The Guardian King

Chapter Thirty-six

~ Ember

*

In the shadow of Eden’s grand castle, amidst the atmosphere of the holiest place on earth, I looked up into the mesmerizing face of the guardian king. The glow from inside spilled from the windows, illuminating Phoenix’s stubbled face and making his golden eyes shimmer. My defenses crumbled as he encouraged me to take a chance on something all good sense told me not to. Yet, in that moment, all good sense became vastly overpowered by heart and soul in unison, urging me to accept. Gazing into Nic’s impenetrable stare, I slowly slid my hands up his firm chest and around his neck.

*

I knew, before he’d even followed me onto that balcony, I couldn’t deny him any longer. As we danced within the glistening ballroom and he proclaimed his desire for my happiness, his words had effectively dissolved every reason I had for pushing him away. With no more barriers around my heart, reality hit me like a freight train; I’d fallen completely in love with the guardian king.

*

All hope of keeping my distance was lost. He’d stealthily slipped into my heart as though all my safeguards proved ineffective against him. How could I have let this happen? The answer didn’t matter anymore. I was helpless; trapped by a cage of my own making. At least in surrendering I had a chance at happiness… before it inevitably imploded.

*

I shifted one hand to his cheek. Butterflies invaded my stomach as he turned his head and kissed my palm. When his eyes returned to mine, I rose onto my tip-toes and initiated a kiss with him for the first time.

*

Butterflies became a forgotten feeling as liquid fire surged through my veins; a heat I knew had nothing to do with his elemental ability. The king seemed content to let me lead, never taking over as I gave in to my heart’s desire for a change. His full lips tasted faintly of pomegranate from the Ruby Rose he’d consumed earlier. My other hand, still on the back of his neck, slid upward and I savored the softness of his hair as it passed through my fingers. Judging by Phoenix’s blissful exhale, he thoroughly enjoyed the sensation. The ferocity of his longing should’ve been a deterrent, but it only reeled me further in.

*

When I pulled back for breath, I observed a warmth in his eyes I’d never seen before. He covered my hand on his face for a moment, before wrapping it in his own and transferring it firmly against his chest. “You are worth every second of waiting,” he whispered.

“We haven’t know each other that long,” I reminded him. “You make it sound like a lifetime.”

*

Phoenix’s expression drastically shifted. Seriousness reflected on his face by the knit of his brows and tension around his mouth. “What is it?” I asked, leaning back to better assess his countenance. He cleared his throat and said, “Ember, there’s something you need to know.” I opened my mouth to reply, but the words fell away when the balcony doors suddenly flew open.

*

“Nic!” Phyneas called with urgency. “You need to get in here.” By the look in his eyes and rigid posture, clearly something had gone terribly wrong. Phoenix gripped my hand tighter as he swiftly moved toward the door. “We’re under attack,” Phyneas explained as we re-entered the castle. It was then I heard the panicked cries and chaos from down the hall.

*

The leader in Phoenix instantly surfaced, made apparent by the focus in his gaze. But rather than immediately issuing commands and charging towards danger, Phoenix’s first concern was me. He faced me, placed his hands on my bare shoulders, and with a firm but steady tone said, “Ember, please go with Phyneas, he’ll take you back to Ilia where you’ll be safe.” Unwilling to accept any protest, he nudged me toward his advisor who reached for my arm. “Stay with her, Phyn,” the kind commanded. “Don’t leave her side for anything.” Phyneas gave a sharp nod of assurance.

*

Satisfied my safety was in capable hands, Phoenix quickly turned toward the direction of where he was most needed. Before allowing Phyneas to lead me away, I called after the king, “Nic!” He swiftly pivoted as I pleaded, “Be careful.” Despite the danger that awaited him, he spared me a tender gaze and confidently answered, “I’ll see you soon, mon ange.”

***

“This way, Emmie,” Phyneas said as he led me up a flight of stairs and down a vacant corridor towards the rear side of the massive palace. “I don’t feel right leaving Gemma,” I told him. “And what about your brother and sister?”

“They can take care of themselves.”

