The Guardian King

Chapter Thirty

Author’s Note:

I will be enjoying the Easter holiday with my family this week and therefore too busy to publish. Please enjoy chapters 30 & 31 which I am releasing now. Chapter 32 will not be published until next Wednesday, April 12th, so pace yourself if need be. :)

Thanks for reading! Your encouraging comments have gone a long way in keeping me motivated to keep writing, thank you!!!

*****

~ Ember

*

There was a reason I was no fan of the beach. Almost drowning wasn’t a new experience for me. Although I could honestly say I’d never been held underwater by an invisible force before. My chest burned from the forced expulsion of chlorinated water and I attempted to access my own healing ability to ease the pain. With moderate success, my discomfort decreased to a dull ache.

*

Fatigue threatened to overtake me. I resisted sleep while vaguely aware of Phoenix on the phone with Phyneas. Moments later, I detected Phyneas’ presence at my side. “Hey, Emmie girl,” he said softly. “You’re going to be okay.” I felt his comforting hands on my forearms as he continued, “I take it you don’t have any objection to me healing you?” I appreciated the way he always tried to lighten the mood. Nic, however, did not. “Concentrate, Phyn!” he barked.

“Relax, Nic. She’s already responding. I’d never mess around where her health is concerned.”

*

The ache in my throat evaporated and I began to breath deeper as Phyneas worked to restore me to full health. Movement caught my eye at the foot of the massive bed. Phoenix walked back and forth in agitation, unable to remain still. “Please, stop pacing, Nic,” I croaked. “It’s making me seasick.” Phyn softly chuckled at my little joke, but Nic stopped in his tracks saying, “You think that’s funny, Em? You almost died and you expect me to laugh it off as a joke?!”

*

Before I could respond, Phyneas came to my defense. “Maybe you should wait in the other room, Majesty.”

“Like hell I will!”

“Nic, you’re upsetting my patient and impeding the healing process.” The king let out a frustrated roar, before ultimately leaving us in peace.

*

“You know he’s only acting like a brute because he’s been shaken, don’t you?” Phyneas asked softly. I nodded and said, “But he needs to understand we all cope with trauma in different ways. Laughing it off was my way of… processing.” He smirked and replied, “Proving we are kindred spirits, you and I.”

*

When I felt normal again, I thanked Phyneas for his healing. He squeezed my hand and asked, “Do you want me to tell the brute he can return?”

“I guess. It is his room anyway.” I let out a big yawn and Phyneas said, “A few hours of rest will have you good as new. And that will be the topic of our next healing lesson.”

“What will?”

“It’s normal for a guardian’s energy reserve to be depleted when they’ve been severely injured. A healer should only mend the wounds, not the fatigue. You went too far when you healed Nic. You transferred your own energy reserve to him, leaving you vulnerable and weak.”

“I couldn’t sense when he’d been completely healed.”

“I know. You just need practice.”

*

“What the hell is taking so long?!” Nic boomed from the other room. Phyneas rolled his eyes, patted my leg, and said, “Let me know if you need anything.” With a nod from me he left the room. My eyes grew heavy. If it weren’t for my wet clothes and hair I could have easily fallen asleep. But my leggings and tank top clung to me like a second skin I was eager to shed.

*

Just as I managed to get myself into a seated position, the king returned to his bedroom. “Take it easy, little dove,” he said as he quickly crossed the room and knelt beside the low bed frame.

“I’m alright, Nic,” I assured him.

“Please allow me a moment to see that for myself.” I let out a sigh of concession as he placed his strong hands on my shoulders and gauged my face for any sign of lingering injuries.

*

Satisfied with my condition, Phoenix moved his hands up and down my bare arms in a soothing fashion. “Ember, I… I can’t even begin to express how sorry I am this happened to you, here of all places where you should be the safest. But I promise you, I will find answers as to what exactly happened and who was responsible.”

“I appreciate you saying that, but all I desire at the moment is dry clothes.”

“Of course.”

*

Without hesitation he pulled me into his arms. I opened my mouth with the intention of pointing out I could walk just fine, but the mysterious hum returned at full force, likely due to the fact he remained shirtless. Instead of objecting, I leaned my head against his bare chest and absorbed the comfort he radiated as it eased my exhaustion. “Are you sure you’re not a healer?” I asked with my eyes closed.

“Why do you ask, mon ange?”

“Because I always feel better when I’m near you.” I felt him let out a soft chuckle, but he didn’t reply as he carried me back to my suite.

