Sofia the First: The Rise of Rulers

Chapter Nine: Astrid

Chapter Nine

Astrid

I do not overreact to this news like I did the other night. I contain myself. I was humiliated after the dinner yesterday. I was up all night thinking about it. So today I take a deep breath and wait for someone else to speak.

"What are our kingdoms? I'm sure Astrid and I will rule over Whelshire, but what about Hugo? Where is he going to rule since Amber is already in line to be Queen on Enchanica." Axel asks.

King Garrick does not reply at first.

"Actually son, Hugo will become the King of Whelshire after my passing, and you and Astrid will rule over Freezenberg."

Axel looks in disbelief. He turns to look at his brother who looks just as confused as him. "But that makes no sense. I'm the eldest. I'm first in line for the throw." Axel tries to reason.

"I have been training my whole life for this." I don't know why I do it, but I place a hand on Axel's forearm. I need him to calm down. We can't have him throwing tantrums too, I do enough of that for the both of us. I need these trials to go well for us. For me.

Axel's head snaps to me and his eyes are dark. His pupils almost consumed the green surrounding them. I can tell he's upset by the way he sets his jaw, but he does not have any more outbursts.

I return my hand to my side and focus my attention back on the king. "So Axel and Astrid will rule over Freezenburg, Hugo, and Sofia will take Whelshire, Zandar and Hildegard will go to Tangu, and lastly James and Vivian will rule over Zumaria."

Everyone else seems happy enough with the arrangements. It feels as if everyone is getting dealt their happy every after card except me. I mean Hugo and Sofia have been obsessed with each other for years and now they are getting married. And they both get to rule over their ideal kingdom. Same with Vivian and James, although I never noticed James saw Vivian that way until recently. Hildegard and Zandar have practically been together since we were in diapers. Then there's me and Axel. They could have paired Axel with anyone. Clio and Amber are both very available and their fiancés didn't just die. However, when I think of Axel with someone else, my stomach starts churning. I ignore it.

"That's it for tonight's festivities. The next few days are sure to be a cluster so make sure you get your rest." Mother says, her voice warm.

The rest of my friends begin moving toward their carriages including Axel. My mother is calling after him.

"Axel dear, you will be staying here tonight with Astrid. Your first trial will be here as well." Axel pauses with his back turned to us. He looks as if he takes a deep breath, his back expanding as he breathes. He turns around and his long strides bring him beside me quickly.

"Astrid honey, why don't you show him to your room."

My room. My room? Axel will be sleeping in my room? That's so improper. I'm a royal, young lady, and I am to have a man in my bed before I'm married?

It's not like you haven't before. My mind sends me flashes of Christian hands spread on my waist. His lips are on mine. My hands are in his hair. We didn't take the last step. I want to wait. I had told him. How stupid I had been. What I would give to go back and change my mind. My heart jackknifes at the memories of him.

"Oh gosh. I didn't mean to imply... Oh no! Not to sleep. Just until we call you both down for dinner." My mother explains. I have to blink away my former thoughts before I can fully register what she said.

I feel... disappointed? What? No! I feel relieved.

"Well, obviously mom. Ok, follow me." I motioned to Axel to come with me as I kiss my mother on the cheek and begin walking to my room.

My castle is gorgeous. It has tall ceilings, marble floors, and golden chandeliers. I follow the familiar hallways I know lead to my room. Axel and I remain quiet. It's better that way. No arguing, until he breaks the silence.

"I didn't think it was obvious."

"What?"

"You told your mom that it was obvious I wasn't to spend the night in your room. I disagree. I was under the impression I would be spending the night beside you." He says. He's closer behind me than I had thought.

"It's a shame for you really. I'm an excellent sleeper." Axel raises a brow.

"Not like that you idiot," I tell him rolling my eyes. Men can be so childish.

"That was not what I was thinking. I guess I'll have to wait till our wedding night. Oh, and I snore." He says grinning as if this would scare me.

"Jokes on you, I drool and I kick." I raise my head triumphantly.

He rolls his eyes and doesn't reply.

Once we have made it to my door I'm hesitant to open it. It almost feels like I will be telling him a secret. A room shows a lot about a person and I fear what he might think of me from just looking at the photos of me and Christian still hanging on the walls. He will probably think I'm pathetic. My mother has suggested that I take them down, but I can never bring myself to.

"Well... are you going to let me in or are we going to make camp out in the hallway," he asks, reaching around me to open the door. His jaw brushes my hair as he does and I shiver. What a traitorous bitch my body is. How dare it react in such a way. I don't care at all about Axel touching me. In fact, I find it irritating.

He opens the room and walks around, taking in the violet curtains and the red floral bed sheets. He skips over the photos of Christian as if they aren't there.

He only makes it halfway around the room, studying it silently, when we are called down for dinner.

***

After dinner I return to my room and step into the hot bath my maids have prepared for me. Dinner was boring and awkward, filled with my parents asking Axel uncomfortable questions like: Have you ever courted before? Why did it not work out? Do you think you will make it work with Astrid? I stayed silent with my head between my hands only looking up to stab at my carrots.

Our butler showed Axel to his room which is conveniently across the hall from me, but I hurried to shut my door to avoid any further interaction. I've already reached my limit on the amount of time I'm able to spend with him without exploding.

I laugh to myself at the thought as I slip out of the bath. I make my way to my bedroom, and I'm already asleep when Axel knocks on my door.