*

When we reached an empty parlor, Phyneas took care to close the door, before locating the mirror on the right-hand wall. “Bit of a tight squeeze,” he said, referring to the mirror being on the smallish side. He tapped the glass which immediately responded to his gift. “Hike up your dress and be careful not to stumble when you come out the other side.” Understanding the challenge of passing through a less than ideal portal source, I took his caution seriously and removed my high heels. “Good idea,” he said when he witnessed my actions. “In you go. I’ll be right behind you, I promise.” I took a deep breath and ignored the voice in my head, urging me not to leave Phoenix, as I carefully squeezed through the frame.

*

Silence and darkness greeted me when I stepped into the deserted entryway of my castle home. Being well past midnight, the staff had already retired for the night. I rubbed my shoulders in an effort to chase away the chill. A knot formed in my chest, thinking about the circumstances surrounding my return. But when Phoenix urged me to leave, taking care to say please, I couldn’t argue logically. I had no control over my abilities, and therefore, had little chance of being useful in whatever situation transpired at the Adlegatio banquet. Still, I couldn’t shake the cowardice that came with leaving my only family and friends behind.

*

The cold marble floor banished any warmth from my bare feet as I silently moved toward the staircase. I sat on the bottom step just as Phyneas emerged from the mirror. I must’ve looked a pitiful sight to him, pouting and feeling sorry for myself, but Phyneas wasn’t someone I needed to hide my feelings from. Without a word, he came to sit beside me.

*

“What’s happening, Phyn?” I asked. Though I spoke softly, my voice echoed off the stone castle walls. “Knowing won’t make the waiting any easier,” he answered.

“Tell me anyway.” He tussled his reddish-brown hair and let out a long sigh before he stated,“Renegades.”

“Renegades?”

“Rogue guardians.” When I looked at him in confusion he elaborated. “A small number of our kind believe, due to our abilities, we are superior to humans. These guardians claim humans should serve us in exchange for our protection. They don’t want us to continue risking our lives for those they see as beneath us. As a result, they rebel against our sacred purpose, turning their backs on the will of The Creator.” He shook his head in utter disgust, adding, “Their entire outlook is blasphemous, inside and out.”

*

I rubbed my face with cold hands and asked in clarification, “So, renegade guardians attacked the banquet?” He nodded and replied, “They cut the lights and ambushed the members of the court. Their main purpose was to instill panic.”

“But why?”

“To make people question Nic’s leadership and ability to keep the renegades under control.”

*

Fear, frustration, and anxiousness coursed through my entire body at hearing everything Phyneas told me. “We shouldn’t have left,” I stated. My hands balled into to fists to stop them from shaking as I added, “Phoenix needs a show of support from those closest to him.”

“If he thought for one second you were in danger, he wouldn’t be able to focus.”

“And how does it look to the public? I’m the royal companion. I should be making him appear stronger. In his speech at the companion’s ball, Phoenix spoke of the companion's responsibility to be a shining example to the entire kingdom. What a worthless example I am? I fled at the first sign of danger.”

*

Phyneas placed a comforting hand on my knee and insisted, “You are being too hard on yourself, Emmie. It’d be a different story altogether if you’d already completed your training, but you are so new to your abilities. No one can blame you. In fact, I thought you showed strength in not arguing when Nic asked you to leave. I half-expected you to put up a fight.”

“I wanted to,” I admitted. He gave me a sidelong glance and said, “It was the please, wasn’t it?”

“Why is it I can’t hide anything from you?”

“Because I’ve been in the exact same situation. He’s impossible to refuse when he says please.”

*

I buried my face in my hands, groaned, and mumbled, “This is humiliating.”

“Don’t beat yourself up. You did what any loyal guardian would’ve done; you followed your king’s command.”

“I doubt the public will see it that way. If anything they will see him putting my safety above others and isn’t that what got King Gael into trouble?”

“You’ve really been paying attention to Rosie’s history lessons, haven’t you?”

“Yes, but that lesson actually came from Gemma.”

*

Thinking of my cousin only shifted the knot of regret from my gut to my throat. “Oh God, Gemma,” I cried. “I hope she’s alright.”

“Trust me, Emmie,” Phyneas said, removing his hand from my knee in order to put his arm around my shoulders. “If there’s one person in all of Eden who can take care of themselves as well as Nic, its Gemma.”

*

Despite Phyneas’ reassurances, I stood and began pacing at the thought of my family and friends in danger. “You have to go back,” I insisted.

