The Guardian King

Chapter Ten

~ Ember

“You have impeccable timing, Phyn,” I said to my friend who’d prevented my introduction into guardian society from being a public face-plant. He grinned and stated, “I am impeccable in many ways, as you will soon learn.”

“Humility not being one,” I giggled softly.

*

I scanned the happy party-goers, fascinated by the melting pot of attire. Some looked the part of normal humans dressed in elaborate gowns and crisp tuxedoes. While others had a fantastical flare, wearing what I began to recognize as the standard in guardian-finery; stunning tunics in an array of rich colors, trimmed in lovely detailed embroidery.

*

Phyneas guided me through the mass of bodies to where Gemma awaited. “Did we miss the king’s entrance?” I asked, scanning the ballroom for a king-like figure amongst the masses. “Oh, Phoenix doesn’t care for all that pomp and circumstance,” she told me. Phyneas snatched a couple flutes off a passing waiter’s tray and handed one to me. The clear glass revealed a pinkish-red bubbly beverage.

*

“I suppose I’m the only person here who doesn’t know the king by sight,” I said, giving up on spotting the ruler. Gemma accepted the glass Phyneas offered as she replied, “That would be a safe bet. But I know he plans on introducing himself to you at some point in the evening… whoa, easy, Em. Your nerves are bouncing all over the place.”

*

My suddenly sweaty palms made it difficult to keep a firm grip on my glass. “What if I embarrass myself?” I said apprehensively. “What if he doesn’t like me?”

“Or worse, what if he does?” Phyneas said with a sly grin. “Maybe you should sip that liquid courage in your hand.”

“Yeah, what is this?” I asked, eyeing the brightly colored substance.

“Ruby Rose,” Gemma answered. “It’s a guardian delicacy.” The bubbly liquid gave off a slight iridescent shimmer. I sniffed the liquid and detected a myriad of fruity scents. With a tentative taste, I enjoyed the prominent note of pomegranate. “It’s delicious,” I admitted with delight.

“A delicacy,” Gemma repeated.

*

It didn’t take long for our trio to be invaded by strangers seeking to meet me. I remained sandwiched between Gemma and Phyneas as my lifeguards, helping me keep my head above water. “I feel as though I’m dead weight for you both,” I told them after a while of occupying the same spot. “You’re stuck babysitting me instead of enjoying yourselves.”

“There’s not a single person here, apart from you two, I care to socialize with,” Phyneas answered as he swapped his empty glass for a full one.

“What about your family?” I asked. “Aren’t they here?”

“My siblings are here somewhere. Most likely making fools of themselves.”

“Jasmine is quite popular,” Gemma said. “She’s the most sought after clothing designer in the city. Be proud of her.”

“I am proud of her career, but she’s young and has a tendency to act rather rash. That goes double for Jasper, who doesn’t have the responsibilities of running a business to ground him. He’s a loose cannon, especially at events like this.”

“I look forward to meeting him,” I stated.

“You’ll regret saying that.”

“Oh, Phyn, lighten up,” Gemma chided “Let them be young and dumb. You were too.”

“Bite your tongue, Gem. You’ve always wanted siblings… feel free to take mine off my hands. Only keep in mind, I don’t accepts returns.” Though he spoke harshly about his own flesh and blood, I had a feeling he reserved a deep well of love for his brother and sister.

*

Overall, the people I met were kind and friendly. My nerves eased with each person who genuinely welcomed me into their community. However, annoyance replaced nervousness with each question I either couldn’t answer or felt too personal. One gentleman in particular turned our meeting into an uncomfortable interrogation.

*

“You say you had no idea you were a guardian until this week?” the old man clarified.

“That’s right. Until my aunt told me the truth, I believed I was human just like everyone else in the world.”

“A travesty.”

“Thinking I was human wasn’t so bad,” I replied.

“It’s unheard of! Didn’t you ever wonder about your father? If only Jonas knew how his only daughter was raised… I imagine he rolled over in his grave a few times.”

