The Future King and the Commander's Daughter

My World Pt. 2

When the game ended I said, “This was a lot of fun.” Briar snorted, “You guys cheated.” Drake’s voice was ice when he asked, “Excuse me?” Briar stammered, “I…was…just joking.” Marcus said, “You are a sore loser is what you are.” She flushed red and I enjoyed that a little too much. Our friend Ivanna, the peacekeeper, interjected, “Everyone knows it’s hard for Hackura’s to lose. We enjoy the competition, but it was a fun game. I look forward to playing.” Just like that everything was smoothed over.

Or so they thought, but they didn’t know the Cambridge boys like I did. Marcus and Drake were scenting blood in the water, and they were on the lookout. Everyone knew Bjourn was always on the hunt when it came to me. The other Cambridge boys were more subtle, but on the hunt all the same. No one would suspect those two. So, they just might solve the mystery. Only time would tell.

Kashe announced, “Well, now I’m up.” Briar asked, “For what?” Kashe looked stunned, “Didn’t I mention that Bjourn told me to get everyone here to distract Astrid from him being out on a mission? He set up everything to make sure his Stella mea was distracted while he was gone. I swore I mentioned that earlier.” Ivanna laughed nervously, “You didn’t but that’s sweet.” Kashe winked, “Isn’t it just? It comes with notes and everything. He’s so starry eyed over his proclaimed star. Go figure. Who could blame him? Astrid is HOT.” She handed me my note.

Briar teased, “It must hurt you’re not a woman yet so you can’t help when he comes home.” She was a woman and that was her point. She was two years older than us, but she was in our grade. She claims she started school late, but I seriously doubt it. I think she just didn’t care enough about school. She wasn’t dumb by any means she just didn’t apply herself.

I replied evenly, “I would never stand in Bjourn’s way of what he needs.” Marcus angrily said, “My brother intends to see Astrid the second he comes home.” Briar nodded understandably, “Sure. Then he’ll run off and do what needs to be done.” Drake harshly said, “Don’t speak of things you don’t understand. Why are you friends with her, Astrid? She’s insanely rude. She acts like she knows anything about my brother when she clearly doesn’t. He’s not someone incapable of dealing with emotions inside him. He’s the best of us, he’s the future King and she acts like he’s incapable of control or making logical choices.”

Briar turned red with embarrassment. Ivanna swooped in again, “Well, this was fun! Let’s do it again sometime. Briar and I have nail appointments to get to. We will be late if we don’t leave now.” She dragged her out of the room. Lore said, “Well, I think that’s so romantic and sweet that Bjourn did that for you.” She cut a sly glance at Rhett saying, “I’d be thrilled if someone cared for me that much.” My heart broke a little for her. I reached forward and squeezed her hand assuring her, “Someone will. You deserve to be loved and cherished. You are a rare soul.” Her eyes blinked in surprise then gratefulness.

Kashe said, “Well, let’s get on with it. Read your note so we can head to our next destination. This one was great fun. We won and none of our weapons of choice are a bow. It’s nowhere near our best weapon even. Not even in the top five, I’m so proud of us.” I chuckled and nudged her elbow. I offered, “Lore, would you like to join us?” She faltered, “Me? Really?” I nodded, “Sure, it would be fun.”

She glanced at Rhett. He shrugged, “I’m going to play video games.” He left in a huff. Marcus snorted, “What an ass.” Lore tried to defend him, “He’s not really.” Marcus turned and told her, “When a beautiful girl wants to hang out with you, you do. If you're dumb and want to decline you at least wait when a beautiful girl hasn’t accepted or declined an offer to hang out and you leave before knowing if she needs to be walked home, you're an ass.”

Aaron agreed “Yeah. Lore, if you don’t want to head off with Kashe and Astrid I’ll walk you home.” She blushed, “That’s very kind. I think I’ll go with them though.” Aaron nodded, “I’ll be in the gym. Have fun!” He waved and started to leave. I pulled him into a hug and sent him my gratitude and thanks in our bond. He sent me his love then left. I opened my note.

