The Guardian Queen

Chapter Four pt. 2

~ Phoenix

*

“Ember!” I called after my companion. One moment I was relishing that cheeky grin of hers and the next I was chasing after her long blushing blonde hair. Through the ballroom, the western corridor, and out onto the veranda I followed my angel.

*

Ember slowly came to a stop just under the edge of the upper floor balcony, where she basked in the sight of lightly falling snowflakes. I stared at her expectantly. “Ma chérie?” She raised her arms outward, palms up, as she slowly stepped out of the balcony’s protection. “I’ve never seen snow before,” she murmured. All at once, her delight became clear.

*

I turned at the sound of a faint giggle and found a maid who’d been cleaning the exterior windows. Seeing me, her expression turned reproachful. “Oh, Your Majesty! Forgive me.”

“It’s alright, Genevieve,” I responded. She relaxed and resumed her task until I said, “Fetch Lady Ember’s cloak, if you please.” With a little curtsy, she answered, “At once, Your Majesty,” wiping her hands on her apron as she disappeared into the castle.

*

I followed Ember to the balustrade. A layer of snowflakes already adorned her hair. As she gazed up at me one landed on her cheek before melting. With my thumb, I gently brushed the droplet away. “You look even more angelic with frost in your hair,” I told her. She scrutinized my appearance and reported, “Yours is frost free.”

“I run hot, remember? Snow won’t stick to me.” A devilish look came over her face as she said, “I’d like to test that theory.”

*

Before I could wonder what mischievous thought ran through my companion’s head, she hopped up on the railing, swung her legs over the other side, and jumped down onto the lower lawn— a fete she would’ve never attempted nor accomplished before her training. Grinning with pride, I followed Ember over the edge, landing in a crouch directly behind her.

*

Ember had already taken off running across the clearing by the time I stood. She stooped for but a second. I didn’t understand why until she turned fast and launched a clump of snow straight at me. Reflexively, I telekinetically stopped the snowball in midair, inches from my chest.

*

The steady crunch of snow caught my attention as Ember’s lady’s maid hurried toward us, her short black curls bouncing on her shoulders. “Lady Ember, your cloak!” She reached me first and I intercepted, taking the thick wool garment. “Thank you, Freya.”

“Happy to be of service, Your Majesty.” She sent Ember a giddy smile before retreating.

*

Turning back to Ember, I crooked two fingers, gently nudging her toward me. Not of her own accord, she walked over. “Phoenix Rainier,” she admonished as I draped the long cloak around her shoulders and fastened the clasp over her chest. “You dare use your power against the guardian queen?”

“You may be destined to be queen,” I replied, “but you do not yet bear that title, little dove. Besides, I didn’t use it against you, I used it for you.” I kissed the tip of her nose and added, “Your face has already turned red from the cold.”

“You’re lucky to have a fire ability,” she commented, taking in our surroundings with a look of awe. “I could stay out here for hours.”

“You can borrow mine.” Understanding my meaning, her head snapped back to me. “No,” she firmly refused. “Not until I have a better understanding of my ability.”

“As you please. But practice makes perfect and I am always a willing participant.” She merely nodded in response.

*

Ember ran her hands up my chest and around my neck as she said, “It feels like it’s been a lifetime since you challenged me to a race here.” Her nimble fingers found their way into my hair and she added, “You knew just want I needed to take my mind off of training.”

“It was a selfish endeavor,” I replied. “I just wanted to see you smile at me for a change.” She stretched up toward me, pulling my face to hers. The resulting kiss was slow and unrushed.

*

When we parted, I took her right hand in my left while my other took hold of her narrow waist. Understanding my intention, she automatically straightened her posture and moved in time with me as we began to dance across the snow to no music but the beat of our synchronized hearts.

*

After we reached the end of our dance, Ember kissed me again in appreciation. She left my embrace and returned to soaking up the winter view of the castle grounds. “I’ve lived in Colorado all my life,” I said. “I don’t think I’ve ever truly appreciated how beautiful it is here until seeing it through your eyes.” She looked at me over her shoulder and beamed.

*

Ember’s expression slowly changed as an idea passed through her mind. Turning toward me, she raised her arms up, outstretched beside her, and breathed deep. The gentle falling snow around us stilled at her command. She then summoned snow from the ground and seperated each and every delicate flake, suspending them all in midair as she’d done with fallen leaves a month prior. Back then she’d only scratched the surface on controling her power. This display was in another league entirely, proving the acute impact of confidence.

*

Ember’s telekenetic demonstration gave the illusion that time stood still. However, as magical as it was, being the centerpiece of our own private snowglobe, it was nothing compared to Ember’s expression of sheer joy and her infectious giggle as she commented, “All we need now is our song.” Her self-assurance practically glowed from within her.

