The Future King and the Commander's Daughter

My World Pt. 3

I said, “You are stubborn.” He nodded unashamed. I whispered, “I love you.” He replied, “I love you too. You are everything.” I closed my eyes and bit the bullet saying, “Tu est mundus meus (You are my world).” He stiffened beneath me and a part of him got harder. He asked, “What?” I nuzzled his neck, “I am your star, and you are my world. I don’t know what to be if I’m not yours. Everyone says I’ll be ok, but I’m not convinced. I am my own person, but you are my best friend. When anything happens to me the person I can’t wait to tell is you. You’re who I think of first thing in the morning and I can’t stop that. Nor do I want to.” He pinned me beneath him in a second and kissed me hard, full of passion and longing. He nipped my lip and we made out for several moments.

When he pulled back I said, “I meant to say thank you for the plans you made for me. I loved all of it. The combat archery, Barre class, and the painting with wine having my friends there. Everything was amazing.” He told me, “I’ll give you everything you desire, Stella mea.” He was moving back in towards my lips when he groaned, “Damn it.”

I asked, “What?” He moved off me and threw gym shorts on. He said, “My mom’s in labor. I’ll have to teach Ubbe about not cockblocking his brother. I hadn’t talked to him about that. He technically did what I asked, he waited until I was home.” I teased, “It’s frowned upon for a man to have s*x with a girl who is not yet a woman.” He replied, “Stella mea, I planned to have breakfast which is not penetrating sex.” I blushed knowing what he meant. Damn it! I wanted that to happen too.

He spanked me before I laughed and got dressed. I walked out with him. We went and got Histeck and Evin ready for the day. Marcus came in while Evin babbled to him instead of us. I picked up Histeck and carried him on my hip.

Bjourn came up behind me and nibbled my ear. He whispered, “Damn you look good with a baby on your hip.” I replied, “You know I love kids.” I grinned broadly, “I do.” Drake joined us, and we went to the kitchens. Everyone ate breakfast. Bjourn and I switched roles. I was feeding Histeck his cereal until Bjourn finished his breakfast then insisted I eat while he took over. I felt myself swooning but went to get a plate ready for myself. Only to release Bjourn had gotten me a plate.

I ate my pancakes, egg, bacon, and toast. I teased Evin while we ate. Drake said, “Hey Astrid, how about not ditching us?” I feigned confusion, “I didn’t ditch you. We hung out the whole day Bjourn left.” Marcus snorted, “I went to see you and you were gone. We looked for you.” I shrugged, “Well, give a girl a clue next time.”

Bjourn laughed, “You knew.” I stuck my tongue out at him and stood. He spanked me playfully tinged with warning. I snapped my head back. He said, “No ditching your protection.” I stuck my ass out and shook it. Histeck squealed with laughter and so did Evin. Once they were ready we headed over to the hospital.

We walked directly to the Royal floor. Zader, Ragor, Ramilda, Rashe, and their brood were already here. My parents arrived with Aarron. Topher yelled, “Come on Aaron. Give me a challenge in Mario Kart. Topher’s brothers made noises of protest about their skills being described as lackluster, but my brother ran over to play.

Rashe sighed, “Zader, you need to find an off period baby momma because I want a girl.” I laughed out loud. Veronica told Bjourn’s dad that too. Zader said, “We could have a girl.” Rashe waved to the other side of the room going, “Oh yeah? Because do you know what I see over there? A lot of boys whom I love dearly, but there are no girls in sight.” He chuckled, “We could try again.” She said, “I’m giving you two more tries, but if those are boys….You find someone to try for a girl with because I will tap out. The Rashe baby factory will be closed for anything but fun times in the bedroom.” Zader laughed, “Let’s see where life leads us.” He walked over to the boys.

She mumbled, “To co-parent with a lovely woman. I have the perfect one, you know?” I asked, “Do you?” Her eyes lit up. She whispered conspiratorially, “Yes, I do! We were best friends in elementary school. She’s a smart-y pants. She’s several years younger than me, she was in my grade because she’s that smart. Her family moved when her dad got a job to the other side of the realm. She hasn’t met her mate yet, and we’ve kept in touch all these years.” That did make sense. They were friends before but more acquaintances now. There wouldn’t be a feeling of competition between the two of them. Plus, she already knew they got along.

