The Future King and the Commander's Daughter

My World Pt. 1

Astrid is Nine and change

Astrid stirred her cereal, not eating it. My mom huffed, “Astrid, please eat your food.” I dutifully took a few bites. I said, “Thanks for breakfast, mom.” My mom turned, “Sweetie, you got the cereal out. I made eggs and bacon, which you are more than welcome to have since you barely ate the cereal.” I blinked several times. I was normally much more observant. One would think I definitely realized I make my own breakfast. I was on autopilot and I knew why.

My mom smiled softly and sent me her love and understanding in our bond. She took my hand and led me out onto our enclosed back porch and sat on the sofa with me. She took both my hands and said, “I didn’t meet you father when I was your age, but your Uncle’s went out on missions and I was nervous every time. The first ones are always the worst.” I intentionally played obtuse, “Aaron isn’t going on a mission. I’ll be going out first.”

She rolled her eyes and gently smacked my arm, “You are nervous about Bjourn going on his first mission.” I wanted to argue but she could feel me and she knew I was. I replied, “I know he’s more than capable of handling whatever mission he’s been given. He’s been studying a lot.” My mom laughed, “Feelings aren’t always rational. You know he’s ready. You’ve trained with him, and he’s your best friend. It’s perfectly natural for you to be nervous. I was a wreck and kept myself so busy I couldn’t see straight after I met your dad and he went out.” I nodded.

She studied me then added, “But that’s not all that’s bothering you. You’ll feel better if you say it, but I won’t make you.” I glanced up sharply and we studied each other for several moments. I huffed, “Boys who return home as men return and have s*x for the first time, but not with someone who isn’t a woman or man yet.” Which meant not me. I wasn’t that much younger than Bjourn, but he was older. I wanted my first time to be with him, but he was going out and I wasn’t. I wasn’t a woman yet. I would be the day I turned ten. I trained just as hard as Bjourn.

My mom said, “They do not always, often yes. There are plenty of men and women who don’t because the one they want isn’t of age to be considered a woman or man. I’d bet dollars to dimes Bjourn is one of those men. You have hung the world to that boy since you were born. I’d advise you to communicate with him.” I whispered, “What if he’s not mine?” She told me, “Honestly? I’d be stunned right out of my socks. If he’s not, that doesn’t negate the love that you two have for each other. What I do know is that beautiful, brave, strong, resilient daughter will be ok.” I wasn’t so sure if I wasn’t his I would be ok. My heart would be broken.

My mom left me to my thoughts. I was a Hackura, raised here and struggling with not being Bjourn’s first. It was a silly notion to our people. If Bjourn was mine, I knew we’d have off periods. That thought didn’t bother me as much as the thought of not being his first. I knew I should tell him that, but we weren’t actually boyfriend and girlfriend. My mom was right and my dad would say the same. I should communicate with him, but I didn’t want to take away something he needed. I shook myself and went to go find the boy himself before he returned a man.

It didn’t take me long, I knew where he would be. Drake and Marcus saw me coming and left. I nodded to them both, and they let me see the worry in their eyes. I knew the look because I had the same one. Sitting with Bjourn felt like every piece of me clicked into place. Aaron was sending me his curiosity over my intense delight. I felt it every time Bjourn called me his stella mea (my star). It felt right being called his, and I hoped with everything in me it was true.

I voiced my fears and he thought I’d be too busy to think of him. He dominated my thoughts like the force of nature he was. Then he called me his woman. That was a big deal to our people under the age of sixteen. He’d just declared me his with two simple words. It was also a big deal to see the woman I was becoming and not call me a girl. All very important distinctions. My birthday could not get here fast enough. Bjourn was still clueless about women, but he was trying to help me. That touched me in ways I couldn’t say. He always made sure I was ok.

I searched his eyes when he said he’d return a man. There was no warning in them. My hope surged that my mom was right. This was it, I could tell him exactly how I felt about how desperately being his first mattered to me. The words didn’t come though. Because ultimately, I wanted Bjourn to get everything he needed and wanted. That mattered more to me.