“That’s enough, Fillian,” Phyneas said sternly.

“You’d do well to watch the way you speak to your elders, boy,” the old man spat back.

“And you should consider the way in which you speak to the king’s advisor,” Gemma warned him.

“Disrespectful children,” he muttered as he walked away.

*

Having a strong aversion to confrontation, the tense exchange prompted me to drain my drink and seek another. The orchestra begin to play a waltz, granting me a brief reprieve from introductions. When everyone turned their attention to the center of the ballroom, I asked Gemma in a whisper, “What’s happening?” She leaned closer to answer, “The king is opening the first dance,”

*

Surrounded by numerous bodies, I couldn’t get a clear view of the couple on the dance floor. The man in front of me moved aside, revealing a glimpse of the woman in the king’s arms. Her advanced age, though unexpected, in no way detracted from her beauty.

*

“Who is his partner?” I asked.

“Traditionally the king dances the first waltz with a highly respected member of our community,” Gemma informed me. “That is Ambrosia Moreau. His grandmother.”

“No way! She looks far too young to be his grandmother.”

“Be sure to say that again where she can hear you. She’ll love you forever.”

*

As the waltz went on, I craned my head to get a better view, but due to the mass of people, I couldn’t manage to catch a glimpse of the king. When the song ended and the next one began, couples migrated to the dance floor, freeing up space around us. But in the crush I completely missed my chance to spot the king.

*

In the chaos, I took the opportunity to slip unnoticed into a quiet corner. Dancing held a great deal of appeal, but I needed a minute to myself first. Socializing with so many new people depleted my mental battery. I wanted to disappear for a while, but Gemma would no doubt find me and drag me back into the fray.

*

In a forgotten nook, I peacefully savored the fruity notes of my drink. At some point, the room began to appear hazy. The couples dancing in the middle of the room, the guests in conversation on the sidelines, even the food on the table next to me, lay beyond a thin veil. I blinked, expecting the strange filter to lift, but it did not. An icy sensation began at my crown and spilled down my entire body, causing me to shiver. Minutes before, I’d been practically sweating from the numerous bodies in the room, yet somehow my bones were suddenly chilled. Passersby, who minutes ago spared me sidelong glances, now simply walked on by as though my existence had vanished.

*

A few yards away, I spotted Gemma and Phyneas, seemingly searching for someone. They moved closer, looking through the people around them. “She wouldn’t just leave without saying anything, Phyn,” Gemma said, “I’m worried.”

“We’ll find her, Gem,” Phyneas responded. “She’s probably taking a breather. I’m sure she’ll return in a few minutes.”

*

The sound of my friends voices eradicated the cold from my veins, replacing it with a lovely warmth. As I observed the room, the haze lifted, and I began to see everything clearly once again. Within seconds the two of them ambushed me. “There you are, Ember,” Gemma said when she reached me. “Where did you go?”

“Nowhere. I’ve been standing here for the past ten minutes.”

“We searched this corner already, we didn’t see you.”

“You okay, Emmie?” Phyn asked as he cupped my face. “Your eyes look distant.”

“I feel fine now,” I answered as he released me face. “But a second ago I felt strange. Like nothing around me was in focus.”

*

The two of them exchanged glances, before Phyneas took the empty flute from me and asked, “How many glasses of Ruby have you had?”

“That was my third.”

“Damn. I should’ve warned you to pace yourself. This stuff is really strong.”

“It’s okay,” I told him, “I’ve always had a high tolerance to alcohol.”

“To human alcohol maybe, but this is guardian alcohol. It’s significantly stronger.” His point became clear when I swayed a bit. “I think she needs some air, Phyn,” Gemma said. Without protest I let them lead me to the nearest side door, guiding me by the elbows through the first floor.

