

I frowned, “It’s been two days and he’s still not up? What are they doing for him?” She replied, “Everything they can. Now, you’re going to do something for him.” I frowned, “What can I do?” She answered, “Take his brothers to the park. They are depressed too and we know he’d hate that. They came in to see him, which you didn’t notice. I find this concerning since you notice everything. Harper was upset that Bjourn wouldn’t get up. So, we are all going to play. Dawson will join us after he tells Mister Crown Prince man my threats I’ve made on if he doesn’t wake up in the next twenty-four hours.”

I snorted, “You can’t threaten him, he is the future King.” She rolled her eyes, “I threaten him ALL the time. I mean it too. No one hurts my girl, even him. Now, shower!” She shooed me off the bed into the bathroom. She came back in with yoga pants and Bjourn’s t-shirt. I started to get out, but she waved me back in. She said, “You take a long relaxing shower like the future Queen you are.” I blushed.

I took my time then got out. She nodded, “Better.” She put some mascara on me. I told her, “I don’t need makeup.” She said, “Mascara is barely makeup. Besides, you need to feel like yourself. You’re going to tell those boys you are taking them to the park and look like a somewhat functioning human while doing so.” I asked, “They don’t want me to?” She waved, “They don’t know what they want. It’s why they have us, now move.” I chuckled quickly while putting on my clothes.

I followed her down the hall. Everyone was there in the main room, which surprised me because it was so quiet. I asked, “Who wants to go to the park?” Harper’s head shot up and he ran to me, “Ashtid!” It was pretty close to my name, and I loved it when he said it. I scooped him up saying, “I hear no one has been playing.” He whispered, “Bjourn is hurt. I have been to see Cali though.” Of course he had. I countered, “He’s just resting. The big doofus overextended himself. He’s going to be fine.” I shot Hrafn a look letting him know he better not make me a liar.

He chuckled to himself before agreeing, “My protegee is just fine. A little more rest and he will be right as rain.” He’d better be, or Bjourn would spank me for punching his mentor in the face. My brother sent me his laughter after sensing my feelings in the bond. I hugged my family then announced, “Let’s go Cambridge boys.” Several huffed but they followed me.

Once we were outside I asked Drake, “Where is Marcus?” He answered, “With the prisoners getting answers as he knows our brother would want. I’ve been rotating in and out between him and our brothers. So have my parents. One of them is always with the younger ones.” Evin huffed, “I’m not that much younger than you, Drake.” Drake replied, “Five years is not a small gap, brother.” Evin pouted. I told him, “You’ll be a man soon enough, don’t rush it.” He smiled at me.

I took his hand and squeezed it. Harper said, “Down.” I instantly put him down and he ran over to Gunner at the park who squealed. Jeanie sighed in relief, “Oh thank god you’re here.” Drake laughed, “You only came out here twenty minutes ago.” Jeanie retorted, “Kicking and screaming. Gunner has been throwing a tantrum since he had to leave Harper. That was after the tantrum of making them both leave Brandi’s hospital room and little Cali.”

Both Harper and Gunner made an annoyed face at her for the reminder. I asked, “Brandi is still in the hospital?” Everyone nodded. I asked, “Is everything ok?” Jeanie assured me, “Everything is right as rain. They are being very momma and papa Hackura about their baby girl given what she went through.” That I understood.

I nodded and got in the sand box and played with the boys. Eventually, our happy moment was shattered by an obnoxious voice. Briar said, “There you are, Astrid. You’re causing chaos again, I see. Our Crown Prince is laid up because of you.” Drake said, “How ill informed you are. My brother is resting because of the magic he used.” Briar replied, “BB used it for her.” UGH! That nickname she used for my man annoyed this s**t out of me. Aaron was sending his curiosity about what was going on. He’d probably show up now.

Evin said, “His name is Bjourn. BB is a stupid nickname and he hates it.” Briar frowned, “I think you’re wrong. He’s never corrected me.” I chimed in, “He did. He mentioned several times he told you his name was Bjourn. You ignored him.” She huffed, “Don’t be jealous you’re not the only one with a nickname for him.” I glared at her and she shrank back.

Evin spat back, “Don’t be jealous she’s his stella mea and you're NOTHING to him!” Drake calmly said, “Evin.” Briar gasped, “That was rude!” Rhett ran up before anyone could say anything else. He gave me a hug, “I’m so glad you’re ok.” I pulled back, “Right as rain, thanks to Bjourn.” His jaw ticked but he nodded.

Several people joined us. Lore ran up with Kashe and Dawson. Lore hugged me, “Thank god you’re alright.” I squeezed her tightly. She’d become a really good friend over the past three years. Lore nodded to Briar and Dawson. Rhett stared at her when she barely acknowledged him. It had been like this for years now and he still seemed to think she was the girl who mooned over him.