I asked, “Does she want to move to the capital?” We could portal so it wasn’t a big deal if she didn’t. Rashe waved, “Helena has always wanted to come here and she works for a company your mom owns. If she wants a transfer here, Veronica will make it happen.” I chuckled, “I’m surprised you haven’t made it happen yet.” She winked at me, “Astrid my dear, you have to plant the seed with these Cambridge men. Eventually, it will be his idea and then we strike.” I laughed, “You’re playing the long game.” She nodded, “Yes, learn this game. It will be your bible. Things have to be their idea. It can be maddening if you let it, or you can turn it into a fun game. Like how will I have Zader and Helena bump into each other on an off period. I have such plans.” She winked at me.

We waited a few hours. I told Bjourn, “I’ll put Histeck down for his nap.” He stood, “I’ll come help.” I picked up a fussy Histeck and took him to the nursery. I grabbed a bottle out of the fridge so he could drink some milk. I put him in his sleep sack while Bjourn read him a story. I rocked him in the chair and gave him the bottle. He drifted off in minutes. Poor thing, he was so tired.

I put him down in the crib and grabbed the monitor. Bjourn kissed me the second the door was closed. He put his forehead and mine and the world around us felt as though it stopped. Then we heard the doors open signaling Titus was coming. Bjourn grabbed my hand and led me back over to the group.

Bjourn’s dad has his youngest brother in his arms. He said, “Little Ubbe is here.” I went over with Bjourn. Ubbe was adorable. Just like all the Cambridge boys. It was kind of unfair how handsome they were. Bjourn took his brother from his dad and cradled him.

I grabbed a Coke from the mini fridge and slipped back into the maternity ward. I found Veronica’s room. She smiled, “Hello, Astrid.” I handed her the Coke. I explained, “I know you always said it was what you wanted first since the doctor vetoed caffeine with this pregnancy.” She laughed, “You beautiful girl, bless you.” She took the coke and groaned, “Oh my god it’s better than I remember. I’d kill for a shower.” I went into the bathroom, turned on the shower, then came back out when the water was warm. I helped her into the bathroom. I went out and grabbed some of her clothes out of her bag and came back with them.

I offered, “I can wash your hair.” She smiled, “That would be great.” I stripped off my clothes so they wouldn’t get wet and quickly helped wash her hair as she sat down. I helped her out of the shower into regular clothes then had her sit down so I could blow dry her hair. She smiled at me, “You are a beautiful person inside and out. My son is a smart man.” I blushed and helped her up.

When we came out, the Cambridges and my parents were in the room. Veronica said, “Now that I feel like me, I’m ready to greet all of you.” Titus smiled at me and Bjourn came over and wrapped his around my waist. Ubbe fussed until Veronica took him. We were one big happy family, and I hope with everything in me when I turned sixteen it was a reality for us all.

Evin asked, “Momma, when's the next baby?” We all laughed. Veronica said, “I don’t know yet, Evin. I know this womb is closed right now though. We’ll see. Your dad and I enjoy you all being close in age.” Evin squealed, “Can I have a sister?” I bit my lip. Veronica said, “Talk to you dad, bud.” Evin pleaded, “Daddy, please! I want a baby sister. Foster has one and she’s the best! He says that allllll the time.”

Titus laughed, “Let’s enjoy Ubbe.” Evin nodded, “I will. I just want a little sister too.” Rashe whispered, “When my seed grows Titus is screwed.” She was right if Zader’s boys got a sister then Titus’ boys would want one too. Veronica winked at me and that’s when I realized Rashe wasn’t just playing the long game for herself. She and Veronica were in on this plan together. I was going to have to start setting up meetings with those two to learn their ways. They were on another level and I wanted to join.

I leaned back into Bjourn and he rocked us back and forth. When it was time to leave Bjourn went over and kissed Ubbe on the forehead then kissed Veronica’s cheek. He hugged his dad and we took Histeck from Rashe to head home. I was startled when I realized I was calling Bjourn’s wing in the castle home, but it felt right. Please Aesir let him be mine.

We have Astrid's friends! What do we think? Kashe is such fun! Lore, we'll have to see how everything shakes out. Of course Astrid is smart. She has lots of interests. When we next see them how old do you think they will be? (remember we jump around in this book ;) ) Are you loving them as much as I do? Rashe and Veronica are plotting. Will they teach Astrid their ways? Did you recognize some names? ;)