*

“Here, Emmie,” Phyneas said as we reached a pair of French doors. “Take some time on the veranda. The outside air will ease the alcohol’s effect.” Gemma opened the door for me. After I passed through the opening, my cousin moved to follow. I stopped her by saying, “Do you mind if I have a few minutes alone?” She eyed me skeptically and replied, “You aren’t going to run away, are you?”

“What she means is,” Phyneas interjected, “of course you can.” He put his hands on her shoulders to steer her away as he said, “Come along, Gemma. Let’s give her space. She can find us again when she’s ready.”

“But-”

“Gemma.”

“Oh fine.” She reluctantly followed Phyneas back towards the ballroom as I slipped alone into the night.

*

The castle’s deserted veranda offered a serene reprieve. Breathing in fresh air immediately cleared my head. I smoothed out my dress and observed my surroundings. The overhang of the balcony above cast part of the porch into shadow. Archways adorned with fairy lights beckoned me to explore the other side.

*

Beyond the twinkling archways, under the light of the moon, I walked up to the far ledge, placing my hands on the thick marble railing. The stunning sight of the illuminated garden eased my nerves that had been bouncing all over the place since my arrival. A small, perfectly manicured hedge maze decorated the side yard and contained at its center an ornate water feature. I lowered my eyelids and concentrated on the melody of running water as my lungs drew their first deep breath of the evening.

*

The outside air provided more comfort and courage than the Ruby Rose ever could. I began to feel like myself again when a familiar masculine voice broke through my reverie. “Are you lost, little dove?” Every cell in my body stilled at the voice I’d only heard before in my dreams.

*

My heart thumped violently within my ribcage as I slowly turned. Every detail of my dream guardian stood before me, from his electric golden eyes down to the silver ring on his index finger. He was real. Really real. How could this be?

*

Clad in a dark-blue tunic with regal silver embroidery, he stepped forward out of the shadows. I inadvertently took a step back, not in fear, but in pure shock he wasn’t a figment. “My apologies,” he said, ceasing his advance. “I didn’t mean to frighten you.” His tone penetrated my chest and pulled me into his aura. “You didn’t,” I said when I managed to compose myself. He resumed moving toward me as I continued, “I just feel as though I’ve seen you before.”

*

When he was within arms distance from me, he stopped. Standing nearly a foot above me, I’d never been in the presence of a taller man. He gave off an intimidating energy all logic and reason told me I should be wary of, though my heart refused to agree. Black wavy hair framed his face and his lips were full and mesmerizing as he spoke to me, “Do you?”

“Hmm?” I responded automatically.

“Do you feel as though you’ve seen me before?” As I struggled to process his question he reached toward me and carefully tucked a rogue hair behind my ear.

*

His movements were careful and calculated. Though he’d preformed an almost intimate action, his fingers never made contact with my skin, only my hair. I should’ve admonished his bold familiarity, but for some insane reason, my heart basked in it.

*

“Who are you?” I asked.

“Nic.”

“Nic,” I repeated, enjoying the taste of his name. “I’m Ember.” His eyes bore into mine as he softly replied, “I know.” I couldn’t withstand his gaze. When I looked away he sighed. So much emotion in one tiny exhale. Desperate to put a name to the emotion behind his sigh, I attempted to channel my empath ability, but failed.

*

“If you don’t mind me saying, Ember,” he said, “you look enchanting.” Shivers ran up my spine upon hearing him utter my name and something warm settled inside my chest. His proximity had me reeling. “I… I don’t mind,” I replied. Though the night air was cool, a flush crept into my cheeks. “Are you alright, little dove?” he asked. A small crease of concern appeared between his brows. I didn’t know how to answer his inquiry. The truth was no, although I hadn’t an explanation.

*

Nic tentatively stepped closer. The heat radiating off his body washed over me. Blood pumped violently through my veins and echoed in my ears. I backed up against the firm surface of the railing. My palms gripped the concrete behind me as I faced him, thinking I should’ve felt cornered by his strong presence. But I didn’t. Confusion overwhelmed me more than anything. No man had ever effected me so completely. Disappointment stung when he retreated a step.

