The Guardian King

Chapter Nine

~ Ember

The portal’s chill made goosebumps appear across my arms as my feet made contact with oak wood floors. “You alright, Emmie?” Phyneas asked, rubbing my arms up and down. “Portals take some getting used to.”

“It was thrilling,” I replied with a smile.

“Thatta girl.” He nudged my chin with his knuckles.

*

My eyes flittered over my new surroundings. A storefront appeared to be Gemma’s destination. A dress boutique to be specific. High ceilings gave the small shop a spacious feel. The front windows displayed extravagant evening-wear to passersby. The interior brick walls displayed a variety of fine fashions. I kept a tight clasp of my jaw which threatened to fall open from the sheer sight of elegance. Long thick white curtains divided the back from the front where the designer could conduct private fittings.

*

“Minnie!” Phyneas called loudly, causing me to flinch. The curtain swung to the side and out stepped a tiny female roughly my age, a tape measure draped around her neck. Her deep-red hair was intricately braided, draped over her shoulder, and bounced against her hip as she made her way toward us.

*

“What do you want, Phyn?” The petite woman asked. “I’m extremely busy.”

“Too busy for your favorite brother?” Phyneas responded with a grin.

“I shared a womb with Jasper,” she pointed out.

“Yet you still love me more.” She rolled her eyes, but smiled softly. I looked at her with newfound interest upon the realization she was the same sister Phyneas spoke fondly of.

*

“You must want something big if you’re laying it on so thick. Gem, what’s he on about?” Gemma put her hand on my shoulder and replied, “Jasmine, meet Ember Ellison.”

“Oh!” The girl squealed, clapping her hands excitedly. Her hazel eyes, nearly identical to her brother’s, looked me over as she said, “So you are the unknown?”

“She has a name, Min,” Phyneas chastised.

“It’s alright, Phyneas,” I told him.

“No, it’s not. You are no longer an unknown, Emmie. Don’t let anyone make you feel differently.” Having no rebuttal, I simply nodded.

*

After Jasmine appraised me with a giddy gleam, she said, “Let me guess; you want her outfitted in the absolute best for the ball?”

“Please don’t go to any trouble for my sake,” I said. “You must have a full plate already with the ball being in just a few days.”

“You’re not wrong about that. But I’m a diamond; I shine under pressure. And it would be an absolute delight to create a masterpiece worthy your gorgeous features.”

“Thank you,” I replied sheepishly, being unaccustomed to such compliments.

“I knew we could count on you,” Gemma said.

“You’re lucky I do favors for my friends.”

*

“I’ll leave you ladies to it then,” Phyneas said. “Call when you’re ready to go home.”

“Like… right now?” I muttered in jest. Shopping wasn’t my thing unless it was for food. “Come on, be a good sport,” he replied, “Min is phenomenal at was she does and she’ll make it quick and painless. I promise.”

“Alright, I trust you.”

“Hey, what about me?” Gemma griped. “I’m your cousin!”

“You dragged me here, against my will, without telling me where we were going.”

*

“Come, pumpkin!” Jasmine exclaimed with a clap of her hands. “Time to turn you into Cinderella!” As we followed her towards the back, Gemma looked at me and said, “Who?”

“You’re joking,” I replied.

“She’s not,” Jasmine told me, holding back the curtain for us. “You’ll come to find most human culture references go over guardian heads. Few of our kind indulge in entertainment. Phyneas and I were obsessed with movies growing up.”

“I enjoy human culture too,” Gemma stated. “I love a lot of their music. Oh, and Halloween seems fun! I’ve just never had time for movies.”

“But Cinderella is so iconic,” I stated, but Gemma merely shrugged her shoulders with indifference.

*

More white curtains sectioned off the back of the shop in order for multiple clients to be served simultaneously. After delivering us to an empty cubicle, Jasmine said, “I’m just wrapping up a fitting, so you will have to wait. Consider it your penance for showing up unannounced. Gemma, start taking her measurements and mind you do it right.” Jasmine disappeared beyond the curtains and a soft chatter drifted in from the other side.