*

When Phoenix set me on my feet I sensed his hesitation to let go. I gave him a nod of assurance, before I made my way into to the bedroom, through the bathroom, and into the closet. After I’d traded my wet clothes for the comfiest pajamas I could find, I returned to my bedroom to find Phoenix had turned down the blankets for me. The sight of this king, in all his masculine beauty, performing such a domestic task for my sake, chipped away at the cast around my heart.

*

Without a word I slipped into bed. After Phoenix wrapped the stack of blankets over my body, he sat on the edge of the mattress and took my hands in his. Though he struck me as a man who always knew what to say and spoke with intent, in that moment he was clearly at a loss for words. I gave him a reassuring squeeze of my hands without saying anything.

*

Whether due to the day we shared together or my exhaustion, Phoenix’s state of undress no longer made me uncomfortable. With the tip of my middle finger I traced the outline of the dove tattoo on his chest and asked, “Is this in honor of your grandfather?” He reclaimed my hand as he answered with a simple, “No.” Without further explanation, he caught my eyes and said, “Sleep, Angel.” Too tired to claim otherwise, I didn’t argue. Before he left, he dropped a kiss on each of my knuckles. I rolled onto my side and heard the faint click of the door closing as I surrendered to sleep, dreaming of golden eyes and white doves.

***

Some time later, I woke to find the sun had set during my slumber. Disoriented from waking in the evening, I looked at the bedside clock which revealed it to be just after dinnertime. Near the clock I spotted a note and my heart sank at the thought of it being another threat. I cautiously picked up the card and relaxed when I read the words left by one of my lady’s maids:

Call me if you need dinner, no matter the hour.

~ Winnie

She was a treasure. Though my stomach churned with hunger, seeing the note reminded me of the threats I’d received, which given the events of the day, I decided Phoenix needed to know about immediately.

*

I got out of bed and went to the bathroom where I hurriedly washed my face, brushed my teeth, and combed through my still slightly damp hair, before pinning it back up. After a quick change of clothes into jeans and a long-sleeved shirt, I riffled through the bottom drawer of my nightstand. Having retrieved the two written threats, I left my room barefoot in search of the king.

*

When I passed through the common area of the palace, I came across Daphne. In a large open parlor near the front entrance, the king’s secretary sipped from a steaming teacup. She looked up from her book when she saw me and immediately said, “Lady Ember, I heard about your unfortunate incident earlier today. Are you alright?”

“I’m fine, thanks to the king’s quick actions and Phyneas’ healing.”

“I am relieved to see you well.” Her eyes shone with compassion that touched my heart.

*

“Do you know where I can find the king? I asked Daphne. “I have something important I need to discuss with him.”

“Oh.” Her face grew tense as she softly continued, “Now might not be the best time.”

“Why is that?”

“Well… it’s not really my place to say.”

“I am his companion,” I reminded her.

“That is true. Alright.” She placed her cup down and shifted in her seat to better face me. “He’s been in an agitated state all afternoon, because of what happened to you. Just before I took my break, he summoned Lady Lamond to his office to have a word with her. And judging by the yelling I heard before I left my desk, he’s taking the bulk of his anger out on her.”

“On Sadie? Why?”

“I do not know, my lady.”

“Is he still in his office?”

“I have no reason to suspect otherwise.”

“Thank you, Daphne.”

“The best of luck to you, Lady Ember.”

*

I hustled down the hall and up the stairs in the direction of Phoenix’s office. I could hear the raised voices from down the hall. As I made my way closer, the door wrenched open and an irate Sadie came storming out in my direction. Upon seeing me she instantly stopped, looked me over, and gritted out, “You don’t look like someone who supposedly almost died.”

“Only because of Phyneas’ gift for healing,” I responded. “And why are you acting angry towards me? I’m the victim.” She rolled her eyes as she stormed passed me, muttering, “And ignorant to believe you are the only one.”

*

I shook off the strange encounter with Sadie and approached the king’s office door. With the back of my hand, I gently tapped on the ebony wood. “What?!” the king boomed. Choosing not to respond to anger, I calmly pushed open the door. Phoenix froze mid-pacing and stared at me. His clothes were uncharacteristically wrinkled, his eyes carried a great weight, and his hair appeared disheveled, as though he’d ran his hands through it over a hundred times.

*

“Ember,” his deeply rich voice penetrated my chest. “What are you doing here? You should be recovering your strength.” As I moved further into the room he swiftly met me in the middle, placing his hands on my upper arms. He proceeded to evaluate my face, taking care to notice how rested I looked. “I slept all day,” I assured him. “I feel fine.” He thought for a moment then nodded in acceptance.