Stella mea,

Now, it’s time for a cool down of sorts. Your next two stops go together. Have fun with your friends. Take a picture of my brothers doing this next part with you because they say a picture is worth a thousand words and this certainly will be. Head out the north door and go twenty feet. You’ll know it’s your destination when you see it.

Bjourn

I asked, “Marcus, what are we doing?” He admitted, “I actually don’t know. He just said we’d know it when we saw it.” Kashe gasped dramatically, “SHUT UP! I know something you don’t? Oh, this is a wonderful feeling. I need to bask in it. No one move.” Lore tried to cover her snicker. Kashe waved a hand in front of her face, “I know it’s because I’m so annoying and I told Bjourn that we didn’t want you to miss it just in case. It’s still a beautiful moment. It took me an hour and half to get him to crack. As always it was what if Astrid doesn’t know then she’d feel bad that got him to tell me. I can’t believe his brothers didn’t try that.”

Drake interjected, “Because we know Astrid will get it right.” Kashe snorted, “Of course she will. That’s not the point. I wanted to know what we were doing. You lot are no fun. You know this, yes?” Marcus said, “We have fun.” Kashe sent him a disbelieving look. I grabbed her and dragged everyone outside. We went twenty feet outside and everyone gasped.

There was a Barre workout building here in the main square now. I told them, “This is it.” My mom and I had been going to a place for Barre workouts since I could crawl together. It closed down because the owner’s daughter didn’t want the business and her mom didn’t want to run it anymore or sell it. We hadn’t gone in a few months. I’d told Bjourn I was sad about it. He had this one built for me.

Drake said, “Not to argue, but my bets are on the place next to it.” I was pulled out of my stupor. I asked, “Huh?” I looked at the building next to it and gasped. It was a wine and painting place called Stella Mea. Tears filled my eyes as I looked at the Logo of a cluster of stars with one as the largest.

Kashe said, “To no one’s surprise, Astrid is right. We do the barre class first, THEN we get to drink and paint. Bjourn wasn’t about to let his Stella Mae try to do a bar class after drinking. What if she fell? The realm would collapse from his anger.” I scoffed and punched her arm. Lore offered, “He would be upset with his brothers if she had a bruise or something. The order of events is smart.”

We walked inside and the girl up front greeted, “Astrid Crawford, hello. Your private session is ready to go. There are dressing rooms with clothes the Crown Prince set out for you all in case you wanted to change. No pressure. He said it wasn’t necessary. Also, here are you and your mother’s passes for class. I’ve put a folder together with our new member packet. The schedule of classes are in there. We look forward to seeing you again. I hope to be talking to your mom soon.” I took everything she gave me and said, “Thank you.”

Lore asked, “Did you say clothes for all of us? I would like to get out of the paint clothes.” She smiled, “Yes, Lore. Here is your pass as well. The Crown Prince set everyone with a membership at the old Barre class with a first month free pass.” She gave her the pass and tears filled Lore’s eyes. She whispered, “Thank you.” I told her, “I’ll let you know what class my mom and I pick.” She was in the class with us. She nodded and went to the locker room to change.

Kashe grabbed me, “Color me intrigued to what our outfits look like.” I laughed and let her lead me in. Lore was putting a gray crop top tied in the middle with long sleeved and high waisted bottoms. It was exactly like something she’d wear to our old classes. As Bjourn knew, he was often waiting outside for me. Mine was a black sheer and a darker blue around the neck, bottom and top. I’d wanted it for a while. How did the man know what was in my browsing history? I’d have to ask.

Kashe said, “Well, thank god the man customized these.” She had a pair of black leggings and a blue crop top with sleeves. She said, “No offense but I’m not wearing a leotard.” I noticed there were outfits laid out for the other girls. Too bad Ivanna didn’t come, she liked Barre classes.