*

“Up on the stand with you, Ember.” Gemma commanded.

“Is this really necessary?” I asked, but did as she instructed, stepping onto the short pedestal. She found a roll of tailor’s tape and began taking my measurements as she said, “You can’t wear just anything to the companion’s ball.”

“I don’t need anything custom made though. It’s not as if I am anyone of significance.”

“Okay, first of all, don’t ever utter those words again. Merely being my cousin makes you someone of significance. And in case you’ve forgotten, this is basically your coming out party.” The thought of being the center of attention caused me to break into a cold sweat. “Oh Lord, I think I might be sick.”

*

Gemma paused her task, looked up at me, and peeled my hands away from my stomach. “I didn’t mean to put pressure on you, Ember, I’m sorry. Our community is very immersive. I’ve been surrounded by people all my life; teachers, neighbors, trainers, colleagues… for guardians it’s normal to be involved in each other’s lives. For me, a large party like this one is nothing more than a fancy reunion. It didn’t occur to me that the affair may be nerve wracking to you. If you want to hang out in the corner by the potted plants I will join you. But you are still required to look fabulous.”

“Thanks, Gemma.”

“I’m on your team. Never doubt that.”

*

Gemma resumed taking my measurements as I said, “I want to immerse myself in guardian culture… but this ball just feels like one big evaluation.”

“Don’t think of it as presenting yourself for the judgment of others, but a family eager to welcome home a lost member.”

“Still sounds intimidating… but manageable.”

“I’ll stay with you, and so will Phyneas. If you need a break at any point, you only have to say the word.”

“That’s fair.”

“Didn’t you ever go to big parties in college? Or were you more of a book worm?”

“Neither, I was a plain boring loner. Even when I made an effort to put myself out there, I still felt completely alone. My presence always seemed intrusive.”

“Well, those days are over,” she stated. My nerves began to dissipate. If enduring an abundance of attention was the price for finally connecting with people, I would gladly pay it. I put my trust in Gemma and surrendered to excitement for the first time since opening my invitation.

*

The curtain slid to the side as Jasmine reappeared. “Okay, I have fifteen minutes before my next appointment, let’s see what we can do. She snapped her fingers and a bolt of gold silk fabric appeared in her arms. I gasped in surprise. “Jasmine possesses a powerful conjuring ability,” Gemma explained.

“Amazing,” I expressed.

“Thank you,” Jasmine answered proudly.

*

While holding one end of the fabric, she let the bolt unroll to the floor. “What do you think? I want to compliment your skin tone and hair color while making your blue eyes really pop.”

“I’m in your hands,” I replied with a smile.

“Excellent!” she squealed with glee. Although the experience was entirely new, I chose to enjoy it, not knowing when I would ever again get to feel like a princess.

*

As Jasmine got to work, the voices of her previous clients wafted into my cubicle. When they were on their way out, I caught the last part of their conversation. “You know, there’s a rumor going around that the king isn’t going to choose anyone,” one said to the other.

“An unattached king not choose a companion? Never in the ball’s existence has that happened.”

*

After the bell on the front door chimed, I caught Gemma’s attention and asked, “How long has the companion’s ball been a tradition?”

“About a thousand years, give or take. Since the reign of King Jericho.”

“Was he that desperate for a girlfriend?” I asked with a laugh. The girls stared at me in confusion until Jasmine asked Gemma, “You didn’t tell her the story?”

“There’s a story?”

“More like a history lesson, but yes,” Gemma answered.

“What’s the lesson?” I asked eagerly. Every bit of the guardian world interested me and I didn’t want to miss a thing.

*

“Did Aunt Beth explain how God himself appoints the guardian king?” Gemma asked.

“Through The King Trials, yes. It’s fascinating,” I replied.