“Absolutely not,” he replied getting to his feet. “Even if I didn’t care about your safety, I cannot and will not defy a direct order from my king.”

“But Phyn, what if they need your help? What if they need your healing?” He drew closer to me as he replied, “I’m sorry, Em. I won’t leave you.”

*

I put a pleading hand on Phyneas’ arm and looked him directly in his warm hazel eyes, in a desperate attempt to change his mind, as I begged, “Please, Phyneas… go back to Eden and help Phoenix.” I witnessed a curious silver glint flash across his irises. A shimmer I knew I’d seen before, but was too distracted at the moment to remember the circumstance. I dismissed it when he nodded at my request and began moving toward the mirror, which he passed through without hesitation.

*

In shock Phyneas actually listened to my pleas, I simply stood in the empty foyer, unsure of what to do with myself. I let my feet lead me to the top floor in the hopes my favorite room might offer some comfort while I waited for news on the fates of my friends.

*

What was happening? Why was this happening? A whirlwind of questions without answers filled my mind as I entered the ivory lounge. I’d give anything to know what was unfolding in Eden at that very moment.

*

With nothing to do but worry, I focused on the sight of the night sky from the highest point in Ilia. Not a single cloud obstructed the view of a thousand stars, twinkling faithfully from across the galaxy. What would my mother have said if she were with me? What words of comfort might she have offered? Or would she have chastised me for getting involved with guardian matters in the first place?

*

I turned from the windows and willed my mind to dwell on happier thoughts; the time I spent with Phoenix that evening and our last moment on the balcony before the weight of his responsibilities came crashing down. That last look he’d given me had been so … content. Like he’d finally found something he’d sought his entire life. What was it about me that called to him? What was it about him that called to me?

*

Unable to sit, I meandered around the room, doing my best to keep my mind occupied. A howl came from outside, signaling the presence of strong winds through the mountains. Since my relocation to Colorado I hadn’t once missed the Florida sun. But something about the wind that night, combined with my nerves over the attack, only heightened my anxiety.

*

As I listened, the wind continued to pick up in viscosity. I wrapped my arms around myself in an effort to sooth the uneasiness. The windows began to rattle in their frames and my heart rate spiked in response. This did not seem like a normal wind. There was something malicious in the way the air assaulted the castle.

*

The presence of just one of my friends would have kept the panic at bay, but the loneliness amplified my fear and threatened to choke me. Just as I began to remind myself it was nothing but a little wind, the howl turned deafening and every single pain of glass simultaneously shattered.

*

Razor sharp shards came flying toward me. I only had a split second to protect my head and face as thousands of tiny pieces of glass slit my flesh open all along my arms and the backs of my hands. I kept my arms firmly in place as I fell to the ground with cries of pain.

*

In a heap on the floor, a strange fluttering reached my ears as the wind carried debris into the room. I spared a peek through my fingers to discover I sat in the eye of a paper tornado. Moving my hands for a better look, I realized they were in fact photographs. After a few moments, the wind dissipated, allowing the hundreds of photos to fall to the floor all around me. With a trembling hand, I reached for the nearest picture and gasped when I saw the subject.

*

Nausea brewed in the pit of my stomach at the sight of photographs by the hundreds, littering the floor. Photos of me in the castle gardens, on the veranda, through various windows, and the worst by far, shots of me with Phoenix in the natatorium moments before I’d nearly drowned.

*

My heart hammered within my ribcage as I turned over the photo in my hand. The words on the backside sent a chill down my spine. I reached for another … and another… and another, finding the exact same message on the back of every single photograph.

~ I can get to you anytime, anywhere. ~

The stress of everything that had transpired that evening became too much. Terror, panic, worry, and pain created an adverse chemical reaction in my brain, sending me into a tailspin. The muscles supporting me gave out as unconsciousness engulfed me.

*****

~ Phoenix

*

“Knox!” I called. When my shield approached I asked, “Is that everyone?”

“Everyone who did not require healing.”

“Good.” I turned to my father and said, “Dad, assist Knox in overseeing the transport of the prisoners to Ilia.”

“Of course, Son. I’ll talk to you in the morning.” When their backs had disappeared through the doorway I moved on to my next course of action.

