The Guardian King

Chapter Thirty-three

~ Phoenix

*

In the heart of the city, Phyneas and I exited my car and walked up the pathway leading to Jasper’s townhouse. “We’re wasting our time here,” my advisor griped.

“So you keep telling me,” I responded with indifference. “But I can’t take a chance on ignoring this. You know that.”

“If he really knew something, why wouldn’t he have ever brought it up? He loves to boast how smart he thinks he is. He wouldn’t have missed the opportunity to be smug. This is nothing but a wild goose chase, set in motion by your vindictive and conniving ex-companion.”

“Maybe,” I said, shrugging my shoulders. “But I have to be sure.”

*

At the door, Phyneas sighed and banged his fist on the wood so hard it strained the hinges. “Was that necessary?” I asked calmly.

“He doesn’t wake before noon and he sleeps like the dead.” Moments later Phyneas banged his fist on the door a second time, just before it was wrenched open. “What?!” An extremely annoyed Jasper greeted us, wearing not a stitch of clothing and shielding his eyes from the morning light.

*

“Jeez!” Phyneas exclaimed. “Put some damned clothes on!”

“This is how I sleep,” he replied groggily. “Which you interrupted.” Phyneas looked at me with a ‘told-ya-so’ expression while Jasper sleepily rubbed his eyes. “To what do I owe this unexpected visit at this early hour?” he asked.

“It’s after nine, Jasp,” Phyneas pointed out.

“Like I said, early.”

“We need to talk to you,” I said.

“Aren’t I special.” He stepped back allowing us entry.

*

Jasper enjoyed the finer things in life and his place was a reflection of that. Though minimally decorated, his possessions served to show his lavish tastes. As we passed by the stairs a brunette beauty descended, carrying her shoes and wearing a dress far too extravagant for morning. When she reached the landing, she eyed Jasper seductively and said, “Last night was fun. We should do this again sometime.”

“Absolutely,” he said. Phyneas and I looked away as they exchanged a passionate goodbye, before she made her way through the front door.

*

After we proceeded into the front parlor, Jasper made himself comfortable on the couch, not the least bit concerned with modesty. I caught Phyneas roll his eyes before he grabbed the cashmere throw from the back of the opposite couch and tossed it at his brother. “Cover up. We didn’t come here to see your twig and berries.”

“You never did hide your jealousy well, Brother.”

*

After draping the blanket across his lap he looked up at us and said, “So what can lil-old-me do for the guardian king and his second?”

“You can tell us what you remember about that night with Sadie two years ago,” I said. He looked blankly from me to his brother, before he burst into a fit of laughter. “I told you this was a waste of time,” Phyneas muttered to me. “He never takes anything seriously.”

*

When Jasper pulled himself together he said, “Sorry, I just find it amusing you think I remember anything from that night.”

“Guardians don’t get knock out drunk so easily,” Phyneas pointed out. “How is it you managed to erase something so significant?” With a shrug of one shoulder and a smirk, Jasper replied, “It’s a talent.”

“You’re a little twit, you know that.”

*

Placing a hand on my best friend’s shoulder I said, “Phyn, stop,” before turning my attention back to Jasper. “You don’t have any fragment of memory from that night?”

“I remember the following day… insisting to my irate family that I had been drugged or put under a spell, because I don’t even like the Lady Lamond. But no one believed me.”

“So you don’t remember who’s idea it was to get cozy in the back of my limousine?”

“I don’t even remember being caught, I was so out of it.”

“Sounds like seduction,” I whispered to Phyn.

“Okay, the crocodile was partly telling the truth,” he admitted. “We still don’t have proof he knows what she claims he knows.” Annoyed by our hushed conversation, Jasper spoke up, “If you two want a private conversation, I’m going back to bed.”

*

Jasper stood and wrapped the blanket around his shoulders like a cape. But before taking a step, he said, “Wait, why now? Why does this matter to you now?”

“It doesn’t,” I answered. “Sadie is the one who wanted to clear the air. I was merely validating her story.”

“Let me guess; she claims I seduced her?”

“Something like that.”

“You may as well give her the benefit of the doubt, because I honestly can’t remember. Though I’m not usually one to go after unavailable women when there’s an abundance of unattached and willing partners.”

“Actually, she admits to having pursued you.”

“Does she indeed?”

“Because you had information she wanted.”

“What kind of information does she claim I had?”

“The reason why, aside from her, I’ve avoided companions.”

