The Guardian Queen

Chapter Seven pt. 1

~ Phoenix

*

Midnight came and went with no reprieve from the confines of my office, and all the stress I’d shed during my evening swim came flooding back. With active guardians in the field around the clock, there was no such thing as ‘business hours’ in our world. Still, productivity tended to stall after sundown. Of all my abilities, none proved more valuable as king than endurance. Sadly, that ability did not extend to my staff. I’d sent Daphne home hours ago, but my ever-faithful inner circle refused to retire until I did. My shield and advisor kept me company, sitting opposite one another by the hearth, while I waited for Gemma to complete her mission in Middlebrook.

*

Casually reclining in my high-back chair, ankles crossed atop my desk, I twirled a pen while patiently waiting for Phyneas to wrap up his phone call. He’d appeared in my office, intent on being useful, moments after I’d paid a visit to the recreation room to check on Ember. I suspected he was there at her behest, and any attempt to dismiss him would result in her taking his place. However, with so many irons in the fire, there was little I could ask of him at the moment. Deciding to play to Phyn’s sociable strengths, I instructed him to work his charm on the Scottish governor and entice him into accepting a seat at my table.

*

“I will, thanks,” Phyneas said into the phone, then disconnected. He placed his cell on the side table, rubbed the fatigue from his face, and reported, “Draden’s on board.”

“Well done,” I replied, tossing the pen onto the desk, “that means I can serve Gareth’s notice of dismissal first thing in the morning.”

“I’d wait to hear back from Gemma,” he cautioned. “It’d be wise to depose Juliette and Gareth together. And if Isaac has no interest in serving on the High Court, you don’t want to be left scrambling.” I stroked my bearded chin, pausing momentarily before stating confidently, “Issac will accept.”

“How do you know?”

“He’s driven by the love for his family. And he’s smart. He knows Ember could benefit from more support on the Court.”

*

I turned my attention to Knox, mulling over the stack of files in his lap. “What do you think?” I asked.

“It’s not my place to speak on political matters,” he replied as he closed the top file and dropped it onto the pile on the floor beside his chair.

“You’re on the High Court, aren’t you?” I remarked. “Therefore, it’s not only your place but your duty.” He met my gaze and said, “In that case, I think where Isaac Ashford is concerned, there’s a high probability that his wife will dissuade him.” I considered his point, then shook my head. “No, she won’t. Not after how the Craddocks treated Ember in Eden. She knows what’s at stake now. And even if Beth does attempt to intervene, Gemma’s more than capable of outmaneuvering her.”

“Can’t disagree with you there, Your Majesty.”

*

As though summoned by our discussion, two sharp taps announced my publicist’s return. Gemma swept into the room, looking rather pleased with herself. “Well?” I asked by way of greeting. She propped herself comfortably against the side of Phyneas’ chair and answered, “Uncle Isaac is primed and ready to accept your official invitation to join the High Court.” Though not altogether unexpected, Gemma’s news prompted welcome satisfaction after a long day of otherwise minimal achievements. I raised my arms and linked my fingers behind my head, unable to resist sending Phyneas a look of superiority. He rolled his eyes and said, “Yes, I know. You never tire of being proven right.”

*

I was still grinning smugly when my grandmother appeared in the open doorway, holding a large, thick book that looked older than the Jewel of Ilia. She closed the door behind her and commented, “Doesn’t anyone in this castle ever sleep?”

“Says the woman strolling in at this hour,” I retorted.

*

Ambrosia moved into the room but stopped short when she registered my deportment. “Phoenix Benôit, what in heaven’s name do you think you’re doing?” she exclaimed, gesturing at my relaxed position. “Is this how a king behaves?”

“Well, I am king, so…”

“And that desk is an antique!”

“I’m not wearing shoes.” But my excuse would not do. My grandmother’s eyes narrowed, conveying a clear warning and making me feel like a child without uttering a single word. I promptly swung my legs off the surface and sat erect. Behind her, Phyn reflected my earlier smug grin.

*

“Now that you’ve corrected your behavior,” my grandmother said as she approached the desk, “allow me to offer you a little reward.” She placed the thick tome down in front of me, letting it fall open with a thud at the page she’d marked. I waved away a puff of dust and leaned forward for closer examination. The ink was partially faded, indicating the volume’s significant age. I read the chapter title aloud. “Criteria and general requirements, as well as provisions, allowances, and exemptions, regarding members of the Guardian Royal Court, High Court, and Crown’s Inner Circle.” Smiling, I asked, “Quel trésor m’as-tu apporté, Rosie?” (What treasure have you brought me, Rosie?)

