The Guardian King

Chapter Twelve

~ Phoenix

*

The evening had not gone according to plan. It began by being late to my own damn party, because of an emergency meeting with a few of my scouts. The reports I’d been getting, regarding depraved activity, were troubling. Then, before I could join my guests, my mother pulled me aside. She’d constructed a list of ladies she insisted I consider for my chosen companion. My mother was in for quite a surprise as well as a heaping pile of disappointment.

*

When I’d finally entered the ballroom, I spotted my angel almost immediately. Jasmine possessed exceptional talent and Ember’s gown was no exception. It brought out her captivating features and transformed her into a rare blossom. Her deep blue eyes caught my attention. The color triggered my curiosity. They hadn’t been nearly so dark the first time I’d looked into them, in that poorly lit hospital room. Even from the brief memory, I could never have forgotten the way they mimicked the sky on a clear spring day.

*

As king, I couldn’t introduce myself without hundreds of eyes watching. Greeting her in the middle of the crowded ballroom would only shine an even brighter spotlight on Ember than there was already. Observing her deportment and mannerisms from afar led me to the conclusion underneath her polite smile lay a glass interior. I’d have to be careful about the manner in which I approached her for the first time.

*

Of course, my over-observant grandmother caught every glance I cast in Ember’s direction. Once I’d completed the obligation of greeting every member of the court, I’d downed a full glass of Ruby Rose, before leading my grandmother in the opening waltz. “Your mother will loose her mind when she learns the unknown is your destined companion,” she’d whispered to me as we waltzed. “But I wholeheartedly approve.”

“You’ve yet to meet her,” I pointed out.

“I’ve witnessed more than you know, bijou. She is special.”

*

When I watched Phyneas and Gemma guide Ember out of the ballroom, I seized my chance to approach her in a private setting. But her reaction to me came as a surprise. She’d looked at me as though I were a figment of her imagination. Perhaps it was the lasting effect of our first unofficial meeting months prior. The one I had Phyneas compel her to forget. It seemed her subconscious proved stronger than his ability. Though shocked by my sudden appearance, she steeled herself and refused to let it show. With anyone but myself her efforts would’ve been successful. However, I sensed more from her than she realized. Which is why I took care care to avoid physical contact.

*

Keeping my distance wasn’t easy. I ached to brush my fingertips across her adorably flushed cheeks. She’d been so bold in her exchange with me, despite her nerves. I couldn’t reveal my title for fear she’d retreat behind a wall of propriety. I found myself in a unique situation, conversing with someone unaware of my position. It was refreshing. But in the back of my mind I suspected I was doing more harm than good. Neglecting to reveal my title only planted a seed of distrust and created a debt my future self would have to pay.

*

Later in the evening, when I spotted her in Jasper’s arms, I’d balled my fists so tight my fingernails left impressions on my palms. The dumb kid would flirt with any woman with legs and lure any female into his bed who showed the slightest interest. I calmed when I witnessed her exchange with him. I couldn’t hear what she’d said, but by the look on his face she’d clearly shut him down. Her dismissal of his flirtation motivated me into action. When I cut into their dance, she automatically moved toward me. I relished our brief exchange as well as the closeness of our dance.

***

As the hour grew late, my mother began pestering me to make my selection. I prepared to proceed with my plan when I lost sight of Ember altogether. Phyneas volunteered to locate her and in the meantime, I busied myself by making conversation with visiting dignitaries. Finally, I spotted her and Phyneas slip back into the room, returning to the candy bar. It seemed my angel had a sweet tooth. While sipping Ruby Rose, I resumed watching her from a distance as the aristocrat beside me blathered on in my ear.

*

“Pardon me, Lord Byron,” came Sadie’s voice, “may I have a moment of the king’s time?”

“It would be impolite of me to refuse a request from a lady of the court.” He bowed to me and retreated. Sadie immediately assumed his position.

*

“What do you want, Sadie?” I asked with indifference.

“I’ve watched you charm every single person in this room tonight. Is it really such a challenge to be civil to me?” I never took my eyes off Ember as I replied, “There is nothing to be said between us and it’s exhausting to pretend otherwise.”