Bjourn’s anger for Rhett still made me laugh. He was never going to let go of the fact he made me cry at my party when I was six. He didn’t even know why I was crying and he still didn’t care. I wasn’t upset that Rhett didn’t like my dress, it was because he insulted Bjourn. It was cute, but I could protect myself.

My dad sent me a warning in our bond it was time for Bjourn to leave. I knew he was getting closer to us, but I couldn’t look away from the boy who held my heart’s eyes. He was going to be returning a man. He could get hurt out there. There were failsafe’s, but anyone ever figured out who he was; they’d be after him and that scared me. He was fierce, but to hurt the crown Prince of the Hackura is something many would want. Zader had been captured once. Titus and Ragor had to go save him. It could happen. Magic was used to get him, and they could turn that magic onto Bjourn.

I let him go after making sure he’d come home. My dad sent me his understanding and confidence everything would be ok. I walked to meet my mom and Marcus. I teased Marcus then when we got out of hearing range. I said, “I thought for sure Drake would be following your mom.” Drake appeared, “I will be later. She’s in a meeting right now, and it’s closed.” I nodded.

My mom was waiting in the kitchen. She handed me a drink. I took a sip of my Brunch Punch. I chuckled, “Vodka this early?” She replied, “You’ll need one. Boys? I have two for you.” Drake huffed, “That’s a girl's drink.” My mom shrugged, “Oh well, none for your nerves then.” Marcus said, “I’ll take one.” Then he walloped Drake on the back of the head.

Drake huffed, “I’m sorry I stereotyped your drink. It won’t happen again, it was very kind of you to offer. I’ll take one as well.” My mom laughed, “I thought you might.” She waited while we silently drank our cocktails. She said, “Your father told me that Blade will be going to have Bjourn’s six.” All of us relaxed. Blade was Titus’ head guards son. He’d be a guard for the royal family himself. He’d been training since he could walk, and I’d watched him. He was good. He’d never let anything happen to Bjourn, and he’d be closer than Bjourn’s own guard.

I got up and hugged her, “Thanks mom. We will see you later.” She winked at me, “Everything will be ok Astrid.” I nodded and walked out with Drake and Marcus on either side. Rhett ran over. Drake blocked him and Rhett called, “Hey, Astrid. Wanna hang out later?” Marcus commented, “I see the vultures descend when they realize my brother is leaving. Some might call that cowardice.” I bit my lip.

I told Rhett, “Maybe later. Ok?” He nodded, “Sure. Ditch the guard dogs.” I turned, “Rhett, don’t disrespect your Prince’s. They are my friends, just as you are.” He made a face but nodded. Drake smirked then punched him in the guts. He said, “I’m not a dog, asshole.” I would’ve said something, but this was how our people were. We did not abide disrespect and Rhett knew that. We handled things and disputes this way. You don’t insult any of our people, but you certainly don’t insult the royal family.

Marcus asked, “Where are we going?” I answered, “To watch Bjourn leave.” Marcus replied, “He didn’t tell anyone what place and he and Dawson chose to leave from.” I teased, “I know where he will pick.” I’d told Zader and my dad when they’d asked too. I picked a tree and climbed it with Drake and Marcus following. They were silent and I was grateful for that. I was also grateful for that drink because now I was certain I could get through this. I could watch him walk out of that portal without me. Dawson would be there with him. He was my friend too, and I should be worried about him too; except my concern was all geared toward Bjourn. That probably made me a bad person but here I was.

They arrived and Bjourn blew me a kiss. I blushed and blew one back knowing he couldn’t see it. Titus arriving with Dawson’s dad was a surprise. I guess this was part of the tradition no one talked about. My dad would know I knew now. I could feel him not far from us, and he’d feel I was here too.

Tears pricked my eyes while Titus talked to Bjourn. My dad was sending me all of his reassurance that everything would be ok. It had to be. Bjourn had to come home. He’d return a man, he’d come home to me. He called me his star, but I’d never told him what he was to me. My world. He was my map, my realm, my everything. He’d revolved around me ever since I could remember and I craved it. When he returned I’d tell him my name for him. When he walked through the portal I wished with everything in me I’d had another drink.