“Well, in addition to the right to rule for the next century, a destined companion used to be an added blessing for the monarchs.”

“A destined companion? What does that mean?” Jasmine held more fabric swatches against my clavicle and answered, “It’s essentially a soulmate. One person created to complete the soul of the king and the only woman worthy to fill the role of queen. I love that part of history.”

“So guardians do have queens?” I clarified with intrigue.

“Not anymore,” Gemma replied. “About a dozen reigns ago, King Gael fell in love with a woman who was not his destined companion. He broke the sacred law when he made her queen. His actions angered The Creator so greatly, not a single king since has been blessed with a destined companion. King Jericho established the companion’s ball as well as the coveted role of the king’s chosen companion. Though the court ruled such a woman could never become queen.”

“Since it’s inception,” Jasmine added, “Phoenix has been the only monarch not to host the companion’s ball.”

*

I voiced my curiosity aloud, saying, “I wonder why King Phoenix wasn’t interested in honoring the tradition.” Jasmine began checking Gemma’s measurements as she answered, “Phoenix has never wanted a companion. Therefore, he’s always viewed the ball as pointless.” She snapped her fingers again, conjuring a pencil and notepad where she began scribbling rapidly.

*

I grew quiet in thought while the girls worked. If this was King Phoenix’s first year hosting, surely that meant he intended to choose someone. I couldn’t understand why the thought left a sour feeling in the pit of my stomach.

*****

When the day of the ball arrived, Gemma and I returned to Jasmine’s shop to pick up our gowns. “Ember!” Upon seeing me, Jasmine hopped off her stool by the front counter and wrapped me in a fierce hug. “Let her breath, Min,” Gemma said.

“Sorry. I am just so excited for you to see your dress.”

“I can’t believe you finished it so fast,” I said. “Especially considering all the other clients you have to serve. Don’t gowns of this caliber take a long time to construct?”

“For a human maybe,” she responded with a wave of her hand.

“Most of Jasmine’s abilities are quite useful in her craft,” Gemma said.

“I’d love to watch you work one day.”

“You’re welcome anytime, pumpkin,” the dressmaker replied. “Come, come! I cannot wait any longer for you to see your gown!” She practically yanked my arm out of socket, pulling me briskly toward the back.

*

“Ta-da!” Jasmine sang when she whipped back the curtain. On the same pedestal I occupied days before, stood a headless mannequin wearing my ball gown. My eyes grew double in size as I took in Jasmine’s exquisite creation. “What do you think?” she eagerly wanted to know.

“That I’ve never seen, much less worn, anything so extravagant. It’s stunning!”

“You have really outdone yourself, Min,” Gemma told her.

“I know,” she responded matter-of-factly. The gold silk fabric she chose as the base layer, served as the perfect backdrop for the feminine blush and pale-blue gossamer overlay, which hung from the waist and brushed the floor. Delicate straps held the beaded bodice in place and the neckline stopped a millimeter above modest, which I appreciated.

*

Jasmine smiled with satisfaction upon seeing my stupefied expression and said, “I had a feeling this dress was important. I can’t wait to see everyone’s reaction when they see you in it.”

“You’ll be there too?” I asked.

“Oh yes, I’m on the court.”

“What about your parents, Gemma?” I asked. “Will they be there too?”

“No, mom and dad don’t care much for parties. I’ll be solo tonight.”

“What about a date?”

“Pfft, she doesn’t date,” Jasmine said.

“My work keeps me too busy for relationships. Besides, you’re my date tonight, Ember.”

“Works for me.”

“Meanwhile, I’ll have three different dates,” Jasmine proclaimed, tossing her long hair over her shoulder.

“Three dates?”

“She’s always been an overachiever,” Gemma said. Jasmine smiled excitedly and replied, “It will most definitely be a night to remember.”

*****

“I can’t believe you live IN the castle.” I said to my cousin as the car turned onto a long driveway towards the enormously opulent building. “It’s a perk of the job,” she responded. “And it’s only a modest apartment.”