*

“Gemma.” My publicist, who’d been standing behind me, stepped forward. She attempted to return to me the silver crown I’d tossed aside during the thick of conflict. But I held up a hand, saying, “Return that to the vault. When that’s done, write up an official statement on what happened tonight. Make it known those who were caught will be severely punished and those who managed to escape will be hunted down and subjected to the same fate.” I lowered my voice and added, “Make the point, I’ll NOT tolerate renegades under my reign.”

“Understood, I’ll take care of it. Anything else?” I pursed my lips and clenched my teeth, before I gritted out, “Where’s Phyneas?”

“You told him to make himself useful. So, he’s in the library tending to those in need of healing.” She’d hardly finished speaking when I sped off in the direction of the library.

*

By the time I’d sent Ember home and joined the pandemonium in the ballroom, the renegades had already begun to flee. They’d struck hard and fast with no other motive but to create panic and make the public question my ability to keep my people safe. Security at the Adlegatio banquet should have been impenetrable. All it took was one well-placed traitor to make me out as an incompetent king. I didn’t need a full-scale investigation to know the answer; Soren had gotten bolder.

*

A few dozen people occupied the library; a handful of healers and those in need of their ability. I spotted the reddish-brown hair of my advisor near the window as he tended to a woman around Ambrosia’s age. When he’d finished with her, I banged my fist twice on the open door, causing every person in the room to look in my direction, including Phyneas. Without a word, I waved at him to follow me.

*

With my advisor in tow, I returned to the entryway and approached the same mirror we’d arrived through. Phyneas struggled to make eye contact as he muttered, “Nic, I know you’re angry.”

“Angry?” I repeated sharply. “Angry doesn’t cover what I feel at the moment.” I rapped my knuckle on the glass and said, “Open it.” With a subdued nod he did as I asked.

*

Through the portal, I breathed deeper in being home again as Phyneas appeared right behind me. My adrenaline from the attack began to fade and I relied on my emotions for fuel as I quickly crossed the foyer without a backwards look at my best friend.

“At least give me a chance to explain,” Phyneas called after me.

“What’s to explain?” I asked without stopping. “You didn’t want to miss out on the action, so you ignored my order.” He grabbed my arm, forcing me to turn and face him. I accessed a tiny fraction of telekinetic power to push him a step back. “Come on, Nic. Just listen.”

“Fine, tell me how I am supposed to rely on you when-” My hand flew to my chest as a sudden and unexplainable pain shot through my body.

*

“What is it?” Phyneas asked in concern. “What’s wrong.” I searched myself for an answer. After the pain receded, fear took it’s place; a fear that didn’t belong to me. “Ember,” I breathed out before I took off running toward the stairs. I made it to Ember’s floor in record time, but when I turned towards her suit, I stopped in my tracks. Phyneas nearly ran into the back of me as I abruptly changed course.

*

Up more stairs to the top floor, my heart thumped rapidly as more of Ember’s present emotions filtered through me; anxiousness, terror, and confusion were the most prominent. I picked up speed, practically flying down the corridor in the direction of the ivory lounge. I grabbed the open door frame, effectively controlling my momentum, while I evaluated the scene before me.

*

In the midst of a sea of glass and paper, Ember lay bleeding and struggling to lift herself into a seated position. I stood frozen in shock until her soft whimper seized my attention. Ignoring the broken pieces of window pane beneath my feet, I rushed to the side of my companion.

*

Ember hardly took notice of my presence when I helped her sit up. She seemed to be disoriented from recent unconsciousness. I evaluated her outward condition and found shards of glass imbedded in her arms and the backs of her hands. Blood seeped out of more wounds than I could count at a glance. The hairstyle her maids had no doubt spent much time and effort arranging, began to come undone. Stray hairs framed her blank face which I brushed away as I softly said, “Speak to me, angel.”

“Nic?”

“I’m here.”

*

I spared a look at my best friend, who up til that point had been too stunned to speak. “Can you heal her, Phyn?” I asked, knowing he’d already expelled a great deal of energy that night. He confirmed my suspicions by shaking his head as he replied, “Even if I could, the glass would need to be removed first. Here,” he reached for her arm, “let’s lean her up against the back of the couch.”

“I got her,” I stated protectively.