“Phoenix, please hear me out.” Sadie was strong-willed, independent, and fierce. Not the type to say please.

*

I reluctantly gave Sadie my attention and said, “Speak.”

“Phoenix, I made a stupid mistake.”

“On that we can agree.” She placed her hand on my arm and added, “And I made an even bigger one by waiting two years to beg your forgiveness.”

“Is that what you’re doing now?”

“Yes. I regret any amount of pain or humiliation I caused you and I would take it all back in a heartbeat if I could.” I wouldn’t, I thought to myself. Her betrayal had been the wake up call I sorely needed. “Very well, you are forgiven,” I stated.

“What? Just like that?”

“You seem sincere.”

“I am.”

“Then it would be petty of me to withhold forgiveness over something that no longer bears any significance.”

“I am eternally grateful, Phoenix.” She smiled seductively and it gave me a bitter taste.

*

Few guardians, those who possessed the rarer abilities, sometimes succeeded in keeping one or two of their gifts private. One such ability not many knew Sadie could wield was that of a siren. Essentially, she could ooze charm out of every pour when she so desired and bend those around her to her will. It was a rare form of compulsion that could be effective over human, depraved, and guardian alike. Often I wondered if our relationship had been genuine or if I’d succumbed to the power of her ability. Not that the answer to such a question mattered any more. She had no power over me since I found my angel.

*

I turned my attention back to Ember, only to discover her in the arms of another man. She danced flawlessly and I wondered if she’d had lessons all her life. Another man cut in and she politely accepted his hand. It appeared she wasn’t picky on partners. She simply loved to dance. The smile on her face captivated me, though I couldn’t shake the discomfort in watching other men put their hands on her.

*

Sadie followed my gaze. “You’re new little pet seems to be quite popular,” she said.

“So it seems,” I replied vaguely.

“Let them have her.” She inserted herself into my line of sight with Ember. “What can I do to show my appreciation for your forgiveness?”

“That’s not necessary,” I stated.

“Join me for dinner tomorrow. La Petite Cuillère? Your favorite.”

“For what purpose?”

“To discuss the possibility of rekindling our rela-”

“I’m going to stop you right there, Sadie. There’s nothing to discuss, seeing as there’s nothing to rekindle.”

“Just dinner, Phoenix, please.” Her pleading was almost laughable. I set my empty glass on the nearest table and replied, “Has the purpose of this gathering slipped your mind? This is the companion’s ball, Sadie.”

“You mean… you actually intend to choose someone?”

“I already have.” I walked away without giving her the chance to respond.

*

The song came to an end as I took my place on the dais near the orchestra. The conductor adjusted the mic and I gave him a nod of thanks. My mother, predicting what was coming next, smiled broadly and came to stand beside me. “I am so proud of you, mon chéri.” Ambrosia also joined me on the small stage, saying, “You have my full support, bijou.” With a dramatic eye roll, Maman uttered, “What a thing to say, mother, honestly.” Ambrosia gave me a knowing look while my mother remained clueless.

*

I cleared my throat, gaining everyone’s attention. The room grew quiet but for the sound of my own heartbeat. “The king’s companion,” I began, pausing briefly before continuing, “a vital role within our society and one not many could fill. She must provide the king with unwavering support and valuable counsel. She must be strong, yet kind. Confident, yet humble. And above all else, be a shining example to our entire race.”

*

“Many of you must be wondering why I have, for the most part, refused to select a companion. I admit I was prideful in believing such a person was not needed. I’ve since learned the error of my ways. The time has come for the return of the king’s companion.” Excited applause filled the ballroom as I stepped down from the pedestal. I slipped off my gloves, having no further desire to keep a barrier between myself and my intended companion.

*

At my approach, the guests parted like the Red Sea. The band took their cue and began to play the traditional companion’s dance; a sensual tango. Every young female held a hopeful breath. Sighs of disappointment followed as I purposefully crossed the room. The entire crowd gasped in surprise when I extended my hand toward Ember and said, “Would you do me the honor of this dance?” Her eyes pierced mine and she gave no reply, but placed her hand cautiously into mine. Her eyes briefly closed. To observers it may have appeared as a slow blink, but I knew she savored the hum of energy which passed between us. It had magnified since the awakening of her abilities. We were thoroughly under one another’s spell.

