The Guardian Queen

Chapter Four pt. 1

~ Ember

*

I welcomed the icy sensation of Phyneas’ portal as I set foot in the cavernous foyer of The Jewel of Ilia. The structure I once saw as foreign and intimidating had since become my refuge, and I knew I wouldn’t wish to leave my castle home again for some time.

*

While the rest of my entourage appeared behind me, I ventured past the ornate marble staircase toward the front parlor, drawn by the excessively bright light flooding the room. My feet brought me to the lofty windows, and as I peered through the glass, I softly gasped. The king’s realm had never looked more enchanting. I blinked several times, letting my eyes adjust to the magical transformation that had taken place in our absence. A crisp blanket of snow adorned Ilia, making the city glisten throughout the mountain valley.

*

As I stared in wonderment, the weight on my heart eased and I smiled despite myself. Having spent nearly my entire life in tropical Florida, this was the first time I’d ever laid eyes on such a grand winter display.

*

Enraptured by the view of Ilia, I was taken by surprise when Phoenix’s arms slipped around me. I instantly relaxed at the warmth of his chest against my back. He lowered his mouth to my ear and softly said, “Basking in the view of your kingdom, Your Majesty?” I rolled my eyes but couldn’t hold back a smile as I replied, “Please don’t call me that.”

“Don’t tell me you’ve reverted to denying destiny.”

“No.” I pivoted in his arms, settling my palms over his beating heart. “But as you said during our first dance— there are those whom I do not consider to be under my rule; you happen to be one of them. You’re at the top of that list, actually. To you, I am simply Ember.” After dropping a gentle kiss on my forehead, he said, “You, ma chérie, are not simply anything.”

*

Phoenix’s strong hands supported my back as I rose onto my tip-toes, eager to reunite my lips with his. He tasted of spearmint, and I felt his contentment through our bond which sparked life into my soul. I hummed happily and breathed deep, inhaling his masculine fragrance of leather and espresso. I also detected a hint of shaving cream, indicating that he’d taken the time that morning to clean up his beard without me noticing the subtle change. I chided myself for being so self-absorbed lately.

*

Phoenix abruptly pulled back, saying, “How can I enjoy kissing you when you taste like guilt?” Cupping my cheek, he continued, “What’s on your mind, little dove?”

“Nothing,” I deflected. His gaze pierced mine as he said, “Haven’t you learned by now that it’s futile to lie to me?” His tone deepened as he added, “I thought we agreed to be transparent with one another after the secrets I kept from you nearly fractured our bond.”

“You’re right,” I conceded. “I should have said it’s nothing I care to discuss.”

“Alright. But, consider this… knowing we can sense one another’s emotions, ask yourself, would you be at ease if our roles were reversed right now? Could you ignore my distress? Could you accept my unwillingness to confide in you?” Seconds passed while his question hung in the air. “No,” I finally admitted. “I couldn’t.”

*

While I contemplated how to put my feelings into words, Phoenix stroked my hair away from my face, waiting patiently. With a heavy sigh, I said, “You trimmed your beard.” His brows knit in confusion. “And?”

“And I didn’t notice.” I could see him attempting to work out why I was bothered. “I’m sorry, Em,” he said. “I fail to see the significance.”

“You notice every little thing about me,” I mumbled reproachfully, staring at my hands still resting softly on his chest. “I’ve been so self-absorbed lately. I’ve yet to even ask you how you’re handling everything.”

“You’ve had good reason.”

“Don’t make excuses for me.”

*

After a beat of silence, Phoenix calmly said, “Em.” Without meeting his eyes I answered, “What?” His hand on my back disappeared, moving to my chin as he gently lifted my face and stated, “You are much too hard on yourself. Besides, you needn’t worry for me.”

“How can you say that? I love you.” His expression immediately softened, touched by the impact and sincerity of my words. “Oh, mon ange… je t’aime aussi.” Phoenix tightened his embrace, kissing me amorously. My skin flushed with heat, flooded with the raw desire he radiated.

*

When our kiss eventually came to an end, we caught our breath as Phoenix rested his forehead against mine, saying, “Forgive me. I merely sought to put your mind at ease. I never meant to diminish your love nor take for granted the blessing it is to have someone who worries for me.”

*

Phoenix stepped back, clasped my hands, and said, “To answer your question, I have very mixed feelings about what transpired in Eden. As gratifying as it is that our people finally know the truth about your identity, it never should have come down to a smiting. The Council’s ruling is indicative of a greater problem.”

“What do you mean?” I wondered.

“It’s obvious by their treatment of the royal companion that the monarchy does not have the degree of support that it should.”