*

With a deep sigh of understanding Jasper returned to his seat. “I don’t know anything for certain,” he said. “But… I do remember hearing you and Phyn talking once when we were teens. You spoke of waiting for the right woman. As if there is such a thing. But after you became king, when you decided against hosting the companion’s ball, I got the impression you believed, or rather hoped, you would be blessed with a destined companion. But I swear it was just a thought and I’ve kept it to myself.”

“Well Sadie dragged it out of you, moron,” Phyn said.

“Listen, I’m sorry I have thoughts and that I talk a lot when I drink, but that is all I am guilty of,” Jasper said to Phyneas before he looked back to me and added, “If she read too much into my blatherings and chose to walk away after her embarrassment, that is between you and her. And don’t you have a beautiful new companion now anyway?”

“I do,” I replied. “Sadie is the one who drudged up the past. I was only seeking closure for the sake of my pride. Which you have provided.”

“In that case,” he stood again and said, “I’m glad to have been of service. But if you don’t mind I am nursing a monstrous hangover and want nothing more than to sleep until nightfall.”

“Of course you do,” Phyneas replied facetiously with a roll of his eyes.

***

After we departed Jasper’s townhouse and the car made it’s way onto the main street through Ilia, I instructed my driver, “To Hargrove please.” Phyneas looked at me from across the spacious backseat and asked, “We have business at your dad’s?”

“There’s something I need both your advice on and I didn’t want to repeat myself.”

*

It seemed odd not to be greeted by the ball of excitement that was my little sister. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d stopped by in the middle of the day when she was in school. Usually if I needed my father’s counsel, I called him to the palace.

*

“How is your companion doing with her training?” my father asked as he lead us through the house toward his study.

“Making progress,” I answered. “Slow, but sure.”

“That is to be expected with someone of her background. I hope you aren’t putting too much pressure on her.” Phyneas chuckled and said, “Emmie doesn’t need help in that department. She already puts exceedingly too much pressure on herself.”

“I see.”

*

As we made ourselves comfortable in his cozy office, he inquired. “Why do I get the feeling this isn’t a social visit?”

“Because it’s not,” I admitted, sitting in an armchair and leaning my elbows on my knees. “I have an odd request of you.”

“I’m intrigued.”

*

I withdrew the two threats against Ember she’d left in my care. Their mere existence still made my blood boil. As I passed the cards to my father, I explained to him and Phyneas, “It seems someone is attempting to scare away my companion.”

“What?!” Phyneas exclaimed moving to stand beside my father as they read the cards at the same time. “Why didn’t she tell me?”

“She’s stubborn and independent,” I answered “And until what happened the other day, she didn’t put much stock into it.”

“What happened the other day?” my father wanted to know. I leaned back in my seat and informed him of the attack on Ember.

*

Appalled by the news I relayed, my father scratched the back of his neck and said, “That is immensely troubling. Why did you not tell me sooner?”

“I’ve been a bit preoccupied.”

“Phoenix, I think you need to move her out of the palace.” While spinning the king’s ring on my index finger, I truly contemplated his suggestion, before I definitively answered, “No.”

“He might be right, Nic,” my advisor chimed in. In aggravation at being outnumbered, I firmly stated, “I will not have Ember out of my reach.” My father leaned forward in his chair and pointed out, “It’s clear whoever’s doing this has found a way to get to her undetected.”

“I have the castle staff on high alert. No one will be getting to her anymore.”

“Why did you come here if you refuse to consider my advice?”

“I was wondering if you could get a read on those notes.”

“Excuse me?”

“You have the gift of reading auras.”

“On people… not inanimate objects.”

“I’m desperate, Dad. Just try, please.”

*

I watched my father grip the cards tightly as he closed his eyes in concentration. I stroked my stubbled chin waiting for him to give me any sliver of information. When his eyes flew open, I could see he’d discovered something. “What is it?” I asked eagerly. “What did you sense?”

“Not much,” he answered. “However, not nothing. The author of these threats holds many ulterior motives. I sense a great conflict… as well as… familiarity.”

“What does that mean?”

“If I’m understanding correctly,” Phyneas said, “it means the writer is someone he knows?”

“Very good, Lord Merrick. Yes,” my father replied. “Although I cannot determine how close this person is to you or if it’s someone you only know in passing. It could be someone who works within the castle.”

*

Phyneas moved to stand beside me and said, “If that’s true, Nic, putting the staff on alert may not do a bit of good.”

