The Guardian King

Chapter Thirty-five

~ Phoenix

*

The morning of Adlegatio brought with it an unexpected chill in the air. The previous evening still felt of summer, but the morning declared the presence of fall. My tiff with Ember weeks prior led me to give her space for both our benefit. She needed the chance to realize no amount of time or distance from me would lessen our bond. The past two weeks had provided valuable clarity and allowed me to come to an important conclusion. In order to encourage her to open up to me, I needed to take a calculated risk and completely open up to her. Therefore, I made the decision that at the end of the banquet I’d tell her the truth about … everything.

*

When the time came to dress for the banquet and the weight of my decision set in, my mind went into overdrive considering how to broach such a topic as our shared destiny. While showering, uncertainty began to plague me. Worrying questions filtered through my brain. Would she be the least bit receptive to all I had to tell her? Or would she merely laugh in my face at the mere idea of being soul mates? My heart insisted my concern wasn’t the least bit rational. The same maker who’d created me, created her. He knit our destinies together long ago. All I had to do was find the courage to seek it.

*

My pulsed steadied at the knowledge Ember felt the same pull toward me that I felt toward her. By the time I’d combed through my damp hair and trimmed my beard, my worries had mostly faded into the background. With confidence, I donned the king’s uniform; a royal-blue tunic with a silver sash and matching pants embroidered with copper thread. As I fastened my belt someone knocked at my door.

*

“Bonsoir, Rosie,” I greeted with a smile when I saw my grandmother in the hall, carrying a large ornate box. She wore a sparkling aubergine gown that accented her auburn hair and made her look easily a decade younger. “Tu es extrêmement beau, bijou,” she said.

(*Continuing their conversation in French.*)

“Please come in,” I invited.

“I’ll only keep you a moment,” she claimed. “I know you have a very special date awaiting you. I only came to bring you this.”

“And what is this?” I asked, taking the box from her. “Open it,” she instructed. The weight gave a strong indication of its contents. I slowly lifted the hinged lid. Inside the box, on a velvet cushion, rested a stunning silver crown. No jewels or stones, just polished metal crafted into a symbol of my position.

*

“I appreciate the gesture,” I told Ambrosia, “and the effort you went through to retrieve this from the royal vault, but you know I’m not one for headpieces, Rosie.” I held up my right hand and added, “This is all the adornment I need.”

“This is a special night, Phoenix. The first of many Adlegatio celebrations you will attend with your destined companion by your side.”

“She doesn’t know that.”

“And whose fault is that?” she quipped.

“Mine, I know. But I stand by my choices. And you may be interested to know I plan to reveal everything to Ember tonight.”

“I’m glad to hear it. And that makes this night all the more special. Please, wear the crown for me, Bijou. Let your outward appearance reflect the king you are at heart. The king you have always been.”

*

I moved to stand in front of the floor length mirror in the den, placing the box on the table near my armchair as I passed. Ambrosia stood behind me and watched as I placed the crown on my head. She reached up to lovingly smooth out my wavy hair as she said, “Perfect.”

“You aren’t going to tell me I need a haircut?” I asked.

“This style suits you.”

“You’ve never expressed such opinion before.”

“One of many mistakes in my long years.” She turned me to face her and went on, “I should have defended you to Magnolia when you were a boy. I should have made her see reason.”

“I never asked you to. She couldn’t, then or now, be forced to see the truth. She must accept it on her own terms.”

“And so she shall.”

***

I fidgeted with the sash across my chest as I awaited Ember at the end of her hallway, around the corner from the top of the grand staircase. The limited interaction I’d had with her over the past two weeks had me anxious to see her and smooth things over before portaling to Eden.

*

The chime from the antique grandfather clock downstairs echoed through the stony castle, signaling the six o’clock hour. The same moment, Ember’s presence drew nearer. Behind me, I heard the faint sound of fabric dragging across the carpet runner and I turned in her direction. Ember stopped a few feet away as I took in the stunning sight of her.

*

The gown Ember wore had to have been Jasmine’s finest creation. It was clear she’d designed the dress specifically for my angel. Champagne silk, embroidered with copper thread, glistened against her skin. The floor-length skirt split in the front, revealing a sparkling deep-blue under layer. Her blushing blonde hair was done up in curls, and a sapphire necklace rested against her clavicle, matching her teardrop earrings as well as her irises. Judging by her dark eye color, she still carried strong emotions.