“I still don’t fully understand.”

“It’s difficult to explain to…” When he halted, I finished for him. “An unknown?” He shook his head. “I wasn’t going to say that.”

“I’m not ashamed of my past, Nic.”

“Nor should you be. I merely meant to say that it’s difficult to explain to someone so new to the guardian world.”

“I still have a lot to learn it seems,” I uttered with a sigh. He squeezed my hands and replied, “Keep up with your lessons with Ambrosia and you’ll get there sooner than you think.”

“I guess even the queen can’t take shortcuts.”

“You wouldn’t want to even if you could,” he remarked. “You want to know everything there is to know about our kind and our history. And that is something I’ve admired about you since day one.” I couldn’t hold back a bashful grin.

*

Clearing my throat, I asked, “So, where do we go from here?”

“That, little dove, is an excellent question,” Phoenix answered as he turned and led me back toward the foyer at a relaxed pace. “I never expected when we left for Eden that you would declare yourself as queen.”

“That was not my doing,” I clarified.

“True. Nevertheless, your acceptance certainly changes things. Not to mention, the only thing more unexpected than your declaration, was God’s intervention. He anointed you Himself for all of Eden to see. There’s certainly no reversing it now.”

“How much do you think the general public knows about what happened?”

“Considering there were reporters present for both your trial and the ritual that followed, if the press have provided a truthful account, by now the entire guardian population across the globe likely knows about it.” He ran a hand through his dark brown waves, adding, “Though I can’t imagine anyone who didn’t witness it personally could fully grasp the significance of what occured on Spiritus Caeli. Mercifully, photographers are banned from such events.”

*

When we came to a stop near the bottom of the staircase, I asked, “Have you read any newspapers since yesterday morning?”

“I have not,” Phoenix answered. “Which is why I need to confir with Gemma as well as the rest of my inner circle.”

“Our inner circle,” I corrected. With the hint of a smile, he confirmed, “Yes, our inner cirlce.” Facing me, he reclaimed my free hand and continued, “In addition to analyzing public opinion, I need to address some security issues, clean house on the Royal Court, and,” he sighed heavily before adding through clenched teeth, “… deal with the traitor in our midst.”

*

Sensing my companion’s immense weight of heartache, I gently asked, “How do you intend to handle the situation?”

“I’m not sure yet,” he softly replied. “I wish there was no need to be delicate, but…” His words trailed off but I understood. He swallowed hard before continuing, “Anyway, all I can do is pray I’ll find some much needed clarity once other issues have been handled. I’ll be calling a meeting of allies as soon as possible.”

“Does that include me?” When he met my eyes I immediately saw his hesitation. “Ordinarily, yes,” he answered. “But not this time.”

*

Taken aback, I replied, “Are you serious?” Phoenix gripped my shoulders reassuringly and said, “For now, all I want you focusing on is your own wellbeing.”

“You want me to kick my feet up while you see to the kingdoms biggest problems?” I rotorted, incredulously. Unfazed by my sudden annoyance he replied, “I wouldn’t put it like that, but essentially, yes.”

“What exactly do you expect me to do?”

“Well, you can start by eating something.”

“I’m not hungry,” I responded automatically, pushing his hands away.

“You didn’t have breakfast this morning,” he pointed out. “Plus, you slept the entirety of yesterday and couldn’t keep anything down the night before.”

*

Hearing Phoenix’s recap of the past couple day, I suddenly realized I was the unreasonable one. After a calming breath, I met his eyes again and said, “I guess I’ve been without food so long I don’t even feel hungry anymore.”

“Which is precisely why I am worried about you.”

“And you, chasseur?” I countered. A crease of confusion appeared between his borws as he asked, “What about me?”

“When was the last time you slept?”

“I am blessed with the gift of endurance. You have no such ability to spare you from starvation.”

“Nic—”

“You asked how you can help. Make taking care of yourself one less thing I need to worry about. Please.”

*

My feelings for the king made it difficult to refuse him anything, but it was exponentially more difficult to refuse him when he spoke sense. “Fine,” I conceded. “I will make my way to the dining hall.”

“Thank you,” he sighed with relief. Then, the view from the front window caught my eye, and I grinned playfully as I added, “But first…”

“First what?” he asked hesitantly.

“First I think we deserve a little fun.”

“What kind of fun?”

“I believe you would call it… the uninhibited kind.”

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

*

Author’s note:

I’m sorry this is a short chapter. It’s really only half of Ch. 4 but the app won’t let me publish anything over 5,000 words and this was the best place to cut it. Hopefully the second half will be coming soon.

Thanks for reading!!

~E. K.