A Kid on Campaign?
The camp was bustling with activity and this time I was in the center of it. With rough tugs, I buckled my chest plate onto me, frowning at the wonky position. Gods. My time with the King had not prepared me for shiny armour and chest plates.
I hear a rough chuckle before broad hands gently tug the plate into the correct position, undoing and redoing my buckles with frightening efficiency. Bjorn stared down at my light armour with sharp focus until he was satisfied it was all in place.
"Thank you." It's only after I say the words that I realise, if I wanted to, I could kiss his cheek in thanks as well. We were in a relationship. The Gods worked in mysterious ways.
Bjorn straightened and looked down at me, towering above my not short stature, "You're welcome darling." He reached down and gently brushed a stray curl out of my face, "Nervous?"
His tone was comforting and judgement free.
"A little." My admission was quiet, mainly because I didn't normally allow my weakness, my vulnerability, to be shown quite so easily. But I'd made a promise to myself last night, once all the worries had quietened, that I would give this relationship a real shot. Be... open. Gods forbid.
His handsome face softens almost imperceptibly, "There's no need to be Juliette. You are strong and brave. Much more than I can say for some of these ruffians. And Nik, Cass and I will be there to make sure you're safe. Trust us?"
His genuine question cracks a little stone part of my heart. Trust them. Trust that my men will keep me safe.
"I do." It's a freeing admission, if not a little scary.
Bjorn smiles and it's the prettiest thing I've ever seen. Who knew a man like Bjorn could look so... cute?
He's about to say something else when a blur of brown-blond hair barrels into me.
"Miss Julie!" Bobbin's sweet voice is muffled by his face buried in my side, "are you coming on this campaign too?"
I look at Bjorn in confusion, "too?"
His sigh is low as if already anticipating the fight with me, "it's Bobbin's first campaign today. Nik figured it would be the best time to introduce him because you'd be there and he likes you."
I stare at him in disbelief and then look down at the dirt-covered, little angel hugging my skirts. "You're bringing a child on the campaign? Bjorn, he's 9!"
Bjorn just shrugs like that isn't the most ridiculous thing he's ever heard, "It's good to introduce them young. He won't go on every campaign but he should get a taste of what it will be like when he's older."
Bobbin's excited voice is loud as he steps out of the hug and bounces around, "don't worry Miss I'll keep you safe." He brandishes a large stick from seemingly out of nowhere and swings it around as if fighting invisible enemies, "Nik's been teachin' me real good."
Bjorn grins and walks forward pressing a kiss to my forehead and before turning to Bobbin, "come on little one. Let's go get you a proper wooden sword." They walk off together, Bobbin bouncing happily ahead of Bjorn as they walk to the weapons stand currently crowded with men.
I huff in absolute disbelief. Nik is letting a child go on the campaign. After he made such a big fuss about me asking to go. Oh absolutely not. I storm in the direction of the main shelter where I know Nik will be getting changed.
I cannot believe men and their fucked up logic. Introduce a child to violence and theft young. Good Gods.
I open the door without knocking and walk determinedly to Nik's bedroom.
Swinging open his door I'm momentarily stunned into silence when he looks up at me from his hug with Caspian.
Nik's muscled arms are wrapped around Caspian's waist , holding him tightly and I seem to have interrupted a personal moment.
Gods, did the first time I stormed in here without knocking not teach me a solid lesson? I'm about to leave when Nik smiles brightly, pressing a kiss to Caspian's head before releasing him. Caspian turns to look at me also smiling.
"Princess. What do we owe the pleasure?" Nik's smooth voice is honeyed and low, sending shivers down my spine. He raises an eyebrow as he takes in my flustered state and angry posture. "Something wrong?"
His smug voice brings my anger up to a boil. I fucking hate men. Even ones I'm dating.
"You're letting Bobbin go on this campaign? He's a child! Are you out of your mind?"
My tone is sharp and pointed and it takes every ounce of my being to keep my anger under control. It's this part of me that I fear. The part that reminds me of the King before he brought his meaty fists down on my delicate body.
You're just like me.
That sentence haunts my nightmares. Sometimes the anger flowing through my body makes that prophecy feel more self-fulfilling.
However, no sharp anger alights Nik's eyes. No malice or hatred or derision for my improper tone or scandalous emotions shows at all. Instead... he laughs?
"You are absolutely adorable when you're riled up, my princess." Caspian shakes his head at Nik's words. "Simpy stunning."
"Excuse me?"
"I said," he walks over to me tugging me into his arms, "you're adorable when you're angry."
Caspian looks at Nik with disbelief, "have you ever spoken to a woman before?" I'm heavily inclined to agree because his dismissive words have my skin sparking with rage.
"I am not adorable. You will shut your mouth at once." I'm five seconds away from losing my ever-loving mind.
Mischief overtakes Nik's face, "Is that an order?"
"It's a royal decree you bastard. Listen to me.
You cannot take a 9-year-old on a dangerous campaign!
It's irresponsible. You have a duty of care to that baby and I simply won't allow you to place him in any sort of danger.
" Memories of my childhood flash quickly in my mind before I shove them away.
What sort of life could I have had if someone kept me safe when I was little?
Nik's eyes soften and Caspian walks over to us both, wrapping his arms around both of us.
"Take a deep breath my love. Bobbin will be fine, I promise." Caspian's soft words somewhat soothe the bubbling tension in me. I've always had a temper despite my best efforts to control it.
Nik nods in agreement, "Yes Princess. This campaign isn't a dangerous one.
The scouts sent ahead reported it was a trading vessel travelling from Agios through Jor?n to Collingridge.
No soldiers or mercenaries. Just two drivers who won't be injured.
It will be a simple stop that won't last very long. Bobbin won't be in any danger."
I sigh as I think about his words, still a little unsure about the whole thing. Something felt off and it was an instinct I didn't normally ignore. Bjorn's earlier words come back to me.
"...Okay. I trust you."
Hey guys! Short chapter today because I decided to split this one and next chapter up as it was way too long. Thanks for reading! Please don't forget to vote and comment xx