She told me, “I’m meeting Javi in a few minutes or I’d stay.” I told her, “Go get your man, girlfriend.” Rhett scoffed. I shot a glance back at him. He’d better stop or Javi would kill him. Javi and Lore had met last year and had been hot and heavy since. He treated her like his Queen. His parents thought she was his mate. A lot of people did. Rhett seemed to want his cake and eat it too. Briar nudged Rhett annoyed and he put a hand on her back which mollified her.

Lore rolled her eyes with me and then we both laughed. I asked, “How is Javi?” She answered, “He’s good. Anxiously waiting for his assignment as a guard.” I winked, “You know why he doesn’t have one.” It wasn’t a secret Titus was holding Javi and Blade aside in case he had a daughter. Lore laughed, “I do and so does he. He’s a patient man.” Rhett scoffed, “Of course he is.” I turned, “A man who can kick your ass. I’d watch that attitude.” Briar gasped at me. I told Lore, “Thanks for coming to see me.” I gave her a hug and she ran off to go find her man.

Briar flushed, “You can’t just threaten people because Bjourn is your boyfriend for now.” I turned, “I didn’t threaten anyone.” Rhett said, “Briar, it’s fine.” Briar argued, “No, it’s not. Bjourn is hurt because of her he overexerted himself supposedly for her. He used more strength than he has.” Evin asked, “What do you mean supposedly? Bjourn is the strongest person in the realm.” Rhett rolled his eyes. Uh oh.

Histeck moved fast, kicking Rhett in the shin with Ubbe. Benjamin kicked Briar and when she went down Harper and Gunner threw sand in her eye. Harper yelled, “YOU MEAN!” Rhett grimaced but didn’t fall. Evin yelled, “BJOURN IS THE STRONGEST IN THE REALM! ASTRID IS HIS STELLA MEA! YOU WILL NOT DISRESPECT THEM AROUND US!”

Histeck practically growled, “How dare you doubt the strength of your future King!” A crowd had gathered. Drake had Evin in his arms. I said, “Kashe, can you grab Harper?” She scoffed, “Sure.” She bent down and picked him up then held him by the hips so he could grab more sand that he threw at Briar. I shot her a look. She asked, “What? I’m holding him.”

Briar screamed, “I’m a mess.” Dawson said, “You are a playground.” Briar stood, “She’s just jealous Bjourn is replacing my clothes because they got ruined.” I had no idea what she was talking about. She pointed, “You don’t even know about it! He cares for me.” Ubbe wriggled away from me and kicked her in the shin again. She screamed, “YOU LITTLE BRAT!” I grabbed her by the arm and squeezed.

She gritted her teeth, “I’m sorry.” I ordered, “Rhett, get her out of here.” Drake chimed in, “Oh and Briar, Bjourn offered to have the Royal family replace your shirt for the little girl; not you. You made her cry because she pointed out you dropped your phone. Children are messy. If you want to avoid them, don't go to a park.”

He got in her face adding, “Call my brother a brat again and I will make you regret the day you were born.” She gasped and he punched her in the stomach. She bent over and Rhett quickly took her away. I told the boys, “You shouldn’t have done that.”

Evin argued, “They disrespected our brother. Bjourn wouldn’t stand for anyone talking about us or you that way. He’s killed people for less about you.” I didn’t really know how to argue that since he was right. To humans this was overkill, but this was how we handled things. We ran higher tempered than humans as supernaturals. I actually felt bad for those that lived in the human realm because they had to tamp down their instincts in ways we did not.

I hugged them all one by one. Evin whispered, “Drake?” Drake said, “I would’ve done worse than kick them in the shins. Astrid is going to officially be our sister and future Queen in three years. Bjourn is the strongest of us all and he’s resting. He did an amazing thing, and she doesn’t get to relegate it to nothing. He protected his mate, a Hackura warrior, and a baby. No one should say anything but hail to the crown Prince.” All the boys puffed up and kept playing.

Histeck grumbled, “BB is a STUPID name and he hates it.” I chuckled, “Yeah, well why she calls him that isn’t even the best reason.” Kashe snorted, “The best? Are you serious? It’s the DUMBEST thing ever. She was trying to learn to shoot a gun and failing so Bjourn gave her a BB gun to start out. TWO YEARS AGO! I had a BB gun when I was three. She couldn't even shoot that. He was the instructor for the class. He literally HAD to help her. She thinks he made this GALANT sacrifice seeing her struggle and giving her a BB gun. If she wasn’t in our friend group he would’ve kicked her out of the class.” I chuckled,