*

Ambrosia’s amethyst ring sparkled as she touched the book and said, “This, my darling boy, is a first edition copy of Guardian Law, specifically outlining government infrastructure. This volume was developed in a joint effort by King Artemis himself alongside his original Royal Court and the first faction leaders. Legally, it predates and trumps all editions since.”

“Wait a minute,” I said, gingerly turning to the title page, “wasn’t this lost?”

“Not lost, bijou. Safeguarded. By your grandfather. Almost as though he knew you’d need it one day.”

*

“That man’s vision never ceases to amaze me,” Phyneas said as he left his chair and moved to stand beside Ambrosia. “Little wonder why Soren feared him.”

“That is not common knowledge,” she replied, her caramel eyes twinkling.

“It is amongst us,” Gemma noted. Knox turned in his seat, saying, “It would take someone of remarkable intellect to ensure the book made its way to you at the most opportune time.” My shield fixed his gaze on me with sincere regard as he continued, “The knowledge it contains must be quite valuable to warrant such meticulous effort.”

“Insightful as ever, Master Knox,” my grandmother commended approvingly.

*

Ambrosia leaned over the desk, flipped the book back open to the relevant page, and pointed out the passage circled faintly with pencil. The text consisted of maddeningly dry, logistical jargon. Fortunately, as king, I was well versed in ancient guardian terminology. And as I scanned the marked paragraph, a gleeful smirk slowly took over my face.

*

“Judging by that look,” Gemma commented, resting on the arm of Phyneas’ vacated chair. “I’m guessing you just found the answer to your Soren problem.”

“You could say that.” I cleared my throat and explained, “Apparently, our ancestral rulers, in their infinite wisdom, saw the potential risk of unfit leaders and, therefore, paved a path for purging.”

“What does that mean?” she whined impatiently. Phyneas reached for the heavy volume and quickly read the section himself.

*

“According to this,” Phyneas said, “King Artemis and his Court established a statute in which,” he consulted the book and read verbatim, “grants singular authority unto the reigning monarch to requisition the cognitive examination, at his discretion, of any Court member no longer congruent with governing code 07-1981-04.”

“Okaay…” Gemma murmured, perplexed. “And for those of us who aren’t familiar with governing code 07- whatever?” Phyneas turned, squinted at her critically, and said, “You ought to be.”

“Well, I’m not.”

“Yes, you are,” I assured her with an amused smile. “You just don’t recognize its identifier.”

*

“Code 07-1981-04,” I told Gemma, “outlines the qualifications for any ruling position, such as faction leaders, governors, Court members, and even the king.”

“Why didn’t you just say that?” Gemma gibed at Phyn. Turning back to me, she added, “And what is the significance of that code in this context?”

“The age restriction.”

*

Gemma took all of two seconds to put the pieces together. “Oh!” She expressed, eyes widening. “Oh, I see. So that mumbo-jumbo,” she waved her hand at Phyneas, still holding the law book, “essentially allows you to evaluate anyone over … what?”

“One hundred sixty years old,” I answered, leaning on the arm of my chair, chin in hand. Phyneas placed the book back on my desk and said, “I didn’t realize your predecessor was that old.”

“He celebrated one hundred sixty years just last month, as a matter of fact,” Ambrosia informed him. Phyneas and I exchanged looks as he said, “We must have missed our invitations.”

“I’m devastated,” I said, deadpan. My grandmother’s mouth twitched in amusement as she pointed out, “You were on tour.”

“Oh… Pity.”

“Indeed.”

*

Gemma crossed the room, coming to stand between Ambrosia and Phyneas at the front of my desk. “What I don’t understand,” she said, “if everyone over the age of one-sixty was deemed unfit to serve on the Court, wouldn’t we lose about ten percent of our members?”

“The requirement only needs to be met at the time of appointment,” my grandmother clarified. “And even after reaching the age limit, they’d only risk losing their position should they fail a cognitive exam requisitioned at the will of the king.”

*

Dropping yet another folder onto the growing stack beside his chair, Knox interjected, “So this statute gives you power to call King Soren’s sanity into question?”

“Not only that,” I replied with pleasure, “I hold the honor of orchestrating the test myself and handpicking the seer who oversees it. With a single lie, I can classify Soren as unfit for service on the Royal Court.”