We walked back out and I snapped a picture of Marcus and Drake in the first pose. I was certain Marcus caught it, but Drake didn’t. I actually had a lot of fun. I’d missed these classes. I couldn’t wait to tell my mom. Maybe Veronica told her. I doubted it though because she’d have felt excited in our bond. I knew she was curious about my happiness right now. It had a nostalgic feel to it which piqued her curiosity.

After class we changed into other clothes that had been laid out. Lore seemed visibly moved by the gesture. I left her to her feelings knowing I was probably not the person she wanted to confide in. We went next door and started painting. Kashe teased, “Don’t you just know he picked the painting out himself.”

The instructor told us, “The crown prince did pick this one.” Kashe nodded, “We know. He’s never predictable unless Astrid is involved. Picking a painting with stars was a given.” It was a painting of the sky and the moon with two wine glasses with stars coming out of them to form a heart in the sky. We drank and laughed as the wine flowed.

Marcus and Drake left to do a sweep which had all of us rolling our eyes. Lore said, “Astrid.” I turned to face her. She apologized, “I’m so sorry.” I frowned, “For what?” She huffed, “I’ve not been nice to you lately because I like Rhett but he just talks about you. That’s not your fault. You’ve had my six several times today when you didn’t have to. Thanks, you’re a good friend even when I’ve been a shitty one.”

I took her hands, “You are a good person and honestly, I get it.” She looked around, “Yeah, no you don’t. Rhett wouldn’t do anything like this for me. Hell, he wouldn’t write a note let alone open multiple businesses having to do with my interests. He doesn’t know what they are, he barely knows I exist.” I explained, “Not that. I know you like him and if Bjourn acted like Rhett towards me I’d do what you do. We know I don’t like Briar because she likes him.” Lore frowned, “She’s rude to you so it’s not the same.”

I shrugged, “I’m just saying I get it.” She huffed, “Well, I’m going to do better. You’re a good friend and I’ll be one for you too.” I nodded, “My advice, you deserve someone who would do things like this for you. If Rhett doesn’t see the rare jewel in front of him, that’s his loss.” Kashe snorted, “He deserves someone like Briar. That’s a match for sure. Lore is too nice. She needs a man that does devilish things to her in bed that we are all stunned she loves and call her a freak in sheets. Someone who simultaneously treats her like the treasure she is in the streets.”

Lore gasped, “KASHE!” She shrugged, “You heard it here first, Astrid. There is a man that will do something that boring you just know he’s a missionary with the lights off only man Rhett could never. I’ll be all you dirty girl, Lore. I knew it!” We all busted up laughing when Marcus and Drake asked, “What happened?” Simultaneously. That made us laugh harder. The teacher said, “What’s said in wine and paint class stays there.” We saluted her.

When the class ended Kashe said, “And we bid you adieu, Bjourn’s stella mea. Your mom has your last note. I know this because again, I used his love for you against him. I wanted to know so I found out. I do hope the Cambridge boys take note of my wily ways. I won’t even be mad if they use it in the future to know the plans like I do. I’ll have a proud moment and fan my face saying my boys have grown up and learned how to get information!” Drake and Marcus shook their heads. I told her and Lore, “This was a lot of fun. Thanks guys!” Lore waved, saying, “Have a good evening!” Drake walked them both home while Marcus walked with me.

When I got home my mom and Veronica were there waiting. I smiled, greeting, “Hi Mom! Hi, Veronica. How are you doing?” She told me, “Like I’m ready to give birth, but all the men in my life have given Ubbe instructions to stay put until they are back. That stubborn Cambridge blood has Ubbe staying where he is. Despite what his mother says. These boys I tell you, I adore them but that tenacity can get you.”

I laughed, agreeing, “They are stubborn.” My mom handed me my note. I giggled and took it to read. Ignoring their smirks and knowing smiles. I wondered if they knew what I’d done today, but I’d get those answers in a minute. I couldn’t wait to see Bjourn and thank him for this wonderful day he’d given me. I’d been thoroughly distracted which was his goal. I should’ve known since the man always accomplishes his goals.