I didn’t realize tears were falling until I felt them drop onto my hands. Marcus said, “He’ll be ok.” Everyone kept saying that, but they didn’t understand how watching him leave just now felt. My dad called, “Astrid, come down sweetie.” I couldn’t move and he knew that based on our bond. He climbed the tree in seconds and wrapped me up before jumping down. My broken sob came out, “Daddy.” He whispered, “Shhh, I’m here and nothing will hurt you when I am.” I melted into him letting him take my emotional pain away.

I pulled back, “I’m ok. Thanks, dad.” He chuckled, “You will be ok. It’s the hardest seeing it happen the first time. I shed a tear when your mom left after we mated. A worry gripped me like I’d never known and I didn’t know here at your age. I’d have been a damn mess if I watched her leave to become a woman. You are stronger than me, daughter of mine. Aesir knows I couldn’t have handled what you just did.” I leaned into his embrace feeling the truth of his words.

He whispered, “Aesir nobis dat quod tractare possumus. Scio hominem fortissimum es. Feritas intus habes et cor tenerum. Serva semper (Aesir gives us what we can handle. You are the strongest person I know. You have a fierceness inside of you as well as a tender heart. Protect it always).” I replied, “Ero (I will).” He pulled back and kissed my forehead. He pulled out a note and handed it to me. I asked, “What’s this?” He chuckled, “Read it and find out.” He walked away. I opened the note.

Stella Mea,

I can’t imagine it was easy to see me leave. I knew you’d be there and I asked your dad to give you this note weeks ago. I know I’ll be in your shoes soon, and I honestly don’t want to imagine it. I think it will take all my relatives to keep me in the realm when you go out to become a woman.

We both know the other is capable, but it’s just something that claws at your insides. Isn’t it? I feel this intense need to keep you safe, and I know it’s the same for you. When I return we will sleep side by side as we have for years.

I know this will not be easy, but I will return to you a man no longer a boy. I hate that this is hard for you. I had something set up for you, and my brothers will take you there. I love you, Stella mea (My Star). I will be home before you know it. Be brave, my warrior.

Bjourn

I wiped my tears away and held the note to my chest. When we trained Bjourn called me his warrior. Technically, everyone would be his warrior one day we were his army and people to command. He just never said it to anyone but me. Which upset some people, but I loved it. Bjourn was attractive and people of girls and women disliked me because I had his attention. I didn’t care because I had the friends I needed and my family. They could be jealous all they wanted. I wasn't giving up my best friend.

I asked, “Where are we going?” Marcus laughed, “Well, it’s not a spa day. We suggested that but Bjourn laughed. He said and I quote ‘Stella Mea (my Star) doesn’t want a spa day when she needs to get out of her own head. Spa days are when she needs to think and relax while doing so.’ We tried to tell him women like the spa, but he insisted that’s not what you needed.”

I admitted, “He’s right. I’d lose my mind at the spa and my thoughts would spiral wanting to know if he was ok.” Drake groaned, “Damn it! He’ll be so obnoxious when he gets around to asking us if he was right.” I laughed, “So, what are we doing?” Marcus tilted his head, “Follow us.” I did without question. I was excited to see what Bjourn had planned. I thought we’d be going to the training grounds, but we didn’t.

We went to a building I’d never seen before. I asked, “What’s this?” Marcus smirked, “Bjourn’s new business venture. Come on.” I saw the logo on the outside it was a combat archery place. I smirked asking, “When did he decide to do this?” Drake chuckled, “When you decided to learn to shoot a bow and arrow.” It wasn’t my weapon of choice by any means, but I did find it fun. It wasn’t my best weapon ability by a long shot, but Bjourn and I had shot together. He did this for me because I found it fun.

We walked inside where several of my friends and the boys were waiting. Aaron ran up, “This is going to be fun. It’s like dodgeball with obstacles and bows.” The bows were standard, but the arrows had a big nerf foam side instead of an arrow to piece. It would hit you with paint on the opposing team. The inside had several courses with inflatables to hide behind and targets to hit worth points. If you got hit you went into a penalty box for twenty minutes. Once you’d been hit three times, you were done.

