The Guardian King

Chapter Thirty-seven

~ Phoenix

*

I hovered outside Ember’s temporary room for a while. With the door cracked a sliver, I could just make out the sound of her breathing. When the rhythm indicated she’d finally drifted off to sleep, I set out for my office where I suspected Phyneas waited. He still owed me an explanation.

*

Inside the royal office, my best friend sat near the fireplace, staring into the flames and drinking solani. I silently moved to take the seat across from him as he passed me a full glass, which I accepted without drinking. Neither of us spoke a word as the clock on the mantel resonated throughout the quiet room, ticking away the minutes.

*

Eventually, Phyneas looked at me and softly spoke. “How long have you been able to feel what she feels?” he asked, referring to the moment I sensed Ember’s distress. I brought the glass to my lips and proceeded to consume its entire contents in one gulp, before I answered, “Since she first entered Ilia.” I placed the empty glass on the side table and continued, “It’s been getting stronger. Though, I’ve never felt her physical pain until tonight. I don’t know why.”

“It may be tied to how much she trusts you.” His theory held up based on the way she reacted to me on the balcony in Eden. I still faintly felt the entrancing sensation of her dainty fingers sliding through my hair as she kissed me. It seemed surreal that was mere hours ago, before everything had been upended.

*

“Phyn,” I began, while rubbing my stubbled chin. “Why did you leave her?” My question caused him to sigh with regret, before answering, “I didn’t have a choice.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about the way she looked straight into my eyes and compelled me to help you.”

“She… compelled you?” I shook my head, saying, “Impossible.”

“I’ve inflicted it enough times to recognize compulsion when it’s used on me.”

“But how? That ability did not register on her test.”

“Honestly, I don’t think she managed it on her own. She had a hold of my arm.” Our eyes locked as his implication hit me. “You think she channeled your ability and was somehow able to use it against you?”

“Essentially… yes.”

*

I stared into the fire, remembering Ember’s unclear test results. “I thought you’d be more surprised,” Phyneas commented while observing me. “What don’t I know, Nic?” When I met my advisor’s eyes once again, I said, “Ember isn’t a class five guardian.”

“She isn’t?”

“No. She’s class six.”

“Class six?! As in… she possesses six abilities?”

“Yes.”

“Has that ever happened before?”

“No.”

“What is her sixth ability?”

“Undetermined.”

*

Phyneas shook his head in disbelief and brought the glass to his lips. But before he took a drink, he paused. “Wait a minute… does the ice queen know about this?” he asked bitterly.

“Naturally. She’s the one who tested Ember.” Phyneas abandoned his glass on the side table and stood. He moved about the room in frustration, before he stopped and faced me. “How could you let that conniving crocodile keep such sensitive information about Ember? You should have told me. You should have had me compel her to forget.”

“Compelling a guardian as strong-minded as Sadie is no easy fete. It wouldn’t have stuck.”

“Do you doubt me?”

“Never. But Sadie hasn’t given me a reason not to trust her.”

*

Phyneas turned and ran his hands through his shaggy hair. Even from behind, I sensed his struggle to hold back words. Having lost that battle, he faced me again, saying, “Are you insane?”

“Watch it, Phyn.” He ignored my warning as he went on, “Aside from making a fool out of you two years ago… have you forgotten she’s kin to the man who tried to KILL you? How could you risk your destined companion’s safety like this?” I instantly rose from my seat, cautioning, “Do not question my care for Ember’s safety.”

*

The room grew quiet once again, until Phyneas ran a hand through his hair once more and said, “I’m sorry, Nic. You know I trust you, but this… this is something I cannot begin to understand.”

“You aren’t required to,” I stated. Irritation flashed across my best friend’s face as he spat back, “Look, Ember may be your soulmate, but she’s also my friend and future queen. I’m as invested in her safely as you are.” With a deep sigh I replied, “And I’m grateful. But believe me when I say, Sadie is not the villain you want her to be.”