*

After watching Ember struggle the entire the time we’d known one another, seeing her shed the binds of doubt and insecurity was truly a stunning sight to behold. The cloak’s dark brown fur collar accentuated that subtle hint of red in her hair, and I couldn’t recall the last time her eyes resembled such a vivid blue. There wasn’t anything I wouldn’t do, no battle I wouldn’t willingly fight, to see Ember this happy everyday for the rest of our lives. I swelled with unrivaled strength and devotion as every part of me, mind, body, and soul, became perfectly aligned. In that moment I knew, our bond was ready to evolve.

*

However, before I got the chance to imagine a lifetime with her, strung together with blissful moments like this, Ember’s demeanor radically shifted. Alarm shot through me as all warmth drained from her eyes, the brilliant blue turned icy and even their golden halo faded away. Her face, flushed with delight only moments before, became eerily pale, her joyful smile vanished, and her arms fell to her side just before she stumbled forward.

*

“Em!” Panic-stricken, I rushed forward, catching Ember a heartbeat before she hit the frozen ground. I lowered us to our knees, turned her toward me, and frantically brushed her hair away to examen her face. Her labored breathing sparked concern as well as the way her entire body trembled with exhaustion. When she struggled to keep her eyes open, I was once again prompted by fear. Acting fast, I clutched her securely to my chest and swiftly rose from the ground, hooking her legs from underneath her. With what little strength she had left, Ember clung to my neck as I hurried across the lawn toward the warmth of the castle.

*

“I’m-m-m alright, Nic,” Ember stuttered, betrayed by the weakness of her own voice.

“You’re cold,” I rebutted sternly, silently rebuking myself for allowing her to tap into her power when I knew she was already depleted.

“It’s snowing.”

“Not that kind of cold, Em,” dropping my voice an octive to add, “as you well know.”

*

The veranda door opened at my command. Just inside, I nearly crashed into Ember’s lady’s maid. I sidestepped Freya at the last second, though she was far more concerned with Ember’s condition than being trampled. “My lady?” she exclaimed with genuine worry. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fi—”

“Don’t!” I warned. I refused to hear Ember claim she was fine.

*

Freya followed in step beside me as I carried Ember toward the stairs. “Have Louis prepare something hot to eat for your mistress,” I instructed urgently. “Something quick. Bring it to the royal suite as soon as possible along with some of Ambrosia’s herbal tea.”

“Right away, Your Majesty.” The maid disappeared before I could express my gratitude. Ember’s grip around my neck tightened as she kissed the flesh just under my jaw and I recognized her small gesture of reassurance.

*

In my chambers, I swiftly crossed the den and carefully lowered Ember onto the large sectional. Mercifully, the fireplace had already been lit in anticipation of our return. I removed Ember’s damp cloak, trading it for the cashmere blanket from inside the coffee table’s storage compartment. After wrapping Ember in multiple layers, I took her chilled hands in mine and channeled warmth into them. When I moved onto her feet, Ember mumbled, “I’m sorry.”

“What are you sorry for?” I replied, without looking up.

“Nic.” Focusing on restoring proper blood flow to her extremities, I didn’t respond. “Nic, look at me, please.” Her dulcet voice tugged at my heart, and I couldn’t refuse her if I wanted to. When I met her eyes, she leaned forward, stroked my cheek, and said, “Don’t pretend you aren’t upset with me. It’s a lie.”

*

I released Ember’s feet and pivoted her legs onto the couch beside her, tucking the blanket around her before I stood and replied, “Alright, I am upset.”

“Thank you.”

“I told you that you needed to eat; you claimed you weren’t hungry.” Tension seeped into my shoulders, and I crossed my arms, gripping my elbows in irritation. “I said I was worried; you dismissed my concerns.”

“You’re right. I should have listened.” Her admission paired with her subdued demeanor made it immensely difficult to remain vexed. With a heavy sigh, I squatted beside the sofa, cupped Ember’s face, and said, “If there was one thing you could do for me… one way to show me you love me… let it be taking proper care of yourself. There is nothing I desire more than to tend to your every need. But I’d worry far less if I knew you were taken care of whenever I’m not around.”

*

Freya soon arrived with nourishment and wouldn’t leave until she’d seen Ember take her first bite. I sat beside my companion, joining her for a meal although I wasn’t all that hungry. I finally relaxed after watching Ember put away two large helpings of Chef Louis’ hearty stew and a fair amount of Ambrosia’s cinnamon tea, concocted for the specific purpose of warming the extremities and staving off sickness.