I told Marcus, “He’s done it again. This will be successful, I know it’s fun and we haven’t played.” Drake told me, “He wouldn’t care if it was profitable or not as long as you had fun. He did it for you. He said you don’t have enough fun.” He might be right, but if I didn’t Aesir knows he didn’t. Rhett walked up to me and I actually blinked several times. I couldn’t believe Bjourn invited him.

Marcus glared, which told me that maybe Rhett wasn’t invited. The man in question said, “Lore told me about this and invited me when I ran into her.” Of course she did. She liked Rhett, and he was oblivious to it which made her dislike me quite a bit. Which was fine, I understood how she felt. We were cool until her crush on Rhett developed. She was friends with my best friend, Kashe, first anyway. Marcus said, “Well you’re on the green team so we don’t throw off numbers.” Of course he’d put him on the opposite team of us.

Drake said, “Yeah, so team. It’s me, Marcus, Aaron, Astrid, and Kashe versus the rest of you.” Rhett snorted, “That’s fifteen on five.” Marcus retorted, “We know. It was the only way to make it fair.” Kashe mouthed, “Shots fired.” She knew Marcus was right though. The other girls were all giggling. You’d think they’d get used to the Cambridge boys being around, but they never did. Maybe it was because I was the Commander’s daughter, but I wasn’t starstruck around them like everyone else seemed to.

Marcus grouped us together in a room of the course. I shot him a look ordering, “Don’t gang up on him.” Aaron asked, “Him who? There are four guys on that team.” I rolled my eyes saying, “You all know who I’m talking about.” Drake chuckled, “If we weren’t in a soundproofed box and he could hear you, and he’d be so sad you didn’t think he could handle us.” I replied, “He can’t and we all know it.” Aaron pointed out, “But HE doesn’t. He needs to move onto Lore because Bjourn already wants to kill him.” Marcus said, “I’m getting there myself.” Drake agreed, “Ditto.”

Kashe laughed, “You guys are too intense. Bjourn won’t kill Rhett because he’s Astrid's friend. As long as he keeps that designation our one day fearless leader will quell the need to kill him. I’m trying to lead the man to water myself.” I groaned, “You had Lore invite him.”

She nodded, “Yes, I’m a genius and I’m just doing my duty to help my bestie out.” I huffed. Kashe nudged me, “I mean you, girl. You love Bjourn and we all know it. He’s gaga over you, but you are friends with Rhett. He is missing the firmly in the friendzone box vibe, and I’m trying to help the man continue drawing breath. Or Lore gets over her crush and Kashe joins team kill Rhett. I’m open to either. Honesty I’d prefer the latter, but hoes before bros. Lore gets her some and I’ll be behind that until she tires of him and his lacklusterness. You can smell it on him, he’s just no good in the bedroom. I feel it in my coochie. My ovaries practically wither in his presence. Lore will get the memo, I’m sure. Will that be before Bjourn kills him? God, I hope so.” Marcus and Drake started snickering.

I shook my head, “You guys are dramatic. Bjourn won’t kill him and your coochie can’t tell men’s s****l abilities.” Kashe cackled, “My sweet, sweet, Astrid yes my coochie can. It has magical powers. Listen to yours and it will guide you. As for Bjourn, you don’t see what we do. See, I myself have noticed that Bjourn, the man, myth, and legend.” I rolled my eyes. She always said that. Kashe continued, “Is ever so stoic. He observes, collects data, and then makes judgments.” I nodded, “I know that.”

Kashe made a hand gesture, “Unless….” I frowned, “There is no unless.” She threw her head back and laughed and waved her hand in front of her face. Then she snorted and that set her off even more. I looked at Aaron who shrugged. He told me, “I don’t find it as funny as she does, but it is funny.” I asked, “What’s funny?”

Kashe tried to say, “That you…” It was as far as she got before she dissolved into giggles again. She fanned her face and took a deep breath saying, “Ok, collecting myself. Astrid, it’s not true with anything having to do with you. He’s hit Rhett….” She trailed off then said, “You know, I lost count. It happens that much. Those girls that were rude to you got transferred to different schools. He didn’t even know what they said to you, just that they upset you. Then boom, they were gone. I even offered to tell him, but he’d already made sure they got the boot.”