Stella mea,

I hope you enjoyed the day. Our moms have your favorite ice cream and movie to watch in the background while you talk about your day and theirs. I’ll be home before you know it. I can’t wait to see you.

Bjourn

The day was almost over, but for him it had been maybe an hour in the earthly realm. I looked up and my mom handed me my ice cream. She said, “So, tell us about your day. We are dying to know about it. Veronica couldn’t get details out of Bjourn other than you’d be distracted spending time with your friends.”

I took them through my day. Veronica chuckled, “My son is head over heels.” I blushed. My mom said, “Well, show me the folder for our new Barre class.” She practically yanked the folder away from me and read through it all. She smiled, “I can’t believe he gave this back to us. That’s so sweet of him. I missed that time with you. Your dad gets you all the time in the gym, this was for us. I was actually thinking about doing it myself, but the paperwork to start up a business was so not for me. I’d rather manage it all.”

Veronica chuckled, “You didn’t read that very thoroughly, Tierra.” I asked, “What?” Veronica nodded to the paper. I scanned it realizing my mom was listed as the manager and there was a note for her in the folder. She took it and read it. She laughed, “Veronica, your boy just never misses. He said it was mine to manage if I wanted. That he’d run the idea by Remington who thought it was a great idea but ultimately it’s up to me. He just needed an answer when he came home.”

I asked, “What’s the answer?” My mom yelled, “Uh hell yes! That’s my answer. I offered that deal to the old place, but she just didn’t want to see the business in someone’s hands.” That was weird since my mom didn’t want to be the owner just run it, but this worked out for everyone now. Bjourn didn’t miss. He was perfect.

Veronica said, “I can’t wait until Ubbe’s grand appearance so I can try the wine and paint place.” I showed them my painting. My mom smirked, “That’s quite the drawing.” I admitted, “Bjourn picked it out and we followed instructions.” Veronica grinned broadly and shared a look with my mom.

I laid my head down on my mom’s lap and watched the movie and faded to sleep. When I woke up I was in my bed. My dad probably carried me in here since it was his scent that was in my room. I didn’t turn on the light, instead gently rolling off the bend and army crawling to the window. Bjourn should be back sometime today. I saw Marcus outside with coffee he was bringing to the front door. Given the time, It would be for my dad. He was always up and going. I usually slept in on the weekends.

I waited until Marcus went to the front door then opened my door slowly. I went to the guest room that faced the opposite side of the house and opened the window. Drake would be watching my window, not this one. I slid out onto the roof, climbed down the drainpipe, and landed on the ground.

I nearly screamed when my mom whispered, “Tell Bjourn I said hi.” I put my hand to my chest, my heart pounding. She was standing just out of my sight and winked. She went back inside through the ground floor window she had opened. Damn. I so wanted to be her when I grew up. I took off running for the spot Bjourn had left the realm from. He’d come back this way and I could just see him. That’s all I needed. He’d do what he needed, but I had to see that he was ok. Every fiber of my being was attuned to the spot waiting for a portal to open.

Eventually, I climbed the tree and waited. I wasn’t sure how long passed before I saw the portal open. Relief hit me so hard when I saw Bjourn come through with Dawson. I briefly panicked because he was covered in blood, but I quickly realized it was not his. Damn he looked good covered in blood. He walked taller too, he was a man now. I was a little annoyed he didn’t mention he’d be killing people on his mission. I thought he was just gathering intel. Dawson took off. I knew where he’d be going. Kashe. She was already a woman and Dawson was sweet on her. She might talk a big game, but she was sweet on him too.

Everything I wanted to tell him and say faded when he spoke to me. He just knew I was there. We were that in tune all the time. I wished he knew because of the mate bond, and me being accepted into his bloodline, but that wasn’t it. He was just that good.