*

Ember found her voice before I did. “You look incredible,” she said in a whisper.

“You’ve robbed me of the words I wished to speak to you, mon ange.” At the utterance of my term of endearment she took a few tentative steps forward, saying, “Before we go, I need to talk to you.” I moved closer, narrowing the gap between us, as she continued, “About our… disagreement.”

“Ember, I-”

“Nic, I need to apologize.” Her words spilled out so quickly I barely registered them. “Apologize?” I repeated in surprise.

“You were right,” she claimed. I shook my head and replied, “No, little dove.”

“Let me finish, please.” When I nodded she went on, “First of all, I didn’t mean it when I said I didn’t want any kind of relationship with you. I do want to be friends. And, as you said, real friendship isn’t one-sided. If there are…” she struggled to find her words, but after a second cleared her throat and continued, “… things I’d rather not talk about, I understand the same is true for you. You have every right to keep your past to yourself. It doesn’t concern me. I trust the man you are today.”

“You do?”

“I do.”

*

Moved by her declaration of faith, I was rendered speechless, which she found amusing. Ember smiled, a sight I hadn’t seen in far too long, as she said, “Does that shock you?”

“Shock, no. I’m honored. But I cannot allow you to assume all of the blame. That day my patience had already been stretched thin by my mother. Not an excuse for my short temper, I know. But I was caught off guard by your interest in things I thought I’d securely locked away. I wanted to avoid dredging up unpleasant memories. However… you do deserve to know, because it does concern you.” Her brows knit in confusion as I went on, “At least, it explains my treatment of you. Why I’m so protective as well as why I’m so drawn to you.”

“I can’t say I understand what you mean,” she replied. “but you deserve the right to tell me in your own time.”

*

I wanted to reveal everything in that moment, but we hadn’t the time. A hoard of guardian nobility awaited us. Not to mention, Ember deserved her first Adlegatio banquet to be nothing short of splendid. Not overshadowed by the weight of a truth I’d withheld for months.

*

I brushed my fingers across her supple cheek and said, “You are so beautiful.” Her blue eyes lightened as her complexion reddened. In someways our spat had been beneficial. She’d seen an unpleasant side of me and wasn’t deterred. Her guard was lowering. Even as I stood so near she didn’t back away as she normally did. The urge to kiss her overpowered my senses. She didn’t retreat as I closed what little space was left between us.

*

Ember’s perfume drew me in and I settled my hands on her waist as I leaned toward her glossy lips. “Glad to see you’ve remembered what to do with a companion,” came Jasper’s voice from the corner by the stairs, effectively disrupting our moment. “But if you don’t mind, we are all waiting on you, Your Majesty.” What was with these Merrick brothers, interrupting every time Ember let me get close?

*

My companion cleared her throat in embarrassment and took a generous step away, leaving my hands in want of her warm body. “We’re coming,” she called. Jasper disappeared around the corner. When Ember moved to follow him, I put a gentle hand on her elbow, holding her back. “I have a favor to ask of you, little dove.”

“What is it?”

“There’s going to be a lot of people at the banquet tonight and we still have no clue on the identity of the person who’s been threatening you.”

“Do you really think anyone would want to harm me in a public setting?”

“I think it’s not worth taking any chances. Please stay close to me.” She nodded and said, “I will.” I extended my arm which she accepted, allowing me to escort her downstairs where our transportation awaited.

*

In the spacious foyer of the castle stood a mirror large enough to pass through two at a time with ease. “Are we portaling directly into the castle in Eden?” Ember asked.

“Perks of being us,” Phyneas answered.

“Are you disappointed, little dove?” I inquired, judging by the look on her face.

“No,” she responded halfheartedly. “I would’ve liked the opportunity to see the castle from the outside, that’s all.” I sent Phyn a look and he subtly nodded.

*

“King and his companion first,” Phyneas announced. With Ember still on my arm, we moved passed Ambrosia, Gemma, Jasmine and Jasper. “Remember, stay close to me,” I spoke near her ear. Phyneas opened the portal and I pulled my companion through alongside me.

***

Crisp evening air greeted us as we stepped from polished marble onto old weather-worn stone. The deserted location Phyneas sent us offered peaceful privacy. The mirror we’d passed through resided under an old stone alcove on the outskirts of the most sacred place on earth.