*

Once the tray had been cleared away, Ember tucked herself against my side and we fell into easy conversation, discussing things that weren’t particularly important, until she drifted off practically mid-sentence. I chuckled softly to myself. The girl claimed she wasn’t tired enough to lay down in bed so early in the afternoon, yet she couldn’t keep her eyes open while exposed to the warmth of my body.

*

I considered moving Ember to the bedroom but didn’t want to risk disturbing her. Instead, I carefully tucked a pillow under her head as I slipped away and let her finish her nap on the sofa. Without me nearby, I worried the chill would return. Crossing to the firplace, I stoked the fire and added a fresh log. I brushed off my hands as I stood, and Ember’s music globe caught my eye, sitting front and center on the mantel. Taking it in hand, I cranked the handle as I strolled back to the sitting area.

*

A soft tune filled the room as I placed the globe on the coffee table for Ember to find when she awoke. Then, I leaned over her, softly kissed her cheek, and whispered, “Fais de beaux rêves, mon amour.”

~~~

After some time spent at my desk, tending to tedious paperwork, I made a few phone calls, and one by one my inner cirlce arrived in addition to my father and grandmother. With Knox being the last to enter, I instructed him to shut the door and moved around to the front of my desk, leaning against the edge.

*

Once my office door clicked shut, silence fell over the room. Ambrosia sat by the fire while the rest stood with anticipation in a semi-circle before me. “First,” I began, gripping the surface behind me. “I’d like to express my deepest gratitude to you all for the unwavering support you’ve shown Ember and I since we began our companionship, particularly over the past few days. Facing the trial and the ritual alone would have been a nightmare.”

“You are never alone, bijou,” Ambrosia responded on behalf of the entire group. Touched by the simple sentiment, I could only nod.

*

Clearing my throat, I continued, “There are many changes on the horizon, no doubt a few challenges as well. Once again I must call upon you all for assistance.”

“Just tell us what needs to be done, Majesty,” Phyneas responded. I looked from him to Gemma and asked, “What is the latest on public opinion?” Hands linked behind her back, my publicist stepped forward to answer, “Better than we could have hoped. Every major publication has provided a surprisingly accurate account of what happened in Eden. As a result, the people’s view of Ember has done a one-eighty overnight.”

*

I rubbed my scruffy chin thoughtfully. “What is it, Phoenix?” my grandmother questioned. “This is most fortunate news.”

“It’s suspicious,” I replied.

“I don’t understand.” Proving I’d inherited more than just good looks from my father, he answered for me. “Public opinion behaves like a wave not a switch. It’s odd for the kingdom to be wary of Ember one day and embracing her the next.”

*

When I caught Phyneas and Gemma exchange looks, I turned my full attention on them and barked, “Out with it.” Phyneas looked at Gemma, c****d his head toward me, and said, “Show him.” She bit her lip in apprehension before moving her hands from behind her to reaveal a folded newspaper which she timidly passed to me. Snatching it from her, I scanned the coverpage as she explained, “Someone managed to snap an illegal photograph during the ritual.”

“What?!” Ambrosia exclaimed, leaping from her seat and rushing to my side to view the newspaper for herself.

*

The publications’ exploitation of my companion during a moment of extreme vulnerability was infuriating. However, anger was but a passing thought. The same awe and pride I felt the moment that photo was taken came flooding back with the memory. Ember looked positively angelic, illuminated from the inside out by heavenly light. The photograph was snapped only seconds after her vibrant dress had turned pure white.

*

Knox’s voice broke through my trance. “It may be difficult to track down who took it. But The Guardian Times should be held responsible for publishing an illicit photograph of the future queen without the crown’s consent.”

“Leave it,” I instructed.

“Your Majesty?” he questioned in surprise. Phyn echoed my shield’s concern, asking, “Why?”

“Because in this case, the wrongdoing is in our favor. And I’m tired of toeing the line while our enemies obliterate it. The way I see it, we deserve every ounce of good will this photo generates after the stunt Kierkan pulled at the trial.”

“What stunt?” Knox asked.

“He illegally used compulsion to extract the truth from Ember against her will.”

“You can’t know that for certain, dear,” Ambrosia said.

“I can and I do.”

“We may not be able to prove it, Rosie,” my father came to my defense, “but the signs Phoenix observed were unmistakable. Though, I nearly missed it myself.”

*

“We’re getting off topic,” I said, tossing the newspaper behind me onto my desk. “Forget the photo. There are more pressing matters to be dealt with.” I looked at Gemma. “I need to address the kingdom.”

“It would be wise,” she agreed. “And the sooner the better.”