*

Positively delighted by the prospect of booting Soren off my court, I was a breath away from laughing maniacally, and my grandmother knew it. “I think you’re enjoying this a little too much, bijou.” However, her tone held no trace of disapproval.

“Or not nearly enough,” Phyneas argued with a crooked smile, “We can finally be rid of that traitorous bastard.”

“Language, Lord Merrick!” Ambrosia scolded. “Might we have a little decorum, please?”

*

“We have a way,” I said to my advisor. “Still, the process will take time and tact.”

Gemma scoffed. “Look who’s talking.” I raised a quizzical brow, and she elucidated, “Come on, Nic. Time, sure, but tact? Forget it. You’ll pursue the most creative way of publicly embarrassing Soren so thoroughly he won’t ever recover.” Grinning mischievously, I answered, “Naturally.”

*

In the forty-eight hours that had followed the lowest lows and highest highs we experienced in Eden, this latest piece of good news was just the cherry on top of what my team and I had managed to achieve. Finally, after everything, the ground beneath me felt solid once again. Ember was safe and recuperating, the public was ready to embrace her as queen, our enemies were on the run, and now my beloved late grandfather had provided a way to safeguard ourselves from our greatest enemy while we worked to expose his true colors. I had a plan, I had support, and I had renewed faith in the destiny God had granted me a glimpse of decades ago. As king, I knew that too much optimism was dangerous. But in that moment, even I couldn’t deny that things were beautifully falling into place.

*

My train of thought veered off at the sound of Ambrosia’s voice. “Master Knox, what has you so engaged? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so enthralled with paperwork.”

“Rarely does my job require it,” he responded. “But I am hard pressed to enlist a shield worthy of protecting our queen before she takes up her throne.”

“I told you to take your time,” I reminded him.

“That is precisely what I am doing. How often you forget, Your Majesty, I do not retire until you do.”

“I don’t forget.”

“All the same, while you juggle politics, I’ve narrowed my selection down to three shields.”

*

Getting to his feet, Knox joined the crowd around my desk and placed the three remaining files in front of me. Phyneas fanned them out, studying the names as he said, “How in the world have you managed to narrow down Ember’s potential shield simply by reading their files?”

“I didn’t. I already had a short list.”

“How is that possible?” I asked. “I only tasked you with this a few hours ago.”

“I’ve been culling and interviewing potential candidates for some time.”

“You have? Since when?”

“Since you first informed me that Lady Ember was your destined companion. I thought it wise to be prepared for the inevitable day she takes her rightful place at your side.”

*

“That was very intuitive of you, Master Knox,” my grandmother praised.

“I wish I could say I’m impressed,” I said. “But truthfully, you’ve been anticipating my needs for the last few years now. I’ve come to expect nothing less.” Knox bowed his head in gratitude and replied, “Rest assured, Your Majesty, if there is one person more invested than yourself in Lady Ember’s safety, it’s me.”

*

A decade of experience ruling had taught me that stability was merely a passing state. Peace can turn into terror in the blink of an eye, which is why I so rarely let my guard down. However, the day’s victories had lulled me into a false sense of security. One that lasted but a moment before it was ripped out from under me just as quickly.

*

The tremor came before the boom. At once, all five of us reflexively sought to steady ourselves. I gripped my chair, Ambrosia grasped Gemma, who in turn grasped Phyneas while he and Knox seized the desk as an earth-shattering explosion rocked the castle down to its foundation. The chandelier above our heads rattled, and the lights flickered briefly. Then all fell eerily quiet.

*

No one knew what to say as we all exchanged varying looks from confusion to alarm. Thoroughly trained for a myriad of situations, Knox was the first to react, retrieving the small black radio from his tunic pocket. Switching it on, he pressed the talk button and said, “Knox to Davies— report,” then awaited a response. I stood in readiness, eager for news from the palace shields on duty.

*

“That was an explosion,” Gemma stated in shock.

“Yes, dear,” Ambrosia replied, “but where did it come from?”

“More importantly,” said Phyneas, “what caused it?”

“Everyone, hush,” I commanded, listening intently for a response from Knox’s radio.

*

Knox pressed the talk button again and said, “Owl team, does anyone copy?” No response. He and I both withdrew our phones and looked at each other, coming to the same conclusion. We were cut off. “No alarms?” Phyneas noted. “No way of communicating?” Comprehension struck my grandmother and with wide eyes she concluded, “This was no accident.”