*

Ember looked around in surprise before asking, “Where are we?” I offered her my hand which she accepted, allowing me to guide her out of the alcove and onto the ancient path. “The edge of Eden,” I answered as we ventured down a set of steps. “You said you wished to view the castle from the outside.” With her hand still firmly in mine, we made our way onto a massive viewing platform above the river, glistening in the moonlight.

*

Ember’s mouth fell open as she gazed out beyond the water and up to the peak of the lofty waterfall where Eden’s grand castle perched. Without looking away from the captivating view, she softly said, “And here I thought nothing could be more impressive than Ilia.”

“And?”

“And I was wrong. This place is too beautiful for words.” Her smile consisted of pure joy, putting the view before us to shame. The only thing comparable to the sight of Eden was it’s reflection in her eyes. “Thank you for bringing me here, Nic,” she said, sparing me a quick glance before turning back to the castle in the distance.

“It’s my pleasure, mon ange,” I replied honestly. “Its a right of passage for every guardian. This place is in our blood.”

“I can feel it.”

When Ember shivered, I regretted not taking her attire into consideration before bringing her to such a drafty place. I moved to stand at her back and wrapped my arms around her bare shoulders, offering what warmth I could from my own body. She slowly relaxed into my embrace, too enthralled by the sight to notice how close she’d allowed me to get. Having her in my arms felt so natural. My limbs were made to hold her, and the feel of her small body against my chest radiated a peace I could never have predicted.

*

However, after a brief moment she pulled away and said, “As amazing as this is, don’t you have many important people waiting on you?”

“Waiting on us,” I clarified, tucking a rogue curl behind her ear. “And none more important than you.” She stared at me, judging my sincerity, before she eventually stated, “It’s time to go, Nic.”

*

I withdrew my phone from my tunic pocket and sent Phyn a text. We returned to the same alcove we’d come through to find my advisor waiting. “Enjoy your detour?” he asked. She sent him a friendly smile and replied, “It was unbelievable.” She turned her head in my direction and added, “Thank you, Nic.” I sent her a nod in response as Phyneas opened the portal.

***

The banquet had begun without us and that was just fine by me. Ember happily took in the splendor of Eden’s Castle as we made our way to the inner courtyard. The banquet dinner would be served inside later, but the dancing began outside under a canopy of stars. Even Ilia didn’t reveal as many stars as Eden. The place was magical and seeing it through the eyes of my companion, experiencing it for the first time, reignited my own sense of wonder.

*

We were welcomed with applause when the herald announced our presence to the crowd. Ember’s smile shifted from joy to politeness. I doubted any but myself noticed the difference. She wasn’t comfortable being the center of attention, but she hid it well.

*

It didn’t escape my notice that my mother gave us a wide berth. I’d warned her weeks ago that if she couldn’t keep her opinions to herself, I’d revoke her invitation altogether. Though she was aghast by the lengths I would go to in order to protect my companion, she reluctantly agreed. Giving us space was her way of holding up to her end of the agreement. For which I was grateful. Ember noticed my mother’s distance as well, but said nothing on the matter.

*

At the first moment we weren’t bombarded with greetings, I steered Ember toward the beverage table and offered her a glass of Ruby Rose. She declined, saying, “No, thanks. That stuff creeps up on me.”

“Here, try this instead.” I swapped the pinkish-red drink for a clear one. She gave it a sniff and guessed, “Peaches?”

“Peach wine. It’s mild though, only as strong as human wine.”

“I can handle that,” she said, taking the glass from me.

*

As she promised, she stayed linked to my arm while I completed my obligatory pleasantries with the most influential members of my court. She politely engaged in conversation when addressed directly, but otherwise remained silent. I caught sight of Soren intently observing our interactions and decided to send him a message by dropping a kiss onto Ember’s temple. Whether or not she wanted anything to do with me after I explained the truth later that night, I wanted it made clear, to everyone in that room, she would always be under my protection.

*

With the announcement of dinner, we migrated inside. Ember relaxed when seated directly in between myself and Ambrosia. The two of them fell into easy conversation that lasted the duration of the meal. After searching over two decades for her, watching Ember interact with the most important woman in my life made the struggle and effort all the more worth it.

*

As king, I bore the responsibility and honor of leading the guests from the dining hall to the spacious ballroom Ember and I had meticulously chosen the decorations for. For the first time since sharing the responsibilities of planning the event, I drew genuine satisfaction in hearing the people’s gasps of delight.