*

Ignoring the desire to be closer, I responded to his previous question, “I just needed some air. It’s so crowded in there, I could hardly breathe.”

“I know what you mean.” He didn’t though. If he had, he would’ve known it was his presence that robbed me of breath. He moved to stand at the railing beside me, leaving a polite distance between us.

*

As he leaned casually against the hard surface, he asked, “How are you liking Ilia?”

“It’s unbelievable,” I replied with what felt like my first true smile of the night. “Every day I fall in love a little more.” This earned me an uninhibited grin from him. For reasons I couldn’t understand, my affection for the guardian city pleased him.

*

Turning my head to take in the view from the veranda, I added, “Honestly, for the first time in my life, I feel like I belong.”

“That’s because you do.” I looked back at him and replied, “How could you know? You don’t know me.”

“Doesn’t matter. All guardians feel at home in The King’s Realm. I imagine it’s magnified in someone experiencing the sensation for the first time.”

*

Thinking about my life before I learned the truth sent me into a tailspin of emotions. I grew up so isolated and uncomfortable in my own skin. I’d been holding my breath my entire life. It needn’t have been that way. Upon entering the guardian world, I drew my first full breath. But the price I paid manifested in the form of resentment toward my mom for withholding the truth.

*

Nic’s eyes observed me in a way that should’ve been disconcerting, given he was virtually a stranger to me. Though after dreaming of him for months he didn’t feel like one. I’d stepped outside in the hopes of being alone, but somehow found myself quite content in his presence.

*

“If you’d like to get your thoughts off your chest,” he said. “I’ve been told I’m a great listener.”

“I’m not sure pouring my heart out to a stranger is the best idea,” I replied.

“Sometimes it's far easier to speak to a stranger than to those closest to us.”

“You sound as though you speak from experience?”

“I do.”

“Alright,” I conceded. “I was just thinking… although I’m thrilled to know where I belong… this new life is immensely overwhelming. I grew up accustomed to loneliness. Now all of the sudden, I’m surrounded by people I feel connected to on a spiritual level. It’s a major change.”

“I can relate.”

“To change?”

“To loneliness.”

“I can’t imagine feeling lonely, growing up here.”

“You’d be surprised.”

*

This man, who seemed to radiate confidence from the moment he stepped out of the shadows, had a flicker of hesitation on his face. When he nervously tussled his hair, his silver ring caught the moonlight. It appeared ancient and gave the impression it bore far more significance than a mere trinket. Who was this man? Why had I dreamt of him for months? And why did I find myself unable to walk away from him? My feet were frozen to that spot as though the entire evening somehow centered around this one meeting.

*

Nic cleared his throat and changed the subject. “How long have you known you’re a guardian?”

“Six days,” I answered.

“And in those six days what have you learned about us that resonates with you the most?” I didn’t have to think, before I answered, “The shared purpose and the way our kind seem to be connected by a single thread.” He c****d an eyebrow and replied, “Interesting.”

“Is it? How so?”

“I’ve observed enough about human culture to know they’re rather obsessed with obtaining super powers. You’ve recently discovered you actually possess special abilities. Yet for you the pinnacle of our existence lies within our purpose and connection.”

“Does that make me weird?”

“On the contrary, it’s admirable. It proves you belong here and shows you know there’s more to this life than power.”

“The connection is where the true power lies.”

*

Nic’s eyes bore into mine with unmistakable admiration. His gaze had me believing he could read my soul. I suddenly felt completely exposed to him. Had any other man looked at me in such a way, I would’ve ran for the hills, but with Nic… I savored the feeling. I’d never believed in love at first sight, but this… this was something. A spark maybe.

*

My inner voice urged me to expose more. “Take it from someone who’s struggled to form relationships,” I said, “a guardian’s connection is very special.”

“It is indeed,” he agreed.