“Just know I don’t feel comfortable letting her anywhere near Ember.”

“Noted.”

*

“Sadie isn’t the Lamond we should be concerned with right now,” I said, crossing my arms across my chest.

“Soren,” Phyneas concluded. With a nod I continued, “I want him off the high court.”

“You know that’s not possible. His position as former king affords him the right to a spot on the high court.”

“It’s merely an honorary role,” I pointed out. “Surely there’s something within the law we can use to get it revoked. Given what happened to Ember here tonight, I think we’ve both come to the same conclusion about the purpose behind the attack in Eden.” Phyneas nodded and replied, “That, in addition to making you appear weak, it was meant to be a diversion; a way to lure you away from your companion and in turn make her easier to reach.”

“Exactly.” My knuckles turned white from my tightly clenched fists. The vivid memory of Ember, bleeding and terrified, would be burned into my brain for all eternity.

*

“What do you plan to do?” Phyneas asked. I thought for a moment as I returned to my chair in front of the fire. “For starters, consult Ambrosia on the details of the law concerning Soren’s role on the high court. Being the only one not personally appointed by the reigning monarch, there has to be a clause I can enact to strip him of the position.”

“It’s a risky plan. You do see that, don’t you? The public will see it as an act of spite, aggression, and possibly even tyranny.”

“Then I will simply have to gather the evidence needed to prove he orchestrated the attack tonight. In the meantime, we need to increase Ember’s training.”

“She’ll like that.”

“She needs to master at least a couple of her abilities, in addition to combat training, as soon as possible. I’ll also need to speak with Ambrosia about Ember’s sixth ability. With her background in blood-testing and extensive knowledge of abilities, she should be able to help determine what Ember might possess.”

*

Phyneas stood behind the chair he’d occupied earlier, leaned his forearms on the back, and said, “Not to beat a dead horse, but…”

“If you’re about to insist, yet again, that I tell Ember the truth, you can save it. I’d intended to tell her tonight, only things didn’t exactly go according to plan.”

“Don’t you think she needs to know about her unknown ability?”

“Yes. But she also deserves answers. Answers I don’t have at the moment. And the last thing she needs right now, on top of everything that happened tonight, is the weight of destiny and the uncertainty of an unfamiliar ability.” Understanding I would not be budged, my advisor simply nodded.

*

“What do you need me to do?” Phyneas asked.

“At the moment, I need you to take the extra room down the hall from mine. I want you to remain close to Ember while I pay a visit to the detention facility.”

“Can’t that wait until daybreak?”

“No. I need to interrogate our guests as soon as possible.”

“Nic, you’re depleted.”

“I’m fine,” I argued.

“You expelled a lot of energy defending the Adlegatio banquet, in addition to removing glass from the flesh of your companion. Even the king has limits.” I stood from my chair and replied, “It’s true, even I have limits, but that doesn’t erase my responsibilities. If the captured renegades hold any information regarding the connection between the attack on the banquet and the attack on Ember, I won’t sleep until I’ve acquired it.”

*****

Mental exhaustion far outweighed physical exhaustion by the time I returned home, barely beating sunrise. Only Phyneas could create a portal directly to my private chambers. The use of another portalist forced me to return by way of the palace foyer, rather than my bedroom.

*

Given the early hour, I hadn’t expected to meet a soul along the way to my suite. I flinched with surprise when my grandmother’s voice came from the bottom of the the stairs. “The hours you keep are far too long to be good for your health, bijou.” My head whipped in her direction. Ambrosia stood before me in a pink dressing gown with her braided hair draped over one shoulder. She gave me an appraising look that made me uncomfortable. I didn’t want her to see the affliction I carried; a result of my time spent at the detention facility.

*

My hands slipped into my pockets, concealing my bruised knuckles, as I asked, “What are you doing, Rosie, roaming the castle at this hour?” The unknown force, intent on tormenting Ember, still lurked within the shadows of the palace. I’d never forgive myself if the slightest harm came to my beloved grandmother, in a place she only considered home because of my insistence.