The great room of Eden’s castle had never look more grand. Silk fabric, in the traditional colors of Adlegatio, draped from one chandelier to the next. It was Ember’s idea to hang hundreds of small crystals from clear wire, giving off the feeling of starlight. The results were spectacular.

*

When the orchestra began to play, I knew I needn’t ask. I silently took Ember’s hand, leading her to the middle of the floor for the opening waltz. Her love of dancing trumped her aversion to the spotlight. Though in heels she still stood half-a-foot shorter than me, we somehow fit together seamlessly. While we moved along with the music, I tried to imagine how different our situation would be if I were in her position. What would I have thought of this pull between us if I didn’t already know the cause? It was this line of thinking that had originally motivated me to give Ember as much time and space possible. Knowing the truth carried more of a burden than not knowing and I’d wanted to spare her of that, at least in the beginning.

*

Ember smiled brightly as I spun her around the dance floor. But all too soon the song came to an end and I was forced to resume my kingly duties. She offered no complaint as she fulfilled her agreement by remaining at my side. Still, she hardly said a word when she wasn’t addressed directly and I found I didn’t care for this subdued side of her. As soon as I found a moment to spare, I sent Phyneas on an errand to find her something sweet.

*

“You’re looking better,” I said as we returned to the center of the room for another dance. “Sugar affects you like vita latrare.” As we engaged in her favorite activity her genuine smile returned and so did the warmth it brought me. I gave her hand in mine a light squeeze and said, “I’m sorry you aren’t enjoying your first Adlegatio.”

“I never said that.”

“You didn’t have to.”

“I am enjoying myself, Phoenix. Interacting with people I don’t know has always been a challenge. But with you… it’s easier. Most of the people we’ve interacted with so far only care about your attention. I only have to engage when prompted. There’s no pressure to keep up. I can be quiet when I wish because you lead the conversation, making it manageable.”

“That is good to hear, little dove. Except, you deserve so much more than ‘manageable’ for your first Adlegatio. It should be nothing short of spectacular.”

“As long as there’s time for dancing, I’m happy.” I pushed her outward for a spin and pulled her back against my chest as I said, “I’ll dance with you for the rest of the evening if you say it makes you happy.”

“I appreciate the sentiment, but we both know that’s not possible.”

“I wouldn’t offer if it weren’t possible.”

“Don’t tease me, Nic. You have other responsibilities this evening. You can’t possibly dance with me for the rest of the night.”

“I have a bigger responsibility to my companion. If dancing for the rest of the evening is what it takes to retain that smile on your face, then that is exactly what we’re going to do.”

“You’re serious?”

*

The song ended. All around us partners shifted off the dance floor while new partners migrated forward. We remained in the exact same spot. And as the next song began I reclaimed her hand in mine with a genuine smile of my own.

*

The next song came softer and slower, setting a romantic mood. I pulled her closer, so close I could feel her heart thrumming wildly within her chest. The melody seemed to flow through us and the crowd disappeared for a time as I never looked away from my angel. Her blue eyes drastically shifted, lightening in color right before me and sparking my concern. “What is it, little dove?” I asked. “Why are you anxious?”

“I’m not.”

“Your eyes say different.”

“Stop that.”

“Stop what? Paying attention?” She didn’t respond, but avoided my gaze while we continued with the dance in silence.

*

As the dance progressed I began to feel her uneasiness intensify. Every moment we remained in close contact the thread that bound us cinched tighter. I suspected there lay the source of her uneasiness. She feared her own feelings.

*

When Ember spared me a glance, I discovered her eyes so pale they were practically white and her face void of all color. She began to tremble in my arms, causing me to immediately stop dancing. Movement flashed by all around us while we remained motionless in the middle of the room. Before I could say a word, the song ended and she took the opportunity to grab the front her gown and swiftly flee from my presence.

*

Ignoring the curious glances Ember’s hasty departure had triggered, I hurried after her. Once out of the great room, I heard high-heeled footsteps against the granite floor, beckoning me through the corridor until I reached a pair of balcony doors. Without hesitation, I turned the handle to rejoin my companion.

*

Ember stood at the balcony railing, gazing out over the waterfall. She didn’t turn when I closed the door behind me with a deafening click. Without so much as a look over her shoulder, she simply said, “I just needed a breather.” But her voice betrayed her. A breath was not all she needed.

*

“Ember,” I spoke her name with tenderness.