“Now that I’m amongst my own kind, all I want is to be a part of every aspect of guardian life, no matter how overwhelming it might be.”

“Well, you’ve certainly made an impression tonight,” he said.

“How do you mean?”

“When you arrived you were considered an unknown, something our kind does not easily accept. Yet in a short time you already have them eating out of the palm of your hand.”

“I don’t know about that,” I brushed him off.

“I do. I witnessed it myself. They like you, Ember, and they want to know you.”

“Even you?” I asked, attributing my boldness to the Ruby Rose. After a pause Nic replied, “Especially me, little dove.” His gaze became searing. I broke eye-contact to avoid bursting into flames.

*

“I apologize for my forwardness,” Nic said. “Feel free to reprimand me if it pleases you.” After a few breaths my senses returned and I replied, “Would it make a bit of difference?”

“What do you think?” he asked with genuine curiosity.

“I think…” I paused to consider my honest evaluation and continued, “you are a man who behaves however he wishes, consequences be damned.” My statement made him chuckle. “For the most part, you’d be correct. Except when it comes to you.”

“In our brief acquaintance, what makes me different?” I asked. He inched closer and whispered, “Everything.” With an outstretched hand over the railing, he flicked his fingers as though he were summoning something. A second later, a flower flew into his hand.

*

Nic laid the pure white rose on the railing in front of me and said, “Hasn’t anyone told you? You are special.” I half smiled as I picked up the rose and gave it a sniff, before I replied, “Has that line worked on any girl?”

“I wouldn’t know. I’ve never spoken those words to anyone.”

“Some variation then.”

“I’ve no interest in being anything but genuine. I don’t need lines. Trust me.”

“And why would I do that? I don’t know you.” After an eternally long pause he smiled, c****d his head to the side, and said, “Are you certain about that, mon ange?”

*

The image of him standing at my bedside flashed through my mind. Before I could question him further, the veranda door opened. “Ember!” Gemma called from the shadows.

“Over here,” I answered, surprised when my voice didn’t waver. She moved into the glow of the fairy lights and spotted the two of us. “Oh, I didn’t mean to intrude.”

“You aren’t,” I reassured her. She looked from me to Nic, then back to me and asked, “Feeling better?”

“Yep, fresh air did the trick.”

*

“Have you seen Phyneas?” Nic asked Gemma.

“He’s just inside the door.”

“Good, I need a word.” He looked back to me and said, “Save me a dance?” With a gentle smile I gave a quick nod in response. He sent me a slight bow and headed for the door. As he passed Gemma, he stopped and whispered something to her, before he disappeared inside.

*

“If he said anything about me,” I said to my cousin as she joined me near the railing, “you’d tell me wouldn’t you?”

“Of course,” she replied with a soft smile.

“We don’t have to return yet, do we? It’s so peaceful out here.”

“But you didn’t come for the view,” she pointed out. “I thought you wanted to immerse yourself in our culture?”

“Maybe immerse was too strong a word.”

“You should be fine for the rest of the evening… if you stay away from the Ruby Rose,” she replied with a giggle.

“How was I supposed to know it was that strong?” We laughed together.

*

As we set foot inside, the grandfather clock chimed from the foyer. “It’s getting late,” I said. “Didn’t you say the king planned to introduce himself? I’m eager to know what his plans are for my training.” Gemma stopped in her tracks and I turned to face her. She wore a confused expression as she said, “Ember, who do you think you were just talking to outside?”

“You mean Nic?”

“Is that how he introduced himself?” she said in surprise.

“I don’t understand.”

“Em, those closest to King Phoenix refer to him as Nic.” It took a full five seconds for her words to fully sink in. My jaw dropped in realization as I exclaimed, “You mean to tell me he is the king?!”

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

Author’s Note:

What do you think of the story so far?

*

Chapter 11 coming Sunday, January 29th.

*

Thanks for reading!!

~E. K. Michaels