*

“I was hoping to run into my favorite grandson,” Ambrosia answered. “Did you forget what today is?”

“No…” I sighed, pinched the bridge of my nose, and added, “Yes. I’ve been preoccupied.”

“Understandable.” She stepped down from the bottom step and approached me. “I wanted to be the first to wish you a happy anniversary, King Phoenix.”

“The official day isn’t until next week.”

“Taking the oath was merely a formality. Today marks ten years since you dominated the trials, effectively proving your worthiness to rule. Exactly ten years ago today you reached the peak at Spiritus Caeli and victoriously held the Hand of God. How do you feel, King Phoenix?”

“In a word, tired. If the next ninety are anything like the first ten, I confess, I don’t know how I’ll survive it.”

“I do.”

“You do?”

“Your destined companion will ease your burdens. I believe you and Ember together will bring our people into an unprecedented era of prosperity and strength.”

“I don’t know if I’m deserving of your great faith, Rosie.”

“My faith in you comes from Ember. She brings out the best in you. I’ve already seen it. And whether she knows it or not, you bring out the best in her.” My grandmother’s words brought me a comfort I hadn’t expected, but desperately needed in that moment.

*

Rosie stepped closer. The dull early-morning light seeped into the foyer through the nearby windows. Though her expression remained unchanged, her eyes flashed with alarm. “Phoenix… you are covered in blood!”

“It’s not mine,” I replied somberly.

“Where have you been?”

“I’d rather not discuss it.” Ordinarily she saw it as her right to pry and prod until she got an answer. However, this time she relented with a simple nod. “I’ll not keep you then. No doubt you’ll wish to… freshen up… before your companion awakes. She shouldn’t see you like this.”

*

Ambrosia moved back toward the stairs when I called out to her. “Rosie.” She looked back over her shoulder as I continued, “Steer clear of the ivory lounge.”

“Why?” she inquired, turning to face me better.

“High winds last night broke a few of the windows. There’s glass everywhere. Until I have it cleaned and repaired, it’s best not to go in there.” She paused for a moment to consider my excuse. Then she picked up the front of her long robe and proceeded up the stairs as she said, “When you decide to tell me the truth, you know where to find me.”

***

On autopilot, I headed for my suite in desperation of a shower. Under the scorching water stream, I took care to erase all traces of my actions that night, with the exception of the bruises that remained on my knuckles. If only the water had the power to clear my mind.

*

In the closet, I reached into a drawer and withdrew a blue shirt, but my dour mood caused me to swap it for black. After combing through my hair, I fastened my watch and noticed the time. With the conclusion Ember was most likely awake by then, I moved to leave the suite, ignoring my shoes as usual.

*

The door to the spare room I’d given Ember was open as I approached and voices spilled into the hall. “No, that one goes here, Phyn,” Ember said.

“Are you sure?”

“Positive, pup.” I chuckled softly at the name she’d given Phyneas. It fit him well. With a light tap on the door, I made my presence known as I entered.

*

Inside, I saw Ember and Phyneas sitting on the floor. In front of them lay all the photographs sent to terrorize my angel the night before. They appeared to be sorting them. “What are you two doing?” I asked with curiosity. Ember’s eyes instantly met mine. The calm blue color represented neither joy nor fear, but neutrality, and seemed to be her natural color. Her gaze held an element of desire I hadn’t witnessed in her before and it was directed at me. That realization should have elicited hope, but after the night I’d endured, hope felt misplaced.

*

“Morning, Majesty,” Phyneas said from the floor beside Ember. He evaluated my appearance, knowing the last time we’d seen each other had been right before I’d left to conduct an interrogation. But he knew better than to press me about it in front of Ember.