*

With great care, I shifted Ember a few feet, where she could rest against the sofa’s backside. She flinched slightly, but didn’t object, as I held up my hand and channeled telekinetic energy to remove each and every fragment of glass one at a time. “Where’s your nearest stash of vita latrare?” Phyneas asked. Without losing concentration I answered, “In my office. Top right hand drawer.” Phyneas promptly left the room in search of the only substance that would give him the power to aid Ember.

*

Though a million questions burned in my brain, I knew Ember was not in the sate to answer any of them. I held my tongue as I focused on delicately ridding her of every foreign object. When I finally reached the last section, a chunk of glass in her right arm fought to remain put. Her eyes squinted as she cried, “Ah! Nic..”

“I know. I know it hurts, little dove. But I promise, it’s almost over.” I looked over my shoulder to see Phyneas had returned.

*

“Are you good?” I asked. He dropped to Ember’s opposite side and sent me a nod of confirmation. “Good. I’m going to remove this last piece. I want you to begin healing her immediately.” He took her hand in his and placed his other hand on her shoulder. When I felt confident in his readiness, I flicked my fingers, forcefully removing the last piece of glass.

*

My gut clenched from the sound of Ember’s painful cry. “It’s okay, Emmie,” Phyneas consoled. “Shh… it’s okay, you’ll feel better soon. I’ve got you.” It tore me up knowing I was only capable of bringing her pain while Phyneas had the ability to take it all away.

*

I shifted back, allowing Phyneas space to work, but Ember instantly reached for my hand. Our fingers automatically linked and the contact soothed us both. She tilted her chin up to better look at me. The color in her lips and cheeks began to return as Phyneas’ power ran through her.

*

“What happened at the banquet?” Ember asked weakly. “Is everyone okay?” Her query filled me with awe. Though unaware of her own destiny, her concern for the well-being of others before herself, proved her to be a born leader. “Everyone is fine, mon ange,” I softly assured her. “ I’ll fill you in on the details later. I’m more worried about you at the moment.”

*

I listened intently as she relayed what had happened since returning to the palace. Keeping my emotions in check while she explained the terrifying ordeal was a true testament of my will-power. The night breeze wafted in through the empty window frames, tussling my hair and rustling the papers I hadn’t taken the time to notice up to that point. Ember reached for the nearest one and handed it to me. It was only then I realized we were surrounded by photographs. “They’re all of me, Nic,” Ember pointed out. “Every single one. Taken without my knowledge.”

*

As I gauged the numerous stealthy shots taken of my angel, my blood began to boil. I looked down at the one she’d handed me; an image of the two of us in the pool the same day she’d almost drowned. Ember reached for the photo, turning it over in my hand and I saw at once what she wanted me to see. Rage caused my control to slip. The photo in my hand began to smolder as I read another message from her tormentor.

*

“I’ve done all I can, Nic.” Phyneas said, regaining my attention. He looked at her and added, “You just need rest now, Emmie.” Without a word, I tossed the half-charred picture onto the pile with the others and proceeded to wrap her arm around my neck, lifting her effortlessly off the cold hard floor. We remained silent as I carried her through the castle. She tucked her face into the crook of my arm, absorbing the comfort being near me offered. I squeezed her a smidge tighter and flicked a finger at the door ahead, causing it to swing inward.

*

When she felt me sit her down, she withdrew her face from my chest and looked around. “Where are we?” she wanted to know.

“A spare bedroom… directly across from mine,” I answered “Your fan has proven they can get into your room. I’d like to see them try gaining access to you within arms reach of me. Forgive me if I exert overprotectiveness until we find out who’s behind terrorizing you.” With a weak smile she said, “I guess I should be thankful you didn’t put me in your own bed.”

“The idea did cross my mind, little dove.”

*

I moved to sit on the bed behind her and began unfastening the corset tie on her dress. “I know you are tired,” I said, “but you’d sleep better if you took a quick shower. While you’re in there, I’ll bring you some clothes.” When I heard her sigh, I looked down to find her smiling. “What is it?” I asked.

“Nothing, it’s just… being so well-tended to by a king…” she shrugged a shoulder and added, “makes me feel special.” I knelt in front of her and cupped her face as I whispered, “Haven’t I told you? You are special.” I kissed the backs of her freshly healed hands as I mentally thanked God, for the second time, that I hadn’t lost her.

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