“Still makes you practically a princess.”

“Ha! Hardly.”

*

After the car parked near a side door, we slid out of the backseat. Gemma retrieved our dresses while I admired the castle’s grandeur. Blooms of every color imaginable bordered the creamy stone exterior. The iron scrollwork balconies dripped with green ivy. More windows than I could count reflected the afternoon sun, making the palace sparkle like the jewel it was.

*

“Are you ready?” Gemma asked. “Or would you like to drool for a few more minutes.”

“Don’t tease me. I’ve never seen any castle up close, much less one this magnificent.”

“Come on,” she hooked her free arm through mine, “I promise to give you a full tour another day. Right now we are seriously pressed for time.”

*

Inside the building, I didn’t have time to appreciate the castle’s splendor, as Gemma swiftly pulled me towards our destination. The atmosphere transitioned from massive corridors of fancy tiled floor and ornate wallpaper, to simple cream carpet and narrow hallways of clean white walls. We reached a part of the castle that had recently been remodeled into apartments. Gemma stopped outside a slate grey door and slid a key into the deadbolt.

*

Gemma’s apartment was more trendy than expected. Modern furniture with clean lines barely filled the space. A color scheme of white, pale yellow and various shades of blue gave off a cheerful vibe. And the artwork decorating the walls accurately represented Gemma’s own sophistication. “Your place is beautiful,” I said taking it all in.

“Thanks,” she responded with a pride, confirming she’d decorated the place herself.

*

After she laid the garment bags on the bed, Gemma led me into her bathroom the same size as the living room. “Help yourself to anything. My products are your products.” she said as she pulled out the vanity stool, offering it to me. I got to work on my face as Gemma began styling her shiny black hair, almost as long as mine.

*

While we prepared for the night, we talked about our preferred musicians and favorite songs, discovering we shared similar playlists. We were happily enjoying our bonding time until I pulled out the tie confining my hair, letting my tresses fall down my back. “Geez, Ember,” Gemma said in amazement. “Look at your hair.” She came to stand behind me and ran her fingers through my locks which had grown to my hips. “Why have I only seen you with your hair in a messy bun when it’s so lusciously long?”

“It gets in my way,” I answered meekly.

“You’re definitely wearing it down tonight,” she stated as she reached for her comb.

“No! I mean… I prefer it up.”

“Why? It’s gorgeous and the length really suits you.”

“It’s easier to put it up.”

“But Em-”

“It stays up, Gemma.” I said firmly.

“Alright, fine. It’s your hair,” she mumbled, tossing the comb onto the counter and backing away.

*

After my unreasonable outburst we hardly spoke as we continued our preparations. The tension practically vibrated between us while we finished getting ready in silence. When all that remained was for us to change, I decided to say something, lest the night be ruined before it even began.

*

When Gemma moved to leave the bathroom, I stepped into her path, saying, “Gemma, I’m sorry I snapped.”

“It’s fine,” she answered, “my mother is always telling me I’m too pushy. But my closest friends are males, so if I’m not pushy, I don’t get heard at all.”

“Still, I shouldn’t have bit your head off. It’s just… my mom used to brush and play with my hair. I’ve worn it up since she passed away.” Was a half truth really a lie?

*

“Say no more, Em,” Gemma said. “Wear it however you want. You’ll be the most beautiful one there either way.”

“That’s a bit of a stretch.”

“Put on your gown and then try to tell me otherwise.” I rolled my eyes but appreciated the compliment as I retrieved my dress and returned to the bathroom.

*

I let the robe Gemma had lent me fall to the floor, before I carefully removed the gown from the hanging bag. As I slipped the elegant fabric over my body and pulled the dainty straps into place, I faced the vanity. The mirror reflected an imposter. Though Jasmine had constructed a stunning dress, which managed to compliment all my best features, I still felt like a little girl playing dress up. My eyes couldn’t associate the woman in the mirror with myself. I was a pretender, and I feared the moment I walked into the ballroom, everyone would see that.