Being in his arms it felt like everything slid back into place again. I hadn’t realized how off kilter I’d felt, which wasn’t surprising since he packed my day full of things to distract me. I’d have to return the favor. I could plan something for Bjourn with my dad. It's going to have to be a day full of competitions or he’d think. He’d think anyway, but with competitions he’d be focused on winning too. Bjourn didn’t like to lose, which he rarely did. I’d only seen him loose to his dad, Uncle, and Grandpa.

I looked at his watch and realized it was nearly evening. I’d been out here all day. Marcus and Drake were probably pissed. In my defense, I thought Bjourn would be back early this morning. Then he kissed me and everything stopped. It was everything I wanted. I’d dreamed of him kissing me and here he was.

We teased each other while my heart soared among the clouds. Then he told me he wasn’t leaving to have s*x. He wanted our first time together too. I knew he could hear my heart skip a beat. It was pounding in my ears. I wanted to scream my happiness and excitement for all to hear. Before I could, his lips were on mine again and we lost ourselves to the moment.

I teased him about being there on my mission. He stunned me saying he would be there. I thought I’d be able to distract him, but the look in his eyes told me how serious he was. He’d be there on my first mission. A thrill shot through me knowing once I went out, I could do the same for him.

I wasn’t worried about what he’d heard on his mission. It was a foregone conclusion people would find out about me and Aaron someday. It was sooner than my dad would’ve wanted, but it was life. Everyone knew about Bjourn and his brothers. It came with being who we were.

We went back to the castle after some time. I had clothes here and he had clothes at mine. When we joined the group I knew Drake and Marcus were pissed. I hoped they didn’t look all day for me. The dinner was nice. I still couldn’t believe the day was here and now Bjourn was a man.

I knew Bjourn was annoyed with the information his dad told him about his mission. He wanted to find whoever leaked my name and end them. That must be what he needed my help with. I knew I was wrong when we headed to the library.

His story shocked me. A survivor in the Cambridge family m******e. I could understand why they’d hide it. My heart went out to Benny having all his connections in his bond ripped away. He hadn’t met his mate and according to this book hadn’t. He’d feel Zader, Ragor, and Titus more than anyone since they were related. It had to feel empty to him though. I honestly didn’t want to imagine so I stopped putting myself in Benny’s shoes.

We began kissing and he said the words we were supposed to think and never acknowledge. Bjourn was never one for rules with me though. He was counting down the days until my sixteenth birthday and I’d be his. My heart caught in my throat. We were finally talking about the elephant in the room. He was so certain I was his and I desperately hoped Aesir granted our joint plea because I prayed to him for the same thing, Bjourn to be mine forever.

We fell asleep in each other’s arms. I knew when he got out of bed but heard him talking to Marcus so I didn’t say anything. He came back to bed with me because that was the thing with us. We always came back to each other. We had to be forever or I’d have to leave the realm. I wouldn’t survive the heartache. Maybe dad would send me to train on the other side of the realm to heal. I fell asleep again.

When I woke up Bjourn was watching me. He cupped my face, “Don’t think of leaving me.” I frowned, “What are you talking about?” He said, “I know you. You aren’t as sure it’s me as I am you. You prepare for the worst case, and in your worst case you aren’t mine. So, you plan how you will deal with that. I’m telling you now, don’t even think the thoughts you’ll leave me. I’ll follow you no matter where you go. There is no light in my life if you're not in it. The night sky is pitch black without stars, Astrid. I can’t find my way without you. I’ll not even bother to try and find my way in a place without you in it.”

I frowned, saying, “You’re the crown Prince….” He cut me off with a kiss. He pulled back, “And you are Stella Mea (My Star). I won’t be without you. I’ll be the fortress of strength for you to hold onto. I’ll hold all the belief that we are forever if you are doubting it. Just don’t plan to leave me because you’ll find I am not easy to shake. I’d always be in the background. I’d never leave your safety to anyone else or walk in the dark. I’ll be where you are even if you don’t want to see me. I need you because you are it to me.” I shook my head and grabbed his face and rolled on top of him.