*

With a gentle squeeze of his hands on my arms Phoenix said, “I’m sorry I snapped at you, little dove.”

“I’m more interested to know why you’re so angry,” I replied. He sighed, ran a hand down the side of my head affectionately, and released me, saying, “I’d hoped to have definitive answers for you by the time you woke. My ire stems from having spent the day finding zero clues as to what happened to you.”

“I didn’t expect you to solve it in a day, Nic.” His eyes bore into mine at the utterance of his preferred moniker. Something about the way I said it made him happy. “And besides,” I went on, “I want to help.”

“Emb-”

“Why were you yelling at Sadie?” I asked, cutting him off. He rubbed his scruffy chin as he moved to one of the chairs and lowered himself to the seat’s edge. I took the seat across from him and said, “Nic, I can’t trust you if you keep things from me.”

“I know, mon ange. I’m merely contemplating how to explain.”

“Start with why you summoned her.”

“How did you kn-”

“I ran into Daphne.”

“I see.”

*

After he massaged the back of his neck in thought, he shifted back in the chair and said, “As king, I’m familiar with certain energy signatures. The use of our abilities leaves subtle traces if caught in time. I’m certain whatever force held you underwater was no way telekinetically related. Which means, it could only have been a water ability.”

“Stands to reason,” I replied. “But what does that have to do with Sadie?”

“Sadie is the only guardian with a water ability permitted to be on castle property.”

“She has a water ability?”

“Yes. One very similar to my fire ability, only opposite. She possesses a frozen touch.”

“So that’s why Phyn calls her the ice queen,” I said in realization.

“One reason,” he replied vaguely.

*

“But wait…” I said, “Sadie wasn’t anywhere near the natatorium earlier.”

“That we know of,” he countered. “And so far, she’s the only suspect.”

“No, Phoenix. She isn’t a suspect.”

“Ember, you don’t know her the way I do. She’s intelligent and highly ambitious. She could’ve found a way to extend her power beyond simply what she can touch.”

“It’s not just that, Nic. The water wasn’t the least bit cold. If she’d used her ice ability to hold me down. Wouldn’t I have felt cold?” After a long pause he replied, “Not necessarily.”

“Are you saying that because it’s true or because you don’t want to give up the only suspect you think you have?”

*

Phoenix gave me a curious look and said, “Be careful, little dove. If I didn’t know any better I’d say you’re beginning to sound like my true companion.” I shrugged off his comment and replied, “I notice things about you.”

“Not many do.” His eyes bore into me, shining like molten gold.

*

I cleared my throat and said, “Back to the matter at hand, chasseur.” He smiled smugly, seeming to embrace my nickname for him, as I added, “I actually have something to contribute to the investigation.”

“Please go on. If you’re right about Sadie’s innocence-”

“I am,” I insisted.

“… then I’ve reached a dead end. I’m grateful for anything you can contribute.”

*

I began to grow apprehensive over what his reaction would be when he realized I withheld the threats against me for weeks. I nervously chewed my bottom lip until Phoenix leaned forward in his seat again and calmly said, “Angel? What is it?”

“First, I want your word you won’t get angry.” His eyes widened in surprise of my request as he answered, “I can’t imagine any offense you could’ve committed that would result in my anger towards you.”

“It’s not so much what I did… as for what I didn’t do. I didn’t bring this to your attention sooner.” I withdrew the notes from my robe pocket and tentatively passed them over to the king.

*

As he examined the two notecards, I explained, “Both those notes were left in my room on separate occasions since I moved into the castle.” Though his face reflected no emotion, his hands tightened, practically vibrating with rage. He stood and resumed pacing while angrily muttering to himself in rapid French.

*

When I realized he was only getting more worked up with every passing moment, I said, “Nic, please don’t be mad.” His head snapped towards me as he said, “Mad? Ember, how could you expect me to be anything but furious?”

“Phoenix-” He quickly held up a single hand, effectively cutting me off. “Allow me to clarify,” he said, making a strained effort to keep his voice calm. “I am enraged by the situation. I’m not angry at you.”

“You’re not?”

“No, Angel. Though I cannot deny I’m disappointed you felt you couldn’t trust me with this.”

“That’s not the reason,” I insisted.

“Then why would you keep this from me?” I shrugged a shoulder and answered, “After receiving the first note, I believed it to be nothing more than your mother’s attempt to scare me off. I didn’t put any stock into it.”