“Then I’ll just have to keep a closer eye on her personally,” I concluded.

“How are you going to manage that when she still doesn’t understand why you’re so interested in her?” My father’s head snapped towards me as he exclaimed, “You still haven’t told her? Son, this is dangerous ground.”

“I didn’t come for a lecture. What you two don’t understand is, the nature of my relationship with her is at stake if I tell her at the wrong time. She has to already be open to me when she learns the truth. And at the moment she’s dealing with past insecurities I can’t seem to combat. Something in her history has caused her to be closed off and until I can work around that, she can’t know the truth.”

*****

~ Ember

*

I turned the sand dollar over in my hands as my mind wandered. Tried as I might to think of anything else, my thoughts were dominated by Phoenix. I’d never had a man so quickly and so thoroughly latch onto my soul. I had to get out of his orbit, but I knew if I did, I could kiss my training goodbye. Desperate for distance between myself and the king, I actually considered moving back to Pensacola. But I knew that was simply fear driven. I couldn’t let the fear of getting closer to Phoenix pull me away from my guardian family. I simply had to ignore the way he made me feel and double down on my training.

*

“Is there anything else we can get for you, my lady?” Freya asked. “You’ve hardly touched your breakfast.”

“I guess I’m not very hungry this morning,” I replied softly.

“But you’re always hungry,” my other maid chimed in.

“Winnifred!”

“That’s alright, Freya,” I said. “Winnie is right. I just have a lot on my mind at the moment interfering with my appetite.”

*

A knock sounded at the door, which Freya immediately took the task of answering. Gemma sashayed into my living room carrying a large binder. “Good morning, Cousin,” she cheerfully said as she came to sit across from me and placed the binder on my coffee table next to the half-eaten breakfast tray.

*

“What is that?” I asked, pointing to what she brought.

“That is your task for the next two weeks,” she answered.

“Excuse me?”

“This is everything you need to know in order to finalize the details of the Adlegatio banquet.”

“Huh?”

“I take it Phoenix hasn’t gotten around to explaining that one of the duties of the royal companion is planning the annual banquet in Eden?”

“But… I have no experience with event planning, especially for guardian events.”

“That is where the binder comes in,” she clarified. “It contains all the details. All you have to do is make the final selections. It’s fool proof.”

“Wait… if there hasn’t been a companion the last couple years, who’s been handling the task?”

“Magnolia.”

“Oh.”

“Yep. Personally, and I’ll deny this if you tell anyone, but I thought the two years Sadie was in charge were the best banquets we’ve had in my lifetime.”

“Then let her do it,” I said.

“That’s not traditional.”

“And the king’s mother doing it is?”

“Actually, yes. In the event the king has no companion, someone from his immediate family is customarily in charge.”

“Oh.”

*

“It’s not as daunting as it seems,” Gemma said as she picked food off my tray. “And you’ll have Phoenix to help you.”

“What do you mean?” I inquired.

“It’s meant to be a task for the royal couple to do together.”

“But we’re not together.”

“The public thinks you are.”

“What about training?” I wanted to know.

“All training has been suspended until after the holiday.”

“How did I not know about this?”

“You’ve been distracted lately… almost dying and all.”

*

I picked up the binder and flipped through a few pages. “It’ll be fun, trust me,” Gemma said.

“Fun is not the word I would use.” My cousin rolled her eyes and popped a few grapes into her mouth as she stood and mumbled, “Phoenix will meet you in the ivory lounge in one hour.”

I sighed and replied, “I guess I can’t avoid him forever.” After swallowing a mouthful of fruit, she asked, “Am I missing something? Why would you want to?”

“No reason.”

“No. Uh-uh,” she said, waving a finger at me. “You aren’t getting off that easily. Tell me what’s going on with you.”

“Nothing really. It’s just… Phoenix seems to want more from me than I’m willing to give. Spending time with him always leads to awkwardness. I wish it could be as easy as it is with Phyneas.” Her expression morphed from concern to seriousness. “Em, you need to be careful about spending too much time with Phyneas.”

“Why?”

“If the public becomes aware of you spending a lot of time with other men they’ll turn on you. And it won’t be pretty. Just ask Sadie.”

“Why does everything center around the opinions of others?”

“Our world operates in a delicate balance, Ember. We are only in a position to do good when our people have faith in us. When they lose faith in us it makes it very difficult to serve the guardian community, and in turn, the human race.”