“Set it up and create an outline for my speech, if you please.” Nodding, she replied, “I’ll take care of it.”

*

“Next on the agenda,” I ran a hand through my wavy hair and said, “the Royal Court needs culling.”

“Son—”

“I will not permit anyone who sought to exile Ember to retain their seat on my court.”

“I’d caution you to do it gradually, bijou,” my grandmother advised.

“If you replace half the Court overnight,” Dad said, “it could be seen as an act of tyranny.”

“So be it then,” I replied with a shrug. “But it must be done.” Phyneas backed me up, saying, “He’s right, Obsidian. Better to rip off the bandaid and send a clear message at the same time.”

“Be careful what messages you choose to send.” Weary of the tiresome argument, I gave my final word on the matter, “It will be made abundantly clear, to the entire guardian world, that I will fight to protect the woman entrusted to me by our blessed Creator.”

*

A look of consideration passed over my father’s face before he nodded and said, “Alright, Phoenix. Where do you intend to start?” I’d had my cut list mentally prepared since before we left Eden. I slid my hands casually in my pockets and stated, “Juliette has worn out her welcome.”

“Your mother won’t be pleased about that.”

“All the better.” I looked to Gemma and asked, “Do you think Isaac would consider joining the Court?” Her eyes widened briefly in surprise. Then she shrugged and replied, “Honestly, I don’t think he’d reject the idea outright. Let me test the waters and see how he reacts.”

“Go to Middlebrook now,” I told her. “I want this settled sooner rather than later.”

*

Gemma was already headed for the door when I stopped her. “And, Gem?” She pivoted. “While you’re there, press your aunt for information about the Craddocks. I want to know everything she does about their history with Jonas as well as everything they said to Ember this morning. They will not ambush her like that again.” Grasping the gravity of my instructions, she gave a sharp nod and replied, “Of course.”

*

After Gemma left, I gave Phyneas instructions to check on Ember and, if she was awake, to entertain her for the remainder of the afternoon. No doubt she wanted to dive right back into training but it was imperative that she learn to avoid burning herself out. And after all she’d endured lately, she would need more than an afternoon nap before being fit to bear the weight of duty. Especially considering that those duties would soon encompass ruling the guardian race.

*

In Phyneas’ absence, my attention reverted to Knox. “Ember needs a shield,” I told him. He nodded in agreement as I continued, “Beyond superior combat skills, they should have acute instincts and abilities best suited for the job. It may take time to find the perfect candidate, so don’t hesitate in taking it.”

“Understood,” he ackowledged with a slight nod.

“And bear in mind that Ember isn’t likely to tolerate anyone oppressive. If someone is to become her shadow, she’ll want to see that person as a friend… as I do you.” His mouth twitched in a rare smile before he issued a deep bow and became the next to depart.

*

My father and grandmother stared at me expectantly. I gestured for them to have a seat in the pair of chairs by the fireplace. “Back to the issue of Court members,” I began. “Rosie, I need you to comb through the law. Surely there has to be precedent somewhere that will allow me to be rid of Soren.” She didn’t look confident but responded, “I’ll see what I can do.”

“Dad…” I fixed my earnest gaze on him and stated quite plainly, “I need you.”

“Just tell me what I can do, Son.” I stared at him knowingly until silent understanding passed between us. His posture grew rigid as the weight of what I was asking of him sunk in.

*

Consideration passed over my father’s face as I continued, “I know you originally declined the position for Lilly’s sake.” With a far-off look in his eyes he replied, “And Audrey. She was only a few months pregnant when you first offered me a seat on the Royal Court.” When his gaze refocused on me, he went on, “But things have changed. You are also my child. And right now your need is greater than your sister’s. I am honored to accept your appointment, Son.” I didn’t realize how much tension I’d been holding until relief settled over me at his acceptance. At a loss for words, I could only nod. Still, he recognized my immense gratitude.

*

“For your first official task,” I said, followed by a deep breath. “I need you to reach out to Edmund Belaby, and Indigo Grymm. See if they would consider a position on the High Court. I know Indigo is getting on in years but maybe he can be convinced to serve on a temporary basis.” I scratched my beard and added, “I need people I can trust and, unfortunately, that circle is far smaller than I’d like it to be.”

“Wouldn’t it be better to wait until we know whether Isaac Ashford will accept?” Ambrosia asked.

“I need more than just Isaac.”

“I assume you want me to replace Gareth,” Dad said astutely. “Who else do you intend to remove?” I ran my hands through my hair, sighed heavily, and answered, “A traitor.”

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

Note: (French) Fais de beaux rêves, mon amour. = Sweet dreams, my love.