“I see.” He reexamined the notes and added, “I admit, my mother is not above such petty threats. However, she prefers the direct approach. If she had the gall to threaten my companion, she wouldn’t have done so anonymously.”

*

“The second note,” I continued my explanation, “showed up the day I visited my aunt. I’d planned to tell you, but…”

“But what?” he urged.

“That night I found you bleeding out in your room, and well… saving you seemed more important at the time.”

“For which I am grateful. But that was over a week ago.”

“I’ve been so focused on training, I put the notes out of my mind.”

*

Phoenix moved toward his desk, threw the cards on the surface, and exhaled forcefully. “The fact someone had the audacity to step foot into the royal palace and threaten the king’s companion makes me what to tear this place apart, stone my stone, until I get my hands on them. This should not have happened. This wouldn’t have happened if I’d been a more present companion to you. It seems I am always apologizing to you, little dove. Please forgive my neglect.” I shook my head saying, “It’s not your fault, Phoenix.”

*

After rising from the chair, I approached him, saying, “I’m not your responsibility.” His eyes narrowed as he replied, “How can you say that?”

“I’m not your true companion,” I reminded him. “We have an arrangement for appearances sake.” He opened his mouth for rebuttal, but shut it when words wouldn’t come. He ran his hands across his face exasperatedly, then through his hair, collecting his thoughts before he said, “Ember, even if I haven’t made it clear that I care about you… the fact remains you are living in my domain at my behest. What happens to you here is absolutely my responsibility.” I couldn’t understand why my comment stoked his anger.

*

In an effort to ease the blame Phoenix carried, I said, “Today wasn’t all bad, you know.”

“How could a day in which you nearly died at all be considered good?” he questioned. I spared him a sweet smile and answered, “You successfully took my mind off training for an afternoon. And now I can honestly claim to have danced in the rain… well, simulated rain.” He pondered my answer, before replying, “And that makes you happy?”

“It does,” I stated, taking a tiny step closer.

“In that case… you’re right. I suppose… the day wasn’t all bad. Lucky for me you hold such a love of dancing.”

“Don’t you? It was your idea. And you made it seem so effortless.” The depth of his hearty laugh seeped into my bones. “My mother insisted on lessons my entire childhood,” he explained. “I admit the skill has been useful since becoming king. However, I never cared for the activity at all… until recently that is.”

“What changed?” I inquired with genuine interest. He matched my movements, taking a tiny step towards me, as he locked eyes with mine and replied with sincerity, “I met you.” He tucked my stray hairs behind my ear and added, “You taught me to see the joy in dancing… when one has the right partner.”

*

Damn. If magic words existed granting him direct access to my heart, those would be them. At some point I’d unknowingly eliminated the space between us. Phoenix caressed my face with his fingertips. Even the air vibrated between us as I sensed what was coming but had no power to resist it. He rested one hand at the base of my neck and with his other pulled me by the hip until my body firmly pressed against his. I recognized his careful movements as his way of giving me the opportunity to pull back, but my heart would not allow it.

*

When his lips softly made contact with mine, my heart all but stopped. The gentle hum we ordinarily created escalated into a full blown electric current. In that moment, the yearning of my soul stifled all logic and caution surrounding the guardian king. Every cell within me insisted I completely belonged to Phoenix. Somewhere in the back of my mind alarm bells were going off, but the exhilaration coursing through my veins overpowered all else.

*

With my hands resting comfortably on his chest, I let Nic take full control of the kiss. He never sought more than my lips, yet I’d never come close to being kissed as sensationally… or intimately.

*

In the midst of pleasure, Phoenix unexpectedly broke contact. When my eyelids lifted, I discovered a sorrowful expression on his face. “What’s wrong?” I whispered. He rested his forehead against mine and replied, “You still smell of chlorine. I think pulling your lifeless body from the water has ruined the smell for me.”

“Don’t let it,” I insisted. “Don’t let whoever was responsible take that enjoyment from you. When I think back on today, I’ll remember the look on your face when I successfully used telekineses to splash you.” A soft giggle escaped me, effectively bringing a smile back to Nic’s face.

*

I should’ve taken the opportunity to regain my senses, but I couldn’t deny even to myself, all I wanted was for Nic to kiss me again. It unnerved me how the king always seemed to hear my innermost thoughts, because seconds later he cupped my entire face in his large hands and returned his luscious lips to mine with more urgency.

*

I found myself drowning for the second time that day. Completely submerged in Nic’s passion, I surrendered to the pull I’d been fighting for weeks. It sucked me in with great force and made me hope to never surface again.

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