“I guess I understand. I just hate this pretense that my life is tied to Phoenix’s.”

*

Gemma didn’t offer a reply, but I could tell she had a lot to say on the matter. “Don’t worry, Gemma,” I said in an attempt to put my cousin at ease. “No one knows how much time I spend with Phyneas.”

“Just go easy on Phoenix, okay?” she responded. “He’s as selfless as they come. He may want more from you, but he is too much of a gentleman to pressure you into anything.”

“It’s not him I’m concerned with.”

“Then who?”

“My own heart.”

“I don’t understand, if your heart is drawn to him, what is the problem?”

“My heart has been wrong before. Big-time. I don’t trust it. And Phoenix withholds too much for me to blindly trust him. I’m so new to this world, the last thing I need right now is a failed relationship with the guardian king.”

“Em-”

“I really don’t want to talk about this anymore, Gemma. Please.”

“Okay,” she said holding her hands up in surrender. “Just remember what I said about spending too much time with other males. Things will get complicated fast if the people begin to distrust you.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

***

Almost an hour later on the dot I reluctantly made my way to the top floor where I was instructed to meet the king. I could feel Phoenix’s presence before I reached the doorway. I wished I had an answer for why I seemed to be so hypersensitive where he was concerned. So much for putting distance between us, I thought as I strode into the ivory lounge.

*

“Je sais, Maman,” Phoenix spoke into his phone. “Mais les choses sont différentes maintenant.”

He sat on the sofa facing away from the door towards the fireplace. When I made my way into the sitting area he looked over at me and nodded. His appearance gave me butterflies. His blue shirt seemed to add a sparkle to his golden eyes and bring out the natural copper highlights in his chocolate hair.

*

“Tu n’auras qu’à me faire confiance. Au revoir, Maman.” He tapped the disconnect button and tossed his phone onto the upholstered ottoman. “Sorry about that,” he said to me. I sat next to him on the sofa and replied, “It’s fine. Is everything alright with your mother?”

“Define alright.”

“Um, normal?” He chuckled and replied, “Then yes, everything’s alright, mon ange.”

*

I set the binder on the ottoman and Phoenix eyed me, asking, “Are you ready to get to work?”

“I suppose. But I’ll tell you the same thing I told Gemma, I have absolutely no experience with this kind of thing. And don’t forget, I’m very new to guardian culture.”

“You let me worry about that, little dove.”

*

Phoenix shifted to the edge of the sofa and opened the binder as he said, “Honestly, by this point in the season most of the heavy lifting is already done. We host in the same place every year and hire the same food and entertainment vendors. We have a standing contract with them so that’s already taken care of. All we have to do is call to confirm preparations are already underway.”

“So what’s the binder for?”

“Mostly details; decorations and party favor options, that sort of thing.”

*

Overwhelmed before we’d even begun, I bit my lip and said, “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather let your mother continue with the task she’s been handling for years?”

“She’s done a fine job in the absence of a royal companion,” he replied. “However, I think what this banquet needs is a fresh set of eyes.”

“Okay, but don’t blame me when I chose the wrong table settings.”

“You are hereby absolved of all liability, mon ange.”

*

Hamish, one of the castle’s many butlers, brought in a tray of refreshments. When he placed the tray on the large ottoman, I noticed two small cups. “Espresso?” I commented. “I thought you’d let that go?” He smirked at me and replied, “Do I seem the type to give up easily? You don’t have to drink it if you don’t want to. I only wanted to present you with the option.”

“I don’t shy away from a challenge either,” I said, reaching for the tiny cup.

*

I inhaled the rich aroma before taking a sip. The hot liquid trickled down my throat, warming me from head to toe, as Phoenix asked, “Well?”

“I can appreciate the robust flavor,” I told him, “and I see why people enjoy it…”

“But?”

“Needs cream and sugar, sorry.” He chuckled, saying, “Don’t apologize. Considering you possess the world’s biggest sweet tooth, I should’ve predicted your assessment.” He took the cup from my hand and consumed the unfinished espresso.

***

We dove into the task before us, choosing banners, candles, flower arrangements, and tableware. The job turned out to be more enjoyable than expected and the king turned out to have a greater knack for design than the average male. Before I knew it, an hour had passed and we’d made a considerable dent in the binder full of tasks.

*

With a deep breath, I stretched my arms and shoulders. When I lowered my arm to lean on the sofa’s seat beside me, my hand accidentally landed on Phoenix’s. Our connection instantly gripped my attention. But because of our inexplicable bond, I didn’t pull away immediately. Instead, I looked down at his hand, admiring the king’s ring on his index finger.