I gasped, “What?” Kashe groaned, “You are so observant and not.” I stammered, “But they said…” Kashe snorted, “They lied to you and everyone. Who is going to out the crown Prince? Stupid people. So probably Rhett if he knew.” I huffed, “He’s not stupid.” Kashe made a face, “Ehhh, he really is. He has no idea Lore likes him. Hell, I think people outside the capital on the other end of the realm know she likes him. She has a pen pal all the way out there, so I’m confident in saying that. He pines over you, knowing he will NEVER have you. He’s stupid and you can’t fix that. His safety net is you are his friend, but his stupidity will kill him one day. I’ll try not to say I told you so when it does, but I make no promises. That’s a lie I will say I told you so. I won’t even try not to.”

I admitted, “Bjourn does sometimes jump the gun when I’m involved.” Kashe corrected, “Every time. Literally the man asks no questions when you’re upset. It’s all action and ask questions later. Back me up, boys.” Marcus, Drake, and Aaron nodded. I shot them all with an annoyed look.

Aaron said, “Hey, I’m here for it. People are smarter about how they come at you because he reacts. He always figures out a way though. He had those girls’ parent’s given job offers out of the capital. He didn’t just throw them out, which he could. If he knew some of the things they did, he would.” I knew that too. I sighed, “Let’s go kick some ass.”

Kashe squealed, “Hell yes! What if, and hear me out, I hide between these strapping soon to be men.” Drake teased, “You can have my six anytime.” She cooed, “What a six it is.” She was a flirt but I loved her. She didn’t care that I was the Commander’s daughter and that I was close with Bjourn. She treated me like she did everyone else. It was rare. The other girls here I knew were friends with me because of what it did for them. That was just life though. I cherished Kashe’s friendship because of it though.

We walked out, a buzzer sounded, and we were off. Marcus was on my six because of course he was. I hit several of the girls. They pouted and when I hit the guys on their team I had to wonder where Rhett was until I heard several yelps. Then I saw him with three arrow hits. They’d teamed up on him and hit him three times so he was out.

Lore left the box and shot me a pleading look. I inclined my head to Marcus and we fired at her both our shots hitting her. She pouted, “I guess I’m out.” She turned and mouthed, “Thank you.” To me and Marcus. He rolled his eyes but I understood. If Bjourn didn’t give me the time of day I could easily be her. Despite disliking me because of Rhett, I didn’t mind Lore. She was funny and honestly she could do better than Rhett in my opinion. I just understood the fact that she liked him and wanted to spend time with him.

She wasn’t obnoxious about it like some were with crushes. She was somewhat shy. I spotted the one girl, Briar, here I didn’t like. She was nasty to me and only Kashe knew the truth about our actual status as straight up enemies. Briar wanted Bjourn and she taunted me every chance she got. We’d gotten in our fair share of knock down drag out fights. Which was pathetic on her part, she didn’t train. She spit hate at me saying that Queens didn’t do such things. That Queen Veronica was the heart of the realm caring for the children and orphans.

It was insane she had no idea how lethal Veronica was. I’d trained with her and my mom together. The Queen of this realm was more than some pampered prissy b***h. Something she’d learn one day because she’d never be Queen and we all knew it. I loaded my arrow and aimed at her head knocking her out then shooting her two more times because she didn’t say anything. I chuckled to myself.

Marcus asked, “Is there a fight between you and Briar I don’t know about?” Yes. I winked at him which I knew would intrigue him, but Bjourn had been trying to figure out if we were actually friends now for a while. I was just doing what I had to, keeping an enemy close. She was mine, but she thought I was under the impression we were frenemies. How she thought that? I didn’t know. She’d even taunt me saying that Briar and Bjourn sound good how they were made for each other. Her eyes always twitched when Bjourn called Stella mea (My star).

Briar went to the box complaining loudly. She huffed, “I don’t even know who shot me!” Lore told her, “It was Astrid.” Briar glowered with anger that had Lore drawing back and leaning into Rhett who actually put an arm around her. Good. Maybe he’d catch a clue. Marcus and I went off and joined the others. Kashe winked at me while Aaron and Drake looked confused. We split up again, this time with Drake. We took out their team without any of us getting hit.