*

(Author’s Note: This tango was inspired by the song “That Vibe” ~ by Josh Vietti.)

*

The crowd moved to accommodate us as I guided Ember to the middle of the vacant dance floor. Before I could ask if she was familiar with the tango, she automatically hooked her thumb under my arm, in proper fashion. With the next beat, I moved forward and she simultaneously moved back. The violinist played with startling precision; each note intentional and sharp. With every step in perfect time, I steered her across the floor, keeping eye contact whenever possible.

*

The tune was a favorite of mine and ideal for the sensuality of the dance. Though I took the lead, she pushed as much as she pulled. We were an ocean tide with effortless ebb and flow. She moved with me as though we’d rehearsed a hundred times. The music slowed for a few beats and I dipped her drastically, only for the tempo to whip up again as she snapped back against my chest. She linked her ankle around my leg, before I lifted and spun her with complete control She gave no indication her dress inhibited her movements though it was not the typical attire for such a precise dance.

*

With our noses millimeters apart the song came to an end; breath heavy between us. Everything had stilled for a time, until thunderous applause brought us back to our senses. Her delectably round cheeks flushed with embarrassment from the publicity of our intimate dance.

*

“You’re a marvelous dancer,” I said in an effort to assuage her discomfort.

“I think its you they’re impressed with, Your Majesty.”

“They’re not applauding because they are impressed.”

“Why then?”

“They are celebrating my choice of companion.”

*

Understanding came to Ember all at once. “What?!” She stepped back, slipping out of my hands. “Did you not realize why I offered my hand to you?” I questioned.

“No! This was a mistake.” She grabbed fistfuls of her gown and expertly navigated through the crowd before I could stop her.

*

Those nearest accosted me with congratulatory sentiments I didn’t want. My focus remained fixed on relocating my companion. “Phoenix!” My head whipped to the side where my mother made her way through the crowd in my direction. “Might I have a word, Son?” she said with so much tension in her voice I thought she might snap. “Not at the moment, Maman.”

“Phoenix!” she hissed, but I abandoned her in the middle of the ballroom.

*

When my people realized I wished to make an exit, they parted for me with bows of respect. Out in the foyer, I followed the pull that linked me to Ember. Upon entering the music room, she immediately dove into a panicked ramble. “Please, I mean no disrespect, but I didn’t know what I was agreeing to when I accepted your dance. I cannot be your companion. I don’t know you.”

*

I cautiously moved closer to Ember. When she didn’t retreat, I placed my hands on her bare shoulders. She instantly calmed at my touch… until I said, “Breathe, Angel.” She shoved my hands away, saying, “Don’t call me that. You may be king, but you have no claim on me.” But I did. She was as much mine as I was hers.

*

“Ember, please sit down,” I requested. “I at least have the right to make my case.”

“Fine,” she gritted out through clenched teeth. With arms crossed she sat on the settee as far from me as she could manage. Though she responded to my presence like cornered prey, she possessed a tenacity I hadn’t noticed before. It sparked something in me. The quality would serve her well when she became queen. But, as usual, my thoughts were getting ahead of the present.

*

With no desire to push my luck further, I took the chair across from her, retaining space between us. “Your argument that you cannot be my companion because we don’t know one another is immaterial,” I began. “I chose you as my companion for the purpose of getting to know one another.”

“I know all I need to about you, thanks. In the short time we’ve been acquainted, you’ve only proven what I originally surmised about your character.”

“Which is?”

“That you’re a man who behaves however he wishes, consequences be damned. I have no wish for further association with such a man.”

“That… is a lie. And not a very convincing one.”

“Calling me a liar isn’t helping your case, Your Majesty.”

“Oh, it’s Your Majesty now? An hour ago I was simply Nic.” Ember pointed an angry finger at me and replied, “That right there is a perfect example as for why I have no desire to be your companion. I can’t trust someone who’s already misled me.”

“Is that what you think I did?”

“You omitted who you really were.”

“Who I really am? At my core I am Nic. Being king is hardly my identity.”