*

A soft knock broke my trance. “Need help with your zipper?” Gemma asked through the bathroom door.

“No, I got it. I’ll be out in a sec.” I drew in a few deep breaths in an attempt to hide my emotions from my empathetic cousin. But when I opened the door she took one look at my face and read me like a children's book. “Ember, they’re going to love you.” I gave her a meek smile and said, “I hope you’re right.”

“You’re new here, so I’ll overlook the fact that you don’t already know… I’m always right.”

***

My long gown swooshed as I walked arm in arm with Gemma, making our way towards the heart of the palace. With every step the chatter of people grew in volume. As we rounded the final corner, I spotted the line of guests eagerly awaiting their turn to enter the ballroom. I nearly jumped out of my skin at the boisterous sound of the herald announcing the next attendee. Panic gripped me.

*

“You okay, Em?” Gemma asked, eyeing me cautiously. I didn’t need to see myself to know the color had vanished from my face. “I’m good,” I replied. It wasn’t intended to be a lie, rather the summoning of my courage. “Are you sure? Because I don’t think I’ve ever sensed anyone this nervous.”

“Let me feel what I feel, Gemma. How would admitting my fear do me any bit of good?”

“Speaking as someone with experience, I could give you a few tips on how to get through it.” I focused on the warmth in her emerald eyes and said, “I’m listening.”

“When the herald announces you as you enter, look beyond the crowd, not into their faces.”

“I can do that.”

“When people introduce themselves, don’t worry about remembering names, it’ll only give you a headache.”

“That seems rude though.”

“The people who matter most you’ll get to know better over time. Don’t bite off more than you can chew tonight. And lastly… smile through the stress. If all else fails, give me a sign and I’ll get you out of there.” I wrapped her in a grateful hug and said, “You’re a Gem! But I bet people tell you that all the time.” She laughed and replied, “Only my dad.”

*

After we’d let the line evaporate a little and I’d summoned the extent of my courage, we moved to the entrance of the ballroom. Two enormous stained glass doors had been propped open, revealing the most extravagant room. We crossed the threshold and my eyes darted all over in admiration of the enchanting atmosphere. Spheres of fresh flowers hung from the high ceiling. Electric candles by the dozen added a warm glow. “I’m inside a fairytale,” I breathed out.

*

Gemma and I stood at the top of a wide yet shallow staircase, which led down into the ballroom. A man with immaculate posture, in a perfectly tailored uniform, stood before us, gripping a golden staff. With every guest who made their way down the steps, he brought the staff down onto the hardwood floor and the sound reverberated throughout the room. I inadvertently gulped.

*

“Would you like me to go first?” Gemma offered.

“Please. Show me how its done.” She strolled over to the herald and presented her invitation. He struck his staff against the floor and in a vibrato voice clearly called out, “Lady Gemstone Bardot.” I admired the impressive way in which she glided down the stairs whilst so many eyes were on her.

*

When my turn came, I attempted to follow my cousin’s example. I approached the herald and passed along my invitation. The vibrations from his staff shot through me. As he announced my name deep and clear, I focused on Gemma’s advice. Head held high, I put one foot in front of the other. My heels softly tapped the marble steps, but from my perspective echoed through the silence my name had brought forth.

*

Despite Gemma’s warning, I made the mistake of looking into the faces of those staring back at me. My heart began beating rapidly as my nerves intensified, causing me to fumble the last step. I reflexively reached for the banister, but caught someone’s hand instead. “I’ve got you, Emmie,” Phyneas whispered, steadying me. He wrapped my hand around his arm and escorted me into my first guardian ball.

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

Author’s Note:

Chapter ten coming Wednesday, January 25.

Thanks for reading!

P.S. Your comments provide valuable feedback. Let me know how you’re liking the story so far. :)