*

I could feel Phoenix observing me as I focused on the elegant design etched into his ring. “How old is this?” I asked rubbing my thumb over the polished silver.

“Approximately five centuries,” he answered. “I’m the seventh king to wear it. The previous ring is on display in the history museum. Personally, I prefer the design of this one, even though wearing a ring at all took a while to get used to.” I remembered what Isaac told me about the day Phoenix was presented with the king’s ring.

*

I looked up into Phoenix’s eyes and asked, “What was it like, competing in The King Trials?” He gave my question due consideration, before he let out an exhale and answered, “Arduous, all-encompassing, fulfilling. The experience thoroughly tested every part of me.”

“I wish I could have been there,” I expressed in a whisper.

“It was the single most meaningful moment of my existence… so far.”

“I can’t imagine anything that could overshadow becoming king.” Phoenix gave no reply, but looked at me intently.

*

“What compelled you to endure the trials?” I asked. “What made you change your mind about being a hunter?” After a long pause he softly replied, “It’s a very long story, little dove.”

“I don’t have lessons until after the holiday. I’ve got time.” Phoenix didn’t say anything. “Whatever it was that drove you to seek the throne must have been life-changing.” Still he said nothing. “Ambrosia mentioned a defining moment… brought on by an act of selflessness.” Phoenix’s body grew rigid as he finally responded, “She told you about that?” with an edge of anger in his voice.

“That is literally all she told me,” I answered.

“She shouldn’t have done so. It’s not her concern.”

“Don’t blame her. I twisted her arm a bit. But I’d rather the story come from you.”

“I don’t like to talk about it.” He looked straight ahead, successfully avoiding my eyes.

“I can see that,” I said, “but I wish you’d help me understand why.”

*

The text tone on Phoenix’s phone pierced the silence. After he examined the screen he flatly said, “We’ve done enough for today. I have other matters I need to tend to.” We simultaneously stood from the sofa. He walked around one side while I walked around the other.

*

Before we reached the door I asked, “Are you angry with me?”

“No,” he flatly replied. I reached for his arm, effectively stopping him from leaving, as I pointed out, “You said you’d never lie to me.” He faced me and stated, “I’m not angry.” Though his voice seemed calm his eyes told a different story. “You seem angry,” I said.

“I’m… confused. You say you want no part in being my companion, yet you prod into my past behind my back when you could have asked me.”

“I did ask you. You brushed me off.”

“Because it’s a sensitive subject.”

“You claimed there wasn’t anything I couldn’t ask you, remember?”

“You can ask, I won’t always be able to answer. I don’t easily discuss that part of my life.”

“How can I trust you when I know there are things you hide from me?”

*

Phoenix’s eyes narrowed. It was clear I’d offended him. “Trust me based on my actions,” he said firmly. “You of all people should understand the difference between keeping secrets and an aversion to unpleasant memories.” It unnerved me the way he seemed to know how much pain I carried from my past.

*

“I do understand,” I replied forcefully. “But the reason you sought to become king is a pretty crucial detail in defining the man you are today. I want to know if I can trust that man.” He scoffed, shook his head in disbelief, before rounding on me, saying, “You hold everything about your life back from me. How can you constantly keep me at arms length while at the same time expect me to lay my soul bare?” I knew he spoke the truth, but for some reason it angered me. “This is different,” I argued. “You are the one who persuaded me to come here. It’s only reasonable I’d want to know about the man I’m living with.”

“You think the fact that I chose you gives you access to every aspect of my life, while withholding your own? It doesn’t. A relationship, of any kind, goes both ways, Ember.”

“I have my reasons for not trusting you,” I grumbled.

“So you’ve said. Yet you’ve given no clue as to what those reasons are. You’ve been determined to keep your distance from me since the moment you found out I am king. Though I’ve done everything within my power to prove you can trust me.”

“Everything but be completely transparent with me,” I challenged.

*

When he didn’t respond, I took a deep breath and calmly stated, “Besides, I’ve been perfectly clear about my purpose here, which in no way includes any kind of relationship with you.” He stared at me in disbelief by the lack of emotion in my voice. The strained silence between us threatened to choke me. His stare contained no anger, but hurt. He eventually nodded in concession and said, “So you have.” Without so much as a backwards glance, he stormed through the doorway and down the hall out of sight.

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