*

“We are categorizing these photos in the hopes of finding some kind of clue,” Ember explained as she took an image from her lap and laid it in a stack to the far right. “What do you think you can determine from this?” I asked in interest as I moved closer and examined their progress. “The points where the photos were taken as well as the days they were taken based on what I’m wearing. It may help to narrow the suspect pool.” She looked up at me again and added, “I know it isn’t much, but… I have to do something to keep my mind occupied.” I sent her a look of pride and responded, “It’s very clever, little dove.”

*

I moved to sit on the cushy settee at the foot of the bed. “About, last night, Ember, are there any details you might remember since you’ve had a chance to rest?” I wanted to know.

“I pretty much told you everything last night. The wind shattered the windows and carried with it all these photographs. Beyond that, I don’t have an explanation. I’m just as in the dark as you are.”

“I told Em,” Phyneas interjected. “it likely wasn’t wind at all, but someone with an incredibly powerful air ability.”

“Is there anyone who has access to the castle with an air ability?” she asked me.

“Not that I am aware of. I can look up the records of everyone on staff though. In the meantime, I want you to spend a few nights at my dad’s.” My request took her by surprise and she said, “I don’t want to leave, Nic. That only shows cowardice.”

“Please, mon ange. Just until I’ve ruled out the staff.”

“How long will that take?”

“A couple days. Three tops.”

“Alright, I’ll go, but under protest.” I couldn’t help but chuckle as I replied, “Understood.” She narrowed her eyes at the way I placated her, but didn’t scold me.

*

“Now that we’ve discussed what happened to me last night for the second time, will one of you please tell me what happened after I left the banquet? Phyneas mentioned the attack was planned by renegades.”

“That’s correct,” I confirmed.

“Well? What happened to them?”

“Unfortunately, most fled when they felt they’d caused enough chaos. The guards and shields managed to capture four prisoners. I spoke to them last night.”

“And what did they tell you?”

“Not a lot.”

*

I rubbed the back of my neck, just as my father did in times of uncertainty. When I looked back at my companion she patiently awaited further information. I knew she wouldn’t willingly go to Hargrove until satisfied I’d been completely forthcoming. I had no desire to keep more secrets from her, but I hesitated to reveal anything that might scare her. Until I reminded myself Ember was far tougher than she seemed.

*

I cleared my throat and said, “Far as I can tell…” I looked at Phyneas as I continued, “Soren was not behind the attack. Not directly anyway. The imprisoned renegades had no links to the former king.”

“Did they give any indication on who did arrange the attack?” he inquired.

“No specific identities. Only their motivation.” Phyneas didn’t reply, but waited for me to go on. I looked back to Ember and hesitated. “I can handle it, Nic,” she assured.

“I don’t want to frighten you, little dove.”

“I’d rather be afraid of the truth than unaware of the danger.”

“You’re right. I hate adding to what you’ve already gone through, but perhaps a little fear will make you cautious.”

*

I cleared my throat a second time, before I said, “Renegades have existed for hundreds of years. At the beginning of Soren’s reign they’d been all but eradicated. An accomplishment he’s long since tried to take credit for. With renegade numbers being so few their existence was nothing more than an inconvenient nuisance. However, thanks to the incompetence of my predecessor, by the time I took over, the problem had grown significantly more than anyone knew. I’ve managed to keep their numbers from growing, but now they see I am a much bigger threat to their regime than Soren. As a result… they orchestrated an attack on the banquet in order to distract me and target you.” Ember scrunched her face in confusion as she said, “I don’t understand why coming after me would help their cause.”

“The royal companion gives the king the appearance of strength, Emmie,” Phyneas clarified. To which I added, “They believe getting rid of you would in turn weaken me.” She finally nodded in understanding and looked back to the photos spread across the floor as the looming threat fully sunk in.

*

I wrenched my hands together in regret and said, “Ember, I can’t begin to express how sorry I am. Had I anticipated the backlash our arrangement would have on you, I never would have persuaded you to become my companion.” I’d barely finished my apology when her head whipped back in my direction and she stated, “This isn’t your fault, Nic. From what I’ve seen, you always put the needs of others above your own. Even my need for training. I am grateful for everything you’ve done for me. Bedsides, regret won’t do you a bit of good right now. I think it’s best we put an end to our fake companionship. I should return to my aunt’s.”