“Of course it is. How could it not be? Besides the fact you withheld your title, I don’t want to be anyone’s companion.”

“You say the word with a great deal of contempt. What is it you think I am asking of you?”

“To be your newest plaything. To sit on a shelf awaiting your desire to have use of me.”

“It’s no wonder you’re being so obstinate. If that were true I’d not blame you for refusing.”

“Do I have it wrong?”

“Completely. You’re confusing a companion with a human mistress, which is grossly inaccurate. Companions are more akin to girlfriends. However, the role is not contingent upon a physical component. Companionship can be a platonic arrangement. For some, it goes no further than deep friendship.” I gave her a warm smile and added, “Don’t you want to be my friend?”

*

After a long pause she caught me off guard in asking, “Why did you pick me?”

“An unknown guardian is very mysterious… and who doesn’t love a bit of mystery?” Toying with her probably wasn’t the best way of getting her to warm up to me, but I couldn’t resist. I knew she felt the same pull I did. Her aversion to being my companion came from a place of vulnerability. Something in her past gave her cause to distrust. I would do whatever necessary to peel back her layers.

*

“Why do you even want a companion?” she asked. “Haven’t you gone years without one?”

“I’ve grown weary of the pressure from my court to take a companion.” It was not a lie, but it was not the entire truth either. “All I require is for you to reside here with me. If you have no wish to be my true companion, merely play the part for a while.”

“Why should I?”

“Because… who better to teach you what it means to be a guardian, than the king?”

*

Ember’s expression softened a bit. Knowing I had her full attention at that point, I went on, “I can help you learn about your heritage as well as provide you with one-on-one training for each of your abilities.”

“And what exactly would you ask of me in return?” she wanted to know. “Would I have to …”

“Sleep with me? As unopposed to that as I would be… no, not unless you want to.” I sent her a coy wink to which she immediately rolled her eyes and muttered something under her breath. ‘Cocky’ being the only word I caught.

*

“I have no expectations of you,” I said, “apart from the occasional public appearance together and your presence in my home. And you’d have your own separate space, of course.”

“For how long?”

“That depends. How important is it for you to be accepted into guardian society?”

“Very. I’ve finally found where I belong. I want the chance to explore that fully.”

“Then you should know, if you back out now it would cause unpleasant backlash to your reputation.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Everyone in attendance tonight watched you accept a prestigious role many were hoping would be bestowed upon them. To change your mind would make them question your loyalties as well as your character. It’d be quite difficult for them to openly accept you into the fold.”

“That’s ridiculous. Couldn’t you make it clear that I didn’t understand what I was agreeing to?”

“I could, but the damage would already be done. Once the public forms an opinion of you, it’s quite difficult to reverse it. Just ask your cousin.”

“Gemma?”

“She’s my publicist. Didn’t she tell you? She knows better than anyone the nuances and fickleness of the public mind.”

*

Ember put her face in her hands and muttered, “This can’t be happening.” I took a risk by moving to sit beside her as I said, “Ember, look at me.” She tentatively moved her hands and faced me. “There are only three things you need to know about being my companion. One, I will never hurt you. Two, I will never lie to you. And three, you can trust me.” She sighed deeply and replied, “Those words… ‘you can trust me’… I’ve been told that before.” Taking her hands in mine, I replied, “Not by me you haven’t.”

“What makes you different?”

“Oh, Angel… everything. But in this context, it’s you who is different.”

“Care to elaborate?”

“Not at present.”

“So, how can I be certain I can trust you?”

“Trust yourself.”

*

Ember peered into my eyes as she considered my offer. Hers were once again a darker blue. I was so caught up in the meaning behind her shifting eye color, I almost missed what she said. “Can you help me learn about my parents’ history? Gemma said there are files on them. As your companion, would I have access to those?” A pang of dread formed in my gut, but I effectively tamped it down as I replied, “If that is your desire, I’ll make certain you do.” She bit her bottom lip and briefly hesitated, before answering, “Alright… I’ll be your companion.”

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

Author’s Note:

Chapter 13 coming Sunday, February 5th.

Thanks for reading!

~ E. K.