*

All rational thought failed me, and fear took over every impulse as I gasped, “Ember.” My only instinct in that moment was to locate the woman I loved. Halfway to the door, my path was suddenly obstructed by multiple people at once. “Out of my way, Phyn!” I demanded.

“Just wait, Nic,” my best friend pleaded.

“Your Majesty.” My shield put a bracing hand on my chest, saying, “I cannot let you head blindly into danger.” Next to Phyneas, looking exceptionally worried, Gemma piped up, “I second that.”

*

A storm brewed behind my eyes as I glared at my shield and growled, “Remove your hand at once if you wish to keep it.”

“Phoenix!” my grandmother cried from behind me, the only person not blocking the door. “Please, see reason.”

“You see reason!” I snapped. “Beyond the fact that it would destroy me if anything happened to Ember, the future of our entire race hinges upon her survival. Do you truly expect me to save myself whilst abandoning her to God knows what kind of evil that’s invaded the castle?”

“No one is saying that,” Phyneas answered.

“Sire,” said Knox, “my primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of the crown.”

“Then you have a very narrow understanding of what that means if you cannot comprehend there’s far worse consequences for me than injury or death!”

*

My temper threatened to implode until my grandmother grounded me, as only she could, with her calm yet commanding tone. “Before you run off half-c****d, allow your guard the opportunity to devise a rational plan.” Staring at the door, I uttered, “You have ten seconds.”

*

Knox let out a deep sigh, then claimed my attention with the extremely rare use of my first name. “Phoenix… I do understand what the loss of Lady Ember would do to you. And I’d lay down my life before I let that happen.” I didn’t respond, but my expression softened, and he took that as a sign to continue. “As I said, my primary role is your protection. But if you remove yourself from the equation, then I can devote all my efforts to locating and protecting your queen.”

*

Meeting his eyes, I nodded for Knox to continue. With renewed conviction, he explained, “With communications and alarms disabled, I’ll need to assemble what shields I can en route to Lady Ember’s last known location.” Before I had the chance to consider or criticize Knox’s plan, a second blast rippled through the castle, making us all recoil. This time, the lights didn’t just flicker but were extinguished entirely, submerging us in total darkness but for the faint glow of the moon, streaming through the windows.

*

By the time they’d thought to turn on their phones’ flashlights, I impulsively charged toward the door. Yanked backward by an unnaturally strong grip, I yelled in outrage, “Let go, Gem!” She did as she was told, but begged, “Just listen for a damn moment.”

“I gave you a moment! And in the time we’ve wasted, things have only gotten worse. Shall I wait for the roof to cave in and bury my companion alive while you all take your sweet time formulating a plan?”

“No, but you should stop and remember that Ember is not the only person you care for.” My head instantly swiveled toward my grandmother. In the dim light, Ambrosia’s face was fearful and pleading.

*

Gemma was right. Ember was not the only one dear to me. The day Leon died, I pledged to care for Ambrosia. And unlike Ember, she was right there in front of me.

*

“What would you have me do?” I murmured to my grandmother. Stepping forward, she softly took my arm and said, “I know it goes against your nature, bijou, to put yourself above others. But that is precisely what is required of you right now.” I opened my mouth to argue, but she cut me off. “You, your second,” she nodded at Phyneas, “and I will establish a safety zone on the front lawn while Knox and his team assess the danger and oversee evacuations.”

*

“Leave Em behind?” I whispered, my voice breaking.

“Jasmine’s with her,” Phyneas pointed out. “As well as the ice queen. They’ll see her to safety.” Turning a doubtful gaze on him, I remarked, “You’re trusting Sadie now?”

“For tonight,” he replied, with no small difficulty, “where Em’s safety is concerned… yeah, I am.” Against every instinct in my body, I slowly nodded in agreement.

*

During our discourse, the scent of smoke had infiltrated my office. Phyneas suddenly took charge, announcing, “Time to go, Nic.” He took hold of Ambrosia’s arm and guided her through the door first, knowing I would follow. Before I did, I turned to my shield. “Knox…” I couldn’t find the words, but he read the desperation on my face. He clapped a firm hand on my shoulder and said, “Whatever it takes, Your Majesty. I will deliver Lady Ember safely to you.” I nodded sharply, then joined Phyneas in his pursuit of the most direct path out of the palace. Every step that led me away from Ember sent stabbing pain straight through my heart.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~