“Absolutely not,” Phyneas and I exclaimed in unison as we both got to our feet.

*

Ember’s eyes grew wide, stunned by our simultaneous dismissal of her suggestion. She quickly recovered and argued, “If you no longer have a companion, the renegades will likely back down.”

“Likely being the key word there, Emmie,” Phyn said. “But it would in no way lessen the danger directed towards you.”

“Not to mention,” I added, “with strangers coming in and out of the Ashford’s inn, you’d be at constant risk. The renegades wouldn’t take the chance of us renewing our relationship. They’d remove you from being a future threat altogether.”

*

Dejected, Ember turned back to look over the piles of photos on the floor in front of her. I caught my advisor’s attention and gestured my thumb toward the door. He cast a concerned look in Ember’s direction, before he silently retreated.

*

Ember, thoroughly focused on the piles of photographs in front of her, didn’t even notice Phyneas’ departure. A twinge of worry took root in me that she might become obsessed with her stalker. I wanted her to put the entire matter in my hands and rest assured I would take care of everything. Out of necessity she’d been independent too long. The task fell to me to convince her she could rely on others and she had a team of people who cared for her.

*

“Ember,” I spoke her name softly.

“Hmm?” she responded without looking up. I squatted down beside my companion and placed a hand on her shoulder. She met my eyes once again and I took note of her light-blue color, indicating anxiety. I grazed the backs of my fingers gently down her cheek as I said, “I’m not going to let anything happen to you.”

“I know.”

*

I froze as the the full weight of those two words burrowed into my heart. Phyneas had been correct in his theory; our bond had indeed strengthened due to her growing faith in me. After two months of struggling to break through her walls, the fruits of my labor came crashing into me. Rarely was I ever at a loss for words, but in that moment the sins I’d committed the night before loomed like a dark cloud in my mind. It was as though I couldn’t host feelings of elation and shame at the same time. I should have been relived, grateful, and delighted by her expression of trust, instead I felt nothing but undeserving. I could only nod and reply, “Good,” before I stood again and moved toward the door.

*

“Nic, wait,” Ember called, causing me to stop and turn around as she got to her feet. When her eyes met mine her gaze went straight to my core as though she read the writing on my bones. I had to look away, I couldn’t withstand her penetrating stare; a look I would’ve welcomed any day but that one.

*

I still didn’t meet her eyes as I felt her move closer. Her hand rested on my arm as she whispered, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” I shrugged and added, “and… everything.”

“Tell me.”

“It’s nothing you don’t already know.” That was the first time I’d lied directly to her. I prayed I’d never have a cause to repeat such an offense to our bond. “I feel like there’s more,” she guessed correctly.

“There is,” I admitted. “But it’s too much to get into right now.”

*

When Ember took one of my hands in both of hers, I couldn’t resist looking into her perfect face as she said, “You once told me you feel responsible for my well-being, because it was you who convinced me to come here, but there are two things I need you to know.”

“I’m listening.”

“One… that this isn’t something you should take on all by yourself. Every person in this castle is partially responsible for keeping it safe. And we will get to the bottom of what’s happening, I’m sure of it.”

“And the other?”

“The other thing… I don’t regret coming here for one second.” She caught me off guard when she rose onto her tip-toes and leaned toward me. I let her lips touch mine briefly, before I regained my senses and pulled away. I wasn’t in the right head space to accept her affection. I didn’t even deserve her kindness, let alone her kisses.

*

Ignoring her aggrieved expression, I simply said, “Get your things together. I’m taking you to my father’s. And leave the photographs. I want Knox to look through them.” Without giving her the chance to continue a conversation I wasn’t ready to have, I hastily left the room.

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

Author’s Note:

Chapter 38 coming Wednesday May 3rd.

Thanks for reading!!

~ E. K.