“I’ll be back inside in a few minutes,” she claimed. I reached for her shoulder as I said, “Look at me, mon ange.”

“Please, Nic. Let me have a moment alone.” She shrugged my hand away, but I wouldn’t let her dismiss me so easily. “Not until you tell me the truth,” I said.

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“Yes, you do.” I gently tugged on her arm, urging her to turn around. When she relented and faced me, however, I wasn’t prepared for what I saw.

*

A sharp pang of regret hit me as Ember stared up at me with tear-stained cheeks. I instantly took her face in my hands, brushing away the remaining teardrops with my thumbs. “I’m so sorry.” I whispered.

“What for?”

“I didn’t mean for this to happen.”

“For what to happen?”

“For you to wage war within yourself.” She pulled away, asking, “How did you know?” My empty arms fell to my side as I answered, “We are connected. Can’t you feel it?” She fell silent, returning to stare over the balcony once more. She couldn’t deny it, but she stubbornly refused to admit it.

*

I didn’t force her to face me again. Instead, I moved to her side and calmly asked, “Why are you fighting this?” I thought she intended to ignore the question altogether, until she finally spoke, “It won’t work between us.” Her voice came out in a whisper as though she’d barely found the courage to speak those words. “You’re the king. I’m a nobody, who until recently, didn’t even know about her guardian heritage. We are far too different.”

“Well then, you seem to have it all worked out already. And you’ve taken everything into consideration, haven’t you?”

“Don’t do that. Don’t use sarcasm as a defense. You know I’m right.”

“You’re not,” I stated, attempting to conceal the emotion in my own voice.

*

Ember let out a long sigh and reasserted, “We don’t have anything in common, Phoenix.”

“Ember, I knew from the first moment we spoke that we shared the same rare outlook on the guardian world.”

“What are you talking about?”

“The night we met, you pointed out the link between all guardians is where our true power lies. Though you’d been aware of your identity mere days, you spoke a truth that’s been engraved on my heart since I was a boy.”

“That is but one commonality.”

“It’s a core commonality though. A deeply rooted trait that cannot be easily swayed and one that steers your entire belief system. If I knew nothing else about you that would be enough. You wanted to know exactly why I chose you… that’s why.”

*

When Ember didn’t reply, I reinforced my argument. “Even superficially, we have more in common than you think. And I can prove it. Look.” She faced me again as I turned away, lifting the hair off the back of my neck. “The tree of life,” she said, “How does your tattoo prove anything?”

“Because it’s not the tree of life. Look closer.”

“Wait… is that?”

“The tree of Gondor and a representation of my favorite novel. Though I admit I’ve never seen the movies.”

*

I let my hair fall back down and faced Ember again, saying, “So you see, mon ange, we do share similar interests.”

“Why… why didn’t you mention it before?” she asked in astonishment.

“Because you’ve been so determined to avoid sharing any details of your life with me, I wasn’t aware it was a favorite of yours until right before our fight.”

*

I waited patiently while Ember tried to wrap her head around my revelation. “What I don’t understand,” she said, “is why you’d want to conceal that side of yourself. I mean, even Gemma doesn’t know the truth behind your tattoo.” I shrugged and replied, “Everyone thinks I’m so serious. No one knows I’m capable of having imagination. And I like it that way. It’s an image that’s good for my position.”

“You’re reserved,” she stated in observation. I nodded and replied, “In some ways, yes. As are you. The result of a lonely childhood.”

“That’s the point you’re trying to make, isn’t it?”

“Yes, little dove. I’m well-acquainted with loneliness. Another core commonality we share.”

“How am I supposed to believe that when you won’t talk about your childhood? How can I see we shared a similar struggle with loneliness when you refuse to tell me why you grew up that way?”

“‘For everything there is a season,’” I quoted. “‘A time for every matter under heaven.’ It’s not yet time for you to know my struggles. Other things must come first. But I promise, I’ll share everything with you one day.”

*

We’d reached a defining moment as I watched Ember process everything I’d said. I shifted toward her and slipped my arms around her slender waist, my linked fingers resting against her lower back. When she didn’t pull away, I took the only chance I’d get to say, “Do not be afraid of this. Do not let whatever hesitations stem from your past deny you happiness.” I tilted my forehead down to rest on hers as I continued in a whisper, “Trust in me and I’ll never let you down. Lean on me and I’ll never let you fall. Open your heart to me… and I’m entirely yours.”

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